When the line between machine and artist becomes blurred

When the line between machine and bewegungsknstler becomes blurredWhen the line between machine and akrobat becomes blurredWith AI becoming incorporated into more aspects of our daily lives, from writing to driving, its only natural that akrobats would also start to experiment with artificial intelligence.In fact, Christies will be selling its first piece of AI art later this month a blurred face titled Portrait of Edmond Belamy.The piece being sold at Christies is part of a new wave of AI art created via machine learning. Paris-based akrobats Hugo Caselles-Dupr, Pierre Fautrel and Gauthier Vernier fed thousands of portraits into an algorithm, teaching it the aesthetics of past examples of portraiture. The algorithm then created Portrait of Edmond Belamy.The painting is not the product of a human mind, Christies noted in its preview. It welches created by artificial intelligence, an algorithm defined by an algebraic formula.If artificial intelligence is used to create images, can th e final product really be thought of as art? Should there be a threshold of influence over the final product that an artist needs to wield?As the director of the Art AI Lab at Rutgers University, Ive been wrestling with these questions specifically, the point at which the artist should cede credit to the machine.The machines enroll in art classOver the last 50 years, several artists have written computer programs to generate art what I call algorithmic art. It requires the artist to write detailed code with an actual visual outcome in mind.One of the earliest practitioners of this form is Harold Cohen, who wrote the program AARON to produce drawings that followed a set of rules Cohen had created.But the AI art that has emerged over the past couple of years incorporates machine learning technology.Artists create algorithms not to follow a set of rules, but to learn a specific aesthetic by analyzing thousands of images. The algorithm then tries to generate new images in adherence t o the aesthetics it has learned.To begin, the artist chooses a collection of images to feed the algorithm, a step I call pre-curation.For the purpose of this example, lets say the artist chooses traditional portraits from the past 500 years.Most of the AI artworks that have emerged over the past few years have used a class of algorithms called generative adversarial networks. First introduced by computer scientist Ian Goodfellow in 2014, these algorithms are called adversarial because there are two sides to them One generates random images the other has been taught, via the input, how to judge these images and deem which best align with the input.So the portraits from the past 500 years are fed into a generative AI algorithm that tries to imitate these inputs. The algorithms then come back with a range of output images, and the artist must sift through them and select those he or she wishes to use, a step I call post-curation.So there is an modul of creativity The artist is very inv olved in pre- and post-curation. The artist might also tweak the algorithm as needed to generate the desired outputs.When creating AI art, the artists hand is involved in the selection of input images, tweaking the algorithm and then choosing from those that have been generated. Ahmed Elgammal, Author providedSerendipity or malfunction?The generative algorithm can produce images that surprise even the artist presiding over the process.For example, a generative adversarial network being fed portraits could end up producing a series of deformed faces.What should we make of this?Psychologist Daniel E. Berlyne has studied the psychology of aesthetics for several decades. He found that novelty, surprise, complexity, ambiguity and eccentricity tend to be the most powerful stimuli in works of art.When fed portraits from the last five centuries, an AI generative model can spit out deformed faces. Ahmed Elgammal, Author providedThe generated portraits from the generative adversarial network with all of the deformed faces are certainly novel, surprising and bizarre.They also evoke British figurative painter Francis Bacons famous deformed portraits, such as Three Studies for a Portrait of Henrietta Moraes.Three Studies for the Portrait of Henrietta Moraes, Francis Bacon, 1963. MoMABut theres something missing in the deformed, machine-made faces intent.While it was Bacons intent to make his faces deformed, the deformed faces we see in the example of AI art arent necessarily the goal of the artist nor the machine. What we are looking at are instances in which the machine has failed to properly imitate a human face, and has instead spit out some surprising deformities.Yet this is exactly the sort of image that Christies is auctioning.A form of conceptual artDoes this outcome really indicate a lack of intent?I would argue that the intent lies in the process, even if it doesnt appear in the final image.For example, to create The Fall of the House of Usher, artist Anna Ridle r took stills from a 1929 film version of the Edgar Allen Poe short story The Fall of the House of Usher. She made ink drawings from the still frames and fed them into a generative model, which produced a series of new images that she then arranged into a short film.Another example is Mario Klingemanns The Butchers Son, a nude portrait that was generated by feeding the algorithm images of stick figures and images of pornography.On the left A still from The Fall of the House of Usher by Anna Ridler. On the right The Butchers Son by Mario Klingemann.I use these two examples to show how artists can really play with these AI tools in any number of ways. While the final images might have surprised the artists, they didnt come out of nowhere There was a process behind them, and there was certainly an element of intent.Nonetheless, many are skeptical of AI art. Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz has said he finds the art produced by AI artist boring and dull, including The Butch ers Son.Perhaps theyre correct in some cases. In the deformed portraits, for example, you could argue that the resulting images arent all that interesting Theyre really just imitations with a twist of pre-curated inputs.But its not just about the final image. Its about the creative process one that involves an artist and a machine collaborating to explore new visual forms in revolutionary ways.For this reason, I have no doubt that this is conceptual art, a form that dates back to the 1960s, in which the idea behind the work and the process is more important than the outcome.As for The Butchers Son, one of the pieces Saltz derided as boring?It recently won the Lumen Prize, a prize dedicated for art created with technology.As much as some critics might decry the trend, it seems that AI art is here to stay.Ahmed Elgammal, Professor of Computer Vision, Rutgers UniversityThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Sexual Harassment Is Unacceptable, Regardless of Gender

Sexual Harassment Is Unacceptable, Regardless of GenderSexual Harassment Is Unacceptable, Regardless of Gender Can a female boss be found guilty of sexually harassing a young male employee? Can a gay man be successfully sued for sexually harassing his gay male subordinate? Can a woman sexually harass another woman?The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes. It may seem obvious to some that harassment is harassment is harassment, but just a few short years ago, many workplaces and even courts routinely disregarded or dismissed such complaints, considering them unlikely, impossible or not worthy of serious attention.Fortunately, cultural shifts are bringing the justice system into line with the fact that anyone can be a harasser or a victim. In 1993, attorney V. James DeSimone made a historic win when he successfully argued that his client, Wayne Mogilefsky, was being sexually harassed by his boss Michael Levy. Prior to that landmark case, the only publi shed decision in a male-on-male sexual harassment case dismissed it as horseplay. DeSimones case became a crucial step in paving the way for a 2013 California law recognizing that sexual harassment could in fact take place between persons of the same sex.Yet as recently as 2016, that idea hadnt fully gained traction, even in such bastions of gay rights as West Hollywood, Calif., where then-mayor John Duran faced a male-on-male sexual harassment lawsuit that the city paid $500,000 to settle. His re-election soon after the settlement prompted the Los Angeles Times to observe that West Hollywood, for many, seemed to be the town that MeToo forgot.But in 2019, as Duran faced new allegations of sexual harassment by members of the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles, fed-up residents began calling for his ouster proof that change can eventually make it everywhere.As an employment attorney for nearly 15 years, I used to represent larger firms where management didnt believe harassment could exis t outside of the stereotypical male superior/female subordinate dynamic. Now, especially in light of the MeToo movements urgings that we view sexual harassment with the utmost seriousness, employers have begun to change their tune. Ive represented hundreds of employers, from small shops to Fortune 500 firms, and Ive seen first hand how views have shifted.No matter who the players in a sexual harassment matter may be, as an attorney, I give the same advice to all clients Write down what happened, what was said, where it was said, and who witnessed it. The typical cases come down to the proverbial he-said-she-said scenario no matter the genders involved so the better prepared you are, with more anecdotal evidence, recorded as soon as possible after an incident occurs, when memories are fresh the stronger your case.If you are in a public or shared area of your workspace, where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy, you might consider recording a conversation. But this can get tricky legally, and in many states, its not legal to record phone conversations without the consent of both parties. Thats why email is my preferred method of documentation, especially since it includes a date stamp.Once you do so, the company has a duty to investigate, and it cannot legally retaliate against the complainant.Sadly, despite the law, many employers do attempt to retaliate against a complaining employee through suspensions, demotions, and even termination. Its not uncommon for someone who makes a harassment complaint to suddenly find themselves hit with bogus write-ups and worse. If an employee has a clean past employment record of disciplinary history, with promotions or raises, that history can serve as evidence that an employer is trying to retaliate against a whistleblower.Even though headline-grabbing stories like the Harvey Weinstein case focus on female subordinates harassed by male superiors, in my courtroom experience, todays jurors, especially younger ones, understand that anyone can be harassed. Everyone is much more aware than they were even five years ago that these issues arent limited by gender or sexual orientation, and that people should be treated the same and afforded the same rights.Raymond Babaian is the founding lebensgefhrte of Valiant Law . During his nearly 15 years in practice, he has gained expertise in litigation of employment, general liability, class action, construction, products, and general business litigation matters. He has written volumes of employment handbooks, construction and real estate disclosures and agreements, and general business contracts aimed to fully protect his clients.

How To Choose Between Great Job Candidates

How To Choose Between Great Job CandidatesHow To Choose Between Great Job CandidatesHow To Choose Between Great Job Candidates LewisWith the national unemployment rateremaining stubbornly high, you may have been faced with the daunting task of choosing from a pool of eligible applicants with the right interview questions. Some of these applicants maybe overqualified.How can you choose a candidate that will fulfill the jobs responsibilities and be a suitable match to yur company culture? By targeting your interview questions to align with your businesss needs.The following interview questions will help you navigate through a sea of gifted applicants, as you strive to hire top talentfor your organization.Sample Interview Questions Tell me about the fruchtwein significant challenges you have encountered throughout your career. How did you overcome these issues? What steps did you implement to resolve them? As the owner of a home health care business based in Rochester Hills, Mich., Penn y VanDette copes with the unavoidable challenges of many small business owners project overload and staff shortages. She looks for top talent who will consistently rise above such issues and exceed expectations.In her interviews, VanDette focuses on the candidates perceptions of past challenges and how they utilized their problem-solving skills. I am particularly interested in hiring candidates who are risk-takers and are able to creatively approach any problems they encounter on a daily basis, she says.Follow up with additional questionsDid you resolve past conflicts alone or with the assistance of fellow team members? Was there a positive outcome for both you and your former employer? How were you able to apply these lessons to other similar scenarios? Describe these scenarios and their ultimate outcomes. Sample Interview QuestionsHow did you contribute to the fiscal and business goals of your previous employers?How can you apply this experience to our organization? Small business owners must often rely on employees who can assist with day-by-day operations, including office management and budget implementation.Jill Morrone, owner of an educational supply company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, pursues a line of interview questions that illustrate how the candidate benefited the fiscal and business goals of previous employers.I am generally interested in conducting further interviews with candidates who have positively contributed to past employers monetary and business objectives, while working as a distinguished team player, says Morrone.Potential follow-up interview questions to askHave you had the opportunity to assist with developing a budget? Did you offer to initiate cost-reduction strategies? How comfortable were you this role? Were your financial ideas well-received by your fellow colleagues? Were your ideas implemented? What was the outcome? As a result, were you perceived as a reliable team player? If so, how? Sample Interview Questions How have previous bosses viewed your work? Why?As the menschengerecht resources representative of a promotional product manufacturer in Troy, Mich., Herb Weidman pursues candidates who, throughout the interview process, willingly convey positive working relationships with former supervisors.Candidates should offer interviewers examples of evaluations they have received from past employers, says Weidman. It is always very helpful for candidates to bring such evaluations with them to interviews.Ask the candidate to recreate specific scenarios that best illustrate the reasons behind the positive feedback.Sample Interview Questions What are your current career goals? Are you interested in long-term or short-term employment? Do you see your career goals changing in the near future? The hiring processcan require significant time and resources to interview and employ suitable candidates.For Anthony Alichwer, owner of a small photography business in Easton, Penn., that means knowing your own busine sss needs and being sure that they align with the candidates personal timeline.If I have a long-term position available, I must hire a candidate focused on a long-term commitment. The same principle applies to short-term positions, says Alichwer. As an employer, you should fully know your candidates future goals and the ways in which these goals may positively or negatively impact your business.Additionally, consider askingDo you plan to further your education and hone your current skills? How will your educational pursuits improve my businesss operations in the future? As you go about interviewing candidates, these questions will enable you to streamline your applicant list and hire an individual you can depend on to develop your business goals in the future.

The 5 essential components of an effective apology

The 5 essential components of an effective apologyThe 5 essential components of an effective apologyWomenapologize way too much hey, were all socialized with that expectation. Because of this, one might think that when the times comes for us to say Im sorry to someone whoactuallydeserves it, wed be rockstars at it. But unfortunately, this isnt always the case. Saying these two little words can be quite a trying task, even when we really think we mean them and despite knowing that theyre imperative to mending and maintainingallof our relationships.Nick Hobson, director of science forPsychologyCompassand a behavioral scientist who researches emotional functioning, makes it simple with his step-by-step instructions.1. Do it face-to-faceAs it does most things, technology can convolute apologies too. For this reason, Hobson recommends you apologize to someone in partie rather than via email, text, or even a phone call. The sincerity in social cues will come through much more in person, he says. Theres far too much ambiguity in word use and tone that gets lost. It will only make things worse. An in-person apology might be intimidating, but in the end, you owe it to them.2. Actually mean itAnd, of course, for any apology to prove effective, the apologizer must be genuinely sorry for their words or actions. Fake apologies are fairly transparent, Hobson says, especially thanks to body language, tone, etc., if youre following instruction 1. As much as not apologizing for your words and actions will weaken a relationship, a feigned apology can tank things even faster.3. Take responsibilityMost people love talking about themselves, so why not keep it up when saying youre sorry? Cue the I statements The apology should include an acknowledgment of personal responsibility, explains Hobson. What a lot of people tend to do is offer an apology saying wheretheywent wrong. This will mean a lot more to a person than blaming their hurt feelings on an outside factor - or worse, on t hem.4. Provide contextThis is the one part of an apology when youre able to explain your understanding of where things went wrong and why. But this step leaves room for some big mistakes, such as, say, sounding like youre trying to justify or excuse your behavior. Ensure the context is about reassuring the person you hurt that you understand where you went wrong and how to prevent it from recurring - not about making yourself look better. After explaining what happened, the person apologizing should add the important caveat that, despite the rationale, they still recognize what they did was wrong, selfish, mean, etc., Hobson says.5. Make up for itAnyone whos received an empty apology has been able to identify it after the fact because the person kept up their problematic behavior. A person feeling wronged by another will be looking for some honest signal that says theyre not going to do it again, asserts Hobson. A key tactic, then, is to build in the apology, at the moment or short ly after, an act of generosity or kindness. Taking the time to ensure they feel appreciated and cared for by you after breaking their trust is paramount to rebuilding your relationship.Whats your Im sorry strategy? Let us knowBritandCo.This article first appeared on Brit + Co.

The Unexposed Secret of Cv Resume Sample

The Unexposed Secret of Cv Resume Sample Whispered Cv Resume Sample Secrets The resume format sample needs to be carried out well. You should understand, that resume format is critical, since it can boost your odds to get invited for an interview. Closing thoughts Your file format is a significant element to think about when sending out your resume. Each resume format was made to improve your odds to find the job in 2018. Cv Resume Sample No Longer a Mystery Utilize your CV to keep tabs on your accomplishments and publications so that its always up-to-date. Lets departure with a fast overview of resumes, as they are more familiar to the majority of American writers than CVs. Second, there are various fashions of resumes to consider. Second, there are various fashions of resumes to consider. Whether youre writing your very first curriculum vitae or revising a recent CV, a template can be exceedingly helpful. Faculty application packets demand a CV. You have to adapt your C V to the work ad content. So, you can want to think about maintaining a distinct CV which you use specifically for submitting with applications. Resume writing for women which are stay at home mothers and are trying to reevaluate the workforce could be tricky thing. Its very essential to know the sort of resumes preferred by the establishment that you need to work for. Its cool that youre searching for a job to have some money, but you need some difficulties with resume. If youre attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. What You Need to Know About Cv Resume Sample Developing a CV based on your skills might be excellent concept, especially if youre a mature candidate who has an extensive collection of previous positions or in case you have a great deal of skills to give. Then you ought to write about the skills you possess which will help you with many facets of the job that you are applying for. It is possible to also mention your athletic skill below a distinct sub-heading. The extra skills can be in accord with the job or completely different. If work experience isnt your key highlight or whether youve got an inconsistent work history, its best advisable to start your resume with your qualifications. Some jobs have strict rules and standards about the writing of the CV, so be certain you find out the way to do it right the very first time. Simply because youve got zero experience or its your very first job. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a number of the exact same skills. In america and Canada, theres a huge difference between a CV and a resume. Employing VisualCVs CV editor it is simple to switch from 1 template to another, and that means you can easily use the ideal template for the job every single time you apply. There are lots of free resume templates readily available on the web but sometimes it can be quite challenging to pick the best one that is most suited to you. Resume templates youll be able to download. Its possible to also see Resume Templates. Resume templates can be helpful in building your resumes. Word Resume templates are simple to find or spot on the web and can be downloaded for more use. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you will need a resume template that you could inject a little more personality into to make it pop. There are more than merely a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre employing a readymade template. Especially if you would like your resume to keep formatting and if are asking for a creative job which requires your resume to reflect a specific skill set such as graphic design. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. Basic layouts are extremely simple to edit, even when you have never made a resume before. Basic resumes typical ly have an extremely classic and conventional tone. Resume writing can appear intimidating, particularly if youre creating your anfangsbuchstabe resume. The Basics of Cv Resume Sample Needless to say, a CV is for anyone seeking to apply for employment or admission to a certain position. Overview of a persons qualification is also recommended to put your very best foot forward right at the start of the resume. Also make certain you tailor the document to the job youre applying for. Whichever format you select, it should make you become selected for the job youre applying for. The Advantages of Cv Resume Sample As soon as you have prepared and submitted your CV to an employer the hope is you will be requested to attend work interview. Determine the job which you would like. Ascertain the job which you would like. Alternatively, you must tailor your resume for every single job which you apply for. Characteristics of Cv Resume Sample For instance, an Indian employer might ask you for a CV or a resume. Your CV may include everything which youve done so far. In many areas of the planet, a CV photo isnt only recommended but required. So, when you put in an application for work in Greece, the united kingdom, or Denmark, your prospective employer will ask you for a CV.

MINDBODY Supports Transgender Equality

MINDBODY Supports Transgender Equality Below is a post originally written by PowerToFly Partner MINDBODY, and published on November 28, 2018. Go to MINDBODYs page on PowerToFly to see their open positions and learn more.Last week, MINDBODY signed the Business Statement for Transgender Equality. MINDBODY believes that all gruppe members have the right to be their true, authentic selves in and out of the workplace, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. We also recognize that diversity and inclusion are imperative to a successful, innovative, and modern business. Because of this belief, MINDBODY supports transgender equality and will advocate for equal rights for our team members and across the globe. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industrie s have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21 . Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the wertzuwachs of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income befhigung/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Cente r for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the work force, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to spielblttchen up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

The Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment Strategy

The Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment StrategyThe Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment StrategyThe Elusive Ingredient of a Successful Recruitment Strategy F. Hurley, author of The Decision to Trust (Wiley, 2011)About 10 years ago I was facilitating a strategic planning meeting for a large retailer. The top management team was wrestling with a hiring strategy that would deliver the best customer service on a consistent basis in over 1000 stores across the United States. We explored ideas in training employees and management.After much discussion, the Vice President of Operations finally put his finger on the recruiting solution when he said You know it all comes down to getting the right people. If customer service is what will attract and keep customers, then we need to become the preferred employer in all ur markets so that we attract the best employees.Since that day many companies have come to the realization that if we build it they will come. Create a comp any that has a compelling hiring strategy for employees and they will create a compelling offer for customers.Proof of this point comes from companies that have sought recognition in Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, a list that includes Publix, Google, Zappos, Microsoft, Ernst and Young, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and many other in the US and Europe.Criteria for a Successful Hiring ProcessThe primary criteria to make the cut in Fortunes list of 100 companiesmeasures the level of trust that employees have in the company and in senior management.The Great Place to Work Institutedeveloped this measure it makes great sense. Trust is a measure of the quality of a relationship. When we trust a person, group or organization we feel confident that they will do what is right, consider our interests in a fair manner we tend to feel good about such stewards, especially when times are uncertain or risky.Data clearly shows highly trusted companies attract more employee s and have better employee engagementand retention.For example high trust firms like Publix, Southwest Airlines and QuikTrip have more applications for each open position than all of their competitors. If that wasnt enough, data from the Great Place to Work Institute shows that voluntary employee turnoverrates for high trust firms are half that of other firms.Fortunately, there is a science to help executives create a high trust firm.My book, The Decision to Trust, explores the science of why people choose to trust or be suspicious, and how we can build and even repair trust.Here are a few dimensions that leaders can use to help create a high-trust environmentCreate a Strong Sense of Identity Between People and the FirmSocial identity theory tells us that, at heart, we are still quite tribal and that we tend to trust those who we think are similar to us or share some meaningful attributes. High trust companies have strong company cultures and a sense of pride in membership in the co mpany.Make Sure Everyone is On the Same PageBefore we place our trust in someone else, we weigh the question, How likely is this person going to serve my interests?When people have aligned interests, trust is much easier. When there are multiple or conflicting agendas, trust tends to be eroded.Make Benevolence A Must Have Quality for All LeadersWe tend to trust and feel positive affection for those who are willing to put our interests above their own to demonstrate benevolent concern for us. By contrast, a trustee who appears self-centered inspires distrust. High trust firms do not tolerate excessive self interest and opportunism that hurts others.Ensure Competence All AroundBecause trust involves an assessment of how comfortable we are in relying on someone, judgments of simple competence can be paramount. We are only trustworthy to the extent that we can capably fulfill a given responsibility. High trust firms hire A players who are team oriented and put the right person in the r ight job. When they do make hiring mistakes,they fix it quickly and fairly.Predictability and IntegrityAt some point in the trust decision, the trustor asks, How certain am I about my prediction as to how the trustee will act? Leaders can only be predictable if they lead from a set of values and honor their word. In high trust firms, everyone knows that a failure to do so is a serious career-limiting move.CommunicationBecause trust is largely a relational concept, communication is critical. On the one hand, frequent and open communication can lead to trusting relationships. On the other hand,poor communication almost always leads to a tendency not to trust.Spirals of distrust often begin with miscommunication, leading to perceived betrayal that causes further impoverishment of communicationand eventually ending in a state of chronic distrust.Trustees who excel at communication and are able to create emotional bonds with trustors can set off a virtuous cycle of trust, in which their openness induces others to open up and reciprocate with feelings of confident reliance.There are many tools that I review in The Decision to Trust to enhance trust. Some of these tools are available online at Drbobhurley.com.Perhaps its time that more companies learned how to build trust to attract toptalent and keep the best people.Author BioRobert Hurley, Ph.D., is author of The Decision to Trust(Wiley, 2011). He is Professor at Fordham University and president of Hurley Associates and has published over 20 articles or book chapters in the Harvard Business Review and the California Management Review. Hurley is a consultant with organizations on leadership development, top team development, coaching and other topics. For more information, Dr. Hurley can be reached at Drbohurleyyahoo.com.

Six Ways to Win at Office Politics

Six Ways to Win at Office PoliticsSix Ways to Win at Office PoliticsOffice politics can be vicious, and how power and influence are managed in your company will be a part of your career whether you choose to participate in them or elend.Some people prefer not to get involved in politics at work, but most career experts argue that playing the game is crucial to your career success. By avoiding it, you may find your talents ignored and your success limited, and you may feel left out of the loop, says Louellen Essex, co-author of Managers Desktop Consultant Just-in-Time Solutions to the Top People Problems That Keep You Up at Night.Here are six tips from the author that can help you win people over at the amtsstubeObserve how things get done in your organization. Ask some key questions What are the core values and how are they enacted? Are short- or long-term results more valued? How are decisions made? How much risk is tolerated? The answers to these questions should give you a good se nse of the culture of your organization.Dont be afraid to toot your own horn. If no one knows of your good work, you may lose at the game of office politics when you really deserve to win. Let others know what youve accomplished whenever you get the opportunity. If you dont know the fine art of diplomatic bragging, you might get lost in the shuffle of your co-workers.Determine strategic initiatives in the company. Update your skills to be relevant to company initiatives. For example, dont lag behind in technology, quality or customer service approaches that are crucial to you and your companys success.Dont align too strongly with one group. While an alliance may be powerful for the moment, new leadership will often oust existing coalitions and surround itself with a new team. Bridging across factions may be a more effective strategy for long-term success if you intend to stay in your current organization for some time.Learn to communicate persuasively. Develop an assertive style, ba cked with solid facts and examples, to focus others attention on your ideas and proposals. Good politicians can adjust their messages for their audience and always appear well prepared.Be true to yourself. After analyzing the political landscape in your company, if you decide the game is one you cant play, prepare to move on. Its not typical, but some companies actually condone - even promote - dishonest, ruthless or unethical behavior. The game of office politics in this situation is not one worth winning.

11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplug

11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplug11 off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can truly unplugIf youve come home from a trip and immediately needed another vacation to recover from your vacation, maybe you just didnt head to the right place. Here are 11 off-the-beaten-path destinations - including an eco-pod in a quiet New Zealand valley, a charming Italian lake retreat, and a chill beachside palapa - that will help you truly unplug. Relaxation awaits ahead.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreRelais Mirabella, Iseo, ItalyJust an hour outside of Milan lies Franciacorta, Italys hidden gem of a wine region, known for producing its namesake sparkling wine in a similar style to French Champagne. The Relais Mirabella is located on a hill and has unobstructed views of idyllic Lake Iseo (similar to Lake Como, but without the throngs of tourists).Nearby, you c an have your pick of amazing wineries to visit, from the technology-forwardCa del Bosco(which has its own helipad) to the impossibly chicCorte Bianca, which focuses on organic, small batch production. The bed and breakfast has a schwimmbecken and a tennis court on site, but really, the best thing to do is to sit on the peaceful patio with a glass of wine and enjoy la dolce vita.Greystone PurePods, Waipara, New ZealandTake in sweeping views of New Zealands Waipara Valley in an environmentally-friendly PurePod above Greystone Winery. The private and remote structures let you get up close and personal with nature - they have solar electricity for the lighting, fridge, and water system biofuel capable heaters, and are made of glass (including the floors).There are no power plugs (there is a USB charger), but there are binoculars or telescope for birdwatching and stargazing.Angama Mara, Maasai Mara National Reserve, KenyaThis luxurious safari lodge is situated on the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara game reserve. Enjoy next-level glamping with the spacious tented suites, which have floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden decks with rocking chairs, and breathtaking views. The lodge is an amazing place to spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration, where, between July and October, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross Tanzanias Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CAPost Ranch Inn is a true getaway on the dramatic California coast, high on the cliffs of Big Sur. Freestanding houses are covered with wildflowers and grass, decks are suspended to provide unparalleled ocean or mountain views, and treehouses are perched in the forest for a unique experience under the stars. Theres no better (or more gorgeous) way to soak up some nature.Malibu Popoyo, Popoyo, NicaraguaEven if youre not a surfer, you can live that laidback beach lifestyle at Malibu Popoyo, an all-inclusive eco-friendly boutique that caters to surfers and yogis a like. There are over 10 award-winning surf breaks nearby, and on-site there is a yoga palapa, lush gardens, a 16-meter pool, and a neighboring organic farm. There are just six guest suites each one has a rain shower, artisan tiles, and plenty of greenery.San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice, ItalyTo get to this former monastery turned luxury Italian resort, you have to take one of the hotel boats (or drive your own) to the 17-acre private island of San Clemente, a mere 10 minutes away from bustling Piazza San Marco. Once there, youll be welcomed by the grandness of the palace and its seven courtyards, outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis court, and views of the Venice lagoon. Best of all Youll have all the charms of Venice without the crowds.Thompson Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo, MexicoAlong the Pacific coast is the town of Zihuatanejo, once a fishing village, home to a number of inviting white sand beaches. The Thompson Zihuatanejo is located on one of the most well-known, Playa La Ro pa, and combines modern comfort with beachfront vibes. The one-, two-, and three-story villas are nestled among palm and coconut trees, decorated with Mexican artwork, and just steps away from the ocean.Inns of Aurora, Aurora, NYIf you venture a few hours north of Manhattan, youll find New Yorks quiet Finger Lakes region, known for lakes and vineyards. The five inns of Aurora are all carefully restored buildings (one was a former prep school for girls, another was the private residence of theNew York Timesco-founder) that still retain their historic charm. Many have views of Cayuga Lake and all provide a relaxing escape from busy city living.Heckfield Place, Hampshire, EnglandRelax in the English Countryside at this restored Georgian manor an hour outside of London. Explore the 18-century woodlands, manicured gardens, nearby lakes, or the biodynamic Home Farm, which provides seasonal produce for the hotel.Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, Cat Island, BahamasCat Island, part of Bahamas O ut Islands (also known as the Family Islands), is only a short flight from bustling Nassau, but with its unspoiled natural beauty, quietness, and friendly vibe, it feels like a genuine escape - youll run into very few, if any, other tourists on the entire island. Rollez Villas Beach Resort is a platzset of bungalows located steps away from a long white sand beach and the vibrant turquoise waters the Bahamas are famous for. The resort can plan various private excursions depending on your interests, so your hardest decision of the day will be how much sunbathing you want to indulge in.Casa Violeta, Tulum, MexicoThis eco-friendly boutique hotel is on a peaceful white sand beach in Tulum (beach chairs and hammocks provided). The 13 palapas sit within jungle greenery just steps from the beach, and each has its own personality and handmade artwork. The hotel also has a number of wellness offerings including yoga and Temazcal, a medicinal house that uses hot volcanic rocks infused with h ealing waters to create a healing sweat lodge.This article first appeared on Brit + Co.