Recycling Desalination Waste

Recycling Desalination Waste Recycling Desalination Waste Recycling Desalination Waste As Earth continues to run out of consumable water, the desalination industry continues to grow. Unfortunately, the many of the 16,000 desalination plants operating worldwide are producing bigger-than-expected flows of wastewater and toxic chemicals. These plants pump out 5 billion cubic feet of salty brine every day, 50 percent more than previously estimated, while producing 3 billion cubic feet of fresh water, according to a 2019 United Nations Institutes for Water, Environment and Health study. That amount of brine and chemical pollution poses major risks to ocean life and marine ecosystems. Fish accumulate toxic chemicals and seabed creatures suffer from low oxygen and high salt levels near desalination plants, all of which impacts the entire food chain. To help solve the problem, U.N. scientists have highlighted a number of economic opportunities to use brine and have called for the scientific community to develop technologies to extract metals and salt from waste water. Using saline drainage water offers potential commercial, social and environmental gains. Reject brine has been used for aquaculture to cultivate the dietary supplement Spirulina, and to irrigate forage shrubs and crops, Manzoor Qadir, the author of the study, said. There is a need to translate research and convert an environmental problem into an economic opportunity. Coinciding with the U.N.s report, engineers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have published a study detailing a simple process of converting brine into chemicals, including some that can be used in the desalination process itself. Environmentally safe discharge of brine is manageable with current technology, but its much better to recover resources from the brine and reduce the amount of brine released, said John Lienhard, professor of mechanical engineering and the studys author. More on Global Afflictions: Solving World Hunger with 3D-Printed Food Suggested process for desalination waste reuse. Image: MIT researchers The idea behind this research is to find a way to turn waste into revenue. The MIT team was able to produce sodium hydroxidecaustic sodaan omnipresent versatile alkali found in many labs and used to pretreat seawater before its desalinated. Caustic soda changes the acidity of seawater entering desalination plants, helping to protect filtration membranes from fouling, a common failure cause at reverse osmosis desalination plants. The desalination industry itself uses quite a lot of it, said Amit Kumar, studys co-author. Theyre buying it, spending money on it. So if you can make it in situ at the plant that could be a big advantage. Hydrochloric acid can also be made on site. Its another chemical widely used for cleaning pretreated water at desalination plants, as well as a source of hydrogen for producing other chemicals. The team is also looking into fruitful ways of extracting metals and other chemicals from the brine stream. Listen to ASMEs TechCast to Find out How a High School Senior Helped a Wounded Marine Both hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are results of direct electrosynthesiswater splitting reaction produces positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged hydroxyl ions, which are combined with the brine stream to yield the two needed chemicals. The process is not new, but the study details a feasible approach to effectively recycle brine instead of dumping it back into the sea. The MIT proposal suggests investing into chemical production instead of inefficient and unsustainable pumping systems. This very concentrated brine has to be handled carefully to protect life in the ocean, Kumar said. Its a resource waste and it costs energy to pump it back out to sea. The challenge is the cost of electricity and equipment, MIT engineers said. They are now looking into ways to test and fine-tune the process at industrial levels. In their 2018 market report, Technavio analysts estimate the desalination industry will grow by close to 9 percent annually till at least 2022. MIT teams study is riding this wave, offering to improve the economic viability of desalination and reduce its environmental impact. Daria Merkusheva is a technology writer based in New York City. Read More Exclusive Stories from ASME.org: VR and Drone Technology in a Paper AirplaneEngineers Making Waves in Aquaculture6 Ways Engineers Heal a Broken Heart Environmentally safe discharge of brine is manageable with current technology, but its much better to recover resources from the brine and reduce the amount of brine released.John Lienhard, MIT

6 Keys to Workplace Happiness for Finance Workers

6 Keys to Workplace Happiness for Finance Workers 6 Keys to Workplace Happiness for Finance Workers The numbers don’t look so good when it comes to accounting and finance workers’ level of happiness, according to a new Robert Half report, The Secrets of the Happiest Companies and Employees. Research for the report, which focuses on eight professional fields, found that employees in finance, accounting and financial services were among those least happy on the job. They were also the ones with the lowest level of interest in their work. Does this mean accounting and finance professionals are doomed to live without job satisfaction? Far from it. But if the shoe fits for you, it may mean taking career happiness into your own hands. Here are six steps you could take if workplace happiness seems about as impossible as zero-calorie doughnuts or a perfect score on the CPA exam: 1. Scrutinize the reasons you’re not happy You analyze a lot of datasets, but have you ever evaluated your own happiness level? Compile a list of what’s stopping you from being satisfied in your job. Perhaps you’d rather work less with clients and more with big data, or maybe you’d like to finally earn that certification and boost your salary. Making a tangible list can help. After all, you can’t fix something until you know what the problem is. 2. Take a well-deserved break In our report, only about 65 percent of respondents working in accounting, finance and financial services reported that they have a healthy work-life balance. Yes, that’s a majority, but it’s near the bottom of the list compared to other professions. Additionally, almost half of those responding to a separate survey said they don’t use all their paid time off because they’re afraid of work piling up while they’re away. Not enough play makes for stressed-out accountants. So be sure to use your vacation time to recharge your batteries and come back happier. Ask colleagues to cover for you so you’re not overwhelmed when you return. You can pay back the favor later. 3. Connect with colleagues When you enjoy the people you work with, heading to the office each morning can be a pleasure, even if you’re not 100 percent enamored with your job. Our research finds that people with strong workplace friendships are as much as two and a half times happier than those without. Don’t have any work buddies? Then take the initiative to create strong relationships. Ask them to join you for lunch, or get a group together after quitting time. And don’t bow out of work-related social functions because you’re too tired or too shy. If respondents to our survey are any indication, chances are good that the more you mix and mingle, your level of workplace happiness will increase. 4. Be honest with your boss Your manager may never know your workplace happiness has hit the skids if you don’t say anything. Do both of you a favor by bringing up this sensitive subject. Before you do, brainstorm some ways you could be happier in your role, keeping in mind that your aim is to create a win-win situation for the company as well as yourself. Then, sit down with your boss to discuss setting career goals and present ideas for greater job satisfaction. For example, if you’re a financial analyst who feels ready for a senior-level accountant position, ask whether there will be any openings in the near future and, if so, to keep you in mind. 5. Make a career move If you’re in an unhappy slump because you no longer love your career, it may be time to launch a job search. There are plenty of nontraditional accounting career paths, such as environmental or entertainment accounting, that may align better with your passions. Our happiness study finds that one of the top factors in workplace happiness is interesting and meaningful work. If you’re feeling especially bold, you could even relocate and make a fresh start. Do some research to find the city that best suits your needs. 6. Take the consulting route Tired of the regular 9-to-5 and lack of autonomy? Consider the consulting career path. This career move allows you to work on a project basis, meaning you would have the opportunity to dive head first into an array of projects. As an added bonus, you pick your clients and get to work for different companies - and make new networking contacts - with each engagement, which could add much-needed variety to your accounting career. Kick the accounting blues by taking steps today to amp up your happiness quotient. Job satisfaction is within your control and your reach. Tags

Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations

Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations No matter how great the job interview goes, an  interview question about your salary  expectations can stop you short. “What are you looking for in terms of salary?” is such a straightforward question and yet the answer is so complex. Its also difficult to know what to say, and what not to say, so you  get a job offer  thats a win for both yourself and the company. What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know Why  do interviewers  want to know your  salary expectations? Employers ask about your salary expectations to get a sense of whether they can afford you. They might also ask you this to see how much you value yourself and the work that you do. By doing some research and preparing an answer ahead of time, you can demonstrate to the employer that you are flexible with your salary, but that you also know what you are worth. Why This Question Is Tricky There are a number of ways to answer interview questions about salaries, and it’s important to determine how best to answer that question because- more than likely- it will be asked at your next interview. While you want to aim high, you also don’t want to aim so high that you put yourself out of the company’s  salary range. If you go in the opposite direction and your target compensation is too low, you leave the employer room to go even lower and you could end up feeling miserable with the lack of proper compensation. It’s also very difficult to try to decide what you want for a salary before you even know what the job  entails. This often happens when you’re asked to disclose a salary range requirement on an application, before you’ve learned  enough  about the position. This is not an easy topic,  and  while there may be no right answer, there is a way to think about the question and get what you want. What to Do on an Application Some paper and electronic applications require you to list your salary expectations. One option is to simply skip this question. However, if it is listed as a required question and you skip it, the employer might think you don’t know how to follow directions. Some online applications won’t even let you move on to the next page until you answer all the questions.  In this case, you can do a few things: You can put in a  salary range  based on your research.You can also write a phrase like “Negotiable” to demonstrate your flexibility.Avoid putting down one specific salary. This will make it seem like you are unwilling to budge on salary. How to Answer Questions About Your Salary Expectations To  prepare  a  response, you should have a sense of what someone in your field, and in your geographic area, typically earns. This will allow you to answer with a reasonable salary range. Use one of the many websites that offer salary averages and estimates. Sites like  Glassdoor.com,  Salary.com,  Payscale.com, and  Indeed.com  all have salary data you can review. They should be fairly similar, but there may be some differences. Therefore, if you have time to look at more than one source, you may get a better perspective of the  salary  range. Remember to narrow your research to your region. Salaries for a job in Austin, Texas, may be different from those in New York City, for example. From this research, you can  come up with a reasonable salary range  to mention to the employer when asked about your expectations. However, if the research numbers seem off to you, just go with your gut. You don’t want to go to the hiring manager with a salary range that is way too high or way too low. 0:36 Watch Now: 3 Ways to Answer Questions About Salary Examples of the Best Answers My salary range is quite flexible. I would, of course, like to be compensated fairly for my decade of experience and award-winning sales record. However, I am very open to discussing specific numbers once we have discussed the details of the position. Expand Why It Works: This response works well for the candidate because it mentions that the applicant is well qualified for the job, but is also flexible regarding salary requirements. My salary requirements are flexible, but I do have significant experience in the field that I believe adds value to my candidacy. I look forward to discussing in more detail what my responsibilities at this company would be. From there, we can determine a fair salary for the position. Expand Why It Works: Asking for more information before committing to a salary range is a good way to avoid mentioning compensation before the hiring manager does. You could follow-up with a question about what the company anticipates offering the candidate who is hired. I would need to learn more about the specific duties required of this position, which I look forward to learning more about in this interview. However, I do understand that positions similar to this one pay in the range of $X to $Z in our region.With my experience, skills, and certifications, I would expect to receive something in the range of $Y to $Z. Expand Why It Works: With this response, the applicant lets the employer know that he or she is aware of what similar positions pay. The answer also mentions a range, which provides more room for negotiation than stating a set salary requirement. I am open to discussing what you believe to be a fair salary for the position. However, based on my previous salary, my knowledge of the industry, and my understanding of this geographic area, I would expect a salary in the general range of $X to $Y. Again, I am very open to discussing these numbers with you. Expand Why It Works: As with the other answers, its always a good idea to note that youre open to discussing a reasonable salary for a job. Tips for Giving the Best Answer Say you’re flexible.  You can try to skirt the question with a broad answer, such as, “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications.” Or, “If this is the right job for me, I am sure we can come to an agreement on salary.” This will show that you are flexible. Offer a range.  Even if you start by emphasizing your flexibility, most employers will still want to hear specific numbers. In this case, offer them a range (plus or minus about $10,000-$20,000). This will allow you to remain flexible while still giving the employer a clear answer. You can create this range based on research or your own experience in the industry. Think about your current salary.  In  addition  to researching salaries, you can come up with a salary range by using your current or previous salary as a starting point, especially if you are making a lateral move in the same industry. Unless your last company was known in the industry for its low salaries, assume that your current salary is in line with market expectations. Of course, if you are making a geographic move, keep in mind any changes in the cost of living. Its always a good idea to  know what youre worth  in the current job market. Give yourself a raise.  What if you believe it’s time for a raise? Think about what you would consider a fair raise from your current employer, and that could be a good low-end starting point for the new job. Or ratchet up your current pay by as much as 15 to 20 percent, which gives you an  incentive to switch companies, and is still within a reasonable range for your industry and level of experience. Only give numbers you’d be happy with.  Remember, only offer a range that you find acceptable  â€"  one  that  gives you the means to support yourself and your family, if you have one. Highlight your skills.  In your answer, you can subtly emphasize why you are a good fit for the position. You can say something like, “Based on my 10 years of experience in this field, I would expect a salary in the range of $Y to $Z.” Before mentioning any numbers, remind the interviewer why he or she should offer you a salary in the first place. Be prepared to negotiate.  Many candidates are hesitant to ask for more money because they are concerned that it could cost them a job offer. However, you may be able to  negotiate your way to a higher starting salary. But hold off on asking until you actually have an offer to consider. What Not to Say Avoid giving a set amount.  If you can avoid mentioning a specific salary until after the employer mentions to, it will be easier to negotiate. Don’t Price Yourself Out of a Job.  Don’t ask for a $100,000 salary if your research shows the job is worth half of that. You may price yourself out of a job offer it you come in too high. Don’t be Negative.  Even if the amount you’re offered seems insultingly low, respond gracefully and ask if there is room to negotiate. Related Interview Questions Why would you accept a job for less money? â€"  Best AnswersWhat can you contribute to this company? â€"  Best AnswersWhere do you see yourself in five years? â€"  Best Answers Key Takeaways Research Salaries:  Before your job interview, take the time to research the salaries, so you’re prepared to answer the question.Know Your Bottom Line:  Calculate how much you need to earn to pay the bills, and what the minimum salary you’d accept would be.Be Prepared to Negotiate:  Many employers expect candidates to counter offer, so be prepared to negotiate once you’re received an offer.

Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange Manufacturer At...

Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange Manufacturer At... Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange Manufacturer At... Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange, Manufacturer Attention Everyone knows a business has arrived when its leaders ring the bell to close trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Late last year, however, the exchange broke from tradition and chose a Universal Robots UR5e to perform the task. The event was not organized for Universal, a Danish startup acquired in 2015 by Teradyne, an automated test and measurement firm. Instead, it honored the fifth anniversary of ROBO Global, a fund that invests in robot-related public companies. Universals UR5e encapsulates the type of innovation and business performance that has caused both investors and factory owners to take notice. It is lightweight, easy to set up, and safe enough to operate around workers (as well as financiers and executives). A Universal Robots UR5e rings the bell on the New York Stock Exchange. It is also easy to program. Users simply position the arm where they want it, then use tablet- or smartphone-based software to tell it what to do at each position. Once the robot begins the task, it automatically optimizes movement between positions. It usually takes about 15 minutes to program the robot, said Stuart Shepherd, the companys sales manager for the Americas. ASME.org Editors Story Choice: The Rise from BattleBot to Corporate Robot Most Popular Story: Artificial and 3D-Printed Skin Advances for Robots, Humans Most conventional robots, by contrast, require dedicated programmers and a fence to prevent workers from getting close enough to get injured. Universal created the market for cobots, small collaborative robots that work around people without safety cages, 10 years ago. By the close of 2018, it held a 60 percent share of the cobot market, despite vigorous competition from now-defunct Rethink Robotics and such old-line industrial robot arm vendors as ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, and Yaskawa. It is also a business success. By the close of 2018, Universals sales were on track to double to $255 million, Shepherd said. Revenue grew 72 percent in 2017, 62 percent in 2016, and 58 percent in 2015. Shepherd joined the company last April, after a 35-year career in the robotics industry. He graduated from Purdue University with a mechanical engineering technology degree, held positions at FANUC, KUKA, and Güdel,served a term as Chairman of the Robotic Industries Association, and is currently the Chairman of the Association for Advancing Automation. Through most of his career, Shepherd sold heavy-duty robots to large automakers. Universals approach to the market is very different, he said. Instead of targeting industrial giants, Universal is going after small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies often have no robot experience, no dedicated robot teams, and many applications that have never used robots before. Breaking into this highly diverse market requires time and resources for intensive application development. Thats why Shepherd called Teradynes 2015 acquisition of Universal Robots a tipping point. The larger company, which had $2.1 billion in revenue in 2017, was able to pump more money into research, engineering, sales, and manufacturing. Teradyne optimized Universals supply chain. Many fast-growing companies have trouble meeting demand Shepherd explained. Teradyne addressed that problem by ensuring Universal had dual sources for critical components to reduce the likelihood of delays or shortages. Under Teradyne, Universal redesigned its robots. The new e-Series is easier to configure and assemble, and can go from order to delivery anywhere in the world in five to seven days. The robots are also easier to deploy and maintain. It took about an hour and a half to set up the UR5e used to ring the bell at the Stock Exchange. The redesign also slashes the time needed to swap out misbehaving joints from hours to about eight or nine minutes. Universal used its position as the cobot industrys dominant player to createUR+, a marketplacewhere users canUR-certifiedaccessories for its robots.The company always relied on third-party vendors for grippers, cameras, sensors, lights, actuators, and other devices. The new marketplace provides an easier way for customers to search their options. We dont add extra value to that channel or try to monetize it, Shepherd said. We just connect customers with solutions. Every nanosecond we spend on those accessories is another nanosecond wasted. Instead, Universal focuses tightly on RD and manufacturing. We have to stay ahead of the competition, Shepherd said. The reason were market leaders is that we built robots for collaboration right from the beginning. Its the only thing we do, and we have a limited range of products, robots optimized for 3, 5, and 10 kilograms. Our growth path is to replicate the growth of large industrial robots, but in 10-kilogram and under applications. Our challenge is to reach small-to-midsized entrepreneurs with the right applications. Maybe our robots cant do spot welding, but they can feed pieces to a larger robot that does, he said. Another future market could be warehouse and logistics robots. Last August, Teradyne acquired Denmarks Mobil Industrial Robots. It makes mobile vehicles that can navigate warehouses and shop floors autonomously. Universals lightweight robot arms could provide those platforms with the ability to pick and unload products autonomously, Shepherd said. Read Part 2 of this story to find out why ROBO Global wants companies like Teradyne and Universal Robots in its portfolio. More Exclusive Stories from ASME.org: Fight Climate Change, Build the Wall! Using the Eyes of Killer Shrimp to Design a Super Camera 3D-Printed Cement Improves Crack Resistance For Further Discussion Our growth path is to replicate the growth of large industrial robots, but in 10-kilogram and under applications. Our challenge is to reach small-to-midsized entrepreneurs with the right applications.Stuart Shepherd, Universal Robots Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange Manufacturer At... Universal Robots Grabs New York Stock Exchange Attention In Part One of this story, we took a look at how Universal Robots UR5e is helping to usher in a new era of affordable collaborative robots. Here, we explore why Wall Street is interested in the cobot market. Teradyne and Universal Robots are the types of success stories ROBO Global wants in its portfolio. ROBO is what is known as an exchange traded fund. It invests in stocks (in this case, robot-related stocks) and trades on nine exchanges around the world like any other stock. ROBO Global invests in a wide range of companies with significant investments in robots, automation, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, actuators, sensors, and application-specific companies. Small and mid-cap companies (with stock values below $2 billion) make up 77 percent of its portfolio. Chris Buck, the funds head of capital markets and sales, argues that ROBO Global is a conservative way to invest in the robots-automation-artificial intelligence sector. In the five years since the fund launched, several similar ETFs have come to market. Their portfolios often invest heavily in a small number of market leaders, he said. This makes them vulnerable, because those leaders are vulnerable to technology changes. While ROBO also looks for leading businesses and technologies, it does not place large bets on any of the companies in its portfolio. Our top 10 out of 87 companies represent only 15 to 18 percent of investment, Buck said. We try not to pick winners, but cast a wide net over the ecosystem. We want to ride the megatrend wave. ASME.orgs Editors Pick: Fight Climate Change, Build the Wall! Top Story: Using the Eyes of Killer Shrimp to Design a Super Camera While many investors believe robots are a good bet for the future, the cooperative robot segment exemplified by Universal could prove even better, according to Henrik Christensen, who attended a conference held by ROBO Global prior to the bell ringing ceremony. Christensen heads University of California, San Diegos Institute for Contextual Robotics and is lead editor of the U.S. Robotics Roadmap. He is also one of ROBO Globals advisors. Cobots are designed to work safely around humans. Collaborative robots now make up only a small fraction of the industrial automation market. Universal, for example, has only sold 27,000 UR robots since its inceptionabout as many as the total number of robots sold in the United States in 2017. Yet the International Federation of Robotics expects cobots to account for 34 percent of sales by 2025, Christensen said. He expects robots (as well as automation) to play a major role in mass customization, building products to specific customer requirements. This trend would put a premium on plants located closer customers. This may eventually affect global trade. While the supply chains of developed nations have moved to low-wage nations like China, he believes robots and other advanced technologies could lead to increased on-shoring over the next 10 to 15 years. Christensen also addressed Chinese competition in robots. Chinese salaries have risen 350 percent over the past 10 to 15 years, while U.S. salaries have remained flat. This puts pressure on China to find new ways to compete with U.S. manufacturers. One way is to invest in robots. China is already building components for robots, but they are at least a factor of five worse than those built elsewhere. Their lifetime is lower. Its hard to play catch up in a fast-moving industry, he said. Still, he noted that Chinas Midea Group recently purchased Germanys Kuka, and could use its IP to accelerate Chinas learning curve. He expects it will take five to 10 years for China to make a truly competitive robot. All that time, robotics firms in developed nations will be pushing hard to increase capabilities. Which suggests that Universals robot may not be the last to ring the bell at the end of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. More Exclusive Content from ASME.org: The Rise from BattleBot to Corporate Robot Artificial and 3D-Printed Skin Advances for Robots, Humans 3D-Printed Cement Improves Crack Resistance For Further Discussion The International Federation of Robotics expects cobots to account for 34 percent of sales by 2025. Henrik Christensen, University of CaliforniaHenrik Christensen, University of California, San Diego

Uber and the new science of how employers control your behavior at work

Uber and the new science of how employers control your behavior at work Uber and the new science of how employers control your behavior at work Update: As of April 5, this story has been updated with criticism about Uber’s use of behavioral science. Companies are tracking and changing workers’ behavior in increasingly subtle ways. With big data and algorithms, workplaces are finding new ways to judge and change behavior, and employees may not even see it happening.On Sunday, The New York Times revealed how Uber employs hundreds of data and  social scientists to dream up new ways to keep drivers  working longer hours for Uber.It’s a case study of what happens when social science enters the workplace. For the ride-hailing giant, treating Uber drivers like they were players in a never-ending video game was lucrative for the company, but perhaps less so for drivers who worked longer hours. Here are some big takeaways.Algorithms are exploiting our love of goalsUber scientists designed noncash rewards for drivers that cost the company very little, but would have profound psychological effects on the drivers.For instance, Uber  drivers in 2016 were quitting  before they reached 25 rides and became  eligible for a signing bonus. The data scientists found that once drivers  reached 25 rides, they were much less likely to quit.To keep new drivers from leaving, the app would encourage drivers with: “You’re almost halfway there, congratulations!” The message outlined a goal that drivers didn’t ask for, but with Uber’s steady prodding, it became a goal drivers  would be  driven to meet.We really like money goalsA 1997 study on New York City’s cab drivers found that taxi drivers  work “one day at a time.” They set a daily income target and will  quit driving when they reach that goal. That’s a behavior that Uber scientists tapped into for the Uber app.Uber drivers who would try to log off would receive pleading messages like,  â€œYou’re $10 away from making $330 in net earnings. Are you sure you want to go offline?” The accompanying graphic would show an engine gauge’s needle that was almost, but not quite hitting a dollar sign. Drivers would read this, be reminded of their income target, and stay logged on just a bit longer.Daily income targeting is great for Uber. Its effect on drivers is more complicated. Driving requires attention, and long hours lead to fatigue. The income targeting also encourages drivers to drive longer hours to meet a daily goal, even when it’s more efficient to only drive at busier hours. This is how a Florida Uber driver featured in the article could earn a dozen  excellent-service and great-conversation badges and  still make less than $20,000 in a year: more driving, but fewer fares.The default is you can always be workingUber’s app automatically queues up the next ride during a current ride in a practice known as “forward dispatch.” It’s overrides drivers’ decisions with the company’s.Drivers don’t get to see where their  next ride  is going, so they can’t estimate how profitable the next ride will be. After drivers complained that the feature made it impossible for them to even use the bathroom, opting out of “forward d ispatch” became  possible, but it’s still inconvenient for drivers to set up that option.That’s all part of Uber’s bottom line. “The optimal default we set is that we want you to do as much work as there is to do,” Jonathan Hall said of Uber’s algorithm for drivers.And yet, a March 2017 working paper  found something positive about Uber’s work culture. The researchers found that Uber drivers, who are independent contractors that set their own hours, economically benefited from the hour-to-hour flexibility “to adapt work schedules to unpredictable shocks to reservation wages.” This flexibility is  something that “lower-wage lower-skill workers typically have limited ability” to get from traditional workplaces.Uber is not alone in experimenting on employeesUber is not the only ride-hailing company to do this. As long as there is data, companies will look to analyze it.Lyft tested out money incentives with new drivers in a focus group. What the company found: te lling new drivers how much they were losing by working  on a Tuesday  was more effective at getting drivers to change than telling them how much they were winning by switching to Fridays.The consultants concluded  that we’re sore losers and we hate losing more than we like winning.Unlike Uber, Lyft chose not to go with this loss-aversion message to its drivers.Tracking contractors and employees  is moving beyond the realm of apps, and into our bodies.Swedish startup Epicenter gives employees the option to become cyborgs, implanting a microchip in  their fingers, so  employees can wave their hands  to open doors and buy food.On the upside, you’ll never have to worry about leaving your badge at home again. On the downside, you can always be tracked. Your boss can now see when and where you’re at work under the philosophy that it makes life “easier.”Is Uber a sinister outlier or just one more employer ‘gamifying’ employment?Reception to the Times findings has not been all positive. Quartz reporter Alison Griswold criticized the Times  for making the use of behavioral science more sinister than it was: “Alternatively, what  if there was no ‘whiff’ of coercion because there  was  no coercion? Uber signed up a bunch of people to drive on its platform and then it gave them tips on ways to earn more money. We might consider that a ‘trick’ if Uber’s advice didn’t actually translate into higher earnings, or if Uber promised incentives  that it never paid, but Scheiber  has no evidence of anything like that happening.What he does have is a lot of adjective-laden insinuations that Uber is doing  something  dark and untoward.”Tech ethnographer Alex Rosenblat, whose research gets cited in the Times article, says these sinister things do  happen, but that examples weren’t included in the article.A different reporter pointed out that employers ‘gamifying’ employment in obscure ways has already been popularized by advertising and marketing.

10 Ways to Get Brutally Honest Feedback

10 Ways to Get Brutally Honest Feedback 10 Ways to Get Brutally Honest Feedback Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, or having self-awareness, is one of the most critical leadership competencies and considered by many to be  the single most important predictor  of leadership success. When it comes to assessing how we come across to others, most of us have blind spots. We tend to assess ourselves based on our good intentions, while others assess us on what they actually see and hear. In order to close the gap between how we see ourselves and how others see us, we need feedback. According to management guru Ken Blanchard, “feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Unfortunately, for managers, especially senior managers, candid feedback is a rare commodity, but it doesn’t have to be. If you really want feedback, there are ways to get it. Just make sure that when you do get feedback, you listen, keep your mouth shut, and say, “Thank you.” 1. Take a 360 Assessment 360 assessments are surveys, often administered by a third party for a fee. These assessments ask your boss, peers, and employees for ratings and comments regarding your behaviors and or skills. Although some reports are self-explanatory, it’s usually better to have  a certified coach  help you sort through the results. 2. Try the “Ten to Ten” Technique First, identify something you want to improve- say leading a meeting, delegating, listening, or conducting a one-on-one. Then, at the end of an interaction with someone, (it only takes a few minutes), ask the question: “On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate my listening skills?” If it’s anything less than ten, ask the follow-up question, “What would I need to do for you to rate me a ten?” It works well because it gives you very specific ideas for improvement, in terms of what’s important to the other person. It opens up dialogue in a non-threatening way, builds trust, and creates a win-win developmental partnership. 3. Ask a Recruiter Good recruiters make their living sizing candidates up quickly. They can take a look at your resume, and after a 15-minute phone screen, have a pretty good idea about your strengths and weaknesses. You have to ask them for a candid, constructive, and brutally honest assessment. Again, just listen, keep your mouth shut, and say, “Thank you.” 4. Try FeedForward An alternative to the ten to ten technique. Instead of asking for examples of past behavior, you are asking for advice on how to be more effective in the future. People will be much more comfortable with this, but you get the same constructive information. 5. Watch Yourself on Video A good way to get feedback on your presentation skills. This used to be a terrifying way to learn about yourself, although in the age of YouTube, perhaps we’re getting used to seeing ourselves on camera. It’s even better if you have a coach or trainer watch with you to point things out and offer tips for improvement. If you have a thick skin, invite a bunch of friends over and break out the popcorn and beer. 6. Take a Leadership Course Many leadership courses include some kind of assessment feedback. Many include a combination of 360 assessment, personality, and feedback from class participants and the instructor. 7. Take a Validated, Reliable Personality Assessment Try the Hogan, MBTI, DISC, or others and again, have someone help you  interpret the results. 8. Job Interviews Again, like with getting feedback from a recruiter, you really have to ask in a nice way, and make sure you:  listen, keep your mouth shut, and say, “Thank you.” Even if you’re not looking for a job, it’s a good idea to go on a practice interview every so often. 9. Ask Your Boss This Question “Not that I’m going anywhere, but if you had to replace me, what would you look for in the ideal candidate?”  This one’s a little risky, because you don’t want to give your boss any ideas, but if you have a lot of confidence, you could pull it off. 10. Ask Your Teenage Kids We  saved this one for last, because it’s the most brutal kind of feedback of all! It’s only for the very brave-hearted and thick-skinned.

The 5 differences between amateurs and true professionals

The 5 differences between amateurs and true professionals The 5 differences between amateurs and true professionals The only way to become better at anything is to spend time working on it.But, how can you put in your ‘reps’ if you’re not consistent enough?And, why do some people live up to their potential, whilst others don’t even scratch the surface of success?The answer to this dilemma lies within the difference between amateurs and professionals.Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for success.Maya Angelou’s ‘pro’ routineMaya Angelou was a famous writer, poet, civil rights activist and award-winning author best known for her acclaimed memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.Her book has sold millions of copies worldwide. In 2011, the Time Magazine ranked this as one of the top 100 most influential books written in English since 1923.But, let’s not get carried away with her success story.Maya Angelou’s creative genius and great work over her lifetime wasn’t a fluke.It was the by-product of a consistent routine, habits and a decision to ‘turn pro.’In the book , Daily Rituals (audiobook), Angelou describes her ‘pro’ daily routine.“I usually get up at about 5:30, and I’m ready to have coffee by 6, usually with my husband. He goes off to his work around 6:30, and I go off to mine. I keep a hotel room in which I do my work - a tiny, mean room with just a bed, and sometimes, if I can find it, a face basin. I keep a dictionary, a Bible, a deck of cards and a bottle of sherry in the room. I try to get there around 7, and I work until 2 in the afternoon.”Every day for many years of her life, Angelou would sit down and write for several hours.It didn’t matter if she didn’t feel like it.It didn’t matter if the weather outside was bad.It didn’t matter if her writing was poor.She showed up every day because she was a professional and not an amateur.The difference between amateurs and professionals“The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits. An amateur has amateur habits. A professional has professional habits. We can never free ourselves from habit. But we can replace bad habits with good ones.” â€"  Steven PressfieldThe difference between amateurs and professionals is entirely based on their habits and mindset.Professionals have developed habits and routines that help them to stay at the top of their game.Here are 5 key differences between Amateurs and Professionals …1. Amateurs wait to feel inspired. Professionals stick to a schedule.Amateurs only work and practice when they feel motivated to do so.They wait for inspiration, or permission from somebody else, to take action towards their goals- to exercise, to write more and so on.Professionals don’t let their feelings dictate their actions.They intentionally create and stick to a schedule come rain or shine.2. Amateurs focus on goals. Professionals focus on habits.Amateurs are obsessed with the outcome. They seek the instant gratification of quick results and look to ‘sprint’ to success.They struggle with ‘resistance’ and procrastination because of their intense focus on the end result.Professionals treat success like a marathon and not a sprint. They focus on developing the habits that will naturally help them to achieve their goals as a by-product.3. Amateurs strive to achieve. Professionals strive to improve.Just like a recreational runner preparing for a marathon, Amateurs strive for the achievement of finishing the marathon.After the marathon, the recreational runner no longer strives to improve their running. The achievement has now been reached, so the incentive to stay consistent with practice is very little.The professional understands that an achievement is simply an indication of how much they’ve improved.They are focused on continuous growth and seek to find new ways to improve themselves.4. Amateurs stall after failure. Professionals grow after failure.Amateurs try to avoid failure at all costs. They fear criticism and worry too much about what people would think if they failed.Amateurs give up when faced with adversity and tough challenges. They lack the mental toughness to push forward and succeed.Professionals understand that failure is an inevitable and necessary part of growth.They treat failure a nd criticism like a scientist - discarding the irrelevant information and using the relevant feedback to become better at what they do.5. Amateurs live for opinions. Professionals live for the truth.Amateurs are easily swayed by the opinions and ‘best practices’ of the majority of people in their field.The basis of an Amateur’s decision-making is their belief that “I’m right because I believe I am.”Professionals actively question widely held assumptions about how things should be done.A professional’s decision-making process is based on objectivity, not opinions. This type of thinking prevents them from making bad decisions.The path to turning pro“The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps.” “The amateur plays part-time. The professional plays full-time.” “The amateur is a weekend warrior. The professional shows up seven days a week.” -  â€˜The War Of Art’, Steven PressfieldTurning ‘Pro’, or professional, is simple - but, you must abide by the two commandments of the pros.1. Thou shalt commit to a schedule.A schedule is simply a pre-commitment to consistently put in your ‘reps’ and hours in your craft.For example, if you want to become a better writer, you could create a schedule with times and days of the week for writing.In my case, my writing schedule is to publish a new article every Monday and Thursday to the readers of the free newsletter.Likewise, you could commit to 3 days a week of exercise or improving a specific part of your business.Just like any new habit, your willpower and ability to delay gratification will also affect your consistency levels.2. Thou shalt believe that they are ‘Pro.’You can’t think and act like a Pro, if you still believe you’re an amateur.This is why it’s so important to shift your identity. You have the power right now to believe that you’re a professiona l.To say that you believe you’re a pro isn’t enough because actions speak louder than words.Prove to yourself that you’re really a pro and do the things that a pro would do every day.On a final note, here are a few things to think about: Are you committed to being a professional in any area of your life? Is there anything holding you back from going pro? What can you do create the schedule and identity of a pro? Mayo Oshin writes at  MayoOshin.com, where he shares practical self-improvement ideas and proven science for better health, productivity and creativity.  To get practical ideas on how to stop procrastinating and build healthy habits, you can join his free weekly newsletter  here.A version of this  article  originally appeared at  mayooshin.com  as “5 Differences Between Amateurs and Professionals.” The 5 differences between amateurs and true professionals The only way to become better at anything is to spend time working on it.But, how can you put in your ‘reps’ if you’re not consistent enough?And, why do some people live up to their potential, whilst others don’t even scratch the surface of success?Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!The answer to this dilemma lies within the difference between amateurs and professionals.Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for success.Maya Angelou’s ‘pro’ routineMaya Angelou was a famous writer, poet, civil rights activist and award-winning author best known for her acclaimed memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.Her book has sold millions of copies worldwide. In 2011, the Time Magazine ranked this as one of the top 100 most influential books written in English since 1923.But, let’s not get carried away with her success story.Maya Angelou’s creative genius and great work over her lifetime wasn’t a fluke.It was the by-product of a consistent routine, habits and a decision to ‘turn pro.’In the book, Daily Rituals (audiobook), Angelou describes her ‘pro’ daily routine.“I usually get up at about 5:30, and I’m ready to have coffee by 6, usually with my husband. He goes off to his work around 6:30, and I go off to mine. I keep a hotel room in which I do my work - a tiny, mean room with just a bed, and sometimes, if I can find it, a face basin. I keep a dictionary, a Bible, a deck of cards and a bottle of sherry in the room. I try to get there around 7, and I work until 2 in the afternoon.”Every day for many years of her life, Angelou would sit down and write for several hours.It didn’t matter if she didn’t feel like it.It didn’t matter if the weather outside was bad.It didn’t matter if her writing was poor.She showed up every day because she was a professional and not an amateur.The difference between amateurs and professionals“The difference between an amateur and a professional is in their habits. An amateur has amateur habits. A professional has professional habits. We can never free ourselves from habit. But we can replace bad habits with good ones.” â€"  Steven PressfieldThe difference between amateurs and professionals is entirely based on their habits and mindset.Professionals have developed habits and routines that help them to stay at the top of their game.Here are 5 key differences between Amateurs and Professionals …1. Amateurs wait to feel inspired. Professionals stick to a schedule.Amateurs only work and practice when they feel motivated to do so.They wait for inspiration, or permission from somebody else, to take action towards their goals- to exercise, to write more and so on.Professionals don’t let their feelings dictate their actions.They intentionally create and stick to a schedule come rain or shine.2. Amateurs focus on goals. Professionals focus on habits.Amateurs are obsessed with the outcome. They seek the instant gratification of quick results and look to ‘sprint’ to success.They struggle with ‘resistance’ and procrastination because of their intense focus on the end result.Professionals treat success like a marathon and not a sprint. They focus on developing the habits that will naturally help them to achieve their goals as a by-product.3. Amateurs strive to achieve. Professionals strive to improve.Just like a recreational runner preparing for a marathon, Amateurs strive for the achievement of finishing the marathon.After the marathon, the recreational runner no longer strives to improve their running. The achievement has now been reached, so the incentive to stay consistent with practice is very little.The professional understands that an achievement is simply an indication of how much they’ve improved.They are focused on continuous growth and seek to find new ways to improve themselves.4. Amateurs stall after failure. Professionals grow after failure.Amateurs try to avoid failure at all costs. They fear criticism and worry too much about what people would think if they failed.Amateurs give up when faced with adversity and tough challenges. They lack the mental toughness to push forward and succeed.Professionals understand that failure is an inevitable and necessary part of growth.They treat failure a nd criticism like a scientist - discarding the irrelevant information and using the relevant feedback to become better at what they do.5. Amateurs live for opinions. Professionals live for the truth.Amateurs are easily swayed by the opinions and ‘best practices’ of the majority of people in their field.The basis of an Amateur’s decision-making is their belief that “I’m right because I believe I am.”Professionals actively question widely held assumptions about how things should be done.A professional’s decision-making process is based on objectivity, not opinions. This type of thinking prevents them from making bad decisions.The path to turning pro“The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps.” “The amateur plays part-time. The professional plays full-time.” “The amateur is a weekend warrior. The professional shows up seven days a week.” -  â€˜The War Of Art’, Steven PressfieldTurning ‘Pro’, or professional, is simple - but, you must abide by the two commandments of the pros.1. Thou shalt commit to a schedule.A schedule is simply a pre-commitment to consistently put in your ‘reps’ and hours in your craft.For example, if you want to become a better writer, you could create a schedule with times and days of the week for writing.In my case, my writing schedule is to publish a new article every Monday and Thursday to the readers of the free newsletter.Likewise, you could commit to 3 days a week of exercise or improving a specific part of your business.Just like any new habit, your willpower and ability to delay gratification will also affect your consistency levels.2. Thou shalt believe that they are ‘Pro.’You can’t think and act like a Pro, if you still believe you’re an amateur.This is why it’s so important to shift your identity. You have the power right now to believe that you’re a professiona l.To say that you believe you’re a pro isn’t enough because actions speak louder than words.Prove to yourself that you’re really a pro and do the things that a pro would do every day.On a final note, here are a few things to think about: Are you committed to being a professional in any area of your life? Is there anything holding you back from going pro? What can you do create the schedule and identity of a pro? Mayo Oshin writes at  MayoOshin.com, where he shares practical self-improvement ideas and proven science for better health, productivity and creativity.  To get practical ideas on how to stop procrastinating and build healthy habits, you can join his free weekly newsletter  here.A version of this  article  originally appeared at  mayooshin.com  as “5 Differences Between Amateurs and Professionals.”You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people