I can’t figure out the link between happiness and productivity. I really, really can’t. Maybe you could give me some insight. I am so on the fence about this that I have fully analyzed both sides of the argument, and I am still unable to arrive at a conclusion.
On one hand, a dearth of productivity could signify extreme happiness. You are extremely at ease with yourself, your relationships and your jobs. You interact well with coworkers, take long, conversation-filled lunches and take off from work not a minute too soon to hit the gym and release more euphoria-inducing endorphins. Sounds like a great day, huh? Cut to the blinking cursor on your still white Word document. Did that fantastic day leave any time for you to produce real work? Doubtful. And if you think this day doesn’t apply to you, then it may not. The social life isn’t for everyone. But for those who feed off of the energy of others, never ending laughter and office camaraderie could leave a gaping whole in other places.
But that’s just One theory. Is there, on the converse, a distinct link between being out of ideas and out of serotonin? You can’t pay your bills on time, you feel like you’re out of shape, and worse – your friends haven’t been returning your calls…for weeks. So do you ho hum in to the office everyday eagerly anticipating getting to work? It doesn’t seem likely. It’s hard to pull yourself out of a rut to be innovative, creative and productive. But that’s just my opinion. And of course, outliers do exist.
I personally can’t make a decision. There are times when I am so happy and produce nothing … and there are times when I’m in a funk and produce about the same. Thoughts?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Intern-al Dilemma
Sometimes, when I’m bored, I read Blogs and various news sites that detail the dos and don’ts of having an internship. For example, do: be bright and alert every morning, without fail. Don’t: wear last night’s eyeliner and guzzle a venti latte like you’ll never see caffeine again. Could send the wrong message. So you see, I’ve tastefully skimmed through the various rants and raves on the Internet while aggregating and mentally summing up how to be the perfect intern. Then it got me thinking. (As if I'm ever not thinking).
What exactly is a perfect intern? Or more importantly, who owns this title? Is it the someone who is dutiful, prompt and put together? Or is it the someone who may be a little less about outward appearances but off the charts in talent and skill? Almost a catch-22, no? What kind of person do you want out there touting a past internship with your company like a brand ambassador? Because that’s what we are, really. Google’s calling dibs on the back row geek who’s tuning out the teacher and tuning into this month’s Wired Mag. And you bet DKNY or fill-in-the-blank NYC PR firm wants those pretty faces and socialites. Hand me that application. I kid.
But what happens when Google needs to send out an intern to recruit future tech-savvy and Internet hungry minds? Social skills are a must. And what about that PR firm or fashion company who needs someone to chart their growth and interpret the metrics? They didn’t teach that on Project Runway. The world needs a blend of interns. Companies need a range of up and comers, the ones who forget to read the Do’s and Don’ts (okay read the don’ts) but rather someone who owns what they bring to the table. Someone who is confident in their abilities and isn’t afraid to exude it day in and day out. It’s not about “looking the part” I'm serious, it isn’t. It’s about being the part; it’s about being the person they hired you to be.
So you see. There is no perfect intern. No one can wear all the hats in the world (although the Royal Wedding could give you a run for your moolah) and I beg you to find me someone who is fluent in C++, HTML, Vuitton and America’s Next Top Model. Good luck. And if you need some extra help, hit up the Starbucks Venti Latte: it’ll have you buzzing for days.
What exactly is a perfect intern? Or more importantly, who owns this title? Is it the someone who is dutiful, prompt and put together? Or is it the someone who may be a little less about outward appearances but off the charts in talent and skill? Almost a catch-22, no? What kind of person do you want out there touting a past internship with your company like a brand ambassador? Because that’s what we are, really. Google’s calling dibs on the back row geek who’s tuning out the teacher and tuning into this month’s Wired Mag. And you bet DKNY or fill-in-the-blank NYC PR firm wants those pretty faces and socialites. Hand me that application. I kid.
But what happens when Google needs to send out an intern to recruit future tech-savvy and Internet hungry minds? Social skills are a must. And what about that PR firm or fashion company who needs someone to chart their growth and interpret the metrics? They didn’t teach that on Project Runway. The world needs a blend of interns. Companies need a range of up and comers, the ones who forget to read the Do’s and Don’ts (okay read the don’ts) but rather someone who owns what they bring to the table. Someone who is confident in their abilities and isn’t afraid to exude it day in and day out. It’s not about “looking the part” I'm serious, it isn’t. It’s about being the part; it’s about being the person they hired you to be.
So you see. There is no perfect intern. No one can wear all the hats in the world (although the Royal Wedding could give you a run for your moolah) and I beg you to find me someone who is fluent in C++, HTML, Vuitton and America’s Next Top Model. Good luck. And if you need some extra help, hit up the Starbucks Venti Latte: it’ll have you buzzing for days.
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