6 Job Search Tips for Working Mothers

6 Job Search Tips for Working Mothers6 Job Search Tips for Working Mothers5Do you need some job search tips for working mothers? Making the decision to embark on a job search is huge for anyone, but as a parent, time constraints with children and work can complicate the search. To make the process go a bit more smoothly, there are a few job search tips for working mothers (and fathers) to consider.In addition to making time for searching, job search tips for working moms often include the process of updating documents and preparing for interviews. There are also many other job search tips for working mothers that are often overlooked, such as seeking domestic help while juggling working, parenting, and job searching. For more job search ideas, check out the following job search tips for working motherstischset a schedule for job searching.Scheduling time for job searching is necessary, especially when you are juggling a family and a career. Find a time that is best for you to dedicat e to your job search and stick to it. For instance, Monday can be for finding openings, Tuesday can be for sending out resumes, and Thursday can be for follow-up calls.Have a plan.Not only do you need a schedule, you also need a job search strategy. Setting short-term and long-term goals for the job search, re-vamping documents, updating your wardrobe, and getting yourself interview-ready can help in driving a successful job search.Use your networks.Tap into both your professional network and your parental network. Even your stay-at-home mom friends can be a useful resource when networking. Making connections on the professional and parental sides will help get your name out there and identify potential opportunities.Ask for help.There is no shame in waiving the white flag. Despite the image of a do-it-all-mom, you cant and dont have to do it all. Enlist help at home to free up time to focus on your job search. On the job search front, seek out services that can help with resume wri ting and finding job leads.Look for flexibility in your next job.As a working mother, youre already well aware of the difficulty of juggling work and family responsibilities. As you conduct your job search, be on the lookout for flexible jobs that offer options like telecommuting, flexible or alternative schedules, and perhaps even part-time roles.Be prepared and practiced.For every resume you send out and every call you make, be prepared with additional information. When you are interviewing, be well-versed and practiced to wow your interviewers.Whether your job search has just begun or you are jump-starting a stalled job search, there are many resources available to working mothers. In addition to using a service such as, working mothers can utilize blogs for working moms and work-life balance tips to create a less stressed environment for job searching. Happy job searchingReaders, what job search tips for working mothers do you have? Share your ideas and experiences with us in th e comments section below

How to Pack Like a Model for Your Upcoming Trip

How to Pack Like a Model for Your Upcoming TripHow to Pack Like a Model for Your Upcoming TripThe life of a model during fashion week is anything but stationary. But even on year-round, they are going to different studios across the big four modeling capitals of the world- and more. Excelling in the industry means traveling, and lots of it Youll bounce from shoot to shoot, from ??a runway to another, and will have to be ready to jet off to an exotic locale at a moments notice. It sounds glamorous and there are many perks to being a runway model, but all that traveling can be stressful if you dont know how to prepare for it. How a Model Packs for a Trip The best models have mastered the art of packing. They have a knack for knowing exactly how and what to pack (and just as important, what not to pack) for just about any occasion. Follow these packing tips from top models. Choose the right suitcase. First things first You have to plattl the right luggage for the job. If youre headi ng out for a quick shoot, dont bring an industrial-sized suitcase. Youll look silly and youll feel compelled to fill all the extra space with stuff you dont need. Instead, try to stick with a simple carry-on thatll let you skip the baggage carousel and travel with ease. If youre going away for an extended period of time, youll need a larger piece of luggage. Hard-shell suitcases are great because they keep all your precious possessions from getting squished and/or destroyed. Roll your clothes. Rolling your clothes into snug little bundles is an easy way to save space in your suitcase and keep everything organized. This trick helps prevent wrinkles too. Its inevitable that some of your clothes will end up wrinkled no matter how well you pack them. But dont worry. After you have a hot shower at your hotel, simply hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom and close the door to keep the steam inside. The hot, moist air will make them smooth again. Plan your outfits ahead of time.Its im possible to plan ahead for every circumstance you might encounter while on your trip, but it definitely helps to plan for the ones youre absolutely aya about. That way, youll know exactly what to bring and can easily check off each item as you pack. You might even be able to find new ways to mix and match and overlap a few key pieces to cut down on the bulk. Prioritize packing basics only. When it comes to packing, versatility is key. Be sure to pack a few basics like jeans, t-shirts, and a jacket you can wear with just about anything. Dont be afraid to be a ruthless editor, either. You know the old saying, Take half the clothes and twice the money? Well, its true and its probably the best packing advice youll ever receive. Use space by saving bags. These handy little bags will save you oodles of space. Simply fill them with clothes and vacuum out the excess air to make a compact little package. Many brands are guaranteed to be air and water tight, so be sure to take along some extr a bags in case you need to transport wet or dirty clothes. Pick a color scheme. The fewer colors you pack, the easier it will be to choose outfits on the road. Many supermodels stick with neutrals and add in pops of color with a bright bag or a unique accessory. Pack an extra bag. Even if you dont plan on going on a shopping spree while abroad, its smart to pack an extra bag. Because hey, shopping happens. (And also because its cheaper to pay for the second piece of luggage than it is to pay for an excessively heavy one.) Bring your own pillowcase. Bringing your own pillowcases to cover hotel pillows can go a long way in making you feel at home. You will sleep more soundly knowing that your skin is next to familiar fabrics, detergents, and smells.You can always take anew inexpensive set that can be left behind when you leave. Dont forget your sunglasses. Whats the first thing Miranda Kerr does when she steps off a plane? She puts on her sunglasses. For one, she often heads straight to work and doesnt want to do her eye makeup. And two, sunglasses make you look catwalk ready even though you just suffered through a 12-hour flight.

5 overrated email phrases youve probably used before (and what to say instead)

5 overrated schmelzglas phrases youve probably used before (and what to say instead)5 overrated emaille phrases youve probably used before (and what to say instead)Whens the last time you asked someone in an email if you could pick their brain? Weve all done it at one point or another, whether we were students eager to meet with potential internship supervisors or just starting out in our careers and trying to impress our bosses. This phrase, like a handful of others, are commonly used, but theyre overrated and often evoke a negative reaction from the email recipient. Here are five phrases you should banish from your email vocabulary ASAP along with helpful things to say instead.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more1. Id love to pick your brainIn translation? Id love for you to give me information on something without anything in return, and Im going to ask in a vague way that hopefu lly sounds like Im not asking anything. Though students or entry-level career peopledogenuinely need help, its important to remember that the person whose brain youd like to pick (now that were saying it multiple times, the phrase sounds creepy anyway) is really busy and doesnt have time to play coy if you need something. If youre going to ask someone for help, be straightforward and just ask. Be more direct and pointed about what youd like to learn from this person. Instead, maybe say, Im sure youre up to your ears in work, but if youre free in the near future, Id like to sit down and get your perspective on our business model.2. Hey there,Unless you work on a small, close-knit team or you personally know the person youre emailing, never start an email with - or write in the subject line - any vague greeting like Hey there, or Hey Its the professional protocol to use the recipients name so that you dont sound like a salesperson sending out a mass email and that you show that you have a sense of respect for the person youre addressing.3. I thought Id reach out becauseThis phrase is fairly harmless because youre stating your intent behind contacting the email recipient. The issue, though, is that the phrase isweak. I thought sounds like youre actually not sure that you should be reaching out or asking the question youre about to ask. Also, depending on the recipient, this person could have just a few seconds to look at your email. Any extra words that get in the way of the emails true purpose are going to make it difficult for the recipient to quickly find your question or update. Instead, try something clear and simple along the lines of Id like to set aside 30 minutes next week to talk about this project.4. To whom it may concern,Similar to the Hey discussion, you want to address your recipient directlyevery time. If youre emailing an address that looks something like jobscompanyname.com, you probably feel like you dont have much of a choice outside of keep ing it vague - and that would likely be true if we were talking about 20 years ago when LinkedIn and other social media resources werent available. If youre applying for a job or trying to reach a company via a vague email address, take a brief look at the companys LinkedIn page and do a search for the name of the department head or take your best guess at who the point of contact could be. Even if you address the wrong person in the email, at least you addressed someone relevant who still works at the company. Thats better than taking no initiative and going with Hey to whoevers reading this.5. See belowWhen youre emailing attachments, visuals or anything else you want your recipient to see, dont bail out on explaining what they should pay attention to and why they should pay attention to it. Simply plotting a screenshot of a problematic webpage and saying See below conveys that you arent going to put inanyeffort to give context for what your recipients are seeing. And email lazin ess isnt a good look on a professional. So commit to the email and provide a brief but clear explanation of what you need them to understand by the end of your message..bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-group-1012255-lyDBLV9 width 900pxheight 550px

Networking

NetworkingNetworkingNetworking is your most important job search strategy. Why network? Your elevator speech Make a list of contacts Informational interviews Contact potential employers Maintain your network Take your network online

8 Finance Jobs With The Biggest Pay Growth

8 Finance Jobs With The Biggest Pay Growth8 Finance Jobs With The Biggest Pay Growth Just because you work in the financial sector with money doesnt mean you a make a lot of money- nor does it mean you can expect big bumps in your salary each year. But there are jobs in the industry that show pay growth year over year, according to Glassdoors annual Local Pay Report . Here are eight finance jobs that offer raises- plus the companies hiring. Companies Hiring BNB, Pearl Capital, Wells Fargo, Citizens Bank, Dollar Bank, and mora.Companies Hiring Bank of America, Ascent Wealth Management, Edward Jones, Increase Financial, Capital Financial Group, and moreCompanies Hiring Edward Jones, Increase Financial, Capital Financial Group, Bank of America, Grow Financial, Artifex Financial Group, and more.Companies Hiring Cognitive TPG, Avitus Group, Express Services Inc., Gigabyte Technology, Vanguard Properties Inc., and more .Companies Hiring Lightspeed Systems, T he M.K. Morse, Lumos Networks, NBS, Newfield Exploration, SunOpta, and more .Companies Hiring California Casualty, Progressive Insurance, Gallagher, Safelite, FCCI, McLarens, Liberty Mutual, and more .Companies Hiring Houlette & Garland, Metcalf Hodges P.S., Coker James & Company, Elliott Davis, Blue & Co., Forbes & Company, and more .Companies Hiring The Nolan Group, State Farm, American National Insurance Group, Allstate, The Leazer Group, Acceptance Insurance, and more .

About Me Template Exposed

About Me Template Exposed The Ultimate About Me Template Trick Due to Facebooks popularity, theres always a possibility that your competition might choose the exact same Facebook Profile Template or Facebook project schablone that youve been meaning to utilize for your organization. Try the CVitae template if you wish to take advantage of the popular parallax design and produce an impression on potential employers. All you have to do now is install the template and update all the required pictures and information to find the results that you desire. For this reason, you do not (always) need to be concerned about using the exact template as your competition. You do not need to create a cover for each template. In Word as an example, click Word Template. From that point, create a template. This Theme wascreated employing a totally free template by Desinika. Instead, the whole profile is extremely funny and distinctive in a clever way. As soon as you refresh the page it will return to regular view mode and youll be able to observe the way that it will look to everyone else Remain true to the theme, and youll get a coherent piece that will get you a great grade. This template is an excellent selection for everyone who would like to stick out from the crowd and produce a fantastic impression with a personal video message. about Me Template Explained You may certainly write a good deal more if its relevant. View DigitalTrend is among the top tech magazines. The 3 items have to fit in a typical backpack. Each page is its own masterpiece. however, it ties along with the total design perfectly and you dont ever have to wonder if youre leise taking a look at the exact same site. Describe the game and the way it is played. Think about the stats you may use to produce a point about your business mission or quantify your impact for a business to include on your About Us page. The important thing to bear in mind is that youre marketing yourself. So be sure that your profile reflects that The contact section comprises a trendy contact form and links to your social networking profiles in addition to your email address and contact number. Now, you simply need to complete any additional data in the description box, and hit Submit. In the fest the image is not going to have a link, then choose No for padding.Testimonials from prior clients are a great means to display your references and the contact section contains a Google Map. Ensure that your email address is a hyperlink. The contact information is extremely detailed too, letting you include not merely your email, phone, and your address alongside a Google Map, but in addition it contains a working contact form. All important information are available right there on the front page of the site. It is possible to also download and install completely free fonts for use. The very first page introduces the viewer with a selection of her latest work in a gorgeous fullscreen lay out with large images and whether the viewer would like to see more of her work, theres plenty to pick from from the navigation. Consider the Resume Dojo hypertext markup language resume template if youre searching for a personal site design that has lots of qualities to display not simply your abilities and education but your hobbies and awards too. The animated templates include a static set of slide layouts so its easy to create a presentation utilizing animation only when you want it. The Fundamentals of about Me Template Revealed A lot of the activities may be used for either toddlers or preschoolers. Careers in the health care industry take a wide variety of expertise and education. People today tend to pick a variety of themes of who they are and attempt to describe all of them. There are lots of Facebook page templates for students, which they may use either to earn an undertaking or maybe to learn something new in their program. The Most Popular About Me Template I t is possible to also have a look at sample bios to find out how to departure the full procedure of finding an expert biography. Ensure that you locate information which will help you tell a story that many will love. Regardless of whats the goal of your essay, theres a preset number of points which you will be expected to deal with. An expert biography template is meant to facilitate the practice of generating printed professional biographies especially for a person who would like to reach plenty of people or institutions. As soon as its attention-grabbing, it could be confusing for a few of your readers. Once you are logged in, go to your twitch page like you were hoping to observe your stream. The page is made in a manner that readers find it simple to browse through the desired info. Your About Us page may also be employed to funnel visitors to other elements of your site or internet presence, while its a blog post or social profile.

The Team At Cruise Automation

The Team At Cruise Automation Below is an article originally written by Kyle Vogt, the Co-Founder, President the other might take thousands of engineer-years of effort to carefully develop, test, and validate.Think about reliability and failure modes. Your dorm room project will crash if mora than a handful of users click on links or if you accidentally kick the power adapter out of the wall socket. The other website will support millions of concurrent users, survive earthquakes and other natural disasters, resist hacking attempts, and stay online even if servers fail or fiber lines are cut. Our product is a car that interacts with real people, so weve got to be even mora diligent. It takes a small army of some of the worlds best engineers to do it right.So on that note, Im pleased to announce an expansion of the Cruise and GM family we recently invited the team from Zippy.ai to join us. The quality of our technologies and the time it takes to develop them is a function of the peop le who build them. Identifying, attracting, and retaining the right mix of people who work well together, share the same values, and are truly passionate about the work is actually one of the hardest things to do.Gabe Sibley, Alex Flint, and Chris Broaddus co-founded Zippy.ai last year to develop robots for last-mile grocery and package delivery. Their expertise in machine learning, computer vision, and simulation is among the best in the industry. But perhaps more importantly, their commitment to working on a team and doing things the right way strengthens our ability to safely test, validate, and deploy our self-driving technology at scale.When the time comes for you to request your first ride in a Cruise AV, please think of the hundreds of people who worked to make your ride a reality and make it safe. Because at the end of the day, youre not being driven by a robot. Youre being driven by us. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achie ving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid cha nge. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contrac tors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of kofferverstrker welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscra per and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

How to Use the Salutation To Whom It May Concern

How to Use the Salutation To Whom It May ConcernHow to Use the Salutation To Whom It May ConcernTo Whom It May Concern is a letter salutation that has traditionally been used in business correspondence when you dont have a specific person to whom you are writing, or you do leid know the personenanthroponym of the person to whom you are writing. Of course, you should make every effort to find a contact name to use on your letter or inquiry, but sometimes thats just not possible. When its not, you can use To Whom It May Concern. There are also now other better options that can be utilized to start a letter,or the message can be written without a salutation. Here is when and how to use To Whom It May Concern, as well as a few examples of alternative salutations to use when writing letters. How to Find a Contact Name Ideally, you will try to learn the name of the specific person to whom you are writing. For example, if you are writing a titel letter for a job application, and do not know the name of the employer or hiring manager, do your best to find out. There are a number of ways to discover the name of the person you are contacting. If you are applying for a job, the name of the employer or hiring manager may be on the job listing. However, that is not always the case. Some employers dont list a contact person because they may not want direct inquiries from job seekers. You can look on thecompany websitefor the name of the person in the position you are trying to contact (you can often find this in the About Us, Staff, or Contact Us sections). If you cannot find the name on the website, try to find the right person on LinkedIn, or ask a friend or colleague if he or she knows the persons name. Another option is to call the office and ask the administrative assistant for advice. For example, you might explain that you are applying for a job and would like to know the name of the hiring manager. If you take all of these steps, and still do not know the name of the person you are contacting, you can use To Whom It May Concern. When to Use To Whom It May Concern When should you use the term? It can be used at the beginning of a letter, email, or other forms of communication when you are unsure of who exactly will be reading it. This might happen at many points in your job search. For example, you might be sending a cover letter, letter of recommendation, or other job search material to someone whose name you do not know. It is also appropriate to use To Whom It May Concern when you aremaking an inquiry(also known as a prospecting letter orletter of interest), but dont have a person of contact. Capitalization and Spacing When addressing a letter To Whom It May Concern, the entire phrase is typically capitalized, then followed by a colon To Whom It May Concern Leave a space after it, then start the first paragraph of the letter. Alternative Letter Greetings to Use To Whom It May Concern is sometimes considered outdated, especiall y when writing cover letters for jobs. Dear Sir or Madam is another salutation commonly used in the past, but it may also come across as old-fashioned. There are alternatives you can usefor letter salutationswhen you arewriting lettersto apply for jobs or other communications when you dont have a name of a person to write to. Here are some options Dear Hiring ManagerDear Recruiting ManagerDear Hiring CommitteeDear Search CommitteeDear HR ManagerDear Human Resources RepresentativeDear Personnel ManagerDear Customer Service ManagerGreetingsHelloRe (Topic of Letter) You can also write a greeting that is still general but focuses on the group of people you are reaching out to. For example, if you are contacting people in your network forhelp with your job search, you might use the greeting, Dear Friends and Family. Another Option Leave Off the Salutation Another option for starting your letter is to leave off the salutation entirely. If you decide not to include a salutation, startw ith the first paragraphof your letter.

Men and women are wary of hanging out together after work

Men and women are wary of hanging out togetzu sich after workMen and women are wary of hanging out together after workYour colleague of the opposite gender invites you to happy hour one-on-one after work- should you accept?Many Americans believe you should decline, according to a new poll by Morning Consult in partnership with the New York Times. Surveying 5,282 registered voters in May, the poll found that over 60% of men and women were okay with having work meetings alone with someone of the opposite gender.But outside of work,boundaries were drawn.Over half of women and 45% of men said it was inappropriate to have dinner alone with a person of the opposite gender unless they wereyour spouse. Lunch and car rides were more socially acceptable but dinner and drinks were big no-nos.60% ofwomen and 48% of men surveyed believed it wasinappropriate to have drinks with a man who isnt your partner.Not surprisingly, the more religious the respondent, the more likely he or she was to report that behauptung behaviors were inappropriate.Here is a surprise, however Younger women policed how they interacted with men more than older women did. The study didnt explain why, but it could be that younger women sense that their youth presents a danger that could be taken advantage of during off-hours drinking.What this poll shows in general, however, is that Americans are deeply anxious around how they present themselves and how their actions are perceived with people they work with.The men and women surveyed said they worried about the situation turning sexual, flirtatious, or into a case of sexual harassment. These fears are not unfounded studies have found that work spouses can become a very real threat to real spouses.Even if interactions are innocent, both men and women worried what other people wouldthink, so as a preventative measure they would remove themselves out of the equation. The men and women interviewed by the Times reported conducting meetings in groups or in ro oms with windows where other people could see.But not being able to socialize with colleagues of the opposite gender disproportionallyhurts women. If the ski trips, golf outings, and happy hour drinks are boys-only, women miss out on the key socialization opportunities that could advance their careers. Thats what Ellen Pao famously alleged against her employer Kleiner and Perkins, a venture capital firm, in her gender discrimination lawsuit. She said she and other women were not allowed to go to work tripswith men or meetings with important guests like Al Gore because women kill the buzz.But without that one-on-one face time, when it comes to promotions and projects, women wont come into the boss mind.

Three types of stories every leader should master

Three types of stories every leader should masterThree types of stories every leader should masterThe fact that people are wired to react so strongly to stories should motivate business leaders to develop their storytelling skills. But what business situations call for a story?You might have guessed the answer - it depends. It depends on both the situation and what youd like to accomplish in the situation. The situation might be a staff meeting where youre introduced to the people on yur new gruppe, for example. As their new boss, your objective might be to get them to like and respect you and to start dismantling the barriers of mistrust and uncertainty. Another situation might be that members of your team have lost enthusiasm for their work, and your objective is to restore their engagement and give them purpose, so they understand the why of what theyre spending most of their waking hours doing.Or maybe valuable members of your team feel unappreciated or dont get the credit they deserve. In that situation, your objective may be to reinforce or highlight certain norms and behaviors with your stories and to draw positive attention to them.Below are three types of stories that every leader should master. My hope is that they inspire readers to dig deeper into this topic and to identify and cultivate potential stories that can help you accomplish important objectives.1. Stories we tell ourselvesWe constantly assemble bits and pieces of information of what we observe around us and automatically turn them into stories that tend to reinforce our long-developed beliefs. If those stories are positive ones - you admire a colleague and tend particularly to notice the admirable things she does, you pride yourself on your own punctuality and pat yourself on the back whenever you find yourself (again) to be the first person to show up at a meeting - these perspectives are often uplifting and empowering.The problem comes when we tell ourselves negative stories. For inst ance, if I feel that the people around me are lazy and incompetent, the stories I create will be based on the morsels of data that confirm that belief. Or if I feel that I dont meaaya up to others expectations, the stories I create will reinforce this self-assessment, prominently featuring my mistakes, my failures, and others expressions of disappointment in me. And so a vicious loop is created where negative perceptions - including of the self - determine the stories we tell ourselves, which in turn play out in full color to reinforce these perceptions.Clearly, these arent productive narratives, nor do they serve the people and organizations we lead. And while Im aware that years of cognitive behavioral therapy may sometimes be the most effective solution to modify such beliefs-and-valuespowered narratives, Id like to suggest that we have the option to intervene any time we recognize (self-awareness) the unproductive nature of the stories we tell ourselves.Its clear that the stor ies we tell ourselves have an impact not just on our own behavior, but also on our engagement with others and in turn on their perceptions of us as leaders, colleagues, and partners. By carefully examining our dominant narratives and making sure they contribute positive value to our and others lives, were one step closer to wielding real influence with the power of storytelling.2. Stories we tell others about ourselvesWhether you are a leader joining a new team, or a job candidate in the first round of interviews, or someone meeting a potential new client for the first time, the stories you tell about yourself often set the tone for how the relationship will unfold, if it does, that is. Which are the right stories in such scenarios? Its hard to go wrong with stories that illustrate your humility, good judgment, integrity, and expertise and experience. As for what to emphasize, putting yourself firmly into the shoes of your audience should provide clues. The needs and expectations of the people in your audience will, of course, vary, depending on the context of the meeting and their future goals as they involve you.For instance, if you are the new boss meeting the members of your team for the first time, you know theyll wonder about your leadership style and how youll treat them. Acknowledge this and share a personal story or two that shows you empathize - maybe from when you met your boss for the first time. Mention the lessons youve learned in managing others and make sure to highlight any mistakes from which youve grown. Share examples of how youve navigated new cultures in the past - organizational or regional - and what youre hoping to learn in this next stage with their help. This shows humility, humanizes you, and reduces the power distance that can hamper the open and honest dialogue that builds trust.If your audience - whether a group or an individual - is looking to engage you for your expertise, share stories that illustrate how youve delivered results or solved similar problems for others. Mention the challenges you encountered along the way and how you met them successfully - even if it took a few attempts to get it right. This is also an elegant way to share your strengths without bragging about your accomplishments.When others want to get to know us, they arent just looking for the content on our LinkedIn profile. They want to know the real us to determine whether were trustworthy and whether associating with us will be of positive or negative value to them. Thats why recruiters and hiring managers no longer have qualms about digging into our social media proles and online musings to evaluate our reputation and our judgment.And judgment is key whenever we share personal information. Faulty judgment can result in some awkward moments if not lasting reputational harm.Faulty judgment in personal stories isnt always this glaring. But if you are unsure of how your stories might land, run them first by people you trust. In the end, with personal stories, less is more and humility is better.3. Stories we tell our teams or organizationsThe type of storytelling that is intrinsic to successful leadership is the ability to tell compelling stories of the future, to articulate a vision, to both internal and external audiences. Leaders need to master another kind of story too - this kind is about organizational values.Whatever the management goal, there are storytelling strategies that can help further it. A former Facebook director of engineering, Bobby Johnson, once saw the need for a cultural shift in the companys infrastructure team. Although many of his engineers were drawn to exciting new projects and innovations, Johnson knew that other Facebook engineers, the ones who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the existing systems ran faster and better than before, also did critical work. He wanted to highlight these unsung heroes, both to honor them and to get more engineers interested in their less gl amorous but nonetheless essential work. To accomplish this, he would take every opportunity - in one-on-ones, in meetings, and in group e-mails - to share stories of important fixes that these day-to-day engineers made and to publicly praise them.Similarly, if you want people to speak up more in meetings and challenge each other, share a story of how a lone dissenting voice was able to change your mind about a decision youd made, and how this wouldnt have happened if the person hadnt felt comfortable in challenging you. Or if you want to increase collaboration among teams, share a story about two teams who decided to join forces and whose combined creativity and brainpower led to important breakthroughs for the organization. And if its courage and risk-taking you want to promote, highlight stories of risk-taking colleagues - and include their failures, to make the point that learning from mistakes is just another way forward.As you can see in the three types of stories above, the formula for telling a story is simple. Decide which values you want to promote and which behaviors you want to encourage, and then make those traits the themes of your stories, and include characters who demonstrate the desired traits. Do these stories have to be true? It helps if they are, and its even better if your audience knows the protagonists. However, hypothetical scenarios can pack just as big a punch, as weve learned from neuroscience research and our own experiences from the myriad of stories that surround us.Harrison Monarth is the CEO and Founder of Gurumaker and author of Executive Presence The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO. An Executive Coach, he teaches C-suite leaders, senior executives, high potential managers and other top professionals effective leadership and positive behavior change for professional and organizational success. For more information, please visit, www.gurumaker.com and connect with Monarth on Twitter, HarrisonMonarth and LinkedIn.