Articles: At Work | myStarjob.com

Monday, March 23, 2015

The importance of true subject matter experts

In this age of information, it is common to come across plenty of folk who are knowledgeable in their fields. However, nothing can replace the true nit and grit one learns from raw experience. This is where subject matter experts (SME) come into play.

Monday, January 26, 2015

10 ways coaching improves managerial performance

“A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, and has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you can be.” – Tom Landry

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

10 New Year resolutions to boost your career

Like every year, we make resolutions to start the year on a positive note and to make progress. In this article I will cover how to make resolutions from a professional perspective and suggestions for resolutions.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Get lucky: 3 mindsets that help you ‘score’ at work

Imagine this: A lady who seemed to have her stars aligned perfectly in her favour who never really experienced real obstacles in her pursuit of success; A young entrepreneur who creates a simple app and sells his company for the billions that he never imagined having.

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Is your boss playing favourites?

Do you have a colleague who seems to be the boss’s pet? The one whom the boss praises the most or is most inclined to promote? Or the one the boss socialises with the most and confides in confidential matters with?

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

What are high performers made of?

As you reflect on your career, do you ask yourself how you and your performance are perceived by others? As you look at colleagues and bosses do you question if high performers are made or born? As you reflect on your future, are you curious to know what competencies will put you at a serious advantage to others?

Monday, November 24, 2014

Three tips to mentally battle your work stress

Stress, simply put, is experienced when the perceived demands that you are experiencing exceeds your ability to cope. In other words, it’s when you feel more intense “arghs!” per hour than usual.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Who are the happiest people at work?

Happiness is a state of mind regardless of external circumstances and events. The most secure and long lasting happiness that we are in control of is our inner world. It is the choice we make where no matter how much hardship, pain, loss, dishonesty, ingratitude, unfairness and jealousy we experience, we can still choose happiness.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Five tips for dressing for success

You take immense pride in your sense of style and your wardrobe is envied by your peers. While you’ve mastered the rules on dressing to impress the outside world, office work wear is an entirely different ballgame (unless your name is Erin Brockovich).

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Seven awkward questions never to ask your boss

When it comes to work or even school, asking questions is a good thing. However, there are some questions that are just plain inappropriate to ask, especially to your bosses, unless you and your boss are exchanging friendship bracelets or if you have worked for them long enough. It can cost you your job and may affect your performance.

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Nine things you can do to be happier at work

It is tempting to think that happy people are the way they are because they’ve gone through life a little easier. But this is far from the case.

Monday, September 29, 2014

10 undeniable signs you’re a workaholic

There is a huge difference between a hardworking employee and a workaholic. Workaholics bring a whole new meaning to the word “work”. It is not something that you just suddenly turn into one day.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The one thing that’s missing from all our KPIs

Muhammad Ali, idolised as the world’s greatest boxer, said once in an interview, “Everyone and everything on this Earth serves a purpose. A cheese has a purpose, the moon has a purpose, the sun has a purpose and the cheetah has a purpose.”

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

How to ask for a pay rise and get a bonus

Wishing you could start off your year with a heftier paycheck? Melissa Norman of Kelly Services tells you how.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Whose job is it, anyway?

If you think it is not your role to serve customers — think again! Although most organisations will include something about customers in their vision statements, organisation goals and so on, employees often lose sight of them.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Encourage employees to volunteer!

Building volunteer activities into your company’s infrastructure is good for employees, communities and business.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Manage your emotions!

Find out how to boost your emotional intelligence for a happier work and personal life.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Connecting for success

Here are three ways to expand your influence at work!

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Give an inch, gain a mile

A good negotiator strives to make both parties happy.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Building a dynamic career

An engineering graduate chooses to work in the real estate industry.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Coaching round the clock

Elite fitness trainers are going the extra mile to keep tabs on their clients by texting motivational messages, wake-up calls, and warnings to not go for that slice of pizza. But, it doesn’t stop there.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Starting from the shop floor

Entry-level retail jobs can lead to successful careers in the industry.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Work on your charisma

Developing certain behavioural traits can make others gravitate towards you!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Make cold calling a breeze

Engaging the customer is key to being a successful telemarketer!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Know your fellow employees well to boost performance

Many of the world's woes - and office spats - are caused by miscommunication. Learn to avoid finding yourself in the middle of an office war!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Looking for the middle ground

Stressed and feeling like there aren't enough hours in a day? It's time to find a balance between office work and personal life.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Good business in fitness

As Malaysia mulls the idea of an incentives to encourage healthy lifestyles, small fitness studios are looking to close the deal with potential clients

Unleashing the power within

Help your team members uncover their potential.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Attract and retain top talent

A fair reward system and staff development are key factors that attract people. Are you doing well?

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Get better fluency in (body) language!

When conducting interviews, HR personnel need to read candidates' body language as well as their resumes. Do you really know how to tell when a person is lying to you? Christian Chua, a master practitioner in unconscious communication and a profiling expert tells you how.

Monday, July 02, 2012

Kitchen conqueror

The culinary arts has made Abdul Malik Abdullah, founder of D'Tandoor, the picture of success!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Difficult bosses Part 2: When your boss is the problem

"... Boss, can we talk?" Read these guidelines before you sort things out with your superior.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Difficult bosses Part 1: Are you the problem?

You, not your boss, could be the reason why the two of you do not get along.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Get the life you really want

Turn your professional crisis into an opportunity to reassess your priorities.

Friday, June 08, 2012

Going back to school, mid-career

Before you go back to school, ask these five questions to decide if a midlife career switch is right for you.

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Is job hopping good for you, is it justified?

Jobhoppers should know that larger package, like a sugar high, may seem like a boon in the beginning but may not be so over time.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

From student to professional

Adjusting to the working world can be tough for fresh graduates — here are tips for a smoother transition.

Saturday, June 02, 2012

Caring for animals

A zookeeper shares his experience of working in Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah's personal zoo

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Think on your feet

Here’s how to handle Q&A sessions effectively

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Breaking the deadlock

With the right techniques, you can overcome an impasse in negotiations!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Winning over your boss

Earning your manager’s confidence isn’t about flattering him. It is about finding your place and getting recognition for your views, hard work and effort.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Looking for the exit sign

If you dream about escaping from your office, it’s time for a change.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Not achieving your objectives? Change the way you lead

Develop a leadership style that will help you achieve your goals!

Emotional intelligence is the key to a successful leadership

There are many aspects to leadership, but one very important factor is GOOD leadership is your emotional intelligence. How intelligent are you?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Change your brand culture

Practise the drivers of internal branding to help employees deliver the brand promise

Returning the favour

Focus on what the receiver likes or wants when showing your appreciation!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Stop selling!

Instead of a sales pitch, engage your buyers in a business conversation and watch your revenue grow.

Monday, April 09, 2012

Drawing the line

Companies are now allowing their employees to dress down and be on a first name basis with their bosses but this casual management style may not always work.

Friday, April 06, 2012

Be a better boss

Managers need to reassess their roles when it comes to retaining their staff.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Sales coaching fundamentals - Part 2: Track your success

Assessing productivity can lead your team to greater profits!

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Sales coaching fundamentals - Part 1: Be a visionary

Guide your sales team to success by becoming a good coach.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Don’t kill your talent, take a chance on inexperienced people

Companies could be missing out on great talents just by playing it safe. Take a chance and you could reap great rewards!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Self-awareness leads to better leadership

To be an effective leader you first need to take a look at yourself and your capabilities, says Alex Cummins.

Marketing diligence

Employees who slog it out taking on unglamorous tasks behind the scenes, have a dogged attitude towards work and should be recognised and rewarded.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Power of branding

Delivering on promises is the best gift an organisation can give itself and its employees. Do you know the three essential steps to effective branding?

Getting Gen Y To Commit

The secret to retaining Gen Y talent: Interesting work and employee engagement

Monday, March 19, 2012

DO YOU understand the difference between submissive, aggressive and assertive behaviour?

Manage difficult people by stating your case calmly without violating their rights.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Handling your workload well

Plan ahead to keep your workload from overwhelming you.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Great service guilts customers into coming back

Guilt: The catalyst for return customers? "Yes!" says Alan Fairweather.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Gen Y Commitment Anxiety

Older managers expect certain work ethics and values from their Gen Y colleagues and when young employees do not live up to their expectations, they are considered irresponsible with no dedication to their jobs.

Friday, March 09, 2012

Hiring the best

To be a successful recruiter, you must attract people.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Haha, laugh your way to the bank

Happiness pays off! Make your customers smile and retain their loyalty with a lighter side.

Monday, March 05, 2012

Leader E.Q.

Every one of us can claim to be a leader but how many can lead successfully?

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Selling in a buyer’s market

There are four skills you must master to sell to today’s consumers.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How to say 'NO!' to a heavier workload

If you can't remember the last time you had a proper meal, and you can't see your desk under the files... Well, you need to read this.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The eureka moment

In a highly competitive globalised marketplace, creativity is the key to the solution of challenges at the workplace in order to yield that blissful moment of success.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Unleash your Net Generation employees' FULL pontential!

Do you have what it takes to ride the digital wave? What should Net Generation employees and their employers should know.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Protecting native flora and fauna

Botanists are mapping the health of our native plants and the results so far are grim.

Friday, February 03, 2012

Personal branding: Make your first impression your best impression

Why you need it, and how-tos from the pro! You don't want to miss these career-changing tips.

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Is your website global village-friendly?

Speak their language! Businesses operating in a global village need a multilingual website to attract more customers.

Friday, January 27, 2012

An effective team member is one who also thinks and behaves like a leader.

'Followers' is not synonymous with 'sheep'!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Telling the boss he is wrong: Career suicide or fast lane to promotion?

Do you have an opinion that your boss may not like? Maybe you should read this first.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Work-life harmony: Part 4

Maximising productivity at work: Nurture happy and productive employees with solutions to incorporate greater flexibility.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Work-life harmony: Part 3

Building trust, boosting productivity: An organisation that is committed to work-life integration has more productive and loyal employees!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Work-life harmony: Part 2

Build an innovative culture! Optimise performance by giving staff the flexibility to balance work and personal priorities.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Work-life harmony: Part 1

Wired up for work balance: Leveraging technology benefits both employers and employees!

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Reduce staff turnover by increasing flexibility

Flexibility is vital! Having a flexible programme in the workplace can reduce staff turnover.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Walk in someone else’s shoes

Before you write someone off as being “difficult”, understand that he may just have a different perspective from yours.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Fall back in love with your job

Job disenchantment is common, but as with a personal relationship, you need to find ways to rekindle passion for your work!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Focus on your audience

Overcome your fear of public speaking by concentrating on giving value to your listeners.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Make good use of your anger

Harness the energy anger generates and make it work for you in the office!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Treat complaints as opportunities

Turn dissatisfied clients into loyal ones with a good customer recovery system

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Say yes to contracting

Contract work can broaden your horizons and extend your career.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Gain more exposure

Contract work offers professionals flexibility as well as opportunities to gain experience in new environments.

Monday, November 07, 2011

Add value with better service

Productivity and service quality can be improved simultaneously.

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Be a team player

The key to good teamwork is commitment to shared goals.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Moving for the family

Tips to consider before moving back to be with your family

New place, new life

Keep these tips in mind if you intend to relocate for a career boost

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

In search of greener pastures

Before you take the plunge, consider the advantages and disadvantages of relocating

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Serving from the heart

Appease a dissatisfied customer by showing that you care

Saturday, October 01, 2011

20 good work habits to develop

These skills will prepare you for a successful career

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Working with passion

Asking questions about these five Cs will help you build a career you love

Monday, September 12, 2011

The art of winning customers

Adapt from Sun Tzu’s strategies and improve your relationships with clients

Monday, August 22, 2011

Don’t get hooked

If you fall for the bait that difficult people dangle in front of you, you are letting them control your behaviour

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rise up, step up, speak up

Here are three keys to help you build the best team for your organisation

Monday, July 11, 2011

Build a winning website

Use these web design concepts to attract and retain your online audience

Monday, July 04, 2011

Catch the bug!

Viral marketing is the new way to maximise impact on products and services

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Marketing yourself online

Use social networking sites to connect with customers.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Time to move on

“When is it time to look for a new job?” is a question career coaching clients ask me. I always tell them that whatever they do, they should not remain miserable.