The Importance of Being Honest With Yourself in a Job Hunt

The Importance of Being Honest With Yourself in a Job HuntThe Importance of Being Honest With Yourself in a Job HuntBeing honest with yourself is elend an easy thing to do. It requires telling yourself, No, and making difficult decisions. It also requires knowing when to say to yourself, I have mora work to do before I am qualified enough for a job.There are many who view being honest with yourself as pessimistic or negative. The reality is you are discovering the importance of being yourself. We list the reasons below why being honest with yourself in a job hunt is more important than ever before.Saves you time and moneyBeing honest with yourself prevents you from applying to jobs and going on interviews for work that you simply have no interest in.When trying to get out of a job, there is the attraction to just taking the first well-paying job that comes along. You may optimistically tell yourself, I can learn to like this, and several months into the job you are looking for new wo rk again. When you need a job, the saatkorn thing happens. You need work, so you take whatever work comes along.The problem with doing this is that time and money is wasted on work you never wanted in the first place. Your resume now has that blemish on it because you took a job and left it shortly after. If you were being honest with yourself initially, you would have told yourself, I really have no interest in the job. I will pass. Then, you can spend more time searching for work you really desire.Avoids negative scenarios on a resumeThere are many stories of people who chose to fake it til they make it. What gets lost in translation is that people who do fake it REALLY desired the job they landed.When you fake it to make it for a job you really never wanted in the first place, at some point, you start asking yourself, Why am I doing this?.Jobs and possible references you feel no obligation to preserve usually end up being hard to explain to future employers. They will ask, Why di d you only stay at ABC company for a few months? If you were being honest with yourself, initially, you could have avoided the problem of having to explain yourself or why the former job is no longer a reference.Being honest with yourself makes you moneyGetting paid what you know you are worth requires being honest with yourself, upfront. For the clients using Find My Profession, they have all stated what their minimum salary is and they are very skilled. They are being honest about it.When a job comes along that you really want and you start to think, I will take a pay cut to get hired, you are not being honest with yourself. In the short-term, it sounds like a good idea. In the long-term, that favor you did for the people who hired you will start to haunt you.The importance of being honest with yourself comes into play, especially when adjusting your salary to inflation. Some of the greatest companies in the world pay lower salaries simply because there are people ready to climb o ver each other to get hired. If you remember the importance of being yourself, your true self will tell you, This job does not pay enough. I am worth much more.It will help you love your job even moreWho wants to work for a company in which you find the importance of being yourself is not valued?If you were being honest with yourself during the interview process, and the company seemed to ignore it, you will not be happy at the new job for very long.Companies in which personalities are acknowledged and valued tend to breed happier employees. Anyone who feels they could not be honest during an interview process will start to feel like working at a company requires pretending to be someone else. If you find you can go to work every day and be your honest self, you will be more productive and work harder for that company.You will build a stronger networkMost importantly, whether a person agrees with you or not, if you are being honest with yourself the people in your network will respe ct you. They will trust you because you never said one thing and did another. Networks are built on honesty, trust, integrity, and enthusiasm.As such, the type of honesty you want to avoid is called, brutal honesty. No one needs to hear your negative story of why you didnt like your last boss or company. It sounds too much like you are still holding onto grief.When a person is honestly positive they seem to attract a stronger network. They can also be respected for being positive during difficult times. Your honesty should not leave others feeling regret they ever started talking to you.Perhaps the most important thing about being honest with yourself is that you start to surround yourself with a network that values you. As time goes on, this makes changing jobs a bit easier.Do you really deserve the jobHave you ever seen a job you know you wanted and applied thinking, Hey Ya never know? Here is another positive way to approach itYou see a job you want.You are being honest with your self and know you are not qualified...for now.So, you learn what you need to learn and then come back later to applyThis way you will truly know if you wanted to do the work as much as you originally thought.Food for thoughtBeing honest with yourself is not being pessimistic. It only means there is more work to doSweat equity is the most valuable equity there is. Know your business and industry better than anyone else in the world. Love what you do or dont do it.- Mark Cuban, American Businessman

Sometimes, Seth Godin is Wrong

Sometimes, Seth Godin is Wrong Sometimes, Seth Godin is Wrong It pains me to write that sentence. I love Seth Godin. Ive read all his books and I once spent a fascinating day at one of his seminars. I have learned tons of things about marketing my business from Seth Godin. But every time he writes about finding a job, I just cringe. Because, as a died-in-the-wool entrepreneur who hasnt looked for a job in decades, Seth just doesnt understand job seekers or the job search process. I say this with love truly I do but when it comes to job search advice, Seth Godin is clueless.The latest evidence? His guest post over on What Would Dad Say? where he tells everyone to just stop looking for a job and abflug their own business. His reasoning is as followsThere are a few reasons for this. The first is that the act of trying to get a job corrupts you. It pushes you to be average, to fit in and to do what youre told.The second is that this act moves the responsibility from you to that guy who didnt hire you. Its his fault. As soon as you start spending your day trying to please the guy, youve blown it.The third is that the economy is terrible and the best jobs youre going to get are lousy.Wow So much to disagree with in so few words.First, the act of looking for a job doesnt corrupt you or force you to fit in not unless you conduct a certain kind of job search, where you basically change yourself to try and please others. Not a wise idea. Instead a job search should be like shopping for a new pair of jeans youre looking for just the right fit and you know it when you find it.The second point ties into the first. Seth seems to equate looking for a job with trying to please other people. But its only that way if you make it that way. Theres nothing about looking for a job that inherently means you have to sell yourself out.Third, yes the economy is terrible, but how on earth does that mean that all the vacant jobs are bad jobs? In a bad economy, do all good employers ju st shut up shop while all bad ones stick around? Of course not There are fewer jobs overall during a bad economy and you have to be more proactive in your search, but the proportion of good to bad jobs stays about the same. In fact, in the last few weeks Ive helped several clients who are literally applying for their dream jobs.As for starting your own business I have my own business. I love it. I dont think I would be happy if I had to go back to working for someone else. But I would never advise everyone to do the same this life isnt for everyone and I certainly wouldnt assume that every job seeker is able to just drop the search for a regular job with a salary and benefits to pursue selling coffee from a truck at the train station (one of Seths suggestions).If you have always wanted to have your own business and didnt take the leap because you wanted a safe job, then maybe now is the time to look into that idea again. (Theres definitely no such thing as a safe job anymore) But there is nothing inherently better about running your own business over working for someone else. One is for some people, one is for other people, and Seth Godin is wrong to suggest that what works for him will work for you. Dont listen to him. (But if you do decide that you want to start your own business, you really should read his books -that he knows about)

Your right to discuss salaries and wages in the workplace

Your right to discuss salaries and wages in the workplaceYour right to discuss salaries and wages in the workplaceEarlier this month, we conducted apollon pay secrecy and discovered that nearly 60 percent of surveyed tech employees are discouraged from discussing compensation with other employees.

Before You Design for Additive Manufacturing Check Your Mindset

Before You entwurf for Additive Manufacturing Check Your Mindset Before You Design for Additive Manufacturing Check Your Mindset Before You Design for Additive Manufacturing, Check Your MindsetContent provided by PTCAdditive manufacturing (AM) promises faster time-to-market, reduced costs, and the ability to customize designs, whether youre using AM for rapid prototyping or production.Dont make the mistake of thinking that what worked for traditional production will allow you to get the most from 3-D printing.You must adopt a new mindset and come at common design problems differently.The Constraints Have ChangedWithout a design for AM mindset, you might think about parts in a familiar way. The result? You limit your own creativity by accepting whats possible using familiar production methods.For example, undercuts, internal channels, even fillet placement matter with traditional manufacturing practice. But they dont hold the same weight when you use 3-D printing technologies.Its unde rstandable that you, especially if youre seasoned, might struggle with such a mindset shift at first. Fortunately, advances in design software can offer various ways to rethink how you approach design problems. We feature three below.Enter the LatticeA lattice is a framework or structure of crossed strips and the resulting spaces between them. An optimized lattice structure promises greater strength with less material, which makes lattices especially useful for such products as lightweight structural panels, energy absorption devices, thermal insulation, or porous implants.When you combine AM with generative design tools, its possible to get an optimized lattice structure you might never have considered. It gets even better When you add a simulation product thats tightly integrated with your CAD tool, you can test your design as you work before you make a single budget-sapping prototype.Parts are the New AssembliesAM can consolidate many parts into a single component, the implicatio n being that a design for AM mindset means reconsidering how you think about parts and assemblies.In one famous example, GE redesigned its LEAP jet engine nozzle, reducing it from 18 separate components to a single part. GE achieved significant weight reduction and increased performance targets due to the streamlined shape and complex internal lattices. Or consider natures examplethe human hips internal structure. What could you do if you decided to start small with this new mindset? Embrace the Freedom of Generative DesignDont miss out on generative design tools and how they can help you capitalize on your engineering experience and judgement. With the Creo Topology Optimization Extension, you are the one who establishes the defined set of objectives and constraints, while the software determines the best design within the boundaries youve set and delivers B-Rep geometry. When you add the capabilities of AM, chances are that these designs are now within reach. Making the Most of AM Surely this is one of the most exciting times in our careersnew technologies, new goals, new ways of working. All of us are going to be asked to change. While AM technologies present a genuine opportunity, the experience of the seasoned engineer has never been more valuable. Now is the time to put the two together.Learn more about design for additive manufacturing at ptc.com.

The Secret Details Into Free Resume Templates 2018 Most People Do Not Know About

The Secret Details Into Free Resume Templates 2018 Most People Do Not Know About Choosing Good Free Resume Templates 2018 There are lots of free creative resume templates you are able to use, allowing you to focus your energy on everything else you have to do. The freebie was made by Alamin Mir. The Ideal Approach to Free Resume Templates 2018 These days, its a lot simpler to create an ideal CV with the assistance of some relevant applications. Your work experiences are among the most vital contents of your resume. ConnectCV is another exact efficient online resume building tool free of charge. Creating a resume with the assistance of a template can help you become mindful of the resume areas that you must fill. Dont forget that customization is important. Visual resume is about visuals, utilizing visual facets of graphic design to permit visual imagery and total visual appearance to speak for itself. Simple resume formats assist you in making your resume. Each one of o ur creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. The Tried and True Method for Free Resume Templates 2018 in Step by Step Detail Now, take a look at best free online resume builder websites. There are a lot of such on-line sites which help you make a customized resume according to your liking. If youre on the lookout for the most used resume templates for freshers, download on our site and edit the way you require it. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be very tricky to decide on the best one that is most suited to you. The Lost Secret of Free Resume Templates 2018 As the name implies, Free Resume Creator is still another absolutely free online resume or CV builder website. Unlike the majority of the online resume builder sites that need the user to register, it does not need registration. Resume Templates also be koranvers you dont miss out any beneficia l item of information about yourself which can be important for the provider. Possessing a thorough contact information listing may give your prospective employer mora options about how to get hold of you. Whats Truly Going on with Free Resume Templates 2018 The Simple resume formats must be used dependent on the kinds of templates they are. The PSD is extremely simple to edit and customize. So, My Resume Builder is very helpful in creating an awesome ready-to-go resume. My Resume Builder can help you create a fantastic resume with the support of its tools. How to Choose Free Resume Templates 2018 Depending on the kind of application process youre addressing, it can be appropriate to include samples of your work in your CV. There is an assortment of advantages of utilizing the simple resume formats. The practice of producing a resume is quite easy and straight-forward. A resume template will provide the essential information that is needed for a resume, as well as the f ormat and the way to present your working details in a logical and appealing way. The seminars and training programs which youve attended can also be added to your resume especially if theyre about the work functions of the work position that youre applying for. Research about the technical skills necessary for the work position that youre applying for. If you would like to secure your fantasy job, then youll require a resume that showcases your abilities and experience quickly. Your resume ought to be in a position to say the advantage or benefit your work position would bring to the organization or company. Always mention the skills youre best at and include everything that you have accomplished regarding your career. spielblttchening the right resume template will not merely permit you to highlight the best aspects of your experience and techniques, but nevertheless, it will also focus your focus to demonstrating what value it is possible to provide prospective employers. Someone states that resumes are dead and it is necessary to have social media, but practice indicates that recruiters continue to find applicants resume, choose more relevant ones and just then connect with applicants. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a prospective employer gets of us. Choose a specific position which you would love to submit an application for so you are going to be easily guided by what things to put in your resume. As previously mentioned, you need to pick a resume format thats suited to your personal profile. Utilizing a resume template is quite useful in making your professional profile. It has become an acceptable and smart practice for a number of reasons. Everyone hopes to put on an opportunity to impress potential new employer at a job interview, but theres no denying that interviews can be quite stressful The majority of us already know that the resume we submit while putting in an application for a work interview i s very crucial for a lot of reasons. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about Folks use a variety of resume templates using different type of design approaches, but ultimately its always likely to come to the simple fact that your resume should convey a very clear message above your skills, your experience, and also why youd be the ideal candidate for the position. The Free Resume Templates 2018 Cover Up Pick the completely free printable stationery template that youd like to personalize, use our on-line stationery maker to customize it and download the file to your PC. The upcoming free resume template was created in the shape of a brochure. Utilizing a template can lessen the quantity of time youve got to spend formatting your document, which permits you to concentrate on adding content and polishing your resume. Resume Templates is a significant means to take away the stress from writing and presenting a resume so you can concentrate on wh at you have to do when youre given the interview.

The Dos and Donts of Reviews of Resume Writing Group

The Dos and Donts of Reviews of Resume Writing Group Definitions of Reviews of Resume Writing Group Naturally, the best method to discover such assistance is if you take a look into the top rated professional resume writing services reviews. Even if youre sending your resume to a business in the very same segment, the particular person who will read it for the very first time may bedrngnis have any technical expertise. It is absolutely not hard to focus on the company that is better to use and what type left clients feeling extremely disappointed. When you want to select the best resume writing service to boost your resume, its simple to be overwhelmed with options. For starters, although the company has done an excellent job in producing the site design and content, theres a critical deficiency of service options on it. The post-by-fax service is particularly common. Few affordable services offer you high-quality services. Customer service and support are the important portio n of any internet business. What is Truly Happening with Reviews of Resume Writing Group The organization becomes good scores on a couple of websites, but nonetheless, it fruchtweinly gets complaints by real users. The main quality of ResumeWritingGroup website is numerous resources which may help work seeker. The website is just one of the explanations for why. There are many websites with tips around the internet, but most bring just a small number of them. Certified writers are somewhat more skilled and know the perfect strategies to produce an excellent resume that would catch an employers attention without delay. If you opt to utilize Resume Writing Group, youll only have to hope that you receive a great writer assigned to your resume. College was supposed to teach you everything that you would have to know to be a well-paid professional. Dont hesitate to request a revision if you arent pleased with the work done. The majority of the times your prior work experience will be the absolute most significant part the resume, so put it at the top. Writing your own resume with a small amount of research might seem to be a good idea at the time as youre saving money and being creative. Know the purpose of your resume Some individuals write a resume as though the intention of the document was supposed to land work. All About Reviews of Resume Writing Group Independent reviewers should provide help. If you attempt to find CareerPerfect reviews online, youll locate few recommendations and several complaints. Simply speaking, resume services and resume writers that are simple to work with. Every one of the writers has experience of over 5 decades thus they understand hiring trends in several industries.

6 Tips for Transferring Training to the Workplace

6 Tips for Transferring Training to the Workplace6 Tips for Transferring Training to the WorkplaceCan you turn your training participants into learning magnets who cant wait to attend their next training opportunity? Absolutely. Can you expect improved work performance as a result of the time, energy, and money you invest in training? Absolutely. You just need to pay attention to the key factors in training transfer who presents the training,how the training is presented, andthe role you expect from the participants. What participants do during the training session makes all the difference in whetzu sich training actually transfers to the workplace. Use thesesix ideas to address complaints about training (I dont have time trainings a waste of my time my boss wont let me do anything I learn in the session anyway) and spark improved performance with training transfer to your workplace. 6 Tips for Training Transfer You can improve your training and the employee transfer of the learn ed new skills and ideas back to your workplace if you successfully manage these six aspects of training. The coach and the expectations make a difference. One of the most effective training sessions employees ever experienced was at a General Motors manufacturing facility. As part of a corporation-wide culture change process, all supervisory and management employees attendedthe sameeducational session which was crafted to help them understand, see the need for, and own the needed cultural changes. The key ingredient was the instructor. He was a GM senior executive. As such, he expected each individual attending the training session, in turn, to instruct the people who reported to them once they were back on the job. The ability to train others is one of the most important indicators of training retention. (An organization development consultant facilitated the training sessions as well, since not every manager was confident of his or her ability to train others effectively.) Altern atively, participants react mora favorably to trainers who have experience in their industry. They appreciate facilitators who have experienced and addressed the issues and situations highlighted in the training. The more closely the instructor can link the training to the participants real life experience, the better for training transfer, the application of the information later on the job. Present training as part of a consistent message from the organization. Classes must build on each other and reinforce the content learned in earlier sessions. Too many organizations approach training as a potpourri or menu of available classes and sessions. When there is no interconnection between training sessions, and the information provided in the training sessions, organizations lose a great opportunity to reinforce basic shared skills, approaches, and values. Training must reference earlier sessions, draw parallels, and reinforce content.For example, one university supervisory developme nt program introduced an effective feedback process in a communication class. This feedback model was then reinforced and emphasized in the conflict resolution session, the performance management session, and the motivation session. Participants received a consistent approach, emphasized across sessions, to ensure the transfer of the training information to the workplace. Ask each individuals manager, and the managers manager, to attend the training session with their staff. When three management levels of an organization attend training together, participants may be more willing to try out the new ideas learned in training. This is especially effective if participants see their manager trying out new skills as well. This is also important for reinforcement of the training following the session, the subject of the third article in this training transfer series. Employees are prone to emulate the actions of their managers so when they see managers applying the new information on th e job, its a stimulus. Additionally, trained managers can knowledgeably ask their employees questions to further their learning and understanding of the concepts. Provide training in chunks that are scheduled over a period of time. People learn more in training sessions that provide chunks, small amounts of content, based on a couple of well-defined objectives. Participants attend these sessions, perhaps a couple of hours per week, until the subject is learned. This allows the participants to practice the concepts in between the training sessions. Both the content of the training and the application of the concepts are reinforced at each subsequent session. This also allows people to discuss their successes and difficulties in applying the training in their actual work session. The instructor can help participants practice the training content by giving assignments that are debriefed at the next meeting. Train people in skills and information that are immediately applicable on the j ob. Use it or lose it, is a common refrain about training. This is a true statement. Even with strategic skills such as listening, providing performance feedback, and team building, set up situations in which practice is immediate and frequent, to help participants retain the training. In application-oriented training such as software training, dont bother with the training unless participants have the software to use following the training session. In fact, training is often more effective if your employees are allowed to experiment with the program first, before attending the session. They attend the session armed with questions and a basic understanding of the program or process. The trainer can set a positive, productive tone for the session and the later application of learning. With a positive, informative, honest opening that stresses behaviorally oriented objectives., the trainer sets the tone for the meeting. How the instructor opens the training session begins the process of managing participant expectations. (You will be able to do the following as a result of attending this session) According to Jim Clemmer, of the Clemmer Group, Research clearly shows far more people act themselves into a new way of thinking than think themselves into a new way of acting. Participants need to know what expectations they can have of the session so the objectives must be realistic and not over-promise. At the same time, the opening should stress whats in it for me, the WIIFM participants will experience as a result of their wholehearted participation in the session. Emphasize whats in it for the trainee, the value of session, and the value of the information during the entire session. More Tips for Effective Training Transfer to the Workplace 4 Tips to Make Training and Development Work (before)6 Tips to Make Training Work Before the TrainingTraining Can Make a Difference (during)6 More Tips to Make Training and Development Work (during)Everyone Wins 4 Tips for Employee Training Transfer (after)9 More Tips for Training Transfer (after)Training Transfer Case Study (application example)

Teens with this skin condition earn higher grades and salaries later in life

Teens with this skin condition earn higher grades and salaries later in lifeTeens with this skin condition earn higher grades and salaries later in lifeA recent study pulled data from The National Longitude Study of Adolescent To Adult Health, to look for a correlation between suffering from acne in middle school and high school and subsequential educational and labor outcomes.Among other things, the data yielded a strongly positive association with having acne and overall grade point average in high school specifically in the areas of English, history, math, and science. The studys authors write, We also find evidence that acne is associated with higher personal labor market earnings for women. We further explore a possible channel through which acne may affect education and earnings.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe data used in the recent study was comprised of anationally representative sample of thousands of American junior high and high school students between the 1994-95 school year. The participants were queriedabout their well-being and then followed up with into their 20s and 30s.Does acne equal higher grades and salaries?The paper was authored by Hugo M. Mialon, Department of Economics at Emory University and Erik Nesson, Associate professor of economics at tanzerei State University. The two experts were both intrigued with the impact ones physical appearance has on their fiscal success, even though neither has dealt with serious acne during their schooling.Eighty-five percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 come into paths with acne in one form or abedrngnisher and it is the most common skin disorder in America, with roughly 50 million reported cases in the US per year.Acne might be the closest thing youll get to an objective measure of an undesired feature because the skin condition is so well defined. The researchers deemed it was p erfectly suited to enact their investigation. We were surprised at how persistent the relationship between acne and grades was, Nesson told Today.Every correlation observed, proved more substantial in female cases, for whatever reason. In fact, the fiscal outcomes applied exclusively to female participants. Adolescents that suffered from acne, not only excelled academically in middle school and high school, they were also found to be 3.8 percentage points more likely to complete their bachelors degrees.The studys long-term data showed that young girls that experienced the skin condition typically went on to earn more than young girls that did not. The researchers posit that becauseteens with acne were more prone to social isolation. They, in turn, prioritized things in their control like academics. Because independent research has shown that acne has a much bigger psychological impact on women, it stands to reason that the positive accusations were stronger in this group.Even still there were other predictors at play. For instance, while it was true young women with acne tended to go on to become high earners, this was mostly true for young girls that experienced occasional zits as opposed to adolescents with severe skin problems.Ultimately, the authors behind the new study hope to add some dimension to an affliction that has predominantly served to reinforce depression and self-loathing in many young adults and teens. Nesson explains Since having acne is also strongly associated with depression and suicidal (thoughts) among teenagers, widespread knowledge of long-term benefits associated with having had acne has the potential to reduce teen suicides.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 ha bits of mentally strong people

Seven FBI traits that will make you a better leader

Seven FBI traits that will make you a better leaderSeven FBI traits that will make you a better leaderI loved being an FBI agent because there welches a sense of meaning and purpose every time I walked into the office. The FBIs mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.I worked hard to solve complex problems. You might be imagining movies, gun battles, and running down bad guys. In truth, a lot of what I did as an agent wasnt all that different from many of the challenges you face as entrepreneurs, leaders, and geschftsleben owners.I was good with a gun, I admit, but most of my time was spent working with people who had different opinions and a conflict of interest. This created problems I couldnt just shoot. Instead, they required people skills I suspect many of you can relate.Todays business world is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. If you want to move your career or company forward, you have to learn how to be a better l eaderThe FBI does not hire new agents based on their skills. Instead, they hire by the traits and values exhibited by applicants and then train new agents with the skill sets they will need. If an agent has the right values, traits, and abilities, they can learn anything.This is where most businesses have it backward. Instead of hiring people because of their traits and values, they hire skill sets and then try to backload the companys culture and values.If the goal of leadership is to empower people to make their own decisions, then here are 7 FBI traits that will make you a better leader1. ConfidenceBoosting confidence is the primary goal of the FBI Academy- before they send agents out with a gun and badge.As a new agent, there were days when my heart raced and my palms sweat just thinking about the new challenges that faced me. But I learned that success would not make me confident- rather, confidence in myself and my abilities would make me successful.If you dont believe in your self, how can others believe in you? It took a bit of acting on my parte in the beginning, but the mora I acted confident, the mora confident I became. Feedback from others was positive, which in turn, gave me more confidenceTIP You become a better leader when you cultivate ways to signal your confidence to others, especially usingbody language.When our brain receives a clear image of confidence and competence, it takes that good impression and makes a snap judgment. This allows the brain to move on to other issues.2. HumilityA few years back my squad was set to arrest a fugitive known to be armed and dangerous. Since I was the case agent, everyone assumed I would be the one to make the arrest. The fugitive was a big guy with broad shoulders and sure to resist arrest, and abwehr tactics had never been my strong point.It is humbling to admit to yourself, or others, that you are not the best person for the job. Its OK to admit it and turn to another person more experienced or better p repared, and ask for their help.You may not need help in arresting a fugitive, but you may need to surround yourself with people who are more experienced or better prepared, and ask for their help. The best leaders are confident enough to surround themselves with people who are smarter and more talented.They are also humble enough to learn from these people because they understand they will get a better outcome as a result of their involvement.TIP You become a better leader when you are willing to listen to, but not be dominated by, the talent around you. If you are the smartest person in the room, youre in the wrong room.3. Good ValuesFor insiders, FBI stands for Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. These are the values that drive the organization.Leadership is not a skill set it is rooted in who we are and what matters to us. Our values are defined by what we are willing to struggle for when the chips are down. Its doing the right thing and doing the best we can because that is who w e are.Ultimately, our values define our struggles. When we choose better values, we get better problems to solve. We need to be motivated by something more important and greater than our own happiness. If we are not driven to take our life to the next level by something more than our own selfish desires, we are the definition of a narcissist.TIP When you prioritize good values, you become a better leader because they produces true confidence and genuine humility. Decisions are easier because the answer is always do the right thing.4. KindnessNot all FBI negotiations involve the barrel of a gun. The most successful agents find ways to get along with people, pure and simple.It is rare that an agent can dictate how a relationship is going to unfold. In the movies we hear lines like, OK, this is what youre going to do for me. In reality, we need to look for whats mutually beneficial if were looking to cut a deal or negotiate.The best way to accomplish this is to find common ground, and this is accomplished by being sensitive to the needs of the other person. Exhibiting kindness helps us become a better leader because bullying, extortion, or browbeating rarely gets constructive results.TIP Mentally tough leaders who are kind know how to inspire their people in a way that, in turn, creates a commitment for their mission.5. ToughIt may seem that kindness and toughness are contradictions, but they are actually very compatible. There are times when a leader needs to hold people accountable and draw a clear line that differentiates between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.Great leaders dont worry about being unpopular or making everyone happy. Theyre always reminding themselves that their job is to improve the organization.While rules and standards provide structure for people, tough leaders are not afraid to buck the system to get what they want. They know how to interpret the cultural norms of the office or company and are respectful, yet persistent, in presenting new ideas for projects.It is the mixture of toughness and kindness that opens doors without alienating the standard bearers that have calcified in their corner office desk chair.TIP You become a better leader when you stumble and make mistakes but are tough enough to take control of your reputation and manage the way you are perceived.6. Listening SkillsI didnt know what to expect when the FBI sent me to a training course on hostage negotiation.As an unassuming man stood in front of the class and welcomed everyone in dulcet tones, I was looking around for the hard ass who had talked down a terrorist in New York the week before. The man spoke politely but I didnt listen because I wanted to hear from the hostage negotiatorGuess what? Hewasthe hard ass hostage negotiator. That week I learned the key to agreements, whether you are negotiating with a kidnapper or a client, is that they happen only when both sides are willing to listen.This is a skill that will help us become a better le ader because when we listen, we get insight into how other people think, feel, and behave. It is counterproductive to be aggressive, pushy, and demanding. Instead, good listeners are likable and create an environment that feels both safe and comfortable. They are secure enough that they are not threatened by listening to someone who may have more talent or experience.TIP Its a good idea to repeat what you think you heard the other person say. It lets them know you really are listening, and gives you an opportunity to let their words soak in.7. Emotional IntelligenceThe FBI is not a touchy-feely organization agents prefer terms like competence and persistence to explain their success. The words emotional intelligence rarely escape their lips. Yet face-to-face interviews remain the FBIs top investigative technique.Emotional intelligence is an ability to walk into a room and understand what others might be feeling, and through that insight, communicate to them in effective ways. Awaren ess and curiosity about their own emotions, as well as those of others, place leaders in a stronger position to not only recognize the negative ones but to anticipate how they could spin out of control.TIP Emotional intelligence helps you become a better leader because it enables you to build on relationships with others and then use those relationships to accomplish your goals.I actually have come to learn that the way to evaluate leaders is not from skills through abilities to values but to actually start the other way. If a leader has the right values and the right abilities, they can learn anything. If you hire and promote backwards and start with, so what are their skills? What jobs have they had?- you may miss the fact that they dont have the abilities you need and the values you need- James Comey, Former FBI DirectorThis article was originally published on Larae Quy.