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The lives of language

Debra Josephson Abrams Education

When I was in Russia teaching English language pedagogy, research and writing skills, and American conversational rituals to graduate TESOL students, I adapted 20 Questions by adding a component, 20 Words. While I was pleased with the lesson and students’ engagement, I was eager to develop it. I had the opportunity when I taught university Short Composition students in South Korea. The students, most of whom were Korean but a couple of whom were Mongolian, all had high levels of English language skills and were already keen thinkers, and a number were polyglots; therefore, I wanted to robustly challenge them.

How VMware practices inclusion from the top

Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I've been working with leaders in organizations of all sizes to build inclusive cultures that last, from startup to scale, for over 25 years. I've seen leaders and companies come and go. So, I'm a bit skeptical when I hear an executive talk about how inclusive their organization is, how much they love diversity, and everything they're doing to promote equity, and then everyone looks alike, sounds alike and lawsuits are piling up. But two events made me think that maybe VMware is different.

5 easy ways to regain consumer interest

Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

The power of persuasion — as a marketer, it's your bread and butter. Sometimes, though, your brand might be going through an ebb...or you're trying to beat the drum from scratch for a familiar product you're repackaging. Whether really need to reboot your approach to a relaunch, revamp your sales approach, or simply freshen up your image, research has you covered. Try the following simple but highly effective tips to convince consumers you've got what they want now and in the future.

Solving the top 3 social media marketing problems

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

Nearly a quarter of all social media marketers worry their social strategy is ineffective, according to the 2019 Sprout Social Index. If that’s just one of your concerns, you’re likely also dealing with these top three challenges. Read on to learn tactics to overcome them and feel more confident with your company’s social media marketing tactics.

Steer clear of these delusional hiring practices

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I don't know about you, but I'm growing tired of hearing leaders complain that they can't fill jobs. When asked, they can come up with a dozen reasons why this is so. Are you guilty of this as well? Imagine a VP of sales telling her CEO that she is unable to bring in deals. Do you think she'd be told, "That's okay; everyone else is having a tough time selling." No, of course not! Too many organizations are delusional when it comes to their hiring practices. They have a system in place and continue to use it, regardless of the dismal results. Here are some of the more common delusional hiring practices that I see.

Communicating meeting ground rules

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Recently, I worked in a country where board members seldom disagree. Their meetings are purposely harmonious. No voices raised or fingers pointed. They prefer courtesy over confrontation. In the U.S., association boards embrace a different model. Debate and deliberation are expected at meetings. The chairman is likely to ask, "Have we fully vetted all aspects of this proposal?" Directors are urged to delve into an issue before voting on motions.

Infographic: How to make your life easier with automation

Safiyyah Bazemore Science & Technology

With limited time and a seemingly endless list of things to do, how can we hope to get everything done without losing our minds in the process? That’s where automation comes in. Automation, which allows you to "set and forget" a process or technology to get tasks done for you, can free up precious time by handling mundane activities that still have to get done. For example, you can automate your finances to pay down debt, make shopping a breeze by signing up for automatic grocery delivery, and set up auto-responders to keep your inbox free of clutter.

Useful hints for ESL teachers: Part 2

Douglas Magrath Education

Students need extra help understanding facets of language that go beyond grammar and syntax. Teachers may have to make extra efforts to help LEP learners. Teachers can look at their own cultures as a starting point. Another thing that a teacher can do is let his or her personality show. Stay on task, but it is OK to be different. Teachers should be sensitive to the students’ needs. Some may need more grammar; others may need more speaking while still others may need emotional support and advising.

3 millennial negotiating skills to master

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

For all the grief they continue to get from older generations, millennials deserve even more credit. From avocado toast to Zipcar and everything in between, the technological savvy, creativity and multicultural push from millennials has had an amazing impact on our culture. As an HR professional, one place I truly appreciate their skills is negotiating. Here are three millennial negotiation skills we should all try to master.

The time to have fun is when you have no time

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We live in a fast-paced world, no doubt about it. We are constantly rushing here and there for appointments, for work, for shopping, for school, for church, or for sports obligations. There’s no time for anything because your schedule is packed with things you must do, not necessarily what you want to do. But these obligations are generally man-made. They are the product of our own demands and self-expectations, where busyness is frequently valued more highly than productivity. Not only do we adults get caught up in this endless cycle of busyness, I’ve witnessed it in the children they parent as well.

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