6 Ways to Gain Control in the Face of Uncertainty

6 Ways to Gain Control in the Face of Uncertainty According to John Tarnoff, consultant for Boomers over at The Huffington Post, most of us are  dealing with a high level of anxiety and worry- whether we’re eyeing a diminishing pension or confronting yet another company reorganization. But it’s not all hopeless. Here are some  concrete suggestions that can help you tackle the uncertainty in your life and learn how to move toward acceptance instead. 1. Accept your situationMy husband likes to worry- he frets about losing his job, losing the freelance work he does on top of his job, losing the remote if I don’t put it back in the little box he set up specifically for that purpose. My favorite response is usually, â€Å"And what if you do? What if something does happen to your job? What if you did lose that freelance work? What if the remote does fall off the couch and break?† I accept that upsetting things can happen- I know I’ll be worried and unsettled when they happen, too. But I also know weà ¢â‚¬â„¢ll bounce back. I can’t preemptively carry around all that worry. This is an uncertain time. I know it. He knows it. One of us has a positive attitude- the other is perpetually bracing for the sky to fall.2. Embrace new hobbiesOnce you’re not worried about what you need to prepare for, you have the freedom just to prepare for whatever interests you. More than anything employers want to see prospective candidates who have interests, passion, and knowledge they can bring into their new job in unexpected, exciting ways. If nothing else, you’ll be distracted- but best-case scenario you’ll uncover something spontaneous and fulfilling that will take you somewhere you never anticipated.3. Write down your thoughtsThis is huge, especially when you feel overwhelmed and bombarded on all sides. Write it down. Write down what you’re sure of and what you’re unsure about, what you know and what you don’t. Whether it’s as simple as maki ng a list or as involved as a daily journal, try to record all the ideas that fluctuate through your brain in times of stress. When you page through it later you may notice patterns, goals, ideas in need of further development, or hopes you hadn’t even quite acknowledged to yourself!I make a lot of flow charts when I’m stressed. All my fears may end with me alone and friendless in the woods but at least I can draw a box with a little arrow to lead me back to civilization.4. Reach out to family and friendsDon’t withdraw from friends and family, colleagues, and classmates when you’re feeling uncertain. Don’t wait until you feel â€Å"normal† again to ask for help or bring close friends up to speed. This is a mistake I made often when graduate school was ending or when I was laid off from my first job- I retreated and didn’t answer my phone or my email for as long as I could (until the stress of evasion was as bad, if not worse, than the stress of confrontation).When in doubt, engage. Even if only for a mindless night of movies and snacks, stay in touch. Share your game plan. Let them help you refine and strengthen your ideas.5.  Reach out to professionalsWhen your friends and family come up short, as even the most well-meaning sometimes do, it’s time to go to the professionals. It may seem like an unwarranted expense to pay a life or career coach, but remember what they’ve invested in their expertise. The resources they’ve accumulated as a result can be at your disposal for a fraction of that cost. Take advantage of support and encourage wherever you find it!6. Keep expanding and evolvingJust because you’ve found a job or a place to pause doesn’t mean that’s the end of the line. Don’t take the easy way out or the sure thing when what you really want is a little further down the road. Let yourself give up old things and pursue new things. Breathe.If you learn to re lax, embrace the uncertainty, and depend on your strengths and your support network, you won’t feel so unsteady. You can breathe and build muscle memory so when a crisis does strike, you’ll absorb the shock instead of letting it sway you.

Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Technology - Essay Example The goal of modern warfare technologies like nuclear, chemical and biological weapons is to shatter the opponent by causing massive, large scale and indiscriminate loss of human life. Technology has not only made it possible to cause pervasive and senseless killing in human conflicts but â€Å"the challenges to the laws of war posed by technological revolution (Allenby 70)† have made modern warfare more unethical and impersonal. Simply speaking technology has made warfare more lethal by bringing into existence the weapons of mass destruction like the nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that cause senseless killing and are not concerned about the humane and ethical concerns governing wars. For instance, nuclear weapons are the creation of the technological development that has taken place in the past few decades. Nuclear weapons tend to be weapons of mass destruction that can cause large scale destruction and the loss of human life. Nuclear weapons rely for their impact on the energy inherent in the nucleus of an atom. When the particles in the nucleus of an atom either split or merge with each other, massive amounts of energy are released. When the nucleus of the atoms of a nuclear material like uranium or plutonium is split by using a neutron, leading to the release of energy, this process is called nuclear fission (Mueller 93). In contrast when the two atoms of an element like the isotopes of hydrogen merge leading to the release of large amounts of energy, this process is called nuclear fusion (Mueller 74). Nuclear weapons rely on nuclear fission or nuclear fusion to release energy that could cause massive bloodshed and destruction. The atomic bomb is a nuclear de vice that relies on nuclear fission to cause death and destruction. The atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War released energy equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT and killed approximately

Logistic management or supply chain management select one topic only Dissertation

Logistic management or supply chain management select one topic only - Dissertation Example Using case study research method, secondary data will be collected from different literature regarding the selected firms which include text books, journal and news articles. The next section on findings and discussion will analyse the two companies and how and what lean approaches are used to enhance operations in logistics. Finally, all the findings will be summarized and recommendations will be given on research and study. This study analyse the state of two logistic companies and their approach to the lean concept. It was found out that two companies have tried to initiate a number of lean methods’ but still a lot remains to be done. There were significant losses that were covered by the company management in both cases, by effective implementation of lean logistics approach. INTRODUCTION Optimizing a business process is essential to the long term success of the business and its returns. However, this process is complex owing to the diversity of activities, departments, an d varied requirements of each business process, especially the process industries, (Taylor, 2003). This paper conducts a study on the logistics sector companies to analyse their current operations with a lean approach and subsequently suggest improvements to enhance their logistics operations. Research Aim: The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of affairs in the field of lean logistics concepts while giving a brief study upon the theory of constraints which is similar to lean concept of management. Analyse the implication of lean concepts of management on two logistics companies and how have they been able to implement and execute the methods and related technologies. Research objectives To cite the concept of lean theory and theory of constraints with relevant literature To critically review the theory and relate them to practice of the management To recommend for the solutions to enhance logistics operations The paper has been divided into different sections. Sec tion one will refer the relevant literature regarding Lean concepts of management and theory of constraints. Section two will discuss the methodology of research design and techniques used to such implications for the selected firms. Using case study research method, secondary data will be collected from different literature regarding the selected firms which include text books, journal and news articles. Section three would help to analyze the data of the selected firms. Finally, all the findings will be summarized and recommendations will be given on research and study. LITERATURE REVIEW TOC CONCEPT Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Lean concept have become popular in recent years. The objectives of these two are the same – to provide process optimizations and performance improvements. TOC focuses the attention of the management to avoid and eliminate the few present constraints in the system. Lean approach assists managers to improve performances by eliminating all the waste activities. The TOC concepts have proved to be quite profitable by reducing inventories and lead times, and enhancing the operations within a value chain, (Eric, et.al, 1995). Giving a brief about TOC, the TOC views organizations as a source of resources which are actually interlinked with the various activities and processes. TOC further states a constraint as one that has the ability to limit the performance of the system. TOC is of the perspective that in

International business Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

International business - Personal Statement Example As an undergraduate student I have been able to get the most out of my academic experience through the boundless knowledge that has been offered to me by my professors, something that should be noted, is not available in the simple purchase of a textbook. The academic lessons offered to me have increased my understanding of the business world and molded my marketing perspectives to views that I consider unique and will play a big role in my career in the future. The next step in my path is the subject of International business, and I would like to continue my personal and academic growth with this respected base of education. I believe that I will be able to get the most out of my learning experiences if I am surrounded by not only what I see as familiar, but progressive surroundings as well. I have a great resolve to succeed in life, and I hold firm in my belief that this institution would be the best means of my doing that. I hope that you will humbly consider my application to continue with my education in your prestigious

Reflexivity and self identity Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Reflexivity and self identity - Dissertation Example The main purpose of this study is to explore and apply Giddens’ theories on reflexivity and self identity in the case of non-native English speaking teachers who teaches the English language in Asian countries. To give the readers with better understanding about the chosen research topic, this report will first discuss the theory of Anthony Giddens with regards to reflexivity and self identity. Eventually, these theories will be applied in the case of non-native English speaking individuals who are currently teaching the English language in Asia. Social barriers of effective teaching include the ability of the teacher to teach proper English grammar among others. Based on the identified social barriers that could impede the professional progress of non-native English speaking teachers in Asian countries, a list of study recommendations based on Giddens’ theories will be tackled in details in order to give the readers a better idea on how non-native English speaking teac hers could improve the quality of teaching services given to students who are studying the English language. ... rely its persistence over time in such a way that philosophers could speak of ‘identity’ of objects or things but in contrast to the self as a generic phenomenon which presumes reflexive awareness†. In modern theory of sociology, sociologists believe that self identity will continue to improve and will remain â€Å"undamaged† (Calhoun, 2003, p. 118). Even though Descartes (1988, p. 115) acknowledges the link between the human body, the mind, and the soul, he clearly explained that he strongly believe in the idea that self is simply referring to the soul or the human mind alone but not the human body. With regards to the concept of self in relation to moral orientation, self is described as being â€Å"inwardness† in the sense that self is being compared or identified as an object close to God (Descartes & Locke, 2003, p. 514). Similar to Descartes’ idea, Locke also agree that the human body and soul are two separate things that are closely rela ted to one another. For this reason, Locke (1996, p. 124) considers human beings or self as â€Å"a substance that is capable of thinking†. With regards to the idea that self which is â€Å"perceived by the mind† is an external object that is a significant part of self identity (Descartes, Selected Philosophical Writings. Trans. John Cottingham, et al., 1988, p. 132), Locke’s idea on self was based on the theory as publicly introduced by Descartes. As part of modifying Descartes’ idea about self, Locke (1996, p. 49) categorized self as having two major qualities known as the human body as the object and the part of self which is indirectly a part of the object such as the ability of each individual to sense or perceive something. ‘ Descartes and Locke considers human beings as a something that is composed of machines

The influences of innovation in Apple's Company Case Study

The influences of innovation in Apple's Company - Case Study Example An organisation may go for innovation in any area which it finds most appropriate for the moment. These areas include process innovation, value innovation, innovation in organizational structure and product innovation. Likewise, the influence or motivation behind innovative thinking might be value driven, product driven, consumer driven, competition driven and the like. In this context, the present study aims to explore the key drivers or influences that made Apple Inc, the leader of information and communication technology with constant innovative ideas and developments. It is always fascinating for a researcher to go in depth in the area of his/her research. Here, also the researcher seeks to explore why Apple Inc has been introducing innovations in its business operations. Thus, the basic purpose of the present study is to identify and assess what factors influence Apple Inc to become innovative and leader in the industry. Specifically, the research objectives can be detailed as below: The study is basically a descriptive one as it seeks to identify the factors that contribute to the introduction of innovation in the firm. The factors that are taken care of in the study are product, process, and management structure. In addition the influences of innovations studies are consumers and competition, price, and market leadership and growth. It takes a survey approach in which data are collected from a selected group of respondents and the same is used to arrive at logical conclusions to the study. 3.2 Population and Sample This survey research is conducted among the key personnel (those at the helm of the firm responsible to take strategic decisions). All the key personnel across different department, therefore, constitute the population of the study. However, it is impossible to interview all the executives at the top management to gather data for the study and therefore, a convenient sampling procedure is applied to select a limited number of respondents to avoid the excess resources, time and efforts to carry out the research. The sample key personnel (executives) are conveniently selected by the researcher; who he thinks are most appropriate for interview and data collection. 3.3 Data Collection and Instruments The data are collected through special interviews conducted among the key personnel of the firm. A carefully drafted interview schedule is prepared to collect data on the important aspects of the study. All efforts were made to avoid irrelevant and illogical questions that consume precious time of the very distinguished and busy executives. The questions were prepared in such a way that incorporates all the following important variables of the study and find answers to all research questions. The questions are prepared using Five point Likert's scale as most of the questions are of qualitative in nature. Scaling and measurement is found to be appropriate for the study as it allows the

Discussion Board Post Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Discussion Board Post Response - Essay Example I would like your amplification on an issue that is not clear to me in your post. How can you use your strengths and those of the nurse to foster trust between her and her colleagues?. Effective communication skills as a manager are important in terms of communicating organizational as well as individual objectives within organizations. Therefore, your post has helped me understand this clearly Kinsey Weathers. Offering a listening ear as well as your full attention as you do when employees come to your office is a strength that could propel you far in your career. I am in agreement that eye contact is imperative when communicating with others. Advising the nurse and helping her address her personal problems affecting her work is a form of coaching. Tyra (2008) supports your application of your strength through coaching and asserts that "The coaching relationship provides support and accountability for clients to help them change feelings, and beliefs that are blocking them" (112). In my organization, we use trainings, either on-the-job training or holding seminars, to coach employees on how they can apply their strengths in dealing with difficult situations. This has enabled them to improve their performance