Lapaas Digital

Category: Productivity

  • Emotional Intelligence- Developing Strong “People Skills”

    Emotional Intelligence- Developing Strong “People Skills”

    Emotional intelligence is one of the critical elements of people skills so you need in this world to sustain and live a happy life. 

    Hence, skills are required and must be focused to develop alongside your career. 

    These skills will help you excel and attract lots of people to praise you personally and professionally. 

    So in this article, we will learn about people skills and practical people skills, i.e., emotional intelligence, in detail.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    What are people skills?

    people skills are necessary for developing emotional intelligence.

    As you know, every professional possesses some skill so to set to get through their daily work life. A software engineer should learn every new language developed. A doctor should determine every unique medicine effect and side effects arise thereon.  

    As the famous saying goes, “Learning is the eye of the mind.” So you are never late to learn something. Moreover, the skills you acquired lately will pay you one day for sure. 

    Also, there are some people skills you should learn immediately are; Communication skills, Decision making, the ability to listen and patience and Emotional intelligence, etc.

    Remember, every new thing requires time, and the one who starts slow may not be the first to achieve there, but he or she will go far for sure. 

    So, That’s where our emotional intelligence to deal with happenings in our life come into play.

    So now, let’s dive into the emotional intelligence concept.

    What is Emotional Intelligence:

    Meanwhile, Emotional intelligence is the Ability and function that one possesses to control his emotions, behavior, and other people. 

    So, This Ability is rarely found in people as everyone is fishing for how to criticise the other person. 

    However, You will receive criticism more than appreciation when you grow better and do well in your life. That’s called jealousy and insecurity complex, which is not a good thing in our society.

    For instance, if people will always criticise other people, that will cause conflicts between them, and that’s the last thing we want as a part of this society. 

    Also, this skill is very much crucial in the corporate sector as well as in the service industry. 

    The more we appreciate others, the greater appreciation we will get.

    How to improve Emotional Intelligence?

    So now, you will be curious about how we can develop this skill. However, this skill is not inherent in human beings, so that you can learn and improve it every day. 

    That’s why you need to keep in mind the following points for your comfort;

    • So, learn to listen first, collect all the facts, and give your opinion, don’t just rush to advise someone for the sack of it. Observe your viewpoint and beliefs. Are you cliche towards that, or are you reacting correctly?
    • Before taking for granted the person, imagine yourself in their situation and answer what you would do in that situation.
    • Also, Evaluate your workspace and colleague’s behavior towards you and your behavior towards them. However, you should rejoice in the humility you get from them. That will help you to grow better only.
    understanding Different Types of emotions is necessary for developing emotional intelligence.
    • Inspect yourself on how you perform your work in stressful situations. Try to flush out all the negatives and turn them into better positives for efficient work performance.
    • Don’t hesitate to say sorry whenever you hurt someone’s feelings. You should know we’re humans, and we can make mistakes, so nothing wrong with it unless you do it twice. 
    • So, Don’t get back to take responsibility for your needs. It will only build you strong enough to face difficult situations.
    • Always remember to appreciate others and give credit for their work publicly. It will only increase their respect for you.
    • Always be positive in a hostile environment when everyone is panicking. Remember that this time shall be passed.

    What are the five characteristics of emotional intelligence:

    There are various components of emotional intelligence that you should know about. These elements will get you there smoothly without any hindrance. 

    Following are the five components of emotional intelligence;

    Self-Awareness 

    It is an essential element in emotional intelligence. You should be aware of every minute thing that is happening around your professional and personal life. 

    Awareness only makes you more relevant to the situation to take prompt steps and guide others. 

    However, like most people are in the present, people take them seriously and are aware of every conversation that is going on at that moment.

    Motivation:

    Every person needs motivation in their life to go on with their daily routine. Emotional intelligence helps you to make people motivated throughout a process of action.

    However, a motivated person performs well and gets through challenging situations quickly. So it is a foundation for that matter of concern.

    Empathy:

    Empathy is very much needed in the management levels as they have to take care of every employee’s work-life and performance record. So they can’t be rude in that matter. 

    The empathy of understanding the person’s difficulties is also a skill.

    Social Skills:

    This is helpful in board meetings as well as in the seminars and acquiring different clients. Social skills make you comfortable with anybody without any hesitation. 

    The other person also can be impressed with this. Moreover, you need to instruct your employees in a sweet gesture to get them to work for the company.

    Self-regulation:

    This applies to every individual in their professional as well as social life. One must evaluate himself or herself first, then judge the other person. Self-regulation prompts you to introspect and raise positives from you.

    Emotional Intelligence for Leaders:

    The following factors involved in Emotional Intelligence for the leaders;

    • Communication with all level employees
    • Approach to please investors remain invested
    • Customer relationship
    • Well structured vision for the company’s future
    • Immediate Decision making
    • Ability to resolve conflicts in employees
    Both IQ and EQ are necessary for engagement.

    Conclusion: 

    Emotional intelligence is the critical factor that blossoms with time as long as you are ready to give it. However, it is never-ending learning; you will learn something new every day from it.

    Moreover, the better you manage to do it in a critical situation, you will benefit from it by developing potential employees or maintaining your relationship personally or being relevant in every case through awareness.

    Lastly, as Daniel Goleman said, “If you are tuned out of your own emotions, you will be poor at reading them in other people.”

    Also, you can read our blog on How Emotional Intelligence Are You? 11 Ways to Improve your EQ

    FAQ’s

  • Number Shape Mnemonics System – A Guide to Improve Memorisation

    Number Shape Mnemonics System – A Guide to Improve Memorisation

    Number Shape Mnemonics System is one of the particular types of mnemonic memory method so for remembering the number. You can create familiar images for shapes following the number. Then link your helpful image to your number.

    Also, That’s a kind of mnemonic peg system. Let’s see an example the digit-1 might look like the shape of a pencil. Here the pencil is a helpful image for your digit–1 because it resembles the form of 1, and you are so familiar with that picture.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    How to Use Number Shape Mnemonics System

    It converts all the single digits into a visually memorable and familiar image because pictures are easy to remember. Keep in mind, should create photographs of real-life objects that you have seen.

    Also, As you see in the image below, every digit I have converted into a unique and exciting idea. But you can make your own also if you don’t want to rely on my pictures.

    Let me tell you another method in which you can convert digital numbers into the alphabet by matching their shapes to each other mentally.

    Like this

    According to thyme, this is not so good if you convert “3” into the “M” alphabet. Then how you will not be able to memorise a long list of digits quick.

    So, You again have to convert the “M” alphabet into a word that you can visualise that you can make the image in your mind.

    For Example, you can make a word Monkey or McDonald something like this. Its a long process and takes a bit more effort the another one of my technique.

    Mcdonald logo as a Mnemonic for letter M

    In this condition, you will not be able to associate images with each other and make a memorable journey. This is not a good memorisation trick, in my opinion.

    But if you master the number shape technique that I have told you above, because you create a familiar or visualise an able image that matches your digit shape, the”digit 2” will be converted into “swan” because one looks like to based on form. This is the best memorisation of remembering numbers.

    Examples of this Mnemonic Technique

    Let’s start from the elementary example; suppose you have to remember two-digit numbers.

    Remember 2-Digit Number

    Like – 21

    • Firstly break down these two-digits into one digit.
    • Now, remember the associated picture that you have to choose for a particular digit.
    • Link those images to each other and make an exciting story.

    What was the shape resembling images you had created for that 1? Yeah, exactly Pencil and what was for that digit “2” a Swan.

    Imagine a beautiful white giant Swan is floating on a kind of pond that resembles a pencil’s shape.

    Memorise Long-Digit Number

    You can easily remember a long list by the Number shape mnemonics system. Take a look.

    Let’s take a bit complex to assume if you want to remember a mobile number of somebody and what to do. Because mobile number usually so long, between 9 digits to 11 or 12 digits.

    The trick you have to break down long digits into small chunks known as the mnemonic peg system, also known as a word peg system.

    Example

    Like – 8004501737

    If you want to remember this long digit number, First change this into this–>

    80-04-50-17-37

    I call it a two-word package system because we make terms of two digits.  This world packing system makes it easy to remember or apply your number shape in the mnemonic system.

    Now apply the same methodology that I have used above. I think you have understood correctly; let’s take a look.

    Imagine you are running on a big race track and so many people are watching you and shouting how fast you are running but soon suddenly. A yellow colour egg falls upon you and burst.

    Number shape mnemonics system

    Your cloth becomes so sticky and dirty when you will change your clothes in the bathroom then again a white colour egg fall upon your head from the shower of the bathroom.

    Anyway, you have changed your cloth and going out of the bathroom. They’re what you see; a big old boat is floating on the ground of the land without water.

    After that, a pirate comes out from the boat, has a big hook on his hand, lifts you by his turn, and drops in their ship.

    Then you and that pirate become close friend then that pirate gives you a white egg as a gift. In return for that, you are giving a golden pencil to your close friend pirate. Then what next? You both are playing hockey and having so much fun.

    While playing hockey, a beautiful butterfly comes up from somewhere, and the shocking thing is that the butterfly kisses you on your cheeks.

    butterfly as a mnemonic memory method

    You feel so happy and that kind of great feeling that is not explainable after that you give your hockey stick to butterfly.

    This is the end of your story 

    And hope you had fun and learned in a fun way.

    Some Points of a Mnemonic Technique

    • You may have noticed that I have included so much humour in my journey. So much humour in my story
    • Don’t copy other person shapes of the digit; my advice is to create your own yourself.
    • A self-created mnemonic image is always more powerful
    • Try to include movement motions in such a way that it looks like a movie scene.
    • Remember, is it possible to include yourself as a hero? Don’t wait for it first.
    • Practice after making your name only journey. Otherwise, you might forget.
    • Use vivid and colourful pictures.
    • Try to make a weird and awkward story.

    Conclusion

    So finally, Today, you have learned the Number shape mnemonics system, which is so powerful for learning digits like a mobile number, phone number or historical letter informational data like this.

    If you master this mnemonic technique, you will become good in this word peg system technique, and you will never have fear from remembering a long list of digits.

    You have read that you have to create a visual image that resembles the shape of the digit and associate the image to the number. This is a basic formula of this memory trick. So, that’s all about the Number shape mnemonics system.

    I have also shown you some examples by applying this practice. I hope you have fun.

    Do practise!!

    Also, you can read our blog on VAK Learning Styles – Discover Your Learning Style

    FAQ’s

  • The Charette Procedure-Brainstorm Ideas With Multiple Stakeholders

    The Charette Procedure-Brainstorm Ideas With Multiple Stakeholders

    Sometimes we find that it is way more challenging to reach a conclusion or a proper. It may require expertise about the topic, experience in the field you are working in. But, hardly we can say, a person has all these qualities.

    It became a prevalent problem in itself. Everybody who was facing  problems when working needed a solution to overcome such difficulties to work alone on such issues.

    This problem gave birth to the concept of ‘Brainstorming’. It is a method of solving problems or creating better designs by gathering multiple ideas from various persons. 

    It may help find more appropriate solutions to the problems as it includes expertise, experience and knowledge of more than one person. 

    So let’s learn Charette Procedure to brainstorm ideas

    WHAT’S IN IT

    Evolution of Brainstorming  & Charette Procedure

    In 1939, a well known American author, advertising executive and the co-founder of BBDO(a worldwide advertising agency), ‘Alex F. Osborn’ innovated the concept of Brainstorming. 

    image of BBDO logo

    To overcome the problem of employees’ inability to develop creative ideas working individually for ad campaigns. 

    Meanwhile, he started organising group discussions and gathering meetings to seek a solution to different problems altogether.

    As a result, he got more qualitative and quantitative ideas. 

    He first termed the process as “Organized Ideation”, but later they changed the process name to “Brainstorming Sessions”.

    Also, Osborn started writing on creative thinking, and the first book he published was “How To Think Up” in 1942.

    Charette Procedure

    Brainstorming has many sub-techniques, such as round-robin,wildest-idea, double reversal, starbursting, and The Charette Procedure.

    The earlier concept of brainstorming was limited up to simple problems only. Many issues arose when large numbers of people represented their multiple ideas relating to a single question. 

    Due to the discussions made by many people, the problems and the solutions or ideas got so complex. Hence, it was limited to a specific number of people and too simple issues only.

    It gave rise to “The Charette Procedure”. This process is a developed technique of brainstorming, which deals with more complex problems.

    This process helps conduct a brainstorming session when dealing with multiple people’s ideas by subdividing them into small groups. Thus, it resulted in more effective solutions and ideas. 

    So, The word charette is derived from the French term “cart” or “chariot”. The architecture students in École des Beaux-Arts in Paris circulated a charette to collect their projects, scale models and other works for review.

    The furious continuation of their work to apply the finishing touches came to refer to as working in the charrette, “in the cart.

    Role of Stakeholders in Brainstorming

    The “Stakeholders” are the individuals or the group of persons having any kind of interest in or a connection to a project or a firm, company, etc.

    For example, in a body corporate, the stakeholders may include creditors, directors, employees, government (and its agencies), owners (shareholders), suppliers, unions, and the community from which the business draws its resources. 

    So, Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organisation’s actions, objectives and policies. Talking about brainstorming the different matters and addressing the problems in an organisation, other stakeholders are involved at different levels.

    image of a man brainstorming

    For example, managerial level employees in the organisation are involving in brainstorming matters relating to departmental level decisions in the short term.

    In contrast, Directors are engaging in significant and high-level decisions that affect the organisation’s overall performance and influence them. 

    Also, the owners(shareholders in the company) are the primary decision-makers involve in brainstorming long term decisions.    

    When to Follow The Procedure?

    Some of the problems in a body corporate are to face with all the stakeholders’ opinion. Also, in the case where some critical decisions require the suggestions or opinion of the stakeholders, a session concerning these problems has to conduct.   

    Follow the procedure when:

    • Multiple ideas are required to be designed
    • Opinions needed from various stakeholders
    • Complex problems are to be discussed
    • A lot of work to be done in a limited time

    How to run the procedure?

    The procedure is where multiple topics get discussion by different groups of stakeholders. Hence, you may deal with numerous problems or ideas in a specific period, including a large number of people. 

    The procedure would be easier than before when you appoint someone as the ‘Recorder’. In short, he is a chairman who divides the number of people in the group into subgroups, differentiates the topics and allocates them into these different groups.

    Also, organises the session, conducts the session as per the procedures require to be undertaken. 

    So, He also has to maintain the documentation of the sub-sessions conducted within the subgroups. He also performs these documents throughout all the groups.

    Steps regarding the procedure:

    1. The matter to which the sessions are to address is to be decided first. So, these topics divide into sub-topics to allocate to different groups. 
    1. The persons’ group shall divide into different subgroups divided according to their number or kind of stake in the firm or company.
    image of groups
    1. Each of these subgroups has to choose their topic to discuss with and for their brainstorming session. If the number of groups is larger than the number of issues, then two subgroups may decide on the same topic but have to brainstorm on such a topic separately. 
    1. Each subgroup starts discussing the matter they have chosen to brainstorm with, and the recorder starts maintaining the records about the discussion. Hence, It collects all the ideas of different subgroups separately. 
    1. Basically, the recorder collects the ideas from one group and circulates them through other subgroups for getting mix ideas and better solutions in all. New ideas may generate on these ideas collected by the recorder through the documents.

    So, the recorder repeats the same process and circulates every idea through all subgroups, and they discuss the same and think it over, use the same in brainstorming sessions.

    1. Also, at the end of the discussion by all the subgroups, they have to assess the data prioritised by the importance of matters and the significance of ideas.
    1. The recorder now collects all the finalised ideas from all the subgroups and summarises the arguments for better output and overall understanding of the discussion.
    1. Finally, each group gathers to discuss the group discussion’s final results, discussed as per the priority. The result of such a meeting may be the following action plan.   

    Advantages of Brainstorming

    Promotes creative thinking:

    Brainstorming challenges you to become more creative. By sitting down with your co-workers, you have to think critically and imaginatively and develop ideas that make you stand out.

    You can also take concepts and opinions that other people bring to the table and build on them to develop great solutions.

    Discovering new perspectives: 

    Brainstorming gives a vision and perspective where these elements may not have existed before. It encourages free speech and creativity, helping to reveal new ideas and solutions.

    Defining problems: 

    Basically, Spontaneous thinking in a low-pressure environment can often help determine a question to the point where new alternative solutions start to appear.

    Equal participation:

    Brainstorming helps avoid conflict and give everybody a chance to air their views without immediate evaluation or judgment.

    So, In a brainstorming session, everybody should have an equal opportunity to participate in the discussions.

    Exciting and straightforward:

    The concept of brainstorming itself is not a hard thing to comprehend. You simply start with a problem or a situation, and then you merely map out any ideas that lead to the mind as a solution.

    The very nature of the group structure can often make it a fun and exciting process.

    Disadvantages of brainstorming

    Facilitator required: 

    Basically, Brainstorming requires a leader or facilitator who will control the sessions and ensure it reaches satisfactory conclusions. 

    Promotes fights and arguments: 

    Many believe that brainstorming only leads to criticism since people usually judge others’ ideas and statements. It can lead to great ideas, but this doesn’t always mean that they come from peaceful discussions. 

    Not consistently practical:

    Basically, Brainstorming is dependent on several factors like communication skills, correct technique, etc. It becomes ineffective if one of these factors is not present.

    Time-consuming:

    Although, Brainstorming can take time. It could be hours or even days before a solution is reached. 

    Conclusion

    The Charette Procedure is a branch of Brainstorming, which has been innovating for overcoming the limitations of simple Brainstorming. The process is generally for addressing complex problems successfully to the best results or solutions.

    This process is beneficial when discussing multiple topics and involving different people in such a discussion in a limited period. It helps to overcome the problems faced by simple brainstorming techniques. 

    Also, read our blog on How to use Cause and Effect Analysis to Easily Solve any Problem

    FAQ’s

  • Learning Curves – Improving Efficiency Through Faster Learning

    Learning Curves – Improving Efficiency Through Faster Learning

    Before knowing about the learning curve theory let us know what is learning? so If we talk about the term learning, it is the process of acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences. The ability to learn is in possession by humans, animals & some machines. 

    Any changes in our behaviour as a result of a new experience is said to be learning. Learning takes place at all ages, and one knows, when put in a unique situation, to make sense and be more comfortable.

    WHAT’S IN IT?

    LEARNING CURVES

    Meanwhile, Psychologists describe the progress in learning by drawing a line on a line on graph paper. This line is in a curve form, not straight. So, it is called a learning curve. Hence, A learning curve is a graphical representation of the correlation between a learner’s performance on a particular task and the number of attempts or time required to complete the job.

    In 1885 Hermann Ebbinghaus described the learning curve. Arthur Bills gave a more detailed description of learning curves in 1934. He also discussed the properties of different learning curves, such as negative acceleration and positive acceleration.

    types of learning curve

    STAGES IN LEARNING CURVES

    Initial learning curve:-

    It is slow learning because of the newness and difficulty of skill. It is also called the log phase. So, In the log phase, the teaching is merely zero for the first few practices. Once the learner has acquired some basics of his operations, he gains some confidence, leading to the second stage of increasing returns.

    Steep up stage:-

    It is also called the exponential phase. Also, In this stage, the learning is suddenly increased, and the rate of improvement is substantial.

    Plateau:-

    When there is no progress in learning or improvement is arrested. So, It is called a plateau. However, this may be a false plateau, and the learner may be developing new ideas in improving efficiency.

    Peak proficiency:-

    The development of new ideas may further improve upon his skill until he reaches the peak of inefficiency.

    Over learning:-

    When skills become a kind of habit, this stage is termed as over learning here because here, the learning becomes automatic and unforgettable.

    Types Of Learning Curves

    Diminishing Return Learning Curve:-

    So, This is just the opposite of an exponential rise in this. The progression rate is slow at the beginning and then rises over time until full proficiency is obtained. This curve describes a situation where perhaps a complex task is being learned, and the rate of learning is initially slow.

    Increasing-Return Learning Curve:-

    The increase in skill or retention of information may increase rapidly to its maximum rate during the beginning attempts and then decreases over the period.

    Also, This describes a situation where the task may be easy to learn, and the initial progression of learning is fast and rapid.

    S-Curve or Sigmoid Function:-

    It measures an individual who is new to a task. So, It is the idealized general form of all learning curves; initially, this curve shows slow learning. Also, The learner works to improve the skills required or, say, first accumulate small steps, followed by the more significant stages. 

    Meanwhile, The latter half of the curve indicates that the learner now takes less time to complete the task as he becomes proficient in the skills required. Often the end of the turn begins to level off, indicating a plateau stage or new challenges.

    Increasing -Decreasing-Return Learning Curve:-

    So, This graph contains all stages of learning curves. So, we will say that this is a complex graph that includes all stages of learning.

    STEEP LEARNING CURVES

    • We can define these curves as challenging to learn, and that takes more time and effort so that a steep increase would mean a quick increment of skill. However, the term is mainly used in everyday English with the meaning of a complex initial learning process.
    • If two products have similar functionality, more enormous, then probably the one with a “steep” curve is better because it can be learned quickly.
    • If two products have different functionality, then probably one with a short curve and have limited functionality may not be as good as one with a long arc and has greater functionality. 
    • Short and long learning curves
    • Product A has less functionality and a short learning curve. Product B has more extensive functionality, but it takes longer to learn.

    Learning curves theory

    • It is concerned with the idea that when a new job, process, or activity performs for the first time, likely, the workforce involved will not achieve maximum efficiency immediately. The learning curve theory states that completing a task should take less time and effort; the more the job is done over time.
    • Repetition of the task is likely to make people more confident and knowledgeable, and it will eventually result in more efficient and rapid operations. Ultimately, the learning process will stop after continually repeating a particular job.
    • Due to this, completing a task will initially decline and then increase once efficient working is good. The cumulative average time per unit is assumed to decrease by a constant percentage every time outputs double.

    Transfer of Learning

    Transfer of learning is the ability to learn in one context and applying it to another.

    Positive Transfer:-

    It helps you apply skills or knowledge to a new topic, whereas negative transfer hurts you.

    Zero Transfer:-

    It means that old skills and knowledge do not affect learning new skills or experience.

    Negative Transfer:-

    It refers to the interference of previous knowledge with new learning.

    Bilateral Transfer:-

    A skill within a particular task by practice can often be took over to the other hand. This whole process is called a bilateral transfer.

    Lateral Transfer:-

    The lateral transfer involves a learning achievement at the same level but in a different context.

    Horizontal Transfer:-

    The horizontal transfer generally refers to learning in one situation on learning in a different case.

    Vertical Transfer:-

    The vertical transfer requires that learning at a lower level must be transferring to an upgrade of cognitive skills.

    Production rate according to phases in learning

    First Phase:- 

    There will be a gradual increase in the production rate until the maximum expectation is reachable.

    Second Phase:- 

    The learning rate will gradually deteriorate because of the limitations of the equipment.

    Third phase:-

    The production rate begins to decrease due to a reduction in customer requirements and an increase in cost.

    Consequences areas of the industry when you apply learning curves

    image of a labour
    •  A standard costing system would need to be set standard labour times after the learning curve has been reached the plateau 
    •  A budgetary control system incorporating labour variances will have to make an allowance.
    •  Identification of the learning curve will help the company better plan marketing, work scheduling, recruitment, and material acquisition activities.
    •  As employees gain more experience, then they are more trying to reduce material wastage.

    Application of Learning Curves

    • Direct Labour:- Direct labour is the general application area of a learning curve since only people can learn. The learning curve is mainly applicable to new activities and labour force, whether employed on new or old activities.
    • Material:- Materials respond to learning only in an indirect way under specific circumstances. The learning curve applies mainly to sub contract or fabrication orders placed outside or components purchased from suppliers. The details you bought features will be deciding through labour and supplier.
    • Spoilage And Defective Work:- This also an area of learning because, with the acquisition of more skill and efficiency, losses on account of spoilage and defective production will decline.

    Features of Learning Curves

    • The learning curve does not cost reduction techniques; it is a naturally occurring human phenomenon.
    • It is a human characteristic that a person engaged in a repetitive task will improve his performance over time.
    • In the initial stage of production, generally, the workers do not have the confidence of completing the job successfully; when they produce few units, they gain confidence; people learn from errors.
    • When workers produce more and more units, they come to know the problems and their reasons. Now they can avoid the issues.
    • The workers can find a new method of doing the job; they can complete the task less.
    • Better equipment and tools to develop.
    • Better product design leads to increased efficiency.

    Factors Affecting Learning Curves

    • While pricing for bids tends, only people can learn to set up a very high initial labour cost to show a high learning curve, making the learning curves useless and sometimes misleading.
    • When labour turnover is high, management has to train new workers frequently in such a situation, and the company may never reach its maximum efficiency potential.
    • Changes in the production or the methods in the production designs, machinery, and the tools used to affect the slope of learning curves.
    • Labour strikes, lockout, and shutdowns also affect the learning curve.

    Pros and cons of learning curve theory

    Pros:-

    • The learning curve concept suggests the basis of correct staffing in continuously expanding production.
    • It provides a means of evaluating the effectiveness of the training program.
    • And It is frequently used in conjunction with establishing a bid price for contracts.
    • It helps in finding out working capital.
    • Knowledge of the learning curve assists in planning the inventories at material work in progress and finished goods.
    • The learning rate is also considered consistent enough to establish trends using the learning curve.
    • Useful in exercising control.
    • It will be helpful to make or buy decisions.

    Cons:- 

    • It is only helpful for new operations where machines do not contribute a significant part to production. It does not apply to all products.
    • Changes other than learning may affect the learning curve.
    • A learning curve that may not show expected results would need further analysis to determine the underlying variables impacting its shape, as the angle does not change everything.
    • The learning curve assumes that production will continue without any significant interruption. But if the work is under interruption, the angle may be defected or accept a new slope.
    • The characteristics of 80% of the learning curve initially getting in the USA’s air force industry are usually taken as the percentage is applying to all sectors. Studies show that there cannot be a unique percentage that can be universally used.

    Conclusion

    The learning curve plays a significant role in the management and running of projects.

    This theory is primarily used in repeating tasks and long-term projects to improve the work’s performance.

    Many organisations prefer to use the learning curve, which is cheaper and easy to use and provide better performance and expertise. It will be seen that the learning curve affects both short and long term projects. 

    Also, you can read our blog on VAK Learning Styles – Discover Your Learning Style

    FAQ’s

  • How to Run Successful Lunch & Learn Events? Complete Guide

    How to Run Successful Lunch & Learn Events? Complete Guide

    “Lunch & Learn” events are training sessions, voluntary for people, or presentations that take place during lunchtime and where food is provided by the employer or by the organisation. So, They bring people together from companies or organisations to collaborate to learn, improve skills, and develop leadership. 

    WHAT’S IN IT?

    What is a lunch & learn event?

    Lunch & learn are also known as “Brown bag” Brown bag means when a person packs his lunch for work. Also, Brown bag originally referred to employees who bring their lunch in brown bags. Hence, It’s an informal opportunity for employees to learn something and improve their skills. 

    If you attend the launch and learn event then you probably learn, improve or believe something.

    lunch and learn

    Here are some essential things you should know about it. 

    Each session lasts for 30 and 45 minutes. People call it lunch and learn because it takes place during lunch. During this session, employees learn and improve their skills, which is very useful for their growth. Like, Fitness skills, drawing, reading skills, and many other things. 

    If you’re thinking about how you could do that during your lunchtime, it’s simple. So, Most of the companies give 30-45min. For lunch to them and if you eat your lunch in 15-20min. You still have 15-20min. To improve your skills, you can eat your lunch after the sessions or before it.

    Also, People bring together people from across their organization. Hence, By getting more people in it, the more healthy or problem-solving environment it can be. So, More ideas will come; more discussion will happen. 

    How it happens and the Purpose of lunch & learn.

    If you watch movies and shows, you may understand what it is because of that picture. Also, I must tell you; It’s not about a bunch of junkies (drug users) that they show most of the time. 

    Sometimes people come because they want to talk or want to tell their problems, and sometimes people come with the ideas they are trying to do while other people support them. 

    A lunch and learn program is a 30-45 minute training or presentation session facilitated by an organisation to employees during a lunch hour, and acquiring an easy way to develop and motivate employees while creating a workplace of communication, collaboration, and learning. 

    Why do employees do that?

    So, The organization provides an amicable, collaborative choice to traditional “top-down” or classroom-based learning. In this way, it encourages learning and prepares them to be knowledgeable.

    Also, They start to feel confident and begin to trust themselves. This can help or improve teamwork and provide a relaxed atmosphere. Lunch & learn sessions offer flexible time, which means it doesn’t take their work time. 

    So, employees come, share their ideas or even problems, and talk about what they are best at, and others tell them to do what they are best.

    Use Light topics. 

    So, Always Try to cover light topics between lunch hours. You should know that it’s their lunchtime and want to have fun and not want to work. Because of that, always try to cover light topics, don’t let them feel that their time is wasting. 

    Here are some examples of light topics- 

    a) Bookclub: Ask everyone to read the same book for months and then meet and discuss their direct messages and what they think. 

    b) Informative talks and lunch: It’s an excellent idea for lunch and learns sessions. Also, many opinions on the internet could be helpful if you use them in your lunch

    c) Cross-training: Invite staff members to train other staff members on day-to-day lunch timing; Hence, it’s an idea for people working in the same company but in different departments. 

    Energetic in Afternoon time: 

    They all know that eating right is Good, but most don’t eat healthily in day-to-day work and find themselves lazy. But still, how to be energetic is a question to them. So, To be honest, It’s not rocket science, and it just depends on what you eat. Eat healthily and do exercise 3-4 days a week, and you will find yourself more energetic. 

    Teach time management and deadline management. 

    People are bad at managing time; whether within their personal or professional lives, managing time and meeting deadlines are essential for employees to learn. Planning out a workday and successfully achieving that goal on-time helps to reduce stress. If employees do their work on-time, they secure their job and have more time to develop professionally or personally. 

    Effective time management is also beneficial to yourself and your boss, or you have a business because when service reps meet a daily quota and you do more work. By that, you will observe immediate success and happiness. 

    Know how many people are coming.

    The first thing you should do is decide whether it’s for targeted people (especially if you invite them) or open to everyone. 

    You ask people to respond quickly in both cases to know how much people will be coming and plan accordingly. 

    Choose an appropriate venue for it. 

    Try those areas with eating facilities, Café, breakout spaces, canteens are more popular venues for lunch and learn events. 

    people doing lunch and learn in a cafe

    Sometimes, you may choose to go off-site. If so, research and know if that place is noisy or not and double-check your Venue and book it in advance. 

    How many times in a month? 

    In most of the organisation, lunch and learn program are conducted regularly. For example, weekends or weekly Friday are more popular for light topics. 

    But if your sessions are more about improving skills or business-oriented, Monthly meetings will reduce the learning. 

    Is it beneficial? 

    Most of the people or say employees don’t even know about lunch & learn events. They are missing the most important and unique thing to improve their skills. 

    Lunch and learn is an easy way to develop and motivate employees while creating a workplace for employees, collaboration, and learning. The session may also cover important topics or issues and promote an open, informative platform for employees. 

    How to make lunch and learn more engaging?

     It is all about people who have or may haven’t even met before, and they talk about their ideas, improve their skills and talk about problems, but the question is how to make it more engaging? 

    At lunch n learn, ask people to tell jokes about the funniest jokes they have ever heard or have a drawing Competition or give them colour books or offer them to make themselves a meal. 

    Ask them to dance with strange people. It’s more fun and mind relaxing. 

    What should we serve for lunch and learn, or what should we order something for them? 

    It’s tough to decide what we should serve to people if you make a meal for them. You don’t know what they like, what they are allergic to. Here are some ideas or snacks that you can always serve. 

    You can always go for healthy food by telling how much it benefits them or giving a little bit detail of that food why you are serving that one, especially today. 

    Surprise them: I said it because people love surprises. Offer the meal that they never expected from the organisation. Like- Servings wine, with a loaf of toasted bread and chicken or anything. 

    Order pizza sometimes, and we know everybody loves pizza. 

    Go for sushi sometimes, order burgers and Sandwiches. 

    But mostly try to cook for them or tell them to prepare for people. It’s the best way to create a healthy atmosphere. If you still sometimes don’t know what to cook or serve, just ask them. By this, they feel at home and see that you care about them. 

    Conclusion

    Lunch & learn is an easy way to improve your skills and learning process. You develop yourself in this period. An organisation for employees holds it. Employees volunteer in it to grow and talk about the ideas they have. The organisation provides a very healthy and friendly atmosphere for the employees to enjoy their lunchtime and learn something. 

    If you are going to an organisation Lunch and learn, make sure you use Light issues. They don’t want to stress out, and they want to enjoy their lunchtime. So, always choose light topics. 

    Give them tasks with a deadline. This way, they learn to know how to utilise time; in day-to-day work, time management is essential. Don’t manage your time or yourself and see how much messed up you will be. 

    If you’re going to organise lunch and learn, always know how many people are coming. Prepare meals for them or tell them to cook for people and bring them. It’s vital, so you don’t miss things. 

    The first thing you need to do is understand why you are doing this and organise it accordingly. 

    Also, you can read our blog on How to Start a Day -Manage Morning When You’re Not a “Morning Person”

    FAQ’s

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  • What Is Personal Empowerment & Techniques to build it?

    What Is Personal Empowerment & Techniques to build it?

    Nowadays, depression or mental health issues are becoming severe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide. The reason behind that, people do not have control of their own life.

    In the age of remote control technology, people are losing their control of life. In our day to day life, we have two options for every situation. But mainly, we chose the easiest one. That makes our life out of control.

    But there is also a solution, which is ‘personal empowerment’. It helps you to make positive decisions that make your life better. That gives positive energy within you. In this blog, I will discuss detailed information about personal empowerment.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    What is Personal Empowerment? 

    Personal Empowerment is the process of becoming more robust to take charge of your own life. It is a mixture of self-belief, self-awareness and self-respect.

    To empower yourself, you need to understand the purpose of your life? And also need to find out your weak points and strong points. Trying to overcome your weaknesses and making the right decisions in any situation is a base of personal empowerment.

    Personal empowerment gives you the right path to success. It’s more than just feelings. It is a mindset that helps you improve yourself.

    “Self-empowerment is seeking the solution rather than fixating on the problem.”-Coach Bobbi.   

    Why is self-empowerment important?

    Success- 

    When you start making yourself empowered, many things in your professional life started making it easier for you. Empowerment means a power given to change yourself. 

    It also gives you a lot of self-confidence and also increases the productivity and efficiency of your work. Because of all these things, you can set goals, make decisions faster and do actions at your 100% efficiency. This helps you a lot to become successful.

    Health-  

    In this faster world, health becomes an essential thing for any person. Low self-confidence, poor self-care affects very hard on your physical as well as mental health. Personal empowerment gives you a lot of self-esteem. 

    What motivates you to do things like exercise, meditation and others. It keeps your body fit both physically and mentally. Then you get a new version of yourself.

    Relationships-

    When you are empowered, then you get control over your emotions. It shines your personality, which makes you a better person. You can easily give what your people want from you.

    image of a couple

    Everyone started loving you and stayed secured with you. It makes your relationships sweeter and more profound. So, personal empowerment is beneficial for relationships also. 

    “The power you have is to be the best version of yourself you can be so that you can create a better world.”  -Ashley Rickards.

    How to develop self-empowerment?

    It seems easy when we understand the meaning of self-empowerment. It is not a one-time thing but also a long process. When you start doing it, then may you realise it is hard to develop. But don’t worry, I am giving you some steps that make this journey easier.

    Take a time & Find Inner Peace-

    We are living in the 21st century; we are living in a race. So, we have no time for ourselves. But if you want to be empowered yourself. Then it is a must to take time for yourself. Do whatever makes you calm. Meditation is a powerful way to get inner peace.

    Stop, take some time in your daily race, go in peace and start thinking about what is going on in your life. Think deeper. You started getting answers to all your problems.

    Identify Yourself-

    After getting answers to your problem, the 2nd and most important steps of empowering yourself are identifying yourself. Firstly identify your goal. Write it down where it will always be in front of your eyes so that you will never forget your goal.

    Then find out your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself which things you can do better. Be honest for yourself. Think about your past achievements, what you did great things in the past. For example, you get good marks in 10th or 12th. Feel the power within yourself. 

    Then make a track for your goal. Decide what action plan for it.

    Trust Yourself-

    We live in this era, where Cristiano Ronaldo, Elon Musk exist. If they can, then you can also do.

    If you decide to achieve it, then there is no limit to what you can earn.

    You have a goal and a ready action plan. Now, you have to start believing in yourself. If you doubt your abilities, then you didn’t get success. Self-belief is the essential thing to get the win. Self-belief is a power that makes you stronger.

    If you have a belief in yourself, then only the world starts to believe in you.

    Learn and develop yourself- 

    To develop self-empowerment needs to improve your skills. Think about your goal and find what skills required for achieving it. Then started learning these skills as much as possible. And the most important thing is to implement that learning. Learning is a sign of growing. 

    This gives you a lot of confidence to do things effectively. 

    Start taking actions-

    Start taking actions that are essential for your development. Thinking about empowering yourself never makes you empowered. But doing things for that makes you empowered.

    Remember, it is not only a one-time thing; it is a continuous process of making the right decisions for your development.

    Take small steps rather than significant steps. It helps to save you from the biggest failure.

    Share your experience-

    Suppose you started feeling empowered or getting success. Then start sharing your knowledge of what you get from this journey. That helps you make an outstanding personality in the world and motivates you to achieve more goals. 

     Techniques to build personal empowerment-

    Exercise- 

    Both metal and physical bodies are connected. If one of them is doing well, then the second will automatically do well.

    image of people doing exercise

    Doing daily exercise keeps your physical as well as mental health better. So, take some time in your daily schedule to go for a walk, gym or swimming. It keeps you not only healthy but also happy.

    Watch, Listen and Talk Positive-

    Empowering yourself is a long process. That needs a lot of time. To improve your thought process, you need to grasp positive things. There is a lot of negativity filed in today’s world of social media and all over the internet.

    You need to focus on only positive things around you. Try to watch positive and knowledgeable content, listen to positive vibes. It helps in making your thought process positive in turn; you would talk positive.

    That all things make your mindset, atmosphere positive. 

    Visualisation- 

    Take five minutes in your daily routine, close your eyes and see yourself achieving your goal in future. That will inspire you a lot. 

    Affirmations-

    Thinking positive statements which are helping you to complete your goals are affirmations. Like, “I will get success.”

    Writing these positive statements in a notebook is a powerful way to empower yourself. That helps a lot to make your mindset stronger.

    Example of Self-Empowerment-

    Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the best footballers in the world. A gardener’s son becomes the most expensive athlete in the world. 

    In all the world, people talk about their self-esteem, self-empowerment mindset. Why?

    Cristiano has played football since his childhood. He was a very talented boy, that’s why he was selected for his first club Andhorina at the age of 8.

    When he was 11 years, older people appreciated his talent and said that he was very skinny. That one thing hurts Cristiano more. But small Cristiano knows he can change his body; he can develop his body. So, Small Ronaldo decided to work harder than anyone else. He chooses to empower himself.

    When his teammates used to stop working then, Cristiano used to continue. He still follows this habit. And now we can see CR7.

    His new team Juventus medical report said that “Ronaldo’s body is the same as a 20 years old player’s body at the age of 32.”

    CR7 becomes a legendary footballer of all time because of his self-empowering mindset. Now you get the power of personal empowerment.

    Conclusion-

    Personal empowerment is a compelling way to not only becoming successful but also living a great life. So, it is essential to take control of your own life.

    It is a long process, so you need some patience. Remember one thing: With the mindset of empowering yourself, you can achieve anything in your life.

    Also, you can read our blog Personal Goal Setting: How to Set a Goal

    FAQ’s

  • How Much Emotional Intelligence Do You Have ? 11 Ways to Improve EQ

    How Much Emotional Intelligence Do You Have ? 11 Ways to Improve EQ

    Emotional intelligence is something that you can find only within yourself. Those who have higher emotional intelligence skills have more control over their emotions.

    They will never get stressed out when some crisis comes in front of them; they just calmly handle the situations.

    Suppose you know how to develop emotional intelligence. In that case, you will get more aware of your emotions, helping you connect with anyone because you can understand anyone on an emotional level.

    If you know how to improve emotional intelligence, you will have more control over your every emotion & you’re aware of your strengths & shortcomings. Having this quality can benefit from much success in any field, whether it’s professional or personal life.

    You will be seen as a positive, confident, optimistic, empathic person with whom everybody wants to be around.

    Now you have one question in your mind, and I don’t know how to improve my emotional intelligence.

    We haven’t been taught how to develop emotional intelligence skills in our life, but they can be learned by repetitive practice every day.

    But first, you need to know what emotional intelligence is? Before learning how to improve emotional intelligence within your life.

    So let’s what it is all about.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    What is Emotional Intelligence?

    Emotional Intelligence is also referred to as Emotional Quotient (EQ). It simply means a person is considered to be emotionally intelligent, those who know & aware of their own emotions & at the same time as the others as well.

    And by being emotionally intelligent, one can improve their control over their emotions & thoughts, which comes to mind.

    emotions are necessary for emotional intelligence.

    They can connect with others on an emotional level due to a deep understanding of emotions & feelings, which can help them make long relationships with others. 

    Knowing how to improve emotional intelligence skills helps us become more aware of ourselves, connect with others, more confident due to clarity about ourselves & helps us lead a happy life as well.

    Difference between EQ ( Emotional Intelligence ) & IQ (Intelligence Quotient)?

    As I have mentioned before, EQ is about having a better understanding of our emotions & ourselves better. If one knows how to improve emotional intelligence skills, then it helps us to connect with others & allows us to express our feelings easily due to clarity.

    On the other hand, Intelligence Quotient(IQ) is the term with which people are more familiar than EQ. It is the term that is constantly being referred to when someone is talking about intelligence.

    It can be measured through some tests or exams, which we are all familiar with.

    So now you get the basic idea of what Emotional Intelligence is? Now the question is how to develop emotional intelligence skills?

    Below I’ve compiled a list of ways from which anyone can self-taught themselves to become emotionally intelligent.

    11 Ways to Improve your Emotional Intelligence are-

    Observe within yourself:

    Start your journey of finding emotional intelligence by observing how you feel. We often tend to be so busy in our chaotic life, career obligations, family obligations & social media world that we don’t even focus our emotions. 

    Like-Why, we are feeling that emotion in that particular moment. To regain our touch with our feelings, you have to make time for yourself in peace. 

    Sit in a quiet place for about 5-10 min at the beginning days & just observe what kind of thoughts are floating around in your mind. Don’t try to hold back; let any emotions or feelings come & watch how you feel when that thought comes into your mind.

    Try to make time for yourself daily for at least 5 min. & do it.

    The more you do it, the better you understand your reaction against certain situations; you’ll be on the path to knowing how to develop emotional intelligence skills more deeply.

    Observe your reactions:

    When you sit down with your thoughts quietly, many incidents pass through your mind day-to-day; some past trauma, happy moments let it pass calmly.

    When thoughts keep coming, try to observe your behaviour towards specific incidents or opinions which may occur in your life like- Why have you snapped when your colleague says something about your life? Is the reason for your snapping because you don’t like to talk about your personal life? Or something else is bothering you at that time? 

    By analysing your behaviour in every event which happened in your life, you will get to know more about yourself & you’ll get more emotionally aware.

    And from the next time, you will be in more control over your emotions & behaviour towards others as well.

    Try to understand others emotions:

    The most significant sign of an emotionally intelligent being is that they understand others’ feelings & emotions; they are emotionally aware. While having a conversation with others, they also consider their feelings as well. 

    types of emotions

    So start trying to be more empathetic towards others’ emotions while you interact with them. You can do this by asking them their opinions about the topic you’re talking about, showing them that you care about them.

    Inspect your Opinions:

    In today’s world, very few of the population have their own opinions; most people follow herd opinions.

    Those who know how to improve emotional intelligence in their life always have their own original opinions. So try to inspect your thoughts about everything; why do you have that opinion? Is that your own belief, or it’s due to the herd mentality?

    You should inspect those opinions, which you think that idea can’t be wrong & question each & every thought you have in your life. And in the process, you’re getting more aware of yourself.

    Take full responsibility for your actions:

    Those who have awareness within themselves take full responsibility for their actions. They never run away from being responsible if they have committed mistakes; instead of running away, they immediately own it.

    So if you have dealt with some situations poorly, committed a mistake, then own it & accept that you did it & learn from your mistakes.

    Take full responsibility for your feelings:

    Those who are emotionally evolved take full responsibility for their every action, even for the emotions or feelings.

    However, you are feeling & reacting according to them; only you are accountable for it, no one else. When you start to take responsibility for every action of yours, your approach toward life will make me more optimistic.

    Be confident:

    The thing is with emotional intelligence is the more you practice, the more you get clarity. And when someone got clarity about who they are? They feel confident & they seem like a confident person.

    Start practising by expressing your need, want & feelings to other people with confidence, so they know your stand.

    confidence

    Learn from both positive & negative experiences:

    The emotionally intelligent person acknowledges both positive & negative emotions that they experience from different situations.

    When they experience a positive event in their life, they celebrate it & appreciate it. The positivity from this helps us to go through any adversities.

    At the same time, they acknowledge adverse events also. If appreciating good times in your life is essential, you also need to recognise bad events.

    Because it gives us the strength to be able to tackle the negative issues in the future.

    Journal every day:

    Try to write a journal in a diary about your daily experiences, emotions that you have felt. Putting your everyday experiences in a journal is a great way to develop awareness about your feelings & thoughts.

    In your journal, just write down your daily experiences in it like-why I react like that when that joke isn’t even on me? I should’ve helped my colleague with the work at that time.

    The more you write daily, the more you get associated with your thoughts. And you’ll get more grasp with your thoughts & feelings.

    Do meditation:

    When you’re feeling emotional, angry, stressed & you justify the reason behind that emotion is your work or anything present in the outside world.

    image of a woman doing meditation for emotional intelligence.

    Emotions all come from within & if you don’t pause & resolve one feeling at a time, it will become a stack of emotions.

    The best solution to resolve all the emotional mess is meditation. Sit down still with your thoughts & try to find the actual reason you’re feeling in a certain way.

    You won’t get the answer in just one try; you have to practice it daily & the more you do it daily, the more clarity you get in your thoughts.

    For beginners, 5mins is more than sufficient to do meditation.

    Practice:

    If your question is how to develop emotional intelligence fast? It’s simple. Practice! Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is not a one time process; it’s a lifetime process. The more you practice it, the more you get better at it.

    Conclusion:

    As I’ve repeated in this blog, emotional intelligence gives you more awareness about your thoughts, feelings, emotions & you have more clarity about yourself. 

    And anyone can learn it like other skills, but it’s a lifetime process; you have to learn it till you live.

    “The more you’ll get to know about yourself, the less you will realise how less you know about yourself.”

    Also, you can read our blog on Helping your people developing Emotional intelligence

    FAQ’s

  • List of 9 Best ways to Future Proof your Career | Career Guidance

    List of 9 Best ways to Future Proof your Career | Career Guidance

    Looking at the present advancements and quickly changing technology, nobody will be sure about the job or profession they will be available or not in upcoming decades.

    Even the employees who are experts with skilled works are worried about the future due to chances of advancement of AI, which results in the replacement of them with bots.

    Also, high earning white-collar employees are worried as there is a lot of uncertain advancement.

    According to the World Economic Forum survey, approximately 66% of children starting primary schooling this year will do field jobs, which is not created yet.

    Today in this blog, I will tell you the 9 ways to help future proof your career to retain your job position or career path.

    In which that are chances of being replaced by automated machines in upcoming years.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    1) Be proficient in the use of modern technology

    Just by reading the heading, a few of you might have thought that technology is not my cup of tea. I will say that coming out of your zone, pushing towards advancements and making your technical skills up to date.

    Even if this new technology does not directly depend on your present field or present job position, it is compulsory for those dependent on it for the majority of their part of the profession.

    I will suggest that one can learn the basics of computers such as MS Word, MS Excel and Powerpoint.

    image of laptops for which are necessary for future careers

    But if you want to get more knowledge, you can enrol yourself in online education programs which can help you to understand it better.

    The CRM system is another thing one should be familiar with as it helps prepare customers data, sales management, and teamwork.

    I think the field like Project management will not get replaced easily with the bots, so one should learn project management techniques.

    As bots can replace the upcoming year, you should learn the management and operation as it is only possible with a human touch.

    Still, there are many fields and more things possible only by humans, so you should identify skills which will be in demand in upcoming years as you still have a few years to think.

    2) Expand yourself globally 

    I think you should start by looking at your industries, outside your local region or country. And start finding the methods, skills, ideas, and their style of work. You should also create your profile on many platforms, which helps you connect globally Such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

    I will suggest you to create your market, your clients, stakeholders, partners from all parts of countries.

    If you work outside the countries you can get to learn new languages, help to know cultures. Also, you should work on assignments that require international exposure.

    You should learn new things by travelling as much as possible. That will bring more confidence in yourself which results in more opportunities.

    3) Future proof your career path

    I have seen many people in the workforce type of job position are not showing interest in their development professionally and mentally.

    I will tell you this is wrong; if you want to secure your post, you must develop yourself with the trends. Especially if you are from a slowing or declining field of industry

    If you are confused about it, you can benefit from professional career guidance, HR, and your valued person.

    I suggest you take part in various development programs and seminars.

    image of a seminar conducted for future proof career guidance

    Thus, doing this will help create your future opportunities and benefits in staying at the top.

    Also, you do not limit up to one industry only; you should chase the field where the best opportunities of the future are visible.

    4) Skills to future proof your career

    I think humans will benefit from soft skills as to how much great a bot would be accurate in terms of technical skills.

    But it will not be able to have leadership, team management, communication, problem-solving techniques, etc.

    Also, identifying the voice tone, body language, and facial expression of a human is needed, so you should perfect yourself in these skills to future proof yourself.

    The leadership quality leads to more knowledge and helps make your best version, so leaders’ space will not get replaced anyhow in the future.

    5) Best career field in 2021 and beyond

    Generally, one should go to the field or profession that makes one happy and has a burning desire.

    But generally, many people are confused about selecting which career field to choose, which is future proof.

    So I have listed a few fields which, according to Indeed, is safe in the future.

    Cyber securities

    Day by day, the rate of cyberattacks are increasing.

    A recent incident is where some hackers hacked the Twitter account of many famous faces like Barack Obama, Elon Musk and many others and demanded bitcoin.

    Nowadays, even governments have started investing in cybersecurity sectors.

    Cook

    People are becoming more foodie day by day; thus, more people will go out to eat and like to try new dishes.

    A sense of cooking with affection and tradition is not possible by machines.

    Data Scientists

    The demand for data scientists will grow day by day as many people will start storing, collecting and observing more and more data.

    data scientist as future proof career

    So the need for an expert in terms of scientific and technical will be more in upcoming years.

    Marketing, communication and design

    Marketing the machine lacks many skills; the convincing power a human marketer has for its customers. I don’t think a robot can do.

    Also, designing skills, ideas of creating new things is only possible by humans.

    Health care professionals 

    Many people compare the doctors and the nursing staff to god because of the work they do with dedication and patience by saving a life,

    If there will be bot doctors, many people will hesitate to operate themselves to a machine and risk themselves.

    Human resources

    The HR field is significant as they have excellent communication and many soft skills, which play an essential role in companies’ success by recruiting the perfect candidate by the screening process.

    Delivery / Logistics management

    This field is increasing day by day as more online e-commerce businesses will start in the future. This field can’t be fully automated.

    So there will be demands of delivering drivers and Executive and Senior professionals in the logistics department.

    6) Professional network establishments

    I suggest you develop new contact, connection and relations inside and outside of your industries.

    It will help you in a growing business, personal development like learning new things by meeting new people, and knowing their actions, you can improve professionally.

    If you master this networking skill, I bet you can create a positive image against your boss.

    You can strengthen your job position and chances of promotion. You can join LinkedIn for networking purpose through digital media.

    BNI is also a great option available nowadays to network organisations or yourself.

    One can start by having track of your seniors and co-workers by engaging in various seminars and webinars to develop relationships.

    7) Emotional intelligence increase

    With technical skills, one should have a gift of empathy if you want to have your future proof career.

    As empathy is one of the essential skills that one organisation or individual will look forward to in the upcoming days.

    One should be more valued if the person has more EQ than just having only technical because bots can’t match the level of connecting one human to another.

    Also, EQ will be more vital in the future because only persons would have awareness, common sense, emotional development, and dynamic control skills.

    So in this area, humans can quickly take over the AI system for now.

    8) Understand your industry and latest trends

    The thing that happens in your field would likely affect your industries and on you as well.

    For example, you are running a marketing agency, so before ten years there is only one marketing way.

    There are many types like Digital Marketing; this is called the latest trends and advancements in your field.

    If you cannot accept it, you will be thrown out from the completion of the market, which later becomes difficult for your survival.

    So accepting, learning, and acknowledging the latest trends are enormous things that play a vital role in future-proofing your career.

    9) Develop bounce back thinking  

    Every journey of career has many ups and downs and also many failures and setbacks.

    But we should never get demotivated and discouraged through the failures; instead, we should use it as a way to bounce back again rather than loss bounces upon us. 

    One should also keep perseverance for long term success.

    10) Conclusion

    To future proof your career, you have to be knowing the latest skills, technology, and methods concerning the latest advancements and trends in future. Nine ways are given above.

    Also, you can read our blog on How To Find Career Direction? | Complete Guide

    11) FAQ’s

  • MATRIX ORGANISATION – Everything about Matrix?

    MATRIX ORGANISATION – Everything about Matrix?

    Do you want to know what is Matrix Organisation? We all know that in today’s highly competitive world a company must be well organized, and also, we can say that it should be a good organisation. There are different type of organisations that are Hierarchical structure, Horizontal/Flat Structure, Network Structure, etc., but today we are going to know about Matrix Organisation.

    WHAT’S IN IT

    What Is Matrix Organisation?

    The Matrix Organisation was firstly developed in the united states in the early 1960s. At that time there was very much struggle going on for managing an organization.

    This is the type of organisation where project managers work in close co-operation with departmental heads. So, here I am going to provide a table below which easily solves your doubts regarding this.

    To solve this type of management problems an organization should be well organized. Firstly, it was used in the aerospace industry. It is the type of organisation that uses two or more co-existing structure for their work done. 

    type of organisation

    Here we can see that the department managers flow downwards and project managers flow across, there by they forming a grid of rectangles array, which we called a  matrix organisation.

    From here we also know that in this organization, the members have to report two bosses which are the dept manager and the project manager.

     So, whatever the task or assignments are given to them they have to show both managers.

     Also, we can say this structure is a two-boss structure because of the working style.

    FEATURES OF MATRIX ORGANISATION

    Some unique features are there in this type of organisation, which creates a lot of differences between others. 

    Hybrid structure- Organisation

    It has a hybrid structure because of a combination of two or more organisation structures as we can see in the diagram.

    Responsibility of project managers- Organisation

    Here project managers also assign with the administrative works related to the assignments such as They have to decide what is to be done and how much time taken.

    They also have to coordinate the activities with other members. It is also responsible for scheduling work.

    Responsibility of Functional Managers- Organisation

    The functional managers have responsibility for functional aspects of a project such as
    It have to decide how the work to be done.
    They also assign duties to other members who are in the project.

    The problem of Unity of command- Organisation

    Members should receive orders from two bosses e.g. project and dept manager.

    Suitability- Organisation

    It is the type of organisation which is very useful for multi-project.  Like if anywhere there is a construction of several buildings in different areas at the same time, then it is done smoothly. 

    Where the project manager is monitored with the support from departments.

    Specialization- Organisation

    In the organisation, there are different specialization. Like project manager concentrate on the administrative aspect and similarly dept managers focus on the technical part .

    ADVANTAGES OF MATRIX ORGANISATION

    Every organization structure has some pros and cons, so here we goanna start with the advantages of matrix organization

    Helps in to concentrate on strategic planning-

    Here in this system, every task is divided into two bosses. So, it is very beneficial for top management to devote time to making strategic planning for their projects.

    Quick response at the time of change in environment- 

    It is a type of organization that can run several projects in a single frame of time. 

    So, if they’re in the future if any mishappening due to change in the environment then it tends to make quick decisions at that time.

    Development of Skills- Matrix Organisation

    This system helps various employees to improve their knowledge and skills also, which ultimately helps them to handle difficult tasks in various projects.

    Specialization- Matrix Organisation

    Here we can say that this generates benefits of specialization. Why we say that because we see that the project manager works on administrative aspects and dept managers work on technical aspects.

    Motivation- Matrix Organisation

    In a matrix organisation, every person or employee works as a team to challenge in projects which enable them to motivate and also perform better.

    Higher Efficiency 

    As we know that in matrix organisation give us higher efficiency because in this all the decisions are taken by experts and seniors of that the company which enables higher returns with low costs.

    Interdepartmental cooperation 

    This organisation system enables us to work together in a group.

    Proper Use of Resources

    This system makes us possible to use most of the human as well as physical resources.

    types of matrix structure

    DISADVANTAGES OF MATRIX ORGANISATION

    Every organisation or system is not 100% good. So, after completing all advantages. Let’s talk about some disadvantages also. So, following are the disadvantages or matrix organisation-

    Increase in workload

    In this type of organisation, lots of workload or pressure is there, due to the addition of responsibility.

    Absence of unity in command

    As we know there were two bosses, which create employees to report both of them, which ultimately ignores the unity of command.

    Balance difficulty

    Generally, it is seen that there was lots of difficulty in handling the balance between the administrative and technical ones

    Shifting of responsibility

    Sometimes project manager may shift their responsibility to departmental bosses.

    High operational costs

    This is one of the expensive organisations. Due to the two diff bosses, the number of meetings and paperwork will increase.

    Power struggle

    It is quite important to look at both the bosses because everyone wants their interest and due to this, there is also a conflict between power struggle.

    Complex in nature

    This type of organisation is the most complex.

    Morale issues

    In this type of organisation, it also happens that it affects the morals of the employee, Because every time they have to shift or adjust in different projects under different bosses.

    Matrix Organisational Structure Roles and Responsibilities-

    There are some roles and responsibilities which are there in the matrix organisation

    Matrix Leader

    The matrix should always be led by a company’s head or the CEO.

    Matrix Managers

    This Matrix manager should always work under the CEO.

    They are those persons who are always taking care of their matrix employees.

    Matrix Employees

     All those peoples who work under two bosses (project and department).

    Types of Matrix Structure

    There are different types of structure, which also can be created with the needs of the organisation. 

    There are three different types of matrix structure, they are differentiated in terms of the distribution of power and authority.

    Functional or Weak Matrix Organisation

    As the name suggests functional, which means here all the major controls over budget and resources are taken care of by the functional department of the company.

    Strong Matrix Organisation

    In this, a project manager has lots of authority in terms of budget, planning. Also, project managers have higher decision-making authority.

    Balanced Matrix Organisation

    Proper coordination of tasks, budgets, decision making, planning everything distributes equally to the project as well as department managers.

    Guidelines for Making Management Effective

    1. Certain guidelines are there for the matrix organisation effective to implemen
    2. Try to always make an objective of a project or assignment.
    3. Always try to short out or clear the responsibilities, authority, and work of a particular manager and employees.
    4. Always try to get suggestions and feedback from the employee or managers knowledge, don’t try to get by their rank.
    5. Try to divide equal authority for both project and functional managers.
    6. The leader of any task or project should be the experienced and knowledgeable manager of the organisation. Don’t choose by popularity.
    7. Always try to put proper cost, terms, and quality controls standards on time. try to avoid delay, and update in frequent intervals of time.
    8. With the small interval of time try to give some bonuses and reward for the managers and employee, which create a positive environment to work. And also, they motivate to work.

    Conclusion

    Basically, natrix organization is all about the organisation which uses two or more co-existing structure for their work done. This is the type of organisation where project managers work in close co-operation with departmental heads. So, the matrix members have to report two bosses which are the dept manage and project manager. 

    So, whatever the task or assignments are given to them they have to show both managers. Also, we can say this structure is a two-boss structure because of the working style.

    Also read our blog on What is Decision Matrix Analysis?

    FAQ’s

  • The Talisman of Leadership – Everything you need to know

    The Talisman of Leadership – Everything you need to know

    The Talisman of leadership is needed as although there is So much of the work-oriented culture around, still, most people believe in some magic and luck factor. There goes the word ‘talisman’ of a leader as high and parallel to the word ‘effort’.

    To a maximum extent, we cannot ignore luck and magic when it comes to delivering the output. But, yet there are few qualities in a particular area of the workforce that are termed talisman.

    Like say, leadership, all good decisions and a welcoming team effort can assure the best result out. 

    WHAT’S IN IT?

    Qualities of a leader

    The qualities of being a leader are so vivid and diverging that no one can sink in all the details of being a leader by just going through one blog. The magic and the special powers that leadership provides is any day admiring and influential.

    When we roam around on the ground level, we see the people going through different styles of handling leadership positions. Some being result-oriented, and some being process-oriented.

    A good leader can backpack some essential qualities, like interactive communication, empathy, gratitude, and decision-making. A reasonable observer who can easily differentiate between factual details and an individual’s opinion can be a well-suited leader.

    While taking a tough call or a new decision, one should be well equipped with the data available regarding the same and at the same time. Also, one should be responsive enough towards the opinions provided by their team members and there comes a significant part of the interactive competition.

    A Good Motivator

    image depicting difference between a leader and a boss.

     More or less, a good doer is a good motivator. Instead of just asking what to do, one of the talismans of leadership is the self-improving quality to inspire the other teammates to expand well enough and fit well in their leader’s space.

    Like in the case of one of the top cricket teams, India has appointed the captain as Virat Kohli, who has held his fitness standards so high that other players need to raise themselves close to him to do well in cricket.

    When it comes to the decision-making dilemma, everyone is a noob at the start and only grows and learns with experience. But how they carry forward their mind and handle their responsiveness towards the critical situation shows one of the leader’s magical and admiring traits. 

    So, what else makes a leader worth admiring and believing?  It’s the gratitude and the well-settled understanding of empathy of a leader who handles even messy situations.

    Authentic Leaders

    Some leaders are complete with their characters. Such leaders are also termed, authentic leaders. Such leaders are skilfull and contain sheer brilliance in handling difficult situations.

    They know the do’s and don’t s of the project. 

    Authentic leaders also believe in promise-keeping and reliable delivery of the product. They don’t compromise with transparent communication and work ethics.

    Team Leaders resonating with Team Members

    image depicting teamwork

    For situations like starting a business or moving to a transition, the start of anything is always self-motivating and disciplined. But being motivated and disciplined throughout the process is quite a tough job. In that case, a leader should be influential and entertaining enough to keep the process inflow.

    Added to the quality of decision making and interactive communication, a good leader also possesses some embedded qualities like the talisman to the particular purpose like gratitude and backing your team members.

     Like, amid this COVID situation, one of India’s leading entrepreneurs and the global head of TATA industries, Mr Ratan Tata. He has stated quite boldly that layering employees in this lockdown crisis are never a good idea. Because the company, as well as the customers, have developed goodwill with the employees.

    These employees are the people who have worked on the ground level for all these years, and it’s high time the companies should support them.

    Years before, in a very different field than business. In cricket, the two most successful captains of the Indian Cricket Team, Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni may have varying styles, varying techniques, and varying attitudes. Still, they share what they share as a good leader backing their team members. 

    Decision and Celebration

    It’s always said that a team or a company is as good as a leader, and there are several living examples in the world right now that state the same. They are skilfull as well as decisive in nature and can take decisions quickly. Most of the great leaders are process oriented. They always remind themselves about the sustainability of the situation.

    When you thoroughly equip yourself with the attitude you pursue, when you engage and dedicate yourself entirely towards the team you work with, a few faults can always be ignored. At any point, one can easily say that good luck favours the brave.

    Leadership also comprises how you celebrate again or win and handle the criticism and take the blame for any loss. Mostly it is seen that a great leader puts their team forward when it comes to getting an appraisal. Also, at the same time, he/she stands like a shield between them and any type of criticism.

    Leadership skills also comprise putting the right people in the right place at the right time for the work to be accomplished.

    The Hidden Charisma

    More or less, a leader is a kind of magician who’s whole effort is behind the scenes. His actions mainly do not reflect the final result. Rather than the output, but in the absence of a leader, the same work might get many minor bugs and toughs to process to the product.

    The main work of most leaders is not to do the activity by themselves. But they are supposed to find the best people for the role. Also, it is their primary role to bring out the best in them with their leadership.

    Conclusion

    We can see at the surface of any project the techniques and the team members’ efforts. Whereas what one cannot see is the guidance, the overnight ideas and the decisions taken by the team leader.

    Any day, we can slander or blame the team leader for results not going in favour. But at the same time, we could never deny the fact that great leaders build significant territories.

    One can gain Technical skills through practice recursively. At the same time, one can only nourish his/her leadership skills. That’s the magic or one can call “The talisman of Leadership”.

    At last, I would quote one of the most exemplary American author John Maxwell on his idea of leadership-

    “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” 

    Also, you can read our blog on How to develop a Competitive leader for the future?

    FAQ’s