Are seismic economic shifts of power on the way?According to the UK based Center for Economics and Business Research the U.S. and Europe will be declining in power and economic status. Central Asia will grow in strength leaving behind many of its previous Western mentors.
The first problem we as Americans face is the assumption that we will stay in power because we are American. The past doesn't always predict the future and without change we become stagnant in our thoughts and activities. The worst mistake we can make is to assume that doing the same thing will result in something new.
Our political leaders are trying to grapple important issues such budgets, higher education, civil rights and immigration but are more focused on party positioning than resolving these issues once and for all. Larger economic change has yet to occur as we fail to grasp fundamental issues that draw today's attention.
America's economic models and assumptions will need to change if they are going to increase economic activity and ensure the country stays in the leading position over the course of the next few decades. The same rehashing of previous theories only encourages small improvements within existing frameworks.
To change our economy means we need to change our vantage point. We will need a paradigm shift that moves us from domestic oriented theories to international ones that better reflect the reality we live in. The world will become ever more interconnected and we have not yet embraced it.
There are current holes in how we approach the economy and we have been relying on outdated models that are leaving the nation in a weaker position every year. Even though some movement has been made with treaties and international exchange we have not yet grasped the idea that American should be the central place for creation and investment.
We are no longer low cost producers and will need to become superusers of world resources to turn out market leading products. America was built off of our innovative spirit and we have created complex layers of bureaucracy that have killed that spirit. It is time to roll up our sleeves, drop politics and make meaningful change.
We must embrace the international environment, encourage new economic models, and lead the international economy through a stronger global engagement. Without truly fixing the fundamentals of our economy we will constantly be seeking some program or another to create small and futile fixes. America is large and by enhancing our regional capacities and putting them into a nation and international context can create meaningful in sites for improvement.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
Polite, Persistent and Confident to Achieve Objectives
If we lived in a perfect world people would respect others and treat each other with civility and dignity. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. People sometimes look for their own advantages without considering the rights and needs of others. This may be an overbearing boss, a company that fails to live by its obligations, or a negative co-worker that creates unnecessary problems. It could also be a policy run a muck! Being polite, persistent and confident can create positive change.
Here is the problem. At a deep biological level we are programmed to fulfill our own needs. When we are hungry we look for something to eat, if we are thirsty we find something to drink, when we are cold we find shelter. Everything else beyond food, shelter, reproduce is socially constructed.
Our needs become increasingly complex as we become increasingly complex. We think that money equates to innate skills, food is a source of comfort, popular friends leads to inherent value, and a promotion means we are worthier than others.
Because we have these needs, and they are sometimes all consuming, some may overstep their bounds violating the rights of others. This means that getting something, even when it isn't actually earned, is an important psychological source of satisfaction among people who are not highly developed.
This idea applies to things like winning arguments, obtaining objects, showing one's positional power, or just about anything else that supports our self image. At the end of the day, if these are not based in a real need then we are putting value on them beyond what they are actually worth.
Because people have the capacity to push their needs on others it is necessary to stop such poor behavior in its tracks. Avoidance in this situation can work but only for so long if the other person keeps demanding something. When you step up and tell them no then you should consistently do so.
It may also work the other way. For example, someone may put something on your credit report or owe you something they were not entitled to. You have the right to be polite, persistent and confident in the face of their actions. They got what they wanted so all they have to do is hope you go away.
The problem is that it wasn't theirs to begin with. You have the right to continue to pursue change and ensure they treat you fairly. Without you doing so, chances are they will not have an internal sense of values that will gnaw on their conscious. Because they lack values, they will continue to behave in such ways that are a detriment to both you and others around them.
The next time you are faced by someone who seeks their own advantage at all costs make sure your needs are known. If they are not considering your needs then break contact with them. Be persistent with your beliefs and be confident that you are in the right. You have a right to live in peace and security without someone else unnecessarily causing problems.
Here is the problem. At a deep biological level we are programmed to fulfill our own needs. When we are hungry we look for something to eat, if we are thirsty we find something to drink, when we are cold we find shelter. Everything else beyond food, shelter, reproduce is socially constructed.
Our needs become increasingly complex as we become increasingly complex. We think that money equates to innate skills, food is a source of comfort, popular friends leads to inherent value, and a promotion means we are worthier than others.
Because we have these needs, and they are sometimes all consuming, some may overstep their bounds violating the rights of others. This means that getting something, even when it isn't actually earned, is an important psychological source of satisfaction among people who are not highly developed.
This idea applies to things like winning arguments, obtaining objects, showing one's positional power, or just about anything else that supports our self image. At the end of the day, if these are not based in a real need then we are putting value on them beyond what they are actually worth.
Because people have the capacity to push their needs on others it is necessary to stop such poor behavior in its tracks. Avoidance in this situation can work but only for so long if the other person keeps demanding something. When you step up and tell them no then you should consistently do so.
It may also work the other way. For example, someone may put something on your credit report or owe you something they were not entitled to. You have the right to be polite, persistent and confident in the face of their actions. They got what they wanted so all they have to do is hope you go away.
The problem is that it wasn't theirs to begin with. You have the right to continue to pursue change and ensure they treat you fairly. Without you doing so, chances are they will not have an internal sense of values that will gnaw on their conscious. Because they lack values, they will continue to behave in such ways that are a detriment to both you and others around them.
The next time you are faced by someone who seeks their own advantage at all costs make sure your needs are known. If they are not considering your needs then break contact with them. Be persistent with your beliefs and be confident that you are in the right. You have a right to live in peace and security without someone else unnecessarily causing problems.
The Successful and the Unsuccessful Student
Students come from many different backgrounds and abilities but these are not the deciding factor in their success. Some may be wealthy while others may be poor. Great school districts and solid educational background may be helpful but it isn't the key deciding factor in a student's ability to achieve. The one factor that differentiates great students from all others is.......
Motivation!
Without motivation there isn't much that will be accomplished. Students will not be able to stay on track and put the effort in to achieve their goals. With motivation the rest of one's background matters much less in the long-term success.
A person who is motivated can overcome any deficiencies in income, poor schooling, or background. They have the will to keep focusing and improving on their educational outputs.
Signs of a student with low motivation is lack of acceptance of critical feedback, failure to implement new ideas, turning assignments in late, not spending the time needed to complete assignments, incorporating improvements.
Signs of a student with high motivation is high class participation, correcting of errors, turning work in on time, checking resources, continuous improvement, and developing a workable process for education.
What wasn't mentioned is the actual grade. It is the level of improvement that counts. Students may start out with many mistakes but with motivation they can soon increase their grades and outcomes. This requires diligence that is drawn from motivation. Educational outcomes are heavily focused on personality and individual effort.
Motivation!
Without motivation there isn't much that will be accomplished. Students will not be able to stay on track and put the effort in to achieve their goals. With motivation the rest of one's background matters much less in the long-term success.
A person who is motivated can overcome any deficiencies in income, poor schooling, or background. They have the will to keep focusing and improving on their educational outputs.
Signs of a student with low motivation is lack of acceptance of critical feedback, failure to implement new ideas, turning assignments in late, not spending the time needed to complete assignments, incorporating improvements.
Signs of a student with high motivation is high class participation, correcting of errors, turning work in on time, checking resources, continuous improvement, and developing a workable process for education.
What wasn't mentioned is the actual grade. It is the level of improvement that counts. Students may start out with many mistakes but with motivation they can soon increase their grades and outcomes. This requires diligence that is drawn from motivation. Educational outcomes are heavily focused on personality and individual effort.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Can Your Business Use Psychodynamics?
Selecting candidates is big business and should be done with meticulous care. One wrong hire and it could cost the company a lot of money in lost revenue or production. Using psychodynamics may help in overcoming motivations and their potential beneficial or negative outcomes in the work place.
What is psychodynamics?
It is the study of candidates emotional and mental functions that lead to performance and outcomes. This study is important in uncovering employees that are likely to succeed with their employer and complete their job function appropriately.
Those looking at psychodynamics may include paper trails such as employment history, community relations, references and other important markers. For example a person could have a very rocky employment background unable to stay at an employer for more than a year.
This could mean the candidates creates problems wherever he/she goes or it could mean there are other factors involved. To use psychodynamics well it is important to also look at other indicators such as how they act and respond to specific questions about their employment in the interview.
The Internet is also offering other alternatives to understanding backgrounds but is not a perfect solution because people change and information can be misinterpreted. For example, I might have paintings out there because I am learning how to paint but a hiring manager may assume I don't have a scientific mind.
Personal bias can easily make it in the process so ensure that your company effectively cross balances perceptions, data, and information in a way that leads to more accuracy. There have been many costly mistakes and misinterpretations that lead to the rejection of great candidates and hiring of poor candidates.
What is psychodynamics?
It is the study of candidates emotional and mental functions that lead to performance and outcomes. This study is important in uncovering employees that are likely to succeed with their employer and complete their job function appropriately.
Those looking at psychodynamics may include paper trails such as employment history, community relations, references and other important markers. For example a person could have a very rocky employment background unable to stay at an employer for more than a year.
This could mean the candidates creates problems wherever he/she goes or it could mean there are other factors involved. To use psychodynamics well it is important to also look at other indicators such as how they act and respond to specific questions about their employment in the interview.
The Internet is also offering other alternatives to understanding backgrounds but is not a perfect solution because people change and information can be misinterpreted. For example, I might have paintings out there because I am learning how to paint but a hiring manager may assume I don't have a scientific mind.
Personal bias can easily make it in the process so ensure that your company effectively cross balances perceptions, data, and information in a way that leads to more accuracy. There have been many costly mistakes and misinterpretations that lead to the rejection of great candidates and hiring of poor candidates.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Will the Economy Start to Tap Your Paychecks Soon?
You might be getting a raise soon. Your friend "the economy" says so! According to the Labor Department those applying for unemployment claims dipped to 267,000 marking a 42 week low. As the labor supply shrinks it becomes increasingly likely that wages will rise as skilled labor becomes increasingly in demand. The economic hands are likely to start tapping on paychecks soon.
Basic laws of supply and demand are at play here. As something becomes more difficult to find its value rises. It doesn't matter if you are talking about the latest XBOX game or labor supply. Good employees are hard to find and when employment rate dips companies must continually look at lower qualified candidates.
This naturally comes with a cost and improvement in labor conditions; at least for those who are actively engaged in the market. Pressure rises on companies to find candidates, train them to expectations, and then put them to solid work when the unemployment rate is under 5%. As their value and cost rise companies seek to also raise their productivity rate.
This creates a push to increase productivity to reduce the cost of labor and hire fewer employees. Automation and streamlining become popular methods to countering labor costs. In the long run this can create downward pressure on the employment rate but its effects are not felt until a significant time in the future.
Assuming that the economy continues to grow over the next year the pressure on the labor market is likely to increase and wages will continue to go up. In turn, companies will push for productivity and engage in more training. Eventually, a homeostasis may be found but this will take time as investments in the U.S. economy continue to improve until it no longer is a lucrative option.
Basic laws of supply and demand are at play here. As something becomes more difficult to find its value rises. It doesn't matter if you are talking about the latest XBOX game or labor supply. Good employees are hard to find and when employment rate dips companies must continually look at lower qualified candidates.
This naturally comes with a cost and improvement in labor conditions; at least for those who are actively engaged in the market. Pressure rises on companies to find candidates, train them to expectations, and then put them to solid work when the unemployment rate is under 5%. As their value and cost rise companies seek to also raise their productivity rate.
This creates a push to increase productivity to reduce the cost of labor and hire fewer employees. Automation and streamlining become popular methods to countering labor costs. In the long run this can create downward pressure on the employment rate but its effects are not felt until a significant time in the future.
Assuming that the economy continues to grow over the next year the pressure on the labor market is likely to increase and wages will continue to go up. In turn, companies will push for productivity and engage in more training. Eventually, a homeostasis may be found but this will take time as investments in the U.S. economy continue to improve until it no longer is a lucrative option.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Learn to Relax Over the Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful and people spend so much time shopping, cooking, creating, entertaining and visiting they forget to take care of themselves. Holidays are great but they can sometimes be overwhelming unless you do two things.
1.) Stay focused on each task: One of the best ways to get through a trying day getting everything ready is to focus on each task without thinking about the long list of tasks that need to be completed. The minute you start thinking about all the tasks you have to complete the stress level will rise.
If we always thought about how much work we must do to get a degree, lose weight or anything else you wouldn't think it is worth it. Yet by focusing on enjoying each task and living in the present you can enjoy each moment. With luck you can look over the whole day and say you enjoyed it.
2.) Minimize the tasks: The holidays are about spending time with family and friends. We often start out thinking all of these things need to be completed but the reality is that they don't. Holidays are supposed to be simple so it is better to focus on what is required versus what would be nice.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time working on things we don't need to. By minimizing those tasks, starting a few days earlier, or asking others for help we are likely to make things a lot easier on ourselves.
1.) Stay focused on each task: One of the best ways to get through a trying day getting everything ready is to focus on each task without thinking about the long list of tasks that need to be completed. The minute you start thinking about all the tasks you have to complete the stress level will rise.
If we always thought about how much work we must do to get a degree, lose weight or anything else you wouldn't think it is worth it. Yet by focusing on enjoying each task and living in the present you can enjoy each moment. With luck you can look over the whole day and say you enjoyed it.
2.) Minimize the tasks: The holidays are about spending time with family and friends. We often start out thinking all of these things need to be completed but the reality is that they don't. Holidays are supposed to be simple so it is better to focus on what is required versus what would be nice.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time working on things we don't need to. By minimizing those tasks, starting a few days earlier, or asking others for help we are likely to make things a lot easier on ourselves.
Making New Years Your Deadline for Improving Your Financial Position
You must made it through Christmas and loaded your carts full of presents. Some may have emptied their bank accounts, some maxed out their credit cards and others feel almost no pain. With 2015 almost behind you and some time off with friends and family it is time to think about what is most important to you so that you can budget for the future in 2016.
Buying is behavior based in how we see ourselves and what we want. Even though some of our buying is for necessity it is often emotionally driven and often leads us to overspend. The only way to really control your spending and save money for future investment means understanding yourself.
Once you understand what drives you and your spending habits you can control your behavior. First look at your spending patterns to understand whether or not you want prestige, pleasure, dinning, etc... It may take some time unless you have kept track of your spending in a way that will allow you to realize what you are spending on.
Where you are wasting the most money, or not getting the best bang for your buck, you should consider making changing. For example, if you are spending most of your money on eating out try and get into the habit of cooking or finding great deals. Use your past to gauge how well you are doing and save the rest of the money.
Buying is behavior based in how we see ourselves and what we want. Even though some of our buying is for necessity it is often emotionally driven and often leads us to overspend. The only way to really control your spending and save money for future investment means understanding yourself.
Once you understand what drives you and your spending habits you can control your behavior. First look at your spending patterns to understand whether or not you want prestige, pleasure, dinning, etc... It may take some time unless you have kept track of your spending in a way that will allow you to realize what you are spending on.
Where you are wasting the most money, or not getting the best bang for your buck, you should consider making changing. For example, if you are spending most of your money on eating out try and get into the habit of cooking or finding great deals. Use your past to gauge how well you are doing and save the rest of the money.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)