| How to Gain Authority in the Workplace Posted: 23 Feb 2017 04:00 PM PST Each of us wants to be successful at a job and appear as authoritative as possible. When you are a newcomer to an organization or move into a new position, it can be hard to reach these goals. If you find yourself in this kind of position, follow a few simple steps to learn how to gain authority in the workplace. EditChanging Your Presence - Be confident in yourself. You have little hope of gaining authority if you don't believe in yourself. If you constantly second-guess yourself, you will not seem authoritative to anyone. If you hear your voice in your head telling you that you can't do it, don't listen to these internal negative messages. Believe that you can do anything and those around you will begin to notice your confidence.
- Even if you get negative feedback at work, remember how sure and capable you feel about your job requirements. Don't let anyone make you doubt yourself.
- It is also helpful to be well-informed about your job, your position, and how you fit within the company. Know your place and show your coworkers and bosses that you can do what is required of you.[1]
- Dress for success. When you go to work, dress to impress but don't go over the top. Figure out what is respectable for your particular position and work from there. Don't look like a carbon copy of everyone around you, however. Dress for success, but also remember to follow your own style, and feel confident in what you wear. The better you look and feel, the more authoritative you will appear.[2]
- For example, don't show up to work in wrinkled jeans and a t-shirt where people in authority positions wear nice suits and dress clothes every day. Dress for the position and environment you are in.
- Be confident of your own authority. When you are new at a job or position, or if you are just trying to gain more authority in your current position, make sure you know what responsibilities you have. Be clear about what your job description is and what is expected of you. If you are in a managerial position, make sure you move projects forward, look after your fellow employees, and resolve problems that arise that you are responsible for.
- When you make these decisions, make them with confidence. Don't second-guess yourself; you have the right to make choices. As long as you are clear about what your job entails, you can exert as much authority as your position will allow, if you are confident in your actions.[3][4]
- Don't appear self-important. One of the main ways to lose authority in the workplace is to act as if you are the most important person in the room. Even if your job description says you are higher up in the company than everyone else, don't act like it. Try to positively influence the workflow of those around you without seeming self-important. Strive to always be mindful of how your job relates to those around you.
- This doesn't mean you should act as if you are not relevant. There is a balance between acting confident and in charge and acting self-important; expecting everyone to bow down to you and your authority. This will likely make your coworkers and employees lose respect and faith in your abilities.[5]
- Make a good impression. Whether it is with your boss, coworkers, or employees. When you interact with anyone at work, be on your best behavior. Don't make inappropriate comments or make anyone feel uncomfortable with your interactions. Put your best foot forward. You can't do this if you aren't mindful of your interactions with others. Make sure your projects, reports, or other work documents look as professional as possible. These presentations are how you interact most with your coworkers and bosses, so make sure they are clean and well designed.
- This is true of e-mails as well. In the current workplace, you will likely interact with your coworkers through e-mail and other electronic communication on a daily basis. Make sure you are respectful as well as neat and grammatically correct in your messages. This will make you seem more confident and authoritative.
- Learn to speak up. There are times when you will be called on to help with a problem at work. Instead of being timid about a solution or worrying about overstepping your bounds, learn to speak up. If you think you have a solution to a problem, express it to those around you. They can be coworkers, employees, or bosses.
- Try coming up with alternate solutions to problems. If there is a problem that is an "either/or" issue, try to make it a "this and that" solution.[6]
EditChanging the Way You Interact with Others - Don't fill all silences. When you talk to other people in your work place, make concise, intelligent statements. If you are constantly trying to fill silences with nervous chatter, you will seem less authoritative and people will not see you as confident. Once you make a point, leave it at that. Don't try to fill any empty space if your coworker or employee doesn't respond right away.
- Don't rush to answer a question, either. It is fine to take a minute to answer a question once you've been asked something. This shows that you have been listening and thinking about a proper response. Avoid blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.[7]
- Stop caring if you're liked. When you are trying to gain authority, you can't worry about being everyone's friend. Often times people in managerial positions have to make hard decisions that not everyone will like. Instead, assert yourself in a confident manner and people will not only appreciate you, they will take you more seriously.[8]
- Make sure you are on the same page as your boss. One way to undermine your authority at work is to have to backtrack on what you say. Before you make big decisions, tell other employees what to do, or start on a project, make sure you and your boss are clear on what is expected from you and your team. Have a clear understanding of any deadlines involved.
- Encourage others to succeed. If you are trying to gain authority in the workplace, you will need the help of those around you. Since you cannot do all the work yourself, encourage others to do their best as well. Your encouragement to do their best will empower them with new confidence. This will not only help them to accomplish their goals, but will help you gain better influence in the workplace as well.
- For example, a coworker is working hard on a project but gets stuck. Instead of pointing out his errors, offer encouragement. Let him know that he has your support.
- If you do this with enough people, you will be in favor with your coworkers and employees and will have gained respect from them as well.[9]
- Watch how you address others. When you speak to those around you, watch the tone of voice you use. If you are making a declarative statement, speak in a strong, even tone. Don't end a sentence with a question mark unless it is a question. Watch out for filler language as, which uses words such as "um", "like", and "I think." These make you sound less sure of yourself. Also attempt to be as direct as possible. Even if what you have to say is uncomfortable, say it in a direct, head-on way. Those around you will appreciate your straightforward approach and respect you for it.
- Don't be defensive when you talk, either. If someone is challenging your authority or decision-making process, being defensive will make you seem less confident than simply sticking up for your own decision in a calm, collected manner.[10]
- Be a good listener. Although it is good to make sure your voice is heard and to give your opinions, make sure you don't offend the opinions of others. Give fellow workers the respect they deserve by listening to their opinions. Listen to what others have to say and take their comments to heart.
- If you internalize their comments and do something about their concerns and complaints, they will see that you are fair, which will in turn make you more authoritative.
- If you are trying to gain more authority with those on the same level as you, become their confidant by listening to their issues. This will make you seem like someone they can turn to for support, which will give you authority.[11]
EditChanging From Within - Continue to get better. Just because you are in a place where you are gaining more authority doesn't mean that you are a perfect worker. Always strive to do better and to improve your work ethic. Make smart decisions that will help your company, not hold it back. This will give you more authority as well, since your bosses will see how smart and forward thinking you are.
- If you are not sure what to do to improve your position, ask your boss, manager, or supervisor. They will likely tell you what you can do to improve, what responsibilities you can take on to help the company, or how you can become more involved. This will also help raise your level of authority because it will show your initiative.[12]
- Be okay with not knowing. There may be situations that you are uncomfortable with or don't know how to handle. One of the signs of an authoritative worker is being able to handle any situation that comes at you. When a situation presents itself, be okay with saying something like "I appreciate your question, and I'll think it over and get back to you." It shows that you are considerate of your coworker's thoughts and will consider their questions and opinions.
- This also has the added bonus of giving you time to contemplate questions coworkers bring up and get back to them with well thought out, authoritative answers.[13]
- Manage your emotions. One of the worst things you can do is get angry in front of your coworkers. If you are confident and have authority, you do not need to get angry at certain situations just because you have the power to fix them. Even if a situation upsets you, don't let it show in front of others. If you do, it will appear that you do not know a more effective way to approach the situation.
- This is true for when you have to discuss sensitive issues with co-workers as well. For example, if you have to talk over an employee's performance issues, remain calm and collected. Be concerned and stern, but not angry or hostile.[14]
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| How to Stop Picking Your Scabs Posted: 23 Feb 2017 08:00 AM PST Picking scabs is a hard-to-break habit that can lead to unsightly and harmful conditions, like infection, blemishes, or scarring. If done compulsively, it can also be a sign of a Body-Focused Repetitive Disorder (BFRD) called "Skin Picking Disorder". While difficult, it is possible for you to rid yourself of this behavior through patience, effort, and, if need be, outside assistance. EditTreating Your Scabs - Disinfect the wound. Open wounds and sores can develop infections. Always wash a new wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as you obtain it. Then clean it up with an antiseptic wipe or a bit of Neosporin and apply a bandage to protect it while it heals. You can also try using betadine or peroxide on the wound to clean and remove unwanted bacteria. These basic precautions will help to keep it clean and prevent infection.[1]
- Keep the scab protected. Scabs form over wounds to keep out germs while the body repairs skin cells and tissue. It is important to help the healing process by protecting this barrier.[2]
- If you cannot bandage it, try applying moisturizer or lotion as it heals. Scabs often feel tight and itchy as they heal and lotion can help to relieve this. Scabs kept moist will usually leave less scarring. The slight skin massage that comes with applying moisturizer will also increase circulation and help it to heal properly.
- Take a fingernail file and smooth the scab down to the surrounding skin. Then, when your hand rubs across the area, it will be less of a temptation and harder to pick.
- Be proactive. Ensure fewer scabs by using healthy products to properly cleanse your skin. Make sure that skin products aren't causing blemishes that tempt you to pick.
EditBreaking the Habit - Study yourself. There may be reasons why you are picking at your scabs, ranging from purely physical (they itch) to mental or emotional (perhaps as a way to relieve tension). Understanding the root cause can help you to break the habit.
- Not everyone who picks their scabs has a behavioral problem. Some amount is normal. Other times it is a sign of skin problems, drug use of withdrawal, or other conditions. It only becomes a behavioral disorder when it is so frequent that it impacts other aspects of your daily life.[3]
- People pick their skin for various reasons. For some it is boredom, while for others it can be a way to relieve negative feelings, depression, or stress. Sometimes it is unconscious; at other times the picker experiences feelings of guilt.[4]
- Keeping a log can make you aware of when, where, and how often you are picking, especially when it happens unconsciously. Whenever you catch yourself, record it in a notebook.
- Develop effective coping strategies. Once you have an idea of when and why you are picking your scabs, try things that divert your attention or remind you not to pick. It may take one or more different ways to control your behavior. Be strategic and use methods that suit your own situation.
- Try challenging yourself. If you are a self-motivated and competitive person, make breaking your habit into a sort of contest. Set a number of days or hours to go without picking and gradually increase this. Then reward yourself for significant progress.
- Make picking more difficult. One way to stop is to make the habit physically hard. Cut your nails, wear gloves, or cover the scabs. Having shorter fingernails will make it harder for you to pick. Keeping scabs bandaged will prevent you from looking at them and help you resist the urge to pick.
- Try soft cotton gloves. Not only do they act as a barrier, but they should make you even more conscious of the behavior and help you to reduce it.[5]
- If you tend to pick at your arms or legs, wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible. If the scabs are on your ankle, wear high socks. This way, even if you give in, you will pick at the fabric rather than the skin itself.
- Apply acrylic fingernails. This is another way of making your picking harder — and also a fashion-sensible one. It will be more difficult because you will have to scrape with thicker nails, which won't catch the skin as easily. Thin nails are sharp and can slice off the scab.
- If you go this route, have the manicurist make the nails as short and thick as possible. This will be added insurance against damaging the skin.
- Replace your habit with something less destructive. When you feel the urge, distract yourself or channel your energy into something else. Try reading books, going for a walk, or watching television when you feel the urge to pick.
- Finding a habit that occupies your hands is even better and is something that is commonly used to quit smoking. You might try drawing, gardening, knitting, doing a puzzle, playing the piano, or crocheting. You can even just hold a coin or paperclip. If nothing else works, sit on your hands.[6]
- Practice positive affirmation. Remember to respect yourself whenever you catch yourself picking. Press on the scabbed area or wave your hand over the scabs, with a reminder that you love yourself and want to protect your skin. Try this technique before bed and when you wake up.
- Don't give up! It will take a long time to undo the habit at first. But if you are successful just once, you can do it again and will eventually reduce your picking. Be proud of your progress. With care and time, you can gradually free yourself of the habit.
EditGetting Medical Help - Recognize a problem. If out of control, scab picking can be a sign of a bigger behavioral problem called "Skin Picking Disorder." People with Skin Picking Disorder compulsively touch, scratch, pick, or rub their skin, which can result in scarring or worse.[7] Try asking yourself the following questions:
- Does your skin picking take a lot of your time up?
- Do you have noticeable scars from skin picking?
- Do you feel guilty when you think about your skin picking?
- Does your skin picking cause significant disability socially or professionally?
- If you answer yes to more than one of these questions, you may have SPD.
- Seek professional help. Scab picking may indicate SPD or another medical problem, like psoriasis or eczema. It is important to consult a medical professional to find out what is causing it, and whether it is independent or a symptom of a different, underlying problem.
- There are any number of different therapies available for chronic scab picking. Some might involve medication to relieve physical triggers, while others use behavioral therapy. Once a doctor discovers what is wrong, she can advise you on the best treatment.
- SPD is a variant of Obsessive Compulsive disorder because of the compulsive urge to perform repetitive behaviors.
- Your SPD may be related to depression, bipolar disorder, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, and an eating disorder. Other conditions similar to SPD include body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (pulling out hair), and nail biting.
- Follow a medical regimen. Your scab picking may be due to a physical problem and not to SPD. It may be dermatological, like eczema, for example, an inflammation of the skin that can cause itching. In this case the doctor may prescribe medication like corticosteroids or other topical creams.
- Remember, the medicine will treat the underlying cause of your scab picking, but it will not address the habit itself. Even if the physical triggers disappear, you may still feel the psychological urge and need help.
- Seek psychological treatment. If your picking is not caused by a physical condition and is Skin Picking Disorder, you may need to consult a professional about getting counseling. One common psychological treatment option is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT.
- CBT is often used to help people replace bad habits with good ones. There are different forms of available for scab picking.
- Treatment may involve dermatological therapy, antidepressants, anxiolytics, or antipsychotics.
- Consider habit reversal training (HRT). HRT is a form of CBT, for example, based on the idea that scab picking is a conditioned behavior. It helps you recognize situations in which you are likely to pick and discourages the behavior by substituting alternative responses, like balling up your fists, when faced with the urge to pick.
- Consider stimulus control (SC), as well. SC is another method that lessens sensory triggers in your environment that lead to picking – that is, "high risk" situations. It teaches you how to avoid circumstances that might lead you to pick, like changing your bathroom behavior if looking in the mirror is your trigger.
- Constant picking of scabs increases the likelihood of infection and scars.
- Please seek help if you develop a serious infection or are unable to control your picking.
- As with any medical situation, consult a doctor before acting.
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| How to Create an Electromagnet Posted: 23 Feb 2017 12:00 AM PST An electromagnet is a classic science experiment often made in a classroom setting. The idea is to turn a common iron nail into a magnet with the help of copper wire and a battery. An electromagnet works by transferring electrons, which are subatomic particles that carry a negative charge, from the battery into the copper wire. When these electrons are flowing, they create a magnetic force around the nail. It allows the nail to function as a magnet, picking up small metallic objects like paper clips.[1] With a little patience and effort, you can make an electromagnetic battery of your own. EditPreparing the Wire - Gather your materials. Before you can make an electromagnet, take a moment to gather your materials. You will need the following:
- An iron nail that is 15 centimeters long
- Three meters of 22 gauge insulated copper wire
- At least one D-cell battery
- A pair of wire strippers, which you can pick up at a local hardware store[2]
- A rubber band[3]
- Remove the insulation from the copper wire. Copper wires are usually coated in a layer of plastic for insulation purposes. This is to protect users from electric shock. However, the battery cannot transfer electrons to the wire through the insulation. The coating needs to be removed.
- Using your wire strippers, remove a few centimeters of insulation from each end of the wire.[4]
- Wire clippers look like a pair of scissors with a hole cut out in the middle. You feed the wire through this hole and pull the clippers across the wire to strip the insulation. You should get a wire stripper that's small enough to strip a very small bit of copper wire.[5]
- Wrap the wire around the nail. Once you've prepared the wire, you can begin building your battery. To start, neatly wind the wire around your nail. The smaller loops you use, the stronger your battery will be. Be careful to leave enough wire on either end. You'll be attaching the excess wire to your battery, so it's a good idea to leave about 8 inches of loose wire on each end.[6]
- You should wrap the wire in one direction. This assures that electrons can flow through a wire in a way that creates a magnetic field.[7]
- If the wire is wrapped in opposite directions, magnetic fields will fight against each other. They will end up canceling each other out.[8]
EditConnecting the Battery - Connect the battery. Once your done wrapping the wire, connect either ends of the wire to the battery. Connect one end to the negative side and one end to the positive side. Make sure the portions of the wire that have been stripped of insulation are the ends touching the battery. Use your rubber band to strap the wires in place by wrapping the rubber band around the battery from the negative end to the positive end.[9]
- It does not matter which end of the wire is connected to which end of the battery. It will work either way.[10]
- If a rubber band is not holding the wires in place, you can use two pieces of masking tape instead.
- Test the electromagnet. You should now have successfully created an electromagnetic. To test the magnet, hover the battery over a metallic item like a paper clip. The paperclip should rise up and attach to the battery. You have created a magnetic charge with the wire, nail, and battery.[11]
- If you want to increase the strength of your battery, increase the number of coils running around your nail. This will allow your electromagnet to pick up more objects.[12]
- Fix any issues. In the event your magnet does not work, check the battery. A dead or low charge battery may not be effective in creating an electromagnet. If the battery is fine, review your process. You may have curled the wire in opposite directions, disrupting the flow of electrons. You may also have forgotten to remove the insulation from the wire.
EditTaking Safety Precautions - Use gloves when handling your magnet. Always use gloves when you begin experimenting with your magnet. Wires can get hot when in use. You want to make sure you do not burn your hands when handling your electromagnet. This is especially vital if you're working on strengthening your magnet. Electromagnets get hot as their strength increases.[13]
- Be conscious of heat. As stated, electromagnets get hot when you increase their strength by wrapping the wire tighter. If the device becomes very hot, you might want to disconnect the wires to deactivate the magnet for a bit. Excessive heat can cause burns and, in rare cases, may be a fire hazard.[14]
- Disconnect the wires when you're done with your magnet. You should not leave an electromagnet plugged in for long when it's not in use. For one, the battery can drain the magnet swiftly. Also, once again, heat is a concern. Once you're done playing with your magnet, disassemble it.[15]
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