Teaching Guitar - How To Learn The Guitar Music From The Perspective Of Another Language

Teaching Guitar - How To Learn The Guitar Music From The Perspective Of Another LanguageMany students are becoming intrigued with the concept of using tutors from other countries in helping them learn to play the guitar. They may be attracted by the cost, or the fact that they have a language barrier and need extra help.But as long as the student has a basic knowledge of the music, there is no harm in trying to get some knowledge from other people. Some guitar players have developed a better understanding of what the guitar is about through the experience of studying from a foreign language and perspective. In fact, many times a foreign language and guitar playing are linked in the minds of musicians, since a large part of the guitar playing instruction comes from the mastery of a language.It is an important part of the learning process. Students in different parts of the world have discovered that the guitar brings about a certain kind of confusion when it comes to thinking about sc ale and chords. For example, here in Brazil, guitarists often meet to discuss the structure of the scales and how to apply them, which can then help their training in scales. What they learn here helps them apply the scales at their home countries.The process of learning how to use scales at home can even be applied in their workshops at home or at a studio. They also have to decide on the level of mastery to learn at, and how to bring in information from other sources for better knowledge. And of course, they need to understand the dynamics of the guitar before they are capable of playing, because there are many techniques that can be applied in guitar playing.When we consider a foreign language, it is not as easy as learning the same one through written means. There are many language barriers that a guitar player faces when he attempts to read someone's style. A few examples include the French words. Others are learned through communication in the guitar, and the majority of them are memorized through songs and lyrics.While learning to play the guitar, the student can simply choose another instrument and learn by listening to the lessons that have been provided by guitar tutor, or he can start with the basic playing skills on the guitar. But if the learner is beginning with a foreign language, then a guitar tutor is his friend and guide. They can also teach him the basics on guitar playing and also provide the foreign language that can be used in further studies.However, it is important to consider the quality of the student. Many guitar teachers who have been abroad have a lot of experience in teaching their foreign students, especially if they are going to teach people who do not speak English as their first language.

Geopolitics in the Middle East

Geopolitics in the Middle East The Intricate Geopolitics of the Middle East ChaptersAn Overview of Middle East AffairsThe Iranian Nuclear DealThe Middle East’s Real Geopolitical HeavyweightWhat does Russia Have to do With Things?In spite of ominous North Korean nuclear development and quiet Chinese investment in economically disadvantaged countries, by far the most alarming political developments in Asia are the ones unfolding in the Middle East.Many people tend to see the Middle Eastern region as separate from Asia but, in fact, only Egypt and Cyprus are not considered Asian.With the exception of Iran, the heavy players in this region raise geopolitical concerns that are nearly the polar opposite to those of East Asia.Whereas China is a strong contender to upset â€" or, at least revamp the economic world order, Middle Eastern countries pose a threat to global peace and security.Furthermore, Russian influence in that region is growing. To what end, we don’t yet know; what are Mr Putin’s goals?The deluge of news, reports and analyses is overwhelming; ho w is anyone to make sense of what is going on in the Middle East and, more importantly, how will doings in the Middle East and North Africa affect global affairs?Your Superprof now attempts to condense the most cataclysmic events of that region into an easy to understand narrative.less religious than political, let us take a look at the individual flashpoints that make up Middle East geopolitics.How do Asian geopolitics impact activity in the Middle East?The Iranian Nuclear DealIn spite of Iran being home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, most people consider the current Islamic Republic, established in 1979, to be the only Iran there is to contend with.That does not explain the international bias in dealing with Iran, which could only have sprung from historic negotiations and conflicts.  Suffice to say that there is substantial mistrust toward this country from global political leaders.Not every Iranian was happy with their country’s new leadership, either.For instan ce, the Kurdish Rebellion, started a mere two months after the formation of the Islamic State in 1979, was brutally quelled, as were subsequent grassroots movements against the established government.With the new regime nearly continuously in turmoil, world leaders had good reasons to fear and mistrust Iranian leadership.Few foreign investors considered Iran as a base of operations; the country’s main economic resources were oil and petroleum products, including plastics.It wasn’t until Hassan Rouhani, the country’s current president, came into power that Iran was able to improve relations with other world powers; doing so led to the 2015 nuclear deal.Rouhani’s agreement to restrict his country’s uranium production lifted the embargoes on Iranian oil and other products; that country’s economy started to recover from the crippling sanctions it had operated under for so long.And then, Donald Trump became the United States’ 45th president.Also discover how African geopoli tics play out in the Middle East...Israel has a lot of weight in Middle Eastern affairs Image by Eduardo Castro from PixabayThe Middle East’s Real Geopolitical HeavyweightFrom the start, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the Iran nuclear deal.He contended that lifting sanctions and providing Iran even with minimal nuclear concessions was tantamount to nurturing a religious extremist regime and making it all the more dangerous for permitting it to develop a nuclear arsenal, no matter how slowly.He was not the only world leader uneasy about the pact but he was by far the most vocal... and, once the latest American president took office, he had a way to put a stop to it.The Iran nuclear deal had been endorsed by France, Germany and delegates from the European Union, as well as Russia, China, the UK and the US.It would only take one signatory backing out to negate all of the positive effects that the deal had so far accrued, including stability in the Middle East â€" o ne step closer to peace.That is exactly what the American president threatened to do, less than a year after taking office.Less than a year after that, the U.S. did back out of the deal, and then went further by reimposing sanctions on Iran. The president then demanded that allies also not honour the treaty they had signed.Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to have a conduit into the White House; did he put a bug in the American president's ear about ending the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action?We almost have to believe he did.How do America's actions play out on the European geopolitical stage?Another Mideast flashpoint was declaring Jerusalem the true capital of Israel with no regard for the Palestine State.The root of the problem is the conflict that arose when Jewish folk immigrated into the region during the mid-20th century, effectively displacing Palestinians who had historically occupied that region.The idea was for Israel and Palestine to coexist as neighbours but sectarian vi olence and territorial incursions have thus far prevented a peaceful solution.Palestinians had long been promised at least the part of Jerusalem that was religiously significant to them.However, in declaring the entire city the capital of the Israeli state, the American president has undone decades of negotiations toward a peaceful solution to Israeli-Palestinian tensions.Were his actions a prelude to an as-yet-unseen foreign policy agenda or did Israel’s leader have anything to do with the apparently whimsical reversal of decades-old policy?If indeed Mr Netanyahu is calling the plays that Mr Trump executes, he is, without a doubt, the Middle East's heavy hitter.Discover also how U.S. policy affects Latin American geopolitics...Accused of atrocities during the Syrian war, Russians are now helping Syrians with their peace process Image by Dianne Ket from PixabayWhat does Russia Have to do With Things?As U.S. diplomacy increasingly favours Israel and Saudi Arabia, Russia is flexing its diplomatic muscles in the countries neglected by the U.S..Once isolated and ostracized, today’s Russia is all about optics and appearance.True, the Russians were painted as bad actors in the Syrian civil war, but on the other hand, Mr Putin did help resurrect Bashir al Assad and that regime is now the strongest in the country.And now, Russians are helping to broker peace in Syria; an amazing turnabout.Mr Putin’s diplomacy doesn’t stop there; he has forged deep ties with Egypt and is now working with Turkey to solve some of its most pressing issues economic and environmental issues.Historically, the only interest the U.S. has shown in Turkey was their help in fighting terrorism.Has the man every European leader has felt uneasy about suddenly mastered the art of international relations? Are Russian geopolitics getting ready to take centre stage?And what are geopolitics, anyway?Or does it have more to do with recent uncertainty projected by the United States that Mr Putin fin ally sees a way to make his country a more powerful player in global affairs?Even though today’s Middle East conflicts are about political and strategic power, they were born of sectarian and religious differences.It hasn’t helped matters that borders have historically been mostly arbitrary and leadership traditionally focused mainly on short-term goals rather than long-term solutions, both for their people and for the region.The silver lining of the dark clouds that shroud Middle Eastern skies is that leadership is turning away from tradition and drawing diplomatic lines along mutually beneficial enterprises rather than along religious affiliations.Egypt and other Sunni monarchies turning to Israel for innovations in security and information technology is a fine example of such.Still, in spite of these rays of hope stabbing the reality of Middle East turmoil, we can only wait and see what will happen, the more those countries pivot away from fundamentalism and embrace the give and take that is politics.Now get an overview of global geopolitics...

How to Start Singing Professionally 3 Tips for Networking

How to Start Singing Professionally 3 Tips for Networking Suzy S. When you’re an aspiring singer, sometimes it feels like getting your foot in the door is an impossible task. Understanding how to start singing professionally  can take some time to figure out.  But in reality, if you have the skills, information, and knowledge, you can make your way into the music industry more easily than you think! You might not start at the top, but like any profession, you can work your way up. One of the key elements to landing any job is networking. You’ll often hear things like “it’s all about who you know”â€" and in many cases it is. Networking is about subtly selling yourself without becoming overwhelming. It’s about paving the way to future opportunities and potential jobs and auditions. It is essential, because most people like to work with someone they know and trust. In today’s digital age, there are endless singers hoping to make it by promoting themselves with videos, blogs, and social media.  While those things are tools that can be helpful, there is nothing more important than face time. Face time makes us more memorable, and it can give you a chance to create an unforgettable conversation that allows people to get a glimpse of who you are, and more importantly, remember who you are. Think of networking as a job in itself. You want to present your best attributesâ€"in other words, behave professionally.  Nothing says more about you than giving your word, and sticking to it, even in the music industry.  Remember, the life of a professional singer might seem glamorous, but it is hard work as well. Networking can be a way to prove to people you’re capable of showing up on time, putting in the hours, and are willing to work hard and help out.  Below are a few tips that can get you out there and singing professionally. Tip 1: Volunteer or Intern Nothing says you want something more than offering to work for free. Music festivals  are a great way to start â€" they can also be the catalyst that lands you a job in the music industry. Festival jobs often involve things like taking tickets, directing people, or staffing an information booth. Volunteer regularly and perhaps you’ll get more advanced assignments and meet more important people, especially if you earn some good referrals. Contact various festivals in your area and ask what opportunities they might have, and how to apply. Other volunteer and intern opportunities exist with community theaters. This an excellent option if you’re interested in a career in Music Theater. It’s also perfect for finding out how it all works.  The more familiar you are with the behind-the-scenes process, the better you’ll interview/audition in the future. It also gives you insight into what it takes to make it big! Interning can come in various forms. It might be a specific period of time with a major label, where only a very limited number of people are chosen. Other internships can be created try calling or talking with industry professionals or local labels and asking about the possibility of an internship. The music industry is a place where you’ll hear the word ‘no’ a lot, but don’t take it personally. Pick yourself up, and move on. Networking is about persistence (but again, subtle and not demanding). Also, keep your eye on resources that let you know where the opportunities are. This can include music industry websites, magazines, or even Craigslist. Tip 2: Get an Entry-Level Job Work on your resume and/or audition, and get out there searching. Entry-level music industry jobs are things like concert runners, singing with a local choir, small parts in local theaters, managing a small band, or working as a karaoke host â€" find anything that has you working with music. Contact venues, continue your vocal lessons and practice auditioning, attend local concerts, and talk to managers and bands. Do everything you can to open the door to more possibilities. Tip 3: Get Your Voice Out There Even if you’re networking just to get to know people in the music industry, don’t forget to put your voice out there as well. Open mic nights are a fantastic way to perform. Take advantage of  social media, join or start a band, and continue to do things that allow you to be actively practicing your passion while getting your voice out there. Professional Singing Careers What kind of singer do you want to be? Before you start networking, this might be the most essential question you answer. Are you interested in musical theater and opera, being a lead vocalist, backing vocalist, member of an international choir, composer, or lyricist? Fine-tuning your vision will help you determine what types of networking to pursue. While you make your way and learn how to start singing professionally by taking it one step at a time, remember to keep up with your training and lessons  â€" and more importantly, keep dreaming. Good luck! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher  Photo  by John Benson

The Best Places in Europe for Landscape Photography.

The Best Places in Europe for Landscape Photography. Europe’s Top Spots for Incredible Landscape Photos. ChaptersWhat is Landscape Photography?What Makes a Great Landscape Photograph?Europe’s Best Locations for Landscape Photography.Find Your Own Landscape Photography Location.Few people have been bold â€" or daft â€" enough to say sincerely that Europe is ugly. In fact, most people would say that it is pretty damn beautiful really â€" as soon as you get out of the cities at least. From the awesome mountains â€" from the Alps to the Caucasus to the Carpathians â€" to some of the most breath-taking coastal, agricultural, and urban landscapes you’ll ever see, the continent is fairly well endowed with wonder.But this is no surprise. Because, honestly, given how Eurocentric this world has been for the last four hundred years, it’s really been the Europeans who have defined what we mean by an inspiring landscape, or even an interesting landscape.The very categories of beauty and sublimity were developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when the first tourists started to explo re the wonder of the world.And, luckily enough, most of this has survived relatively unbesmirched until today. Some of the most beautiful landscapes exist in Europe, such as Scotland’s Highlands (just ask the Lonely Planet), the Dolomites, or Norway’s far north. For any landscape photographer, nature photographer, or travel photographer, these are going to be some of the places you’ll want to come back to again and again and again.But there are more. And here we want to give you some photography tips regarding the best locations in Europe to take landscape photographs. So, here are some superb photography locations. All you have to do now is hone your photography skills, pick up your photography magazine and your digital camera, and head out into the landscapes of the world. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30 /h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Landscape Photography?Landscape photography â€" and the industry of nature photography in general â€" has had a massive boom in recent years. This is mainly thanks to new technologies: photo sharing platforms like Instagram, camera gear that is affordable and transportable, and a whole new set of wide angle lenses etc that heighten the effect of the photo composition.But all this stuff doesn’t change the things that landscape photographers are taking photos of. And that, obviously, is strange, gorgeous, interesting, awe-inspiring, moving, or surprising landsc apes. Landscapes with a human element or pure nature photography. An urban landscape or a seascape. A mountainous panorama or a street at sunset.The beauty of a landscape isn’t essential â€" but it surely helps. And we shouldn’t be thinking necessarily of wide rolling hills and horizons. Landscape photographers take great pictures of the landscape of an ocean wave, or the startling microscopic landscapes on skin. They take landscape pictures of man-made structures or of animal communities.In fact, there is little that can’t in some way be classed as landscape image.Check out the best places for landscape photography in the USA.What Makes a Great Landscape Photograph?A beautiful landscape is not enough to make great photos. We amateurs know well enough â€" surely â€" that pointing a camera at a landscape is not going to produce something wonderful. Something memorable â€" and something good to remember by â€" but not a photograph in the sense of art. Professional landscape phot ography is something else. And the idea of good photography, to dip into some aesthetic theory, is to make the photo â€" the image itself â€" more important than the natural landscape represented. The photo itself needs to be special, rather than just the image.To make this happen, there are all sorts of things a professional photographer would need to think about. The depth of field, the shutter speed, short or long exposure, the levels of natural light â€" and then the image editing that follows. And these are just the photography techniques that you would need to get to grips with.Then, there is a little thing called patience. Timing is the most important thing about photography in general â€" and landscape photographers like Colin Prior have spoken at length about the endless hours waiting for the perfect light levels, the perfect position of the clouds. And if you want to be taking photos of wildlife, this is something you will have to accommodate for even further.Because timin g turns a good photo into a great one. And, if you are anything other than a holidayer or tourist (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this), this is what you should be aiming for.Find the best places for landscape photography in Asia!Europe’s Best Locations for Landscape Photography.And at this point, we need to think about where exactly you can go to get some beautiful pictures. Here are ten of the best spots from across Europe. But, yes, you are going to find some more yourself.The Scottish Highlands.Scotland is famed for its bad weather and its terrible cuisine. Yet, these things aside, it also has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. From the rolling greenness of its lowlands to the rugged barrenness of its north, it has a range of fascinating and jaw-dropping landforms that are a gift to any landscape photographer.Check out Colin Prior’s work â€" mentioned above â€" and remember what the Scots say: if it wasn’t for the weather, and for the midges, S cotland would have the best beaches in the world too.Take your camera on holiday there. Outside of the main cities, you’ll hardly see a soul.Find the best photography courses London here. The world is full of beautiful landscapes.The Italian Dolomites.Italy’s eastern Alps are literally the place the word sublime was first used for. They are an astonishing place.The Dolomites, as they are known, are recognised for the weird, incongruous rock formations that jut out abruptly from rolling green farmland â€" and they are an incredibly popular spot for hikers, climbers, and â€" in the winter â€" skiers. (And geologists too.)Yet, their beauty comes from a mix of the strange stone (dolomite â€" from which the mountains get their name), the tempestuous summer weather, and the vivid variations in light. The mountains appear to change colour throughout the day â€" so pick a spot, and use up the length of your film.Check out Africa's greatest landscapes for photographers.Norway’s Fjords and Glaciers.Norway has a bit of a reputation for being drop-dead gorgeous. Known for its seawater lakes â€" the fjords â€" and its crumpled, vertiginous terrain, it has inspired and attracte d landscape photographers since the invention of landscape photography.Explore the area around Bergen for the patchwork of water and greenness. Or head up north for snow, snow, and more snow. Maybe take some gloves.France’s Provence.Oh, to live in Provence. France’s south-eastern most region boasts cliffs and sea, the Calanques, the Camargue â€" Europe’s largest river delta, bristling with wildlife â€" rivers galore, and the Maritime Alps.It’s a starkly varied area, with opportunities for you to hone your photography skills on all sorts of different landscapes.The most famous images you’ll find of Provence are probably the heavily saturated photos of lavender. If you want to snap your own, head to L’Abbey de Senanque. The purple lavender fields of Provence - one of Europe's most famous landscapes.Andalusia, Spain.Andalusia, or Andalucía is the southern-most area of Spain, an area known for its heat, its heavily Arab-inflected culture, and its lush landscapes.Check out the mind-boggling aerial photography of Emmet Gowin, who travelled to the area in 2012. Or, otherwise, take yourself to the Sierra Nevada, the Parque Nacional de Doñana, or the coasts around Cadiz.Anatolia, Turkey.Not strictly in Europe â€" but as close as you can get â€" Anatolia makes up the massive area of Turkey just east of the Bosporus. Exploring all of it might be a rather longwinded experience, yet you’ll see some of the most bizarre and astounding landforms you’ll ever see in your life.Just have a quick google of Pamukkale, for example, or the world-famous weirdness of Cappadocia. Alongside these, you have the biblical, imposing Mount Ararat, and the stupendousness of the North Anatolian Mountains.South Moravia, Czechi aSouth Moravia is known, strangely enough, for its fields. This usually not super interesting landform, here, in Czech takes on a transcendental form. You’ve never seen fields like it.Greenness is the name of the game here â€" greenness and swirling, undulating relief. It’s spectacular. Just a really really special place.Read about the best landscapes in South America! The rolling hills of Czechia.Svaneti, Georgia.A little off the beaten track, perhaps, but that’s exactly where you are going to find the best photographic subjects. Svaneti, in Georgia’s Greater Caucasus mountains, is an insane mountain spot, with ancient architecture, green pastures, and striking mountain views.Iceland.Iceland is the sort of place that you go if you just want to walk around in shock the whole time. Or, at least, it would be, if the weather was a little better. And, honestly, if the weather is bad, you’re probably going to be more awe-struck just by the prices of living.Anyway, with volcanos, geysers, glaciers, and rugged, rocky scenes â€" not forgetting, of course, the Northern Lights â€" Iceland is simply the landscape lovers dream.Find Your Own Landscape Photography Location.It was alluded to above. However, it’s worth stressing. Landscape photography can happen anywhere, at any time. And the important thing is to show the world places, scenes, and situati ons that have rarely been seen.So, don’t worry too much about jet-setting to Georgia. Hone your craft at home. Spot the beauty in your walk to work or school. Landscape is everywhere â€" and, in this discipline, the photo itself counts for more.

An alternative path to university for introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / An alternative path to university for introverts - Introvert Whisperer An alternative path to university for introverts The fact is, university just isn’t for everyone. For introverts especially, going to university can be a daunting experience and you shouldn’t have to feel like it’s your only option. Of course, many introverts will thrive at university, but for some going straight into the world of work is the better option. If you’re someone who prefers self-study to group work, likes getting your head down and stuck into a project, learning a trade after leaving school might be a great option for you. In particular, if you are someone who is creative and practically minded, learning a trade is something you’re guaranteed to enjoy. You’ll have the opportunity to study something new and perform fulfilling work whilst also earning a good wage. Learning a trade comes with many other benefits too. You will have specialist skills that make you highly employable and many of the companies you’ll work at will have great opportunity for progression. Because of your practical skills and experience, in the future you will also have the option to start your own business or find work abroad. If you have decided that university isn’t for you, there are 7 trade careers in particular that you could consider. These careers are as paying as the average graduate job and candidates can qualify without having a degree. This infographic created by Saxton Blades looks at these 7 trade careers, their average salaries and what’s required to qualify. Read on to find out more!

6 of the Most Swoon-Worthy Singing Telegrams on YouTube

6 of the Most Swoon-Worthy Singing Telegrams on YouTube Suzy S. Across all music genres from pop to punk to musical theater and more love is a common theme. And its no wonder music has a way of reaching our emotions in ways that the spoken word cant always hit on. And with Valentines Day coming up, its the perfect time to break out the cheesy love songs! Below, weve rounded up some of our favorite YouTube music videos that capture the essence of the holiday. Get inspired with these six perfectly pitched pleas for love… First up: YouTube star Stuart Edge and BYUs a cappella group Vocal Point team up to deliver surprise singing valentines to ladies across campus. Next: Pentatonix rose to fame after winning NBCs The Sing-Off in 2011, and have been in the spotlight ever since they also just won their first Grammy award! Here, they cover Valentine by Jessie Ware and Sampha. Yet another viral sensation, the CDZA is known for popular videos such as  The Human Jukebox  and History of Misheard Lyrics. To get into the Valentines Day spirit, take a look at their impromptu video below, as they take romance to the street. If you need to amp up your playlist, look no further than this soulful medley by YouTube celeb  Kurt Hugo Schneider, featuring Chester See and Kylee. Highlighting  both contemporary love songs and older jams, from Taylor Swift to Whitney Houston, this is something we could listen to over and over. Of course, love goes beyond those backed by record labels and YouTube fame. Get those tissues handy and watch this talented singer up the ante for surprise proposals. What happens when you take a Beatles song, but sing it in a style that Bon Jovi would perform? The video below, created by Anthony Vincent from Ten Second Songs, is a unique and entertaining take on love song covers. Feeling inspired? Singing valentines offer a creative, heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift that anyone would love. Whether you’re the one who bursts into song for the one you love or you’ve hired a professional group to send your message â€" singing valentines are anything but ordinary and perfectly customizable. From sentiment to cheese, there are an array of song options for the enjoyment of your honoree. Want to brush up on your singing skills just in time for a few Valentines serenades? Even better! It’s not too late to impress your sweetheart.  Find a singing teacher in your area here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  hellomaleka

6 Things I can do when Im bored at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 6 Things I can do when I’m bored at Work - Introvert Whisperer 6 Things I can do when I’m bored at Work It’s one thing to be in a job that moves fast and has a certain amount of stress but when you’re bored at work that is something else entirely.  A boring job means that you don’t have enough mental stimulation to keep you and your mind active.      The days drag on forever and eventually, you feel like you’re going nowhere.  What do you do when your work has become too routine making it boring, uninteresting and something you dread going to? There are some things you can do to kick it up a notch and get reignited by what you do each day â€" but more than likely you’re going to have to be the one to make that happen.  Here are some tips for turning boring into brilliant: Improve things.  In most businesses, many things can stand to be improved.  Improvement can mean anything from a more efficient and faster way of getting something done all the way to automating something that was done manually.  Pick out a couple of things that could stand to be done better and be the champion for improvement. Change your routine.  Certainly, there may be some tasks that have to be completed at a certain time but many things can shift based on your own schedule.  Figure out a different timing.  Look to see if you could do certain things once a week versus daily and if not weekly then at a different frequency. Ask to do more.  Chances are if you’re bored, you don’t have enough to keep you working all day.  Look around to see if someone needs to offload their work to lighten the load or look for something that might be neglected that you could do. Learn new things.  There are functions in your business you may know little about.  Take it upon yourself to go learn what those functions are.  In the process, you may pick up a new skill or be positioned to take on some new activities.  You might also look into taking a class to learn new skills that would be useful in your company. Trade jobs.  You might work in an area where each person has a related position and work to do.  Check out these other jobs and suggest to a peer that you might trade jobs for a quarter simply to give the work you do a fresh set of eyes.  You will most likely need to run this by the boss but if you work out the details, it makes agreement easier to get to.  No matter how similar your jobs are, they will still be different enough to give you some mental stimulation.  Who knows, you might find it really interesting? Go the extra mile.  I’ve seen employees be bored and they can easily become lazy.  Don’t let that be you.  Anytime you are asked to do something, see what else you can do to help the person that asked.  Add value beyond the request.  This way you won’t slip into laziness and you will find trying to figure out how to go above and beyond almost like a game. You can’t rely on the boss to turn boring into anything better.  You have to do it for yourself.  You know your work better than anyone else and because you do, you can turn that boring job into interesting.  The bonus to your effort is that people who take initiative are usually rewarded. Want the fast track to your next promotion? I’ve developed a new, live training that begins in April called: “Lead Like You Mean It” Leadership Development Program.  You owe it to yourself to check this out now: https://introvertwhisperer.leadpages.co/leadlikeyoumeanitpilot/

Teaching Children Strong Communication

Teaching Children Strong Communication Teaching Your Child to be a Strong, Effective Communicator Communication: its one of the most valuable skills a person can have throughout life. Effective communicators are better able to develop and maintain relationships with others, express what they know, ask questions in the classroom, at work and elsewhere, and advocate for themselves and others. And while you communicate each day with your child, are you teaching him or her to become a good communicator with others? Keep in mind that communicating is much more than just listening and speaking. Here are a few of the most important abilities and traits that strong communicators have: Actively engaged in learning Attentive Observant Clear and concise messaging Convincing when expressing an opinion Thorough when explaining something detailed or specific How can you help your child build good communication skills? Here are a few tips and suggested activities: Ask why. Children are born curious, and as a parent, its your job to nurture that curiosity. One way to do so is to encourage your child to express his or her opinions and ideas. Whether your child is talking about the solution to a math problem or a favorite football teams defensive lineup, encourage sharing thoughts and opinions. Dont stop at what your child thinks and why; ask your child how he or she knows something. Encourage your child to keep a journal. Journaling is an excellent way for children to hone the art of expressing themselves. Many children have school journals in which their teachers have them record observations or reactions to certain writing prompts, but a personal journal is a great way for children to put their ideas and feelings in writing, think critically about why they feel the way they do about things, build writing skills and much more. Get your child involved in extracurricular activities that build communication skills. Activities such as debate team (or similar programs for younger children) are great opportunities for students to form opinions, develop arguments to support those opinions and express them to others. Similarly, student council helps children build leadership and both oral and written communication skills. Model good communication. The primary way that your child will learn how to communicate is by observing you. So, be present when your child speaks to you. When interacting with others while in your childs presence, speak clearly and honestly, always saying what you mean in the most unambiguous manner possible. Talk frequently with your child about how to engage others in conversation, how to listen actively and how to get and keep someones attention (and how not to). Work together on good listening. Listening well is a critical part of being an effective communicator. Your child needs to understand that listening involves more than just hearing someone speak; it means focusing on the person speaking while simultaneously processing information. It means watching for non-verbal cues as well as listening to words being spoken. It means confirming understanding after a speaker is finished speaking. Encourage your child to think about others feelings and reactions. People who are self-aware and able to recognize how their actions and words impact othersin other words, those with high emotional intelligenceare generally well equipped to communicate effectively. Some of the building blocks for emotional intelligence include awareness of ones own (and others) strengths and weaknesses, perseverance, independence, and assertiveness when joining discussions or expressing ideas. Whenever possible, help your child practice these skills. Remember: communication is not inherent, but rather, a skill that must be strengthened over time. Work with your child on developing strong communication skills and you will help him or her build skills for lifelong success. No matter what your child does in life, knowing how to communicate with all different types of people will serve him or her well.