Thursday, October 18, 2012

Five Tips to Successfully Retain Generation

They're called Generation Y: People born between 1978 and 1994, and they're rapidly climbing the business ladder. As more and more of them rise to entry level management positions, it's increasingly important for upper management to understand how these young managers think in order to keep their interest in the organization.
Dr. Alison MacLeod, currently a researcher at the Human Element based in Cambridge, UK, sought to determine the behavior of these managers: their work-life balance, internet habits, career goals and more. Her report is the basis for this article.
Here are five strategies employers may find useful in retaining Generation Y managers and cultivating their growth in the organization.
1. Get Involved
Only 41% of Generation Y managers in this study reported regular reviews with their line managers. This is a symptom of a much larger problem and is directly related to the fact that younger managers don't have the same organizational loyalty as those that are more senior. While part of this can be attributed to additional time invested by a senior manager, the disconnect between upper management and Generation Y managers needs to be remedied if organizations want to retain these individuals in the long term.
Getting involved does not necessarily need to translate to increased supervision or micromanagement. In fact, evidence suggests that Generation Y managers are very proactive and independent. However, they require consistent feedback that helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses and points out avenues toward increased education and eventual responsibility.
2. Give Them Room to Grow
Generation Y managers are incredibly driven regarding learning new skills and progressing up the corporate structure as quickly as possible, sometimes to their own detriment. As an employer, it is in your best interest to offer these managers as much headroom as possible, because they typically aren't afraid to walk away and join another organization where the headroom is perceived to be greater. Generation Y managers get the most satisfaction from professional courses and qualifications, so an organization that provides a constant path upward toward ever more certifications will retain a Generation Y manager longer than one that does not. Blended learning, the practice of utilizing professional online networks to encourage more personal contact between younger managers and their mentors has been found to be an effective supplement to professional learning.
If the organization has no headroom in the manager's current sector, job rotation is another way of keeping these managers engaged and retaining them within the organization.
3. Emphasize Positive Organizational Effects
90% of Generation Y managers surveyed said they wanted to work for an organization they can believe in. This was the point that was common to the greatest number of study responses. With such agreement, organizations would do well to bear this in mind when constructing a workplace culture. This culture need not be heavy handed and attempt to drum up corporate pride through traditional motivational methods; it can be as simple as pointing out the ways in which the organization is positively contributing to society and encouraging employees to take part in volunteer efforts and other programs that highlight social responsibility. As managers grow older, it becomes increasingly important that their organization have strong values, and a constant commitment to corporate social responsibility will go a long way toward satisfying a Generation Y manager's need to believe in the positive effect of their organization on society.
4. Maintain Flexibility
One of the greatest frustrations of Generation Y managers is the inability of organizations to change to reflect new realities, whether technological, organizational or otherwise. Generation Y managers want their organization to be as flexible as they are, able to alter its approach to best take advantage of new technologies or respond to changing market conditions. Upper management needs to respond more positively when Generation Y managers identify policies or procedures that are ineffective or counterproductive. If these items are necessary for reasons unknown to the manager, explaining them will help further their education while instilling the feeling that their input is valued nonetheless.
5. Don't Lose Site of Traditional Benefits
Although Generation Y certainly appreciates the more exotic benefits that have popped up in companies over the last several years, they are no substitute for traditional perks such as financial incentives and healthcare. Other lifestyle benefits did not enter into a manager's decision of whether to remain with a particular organization or look elsewhere. The only exception to this rule lies in wellness and fitness benefits, which were appreciated more than any other such benefit.
Overall, the number one item sought by Generation Y managers is transferable skills. If your organization meets this need while at the same time providing constructive, regular feedback, embracing new technology, acknowledging and considering recommendations and reinforcing the positive actions of your organization on society, it will be in the best possible position to recruit and retain Generation Y managers as they continue to make their way up the organizational chart.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Franklin Park Zoo

The Franklin Park in Boston, Massachusetts is a historical park and a significant landmark accredited as the crown jewel of Frederick Law Olmstead's works. He is known as the Father of American Landscape Architecture. This country park, serving as an oasis for the city people, was established in the late 19th century.
In the early 20th century a zoological park by the name Franklin Park Zoo was opened at the Franklin Park to offer a novel experience for the residents. Both Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham are operated under a firm called the Zoo New England. It is a private non-profit firm committed to conserving endangered animals while providing unparalleled educational resources for the same discipline.
An encounter with hundreds of wild animals exhibited in an area that spans for over 70 acres is indeed a unique experience not to be missed. Best of all these animals represent different parts of the world and are exhibited in simulated habitats. The zoo hosts various educational programs for all age groups from kids to adults. And it also offers camping facilities for children where they can experience and explore the nature's mysteries and wonders first hand.
The Tropical Forest at the Franklin Zoo is where you can get the vibes of a true rainforest, surrounded by diverse plants and animals. When you step into the Kalhari Kingdom brace yourself to meet the formidable African lion with its majestic mane, face to face. If you are a cat lover who adores their big cousins the tigers, you would be delighted to meet the zoo's resident tigers at the Tiger Tales.
Franklin Zoo's key magnet is its indoor gorilla exhibit where you can get to know one of the most intimate gorilla families in the world. The zoo has about seven of them with adorable names. Two of them prefer playing and splashing in the water, which is not a usual trait found among the wild gorillas. Some of them prefer eating sweet fruits like cantaloupe, zucchini and even corn right off the cobs. You can learn so much about this friendly gorilla family while keenly observing their expressions, gestures and various behavioural patterns.
Franklin Park Zoo is a great place for picnics as it has outdoor tables all set for you to sit and enjoy your food. You can also buy various refreshments including sandwiches, salads, pizzas, hamburgers and hotdogs at its Giddy-Up Grill and Kalhari Kitchen. And to cherish this memorable trip to the zoo there is a fine gift shop selling a host of items including apparel, plush toys and games.
Spend your Boston holiday at a luxury hotel in Boston and enjoy a day out with your family at the Franklin Park Zoo, the little oasis in the midst of a bustling city. You can try one of the finest downtown Boston hotels, such as The Langham Boston near the charming garden of the Post Office Square. While enjoying their sumptuous amenities you can get quick access to Boston's best shopping centres and restaurants from here. Best of all some of the popular tourist hotspots are sited around the hotel including the New England Aquarium and the Boston Harbour waterfront.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

How to Write an Autobiography

Writing an Autobiography is of immense importance when starting your career. This is just like your face in front of the employer. It is the only information that the employer has about you before the interview. If the autobiography is not written in a good way, then you may never reach the interview. To write the autobiography in a good way is very important in accordance with the job applying for. This will really impress the one who reads it first in order to get to the interview. Then, everything will be in your hands.
General Autobiography Writing Tips
- Your resume should neither be too short nor too long. One page is ideal. If the contents cannot be adjusted in one page then the maximum are two pages.
- The autobiography should give an orderly look, it means that in one glance it should be obvious that where the education, experience and skills are. There should not be a mess in the contents; the person who reviews your autobiography has many other also, so he will not have time nor patience to go through the messy contents.
- It is very essential that the information provided in the autobiography is relevant to the job position being applied for. There is absolutely no use of giving detailed information about everything that you have done if it is not relevant with the position you are applying for.
- You have to be honest about your qualification, experience and skills. Everything written in your Autobiography will be the main reason for you to be accepted or rejected. It will be very embarrassing for you and the employer if it is later discovered that your qualification and experience does not correspond with what you have written in your Autobiography.
- When starting to write about your Autobiography, it has to be done very carefully and enough time should be given to it. An Autobiography written in a good manner can open many doors. On the other hand, an Autobiography which is written carelessly will only be of harm for you. A good Autobiography is worth any minute devoted for it, so take sufficient time for doing this work.
Types of Autobiography Formats
Autobiography formats are mainly of two types - chronological type and Functional type. The chronological type focuses on the chronological order of your job experience. Everything in it is listed by dates. This is the most commonly used. The functional type stresses on your skills rather focusing on the chronology of your experience.
Sections of an Autobiography
An Autobiography has several obligatory sections. The heading is the place where your name, address, e-mail and telephone number is to be written, other information like your websites and your coordinates can also be mentioned. Job Objective statement is a very important part. The specific job which you are applying for has to be written as there might be more than one vacancies at the moment.
Skills section is also very important. This section maybe is of greatest interest to the employer. You have to make sure that all your skills relevant to the vacancy you are applying for are listed. It is also very important that this information should be current.
The education section mentions information about what you have studied, what courses you have done and the type of licenses you have, if any. You have to again give all the information which is relevant to the position applied for.
Next section is the Job experience section. Most of the companies look for experienced employees, this section could be very helpful if you have the relevant experience relating to the job. You have to write here at least three of your latest jobs. Don't forget to write the year and the month along with the job title. It is very essential to write about your job responsibilities for each and every one of the jobs mentioned.
Before sending your autobiography
If you have already written your autobiography, proof read it, check the grammar as bad grammar errors will give a very bad impression to the reader. You have to make sure that it looks good and that it is correctly printed on a fine quality paper. Remember that you can always refer to Autobiography samples which are available online. Before sending your Autobiography, take your time and thoroughly read it, make sure that it is alright.