Helping others a sign of maturity in the corporate world

In the business world it can be tempting to focus on oneself but it is often for the greater good if one helps out other team members who are struggling.

While business can often be dog-eat-dog, in many situations focusing solely on oneself can be harmful as it is the output of the whole team that is important. By aiding those who struggle one can be sure to help out the company.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when helping out others in the office is the old adage, “Give a man to fish and you’ll feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for life.” If one simply does the work for other people in the office, he or she will not be really helping them at all. While it may be faster to do this, it will likely not teach the person how to perform his or her job, and thus lead to more instances where people will need to intervene in their work.

In addition, helping others out at the office is a strong sign of personal growth, which may catch the attention of managers and other bosses.

Monster releases Facebook app for professionals

Professionals are increasingly relying on the internet to make crucial connections within their respective industry. Utilizing digital technologies has become a significant part of personal growth in one's career.

Monster.com, one of the most prominent employment websites in the world, recently announced it has launched a professional networking application for Facebook users. The program, called BeKnown, is similar to LinkedIn; both tools are designed to foster career growth and professional networking.

According to PC Magazine, BeKnown allows Facebook users to create a personal profile including work experience, accomplishments and education credentials. Similar to the "like" feature on Facebook, individuals using BeKnown can give a "Thumbs Up" to individuals in their professional network.

Users can also provide written endorsements for colleagues – past or present – to be displayed on their profile pages.

People can also earn badges, which are graphics featured on a user's profile. These icons denote a variety of accomplishments, such as work history, education and size of one's professional network.

"BeKnown now gives people and companies the ability to utilize that vast network for professional gain by tapping into the power of Monster and Facebook," said Darko Dejanovic, the chief information officer and head of product for Monster, as quoted by PC Magazine. 

Weiner scandal reveals why workplace boundaries should be respected

Personal growth can be achieved by establishing healthy boundaries between your career and your extracurricular activities.

The recent scandal involving U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) has sparked a discussion about the blurry line of using work resources for personal use. On Monday, Weiner admitted to having several inappropriate conversations with women who he had met online, the New York Times reported.

Weiner said that he used Twitter, Facebook, email and a phone to participate in the controversial exchanges. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has called for a congressional investigation to determine if Weiner used government computers or property to engage in personal behavior.

According to ABC News, a survey by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association reveals that about 42 percent of employees have used their work computers or smartphones to access social networking sites.

Performing personal tasks through the use of employer resources can not only affect daily production, but it can put an entire company's reputation at risk. Individuals who have a healthy balance in their lives should be able to separate work and personal activities.  

Feeling valued at work is important, but it should not be everything

For many people, personal growth in the workplace starts with feeling liked. An employee who feels that their presence is appreciated is more likely to take pride in their work.

A survey on MakeTheirDay.com reveals that 42 percent of employees feel less valued at work than they did a year ago. Although employees should have a healthy sense of self-worth, well-balanced individuals typically do not worry about what other people think about them, especially if they are adequately doing their jobs.

Some people may claim that approval from a boss or co-workers is not important, but many of them are most likely stretching the truth. According to the Business Insider, the struggle to feel valued at work is one of the most insidious issues within a professional organization.

An individual's need to feel a sense of worth may prompt some employees to criticize or gossip about co-workers, which is an unhealthy form of self preservation – a basic human instinct.

"The extent to which one person can raise himself up depends on his ability to put another person down," sociologist Elijah Anderson told the news source.

Through meditation and other relaxing exercises, employees may be able to control their desire to be accepted by others in the workplace. 

University of Washington looks to make personal growth attainable

As many Americans believe that education can be part of personal growth, some may find that it's difficult to attend a full-time higher degree program if they have other obligations, such as a family or a career.

The University of Washington Educational Outreach program announced that it will be expanding the number of virtual degrees offered through the college, in an effort to reach a broader range of students whose needs may not otherwise be met.

School officials said that they've been met with appreciation from students who would be interested in taking such courses, saying that pupil reviews have been positive thus far.

However, academics have suggested that students should take these classes seriously, as it could be easy to let education fall by the wayside because of the nontraditional setting.

"Since it's so convenient, a lot of students don't try as hard," said Danny Jung, a senior at the school. "Or while watching online lecturers, they get easily distracted since they are not forced to sit there and take notes. You have to be really good at time management and be proactive and responsible [to get coursework finished]."

Yoga helps paralyzed teenager regain her voice

Unlike many other forms of exercise, yoga can be done at any age and with any level of experience. The program encourages enthusiasts to breathe deeply, meditate and perform gentle poses that serve to enhance their overall well-being. People from all over the world have achieved personal growth through this calming regimen, which has also enabled chronically ill individuals to better cope with their condition.

The Toronto Sun reports that a 16-year-old girl, who was completely paralyzed as a result of being born with a rare liver disease, successfully reduced her pain and stress through the practice of yoga. The program in which she participated encouraged her to laugh, which helped her exercise her lungs and vocal muscles. The teenager also regained some motion.

"Three years ago, we weren't sure we'd get to bring her home," her mother, Judith, told the news source. "[Yoga] helped her express her voice again, it helped her feel a lot better – more playful and less stressed."

She added that the doctors and nurses took care of the girl's physical health, while yoga strengthened her spiritual well-being.

Those looking for personal growth could find programs of interest at Trident University

As more people seek to earn advanced degrees in an effort to facilitate personal growth, many schools have had to increase their academic offerings in order to meet the growing demand.

Trident University International (TUI), which focuses in online education, announced that it would be expanding its curriculum with new bachelor's and master's degree programs as part of its "Degrees that Make a Difference" campaign.

Students will now have the opportunity to enroll in a bachelor's degree in human resource management program as well as master's degree programs in health administration, emergency and disaster management and human resource management.

"We are very excited to offer these new opportunities to our students," said Kenneth Sobaski, president and CEO of Trident University. "Each new program furthers Trident’s vision to set the standard for academic excellence, unparalleled access and compassionate student support for all members of the military family. These degree programs forge a path to career success and advancement for our students."

Those looking for personal growth in mechanical engineering have opportunity with new program

Dahn Yoga exercises can be a great way to stimulate the mind, and so can pursuing a higher education degree, as both are able to challenge the brain in ways that some people may have never thought possible.

Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) announced that beginning this fall, students who want to stretch their mind in the mechanical engineering field will be able to pursue a bachelor's of science in mechanical engineering (BSME) degree.

This is great news for local residents, as previously the only program in the area available to students was offered in south central Indiana. As more than 40 percent of IUPUC students are working adults who have families, this is a great opportunity for those who are looking to get involved in mechanical engineering but cannot afford to commute.

Local companies are also excited about this program, as it could provide them with more potential employees.

"Our region employs a large concentration of engineers, but there is a lack of four-year engineering programs in the area," said Mark Gerstle, the vice president and chief administration officer at Cummins Incorporated.

Ashford looks to help students on their path to personal growth

People who are looking for a greater purpose could turn to Dahn Yoga as a way to relax and learn more about themselves. However, there is also the principle of increasing one's knowledge in an effort to enrich the mind.

Pursuing a higher degree can be a challenge, particularly for those who cannot afford it. Some students want to begin their academic careers in a two-year program before moving to a four-year curriculum and one school is looking to help them pursue this goal.

Ashford University is now partnering up with a number of community colleges across the country to allow students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Some of the schools that are involved include Georgia Military College, Luna Community College in New Mexico, the Lone Star College System and the San Bernardino Valley College in Southern California.

"Ashford University strives to increase educational opportunities for nontraditional learners," said Elizabeth Tice, president of the school. "It's a great compliment to our program that local and community educators are working with us to build articulation agreements that make four-year Ashford degrees an easy progression for their students."

School increases degree offerings to help students with personal growth

High school students who are preparing for college this fall may be working on their stress management as they wait for acceptance letters to come in. For those who are constantly in fear of rejection, Dahn Yoga breathing exercises can help people calm their nerves.

Those who have already received their acceptance letters may be noticing that schools are choosing to increase their degree offerings in an effort to meet the needs of a larger student base.

Marshall University has been working to increase the variety of majors it offers in an effort to generate student interest. According to the Parthenon, the college's student newspaper, the university is currently underway with its first year of the sports journalism major.

"There is a lot of interest in sports in the Tri-State area and really the entire state of West Virginia," Bruno Morris, a print journalism professor, told the publication. "Every young person likes sports, especially young men who tune into ‘SportsCenter.' It was a major that was overdue."

Additionally, the Associated Press reports that this coming fall, the school will launch a bachelor's degree of science in public health. This will be the first of its kind to be offered in the state.