: to make different in some particular : ALTER
: to make radically different : TRANSFORM
: to make a shift from one to another : SWITCH
: to become different
Ahh yes: “Alter, transform and switch, to become different’’.....these words resonate a lot in FIG’s evolution, we’re excited about a little bit of change (and a little apprehensive if we’re being honest!).
In her Wall Street Journal article: Digital Addictions Are Drowning Us in Dopamine, Dr, Lembke, a Stamford University professor and psychiatrist, talks about the scientific biological effects of addictions to our devices. It’s real folks. This is not FIG banging the drum of putting down our phones or any other technological apparatus and talking or connecting with our fellow human beings. No. This is concrete, physiological, measurable, science based fact that continuously interacting with our high-tech electronic leashes, gaming apparatuses and social media actually, physically, alters our brains to crave more of it, thereby de-incentivising us to engage with others on a human level.
Gasp, shock and awe!
Mistakes. We all make them, we’re human beings and by definition 99.9% imperfect (with apologies to those of you who think otherwise), which results in, guess what? Mistakes (we make them hourly at FIG)! That gaffes, miscalculations and oversights are a part of our collective experience on this earth. Why (on earth!) is it so hard to admit to making mistakes, take responsibility for these human aberrations and move on after making a miscalculation or error? Hmmmm?
We all have habits - some serve us well and some get in our way…...Google states: “A habit is a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.” Establishing a habit usually takes about two weeks to become routine and is subsequently supported and reinforced by practicing it daily.
Ever had a “Monday” on any day of the week? Ever had your day perfectly planned, scheduled and organized only to have all your intended “to-do’s”: meetings, calls, oh yeah, actual “work,” utterly blown up by an unexpected interruption, complication, interference? Ever had someone insert themselves into your day with their drama, troubles or lack of planning (real or self-inflicted), requiring you to shelve your carefully laid out day(s) and requiring you to stop whatever you’re doing for their fire drill?
Yeah, us too.
Recently we’ve tackled the concept of “words we throw around professionally.” We’ve made an effort to disseminate an initial understanding of leadership, relationship culture, etc. Here are a few others we can toss into that mix: “Ok Boomer!” “Damn Millennials!”.
OK, so what’s up with this? What’s up with the vilification of “other” generations? As often repeated, there’s a reason for everything: here are a couple:
Welcome back to the Future Image Group’s exploratory series on understanding the five vastly different generations in the workplace. So far, we have delved into the cultures, customs, and expectations of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and Gen X , and how they affect each’s ability to build relationships professionally and personally. Next up, a hot topic - Millennials.
Ah yes, Millennials! The word alone sparks intense reactions both from within and without this particular generation, and I’ve heard most of them (going forward, I’ll refer to them as Gen Y, as the term “Millennial” has become so offensive and comes with so many connotations for this generation).
The cover of Time Magazine, summed up the general perceptions of Gen Y in 2013: “Millennials are Lazy Entitled Narcissists Who Still Live withTheir Parents”. Ouch.
The irony is clear: the most smartphone-dependent generations - Millennials and Gen Z - are also the least likely to pick up the phone instead of texting or emailing. It is generally recognized, with some exceptions, that young professionals have been conditioned to defer to non-verbal communication like text or email. These are the first generations never to have known life without them. Picking up the phone to have an actual conversation is anathema and counterintuitive to these 180 million young professionals; why talk when you can text or email?
In today’s labor market, competition is stiff. Nearly everyone has a college degree; every candidate has ample experience; individuals are all, for the most part, highly motivated and driven. Even if you’re qualified (or over-qualified) for the job, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. Here are 5 ways you can differentiate yourself at your next job interview.
Appreciate the Communication Styles of Others
Everyone communicates differently, which can sometimes make it difficult to get your ideas across and avoid tension in the workplace. However, simply acknowledging that others have a different communication style can help you adapt your own to ease office communications.
Breathe and Create Boundaries
Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath. No one is in control of you except you, and you can create boundaries that make you feel safe and sane.
Today’s professional world is rife with opportunities for entrepreneurs and self-starters to create the life they want if they work hard and leverage their connections. Between the gig economy and the large force of young professionals in the traditional workplace (a combination of Gen X, Gen Y [Millennials], and Gen Z), the way people perceive and achieve professional advancement is changing. However, with the millions of young people entering the workforce today, competition is fierce. Here are 5 steps young professionals can take to differentiate themselves from the competition and move toward quicker advancement, whether climbing a more traditional corporate ladder or pursuing the creation of their own business.
We all have our bad habits. We’re human, after all! However, another great part about being human is the fact that we can decide to work on our bad habits and grow out of them. One of the areas in which people have the most bad habits is in social interaction. Here are five of them you can start working on today.
Do you become overwhelmed or anxious in social situations? You’re not alone. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, 12.1% of U.S. adults experience some kind of social anxiety at some point in their life. Of those who are affected, an estimated 29.9% had serious impairment, 38.8% had moderate impairment, and 31.3% had mild impairment.
Chances are good that you’ve heard of Simon Sinek. Sinek is an accomplished author, trained ethnographer, sought-after motivational speaker, and visionary thinker. He’s done TED Talks, has an astronomically popular YouTube channel, and has written multiple bestselling books including Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last. Sinek is also one of the accepted leaders on inter-generational relations, especially working with Millennials and young professionals.
