| How to Impress Your Boss Posted: 14 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT Whether you're starting a new job or just looking to make an impact at your current job, you definitely want to get on your boss's good side. Your first step is to make sure you are going out of your way to be great at your job. You can then work on developing personality traits that will impress your boss. Finally, go the extra mile and get to know your boss. The personal touch will make you stand out! EditExcelling at Your Job - Work hard and complete tasks in a timely manner. Show your boss that you care about your job by putting effort into all of your tasks. Put thought into everything you do, and make sure to fix any mistakes. For example, proofread reports before submitting them.[1]
- Make sure to get everything done on time. Early is even better! If a project doesn't have a hard deadline, ask your boss when they would like your work to be done.
- If you have multiple tasks, prioritize in order of importance. For example, if you're leading a team of people on 1 project, it's probably more important to help them get organized than to work on a solo project that doesn't need your immediate attention.
- Be consistent in your attendance. Show your boss that you are dependable by showing up on time. And remember that, to many people, on time is late. Show up early to get a head start on work and make a good impression. For example, if you're due to start work at 8, try getting there at 7:45. That gives you time to stow your lunch and get settled in for the day. [2]
- It's fine to leave at your scheduled time, but notice whether you're always the first to leave. If your co-workers routinely stick around to finish up important tasks, you might consider doing the same.
- Consistently showing up might seem obvious, but it's also essential.
- Try to limit the days that you call in sick. When possible, arrange for someone to cover your work. This will show your boss that you care about the job that needs to be done.
- Arrange your vacation days as far in advance as possible. Your boss will appreciate the extra time to find someone to fill in for you.
- Take initiative on projects. If you want to stand out, it's not enough to just do the work you are assigned. Be proactive and volunteer for more responsibility. You can also come up with ideas for ways to make improvements.[3]
- If your boss asks for someone to head up a new project, volunteer. Seeking out a leadership role is impressive.
- Maybe your boss is concerned about sales. Take the initiative to come up with a few ideas of how your team could help boost numbers.
- Prove you can be trusted. Your boss won't be impressed if they can't depend on you. Go out of your way to demonstrate that you can be trusted. If you say that you will do something, make sure to follow through. If you run into a problem, talk to your boss instead of just not finishing the task.[4]
- You can show that you're trustworthy by handling problems as they arise. For example, if someone needs help with a task, take time out from what you're doing to give them a hand.
- If your boss shares important or sensitive information with you, don't repeat it. Let your boss know they can depend on you to be discreet.
- Communicate effectively. You likely need to work with others in order to succeed at your job. Clear communication is key to being effective. Make sure to ask questions if something is not clear. If someone asks you a question, make sure to give a clear and thorough response.[5]
- For example, if your boss assigns you a task and you don't know how to do it, say, "I'm excited to get to work on this. Can we take a few minutes to go back over your expectations so that I know exactly what you'd like me to do?"
- Keep up with advances in the field. Your boss will be impressed if you make an effort to stay current with trends in your profession. Stay up to date by reading publications and attending networking events. You should also follow industry influencers on social media.[6]
- Ask your boss if you can attend a conference that relates to your position. Your desire to learn will be appreciated!
- Avoid doing personal things on company time. Focus only on work related tasks when you are at work. This means that you should not make personal calls, send personal emails, or spend time on non-work related social media. Online shopping and reading your favorite blogs are out, too![7]
- Of course it is okay to take breaks throughout the day, but make sure to respect your company's policies regarding personal use of the internet.
- In many offices, it is appropriate to take an hour for lunch. You can probably also take a short break in the morning for 10 minutes or so to grab coffee and another break in the afternoon. Check with your boss or another team member to find out what's appropriate for your workplace.
EditDeveloping Key Characteristics - Express curiosity. Curiosity is a sign of intelligence. It also indicates that you are eager to learn and improve. Work on developing this trait in yourself by simply making an effort to learn as much as possible. Don't limit yourself to just focusing on your own role.[8]
- Say to your boss, "I know I'm not on that team, but would it be okay if I sit in on the marketing meeting today? I'm really interested to know more about our upcoming strategy."
- Keep up on new trends and innovations in your field by reading trade publications and following industry leaders.
- Ask for constructive criticism. Let your boss know that you are actively looking for ways to improve your performance. Make it a point to regularly ask for feedback. Indicate that you're not just looking for a pat on the back.[9]
- Try saying, "I know you were happy with the report I turned in last week. But were there any suggestions you have? I'd love to do an even better job next time."
- Look for creative solutions. Your boss will appreciate it if you show that you are able to think outside of the box. When they ask for ideas in a meeting, don't be afraid to speak up and suggest trying something new.[10]
- You might say, "Let's look into increasing our online presence. I know we're a traditional firm, but more and more people are using social media for business purposes."
- Don't take offense if your boss doesn't take all of your suggestions. Notice what sorts of ideas they respond to, and try to offer other ideas in the future.
- Demonstrate gratitude when appropriate. If you have a good relationship with your boss, it's likely that they've done a few favors for you. Make sure to offer a sincere thank you when it feels right. For example, if they let you duck out of a meeting early to take your mom to the doctor, let them know that you appreciate the kindness.[11]
- You don't have to go overboard with your thanks. A simple "I really appreciate your flexibility" will likely be appropriate. You can send an email or stop by their office to say this in person.
- Be honest at all times. Nothing is less impressive than lying. Make sure to demonstrate that you are a truthful, trustworthy person. Be upfront with your boss (and others) and don't ever try to manipulate the truth.[12]
- For example, don't take credit for work you didn't do. If your boss mistakenly compliments you for a team member's work, make sure to say, "I actually didn't have a hand in that, but I'll let Beth know how pleased you are."
- Show that you can work well with others. Work on being someone who can cooperate and compromise. Show this by being willing to work on a team. You can also help out co-workers with their tasks, and delegate responsibilities when it is appropriate.[13]
- Don't whine about others to your boss. If you have a legitimate complaint, of course you should voice it in a professional manner. You might say, "I'm having a little trouble managing Bob. He is routinely late to team meetings, and calls in sick at least once week. Do you have some thoughts on how I can get him to increase productivity?"
- If you're simply annoyed that your co-worker frequently tells you stories about their dog, you probably don't need to bother your boss with that.
- Be energetic. Showing up and slogging through the work day is not good enough. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for your job by showing some energy. Be ready to engage with others. You should also be willing to stay late or show up early as necessary.[14]
- Conduct yourself professionally at all times. Acting professional means treating others with respect. Use preferred forms of address, and follow office etiquette. This means no texting during meetings or leaving dirty dishes in the communal kitchen. Don't engage in office gossip. If others are gossiping, either change the subject or excuse yourself.[15]
- Similarly, maintain a professional appearance. If your workplace has a dress code, make sure to follow it. Even if they don't, make sure that you look put together whenever you show up for work. Dress appropriately for your industry. Wear clothes that are clean, unwrinkled, and fit well, take care to keep your hair and fingernails neat and clean, and avoid wearing strong cologne or perfume. [16]
EditPersonalizing Your Relationship - Get to know your boss. When you know someone on a more personal level, you can often develop a better working relationship. Try to show an interest in your boss's life outside of work. For example, if they have to leave early for a child's event, you could say, "What position is Clara playing on the team this year?"[17]
- Maintain boundaries by avoiding personal questions. For example, you don't need to say, "Are you and your husband planning to have more children?" But showing a basic interest is a great way to get your boss to warm up to you.
- Make your boss's priorities your priorities. You are part of your boss's team, which means you should be working towards the same goals. If your boss's number one priority is developing better customer service, make that your priority, too.[18]
- Say things like, "It's great that you have such a clear focus. How can I help achieve these goals?" Don't say, "Don't you think it would be better to focus on HR issues?"
- Show loyalty to your boss. Let your boss know that you are on their side. Avoid gossiping about your boss with other team members. You never know who might repeat your words. You can also defend your boss's plans if anyone else in the company tries to go over your boss's head.[19]
- Similarly, don't repeat gossip about others to your boss. That might make them think you aren't loyal to others.
- Be sincere. Don't compliment your boss just for the sake of it. You'll sound fake, and that's not impressive.
- Have a healthy work-life balance. You won't be impressive if you're run down and stressed all of the time.
- When your boss asks a question you aren't sure about, try saying "I'll find out" instead of "I don't know." Following up with them once you have an answer shows dedication.
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Do a Makeover With No Makeup Posted: 14 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT You don't have to wear makeup to look your best. In fact, natural beauty is more popular than ever. By taking good care of your skin and experimenting with your hair, clothes, and accessories, you can make over your style while still looking like yourself! EditCaring for Your Skin - Wash your face twice a day. Wet your face, then massage a gentle cleanser onto your skin using a circular motion. Wash your face for about 2 minutes, then rinse away the cleanser thoroughly.[1]
- Facial cleansers are often formulated based on your skin type, so pay attention to whether your skin is more oily, dry, acne-prone, or a combination of both.
- Once a week, gently wash your skin with a washcloth to exfoliate any dead skin cells.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel after you finish washing it.
- Apply a toner to balance your skin. Toner is a product that helps clean out your pores, balance the pH of your skin, and protect you from impurities in the environment. After you wash and dry your face, apply a little toner to a cotton ball and dab it all over your face.[2]
- Avoid using a toner with alcohol, as this can dry out your skin. Instead, look for one with hydrating ingredients like witch hazel or rosewater.
- Apply moisturizer to your face, hands, and body every day. Keep your skin healthy and hydrated by applying a moisturizer once or twice a day, especially on your face. Your healthy glow will bring out your natural beauty, no makeup required![3]
- Since the skin on your face is thinner, use a special facial moisturizer for the skin there, then use regular lotion on your hands and body.
- Treat acne with an over-the-counter ointment. If you do get a breakout, avoid touching the bump, as this could lead to inflammation and possibly infection. Instead, apply a dab of a cream or ointment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which will help reduce redness and help your acne heal faster.[4]
- Acne doesn't have to disrupt your natural approach. In fact, covering an acne spot with makeup can make it worse.
- Groom your eyebrows. Simply brushing your eyebrows with a spoolie or a clean, soft toothbrush can help you look more put-together. Brush the hairs upward first, then smooth them out in the direction they naturally grow.[5]
- If your brows don't want to stay in place, you can spray a little hairspray or use a clear gloss on the spoolie or toothbrush to help tame them.
- If you like, you can also pluck your eyebrows with tweezers to shape them. Start by removing any stray hairs that fall above or below your brows. Don't overpluck, or you might be left with unnatural-looking gaps in your brows.[6]
EditTrying a New Hairstyle - Straighten your hair if it's normally curly or wavy. If you're used to wearing your hair in curls or waves, you can get a whole new look simply by straightening your hair. Divide your hair into small sections, then run a flat iron down the length of your hair from the roots to the ends.[7]
- If you want to protect your hair from damage, spray a heat protectant over your hair first.
- Use a curling iron if you want to try out curls. If you've always worn your hair straight, your makeover might need some bouncy curls! For a quick and easy way to curl long hair, pull it into a ponytail on top of your head, then curl sections of the ponytail.[8]
- If you have short hair or you want tight curls, use a curling iron with a barrel.
- If your hair is longer, you might need a barrel instead.
- Apply gel or spray to add volume to short hair. If you've worn the same short-on-the-sides, longer-on-the-top cut your whole life, you might not think there's much you can do about it. Try rubbing a little hair gel between your hands, then running your hands through your hair to distribute the gel evenly. Then, use your fingers to mess your hair up to create a brand-new, piecey style![9]
- You can also use this technique to create a spiked hairstyle.
- Add gel and slick your short hair to one side to look dressier.
- Add barrettes, headbands, or other accessories to your hair. If you want a simple way to add variety to your hairstyle, try adding in a fun accessory that fits your style. In addition to being stylish, hair accessories are usually practical, keeping your hair neatly out of your face.[10]
- You can pin your bangs back with a jewelled hairpin, wrap a lacy headband around your hair, or wear sparkly clips for a fun, playful look.
EditPicking an Outfit - Add in new pieces a few at a time. Most people don't have the money to get a whole new wardrobe all at once, so the best way to get new clothes is to pick up 1 or 2 pieces at a time. Whenever you have a little extra money, stop by a shopping mall or go online to find something you really like.[11]
- If you really want new clothes but you don't have any money, ask for gift cards to your favorite stores for your birthday or holidays.
- Check out second-hand shops for an inexpensive way to create a unique wardrobe![12]
- In the meantime, think of creative ways to style the clothes you already have!
- Pick a signature style. You can create your own look by having one item or a certain style that you wear all the time, called a signature piece. Try to think about your personality and what you want to express about yourself with your wardrobe, then try to find a special piece that communicates that.[13]
- For instance, if your style is glamorous and over-the-top, you might wear a fur or faux-fur jacket everywhere you go when the weather is cold.
- If you have more of a skater or punk style, you might wear a leather cuff bracelet every day.
- If you want to build a preppy style, you might wear a button-down shirt several times a week, either by itself or layered under other pieces.
- Mix and match the clothes you have. Take a few pieces out of your closet or dresser and lay them on your bed. Think about how you normally wear them, then imagine how you could pair them with other items to make a new look.[14]
- For example, if you have a button-down shirt that you always wear with slacks, try wearing it open over a T-shirt with a pair of relaxed-fit jeans and sneakers instead.
- Look at fashion blogs or pictures of stylish celebrities to get inspiration for your new look!
- Try doing this before you go shopping, then make a list of a couple of pieces you wish you had. This will help you stay more focused when you're picking out new clothes!
- Swap clothes if you have a friend who's the same size. If your best friend is always envying one of your T-shirts and you really love that red hoodie of theirs, maybe you could swap for a week![15]
- If you're exchanging clothes that you have duplicates of or that you never wear, you might even decide to make the swap permanent.
- You could even invite a few different friends over and have everyone bring 1 or 2 items that they can swap.
- If your parents buy your clothes for you, it's a good idea to ask their permission before you swap clothes so they don't get upset.
EditChoosing Accessories - Wear a stylish watch to make any outfit look more put-together. A simple watch with clean lines can pull an outfit together more than you might expect. Depending on your style, you might favor a small, dainty watch, or you might prefer a chunky sports watch.[16]
- For even more versatility, choose a watch with an interchangeable band so you can dress it up or down depending on what you're wearing.
- Add simple jewelry if your style is understated. A pendant on a chain, a simple leather bracelet, or a pair of stud earrings can help enhance your style, making you look like you put a lot of thought into an outfit, even if it's something you've worn before.[17]
- Figure out what suits you best! For example, if you're a girl but you prefer a more tomboy style, check out the men's accessory wall to see if there's a cuff bracelet that you like.
- Go for bold statement jewelry if you want to stand out.[18] A big necklace, dangly earrings, or chunky bracelet can add pizazz to even the most simple outfit. If you do wear a statement piece, though, keep the rest of your jewelry minimal.
- A brightly-colored necklace looks great over a plain black or white T-shirt.
- Put on a belt for a subtle way to enhance your outfit. Belts come in every imaginable color, material, and style, so the options for using them to accessorize are nearly endless. If you don't have a belt that matches your outfit, try wrapping a scarf through your belt loops![19]
- Wear a leather belt if you're dressing up your outfit, or opt for a canvas belt if you prefer a cool, relaxed style.
- Polish up your shoes before you put them on. Shoes go through a lot, and it doesn't take long before the wear and tear starts to show. Even if you can't get new shoes, you can give new life to the ones you already have by cleaning them up. Wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth, scrubbing lightly to remove any stains.[20]
- If your laces look dingy, either wash them in the washing machine or replace them with new ones.
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| How to Make a Mountain Bike Course Posted: 14 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT Mountain biking is a fun and rewarding sport, but it requires having a decent course to ride. Finding a course that is both challenging and exciting can be difficult, as the best courses tend to be sorely overcrowded or poorly maintained. If you're serious about mountain biking and have the right amount of ambition, you can create a personal mountain bike course that is tailored to your personal skill level and desires. EditPlanning the Location of the Course - Get permission to build your mountain bike course. Make sure the land you want to build on is not privately owned or protected, such as a state park. The best area to build on is land that you personally own. If you do not personally own the land, contact the landowner and present a written proposal that details where and how you would like to build the course.[1]
- For a short course, you will need anywhere from of terrain.
- For a medium-length course, make sure you have at least of land.
- For a longer course, you will need or more of terrain.
- Try to form a partnership with the landowner or property manager so that all involved parties will benefit.
- Walk the general path where you want to make your mountain bike course. Scout out the land and make sure that it is neither too steep nor too flat. If you come across unexpected obstacles that are not easy to clear, such as large tree stumps or roots, plan to make your route go around the obstacles. The best mountain bike courses work with and blend into the natural features of the terrain.[2]
- If you can't walk down the slope of the land without running or having to catch yourself, the land is likely too steep to build a sustainable course on.
- If the terrain is not sloped at all, it may not be challenging enough for more experienced riders.[3]
- Use pin flags to mark the beginning and end points. Once you've determined that the terrain is acceptable and there are no large obstacles in the way, go back and place a pin flag at the starting point and the end point of the course. Make sure to stay within the property lines.
- If you want your course to form a loop, the beginning and end points will be the same. Instead of flagging the same spot twice, mark the border on the outside edge of your course on all 4 sides.[4]
- Pin flags are preferable, but you can use spray paint or any other marker that's easy to see.
- Go over the course and mark the main features. Place a flag or marker in any specific areas that you want to include in your course, such as natural drops, turns, or landmarks. These are called control points, and they influence where the trail will go.
- Positive control points are places you want the course to go, such rock outcroppings, jumps, or other natural obstacles you want to include.
- Negative control points are places you want the course to avoid, such as extremely steep slopes, certain water crossings, or other safety hazards.[5]
- Draw the control points on a topographical map. Include the spots where you marked the beginning and end of your course. Use the control points to draw the basic route you want to course the take, connecting the points as you go.
- You can find a topographical map of your region at most local convenience stores, or you can print one here: http://www.mytopo.com/maps/
- When you start planning the route of the course, consider the landscape and its natural features. Use these to your advantage to include slopes, turns, and jumps, as desired.
- Use a pencil so you can erase the marks if necessary.
- This is the initial planning for the trail route.[6]
- Walk back over the path you drew and mark the general trail alignment. As you walk, use a pin flag to mark the route of the course. Place a pin marker on each side of the marked trail to keep the width consistent. Ensure that your trail hits all of the positive control points and avoids the negative ones.
- The average width of single-use mountain bike path , while a multi-use course is .[7]
- If your course is multi-use, include several passing areas where bikers can go around each other if necessary. In these areas, widen the course to comfortably include 2 bikers riding side-by-side. Roughly wide is a good rule of thumb.[8]
EditClearing the Course's Tread - Wear good-quality work gloves to protect your hands. You will be doing a lot of digging, so wear work gloves to protect your hands from blisters and other injuries. They will also help you maintain a firm grip while you work.
- Clear shrubbery, rocks, branches, and other debris out of the path. Walk back over the area you just marked with pin flags and remove all sharp, pointed, or loose stones in the path. Use a rake to clear away small rocks, branches, or foliage.
- Either throw the collected debris outside of the boundary markers, or load it into a wheelbarrow to dump away from the path later on.
- Clearing debris ahead of time will make it easier to break up the ground later.
- Use a rake or mattock to loosen the ground and dig the tread. Once you've cleared away any obstacles in the path, use a mattock to break up the ground between the pin flags in the path you marked. Rake away the top layer of grass until all you're left with is the soil underneath. Do this for the entire length of your course.
- If the ground is already covered in dirt or soil, you'll still need to break up the top layer of ground so you can go back and pack it down.
- Clear away more ground for turns. Turning radii should be roughly wide.[9]
EditCompleting and Maintaining the Course - Compact the loosened tread with a rake or shovel. Go back over the ground you just loosened up and use a flathead shovel or a rake to pack it down. If the dirt is sandy or loose and it's difficult to pack down, use a garden hose or bucket of water to dampen the ground before you pack it. Make sure the ground is packed well so you can ride your bike on it without spinning out or causing major ruts.
- Packing the ground is one of the more labor-intensive, tedious aspects of building a mountain bike course, but it's also one of the most important. If the dirt is too loose when you ride the course on your mountain bike, your front wheel will slip.
- Hike or ride your bike carefully over the trail several times to compact the soil more easily.
- If your course is wide enough, driving a vehicle over the tread can pack it down quickly and efficiently.
- Include obstacles in your course to increase difficulty. Use the excess ground you removed earlier to build dirt jumps along the course, or add in some wooden ramps. Use the built-in features of the terrain before adding artificial obstacles. Natural obstacles are generally best, and there are usually plenty of trees, large rocks, and bushes that you can wind around for more of a challenge.
- To build a dirt jump, use the ground you collected while digging the tread. Pile the dirt to the desired height, and use a hose to dampen the top layer of the dirt. Use a flathead shovel or rake to pack the dirt down as tightly as possible so your front wheel doesn't spin out on loose dirt.
- Keep jumps between off the ground, as any higher could be dangerous.
- Some other examples of common obstacles are boulders and logs that you can place in the path of your course.[10]
- Maintain the course you built by checking it several times a year. Check for any fallen branches, and clear away layers of fallen leaves or weeds. If the ground has started to erode, take your shovel and pack it down again.
- Adding compacted soil or gravel to the course will keep it from eroding as quickly and lessen maintenance required to keep up the course.[11]
- Don't ride your course while the ground is wet. This will keep the ground from eroding as quickly.
- Be creative, and don't be afraid to tweak your course as you ride it.
- Ask other bikers to ride your course and get their opinion on areas you can improve.
- Always wear a helmet when mountain biking.
- If other people will be using your trail, place signs to warn riders about upcoming hazards (e.g. ramps, drop offs, or bomb holes).
EditThings You'll Need - Shovel, preferably a flathead
- Rake or mattock
- Topographical map
- Pencil
- Work gloves
- Wheelbarrow, optional
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