Would it alarm you to know there has been a school shooting in almost every state this year? While many remained unreported in the national news because there were no deaths or injuries, guns were still involved, and shots were fired. While debates about gun control continue, one aspect that demands immediate attention is empowering students and school administrators to take proactive steps to ensure their safety....
Read MoreConcrete Ways to Celebrate National Gratitude Month
November is National Gratitude Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the myriad blessings surrounding us. Thankfulness doesn’t have to be reserved for grand gestures. The small, everyday moments often mean the most: a kind word to a stranger, appreciating the sun’s warmth on a chilly day, or the simple pleasure of reading a good book....
Read MoreNavigating the Lessons from Challenging Work Experiences
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity to introspect and review the experiences that the year has brought. For those who find themselves in less-than-ideal job situations, take heart: every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning....
Read MoreGift Card Fraud: A Closer Look
As we approach the holiday season, gift cards are often an attractive gift for the hard-to-buy person or a relative who lives far away. However, there are risks with gift cards, as noted below....
Read MoreHow to Deal with Workplace Threats
Workplace physical, verbal, or psychological threats can severely impact employees’ morale, productivity, and well-being. Both employers and employees must recognize, address, and prevent these threats to ensure a safe and harmonious work environment. This blog post aims to provide practical strategies for dealing with them. Recognize the Threat Before you can address the issue, you need to recognize it. Workplace threats can be: Do Not Engage If you are faced with an immediate threat: Document Everything Maintain a record of the threat, including: Report the Threat Always report it to your immediate supervisor, the Human Resources department, and the...
Read MoreSmart Solo Travel: How to Ensure Your Safety When Traveling Alone
Traveling alone can be an enriching and exhilarating experience. It allows you to explore at your own pace, discover new cultures, and meet people from all walks of life. However, it also requires taking additional precautions to ensure your safety. Research Your Destination Familiarize yourself with local customs, language basics, the safest places to stay, and any potential areas to avoid. It’s also a good idea to check the US Department of State travel advisories to get the latest information on safety conditions in your destination. Share Your Itinerary Share your plans with two or three family or close...
Read MoreThe Interpersonal Habits of Successful People
Success is often attributed to talent, hard work, and opportunity. However, an often-overlooked aspect of success lies in interpersonal habits. How we interact with others, communicate, and build relationships can significantly impact our journey toward achieving our goals. Active Listening: One of the most crucial habits that successful individuals possess is the ability to listen actively. Recent studies have shown active listening improves understanding, builds trust, and fosters effective collaboration. Successful people take the time to genuinely listen to others, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate empathy. They understand that proper communication is a two-way street and valuable insights can...
Read MoreThe Rising Threat of Real Estate Cybercrime
In the 21st century, the digital landscape has evolved tremendously, influencing virtually all aspects of our lives, including the real estate sector. While this technology-driven metamorphosis has created enormous opportunities for growth and innovation, it has also exposed the industry to the rising menace of cybercrime. Let’s delve into recent statistics and trends that outline the magnitude and implications of real estate cybercrime. Cybercrime in Real Estate According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, the real estate industry faced 13,638 Internet crime incidents, resulting in more than $213 million in losses. This marked a 17%...
Read MoreThe Importance of Being An Active Listener
As communication becomes increasingly abbreviated (i.e., texting acronyms and using emojis), being an active listener is the way to separate yourself from the pack. Start with Good Listening Skills There is a misconception that being silent, engaging with facial movements and vocal sounds, and summing up what someone has just said is a sure way to be a good listener. It also involves stopping what you are doing and focusing on the person and conversation. How to Become an Active Listener What is an active listener? It involves listening with your ears but also with your eyes and body....
Read MoreDo You Live to Work or Work to Live?
People have different values and priorities, so their approach to work may vary. Some people may feel a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment from their work and prioritize it over other aspects of their lives. They may think that their work is essential to their identity, and they live to work. On the other hand, some people see work as a means to an end and prioritize different aspects of their lives, such as family, friends, hobbies, or personal development. They work to live and may see their job supporting their desired lifestyle. Ultimately, this question has no...
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