Why Lee DeWzye Won American Idol (and what it means for your job search)

Why Lee DeWzye Won American Idol (and what it means for your job search) Why Lee DeWzye Won American Idol (and what it means for your job search) I watch American Idol religiously (What? Dont look at me like that). One of the things I love about it is that its like a really long job interview and we get to choose the person who ultimately gets the job. (Well, I must admit that I dont actually vote, but I still feel somehow like I did. I voted in my mind)Once I started thinking of it as a job interview, I started to get really good at picking the winner. This year, I knew Lee DeWyze would win about 4 weeks into the competition even though at the time everyone welches talking about Crystal Bowersox. Crystal had mora poise on stage, more control in her vocals and a strong sense of her own identity. These are all important criteria for success on American Idol which is why she made it all the way to the finale, but she was missing some of the key elements that make for success on Idol ( and in a job search).A sense that she had something to learn and knew itIdol front-runners are often fully formed musicians by the time they come on the show. Theyve been performing in bars and clubs for years and theyve gained confidence in their own abilities. Theyre accomplished singers and they know it. But they often tend bedrngnis to grow as the season goes on, and after a while their poise starts to hurt them. Viewers (the interviewer) wonder if they have anything left to learn. Meantime, theres always some other contestant with an equal amount of talent but who has not yet fully realized their potential and who shows growth each week ashe or she learns more about the craft of performing. Carrie Underwood, David Cook and Kris Allen all fall into this category. This year that person was Lee.What does this mean for you?Im not suggesting that you go into interviews trying to look less talented than other people and then try to show growth during the meeting. That would be a reci pe for disaster But I think the key lesson here is to demonstrate, in your resume and in your interview, that you are always eager to learn and grow. Nobody likes a know-it-all and a touch of humility goes a long way especially with the person who will ultimately be your boss. Authenticity Before Crystals fans start shouting at me that she is an authentic person I agree She seems very real and very nice, and thats why she made it all the way to 2. But Lee was even more authentic. While Crystal could hide her nerves, Lee seemed to wear every emotion on his sleeve. If he was scared you knew it. If he was confident, it came out in his performance. And his genuine surprise and relief every time he received a compliment was fun to watch. People connected with him because he didnt put up any barriers.Being authentic is key to job search successAnyone who reads this blog knows that I talk about authenticity all the time. I meet too many job seekers who want to present themselves as somet hing other than what they are. Or who want to stuff their resume with long words and resume speak because they think it will impress people. It doesnt work Be genuine and real and people will respond to you. And when you go for interviews, let down your guard a little smile, show enthusiasm, be a human A current look and sound Idol viewers skew older (*cough* like me *cough*) but the voters skew young. Janis Joplin was successful a long time ago, and kids cant relate to that look or sound. Lee picked a string of recent hits and then put his own spin on them. That was smart.notlage on LinkedIn? Not reading blogs? Not tweeting? Youre not current.I often have clients in their 40s and 50s who cant use Excel or Word. This is absolutely unacceptable in todays job market. But being able to use common software isnt enough anymore. The internet is revolutionizing communications at a faster and faster pace and you need to keep up. Tweeting and connecting on LinkedIn are not just a nice way t o pass the time, they a) show that you are current and b) offer lots of ways to network your way to a new job.To learn more about using these tools, check out Using Twitter for Job Search and The 7 Mistakes Youre Probably Making on LinkedIn. Dont be a throwbackIn the end, American Idol may be just a silly talent show, but it offers valuable lessons to anyone looking for work. (And if you dont believe me about these 3 criteria, try it yourself on next years show)Photo by Kristian Dowling/FOX/PictureGroup

3 ways to decline a meeting you know you dont need to attend

3 ways to decline a meeting you know you dont need to attend3 ways to decline a meeting you know you dont need to attendIf you feel a pang of anxiousness when a dreaded meeting invitation lands in your email inbox, youre not alone.Heres how to manage requests for meetings that you know you dont need to attend.Emphasize that you wouldnt be able to provide much insightSara McCord, an editor and freelance writer, provides tips in The Musefor when you dont need to be tzu siche, meaning, in a last minute meeting.She prefaces her advice by saying that colleagues may invite you out of respect, even if it leaves you with extra work on your end.The best approach here is to both acknowledge their gesture and affirm you wont be offended if the meeting goes on without you. It sounds like this Thanks so much for including me. From the agenda, it appears the meeting will be focused on product, so I dont think Ill be able to add anything to the discussion, she continues. Another benefit of this res ponse is that, if youre wrong and the organizer wants you to contribute, hell be able to correct you- and youll know in advance so you wont be caught off guard, she writes.Dont just say yes all the timeAlison Green, author of the Ask a Manager blog, writes on Quickbase that you should start critically evaluating all requests to meet.Theres something about a meeting invite that seems to compel people to accept even if the items being discussed at the meeting are much lower priorities than the work you would otherwise be spending that time on. Instead of continuing to fall into that trap, ask yourself this about every meeting invitation you receive Is this the best way I could be spending that time, relative to the other priorities on my plate? If the answer is no, consider declining or at least pushing for a shorter meeting time.Heres one of the responses Green recommends Id love to attend, but Im swamped this week with X and Y. Can you move forward without me? If not, maybe we can schedule it later on this month. (Much of the time when you say this, the person will find a way to move forward without you), she writes.Strategically gather all the detailsDorie Clark, an author, professional speaker, marketing strategist and instructor of Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business, writes about this topic in the Harvard Business Review.One of her featured tips is to make it more difficult for the meeting requesters. Its easy for someone to invite you to a meeting - too easy. One of my executive coaching clients, a media company CEO, was constantly being pulled into unnecessary meetings. The reason? It was part of her company culture for everyone to share their calendars publicly, so people knew when she was available and would simply put in direct requests to her assistant for her to attend, Clark writes. After I advised her to unpublish her calendar, have her assistant enforce a more rigorous vetting process, and funnel her meeting availability onto particular d ays, her schedule freed up dramatically.Clark also writes about how her client would ask meeting organizers questions about why she should be in attendance and what decision needs to be made, among others.Whether or not youll be able to skip out on the meeting in question depends on the nature of both your workplace and the circumstances, but these methods might just work out in your favor.

Netflix, Etsy and Adobe The best companies for the working dad

Netflix, Etsy and Adobe The best companies for the working dadNetflix, Etsy and Adobe The best companies for the working dadParenting website Fatherly releasedits list of 50 Best Places to Work for New Dads in 2017, a yearly ranking of companies that are the most accommodating for men who have kids.The websiteexaminedand ranked some big U.S. companies based on six areas in which fathers are demanding good policies flexible time policies, parental support programs, paid leave, employee assistance programs, child care benefits and offerings, and dependent care.Here are some highlights of the list and what the companies offered to get there.The top company for working dads NetflixJust like on the 2016 list, everyones favorite binge-watching platform scooped the top spot againthis year- Netflix.Coming in at number one, the company boasts up to a whopping 52 weeks (read a full year) of paid paternity leave (hourly employees get a generous 16). Parents can choose to come in or not work du ring that time more or less as they please - and still get paid.But as Fatherly later pointed out, even though the company also offers unlimited vacation days, time off doesnt mean that slacking is encouraged. On the contrary, the company sounds highly competitive.As CNBC reported in 2016, internally, Netflix employees equate working there to playing on a pro sports team If your impact is not up to snuff, you get replaced by a better player.Coming in second for working dads EtsyWith its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, e-commerce website Etsy came in second place. Employees seeking parental leave cantake advantage of a gender-blind 26 weeks of time off. The company also has parents rooms featuring Etsy artwork and a garden on the roof in New York.But it looks like you dont have to be a parent to take advantage of Etsys offerings.Business Insider reported in 2015 that for workers, both breakfast and lunch are free, theres a breathing room that allows napping, they can take exerci se classes on-site, and dogs are welcome.Lets take a look at the companies that made the last two slots on the list - which means theyre still pretty good for working dads.AdobeComputer software company Adobe offers four weeks of paid paternity leave,up to $5,000 in adoption expenses, flexible hours, the Welcome Back program allows managers and workers to create an alternative work arrangement for up to 120 days after an employee takes an extended leave of three months or longer, and more.Software engineer Edward Kandrot has reportedly worked for Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Facebook and Apple.He contrasted the company cultures of Facebook and Adobe in an interview, praising Adobes personal development programs.Adobe was all about individual growth. They have two weeks of classes per year they encourage you to take from a vast catalog of useful categories like conflict resolution, career planning or about the latest technologies, Kandrot told CNBC.Fannie MaeFannie Mae completedthe lis t.Fatherly alluded to the financial controversies that have surrounded the company before, but pointed out that the mortgage guarantor provides fourweeks of paid paternity leave, on-site childcare, a dependent care reimbursement program if you cant take your child along, and the Flexible Work Arrangement program.Dads juggle work-family conflict tooTheres likely to be more demand for flexible policies for working parents because there is also an increasing amount of pressure for men to keep updemands at work and home.The Center for American Progress reported in 2015 thatthe National Study of the Changing Workforce- a 30-year long study from the Families and Work Institute- found that between 1977 and 2008, the percentage of mothers in dual-earner couples who reported work-family conflict grew slightly from 41 percent to 47 percent, while the percentage of fathers who reported work-family conflict grew significantly more from 35 percent to 60 percent.Those are the kinds of numbers few companies can afford to ignore.

Job Interviewing Tips for Recent Grads

Job Interviewing Tips for Recent GradsJob Interviewing Tips for Recent GradsWith so many recent graduates vying for jobs in the creative industry, its integral that you bring your A-game to the job interview. Here, leaders from three prominent creative agencies offer interviewing tips and weigh in on what they look for in entry-level talent.Brian Collins (founder of COLLINS), Amy Marshall (talent director at Hornall Anderson) and Michael Osborne (principal of Michael Osborne Design) are always on the lookout for strong creative job candidates to join their respective - and highly respected - firms. We spoke to them about what newly minted graduates need to know when they walk through an employers door. Gain an edge in todays competitive job market by considering their interviewing tipsWhat advice do you have for recent graduates going on their first interview? What materials should they prepare?Collins Its simple Bring the kind of work you long to do.Marshall They really need to be prepared to talk through their work. Not just what the assignment or project was, but why they made the decisions they did regarding the design or strategy. What was the concept or idea behind the creative decision? Even if they think it may be obvious, they need to be able to articulate the idea.Osborne Good candidates know how to articulate their ideas and solutions for the projects in their portfolio. In the presentation, you can pretty much tell who loves what theyre doing. Id rather get someone whos passionate and has great potential. I can teach the person to be a great designer, but I can never teach them to be passionate or professional.What do you need to learn about job candidates by the end of an interview?Collins There are three qualities we look for Curiosity (Are you fascinated by the unknown?), ambition (Do you know how to think big?) and discipline (Can you produce consistently good work?).Marshall Beyond having strong work visually (thats pretty much table stakes), for us, its all about the thinking. So whether were hiring a designer, a strategist, or someone for our client tafelgeschirr team, we really need to understand how a person thinks and how he or she approaches creative problems.Osborne Ill ask something off the wall, something they werent expecting, to landsee them think on their feet. I also ask them something about typography. If youre right out of design school, and you dont know which typefaces youve put in your portfolio, then youre in trouble in my book.Because they often dont have a lot of real-world experience, what is the most important thing recent grads need to bring to the table?Collins Bring your sketches. Show how you think.Marshall Id take a step back from your question and say that they should get as much real-world experience as they can before they graduate, in the form of internships and/or freelance work. No one is expecting them to have held a full-time job for years, but having an internship (or two or three) d uring college is a great way to apply all their learning to real-world problems.Is a print portfolio necessary any longer or is a website just as effective?Collins I still love them, but an analog book isnt necessary unless your work has some dimension or craft thats a key part of its conceptualization.A website is enough. A simple one is best.Marshall Its always nice to see how someone puts a printed portfolio together. But its absolutely leid a requirement. A website is the most effective tool to show your work. But make sure you pay just as much attention to the design and quality of your site as you do to the pieces in it.Osborne Im old school. I like seeing a real portfolio. If someone brings physical examples with them, thats always a plus. I want to hold it. If you have 15 things in your portfolio and only 10 of them are really good, take out the bad ones because youll only be remembered for the mediocre stuff.What is the worst offense an interviewee can commit?Collins In mos t places, youll be judged by your manners. This includes not smiling when you enter the office, not turning off your phone, not listening when someone else is speaking, not thanking someone for his or her time, and not sending a thank-you letter within 24 hours.Marshall Not understanding the type of work the agency or company you are interviewing with does and not having any questions of your own to ask. This makes us wonder how interested you really are in working for us.Osborne Showing up late or being cocky.Download our free guide to getting hired now

Who is Worried About Resume Objective Examples 2017 and Why You Should Care

Who is Worried About Resume Objective Examples 2017 and Why You Should Care The Honest to Goodness Truth on Resume Objective Examples 2017 If youre in a creative ort (for instance, graphic design), think about using a nontraditional resume. Functional and conventional resumes arent the only resume types to pick from. As an issue of fact, longer objective statements full of job or industry-specific keywords are advised. In a variety of ways, an objective replaces a lot of the detail you would place in your professional experience section. Entry-level objectives can be particularly hard to write as you likely dont have loads of work experience, but you do want to solidify how you know the sort of career youre searching for. The purpose of your resume needs to be eye catching as it is thought to be the opening statement for your resume. Its possible to read the introduction, learn the key characters and the plot before you begin reading the novel itself. The introduction offer s you the push you will need to really begin reading the book. The absolute most important thing to keep in mind about your career objective statement is that by placing it at the very top of your resume, its the first thing which the reader will see and if its not done properly its inclined to be the last. There are particular things involved with writing an impressive objective statement. The Chronicles of Resume Objective Examples 2017 You need to understand where you desire the resume to take you, and you have to make certain its crystal-clear to the prospective employer. Initially there were very few businesses in the business but as people came to know more about the significance of the insurance and its benefits, lots of new companies emerged. Make certain you look up information on the organization and what it does, in addition to their clients and clients. Contents of a Great Resume What you decide to include in your resume will be set by just what the provider asks for and what you feel is best to be able to find the job. You might not know where to start in regards to writing a resume objective. You shouldnt be casual whilst writing the objective as the remainder of the resume, whether good or bad is completely chose the opening statement of your resume and this is your objective. Your career objective should clearly describe the position you are trying to find in the business and explain to them your abilities and exclusive traits which make you suitable for the position. The absolute most efficient objective is one which is tailored to the job youre applying for. The use of the aim is to state your goal. Another example pertains to the degree of expertise that you wish to convey about yourself. The resume objective is a brief statement of what you need to offer to a business. As a result, while your resume objective should incorporate information on the career which you want, you also wish to spell out why you are the perfect candi date for the job. Resume Profile Resumes are the situations that you must prepare before you try to apply for any work application you will see in anywhere. Employers see dozens of resumes with generic objectives like seeking a challenging and fulfilling position or to get a meaningful job in a stable and fulfilling work atmosphere. Outside the usa, CVs are way more common. Before you opt to apply for work, always make sure your CV is current. Resumes have changed over time. In the event the applicant has two individual sets of skills in a couple of kinds of industry, separate resumes that highlight different skills are produced to suit each type. College educated receptionist trying to find a position where ability to perform basic duties effortlessly and competence with minimal supervision, and to boost the smooth running of the organization is necessary. You must have five objective statements. Such statements makes employer think what type of work suites you instead of what you could do.

The War Against Qut Resume Writing

The War Against Qut Resume Writing The True Meaning of Qut Resume Writing Your professional experience needs to be noted down in a crisp method. At the close of the day, the recruiter would like to see the way your background is pertinent to the position. Any work seeker whether a fresher or a seasoned person has to compose the resume. Possessing a well-formatted, clean and professional resume will make an excellent first impression and pave the best way to landing a job which you truly want. The fundamental outline will stay the exact same for each posting. Keep in mind, resumes are formal documents that need a formal manner of writing. Alternatively, you can visit the interview prepared to tackle any questions associated with the eu-agrarpolitik in a confident way. What to Expect From Qut Resume Writing? If you are not as skillful, you will discover that it is harder to demonstrate a hiring manager which you are the stellar candidate which youre. Even if youre qualified for the job, if youre not able to convey your qualifications through a fast glance of your resume, the recruiter will assume that you arent competent and move forward. Applying for employment isnt a way different Generally speaking, you wish to use the exact tense throughout your resume. Since resumes are largely digitally sent, theres no need to have a printout and sign the resume. Life, Death and Qut Resume Writing Correct information is of utmost importance especially in the event the interviewer makes the decision to take a look at your information. Sales resumes have to show what type of salesperson you are and how well youve performed previously. The interviewer might wish to have a manager or colleague review the resume for extra input. The Qut Resume Writing Game Theres no excuse for sending out a resume with any sort of errors that are readily fixed. There is no explanation as to why your resume must seem amateurish. Your employer doesnt know anything about you , unless youre an icon Not many employers are looking for candidates with a small bit of everything, mainly because it normally amounts to a great deal of nothing In the sphere of human resources theres a difference in resumes. Either you ought to be in a position to adhere to the same are important. Rumors, Lies and Qut Resume Writing You might want to demonstrate the employer that you did more than only the minimum to remain employed. The position youre applying for is your objective and it ought to be listed above your profile summary for a title. Ideally, a resume ought to be one-page long so be sure that the sentences are crisp and well-written. Bluntly speaking, yes, an employment may be major issue for a number of employers. The War Against Qut Resume Writing Professionals are now able to make and email a resume to many different prospective employers simultaneously. Focus on skills particularly if you havent had much experience. Writing a good resume is extreme ly vital for securing work. Resume writing is an intimidating undertaking for anybody. You will probably miss certain errors so run a spell check and request help from family and friends members. You have just one time to create the appropriate FIRST impression. Before you begin writing, spend time just considering how you are going to present yourself in the resume.

Changing Modeling Agencies

Changing Modeling AgenciesChanging Modeling AgenciesBreaking up is hard to do. Whether youve been with yourmodeling agency for 5 months or 5 years, its never easy to cut ties and explore other opportunities. But, there may come a time when you feel the need to move on. Whatever your reasons, switching agencies is a big deal and you need to make aya youre doing it for the right reasons, and that youre doing it in the right way. The Right Reasons to Switch Modeling Agencies Your agency is no longer excited about you. Has your agent dropped off the radar? Have they stopped pushing your career? No longer booking you job after job? Sure, business might be slow, but your agency also might have stopped submitting you for jobs. If this is the case, its time for a serious chat with your agent to find out whats really going on.Your agency has the wrong clients for your look. If you have a high-fashion look but are signed to an agency that favors the commercial side of things, then youll ne ver get as many bookings as youd like. You no longer feel supported in your career goals. If your career plan doesnt match the plan your agency has set out for you, then neither of you is ever going to be happy. Before pulling the plug, though, make sure your goals are actually achievable (not every model is built to be a runway model, for example) and that your agency is actually aware of your plans.You dont get along with your agent. You and your agent dont need to be best friends, but you do need to have a professional relationship that is open, honest, and civilized. If you find yourself avoiding all communication with your agent because youre afraid and/or uncomfortable, it might be time to move on. They have a bad reputation. No model wants to be associated with an unprofessional organization thats known for losing models and clients.A better opportunity has come up. If another agency has better clients, better agents, better pay, and better terms, then signing with them might be just what your career needs. Just dont jump the gun and let your emotions lead the way, though. Before signing with any agency, no matter how great they seem, you still need to do your homework and research them thoroughly. The Wrong Reasons to Switch Modeling Agencies Youd rather be signed to a big-name agency...just because. Remember, bigger isnt always better. While being on the roster of an elite agency does come with a certain amount of prestige, it doesnt guarantee work. Youll be a small fish in a big modeling pond, and that means lots of competition and less personal attention. Not always the best environment for a blossoming modeling career. Consider sticking with your smaller agency, unless of course it actually makes sense for you to step up.Youre upset/unhappy but havent tried to fix the problem. Heres the thing Its perfectly fine to want to switch agencies, but you need to a) make sure your agency is aware of your concerns and b) try to solve the issues together before leaving in a huff. The situation might be fixable with a little hard work and/or a change in direction. If its not, or if your agent is unresponsive to your needs, then at least you tried When You Are Ready to Make a Switch If youve communicated your concerns to your agent, tried your best to work it out, and are ready to sign with a new model agency, there are still a few things you need to think about before officially parting ways The legalities. Before you do anything, you need to read over your modeling contract. Many contracts require models to give at least 30 days notice (sometimes longer) in order to terminate the agreement, and some have loopholes that allow you to get out of it if the agency hasnt fulfilled specific duties (like booking you a certain amount of work, for example). If you leave before properly terminating your contract, you could face serious legal ramifications, including financial penalties. Sometimes the agency wont particularly care if your e leaving (dont take it personally) and wont bring up the contract at all. If this is the case, you should still get the agency or a lawyer to draft a termination agreement, just to cover your back. Get a Second Opinion.Whether its from an attorney or an experienced model agent getting a second opinion can be very helpful. Experienced agents at ModelScouts.comoften offer free guidance and advice if you are struggling with your decision.Dont burn bridges. The modeling industry may seem big, but in reality, it is incredibly small, and chances are youre going to run into your agent or associated professionals at some point in your career. So, its important that you leave your agency on the best terms possible. Break up with them in person if you can (Skype is a good backup plan), kindly explain your reasons, thank them for all theyve done, and wish them all the best. And, never ever badmouth them to other models, agents, or industry professionals. Theres a good chance your harsh words will get back to them, and that can greatly hurt your reputation as a professional model.

The Professional Benefits of Volunteering

The Professional Benefits of VolunteeringThe Professional Benefits of VolunteeringIf youre thinking about changing careers its often necessary to find a way to develop new skills. This is not always possible in your current stelle so doing volunteer workcan be a fantastic way of breaking into a new industry or profession.Even if youre not planning to change careers, there are numerous personal benefits of volunteering. Including volunteer work on your resume not only demonstrates you have the required skills, it shows that you are passionate, have a positive attitude, are motivated by things other than money, andthat youre willing to help others. These are attractive attributes for employers.Meeting others through volunteer work is the most common way people expand their network and such connections are invaluable for professionals. The health, psychological, and healthbenefits of volunteeringshould not also be underestimated.Aside from personal gains, the benefits of volunteering fo r the communityare immense. Although there are professional benefits of volunteering, the main motivations are normally entirely selfless.The professional benefits of volunteer workJust because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean that it is any less valuable. The skills you learn when volunteering are just as useful as those you learn in paid positions and including them on your resume is just as convincing for employers. Here are some of the professional benefits of volunteering.Gaining career experienceVolunteering gives you the weg to gain work experience in your field. If youve just graduated or are applying for entry-level jobs, you can find yourself in a chicken-and-egg situation when its hard to get your first job in your desired field. However, volunteer work is easier to find. By getting that valuable first experience under your belt you become much more employable.Trying out a new careerIt can be difficult to know which career you want to pursue without actually trying it. Taking a full-time, paid position is a big commitment and skipping between jobs and careers too regularly will make it seem to employers that you lack direction. Doing volunteer work is a fantastic way of trying something to see if its what you want to do.Training opportunitiesThough more affordable part-time courses which are emerging, the cost of education is generally getting more expensive. With this in mind, receiving free training can be as valuable, if not more so, than receiving a wage. Many organizations who use volunteers provide extensive training which can be invaluable in the long run.Improves job prospectsVolunteer work improves your job prospects for two main reasons. Firstly, in a competitive job market, professional networking is essential and volunteering is a fantastic way of expanding yours. Getting a professional recommendation from someone can significantly increase your chances of getting a job. Secondly, employers look favorably on job applicants who have volunteer work on their resume. It makes a very positive impression.How to list volunteer work on your resumeShould you include volunteer work on your resume?Resumes should be as concise as possible which means space is limited. You should include volunteer work on your resume if1) The position demonstrates that you have skills which are relevant to the job youre applying for.2) You are writing a student resumeor ab entry-level resume and have limited experience.3) You have gaps in your work experience section on your resume to fill.If you decide to add volunteer work to your resume you have options. If the experience is related to your career or to the position youre applying for then you can include it in your work experience section. You should make it clear that its volunteer work by either including the word volunteer in the job title or in brackets after the job title.If the experience you gained is unrelated, you can include a Volunteer Work or Volunteer Experience section o n your resume. However, if you have gaps in your work experience, you can use any voluntary positions to plug the gaps.Many candidates use resume templates to produce professional-looking documents quickly. You should tailor your resume for each job application to meet the specific requirements of each one. Using a resume builderallows you to make quick edits.

8 Ways to Develop Better Management Common Sense

8 Ways to Develop Better Management Common Sense8 Ways to Develop Better Management Common SenseWe all like to think we have common sense. After all, its common, so most people must have it, right? When we look around, it seems like we are often surrounded bypeople who lack common sense. But what is common sense, anyway? Most of us know it when we see it more so, most of us have no harte nuss pointing it out when its missing. According to Merriam-Webster, it is, Sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts. When we think of someone who is lacking commons sense, were talking about the repeat offenders who, for whatever reason, seem to consistently make errors in judgment that most people wouldnt make. But is common sense teachable or is it an innate trait? We believe common sense can be learned. In fact, we dont buy into the notion that anyone is hardwired to be lacking in common sense. Try following the below steps as a guide to improving your own , or someone elses, common sense. While different people will have different results with each of these steps, people can change if they want to and are willing to work at it. Admit You Have a Problem The first step- and the hardest and most important- is to recognize theres a problem. With consistent and caring feedback, and after getting repeatedly burned, someone might have enough self-awareness to step forward and declare Im lacking common sense and I need help Without taking the first step, theres no hope. You, your employee, or co-worker is doomed to a career full of boneheaded moves. Slow Down Many errors in judgment are a result of impulsive, hasty decisions. If you know youve got a problem with common sense, you need to sacrifice decision speed for decision quality. When in doubt, sleep on it. Bite Your Tongue If there is any doubt that what youre thinking of saying might be taken the wrong way or get you in trouble, then dont say it. Yes, youll be less talkativ e and less funny, but thats a lot better than having your foot in your mouth all the time. GetFeedbackFrom Others Before you send that email, have that conversation, spend that money, or make any decisions, seek out the advice of others. Test the decision with your manager, peers, direct reports, or anyone else that can give you honest, constructive feedback. Then, make sure you listen to that feedback. Take a Personality Assessment Take theDISC,Hogan, or some other credible personality assessment to identify your natural tendencies and biases, and how those tendencies may be influencing your analysis, judgment, and decision making. Even better, have a professional help you interpret the data. Get a Coach In this case, you may even want to get a coach with a clinical background- someone that can help you examine your thought process a sounding board to test pending decisions and someone to slap you on the side of the head. Find a Role Model Find someone you admire th at always seems to make the right decisions and ask how he or she does it. Walk through a number of examples of decisions theyve made, and ask them to explain their thought process. Engage in Self-Help Read a few booksonjudgment,decision-making,problem-solving, and/orcritical thinking.