People Skills Required for Faster Career Growth

Top 10 people skills to put your career on a fast track 

Smart resumes are useful only in getting a job. To sustain it, one requires not just expertise in one's field but, more importantly, inter-personal skills. Here are the top people skills that will help you put your career on a fast track. 

1. EXPRESS BOLDLY 

Be assertive. The team needs your inputs and ideas, so learn to express yourself verbally and in writing. Be direct and clear, using simple language and minimum words. Assertiveness is not aggression, so stick to positive language, learn to accept a 'No' and don't alienate people by bragging. Observe how people react to your words and choose them accordingly.

2. LISTEN SINCERELY 

If speaking up is important, learning to listen is critical. Getting the communication right the first time saves you trouble later. Be 100% present in every conversation and listen sincerely, and with humility and empathy. Do not fidget, worry about your problems or sit in judgement. With time, you will understand different communication styles and avoid misunderstandings. 

3. RESOLVE CONFLICTS 

Conflict resolution is the biggest skill that managers and leaders need. Start by building trust. Being fair will help people listen to you during disagreements. To resolve issues, seek common ground between both parties and present both sides equally. Find consensus and hold people accountable for their actions. Focus on the solution, not on the problem or people concerned.

4. SHOW INTEREST 

The workplace is for teams, not individuals. Success comes only thro ugh team work. The closer the bonds you build with people, the easier your work will be. Break the ice with a smile and increase quality time spent with people, both in and outside office. Genuine interest for team members will bring them closer to you. 

5. SAY THANK-YOU 

Even if it appears difficult or corny, learn to say thank-you and express gratitude. Be sincere and specific in your words. Acknowledge your subordinate who stayed back late to complete the presentation for your meeting. Your acknowledgement helps people feel energised and creates an enabling environment for the team.

6. BODY LANGUAGE 

Each organisation and team has its code of conduct besides the expected workplace behaviour. Pay close attention and follow both general and local etiquette. Master non-verbal communication: have clear eye contact and a confident posture. Only if your body language and behaviour are in line with expectations, will your words have an impact. 

7. ASK QUESTIONS 

Learn how to question people and respond in the right way. Questions are vital to learn how things work, foster close relationships in a team, manage people and projects and avoid needless conflict. The right way causes people to calm down and reach an agreement. Avoid a manner that assumes wrong intention or wrongdoing on the other person's part. 

8. USE THE MIRROR 

Japanese legends respect the power of mirror or self-knowledge. Introspect to know what makes you thrive and what makes you lose focus and motivation. Figure out the same for people around you. You will soon realise that there are many right approaches to getting the work done. Your sensitivity to what people say will also reduce, making you resilient and persistent in challenging times. 

9. DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL 

US President Barack Obama is known to never lose his cool even in the most stressful situations. Doing so will give you power over the 0situation and people involved. The first step towards learning to control your anger is to shut up and walk out or walk away till you have calmed down. You can come back later with a planned response to achie ve your aims with minimum disturbance to you or your team. 

10. ASK WHAT YOU WANT 

The quickest secret to success is to ask yourself: 'What do I want?' Figure out what you want from the situation or the person you are dealing with. This will help formulate a plan and take the best action possible. Knowing what you want from people will empower you to redirect a challenging relationship or even terminate it with minimum pain, if the need arises. 

FIVE CRITICAL WORK SKILLS

BEAT THE BELL 

Be on time, every time. It includes being seated at your desk when the office begins and being punctual for a meeting called by your team leader. To remember non-routine commitments, set up a reminder 15 minutes prior to the meeting through your online Google calendar.

BATTING AVERAGE 

Your work reputation depends on tasks and projects you complete successfully. Constantly find ways to solve problems that crop up invariably. Your batting average improves with every task you complete on your own and drops when you go back to ask for solutions. 

MOVE EVERY MONKEY 

All communication that you receive, be it a request for information or a new task for you, goes on your to-do list. Keep the list moving by replying to every e-mail and confirming tasks on completion. Don't let any monkey sit on your back for too long.

STAY IN SIGHT 

'Out of sight' can result in 'out of job'. Be visible to your team or make sure that your work is visible at all times. People tend to remember who was around when the going was tough, so be present to help your team when the big project deadline is near. 

RAISE YOUR HAND 

Many people find it tough to ask for help. Also, there are tasks that no one wants. In both cases, raise your hand. Volunteer to help colleagues and complete unsavoury tasks. This is the fastest route to being indispensable.

Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

Mesh Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A Good Year is predicted for you with the pace of improvements picking up in the second half of the year. A year of profit and good health is predicted for you except for some minor skin aliments. Eligible Aries individuals will get married this year. Family life will be good for most part of the year. Minor domestic problems and tensions will occur after July. Your private life will be on the front burner and may cause a lot of trouble. Though this is a year of gains but expenses will continue the same pattern as 2014 till September. This year predicts that financially the year may not go smoothly. A good year for academic achievements.

Vrishabh Rashi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

You have to take care of your health at all times. However on professional and business fronts you will forge ahead and pending litigation will get solved. Turning points both at work and in love are quite possible therefore you should manifest resistance, persistence and tolerance. An explosion of emotions is most likely to happen in the second half of the year, and neither Taurus, nor his partner will be ready to compromise. Expenditure needs to be controlled. Gains from legacy, shares, lottery and games of chance indicated if strong combinations present in your natal chart. The year is quite successful financially.

Mithuna Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A year of mental tension and increased problems is predicted for you. Health problems will occur for most part of the year due to irregular sleeping and eating habits. Medical expenditure is indicated. Finance and Business will improve by leaps and bounds in the second half of the year. Eligible Gemini natives will get married this year. This year may be a turning point in life, personal growth, perfection and development. Risky investments should be avoided at all costs. The initial six months are tough but come July and you will shine. This year foresees an unstable financial situation. You’ll be suffering from large expenses the whole year. If you continue to neglect your studies like last year then expect bad news.

Kark Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

This year indicates major changes in the work sphere and you may change your business or profession. You will be mentally tense throughout the year. Eligible Cancer natives will get married this year. The whole year you’ll be dealing with family and professional problems at the same time. And being flexible you’ll succeed in combining both activities. Many Cancers will start to build their own home or will make it more spacious and comfortable. . Large financial losses and conflicts connected with money or other assets may occur. An appearance of restrictive Saturn since August, in financial sector of the sky will require prudence and caution.

Simha - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A good Year is predicted for you. This year will be characterized by increased responsibilities and spending money on acquisition of assets and luxury goods. Eligible Leo natives will tie the knot in the first half of the year. Happy occasions will be celebrated in the family that will bring much joy. Avoid confrontations from March to July. Health will be excellent for most part of the year barring second half of March, April and May. This year promises interesting contacts, flirtation and a pleasant society for single people, and those looking for romantic adventures. Increase in earning sources clearly predicted July onwards. Time will be spent on enjoyment activities than studies. Remain focused to get good results.

Kanya - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014
A good year with the real results manifesting from July onwards. The second half of the year can actually change your life in every positive manner if you put your mind and resources to it. Unmarried eligible Virgo natives will get married this Year and business profits will be good. This underlines the necessity to make decisions and to take responsibility not only for your own words and actions, but also for that of your close acquaintances. In 2014 the energy level of Virgo is quite high and diseases are not likely to occur. Feb, May and June will bring problems in business and profession. There will be a general increase of income. In February, June and October you can expect to get some decent money.

Tula Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A much better year than the last year gone by is predicted for you in all respects. You will get mental peace and solutions to your problems. Health problems surface off and on and medical expenses will be there. If you plan and move then by the year end you will be happy and contended. You have trumps in your hands, and it is important to play them in a right way. With Jupiter, a planet of success aspecting your sign for most of this year, you mustn’t be afraid to leap into action and to stand up for your rights. Money problems get solved July onwards and developments in career clearly predicted. Despite obvious professional success, there will be some financial problems. Most of them will happen in the second half of the year, when the financial status will be shifting.

Vrikshik Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

An average year with the second half better than the first. The second half sees you forging ahead. With new responsibilities will also come mental stress and tension. This will be in a tight situation with limited freedom of actions. Scorpio horoscope 2014 advises to forget about the problems for a while, to think the situation over and study it properly, without taking final decisions and pronouncing sharp judgments. Be guarded against health problems and be careful while driving specially in May and June. Love relations may not go smoothly. It will be especially dangerous for couples, having problems for more than two or three years. This year there will be a steady rise in income and opportunities July onwards. Chances of promotion are strong July onwards.

Dhanu Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

The first half of the year will be much better. You must exert yourself in the first six months to forge ahead in career and profession. This year pays special attention to career and ambitious expectations. The feelings are also of a great importance. Take care of health in Jan, May, June and July. March onwards things will become better at the family front. Jan, Feb, May, June and October see you making short distance travels. Increase in export related trade. The whole year will be characterized by large expenses connected with business affairs, business development or with growing needs of children or close people.

Makar Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A good year is predicted for you with the developments in career and business picking up in the second half of the year. In the first half of the year you will face domestic tension so be a little diplomatic and avoid confrontations. Eligible Capricorn natives will find their soul mate in the second half of the year. Health needs to be taken care of especially from February to June. The second half sees you forging ahead on professional fronts. You will start a new business or make innovative changes in the existing set up to reap a rich harvest. Barring May and June the rest of the year is excellent for academic achievement.

Kumbh Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

An above average Year is predicted for you with the last year's problems getting solved. Your concentration and work efficiency levels show a marked improvement April onwards. Eligible Aquarius natives will get married this year. This year is a transitive or preparatory period, paving the way to happy future. Mental stress will be experienced in the months of January and February. Your health is quite delicate in the first half of the year, when acute conditions or unexpected illnesses are possible. The financial status will be improved a little, what will be a natural consequence of new professional opportunities

Meen Rasi - Tamil Rasi Palan 2014

A good Year is predicted for you. Many of the problems that you have been facing from the last year get solved. The second half of the year sees you forging ahead with confidence and zeal. Marked improvements in all spheres of life April onwards. The future year can be described as finishing, final and transitive. Health needs to be taken care of in May, June and January. In the second half of the year you should be more attentive while driving and on trips.All round improvements in career and business. Acquisition of house, land, flat clearly predicted. Successful months from this point of view of finance are February and June. A good year for achieving academic excellence. If you work hard you will get the desired results.

How to give Presentation Like Steve Jobs

How to give Presentation Like Steve Jobs

Five tips to give presentations, the Steve Jobs style


Do you get clammy hands and cold feet at the thought of making an office presentation? During such times, remember that you are a confident speaker and presenter since you are doing this every moment of your life.

Steve Jobs was always famous for his style of presentations, at any Apple event. Here are five tips you can focus on to make a Jobs style presentation:

1) Prepare like a billion dollars


Each Apple product was designed to bring in billions in revenue. Steve Jobs knew that his keynote presentations were a vital part of the marketing plan to bring in sales.

He planned and practised to make the presentation worth a billion dollars.

2) Be a storyteller...

...not a presenter. Jobs was a master story teller during his presentations. He would create a problem, obstacles, hero and, finally, a grand solution.

The show would become a Hollywood style entertainer and the audience would walk away enthralled.

3) Capture the individual...

... and hold his attention completely. Jobs' keynote presentations would be short, each segment not lasting more than 10 minutes.

A single message would hold it together. The editing would be sharp, not permitting the individual to lose focus for a moment.

4) Stitch it up

Do not rely on the audience to follow the thread of the story. Jobs would break his presentation into two or three major points.

At each stage, he would pause, remind the audience of the story structure and 'connect the dots' to make it easy for them.

5) Get them high

Jobs would conclude his presentation with 'one more thing', and introduce a new product, software or feature, which would amaze the audience and make them exit on a high.

A person rarely remembers the speaker's words, but always the final emotion.

How to make a presentation

Here are some tips to make presntations:

> Give what audience wants & kill the bullet points

> Stick to paper, pencil & pictures - Simple words, single theme

> Use a mirror to rehearse

> Headlines and visuals - Work on creating a single headline for your entire presentation.

> Pepper it with enthusiasm

Ten Things You Should Not Say at Work Place

Ten Things You Should Not Say at Work Place

You are free to give someone a piece of your mind while at home. However, when it comes to your workplace, better mind your words because even an off-the-cuff remark of yours can not only spoil your relationship with your boss or coworkers, but can also sometimes put you in trouble.

"In today's day and age, undoubtedly we spend most of our time at work. However, it does not mean that we keep our guards down and say whatever comes to mind. In fact, most organisations work on the philosophy that words are the best representatives of a person's personality. Therefore, we should always avoid saying something which can put us in a bad light at our workplace," says Deepak Kaistha, managing partner, Planman Consulting.

Here's a list of things you must avoid saying at work:

1. "This isn't my job!"

Everyone gets approached to do things that are not part of their defined role. If someone asks you to help him out, consider it a testimony to your capabilities.

"Unless you are completely getting off focus, going beyond the etched boundaries of your role will only earn you good merit with your boss and colleagues," says Ashish Arora, founder & MD, HR Anexi.

No need to explain, therefore, why you should always avoid saying things like, "This isn't my job!"

2. "It's not my fault"

Sure, it is not. But saying it this way makes you seem more narrow minded and less of a team player. Call it an 'issue' instead of a 'fault'. Rather than saying you were not responsible for it, point out what you believe caused it.

Then, not only does it become obvious that you were not responsible for it, but it shifts everyone's attention to the root cause of the issue and what needs to be done to resolve it.

"In the fast-paced culture of corporates, there is no space for slackers. If you did something that created a negative impact, have the courage to except your fault instead of putting the blame to someone. Bosses usually like people who take full ownership for a deed done," informs Udit Mittal, founder & MD, Unison International.

3. "I'll try"

You certainly will, but it is better not to say just that when you are accepting the task. If you are unsure of whether you will be successful, say instead, "Thank you. I'll let you know how this goes."

"Saying 'I'll try' can also mentally limit you somewhere from giving the work your best shot. If you say something more positive and specific, it creates a better impression of your efforts with the listener. Then, even if you fail despite your best efforts, the person will appreciate that you actually did try," says Arora.

4. "There's nothing else I can do"

If you are saying this after trying everything for success, it could still sound reasonable. But if you are giving up even before trying, or somewhere mid course, it makes you seem less committed and enthusiastic.

"If, after trying everything, you really do believe that you cannot do anything more, it might be better to say, 'I've tried all of these options, but we're still not making it because of this (reason). Please suggest what else I can do to resolve this issue'," says Arora.

5. "That's impossible"

There's nothing impossible when you have your heart and mind to it.

"Saying that's impossible shows that you are ruling out any way of doing a thing, and if your boss thinks there is a way to do it, there probably is. You just need to change your way of looking at it," says Mittal.

6. "That is so unfair"

Do not play the victim. If you feel something is not fair - and it is not in quite a few cases in the workplace - explain why it is the wrong approach. "Turn your emotions into conviction, not complaint. Reason with people and bring them to see your point of view," says Arora.

Also, if your colleague, for instance, gets a raise and you don't, if he gets recognition and you don't, never say it's not fair or that's unacceptable. "It shows a huge negative impact on your behavior and attitude and makes you look like a person who always cribs," explains Mittal.

7. "I told you so"

Your worry may have come true, but it will not help to keep reminding the sufferer so. Instead of adding to the person's distress, offer to help to clear the mess. You never know who you might need in the future.

You will be doing this person a genuine favour, and in return, he will always be grateful to you.

8. "I did the same thing he did, why am I wrong?"

This is a common mistake people do. The reason why you are hired is because you are different.

If you are doing the same thing someone else does, that person could have easily done what you are doing and you would not hired at all.

9. "Please listen to me!"

If you have to beg others to listen to you, it may seem like you have nothing important to say.

Cut through the noise with a compelling statement, like, "I have a different proposition." or "I know just why this won't work." Within a few moments, your message will sink in - the noise will stop, and people will straighten up and listen to you.

10. "I'm quitting this company right now!"

Whether or not you mean it, giving your manager or others this ultimatum will never lead to any real glory for you. At best, others may perceive that you are very frustrated with your environment, and do not know how else to deal with it than by threatening to quit.

"At worst, you may be taken seriously, and this reckless comment may speed your way out of the organization before you truly want it," says Arora.

Intra day trading by using pivot points

Using pivot points as a trading strategy has been around for a long time and was originally used by floor traders. This was a nice simple way for floor traders to have some idea of where the market was heading during the course of the day with only a few simple calculations.

The pivot point is the level at which the market direction changes for the day. Using some simple arithmetic and the previous days high, low and close, a series of points are derived. These points can be critical support and resistance levels. The pivot level, support and resistance levels calculated from that are collectively known as pivot levels.

Every day the market you are following has an open, high, low and a close for the day. This information basically contains all the data you need to use pivot points.The reason pivot points are so popular is that they are predictive as opposed to lagging.

Because so many traders follow pivot points you will often find that the market reacts at these levels. This give you an opportunity to trade.

If the market opens above the pivot point then the bias for the day is long trades. If the market opens below the pivot point then the bias for the day is for short trades.

The three most important pivot points are R1, S1 and the actual pivot point.

The general idea behind trading pivot points are to look for a reversal or break of R1 or S1. By the time the market reaches R2,R3 or S2,S3 the market will already be overbought or oversold and these levels should be used for exits rather than entries.

A perfect set would be for the market to open above the pivot level and then stall slightly at R1 then go on to R2. You would enter on a break of R1 with a target of R2 and if the market was really strong close half at R2 and target R3 with the remainder of your position.

If, after starting the day above the Pivot, the Price crosses back through the Pivot, the Pivot will act as a Resistance area. Pivot Points and Support and Resistance levels behave exactly like any historical Support and Resistance level.

Unfortunately life is not that simple and we have to deal with each trading day the best way we can.Combine these with simple channeling, retracement levels, past critical supports & resistances, SAR will enhance the success rate.
Pivot Points - Trading Methodology:
To make the discussion a bit less abstract, let's take a most superficial look at some simple trading methodology employing Pivot Points.
Step 1
"In general, if the day's Price Action starts above the Pivot, it will tend to stay above the Pivot.
This simple observation provides the basic rules for two of the simplest Pivot trading systems.
System 1:
Open is above Pivot: Buy
Open is below Pivot: Sell
System 2:
Place Buy and Sell stops bracketing the Pivot. Whichever is not filled acts as safety stop for the other.
These "systems" are very much too raw for my tastes. Too much chance of getting whipsawed. Let's take it one step deeper. Let's refine these simple systems just a bit more:
Step 2
First Fundamental Of Pivot Trading After the opening range (first 15-30 min. to one hour), if price is above/below the Pivot, Price Action will strongly tend to remain above/below the Pivot for the session.
Although this rule bids us to wait out the Opening Range and thus avoid much of the wildness and whipsawing, overlooking the next Fundamental Of Pivot Trading could be disastrous:
Step 3
If the market opens, or later trades at the extremes (R2, R3 or S2, S3), it will exhibit a tendency to trade back toward the Pivot. Thus, the general rule, 'Avoid buying the High or selling the Low', becomes increasingly more stringent as price moves farther from the Pivot.

Google Nexus 7 Vs iPad mini Vs Galaxy Tab 2 3100

Features	Google Nexus 7	Apple iPad mini	Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (P3100)	Verdict
Processor	1.3 GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, which includes a 12-core Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)	Dual-core A5 processor clocked at 1 GHZ	P3100 utilises OMAP 4430 dual core processor running at 1 GHz, which is aided by a PowerVR SGX540 graphics processor.	The Nexus 7 processor looks far ahead of its competitors and may provide an altogether different level of gaming experience.
Screen size & resolution	1280×800 HD display which comes to 216 pixels per inch (ppi)	1024×768 pixels making it around 163 ppi for a 7.9 inch screen.	1,024×600 pixel resolution which gives 170 ppi	At 216 pixels per inch, the Nexus 7 leaves rivals way behind when it comes to screen quality.
Weight	340 grams	308 grams	345 grams	Apple’s iPad mini clearly is the lightest tablet among the three. Besides, the build quality and aesthetics of Apple products command respect and admiration across the world.
Memory	The Google Nexus 7 has 16 GB internal storage of which only 13-14 GB will be available to users.	The iPad mini starts at Rs 21,900 for a 16 GB WiFi only version.	The Samsung tablet comes with 16 GB internal storage along with a micro SD card slot for storage expandable up to 32 GB.	The Samsung has natural advantage as it offers 16 GB internal storage along with micro SD card slots for expanding memory space. While iPad mini scores over the Nexus for providing cellular connectivity and enhanced internal storage on certain versions, it loses the plot with increasing price vis-a-vis Samsung.
Camera	The Nexus 7 has a 1.2-megapixel front camera. No rear camera.	The iPad mini comes with a 5 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front FaceTime Camera.	The P3100 comes with a 3 megapixel camera in the rear and a VGA (0.3 megapixel) camera in the front.	If a camera is a must have in your 7-inch tablet, then the Nexus 7 turns out to be a big disappointment. On the other hand, iPad mini scores with high-quality camera on both front and rear, which is a big plus in a 7-inch tablet.
Operating System	The Google Nexus 7 comes with the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean version.	The iPad mini ships with Apple’s iOS 6.	Samsung has just started pushing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update	If you are a Google/Android junkie, the Nexus 7 tablet will end up being your choice. Unlike other altered versions of the OS this one is pure Google.
Battery	The Nexus 7 has a 4325 mAh battery which is expected to offer 8-9 hours of power on active usage.	The iPad mini offers up to 10 hours battery life on just Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours on cellular data.	The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (P3100)’s 4000 mAh battery can last more than a day with normal usage.	No clear winner, but it is yet to be ascertained whether Nexus 7 can live up to its claim during active game usage.

Indian Budget 2013: Highlights

Budget 2013: Highlights

Fiscal deficit:

> Fiscal deficit seen at 5.2 pct of GDP in 2012/13.

> Fiscal deficit seen at 4.8 pct of GDP in 2013/14.

> Faced with huge fiscal deficit, India had no choice but to rationalise expenditure.

Growth:

> Indian economy faces challenge of getting back to its potential growth rate of 8%. India must unhesitatingly embrace growth as highest goal.

Spending:

Total budget expenditure seen at 16.65 trillion rupees in 2013/14.

India's 2013/14 plan expenditure seen at 5.55 trillion rupees.

Non-plan expenditure estimated at about 12 trillion rupees in 2013/14.

Revised estimate for total expenditure is 14.3 trillion rupees in 2012/13, which is 96 pct of budget estimate.

Set aside 100 billion rupees towards spending on food subsidies in 2013/14.

Revenue

> Expect 133 billion rupees through direct tax proposals in 2013/14.

> Expect 47 billion rupees through indirect tax proposals in 2013/14.

Current account deficit

> India's greater worry is the current account deficit - will need more than $75 billion this year and next year to fund deficit.

Inflation

> Food inflation is worrying, will take all steps to augment supply side.

Tax

> Proposes surcharge of 10 pct on rich taxpayers with annual income of more than 10 million rupees a year.

> To increase surcharge to 10 pct on domestic companies with annual income of more than 100 million rupees.

> To continue 15 pct tax concession on dividend received by India companies from foreign units for one more year.

> Propose to impose withholding tax of 20 pct on profit distribution to shareholders.

> Amnesty on service tax non-compliance from 2007 * 10 bln rupees for first installment of balance of GST (Goods and Services Tax) payment.

> Propose to reduce securities transaction tax on equity futures to 0.01 pct from 0.017 pct.

> Time to introduce commodities transaction tax (CTT) * CTT on non-agriculture futures contracts at 0.01 pct.

Corporate sector and markets

> Plans to issue inflation-indexed bonds.

> Proposes capital allowance of 15 pct to companies on investments of more than 1 billion rupees.

> Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) can use investments in corporate, government bonds as collateral to meet margin requirements.

> Insurance, provident funds can trade directly in debt segments of stock exchanges.

> FIIs can hedge forex exposure through exchange-traded derivatives