Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
Dr. King dedicated his life to ending racial and economic inequality. Through his journey he exemplified and embodied kindness & caring. It is clear that this theme was central to his upbringing as we see this in his character and through his messages. Furthermore it had undoubtedly allowed him to have an unprecedented level of understanding and vision of the people he led, taught and influenced. Research shows that teaching social and emotional skills like kindness, caring and peaceful problem solving in schools can have huge impacts on student’s lives and their circles. These skills not only improve our lives but can also create impactful change just as Dr. King did in advancing the call for greater equality. The teaching of Dr. King’s work inspires leadership and shows us all that when we speak and operate from a sincere place we can unify minds and hearts across the globe. That said we would like to honor Dr. King for his endless commitment and effort towards the struggle and emancipation of the oppressed. Dr. King you are a truly renowned hero and your astonishing legacy continues to live on today!
The days when employees could get by without possessing up-to-date technical skills are long gone. The Fourth Industrial Revolution — which refers to technologies such as autonomous vehicles, digital healthcare sensors, and facial ID recognition — is changing how we work, live, and interact with our peers. Employers want to hire candidates who are comfortable adapting to new technologies.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Forbes reports that emotional intelligence ranks high on employers’ wish list. Applicants who can recognize and respond to their own emotions and the emotions of others are in high demand, as this skill allows them to navigate the complexities of social interactions in the workplace.
3. Decision-Making
Every decision made by an employee can have an impact on the entire company. Job applicants who can demonstrate that they know how to identify and evaluate options and then make sound decisions that will positively impact company productivity, employee morale, and the team as a whole rank high on a hiring manager’s wish list.
4. Problem-Solving Capabilities
Hiring managers often ask interviewees to talk about a time when they solved a complex problem in a creative or innovative way. They ask this question to learn if an applicant can approach a dilemma from various angles and find out-of-the-box solutions. Candidates who possess refined problem-solving skills stand out from their peers.
5. Leadership
There are a variety of soft skills that help people become better leaders, including communication skills, problem-solving skills, and project management skills. Individuals who take time to work on the competencies that grow their leadership abilities may find that it’s easier to land the jobs they want.
6.Conflict Resolution
Conflict in the workplace can hinder productivity and increase employee turnover rates. This makes employees who have the ability to work through and move past disagreements with their peers valuable.
7.Written Communication Written communication encompasses everything from contracts to emails. Individuals who are unable to compose clear, concise, error-free messages are unlikely to get ahead in the workplace.
8.Verbal Communication
Strong verbal communication skills help people relay information clearly and concisely. This saves time and helps avoid the misinterpretation of messages. Hiring managers look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively
9. Creativity
A growing number of companies are turning to technology and automation to streamline processes. However, the need for creative individuals who can help design products and solutions for tomorrow remains strong.
10. Adaptability
Technology is ever-changing, and managers want to hire people who are willing to learn. The ability to adapt to change in the workplace is more important than ever.
11. Negotiation
It’s one thing to have a great product or concept. It’s another to be able to persuade people to buy into it. Strong negotiation skills are a must-have in the workplace, regardless of whether an employee works in sales or project management.
12. Willingness to Actively Help Others
Companies understand that if they want to gain a competitive edge, they need to hire managers who can build successful teams. Team members who work together and help each other so they can succeed as a unit are valued in the workplace.
13. Collaboration
Teamwork is a critical attribute in the workplace, and it’s not unusual for hiring managers to ask about your ability to function on a team. When companies are tasked with complex projects, employees’ ability to collaborate with others becomes increasingly important.
14.People Management
The ability to manage people is arguably among the most important leadership skills that hiring managers look for, because this skill has a direct impact on productivity and morale. Individuals who possess strong people-management skills can help lead teams through workplace transitions and periods of uncertainty.
15.Critical Thinking
Critical thinkers understand that problems aren’t always black and white. They’re able to view a problem from all angles and understand how to analyze and evaluate the information they have, before they make a decision. It’s not surprising that employers look for candidates who are capable of high-level thinking about complex problems.
16. Time Management
Learning how to manage your time effectively will serve you well throughout your career. Not only will it allow you to accomplish more in less time, but strong time-management skills can help you focus and be more successful in the workplace.
After last year’s success, the 6th annual Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) has returned! If you’re looking for an event to celebrate black history month, the TBFF is a wonderful way to appreciate the works of black directors from across the globe.
From February 14th to 19th, 2018, you will have the chance to view over 60 films from 20 different countries. Don’t miss this event – it might be your only chance to see some of these films!
Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the TBFF promotes diversity on- and off-screen and gives minorities a voice. For more information on this special event, visit www.TorontoBlackFilm.com
1. Act Like You Live in a Desert: Drink a TON of Water
I know, you’ve heard this before. Then why haven’t you started doing it?
Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated, it also keeps your skin looking healthier, aids in digestion, and gives you more energy. Do your best to cut out soda, juice, and alcohol – try to stick to water (and the occasional glass of milk). For the best results, drink at least five glasses of water a day.
We are seldom aware of the power of our own presence. The presence of a single person can alter conversations and drastically change the overall mood. It is important to understand what type of influence we currently have and want to have on others.
Me, Myself, and I is the foundation principle of our “Feather” system. We have chosen this as our first Feather to emphasize the importance of self, self-awareness, and self-development. We believe that in order to advance in life, one must commit to their personal growth. Our daily choices dictate the boundaries of our growth – they can be our road to success or our path to failure. Discovering who we are is no simple task, but when we do, we unlock the keys to our success.
Questions for Reflection:
1) What motivates me?
2) What are my thoughts and beliefs?
a) Am I confident in them?
3) Who do I surround myself with?
a) What impact are they having on me?
b) What do we have in common?
4) Where do my thoughts take me when my mind wanders?
a) Are these thoughts positive and allow me to grow or are they negative and are harmful?
5) What are the major influences on my decision-making process? (e.g. personal success, public opinion, time commitments, ego, media, etc.)
a) Does how I spend my time reflect this?
b) How do these influences enrich me as a person?
Bonus Questions: This Feather is so important for growth and success, we have provided bonus questions that will allow for a thorough self-examination.
6) Am I honest with myself and others?
a) Can others be brutally honest with me?
7) Am I aware of my mistakes?
a) Am I learning from them?
8) Which has a greater impact on my decisions, fear or courage?
9) Am I able to forgive others?
a) Am I able to forgive myself for my thoughts and actions?
b) Can I face conflict with the goal of reaching a resolution and learning from it?
10) What do I want people to say about me when I am not around them?
Benefits of Feather #1:
There’s an English writer named John Brown who said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Everything begins and ends with us. The choice to be phenomenal or to live a disappointing life lies within our hands. We are creatures of habit – it is crucial that we develop the right habits and a growth mindset for success. With the right mindset we can become unstoppable!
Set 2 goals for yourself to aid in your growth for the current month:
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Tips for success:
1) Allocate time to reflect everyday
2) Do not limit yourself
Feather #2: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health
Our physical, mental, and spiritual health play a significant role in shaping our ability to live life to the fullest. Although we are complex creatures, we are a single mind, body, and soul, and therefore everything we do impacts every aspect of our well-being. It is important to have balance to ensure that we are creating greater opportunities for growth, health, and happiness.
Questions for Reflection:
1) How physically active am I?
2) Do I take the time to learn what I am putting into my body?
3) Do I have faith in a higher power?
a) If so, how am I developing and strengthening my faith?
4) Am I aware of what causes me stress?
a) What do I do to de-stress?
5) Do I have a support system?
a) If so, who is a member of my support system?
Benefits of Feather #2:
When we acknowledge the different aspects of ourselves, we enhance our ability to live enriched lives. Other benefits of being balanced include increased self-confidence, energy levels, and happiness.
Set 2 goals for yourself to aid in your growth for the current month:
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Tips for success:
1) Clarify what mind, body, and soul mean to you
2) Surround yourself with people that align with your definition of mind, body, and soul
Feather #3: My World
Our greatest life experiences are usually made by the people that we are with or the challenges that we face. Every day, we have the ability to be better people and to expand our view of the world. What we focus on is what we see. This is why all of our worlds are uniquely different. The people that we interact with can give our lives greater perspective, and the challenges that we conquer can give our lives greater meaning.
Questions for Reflection:
1) Am I making my world a better place? If so, in what way(s)?
a) If not, what should I do differently?
2) What elements make up my world (e.g. social media, music, people, culture, religion, etc.)?
a) How does each element impact my reality?
3) Are the things and people that I devote my time to helping me grow into a better person?
4) What does my ideal world look like?
5) What things do I care most about (e.g. house, people, school, environment, countries, justice, electronic devices, etc.)?
a) Do my actions and interests reflect what I care most about?
Benefits of Feather #3:
Many times in life we miss exciting opportunities and experiences because we have created too small of a world for ourselves to live in. When we expand our world, we create new opportunities and chances for greater levels of growth and gratification.
Set 2 goals for yourself to aid in your growth for the current month:
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Tips for success:
1) Take on the responsibility of making your world a better place
2) Be open-minded to new ideas so that you can expand your world
Feather #4: Passion and Purpose
Passion can take a long time to discover but it is worth the pursuit. Passion is one of life’s greatest compasses. It is the driving force behind our purpose in life and has the ability to light up our soul. Passion pushes us and sparks creativity, excitement, ingenuity, and problem-solving. Passion takes on different forms and can be found in many areas of life including relationships, health, dreams, aspirations, interests, and hobbies.
Questions for Reflection:
1) What does passion mean to me?
2) What things am I most passionate about?
a) How do I show that passion?
3) Do my decisions take me out or keep me in my comfort zone?
a) Are my decisions spontaneous or planned?
4) Am I doing enough exploring to discover new passion(s)?
5) Is my passion making me happy?
Benefits of Feather #4:
When we understand what we are passionate about, we can reach greater levels of achievement. Passion gives us the strength to make the impossible possible.
Set 2 goals for yourself to aid in your growth for the current month:
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Tips for success:
1) Explore and discover new areas of interests and passion
2) Work to overcome your fears in order to expand your comfort zone
Feather #5: Enlightenment
The human brain is one of the most spectacular things within the universe. When this 3 pound object is on, it has the ‘power to move mountains’ and change the world. When we open our minds to learn our ability to grow as people is limitless. When we embrace a growth mindset it permits us, and those around us to have greater capacity to achieve or as Nelson Mandela put it, “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”.
1) Do I allow myself to step outside my comfort zone and try new things?
2) Am I surrounding myself with new ideas and interests/concepts?
3) Am I allowing stereotypes to define who I am? My interests?
4) On a daily basis, am I training myself for success or failure?
5) Do I have the courage to partake in conversations on new topics with my friends and/or new people?
a) In what ways might my conversations be limited?
Benefits of Feather #5:
The power of our minds is remarkable, the mind is responsible for our navigational & our breathing systems and so much more. Many leading medical journals (including the National Institute on Aging) have touched on the numerous benefits of learning and mental stimulation including renewing us and starving off diseases such Alzheimer and dementia. There are several ways to stimulate our mind such as; engaging conversation, playing a challenging game, learning to play a new instrument or learning to speak a new language, etc. These acts provide us with immeasurable returns on our lives. Below we have provided a diagram of the circle of healthy living.
The Circle of Healthy Living
Set 2 goals for yourself to aid in your growth for the current month
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– Tips for success:
1)Keep your mind sharp by learning something new each day
