JobRadio.fm begins streaming career advice

JobRadio.fm is a newly launched internet radio stream, founded by veteran podcasters Chris Russell and Peter Clayton. The station's goal is "to be the place to hear the best and brightest discuss career related topics. Whether its an interview with a career coach or industry exec, or just a simple job search tip, JobRadio.fm is the only such internet radio station of its kind… dedicated to career advice."

Some of their topics include: "150 Best Recession Proof Jobs" and "Four Secrets to Liking your Work: Learn to get the job you want without quitting". Check out their live program stream.

Five Reasons To Put Performance Management First

YourHRGuy.com writes: "Even your satisfied and engaged HR guy dislikes certain aspects of human resources. I know, hard to believe.

One of those things are annual performance appraisals... Like many things in life though, some of the most difficult tasks in life are also the most important and talent management is not an exception... So why do you need great performance management system that includes periodic reviews?"

The article then elaborates on five key points. Here's a quick summary:

1. Regularly Scheduled Performance Communication
2. Setting Your Bar High
3. Using The Same Measuring Stick
4. Getting The Full Picture
5. It Works

Insightful stuff. Read the full article here.

Distractions at work could help problem-solving

Telegraph.co.uk: "Distractions in the workplace have long been a source of complaint between colleagues but according to a new study, they may actually help us solve problems...

Professor Adam Galinsky, who led the study, said: "Conscious thought is better at making linear, analytic decisions, but unconscious thought is especially effective at solving complex problems. Unconscious activation may provide inspirational sparks underlying the 'Aha!' moment that eventually leads to important discoveries.""

So, in other words, LOLcats are an effective workplace productivity tool - right?

Should Salaries Be Made Public?

The radio show Here and Now on NPR station WBUR in Boston had an interesting segment today. It discussed the pros and cons of "salary transparency". Here's a summary of the discussion:

"Some researchers say most of us think we are underpaid and that colleagues are making more money than they actually are. Is salary transparency the solution? We speak to Traci Fenton, founder of WorldBlu, which compiles a list of what it calls the most democratic workplaces..."

The best part comes at the end. The host asks the proponent what her salary is, and she chooses not to share that information. Telling perhaps, but there may be certain work situations where this could help. It will be interesting to see if this becomes more widely adopted.

You can listen to the full audio clip online here.

Photo credit: su.bo

How to Protect Your Job in a Stormy Industry

The New York Times 'Career Couch' includes some very topical Q&A. While the questions are targeted at the financial services industry, the advice is broadly applicable.

The bottom line? “Just because financial services is down, don’t believe that there are no opportunities and lose hope in the process,” he said. “It only takes one job. Keep your perspective.”

Read the full Q&A here...

10 ways to survive office politics

TechRepublic author, Calvin Sun, writes: "Office politics will never go away. It’s a fact of company life. However, destructive office politics can demoralize an organization, hamper productivity, and increase turnover. Here are some tips, applicable for both staff and management, on dealing with office politics..."

The article then goes on to list ten suggestions. Here's a summary:

1. Live at peace with others
2. Don’t talk out of school
3. Be helpful
4. Stay away from gossip
5. Stay out of those talk-down-the-boss sessions
6. Be a straight arrow
7. Address the “politics” issue openly when appropriate
8. Document things
9. Set incentives to foster teamwork
10. Set an example for your staff

Read the list in full detail...