Managing Office Politics

Where there is group interaction and power, there is politics and the workplace is no exemption. And just like any other politics, this one has only one cause, the desire for more power.
Although there is no way for a person to avoid this, you can still survive the situation. Practice the following tips and you will find yourself impossible to get drifted by the current of political waters.
Be a person of virtue
The best way to make your colleagues show kindness is to set an example. Be gracious and respectful and show that you know what office etiquette is.
Never stoop to their level
No matter how vicious office politics could get, be fair. Don’t take it personally. Deal with the issue, not with the individual.
Treat all your officemates equally
Never make your subordinates or colleagues feel that you have favorites. Always make it clear that everyone is important in the development of the company.
Stay out of the problem
A gossip exists because people talk about things that they should not care about. Now, don’t add fuel to the fire by paying attention to the gossip mongers. Remember, nobody talks if nobody listens.
Don’t start a grudge match
As the saying goes, to err is human, to forgive is divine. People commit mistakes and you cannot change that. Retaliating will only make matters worse. So if you have been wronged, all you have to do is to forgive and move on.

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Salary Negotiation - Tips for FAIR Pay

I have read this and loved to post for those who are jobless and looking for a job...Hope this can help for a fair salary pay...

Salary negotiations can be the most dreaded part of any job, new or old. But having the right approach can make the process much easier and less frightening.
Whatever the circumstances, experts say there are principles employees must follow for successful salary negotiation: being prepared, reasonable and confident.
Likewise,they say,there are common barriers to successful salary negotiation,including closed-mindedness and poor communication skills.

1. Always be prepared to negotiate.
Being prepared is one of the key ingredients to a successful salary negotiation, according to experts. For one, knowing your fair market value is one way of being prepared. It's always better to negotiate salary from a position of strength as provided by your data.
Consider bonuses, health insurance and other company benefits, as opposed to a better-than-average basic salary. Experts point out that there is less appetite among employers to just offer higher basic pay.
Company employers or job seekers must also be reasonable.They must have justifications for what they are asking; they must be clear and fluent about why they deserve it without sounding defensive.
Talking salary makes most people uncomfortable, experts aver, so embracing such talks often suggests confidence and establishes respect. Those who are comfortable stand out as having more self-esteem because they're willing to address an issue most people aren't willing to. Some are willing to take what they get and are hesitant to be their own advocate.

2.Don't get discouraged
Besides knowing what to do, it's also useful to know what to avoid when it comes to salary negotiations, experts say.Poor communication skills can also be a death knell. You can be brilliant, but if your delivery is poor, that works against you. How you carry yourself, elocution, grammar...all those things matter.

3. Consider negotiation before accepting a job offer.
After you receive a job offer, there is typically a lot of room to negotiate salary and benefits. Remember, salary negotiation after a job offer is the best time to take control of the situation.Once you have accepted the job offer, your chances to negotiate are typically tied to performance reviews.
source: women's journal

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Is Overtime Worth It?

Working overtime can result in major sacrifices for minor monetary rewards. Here are some things to consider before you commit yourself to extra hours at the office:

Physical Health
Working overtime often means you don't have as much time for basic health care. After a long day, the last thing you may want to do is work out, prepare a healthy meal or get enough sleep. Instead, it's often easier to grab fast food on the way home, eat in front of the television and go to sleep late because it takes longer to wind down from the workday.

Mental Health
Without time for yourself,you may feel frustrated, overworked, and unappreciated. Personal time is very important for your mental well-being,regardless of what industry you're in.

Relationships
Working late can mean you don't have time to take care of your relationships with friends and family. Determine which is more important to you.

Productivity
Identify why you work overtime. Is you department understaffed? Do you need assistance managing your time efficiently or delegating tasks to others?

Potential Burnout
While you may think working overtime shows a commitment to the company, your boss could be worried about the potential for burnout. Conversely, you may be establishing a pattern in which overtime will be expected of you - are you willing to make this long-term commitment?

source: women's journal by Sarah de Lima

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