Thank you for supporting SIPM over the years, thank you for being kind. I wish you Happy Holiday Season.
I will see you next year :)
Gift Giving(recommended books): For your Friends and Family
This is definitely for the reader in your circle, book isn't everyones cup of tea and not everyones enjoys getting one as gift.
I always do, so I thought I would put a up a mix of books that you can gift depending on the kind of person he or she is. plus I always think its more of a thoughtful gift than handing over gift cards.
I always do, so I thought I would put a up a mix of books that you can gift depending on the kind of person he or she is. plus I always think its more of a thoughtful gift than handing over gift cards.
- The Sleep Revolution- For the workaholic in your life, when you need them to know the importance of taking some time off and sleep. I bought this book on a whim in an airport while travelling and was blown away by the research behind it. I still have the book and haven’t donated or given away.
- Atomic Habits- My recent buy (kindle version), perfect gifting during this holiday season for those who really want to keep up their resolution this year by understanding habits. More about the author and his style of content can be found on his website
- When Breath Becomes Air- The most heartbreaking of reads which kept me awake at nights for a really long time- the reason I kept it in this list is for those people who always complaint and magnify their problems. If you think your problem is killing you, this one will bring in shift of perspective you are looking for. You can only be grateful for your life after you finish reading this one.
- The Power of Now- for the philosophical one in your friend circle, this book will make you think and go beyond. I pull this out at times, when I feel under the weather and it always works.
- Possession- is the only fiction in this list. I don’t read fiction as much as I used to now, however every time I think of a good fiction, this has been one of my favorites that was recommended during my university days. To read reviews, click here
( Pic courtesy: Google Images)Disclosure- this post contains affiliate links.
Gift Ideas: Office and Co-workers
And its that time of the year, when we are ready to say thank you and spread on the cheer. For today, I thought I would share some gift ideas that would work for your peers and would be thoughtful and something that can be used in work or home setting.
I have kept prices fair reasonable and the ideas very practical that can be used on a regular basis, I do hope you love them :)
- Desk decor- I like to personalise my desk and space, this piece not only makes the place warm and cosy but definitely more cheerful.
- String lights- I use this at home and they are long lasting, you can definitely use them in your Christmas tree or home desk.
- Bluetooth headphone- you can carry it to the gym or work, portable and without the hassle of wire and comfy on the ear.
- Bluetooth Speakers- I love mine and it can be a nice gift to those who love listening to music, audio books or podcasts
- Label maker- who doesn’t need to organise their space, time saver and life saver
- Laptop desk (adjustable)- know someone who is always working, the desk can be used multiple ways and this would make anyone happy, its on my wishlist too.
- French press travel mugs- If you are coffee person like me or know someone who needs their morning fix specially with the winer closing in, this gives you the flexibility to carry with them
- Doodle Notepad/Diary- who doesn’t like a good doodle option, they have even been told to have benefits
- Borosil Glass Lunchbox- if you carry our own lunch and prefer to say no to plastic, this is for you.
- Office plant- simple and yet very effective gift for someone who loves their desk space to look they have a personal touch to it
- Fruit infuser water bottle 1 litre- the most in thing now and for the health freak in your team who only drinks water, this just fancies it up and ensure they remember you everyday
- Copper Water Bottle-lot of advantages of drinking from copper bottle, this is practical and yet blingy.
- Daily Planner- the one who like to be organised and on top of their game, reasonably priced and can be carried in the office bag
- Leather Gift set-need a little formal gift option, try this one when you don’t know much abut the person’s preferences, this for sure will make everyone happy
- Goal setting planner (free)- don’t want to be spend, why not print this out and gift in a folder
There you go, now you can get shopping (contains affiliate links) for your coworkers and next post coming up on recommended books for gift giving.
(Pic courtesy: Google Images)
(Pic courtesy: Google Images)
Ready for a new job? Heres the hows and whys?
Your chances of accepting an offer are statistically significant 2.6% to 6.6% higher if you were referred by a current employee than if you weren’t, mentions Glassdoor.
So, what do you think- does knowing the right person get you a job?
It clearly does. So, how do you find the right person, the question is what are you doing when looking for the job.
How do you know you are ready to find your next job?
People don’t quit their job, they leave their bosses- I find it true in a lot of cases including my own and Harvard Business review confirms .
Richard Branson believes that “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough that they don’t want to”.
While a lot is said about bosses and managers, its also your responsibility to let them know what you are looking for and who you are. Sometimes opinions about you are formed in your absence, so its important to discuss your goals and interests with your manager as well. Bringing it up politely once in awhile ensure your boss hasn’t forgotten about it and when the right opening comes up, he or she might let you in.
To ensure your boss is helping you, don’t forget to do your work. If that doesn’t work and things seem real stagnant or bad and you are tired, see lack of advancement and opportunities- it might be time to start looking at the market.
Career Fulfilment- Its said that when you have the right combination of Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose in your work you are fulfilled (Read Drive by Daniel Pink ).
Culture plays a crucial role as well and how you fit in matters.
Tony Hsieh of Zappos known to hire based on the social/cultural fit of candidates mentions “We’ve actually passed on a lot of really smart, talented people that we know can make an immediate impact on our top or bottom line, but if they’re not good for the company culture, we won’t hire them for that reason alone”.
To buy the book "Delivering Happiness" click here .To know more about their hiring process, click here .
If you find yourself not fitting in and constantly feeling the need to not be yourself but someone else to impress, it can be an indicator to move on.
How to look for a job?
Well, simply put you have to put a plan in place. Knowing the right person matters, now you have to look for one.
Eye on the Market- Look at the current market situation and asses your own skills, you should know where you want to be and the role you are eyeing by now (thats why you are ready to quit). Find out who’s hiring in the market and then look up your contacts in Linkedin and other social platforms you are part of. Platforms like Meetup (based on similar interests) could also be a great source for knowing openings. List out the desired companies and then get to work. Find either contacts inside or email people in the role (similar) about the work, advancement opportunities and the company in general. If everything seems to go well and you feel positive about it- ask for a referral.
Work with you mentor/sponsor- Hopefully you already have one by now, they can always use their contacts or expertise to redirect you the right person or openings. Incase you haven’t been lucky enough to find a mentor, sign up where you have mentors waiting to work with you , you don’t have to engage in cold calls or random emails anymore, thats a thing of the past.
Find out about the Prospective Company
Even before applying for an open position, consider if the move is right for you. Moving from one job to another to move again in a years time is not a good idea. So ensure you know the company, the culture and the feedback before you decide to invest your time there. Glassdoor is a great way to get the reviews and then get it validated with direct questions with your contact within the organization.
Nail the Interview
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? There are multiple resources that share the tentative insider scoops on interviews. You can find some of them listed below.
- To prepare for behavorial based interview, click here
- Know how to nail interview- click here
- Most common interview questions, click here.
- Getting the job, the how to.
Negotiate
30% of women don't bother to negotiate at all, while 46% of men negotiate,” according to Katie Donovan, founder of Equal Pay Negotiations. So, you decide what its that you really want to go for and at what point you would like to close the discussion.
Good Luck!
(Pic courtesy: Google Images)
