How to mentally prep for impromptu 1-on-1 meetings with your manager

colleagues in a meeting

Did your boss just text you to schedule a last-minute 1-on-1 meeting?

Don’t panic! This can be a great opportunity to discuss things candidly and build a stronger working relationship with your manager. But, it’s important to mentally prep for such meetings so you make the most of the time you have.

In this post, we will share some tips on how to organize yourself for an impromptu 1-on-1 meeting with your manager.

It’s normal to feel nervous before a 1-on-1 meeting

It’s normal to feel anxious but there’s no need to fear. The best way to approach it is to go in with an open mind and be prepared to listen. Your manager is probably going to have some feedback for you, so be sure to pay close attention and take notes.

Understand the purpose of the meeting

Is your manager just checking in with you? Is he or she giving you feedback? Is this a more formal meeting to discuss your goals and progress? Once you know the purpose of the meeting, you can start mentally prepping for it.

If it’s a check-in, for example, then you might want to review your recent work and prepare some talking points. If it’s a feedback meeting, then you will want to make sure that you have specific examples of times when you went above and beyond or made a mistake.

No matter what the purpose of the meeting is, always be ready to talk about your work and what you’ve been up to. And most importantly, stay calm.

Be aware of your body language
a man crossing arms during a meeting with his female colleague

Image Credits: betterup.com

Remember, your boss is going to be reading your nonverbal cues to get a sense of how you’re feeling. So if you walk in with your shoulders slumped and your head down, they’re going to think that you’re not confident in what they have to say.

On the other hand, if you walk in with a smile on your face and your head held high, they will know that you’re ready to have a productive conversation. So make sure to put your best foot forward and show them that you’re open to whatever they are about to throw at you.

Come prepared with questions

Coming prepared with questions is one of the most satisfactory ways to make the most out of any meeting, whether it’s planned or impromptu.

When you have questions ready, it shows your manager that you’re taking the meeting seriously and that you’re interested in having a dialogue. It also allows you to learn more about any new company developments and your role within them.

Plus, if there are any issues or concerns you would like to discuss, having questions ready will help make sure that those are covered during the meeting. So, make sure to come ready with queries for your next 1-on-1 meeting with your manager!

You’ve been called into a meeting with your manager, and you have no idea what it’s about. Don’t worry. Relax and take some deep breaths—you want to appear confident, even if you’re feeling anything but that. And most notably, don’t forget to listen. One of the smartest ways to make the most of a 1-on-1 meeting is by actively listening. You can always follow up with your manager after the meeting to clarify any unclear points if necessary.

Read More...

How to make the most of your preschool tour

preschool classroom

You’ve probably already started touring preschools, but if you haven’t, you should be getting started soon! It’s a process that can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to do your research and find the right school for your child.

In this post, we will talk about some things you should look out for when touring a preschool. Keep in mind that every school is different, so these points may not apply to every scenario. But they will give you a general idea of what to expect and what to ask.

Questions to ask the staff

Here are some quick questions to ask the staff:

  • Is there a meal plan?
  • What are the term fees?
  • Is there a sibling discount?
  • Is transportation provided?
  • What are the school’s hours?
  • How many children are in each class?
  • What is the school’s policy on discipline?
  • What is the teacher’s educational background?
How to prepare for your tour

When you go on a preschool tour, you want to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

  • Do your research in advance. Make a list of the schools you’re interested in, and read up on their programs.
  • Be prepared to ask questions. The staff should be happy to answer them, and this is your chance to get a feel of the school.
  • Pay attention to your gut feeling. If something about the school doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and move on.
What to look for while you’re there
a preschool setting

Image Credits: kiddiwinkie.edu.sg

First of all, take a look at the condition of the facility. Is it clean and well-maintained? Are the children engaged in activities or are their eyes just glued to the projector?

Next, talk to the teachers. Ask them what their teaching philosophy is and how they approach to discipline. Are they nurturing and supportive, or are they serious about teaching values?

Finally, take some time to observe the children. Are they happy and engaged, or are they fidgety and bored? Do they seem to be interacting with their peers and teachers, or are they sitting by themselves?

It’s necessary to find answers to these questions so you can make an informed decision about which preschool is right for your child.

Request to visit during curriculum time

When you go on a preschool tour, be sure to request to visit during curriculum time. This is when you will get to see the teachers in action and get a sense of how the school works.

You will also want to check on the teacher-student ratio. The lower the better, as this will mean that your child will get more individual attention. And don’t forget to ask about the school’s philosophy—you want to make sure that it matches up with your values.

Schedule a follow-up visit to speak to your child’s teachers

After you’ve seen the classrooms and the playground, be sure to schedule a follow-up visit to speak to your child’s future teachers.

This is your chance to ask them more about their pedagogy ideology and get a sense of what it would be like to have your child in their class. Most schools will be happy to oblige and set up a time for you to come back. Be sure to ask about this when you’re making your appointment.

You’re about to take one of the most significant steps in your child’s life: finding the right preschool. First, make a list of what’s vital to you and your family. Maybe you need a preschool that offers a specific curriculum, or perhaps you’re looking for a particular religious affiliation. Once you know what’s noteworthy, it’s time to start touring schools. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and get a sense of the school’s vibe. Finally, trust your gut. If something about a school doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the right place for your child. Lean on your instincts and you will find the ideal place for your little one.

Read More...

Surviving sexism in the workplace: What you can do to fight back

lady experiencing sexism at the workplace

You might be feeling angry, frustrated, or powerless after experiencing sexism at work.

You might not know what to do or who to turn to. But we want you to know that you’re not alone. And you have options.

In this article, let’s talk about what constitutes sexism in the workplace, what you can do if you’re a victim of it, and how to create a support system. We hope this information will help empower you to take action and fight back against sexism in your workplace.

Defining sexism in the workplace

Sexism in the workplace can take on many different forms. It might be as blatant as being passed up for a promotion because you’re of a specific gender, or it might be more subtle, like being ignored in meetings or being talked down to by your colleagues. But whatever form it takes, sexism in the workplace is never okay. And we mustn’t brush it off or ignore it.

The impact of sexism in the workplace

Sexism in the workplace can have a major impact on your career. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t deserve to be where you are. It can make you doubt yourself and your abilities. But it’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of other people out there who have faced the same thing. And there are ways to fight back.

How to counter sexism that manifests
a woman journaling

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, try to document what’s happening. Keep a journal of all the instances of sexism that you experience, including the date, time, and witnesses (if any). This information will be helpful if you decide to take any legal action down the road.

Second, talk to your supervisor. Let them know what’s been going on and see if they can help. Chances are they’re not aware of what’s happening, but they may want to know the details so that they can address the issue. Third, get support from your peers. Lean on your friends and other colleagues for strength and solidarity and know that you’re not unaided in this fight.

How to report sexism in the workplace

If you’re a victim of sexism in the workplace, don’t suffer in silence. Speak up and report it. You have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination at work.

There are a few ways to report discrimination, and the best way to find out which one is right for you is to speak to an employment lawyer. However, if you’re not ready to part with the money, some of the most common ways to report sexism in the workplace include making a formal complaint to your HR department.

No one should have to put up with sexism at work, and you don’t have to. If you’re experiencing any form of workplace sexism, whether it’s overt or subtle, there are steps you can take to fight back and protect your rights. First, document everything. Then, speak out. Don’t be afraid to call out sexism when you see it. People need to know that this kind of behavior is not acceptable and that it won’t be tolerated.

Read More...

S$1 = 1000 KRW: Singapore dollar hits 13-year high against the Korean won

 

Asian currencies have broadly declined against the buoyant US dollar, sliding to levels not seen since the Asian financial crisis.

Among the worst-hit currencies is the Korean won which extended losses this month, dragged down by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary tightening. South Korea which is export-dependant also comes under increasing pressure with higher oil prices and a deteriorating trade balance.

On the flip side, the Singapore’s dollar has been resilient against the US dollar. To fight inflation – which is expected to keep rising – the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) allows the Singapore dollar to appreciate against peer currencies. This helps to slow the inflation momentum and ensure price stability thereby driving down the cost of imported good in local currency terms.

The SGD/KRW crossed the 1000 mark on Sep 30, 2022

On Friday, the SGD/KRW went above the 1000 support, a level not seen since March 2009.

According to the CashChanger’s site, one can get a rate of approximately S$1 = 975 KRW at local money changers in Singapore on Friday, Sep, 30, 2022. That’s a good rate if you are planning a travel to South Korea any time soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Read More...

Want 100GB at $10? Sign up for heya, a contract-free 4G postpaid SIM-only plan with the best network!

Need more data but don’t want to pay extra? We present to you heya, a simple contract-free 4G postpaid SIM-only plan that can meet all your needs at an affordable price.

The heya plan consists of 100GB (for the first 3 months and 50GB thereafter), 300 local minutes, and 50 local SMSes at just $10! FREE caller ID and FREE local incoming calls included. Plus, you can add up to 500 IDD minutes to 9 countries with the $5 IDD add-on.

Why should you choose heya?

  • No contract: Wave goodbye to being tied down by contracts and say heya to more value without shocking bills.
  • Best network: Backed by Singtel, one of the major telcos in our sunny island, you will be supported by Singapore’s fastest and widest mobile network, validated from users in Singapore, as encapsulated in the HWM+HardwareZone Tech Awards 2022, Reader’s Choice – Best Telco Service Provider in Singapore. Consistently good network will be right at your fingertips!
  • Data rollover: Do you find yourself frequently forfeiting unused data with your current mobile plan? Waste no more data because any unused data (up to 200GB) can be rollover to the next month if you top up before the plan expires.

How to sign up and make easy top-ups?

Signing up is easy as 1, 2, 3.

If you’re at least 18 years old, simply proceed to any of the authorized heya retailers and bring along your NRIC, passport, or valid pass to sign-up. Click the following link for the full list of heya retailers located islandwide.

Need a top-up? Call *119# to check your balance first and top up every month from a heya shop. Alternatively, you can choose one of these methods for a fuss-free top-up before your plan expires:

  • Ask to top up more heya credits in the heya wallet from a heya retailer
  • Request for remote top-up (e.g. through PayNow or Shopee) from a heya retailer that offers the option

Refer your friends now and get FREE 50GB

Loving the heya plan? Spread the good news and get rewarded with 50GB! You can introduce up to 3 friends to heya per month and the FREE 50GB data will be credited to your heya number the next day.

Here’s how:

  • Have your friends sign up for heya at any heya retailer.
  • Refer to the referral code sent to you via SMS from sender 74005. Get your buddies to SMS your referral code to 74005 using their heya number.

Hesitate no more with heya! Check out these FAQs and visit www.heya.sg for more information today.

Read More...