5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your Team

5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your Team5 Communication Practices to Help You Earn the Respect of Your TeamCommunication misfirescan lead to problematic and unhealthy situations within your work place. This can quickly lead to issues when dealing with customers or each other, reducing sales and overall success within your organization. Here are some lessons we can all learn from this all-too-common issue. Communication Best Practices to Employ with Your New Team 1. Start by asking yourself,At the end of my time leading this group, what will my gruppe members say that I did? This powerful and provocative question challenges you to think deeply about your roleand about the impact you desire to have in this group. Write down and share your thoughts with your new team. Ask them to hold you accountable for your description. Your willingness to state your intentions and commitment publicly will earn the respect of your team members. Be prepared to live up to your commitment. 2. Ask for input one person at a time. While you may notlage be able to avoid being introduced to your new team in a group setting, resist the urge to share your leadership manifesto in this setting. Instead, quickly move to set up one-on-one discussions with each team member. Use these initial sessions as an opportunity to ask questions. Try Whats Working? Whats Not? What do you need me to do to help? Take great notes, and remember that you own the follow-up from these sessions. 3. Harness the power of questions. Questions are your best friend when it comes to gaining credibility with your new team. When you ask someone for their opinion, you are showing that you value their experience and ideas, you are displaying a powerful form of respect. Be careful not to ask for opinions and then ignore the input, or the positive feelings will quickly turn sour. 4. Learn about the teams history and culture. Any group that has been together for any length of time has formed a dist inct culturebased on shared history. Listen and learn and ask about the teams prior successes and heroic efforts. Strive to learn how everyone works together and what they view as their collective strengths and gaps. 5. Find a feedback buddy. This individual plays the corporate equivalent of what the Navy SEALs term a swim buddy. For the SEALs, everyone in their BUDS training program is assigned an individual who goes everywhere, does everything and provides help and has your back. The role of the feedback buddy is a bit less extreme but still essential. This supporting character offers you the frank feedback on your performance that most team members are afraid to give. The Bottom-Line for Now The Im here and arent you excited new manager is annoying to everyone involved. The point in time when you assume responsibility for a group that is new to you is filled with ample opportunities to misstep and misfire. Dont let your mouth run ahead of your brain. Instead, ask questions, l isten carefully and tread softly before you share your opinions.

This much I know is true The greatest gift you can give is your time

This much I know is true The greatest gift you can give is your timeThis much I know is true The greatest gift you can give is your timeI welches drawing in my bedroom when my parents came in. Dad sat across from me and Mom stood inside the doorway.Johnny, while youre home from college this summer, we need your help taking Nana to the hospital for herbei treatments, my father said.Sure, Dad. I welches happy to help.Nana was my paternal grandmother, and she was fighting cancer. She lived elend far from us, in a rented room of a family home. She still drove, but the treatments left her too weak to get behind the wheel.I didnt ask how serious Nanas cancer was. I guess I didnt want to find out.She wasnt about to quitIt was awkward the first day I picked her up. She used to share an apartment with my other grandmother, Banner. When Banner passed away, Nana had to find more affordable accommodations.The family she rented a room from was nice enough, but it was weird walking through their h ouse to Nanas bedroom. It felt foreign and out of place.I knocked on her bedroom door.Hey, Nana, its Johnny. Im here to take you to your appointment.She opened the door and smiled. The aroma of cigarettes hit me. Nana had smoked her whole life. She wasnt about to quit, not even with cancer.We drove to the hospital and Nana talked about the family she lived with. How she didnt like it there. How the food was bad, and the kids were noisy at night.She didnt ask how college was going for me. But then, when youre in your early twenties, its easy to think everything should revolve around you.I walked Nana up the stairs to the hospital entrance. There were several chickadees flitting about, chirping in an adjacent tree. I pointed them out and Nana smiled.Nana didnt smile often, and it felt good to see her uplifted. As we walked into the hospital, I started to get an idea.I want to take you somewhereI sat in the waiting room. The cool tile floors, clipboards, beige walls, reflective elevato r doors, and buzzing fluorescent lights all felt sterile to me.I could only imagine what it was like for Nana. Having to endure weekly treatments, and then go back to that lonely bedroom. I wanted to take her away from it all, if only for a few hours.After the appointment, I escorted Nana back to the car, which was my Dads Buick Riviera.Hey Nana, do you have to get back right away?Why, no Johnny. Do you have some shopping to do? she asked.No, I want to take you somewhere. Its a surprise, but only if youre feeling up to it.That would be fine, Johnny, she answered.A short train rideWe drove for a bit and soon were back in Los Gatos, where I turned into the parking lot of Oak Meadow Park. I looked over at Nana.I remember taking you here when you were little, she said, gazing out the window at the lawns and playground.Dont worry, were not going to the swing sets or slides, I said.I helped her out of the car and she took my arm as we strolled down a long pathway.Where are we going, Johnn y? she asked.Youll see, Nana. Youll see.It was a beautiful afternoon. The scrub jays were darting above us in the tree canopy. Children were laughing on the playground. A warm breeze kissed our faces.We rounded the corner, and I watched Nanas eyes light up.Whats this, Johnny?They have a railroad and carousel here, Nana. Its called the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and W.E. Bill Mason Carousel. I thought, if you were feeling up to it, wed go for a short train ride. I smiled at Nana.She gazed at the small trains, filled with children and families. Then she looked back at me and smiled.The train carried us through the woods into a glorious clearing of rolling lawns. We journeyed further, circling Vasona lake, with its many ducks quacking and bobbing in the water.Nana smiled and giggled when I pointed out a line of baby ducks, trying to follow their mother along the shore.Of course, all good things come to an end. We returned to the train station, and the conductor let out one last whist le before we stopped and disembarked.Nana was tired, but still smiling. I drove her back home and walked her through the house to the bedroom.I hope you had a good time, Nana.Thank you, Johnny, that was a lot of fun, she said. I hugged her and told her to get some rest.We waited to tell youThere were other trips to the hospital, and before I knew it my summer vacation was over and I was back at school. It was my senior year. There were late night study sessions, finals, and parties.My parents came up for the graduation ceremony. Afterward, they said they had something to show me. We walked behind my dorm building to the parking lot, and there sat a white Toyota Tercel, with a red bow attached to the roof.No way, you guys got me a car I screamed, happily.My parents laughed and said they were proud of me. We hugged and then went to check out the car. I was giddy with excitement. It was an amazing day. I had done well in school and graduated with distinction. I had a new car and plans that evening to attend a party at a winery with my friends.Before my parents left, we returned to my dorm room.Johny, we waited to tell you this until after your finals were over. We didnt want you to be distracted or troubled at all, Dad said.I looked at him and my mother.Before Dad could continue I said, Nana passed away.Yes, Im afraid so. She ended up in the hospital and slipped into a coma.I sat down on the end of the bed. Mom sat down beside me and we talked a bit about her. We reminisced about Nana and Banner. I wished they could have lived to enjoy my graduation.Eventually, it was time for my parents to drive home. We hugged, and I thanked them for the unbelievable graduation gift, and for all their support.This much I know is trueI had some time to kill before the graduation party and enjoyed a few beers with friends in the dorms. The afternoon sunlight began to fade and dusk was settling around the college campus.I strolled out to one of my favorite places, the campus duck pond. It had one of those curved bridges, much like the one Monet painted at Giverny.I walked halfway across the bridge and leaned on the railing. I thought of Nana and that day in the park. I remembered her smiles, the train whistles, the ducks and the joy we both felt together.I dont understand everything about life and loss, but this much I know is trueThe greatest gift you can give loved ones is your time.Unhurried time, and your complete attention. They are gifts you give them, but also yourself.That night on the duck pond bridge, I shed a few tears. Tears of mourning and loss. But others were tears of gratitude for the memories of that day on the railroad with Nana. That special time we shared together.There is a moral to this short storyMake time for the ones you love.Youll bring them joy and create memories that will sustain you the rest of your life.Before you goIm John P. Weiss. I paint landscapes, draw cartoons and write about life. Thanks for reading.This article first a ppeared on Medium.

Wearing these colors will make you look younger

Wearing these colors will make you look youngerWearing these colors will make you look youngerPeople spend millions of dollars each year on trying to stop the aging process from extreme exercise and diets to plastic surgery to whatever miracle combination of oat milk and syrup Gwyneth Paltrow charges $2,400 for but sometimes it can be so simple.Research has shown that there are certain colors that can make people look years younger.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreEmbrace the bright sideOne of the main colors that has been proven to shave years off is red-violet. Though blush pink or Millennial pink is always a favorite, this deeper hue will do more women of a certain age (namely over the age of 40.) President and chief color maven ofSensational ColorKate Smith says you want to aim for somewhere in the fuschia-to-raspberry range. Some recent examples of women who nailed this are Jane Fonda and Tracee Ellis Ross.Another bright color to opt for is turquoise as it goes with any skin tone (see Jennifer Lopez here.) Helen Venables, managing director of color analysis and styling serviceHouse of Colour, told The Telegraph in an interview, Young people have clear skin, obviously its smooth and there areno wrinkles. There is also contrast, usually, between hair, eye, and lip color. And as we get older, all of that fades.Eyecolor getssofter, skin gets thinner and capillaries and blemishes are easier to see, elasticity goes in the skin and hair gets lighter. So that contrast disappears, she continues. Your face, hair, eyes, and skin are a collection of colors, and because of the way one color affects the way a color sitting next to it looks which is why youll often hear of complimentary colors wearing the right colors and recreating that contrast can smooth out blemishes. Wrinkles can literally appear to disappear.Dont go back in blackAs for what to stay away from ? Well, literally you need to stay away from the dark side.Its not a color, and it absorbs light, which is the reason it pulls away from peoples faces. Generally, its a good one to avoid as we get older, said Venables in the same interview. Black can actually make you look like you have more wrinkles. Colorist Jules Standish says The majority of British women will not look young and healthy with black against their faces, she told Marie Claire.Of course, black is a staple in many peoples wardrobes, especially their professional ones so what you can do is opt for slightly different shades of black like charcoal or navy, Smith said. She calls it the new black. You can also wear black and then add a pop of color with a bright scarf or anschauung necklace.And the same approach works for white. Dont go straight white but adopt a slightly different variation such as cream or eggshell. After all, Michelle Obama rocks a mean cream.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 habits of mentally strong people

How to Spice Up a Job Search

How to Spice Up a Job SearchHow to Spice Up a Job SearchThough searching for a new (and better) job can and should be exciting, some job seekers may find that their enthusiasm and drive comes and goes in waves.But if youre serious about landing the job of your dreams, its important to remain motivated throughout the process.Here are a few suggestions to help you have more fun with the hunt.How to Spice Up a Job SearchReward yourself.Treat yourself when you have successes in your search, whether they are large or small. If you meet your goal of sending out 10 resumes and cover letters one day, reward yourself with an hour of reading a novel or a trip to the movie theater that evening.Landed an interview? Take yourself out to dinner. You could even make up a game, awarding yourself points for various accomplishments and working toward a goal that will bring with it a specified reward. This may sound cheesy, but it could also be the key to keeping you motivated and on track.platzset up a job hunting club.This suggestion comes from WiseStep, which says you should find others who are job searching and combo together in a group, where one could discuss and analyze with the rest and discuss the happenings and the result. The meetings or rather the planning sessions help the customer to connect with more people in the same situation. There is strength in numbers, after all.Search for companies instead of jobs.If you find the perfect job, but you dont love the company company, your job search will have been in vain. Careershifters says thats why you should focus your hunt on the companies that seem to be a good fit for you. Quit talking to the employers who dont float your boat and start flirting with the ones that really turn you on, Careershifters says. Listing your Top Ten Dream Companies to work for is pretty exciting. People rarely dare to seriously consider their favorite companies as potential employers, but try it out- just for fun. Then contact them, with an ex planation of why you love them and what value you could bring to their organization. This might be crazy enough to get you the perfect job at the right company.Lucky for you, makes it easy to learn about over 49,000 companies and find out which ones best align with your values and professional goals.Create a new you.A new job also gives you an opportunity for reinvention. Dont neglect that chance. As noted in an article from The Muse, You could change your LinkedIn profile or resume to present your story in a different way. Or, you could watch top speakers and emulate their tone and delivery to become more comfortable at networking events. When you challenge yourself to master new techniques and capture the boldest and most charismatic parts of your personality, the job search becomes much more than looking for a job. It becomes about personal and professional growth.Educate yourself.Speaking of personal growth, job hunting time is the perfect time for gaining additional education or learning a new skill. Set aside an hour each day to take an online course that will improve your soft skills or increase your expertise with important software. Many free options are available. Not only will this be enjoyable, but it also could make you a more attractive candidate.Build a portfolio.If you are applying for jobs that will require you to show samples of your work, you may be tempted to prepare some hard copies and set them in a corner, ready to haulto interviews. Thats all well and good, but why not take an afternoon off from the hunt and build an online portfolio? This will be a refreshing and possibly fun change from your normal search-related tasks, and it will give you something to which you can direct hiring managers before you even step through their doors.Beware of the routine.If your job search is taking longer than you had anticipated, you may start to feel like the main character in the movie Groundhog Day- every day is the same, and nothing you do matters . At such times, its easy to fall into an unproductive rut of demoralizing behavior. Dont let it happen Find something- anything- that will let you break out of that routine. Try something new. Take a day off. Sleep later. Go to bed earlier. Whatever it takes, keeping the days different will lead to a fresher, more positive outlook for your search.The fact is, youre likely to have some down times while youre looking for a job, especially if it takes considerably longer than you expect it to. But you dont have to give in to negativity and boredom. By following ansicht suggestions, you can keep your hunt vibrant and exciting. Then, when you do get an interview, your enthusiasm will shine through, which should help you land the job of your dreams.Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Study says people over 40 could excel in a 3-day work week

Study says people over 40 could excel in a 3-day work weekStudy says people over 40 could excel in a 3-day work weekIts Monday, which means there is a good chance you are struggling to be productive right now and/or keep your eyes open. Tomorrow will be a little better, but not much, and Wednesday will be spent planning your weekend. Then by the time Friday rolls around, you will be totally checked out so the only day you probably really got any work done is Thursday. OK, this is an exaggeration but you get it. Well, good nachrichtensendung if you are over 40-years-old. According to a new study, a three-day workweek could be in your future.The study,published in the Melbourne Institute Worker Paper series,followed3,000 male and 3,500 female volunteers. The researchers concluded that a25-hour workweek is the optimal amount of time for workers over 40 to be successfully productive, as it is during this time period that cognitive functioning hits its peak.For working hours up to around 25 hours a week, an increase in working hours has a positive impact on cognitive functioning. However, when working hours exceed 25 hours per week, an increase in working hours has a negative impact on cognition, the researchers wrote.The cognitive functioning testsincluded having the subjects read text backward, read words aloud, and match numbers and letters under time pressure.Workers are pushing back their retirementsWith more countries pushing back the retirement age, this is definitely something interesting to consider.In the U.S. the average age of retirement is 66 years old.The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 42 million workers in the labor force will be age 55 and older by 2026.Many countries are going to raise their retirement ages by delaying the age at which people are eligible to start receiving pension benefits. This means that more people continue to work in the later stages of their life, studyco-author and Keio University professor Colin McKenzie toldThe T imes. The degree of intellectual stimulation may depend on working hours. Work can be a double-edged sword, in that it can stimulate brain activity, but at the saatkorn time long working hours can cause fatigue and stress, which potentially damage cognitive functions.Recently a company in New Zealand called Perpetual Guardian tested out a four-day workweek for two months and had very positive results.They found that their 240 employees reported greater productivity, as well as work-life balance, and experienced less stress. With more studies like this coming out a shorter workweek may come sooner rather than later.

The Run Down on Action Verb for Resume Exposed

The Run Down on Action Verb for Resume Exposed New Questions About Action Verb for Resume Irrespective of your field of work, there is most likely a list of killer action words out there which you wish to utilize in your resume. One of the greatest reasons to use resume action words is they leave an enduring effects. An action verb conveys information, emotion, and a feeling of purpose that extends past the literal significance of a sentence. To make it verb meaning formal, you need to make use of normal structure for company letter. Playing action verb games solves plenty of trouble in the classroom. Consider action verb meaning for a weapon, which you may logically generates to be in a position to goal a particular job and to acquire the middle of the organization. Be aware that the Quantifiable Point doesnt will need to help right after the action verb. Enaya your story has lots of action through your resume wording. The verbs you pick for your resume have to be strong, a ccording to Donovan. You just need to use your words Clinical is among the best words you may use. Actions verbs will help to make your resume stand out in the most suitable way. Utilizing action verbs in your resume is a very simple approach to dramatically enhance the potency of your resume. Utilizing action verbs and active voice makes a big difference in your resume, therefore its well worth the additional work. Action verbs or action words as theyre also known are a combo of two things. Lies Youve Been Told About Action Verb for Resume Writing you write your resume, try to remember that employers want to get individuals with transferable skills. Change it for each new sort of job youre applying to. One of the greatest reasons for using actions verbs is they make you concentrate on the vital skills that airline cabin crew recruiters want. You decide to submit an application for the job. Youre not in the work anymore, its in your past. You will have to be careful of ho w theyre listed in your work. You should list work in reverse chronological resume starting with your latest job. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Action Verb for Resume WorkBlooms objective is to aid you in finding work and reach your greatest aspirations, 1 student at one time. Each statement on your resume should communicate you have skills that you may use to achieve effects. A good posting for a nursing position will contain experiences particular to the profession. In addition, formatting expectations may differ based on the business, so ensure you comprehend the particular standards of your area. Hiring managers resume watching for skilled individuals. Typically a concise statement summarizing the kind of position you are trying to get. As stated above, write sure that you include all information to make you distinguish yourself in for admissions process. Most resumes should list all their certifications, or whenever they anticipate receiving them. The keywo rds in your resume can help you get selected for a work interview. From the above mentioned discussion, you understand that your selection will be contingent on the info you present in the cover letter. Proceed to sample cover letters to discover the perfect one for you to personalize. You also have to have an ideal cover letter to escort your CV when applying for any job. Then permit the employer decide. As a way to impress a possible employer, just about any word on your resume must pack a proverbial punch. Its possible to never resume sure what the hiring manager prefers, so youve got to decide on your gut. In the event the hiring manager should put on their glasses simply to make out your experience, then you may as well discard your application yourself. You will for to be careful of how theyre listed in your state. There are a few help at which you may totenstill elect for an objective statement, like when you enter the workforce for resume first moment. Not listing the right license or certification could secure a resume rejected instantly. You always wish to set yourself aside from the remaining part of the applicants as long as its for the proper reasons.

Workplace Efficiency Small Time Savers to Help with the Big Picture - Spark Hire

Workplace Efficiency Small Time Savers to Help with the Big Picture - Spark HireDuring any given day, there are a great number of things to accomplish. From day to day tasks which keep the company cogs running smoothly, to large and small projects which will benefit the company in the long-run its difficult to pack in everything that needs attention. Time is a precious commodity in the workplace, so here are a few small ideas that might have a larger time-saving impact.Make email efficient. When you read an email, make a decision about how to deal with it right away. If it needs to be put aside, make koranvers the task of answering it goes onto your task list. If youre able to answer in a few lines, do so. Amanda Green writes on WomensHealth.com that it takes one minute to process the content of an email onceyouveopened it. That means, if youre having a difficult time responding to an e-mail and you come back to it five or six times throughout the day,youvelost nearly six minutes. M ultiply this by the large number of emails that you receive throughout the day, and its easy to see how this is a time waster.If you can, dont open your email. The most productive few hours of most peoples day are the first few hours after they arrive. Checking your email first thing in the morning is nearly always a recipe for distraction. If youre able, dont open your email for the first hour of the day. All the messages will still be there when you open it at 9 a.m., and if someone needs you urgently first thing in the morning, they can come find you in person or give you a phone call. If you make this a standard for yourself, youll find that this first hour might be the most productive and enjoyable you have all day.Set a standard of prompt meetings. So much time can be saved throughout the day when meetings begin and end on time, and most likely the meeting will be more productive, too. If you find you could go over the timeyouvealready allotted, have someone take down parking lot items for later discussion and follow-up the meeting by scheduling another session. Require that employees be on time to meetings so that you dont spend any time explaining the first few points over again.Add an inbox. Amanda Green also suggests using your inbox as it was meant to be used. If you dont have a dedicated space for people to drop materials into, youre probably being interrupted by turning around to accept things from people. Place an inbox in an easily accessible place and dont let the movement of someone leaving something distract you. The purpose of the inbox is so that you dont have to be interrupted by a quick drop off, so you should set the standard that you wont be. You might find that you save a few minutes each day by not stopping to say Hi, and Thanks, and then needing to find your place again.Small changes can equal big efficiency improvements, not only for you as an employee, but for the company as a whole. Try some of these tips and see if they work for you.Do you think some of these small time savers could beintroducedinto your work routine? Let us know in the comments.leumund Courtesy of Flickr by krossbow

This video explains why youre bored at work

This video explains why youre bored at workThis video explains why youre bored at workAs you scroll through your Facebook feed, Instagram your latest meal, or banter on Twitter or text message during the day, what are you avoiding?Chances are, its work.But its not because youre lazy. Or rather, its not only because youre lazy. Work isnt satisfying us, argues avideo uploaded by The School of Life.The reason our minds like to wander over many different topics, as we did when we were children, making many of us happiest when we are generalists, learning and opining about everything under the sun. But the modern workplace requires that we do one type of thing, and do it over and over again - turning us into specialists. After a while, all that repetition means were not growing any more - and that means we get bored, and turn to distractions.While, as kids, we may have pretended to be everything from Arctic explorers to rockstars, as adults we commit to a career that goes down a single path. Each one of behauptung so-called games might have been the beginning of a career, and yet, we had to settle on only a single option, done repeatedly for over 50 yearsWe are so much more than the world of work ever allows us to be, the narrator says.No matter what your job title is, the concept of not getting to wear every hat youve ever wanted to wear in your lifetime applies to everyone, according to the video.Everyone couldve found so many versions of happiness that will elude them,the narrator says, In suffering in this way, we are participating in the common human lot. We can be sure that whatever we do, parts of our potential will have to go undeveloped and die without ever having had the gelegenheit to come to full maturity for the sake of the real benefits of focus and specialization.The video names great thinkers on opposing sides of the political spectrum, including Adam Smith and Karl Marx, so theres someone for everyone.So if youve ever felt uninspired at work and i n life,heres one explanation - and it acts as a reminder to expand your interests outside of work, because if you want to be happy, your job cannot be the only meaningful thing in your life.

How to find hidden money when filing your taxes

How to find hidden money when filing your taxesHow to find hidden money when filing your taxesBank of Dadis a weekly column which seeks to answer questions about how tomanage moneywhen you have a family. Want to ask aboutcollege savings accounts,mortgage hacks, or how to be a little bitbetter with money?Submit a question to Bankofdadfatherly.com. Want advice on what stocks are safe bets? Ask your broker. And then tell us. Wed love to know.Thenew 2019 tax laws have a number of changes that I really dont understand. What are the most important ones, and how will they affect how Ifile my taxes? - Steve K, BostonPresident Trump signed theTax Cuts and Jobs Act(TCJA) more than a year ago. But now is the first time taxpayers have to figure out how the new rules will affect their return. For most people, the net effect will be a little more cash in your pocket this year about $900 for the typical middle-income earner, according to the Tax Policy Center.The changes to the IRS code are pretty extensive, but heres a look at some of the biggest. Keep in mind that most of the provisions expire after 2025, at which point we could have yet another set of rules on our hands.1. Brand new tax ratesPerhaps the most obvious change is the cut to individual tax rates. It gets a little confusing because the TCJA also revised the income ranges for each bracket. But most folks who used to pay a 15 percent rate, for example, are now paying 12 percent marginal rate. And the majority of taxpayers who used to be in the 28 percent bracket will now pay a 24 percent rate. Heres a chart to help you out2. A larger standard deductionFor the 2017 tax year, you could take a standard deduction of $12,700 if you filed a joint return (it was $9,350 for heads of household and $6,350 for single filers). The TCJA nearly doubled those amounts. Now, joint filers can deduct $24,000. Those filing as a head of household can take $18,000 from their taxable income single filers can take a deduction of $12,000 .As a result, fewer people will have an incentive to itemize their deductions, which should also make preparing the 1040 a less mind-numbing experience. Fingers crossed.3. A more generousChild Tax CreditPart of the TCJAs munificence includes a doubled child credit of $2,000 per kid. The refundable amount - what you get if your credits surpass your tax liability - is capped at $1,400.And this year, a lot more people are able to take advantage of it. For joint filers, the credit started to phase out for joint filers after $110,000 of income now the cap is $400,000 for couples preparing a joint return (or $200,000 for individuals).Before getting too excited, realize that the more generous credit is at least parteially offset by the end of the personal exemption, which allows $4,050 per-person deduction for yourself, your spouse, and each child in your household. Depending on your tax bracket, you might not be getting a substantially bigger break.4. A state and local tax capWhile the TCJA threw a lot of goodies at the tax-paying public, it wasnt quite as kind to homeowners inmore expensive parts of the country.Beginning in 2018, the deduction for state and local taxes including property, income and sales taxes is capped at $10,000.On top of that, you can only deduct the interest on mortgage balances up to $750,000. People who took out their home loan prior to 2018 are grandfathered in, so the limit doesnt apply.Its tax season and Im a new, first-time parent. This is new territory for me and Id hate to lose out on money for not being aware of the new changes. What are all the tax deductions and credits I, and other new parents, need to know about? - Paul O., Oklahoma CityHaving a baby is likely themost expensive decisionyouve ever made, so by all means, take advantage of those sections of the tax code aimed at giving parents relief. Heres what you need to know.1. Child tax creditFor a lot of parents, the single most important break is the child tax credit, esp ecially now that its doubled in size. Unlike deductions, credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax bill. So, no, you dont want to overlook this one.2. Child and dependent care creditIf you paid someone to take care of your child while you worked or even looked for work you may also qualify for the child and dependent care credit. To qualify, your child had to be under 13 years of age at the end of the calendar year. Dont think the credit is just for parents who use daycare, though. Babysitter fees, preschool tuition and even summer day camp expenses are eligible, as long as you worked while your kid was there.3. Earned income creditThe earned income credit, or EIC, is another nice perk for parents, although its only available to those with low- and moderate-incomes. If you or your spouse was out of work for part of the year or went back to school, its certainly worth checking to see if you qualify. Its a refundable credit, so you can actually get a refund even if your t ax liability was zero.4. Adoption tax creditAs long as you fall below the income limit, parents can also expect some relief if they recently adopted a child. For 2018, the IRS lets parents take a credit of up to $13,810 for a range of expense, including travel expenses, attorney fees and court costs. Given how pricey adoptions can be, youll be glad to get at least some of that money back at tax time.5. Education tax creditsFinally, Ill mention a couple credits that can help offset the cost of a college education the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. While the former offers a slightly bigger benefit, it also comes with tighter eligibility requirements. Both credits help defray the cost of tuition, fees and books. And, really, who couldnt use some help with that?This article was originally published on Fatherly.

Real estate titan on the key to being a good mentor

Real estate titan on the key to being a good mentorReal estate titan on the key to being a good mentorLearning to network, make connections and then sustaining those relationships throughout your career is one of the secrets to the overall success of accomplished business leaders. Over the course of my professional life, I have met many individuals that have taken the time to offer valuable insights from all different backgrounds and industries, which added significantly to my career by teaching me important lessons about business and life.Early in my career, one of my bosses told me to always find a person that would be able to assist and mentor me. This welches excellent advice, which I have passed on many times over the years. When looking for a mentor, it is important to find someone who is successful, preferably in the business sector in which you wish to pursue or at the very least, whom you greatly respect and admire for his or her success and career trajectory. You can learn so much from a variety of people who have had many different types of experiences. The real lessons come from your openness to listening and learning from their successes but more importantly, their failures.Meet with your mentorWhen working with a mentor, it is ideal to create an ongoing relationship. Meet with your mentor as often as they are willing. The take their insights and put them to work in whatever field you work in. For me, especially early in my career, I made it a point to attend every single meeting, conference and training that I possibly could, even when people said I didnt need to, or it would be a waste of time. To be certain, continuing your education, putting yourself in a room of other professionals and meeting colleagues in never a waste of time. Something positive will always come from being present.I also made it a point to volunteer at every work event my company hosted. This was a great way to network among my peers and to meet all of the important people that were making the company decisions. Though I wasnt paid to attend behauptung events, the amount of knowledge I obtained and the relationships I forged were always far more valuable than my paycheck. This commitment eventually paid off because I landed a big promotion. The man who hired me never met me but when he called me to tell me I got the position he said when making his decision, he called around the country and asked my co-workers who should get the job, and they all said it should go to me. I was truly flattered and it inspired me to want to work even harder and go the extra mile.Go above and beyondIts very important for your co-workers, bosses and even your mentors to see that you are more than willing to go above and beyond your job description in all aspects of your work. Be willing to take on additional responsibilities, and do it with compassion and integrity. If youre working for a company, always make considerate decisions, that not only make yourself look good bu t also your boss, especially if your boss is your mentor. Its a win-win for everyone.Whatever position youre in, always look for and create as many opportunities for yourself as possible, and do it with grace, dignity and respect. These traits will take you far in your career. And, if you see an area that needs improvement, try to improve the situation whether its your job or not. Just remember to always work hard, be a team player and determined to succeed.Dottie Herman is aworld-renowned business mogul,andprominent role model forentrepreneurs. Recognized by Forbes as Americas Richest Self-MadeWomen in Real Estate. After a highly successfulcareer in financial planning, Dottieclimbed to the pinnacle of the housing industry in only two decades as theCEOof Douglas Elliman, the fourth largest real estate company in the UnitedStates. In 2018, Dottie will launch her new leadershipventurefor aspiring female entrepreneurs of all ages.