Success In Seven Short Steps
Posted: February 14, 2012 at 11:08 pm
People who succeed in their jobs and in life are typically blessed with a special blend of four qualities: efficacy (self-confidence), resilience, hope and optimism. This mental confection, which scientists call psychological capital, reflects our capacity to overcome obstacles and push ourselves to pursue our ambitions. Not surprisingly, having lots of it is linked to both personal and professional fulfillment.
Although individuals vary in how much of this motivational firepower they possess, the amount is not fixed. You can boost your psychological capital and the key is changing your habits. Simply deciding to improve your outlook won t work. Instead, people need to cultivate a positive mindset through rituals and goals, say University of Nebraska management scholars Fred Luthans and Peter Harms. Here s how:
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Courtesy of redcargurl via Flickr.
1. Write a gratitude letter. Consider the people and things you are most grateful for and write them down. If you wish, you can write a letter to a person who means a lot to you. The recipient is likely to be touched. But if addressing an individual is uncomfortable or inappropriate, pen a note to yourself about all the things that are going well or that you feel fortunate to have. Set aside a time each day to do this. For instance, write one journal entry each night just before bed listing the good things that happened to you and what you are grateful for. Too much of the time, we focus on our fears and problems, because those relate to situations we need to avoid or solve to survive. But if you stop to count your blessings, you will realize how lucky you are.
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Courtesy of insouciance via Flickr.
2. Seek out the good things in life. Make an effort to find situations that make you feel happy and proud. Spend time with those who love and support you. If you know people who make you feel miserable, don t interact with them. Although criticism can be a good thing, Harms says, unrelenting criticism rarely is.
3. Don t forget to relax. Exercise or meditate on a daily basis, even if you only have a short time to do so. Fifteen minutes per day to clear your head and relax has been shown to be associated with both happiness and physical wellbeing. Getting enough sleep helps as well, Luthans says.
4. Put problems in perspective. Think about the true scope of your troubles. Not everything s the end of the world, Harms reminds me. In fact, he adds, most of us worry about relatively minor hassles and concerns on a daily basis. You worries will seem less significant if you compare them to those of people in the throes of divorce, who have lost their jobs or who have been diagnosed with a serious illness. Harms gets his perspective from soldiers he sees regularly for one of his projects. These are people who are putting their lives on hold to go to a place where people are trying to kill them, he reports.
5. Set achievable goals. Make sure your aims are meaningful to you so that you gain satisfaction from completing them. Make them challenging, but also realistic and specific enough that you can act on them. If you are too ambitious, you will set yourself up for failure. Then keep a record of your progress so that you can look back and see how far you have come. Seeing that improvement is possible will motivate you to keep moving forward.
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Rubber bands on your arm can remind you to be nice to others. Courtesy of fekaylius via Flickr.
6. Do nice things for others. One way to get in the habit of doing nice things for others, suggests Luthans, is to put three rubber bands around one of your wrists and transfer one band to the other wrist each time you do something kind for another person. The bands can serve as reminders to finish your three tasks before the day ends.
7. Spend money on experiences, not objects. Better yet, spend money on other people. Individuals who are given cash and told to spend it on others report higher levels of wellbeing than those who spend it on themselves, Luthans says.
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© 2012 ScientificAmerican.com. All rights reserved.
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Success In Seven Short Steps
Pushing Personal Driving Performance to the Limits With AMG Driving Academy
Posted: at 11:07 pm
MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Driving enthusiasts and AMG fans get a chance to enhance their driving abilities and push the most exclusive and highest performance Mercedes-Benz luxury cars to the limit at the AMG Driving Academy. For 2012, the AMG Driving Academy has expanded to five tracks, beginning at Palm Beach International Raceway in April.
Originally founded by the Mercedes-Benz high performance subsidiary AMG in Affalterbach, Germany in 2007, the 2012 AMG Driving Academy offers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of several AMG models including the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, SLK55 AMG and the SLS AMG. The program offers Basic, Advanced, and Pro levels of training. Under the guidance of top professional instructors, driving enthusiasts experience the excitement of motorsports and the track capabilities of Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
The program features custom-designed exercises that showcase the dynamic driving capabilities of Mercedes-AMG models across five premier tracks:
Palm Beach International Raceway (Jupiter, FL) - April 12-17 A favored testing venue for championship teams offering both high speeds and twisting corners, Palm Beach International Raceway is a track that will constantly challenge even the most experienced drivers. Lime Rock Park (Lime Rock, CT) – May 8-17 Few tracks are as well known and loved. This classic 1.53-mile, 7-turn course, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of northwest Connecticut continues to excite some of the world's best drivers since 1957. Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX) – September 6-9 The infield road course has hosted some of the most exotic machinery in the world, providing drivers a chance to explore the limits of the vehicle...and themselves. Laguna Seca Raceway (Monterey, CA) – September 23-27 & November 8-12 Located in one of North America's best destination locations -- the Monterey Peninsula, Laguna Seca features tremendous elevation changes, the famous Corkscrew complex and 2.24 sinewy miles. Auto Club Speedway (Fonatana, CA) – October 23-30 The fastest track on the west coast, Auto Club Speedway offers a challenge to drivers of all levels.
The AMG Driving Academy offers three levels:
Basic Training ($1,595): A one day program designed to teach the fundamentals of performance driving dynamics and car control maneuvers using customized exercises that emphasize the power and handling capabilities of AMG vehicles. Drivers will also test their skills on the track at high speeds and during performance course competition. PBIR – April 12-15 Lime Rock – May 8, 11-12 & 14 Texas – September 6-9 Laguna Seca – September 23-24 & Nov. 8-10 Auto Club Speedway – October 23-28 Advanced Training ($2,995): A two-day program that provides a deep level of technical driver training both on and off the track. The program picks up where Basic leaves off, offering more track driving to extract a driver's maximum potential in a performance driving setting. PBIR – April 16-17 Lime Rock – May 9-10 Auto Club Speedway – October 29-30 Laguna Seca – Nov. 11-12 Pro Training ($3,695): The pinnacle of the AMG Driving Academy experience in the U.S. Comprised of three days of intensely focused instruction and technical skills reserved for the highest level of driving, Pro Training allows for maximum speed, challenges and thrills. Lime Rock – May 15-17 Laguna Seca – September 25-27
Additional information and registration for the AMG Driving Academy is available at http://www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-877-646-6762.
About Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG is the high-performance subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Car Group and is headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG engineers lend the benefit of more than 40 years racing experience to the development of new Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Transmissions, brakes, aerodynamics, exhaust systems and, most importantly, the hand-crafted engine built and signed by an AMG Master Technician reflects AMG's holistic approach to performance.
By blending AMG genes with Mercedes DNA, AMG has delivered thrilling performance and exclusive refinement to discerning customers since the brand's introduction to the U.S. in 1995. While all Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers offer AMG products, 28 dealerships across the U.S. have attained 'AMG Performance Center' status where more personalized expert service for these high-performance vehicles is offered. http://www.mercedes-amg.com
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Pushing Personal Driving Performance to the Limits With AMG Driving Academy
Schindler To Install Intuitive PORT Elevator Technology at Luxury Chicago Apartment Tower
Posted: at 11:07 pm
MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Schindler Elevator Corporation has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to install its PORT (Personal Occupant Requirement Terminal) elevator technology by real estate development company Related Midwest in Partnership with AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust at 516 Lakeshore Drive in Chicago. A 45-story, 500-unit luxury rental apartment tower, it is the first building in Chicago to benefit from Schindler’s award-winning destination dispatch elevator technology.
Best understood as the central nervous system of a building, the PORT Technology functions as a two-way communication interface between the occupants and the building’s environment. The system’s visible aspect is a sleek, futuristic device positioned at access points and elevators around the building. Behind the stylish touch screen is a powerful patented access control software system, capable not only of calculating the optimum route to any destination within the building, but also of “learning” how its occupants typically move around. With this information, PORT Technology primes the elevators to direct and transport people quickly and safely to their individual destinations. The system uses card readers or other media using RFID technology to identify passengers and automatically call elevators to take them most efficiently to their desired floors, customizing and personalizing each trip to the specific needs of the individuals.
“The PORT Technology recognizes occupants and responds to their individual needs,” says Michael Landis, vice president, Marketing for Schindler. “What makes the system special is the ease with which the building’s manager can design applications to accommodate a wide range of needs in real time. Whether it’s helping to meet new energy- efficiency goals, updating security, scheduling maintenance or adapting to people with special needs, unprecedented levels of customization can be achieved.”
“Related is excited to be the first to bring this innovative technology to Chicago. We continue to pride ourselves on producing only the most cutting edge Real Estate product,” says Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “The convenience and luxury this new system will offer our residents is fundamental to the high standard of living we provide.”
PORT Technology Energy-Saving Features
Each PORT terminal’s proximity sensor tells it when to be active and at all other times puts it into low energy consumption mode. When the terminal screen illuminates, an ambient light sensor determines only the brightness level required, again optimizing energy usage. The PORT Technology helps ensure elevator trips are as efficient as possible. This produces a very resourceful use of energy even during heavy traffic. During light traffic the PORT Energy Control Option places nonessential elevators into an energy-conserving standby mode.
Energy Efficient Elevators
Schindler 7000 custom high-rise elevators will transport apartment residents to their destinations. Using the latest technology in elevator design and highly efficient permanent magnet motors, Schindler 7000 elevators feature Power Factor 1 drives that reduce energy consumption by up to 35% compared to standard drives and regenerate energy back into the building’s electrical system. The recovered energy can be used to power other building demands such as lighting, air conditioning or other equipment. The Power Factor 1 drive generates less heat, providing additional savings through reduced cooling requirements for the machine room.
Scheduled to open for residents in May 2013, the building will be an impressive addition to the Chicago skyline offering signature views of Lake Michigan and access to unrivaled amenities. Designed by architects from Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) and constructed by General Contractor Lend Lease, it will include 500 residential rental apartments, a parking garage, and retail space. The development will incorporate sustainable features to increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality, and is anticipating LEED Silver certification.
About Related Companies
Related Companies is the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed over 39 years ago, Related is a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and South Florida and boasts a team of approximately 2,000 professionals. For more information on Related Companies, please visit http://www.related.com.
About Schindler Elevator Corporation
Schindler Elevator Corporation is the North American operation of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group, a leading global mobility provider with approximately 43,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. Schindler supports sustainable urban development with safe, reliable and ecologically sound mobility solutions and its equipment moves one billion people every day all over the world. In 2011, Schindler was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 100 Most Innovative Companies, and two of the company’s products received the 2011 Architectural Products’ Product Innovation Award. For additional information about Schindler Elevator Corporation, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.us.schindler.com.
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Schindler To Install Intuitive PORT Elevator Technology at Luxury Chicago Apartment Tower
PPD Recognized for Outstanding Employee Training and Development
Posted: at 11:07 pm
WILMINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Highlighting its commitment to employees and clients, Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD) today announced that Training magazine has named the global contract research organization to the 2012 Training Top 125 list of businesses excelling in employee development.
“The best learning and development organizations, like PPD, support business initiatives tactically and help drive strategic change,” said Lorri Freifeld, editor-in-chief of Training magazine. PPD was recognized during an awards ceremony at the Training 2012 conference February 13 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
PPD’s strategic approach to employee development is designed to drive employee engagement, enhance expertise and deliver client value. PPD training initiatives leverage the latest thinking in learning methodology through a broad array of programs for employees across the global business, from new hires to veteran staff, from generalists to highly trained specialists.
Key to PPD's success in employee training is an effective partnership between its human resources team and its technology, innovation and performance (TIP) group, which integrates training, process improvement, information technology and business analytics.
“Our integrated structure is unique in the CRO industry in that it provides a holistic and integrated approach to continuous improvement,” said Mike Wilkinson, executive vice president and chief information officer for PPD. “We train and develop staff, measure performance against standards, optimize processes, innovate technology and measure post-improvement performance – then initiate additional cycles of continuous improvement.”
PPD’s innovation in employee development includes:
The clinical foundation program, the flagship training program for clinical research associates (CRAs) that addresses theoretical knowledge and practical application, followed by performance-based assessment. In 2011, CenterWatch cited strong CRA training programs as one reason for PPD’s top ranking among CROs in its global survey of clinical research sites. PPD® 3D, a virtual, collaborative environment featuring user-customized avatars that is designed to improve the cost-effectiveness, speed and quality of clinical trial training. PPD adapted its clinical foundation program for the virtual training world, collaborating with ProtonMedia on its ProtoSphere platform. PPD 3D won a Microsoft 2011 Life Sciences Innovation Award. The global leadership program, which develops the strategic and global skills of rising company leaders over a six-month period, increasing their effectiveness in current roles and honing the skills required of future PPD executives. Focus areas include financial acumen, strategic leadership, negotiating skills and personal development planning.
The Training Top 125 list is determined by assessing a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, the scope of development programs and how closely such development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives.
Training magazine is a 48-year-old professional development magazine written for training, human resources and business management professionals in all industries who advocate for training and workforce development as a business tool.
About PPD
PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing drug discovery, development and lifecycle management services. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 45 countries and more than 11,500 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a commitment to quality to help clients and partners accelerate the delivery of safe and effective therapeutics and maximize the returns on their R&D investments. For more information, visit http://www.ppdi.com.
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions, including statements, expectations and assumptions about the PPD employee training and development initiatives and the Training Top 125 awards, contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although PPD attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based and could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Other important factors which could cause future results to differ materially include the following: competition in the outsourcing industry; the ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel, including a new CEO; risks associated with and dependence on strategic relationships; rapid technological advances that make our services less competitive; overall global economic conditions; economic conditions, research and development spending, and outsourcing trends in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and government-sponsored research sectors; consolidation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; PPD’s ability to win new business; loss, delay or modification of large contracts; higher-than-expected cancellation rates; the rate of conversion of backlog into revenue; actual operating performance; risks associated with acquisitions and investments; compliance with drug development regulations; changes in the regulation of the drug development process; and the ability to control SG&A spending. PPD assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update these forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing PPD’s estimates or views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.
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PPD Recognized for Outstanding Employee Training and Development
''Attack Bunnies'' is Back with More Outrageous Personal and Professional Development Anecdotes
Posted: at 11:07 pm
In the recently launched "Season Two," Jones's greatest gift continues to be his honest and humorous portrayal of the "workplace" through his understanding of the diverse definitions of "work" as relating to jobs, professional courtesy, personal development, professional development, parenting, relationships, interpersonal communication, community affiliations, friendships and sometimes the work involved in simply getting out of bed each morning.
Naples, FL (PRWEB) February 14, 2012
If today’s parents, professionals, partners, and pundits can’t laugh at their own personal and professional mishaps, then marketing-company entrepreneur, humorist, writer, and Missouri native Randall Kenneth Jones invites them to laugh at his on AttackBunnies.com. In the recently launched "Season Two," Jones's greatest gift continues to be his honest and humorous portrayal of the "workplace" through his understanding of the diverse definitions of "work" as relating to jobs, professional courtesy, personal development, professional development, parenting, relationships, interpersonal communication, community affiliations, friendships and sometimes the work involved in simply getting out of bed each morning.
Jones explains, "As I have been described as the 'love child' of Dale Carnegie and David Sedaris, my goal with everything I write is to add humor, honesty and entertainment to (what can be very dry) personal and professional development themes. With pet chicken dinners, ghost sightings, jury duty, an ongoing 'feud' with ABC's Elizabeth Vargas, and a 'near-death experience' at the hands of a prepubescent Jodie Foster, it all made me who I am today."
Containing equal parts business exposé, parenting handbook, sales training text, personal memoir and how-to-not guide, Attack Bunnies is based on the premise that every person you meet and every situation you navigate influences the one multi-faceted person you ultimately become: at home and at the office.
Having first launched in early 2011, Jones and his metaphorical attacking bunnies are back with a brand new series of (pun intended) tails. “Fright of the Lepus," the Season Two opener, recounts Jones's run-in with an enraged office pet. According to Jones, "I am constantly asked why I named this series, 'Attack Bunnies.' My somewhat veiled answer has always been, 'I was at work, I was naked and I was attacked.' To kick off Season Two, I thought it was time to let the bunny out of the bag."
Let it also be said the Motion Picture Association of America would most likely assign a PG-13 rating to Jones's series of essays.
Jones continues, "We are constantly coached to never lose sight of our dreams, but this sermon invariably comes from someone on the cusp of, or in the throes of, fame and rampant success. In truth, the majority of us won't achieve our dreams exactly as planned. Who teaches us how to evolve without fame, fortune and complete-goal realization? How do we achieve a balance between never giving up and embracing our reality? If sharing my whimsical journey--the good, the bad, the ugly, and the bunny--enables others to more easily recognize those situations that have impacted their personal and professional growth, and start to learn how to celebrate who they have become, then I'm a huge success."
Contacts:
Randall Kenneth Jones
239-304-9611
Virginia Canard
571-439-4709
ABOUT: Randall Kenneth Jones's 25+ year career has been spent in executive management, creative development, marketing and sales positions in the advertising, direct marketing, retail and newspaper publishing industries primarily in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. His marketing communications agency, MindZoo, is now based in Naples, Florida. Founded in 2001, MindZoo strives to deliver unbridled creativity, proven experience, a positive approach and matchless professional courtesy to each and every business relationship. Jones's other editorial page, RediscoverCourtesy.org, launched in late 2011 with the goal of shining a much-needed light on professional courtesy. For more information call 239-304-9611 or visit attackbunnies.com,rediscovercourtesy.org or mindzoo.com.
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Randy Jones
MindZoo
239-304-9611
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''Attack Bunnies'' is Back with More Outrageous Personal and Professional Development Anecdotes
Your TRU Story – Video
Posted: at 11:06 pm
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Your TRU Story - Video
Faisal Bashir – Business Manager, Bayt.com interviewed on Dubai One – Video
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Faisal Bashir - Business Manager, Bayt.com interviewed on Dubai One - Video
Episode 2 – Tools for Online Learning.mp4 – Video
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Education Management Corporation (EDMC) Welcomes Lieutenant General John (Jack) W. Bergman, a Strong Advocate for …
Posted: at 11:06 pm
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Management Corporation (NASDAQ: EDMC - News), one of the largest providers of post-secondary education in North America, welcomes Lieutenant General John (Jack) W. Bergman, United States Marine Corps (retired), a lifelong advocate for ensuring that our nation's military members are provided with worthwhile, broadbased educational benefits in their quest to transition from service to civilian life.
An authority on organizational leadership, General Bergman will serve in a key leadership role to our 107 schools nationwide in an effort to assist enlisted military and veteran students with meeting their educational goals in order to start the next phase of their careers.
"Veterans expect and respect straight forward, imaginative, quality education and training," General Bergman said. "EDMC will continue to meet and exceed veterans' expectations and I am very excited to play a role in that effort."
General Bergman will liaise with government leaders on ensuring that student-veterans have every opportunity to make a smooth transition to civilian life. General Bergman has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs, saying that student-veterans need "education opportunities and benefits that are basically equitable and easy to utilize."
"We are pleased with General Bergman's recognition of the importance of our programs' flexibility and convenience in ensuring that we are delivering a quality education that meets the needs of our country's men and women in uniform," said Tony Guida, Senior Vice President, EDMC External Affairs.
Recently, General Bergman toured The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago (ILIA — Chicago), met with student-veterans and had lunch at Backstage Bistro, the restaurant run by ILIA — Chicago culinary students. The General also paid a visit to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, meeting with student-veterans.
About Education Management
Education Management Corporation (www.edmc.com) is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue, with a total of 107 locations in 32 U.S. states and Canada. We offer academic programs to our students through campus-based and online instruction, or through a combination of both. We are committed to offering quality academic programs and continuously strive to improve the learning experience for our students. Our educational institutions offer students the opportunity to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certain specialized non-degree diplomas in a broad range of disciplines, including design, media arts, health sciences, psychology and behavioral sciences, culinary, fashion, business, education, legal and information technology.
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Education Management Corporation (EDMC) Welcomes Lieutenant General John (Jack) W. Bergman, a Strong Advocate for ...
Cara Moore – Life Coaching – what it is and its benefits – Video
Posted: at 1:49 pm
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Cara Moore - Life Coaching - what it is and its benefits - Video