Google gets competitive, taking Gmail users offline

Google gets competitive, taking Gmail users offline
Analyst: Ability to access Gmail offline takes fight to Microsoft's Exchange
Sharon Gaudin

January 28, 2009 (Computerworld) Google Inc. late yesterday launched an updated version of Gmail that lets users access their accounts without an Internet connection.

The updated Gmail hosted e-mail service is designed to load in a browser even when the user doesn't have an Internet connection, according to Joyce Sohn, a Google spokewoman, in a company blog. The updated service, which the company said was developed in its Gmail Labs, will give flight to users who have been wanting to get some work done while on a plane, for instance. Now, even without an Internet connection, users can read e-mail, write new ones and archive others -- all while 30,000 feet in the air.

"Remember, we're still working out kinks, which means you might see some issues that aren't completely ironed out," wrote Sohn. "But this is a major step along the way."

She noted that the new system uses the Google Gears browser extension, which has also been used to offline-enable Google Docs and Google Reader.

"This is an important development in the evolution of Gmail," said Dan Olds, an analyst at Gabriel Consulting Group Inc. "With offline capabilities, Gmail now has at least arguable parity with Outlook, which opens up an entirely new market to [Google]. The addition of offline calendar functionality will move them into an even better competitive position."

Olds noted that Gmail has been the system of choice for the casual e-mail user, and it's the go-to system for people who want extra accounts. Now, Google could see that range expand.

"These offline features will now make Gmail a viable option for small-business people who use Exchange, and it may eat into Microsoft's market share," Olds noted. "However, with Outlook being bundled with Microsoft Office, converting large numbers of users from Outlook to Gmail is still going to be an uphill climb."

Google has been busy with Gmail.

Last month, the company announced that it added a new feature to enable users to find and access their Google documents straight from the desktop. Dubbed Google Docs Gadget for the Desktop, the new tool is the new big brother to the Docs gadget in Gmail.

The new feature may give Google's Docs a needed popularity boost.

Last month, an independent study showed that OpenOffice.org's free office suite to be five times more popular among adult U.S. Internet users than Google Docs. OpenOffice.org was used by 5% of people, compared with Google Docs' 1%, according to a six-month study conducted by market research firm ClickStream Technologies PLC.

What is MP4?

Q:
Can you explain to me what an MP4 is? I've obviously heard of MP3, but now there's an MP4?! I'm so lost and confused. Please help!

A:
Yes, there is! I know, isn't it amazing how fast the world of technology develops? It seems like we get caught up on one thing and the next day, there's something new to learn about. I mean, we shouldn't complain, because all of the technology we're surrounded by is what keeps some of us going each day, but it definitely is a little hard to stay on top of everything that comes about.

But even though understanding everything gets a little difficult sometimes, it's not impossible. I promise that after today, you will fully understand one more computer term and you'll be able to check it off your "find out what this is" list! Okay, let's get right into it!

To start with a quick definition, MP4 files are compressed video files. Their main purpose is to make video files much smaller so that they are easier to work with and support. Video files used to be very big in size and they were very difficult to work with. But now, the same files are compressed with the same material and they go by the new name of MP4s.

MP4 files work very similarly to MP3 files in that they are compressed files that do not affect the quality of sound. (In case you're not sure, MP3s are music and audio files, so an MP4 is just taking that to the next level with videos). The term MP4 is also known as MPEG-4 AVC, which stands for advanced video coding. Now, if you're still not sure how the whole MP4 technology works, make sure you keep reading, because it's going to get even more interesting!

Since MP4s deal mostly with video files, they're a little more complex than the MP3 music and audio files. But they're still able to be compressed by using special coding procedures. For example, certain aspects of the files are minimized. Those are usually the temporal and spatial redundancies. The motion and intra estimations of the frequencies are usually transformed as well. And last, but not least, the file goes through a lot of compression and decompression, which is referred to as codec.

Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering if there's such a thing as an MP4 player, right? Well, yes there is. It works just like any other media player. You can purchase the device at any regular electronics store and you then just hook it up to your computer or television. It really is that easy, even if it doesn't seem like it!

Of course, as with everything else, the MP4 technology has its ups and downs. Let's start with the advantages. MP4s are able to produce videos with a DVD quality at a rate of 1 Mbps or less with a broadband Internet connection. (That's blazing fast!) So, if you were to get an MP4 player, you could get your videos and watch them in a matter of seconds. MP4 players can also play older MP formats, including MP3 audio files.

As for the disadvantages, there will more than likely be several piracy issues within the MP4 technology. The MP3 format went through that as well. As you may already know, there are pirated versions of movies on the Internet that are ready for download at any time. So, with MP4s mainly dealing with videos, the piracy problems are sure to get out of hand as this technology becomes more and more popular. Just keep an eye out for that!

So, there it is. The MP4 technology explained for you in as simple of terms as I could come up with. I do hope you have a better understanding of it now and who knows, maybe you'll be the next person to start MP4ing around!

FA CUP: Rivals to meet again

Rivals to meet again

Sunday, 25 January 2009.

Liverpool	1-1	Everton
Gerrard 54		Lescott 27

The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fourth Round Proper
4pm, Sunday 25 January 2009
Anfield, Liverpool FC

Winning clubs will receive £100,000 from The FA

Liverpool and Everton played out a second 1-1 draw in six days after goals from Joleon Lescott and Steven Gerrard ensured this FA Cup Fourth Round tie finished all-square.

Lescott gave the visitors a 27th minute lead, heading home a Steven Pienaar corner via a knock-on from Tim Cahill.

Gerrard equalised on 54 minutes after dovetailing beautifully with Fernando Torres. The Reds skipper latched on to a Torres back-heel and deservedly fired Liverpool level.

These Merseyside rivals were meeting for the second time in a week after their draw in the Premier League on 19 January. This time it was a different competition, though the outcome was the same.

The tie began at typically frantic derby-pace, with Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso attempting a shot from distance in the opening minute.

The hosts controlled proceedings in the opening 20 minutes though Everton did have an early penalty appeal turned down by Steve Bennett after Pienaar went to ground under the challenge of Alvaro Arbeloa.

On 12 minutes Gerrard found Jamie Carragher inside the Everton penalty box and his drag-back allowed him to evade Leon Osman, but his left-foot shot rattled into the side netting.

Just before the half hour mark, Everton took the lead against the run of play. An inswinging corner from Pienaar was nodded across goal by Cahill and an unmarked Lescott did the rest, directing the ball past Jose Reina in the Liverpool goal.

The 2006 FA Cup winners continued to press for the remainder of the half in search of the equaliser, but they could not breach a resolute Everton defence and they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities to trouble Tim Howard.

Liverpool continued to dominate after the interval and the Anfield crowd had to wait just nine minutes into the second period for a well-deserved equaliser, though Howard will feel disappointed to have beaten at his near post.

The goal came on 54 minutes, after Torres and Gerrard combined brilliantly. Liverpool’s no.9 controlled the ball in front of Phil Jagielka and sent Gerrard into the Toffees box with a delightful back-heel.

Gerrard took the ball in his stride and unleashed a low left-foot shot which powered underneath the American ‘keeper. This equaliser galvanised the home side and spurred on by a vocal following they upped the tempo in search of a second, Dirk Kuyt having a shot saved.

Barely three minutes later, Howard atoned for his earlier error, denying Liverpool’s goalscorer a third derby goal in a six days. Torres and Gerrard were again involved, this time inside the box. The Spaniard laid the ball off to his captain and Gerrard’s fierce drive was repelled brilliantly by the Everton stopper.

With the hosts pursuing a second goal and Everton attempting to stem the Red tide on the counter-attack, the game became rather stretched. Everton introduced youngsters Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell while Albert Riera replaced Ryan Babel on Liverpool’s left-wing.

When an Everton counter broke down with just ten minutes remaining, it almost led to a second goal for their hosts. Gerrard scampered down the right and found Kuyt unmarked by the penalty spot. David Moyes will be relieved that the Dutchman could only shoot straight at Howard and the scores remained level.

Liverpool seemed keen to avoid a replay at Goodison Park and as the game reached its conclusion, Andrea Dossena had a low shot well held by Howard and Torres also had a shot blocked by a Toffees rearguard superbly marshalled by Lescott and Jagielka.

The game though had long seemed destined to end all-square and there will now be a third Merseyside derby in two weeks as Liverpool will travel to Goodison for a Fourth Round replay on Wednesday week.

The Teams

Liverpool
25 Jose Reina, 2 Andrea Dossena, 17 Alvaro Arbeloa, 23 Jamie Carragher, 37 Martin Skrtel, 20 Javier Mascherano, 14 Xabi Alonso, 18 Dirk Kuyt, 19 Ryan Babel (11 Albert Riera, 75), 8 Steven Gerrard (C), 9 Fernando Torres
Substitutes not used 1 Diego Cavalieri, 4 Sami Hyppia, 12 Fabio Aureilio, 15 Yossi Benayon, 21 Lucas, 24 David Ngog

Everton
24 Tim Howard, 2 Tony Hibbert, 6 Phil Jagielka, 5 Joleon Lescott, 3 Leighton Baines, 28 Victor Anichebe (32 Dan Gosling, 71), 8 Segundo Castillo (26 Jack Rodwell, 75), 18 Phil Neville (C), 20 Steven Pienaar, 21 Leon Osman, 17 Tim Cahill
Substitutes not used 1 Carlo Nash, 4 Joseph Yobo, 7 Andy van der Meyde 15 Lars Jacobsen, 27 Lukas Jutkiewicz

Referee Steve Bennett

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address

By The Associated Press The Associated Press – Tue Jan 20, 5:04 pm ET
Featured Topics:

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday Jan 20, as delivered.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Success Quotes

Here's our 'Top 10' list of Favorites:

Favorite Success Quotes #1

Flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.

Dale Carnegie

Favorite Success Quotes #2

You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong.

Warren Buffett

Favorite Success Quotes #3

A person is a success if they get up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

Bob Dylan

Favorite Success Quotes #4

Actually, I'm an overnight success. But it took twenty years.

Monty Hall

Favorite Success Quotes #5

Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.

Sir Winston Churchill

Favorite Success Quotes #6

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.

General George S. Patton

Favorite Success Quotes #7

Eighty percent of success is showing up.

Woody Allen

Favorite Success Quotes #8

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

Bill Cosby

Favorite Success Quotes #9

You will find the key to success under the alarm clock.

Benjamin Franklin

Favorite Success Quotes #10

It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.

Roger Babson

Favorite Quotes - Leadership

Favorite Leadership Quotes #1

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

Peter F. Drucker

Favorite Leadership Quotes #2

Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.

George S. Patton

Favorite Leadership Quotes #3

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.

Dwight Eisenhower

Favorite Leadership Quotes #4

A leader is a dealer in hope.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Favorite Leadership Quotes #5

I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?

Benjamin Disraeli

Favorite Leadership Quotes #6

The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.

Elaine Agather

Favorite Leadership Quotes #7

Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too.

Robert Half

Favorite Leadership Quotes #8

Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men -- the other 999 follow women.

Groucho Marx

Favorite Leadership Quotes #9

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.

Theodore M. Hesburgh

Favorite Leadership Quotes #10

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

Theodore Roosevelt

Premiership Transfer Update - 25/1/09

Date	Player	From	To	Status	Type
23/01/2009	Lovenkrands	Schalke 04	Newcastle	Confirmed	Free Transfer
23/01/2009	Mido	Middlesbrough	Wigan Athletic	Confirmed	Loan
23/01/2009	J. Bullard	Fulham	Hull	Confirmed	Full Ownership
22/01/2009	S. Giannakopoulos	Hull	Larissa	Confirmed	Free Transfer
22/01/2009	César	Tottenham	Valencia	Confirmed	Full Ownership
22/01/2009	M. King	Hull	Middlesbrough	Confirmed	Loan
21/01/2009	Nigel De Jong	Hamburg	Man City	Confirmed	Full Ownership
20/01/2009	J. Pennant	Liverpool	Portsmouth	Confirmed	Loan
19/01/2009	Craig Bellamy	West Ham	Man City	Confirmed	Full Ownership
16/01/2009	Makukula	Benfica	Bolton	Confirmed	Loan
16/01/2009	Manucho	Man Utd.	Hull	Confirmed	Loan
15/01/2009	L. Miller	Sunderland	QPR	Confirmed	Full Ownership
15/01/2009	M. Fortune	AS Nancy-Lorraine	West Bromwich	Confirmed	Loan
15/01/2009	Gaël Givet	Marseille	Blackburn	Confirmed	Loan
14/01/2009	K. Kilbane	Wigan Athletic	Hull	Confirmed	Full Ownership
14/01/2009	M. Fortune	AS Nancy-Lorraine	West Bromwich	Confirmed	Loan
12/01/2009	J. Beattie	Sheffield Utd.	Stoke	Confirmed	Full Ownership
12/01/2009	Kevin-Prince Boateng	Tottenham	Borussia	Confirmed	Loan
10/01/2009	Sébastien Puygrenier	Zenit	Bolton	Confirmed	Loan
10/01/2009	Dean Windass	Hull	Oldham Athletic	Confirmed	Loan
09/01/2009	G. Kavanagh	Sunderland	Carlisle United	Confirmed	Free Transfer
08/01/2009	Ritchie De Laet	Stoke	Man Utd.	Confirmed	Full Ownership
07/01/2009	M. Etherington	West Ham	Stoke	Confirmed	Full Ownership
07/01/2009	Jonathan Grounds	Middlesbrough	Norwich	Confirmed	Loan
07/01/2009	J. Defoe	Portsmouth	Tottenham	Confirmed	Full Ownership
06/01/2009	S. Sinclair	Chelsea	Birmingham	Confirmed	Loan
03/01/2009	Wayne Bridge	Chelsea	Man City	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/01/2009	B. Sahar	Chelsea	De Graafschap	Confirmed	Loan
02/01/2009	Sam Williamson	Man City	Wrexham	Confirmed	Free Transfer
02/01/2009	Michael Mancienne	Wolves	Chelsea	Confirmed	End of Loan
02/01/2009	W. Routledge	Aston Villa	QPR	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/01/2009	H. Helgusson	Bolton	QPR	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/01/2009	Zoran Tosic	Partizan	Man Utd.	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/01/2009	Adem Ljajic	Partizan	Man Utd.	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/01/2009	S. Peter	Blackburn	Sparta Praha	Confirmed	Full Ownership
31/12/2008	Jay Simpson	Arsenal	West Bromwich	Confirmed	Loan
30/12/2008	Nadir Belhadj	O. Lyon	Portsmouth	Confirmed	Full Ownership
22/12/2008	Lassana Diarra	Portsmouth	Real Madrid	Confirmed	Full Ownership
20/12/2008	P. Stalteri	Tottenham	Mönchengladbach	Confirmed	Full Ownership
06/11/2008	M. Chopra	Sunderland	Cardiff City	Confirmed	Loan
14/10/2008	Diego Tristan	Livorno	West Ham	Confirmed	Free Transfer
25/09/2008	Mineiro	Hertha BSC	Chelsea	Confirmed	Free Transfer
22/09/2008	S. Giannakopoulos	Bolton	Hull	Confirmed	Free Transfer
02/09/2008	Marouane Fellaini	Standard	Everton	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/09/2008	Robinho	Real Madrid	Man City	Confirmed	Full Ownership
02/09/2008	Xisco	Deportivo	Newcastle	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	D. Di Michele	Torino	West Ham	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	Marouane Fellaini	Standard	Everton	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	Carlo Nash	Wigan Athletic	Everton	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	G. McCartney	West Ham	Sunderland	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	C. John	Fulham	NEC	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	Ryan Donk	Alkmaar	West Bromwich	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	D. Higginbotham	Sunderland	Stoke	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	Andriy Voronin	Liverpool	Hertha BSC	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	D. Cousin	Rangers	Hull	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	Julian Gray	Coventry	Fulham	In Talks	Loan
01/09/2008	Fraizer Campbell	Man Utd.	Hull	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	D. Berbatov	Tottenham	Man Utd.	Confirmed	Full Ownership
01/09/2008	Andriy Voronin	Liverpool	Hertha BSC	Confirmed	Loan
01/09/2008	Steve Finnan	Liverpool	Espanyol	Confirmed	Full Ownership

Culled from goal.com
23/01/2009 16:24

Barcelona Named Best Club Team Of Last 18 Years By IFFHS

Barcelona are the best club team of the last 18 years according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, with Manchester United second, and Juventus third...

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The International Federation of Football History and Statistics has today named Barcelona as the best club side of the past 18 years.

The IFFHS compiled the statistics from 1991, using the position each team finishes in the annual world rankings as a scoring system, and the Catalan side are 79 points clear of second place Manchester United.

Behind Manchester United come two Italian giants in the form of Juventus and AC Milan, and then down in fifth are Real Madrid.

During the time period taken by the IFFHS, Barcelona have won the Champions League on two occasions, whilst they have won La Liga eight times.

Manchester United on the other hand have also won the Champions League twice, but they have picked up ten Premier League titles.

Below Real Madrid there is quite a gap down to the next Spanish side, with Valencia sitting in joint 17th with Sao Paulo.

England and Italy meanwhile both have four teams in the top 15 of the list.

Official IFFHS Rankings:


1. Barcelona (SPN) 757
2. Manchester United (ENG) 678
3. Juventus FC (ITA) 621
4. Milan AC (ITA) 611
5. Real Madrid (SPN) 605
6. Internazionale Milano (ITA) 567
7. Bayern Munich (GER) 563
8. Arsenal (ENG) 550
9. River Plate (ARG) 503
10. Chelsea (ENG) 442
11. Liverpool (ENG) 435
12. Porto (POR) 425
13. Boca Juniors (ARG) 420
14. AS Roma (ITA) 405
15. AFC Ajax Amsterdam (HOL) 400
16. Parma (ITA) 373
17. São Paulo (BRA) 367
18 Valencia (SPN) 367
19. Glasgow Rangers (SCO) 364
20. SS Lazio Roma (ITA) 342

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

10 Ways to Empower Your Communication

10 Ways to Empower Your Communication
by Nicholas Tan

The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It's not like I'm saying that Santa Claus doesn't exist (OOPS!).

There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it's your mouth that's doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effective communication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself.

1. What you know.
Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you've learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters' meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn't mean we can't learn to keep up and share what we know.

2. Listening.
It's just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction.

3. Humility
We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don't be afraid to ask if you're saying the right word properly and if they're unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it'll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well.

4. Eye Contact
There's a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It's important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous.

5. Kidding around
A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you'll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they'll feel that you're just as approachable, and as human to those who listen.

6. Be like the rest of them
Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You'll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are.

7. Me, Myself, and I
Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you're at it you can spruce up as well.

8. With a smile
A smile says it all much like eye contact. There's no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it's a wake. You can better express what you're saying when you smile.

9. A Role Model
There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they're at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can help you once you take center stage.

10. Preparation
Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.

And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I've learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational.

Author's Bio
Nicholas Tan has been involved in Article Writing, providing Free Articles, Internet Marketing, SEO, Adwords, & Adsense for more than 5 years and designs and develops websites. Submit your free articles and get your articles noticed! Get your Free Articles here! Submit Articles! We provide free articles and information. Check us out at Free Articles!

The Power of Active Listening

The Power of Active Listening
by Justin Sachs

The most important, life-changing practice that completely changed my outlook on life is in learning the process of active listening. You see, the greatest listeners in the world are the greatest achievers.

Great, Active-Listeners have the following qualities:

1. They summarize what the other person says
2. They paraphrase in their own words what they thought was said.
3. They give the speaker their full attention
4. They create a positive atmosphere by being alert, using eye-contact, and being aware of their own nonverbal behavior.
5. They occupy the “I’m okay-- you’re okay” position
6. They have a spirit of cooperation.
7. They allow the speaker to bounce ideas and feelings off them.
8. They listen to the other person without being judgmental or critical.
9. They are aware of their “hot buttons” and “buzz words,” and they avoid over-reacting to them.
10. They dont give advice, but they make it easier for the person to solve his or her own problems.
11. They serve as a resource person, not a rescuer.

Author's Bio
Justin Sachs, author of Your Mailbox Is Full a book which gives teenagers the life-skills and leadership development principles they need to be successful in school and throughout their lives. His products, coaching and speaking services are available on his website at JustinSachsOnline.com.

Four Barriers To Effective Communication

Four Barriers To Effective Communication
by Timothy I. Thomas

Why does communication so often go wrong? Here are the top four reasons for breakdowns in communication:

1. Poor Listening Skills. Poor listening skills top the list when it comes to barriers to communication. Poor listening skills can result from:

* Lack of involvement with the other person or the topic at hand: you just don't care enough to listen.

* Distractions in the environment such as excessive noise or activity.

* Disagreement with the speaker, resulting in mentally "shutting off" the other person.

* Passive listening rather than active involvement with the speaker.

2. Assumptions. There are many assumptions we make while communicating with others. For instance, you might think that you know what the other person is going to say, so you simply "leave" the conversation.

3. Non-Verbal Signals. One recent study showed that only 7% of our communicating is tied to what we actually say! A full 55% of communication happens through non-verbal signals, and another 38% is based on tonality. So if your non-verbal signals are contradicting what your mouth is saying, people are going to remember what you didn't say.

4. Improper Use of Questions. Many people believe that if they ask a multitude of questions, they are communicating well and connecting with the other person. This may or may not be the case! We must ask the right questions at the right time to get the information we need to communicate effectively. That means asking open-ended questions - questions that begin with who, what, when, why, where, and how. Open-ended questions help true discussion and understanding to take place.

© 2008 Timothy I. Thomas

You have my permission to reprint and distribute this article as long as it is distributed in its entirety, including all links and copyright information. This article is not to be sold or included with anything that is sold.

Author's Bio
Timothy I. Thomas is the President and CEO of Makarios Consulting, LLC, a leadership development and business consulting firm. Makarios Consulting specializes in interactive training and one-on-one coaching in progressive organizations in order to equip and empower their leaders to maximize their own leadership skills and inspire others to accomplish extraordinary business results. Timothy Thomas is the author of Creating All-Star Performers: The Power of Effective Feedback, now available for immediate download at www.MakariosConsulting.com.

From Blame To Responsibility

From Blame To Responsibility
by Edward E. Morler

A powerful exercise is to look at what and how we blame. The faults we find in others are often indicators of what we need to look at in ourselves. If we are willing, we can use what we are upset about as a reflection to help us identify and own some aspect of ourselves that we are denying or have not recognized before.

We are responsible for our impact. Others are responsible for their impact. The more of our impact we recognize and take responsibility for, the more empowered we become. When we realize we are blaming and/or defending (symptoms of an unwillingness to confront something), we need to find and own what responsibility we’ve been avoiding and/or denying. If we are willing to use what upsets us as a mirror to look deeper and to take more responsibility for our impact, we open the door to expanded awareness, growth and empowerment.

We need to recognize and own our piece of a situation—no more, no less. Denying any of our impact, no matter how large or small, positive or negative, is disempowering to ourselves. Our willingness to observe, confront and own our part is where the opportunities for growth, maturity and personal empowerment lie.

The Gulp Stage
If we are upset and are, in effect, judging what some person did or did not do, we need to ask how we have done some form of that ourselves. There is something of a similar nature, or mirror image, that we have not recognized or owned before. When we are misemotional about someone else’s behavior, inevitably we are hiding something from ourselves. For example, if we find ourselves feeling upset with and blaming someone because he or she did not follow through as promised, it is an opportunity to look closer at how we have not been fully responsible for our own promised or implied follow-through. This is often the “gulp” stage, for it is here that we finally recognize how irresponsible we have been.

It may very well be true that another person was irresponsible and didn’t deliver as promised—and that may need to be dealt with—but the opportunity and the empowering aspect is our increased willingness to recognize and take more ownership of the impact of our own behavior.

When we shift our attention from how the other person is upsetting us (placing responsibility out there) to how we are doing something similar and have been denying it (placing respon-sibility within), three things immediately occur:

1) We are less upset (our attention has shifted from blame to being more responsible)

2) We have more positive control—we shifted our focus and intention from where we had little control (the other person) to where we have greater control (ourselves)

3) We feel lighter and more empowered (the inevitable result of taking increased responsibility for our own behavior)

Going deeper is an opportunity not only to observe an aspect of our impact for which we have not been taking responsibility, but also to recognize the pattern of how we have been irresponsible—of how we keep hidden from ourselves our real power and greatness. Only when able and willing to recognize and own that pattern can we drop the victim attitude. Only then are we willing to be personally responsible, own our inherent power, expand our options and choices and empower ourselves to manifest constructive change.

The elegance of this process is that it is not dependent on the rightness or wrongness of either party. It is dependent solely on our willingness to observe and take responsibility for our own part in creating or allowing the upsetting situation to occur.

Author's Bio
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Morler is president of Morler International, a management training and development firm specializing in integrity-based interpersonal effectiveness. His focus is the custom design and delivery of bottom-line, functional skill enhancement programs that simultaneously integrate the principles and dynamics of integrity, emotional maturity, motivation, and leadership. Examples are negotiation, client relations, and leadership development. Dr. Morler conducts trainings for corporations and government agencies worldwide.

Interview with CeCe Winans

Interview with CeCe Winans

Behind the Faith & the Fame In life very few people can be identified on a first name basis. Among the women in this superlative class are Oprah, Mahalia, Beyoncé and CeCe. CeCe Winans that is. Yet in her case, adding the last name of Winans only intensifies the grandeur of her name.

The eighth child and the eldest of three daughters to "Mom and Pop" Winans has done well for herself. Much like another little sister of a musical dynasty called The Jacksons, CeCe, as Janet does, has her own voice. And it's this incredible voice that has yielded many accolades such as Grammy, Stellar, and Dove awards. The songstress has just completed her 8th solo project, Thy Kingdom Come.

Recently GOSPELflava had the chance to chat with the woman of wonder to talk about music, faith and fame.

It's hard to believe it has been 13 years since CeCe's first solo project, Alone in His Presence. After being one half of the dynamic duo BeBe & CeCe Winans and spawning timeless hits as "I'm Lost Without You", "Heaven", and "Addictive Love" she knew that once she went solo, people would be truly listening.

Admittedly scared, she knew this was her calling. Believe it or not, being a solo act was nothing that CeCe aspired to do. Yet she and God knew different. Though parting from brother BeBe would prove to be a bittersweet venture, she followed God's lead. It was in the amicable separation that CeCe was able to hear what her own voice sound like.

"Being a solo artist made me express more of who I am," says CeCe. "My only goal [in her initial project] was to grow as a person, become stronger as a woman of God and express what God wanted me to say." After her debut project's release and overwhelming success, it bonafided her as a solo artist. This would be a foretaste of the continued goodness that would come her way.

Now eight albums later and on her own record label, Pure Springs Gospel, we arrive at CeCe's current project, Thy Kingdom Come. As with each of her previous releases, CeCe wanted to express what God was trying to say through her.

Billed as a "celebration of the heart, soul and the spirit of gospel music," Thy Kingdom Come delivers. The first single "Thy Will Be Done", a worshipful song of surrender joyfully displayed CeCe's current sojourn in God's presence. This was followed up with the anthem, "Waging War". When asked about why such a battle-cry song to rally the Christian saints she responds, "Once I heard, I said that's it! That's what we're in, it's who we are, what they are experiencing. Though we win, we still have to fight. We have to fight for our family. We have to fight for our friends. We have to fight for our churches and we have to fight for our communities. We can't allow the enemy to reek havoc on our lives."

Grateful

CeCe Winans writes "Forever" (one of eight songs that she put pen to on the project), and delivers a heart-propelled praise session backed by a stellar vocal crew. Winans ad libs over their repeated phrasing ("forever and ever and ever"), declaring her intent.

With songs like "Thy Will Be Done" and "Waging War" setting the tone, CeCe says this project is "all about an attitude. It's about putting fire in the kingdom to tell them to wake up and not be scared."

To ensure listeners received God's message of empowerment, CeCe wrote or co-wrote 8 of the 14 songs. Others enlisted in this songwriter's army include industry vets Tommy Sims, Percy Bady, Cedric & Victor Caldwell. CeCe mobilized gospel music newest additions Christopher Capehart and his production partner Brannon Tunie to lend a helping hand. Even CeCe's son, Alvin Love III has his named listed among the songwriter credits with his song "The Coast Is Clear".

As many artists do when asked what is your favorite song on your project, Winans coyly says, "all of them." Yet she says she has a particular liking to "You're the One" she co-wrote with Luther "Mano" Hanes.

Still if it's one word that describes the ministry of CeCe Winans it has to the word, consistent. Starting out with BeBe most people coined her as being just a contemporary gospel artist. Then once she became a solo artist, she was able of showcase her versatility. CeCe's vocal gifting that afforded her the ability to switch it up with different styles of gospel, from traditional to praise and worship. She attributes this likeability brand to is simply "being who you are. Number one, I think people see who I am. Two, I've been doing this for a long time, so they trust me now. And three, they know what my lifestyle stands for." Though every project is different, CeCe is still able to maintain her signature with epitomizes worshipper.

It's this quality-brand that has benefited CeCe outside of the music biz as well. Some of her other credits outside of singer and songwriter include actress (Touched By an Angel, Living Single, Martin), talk show host (Praise the Lord), and author (On a Positive Note, Throne Room, Always Sisters).

Therefore one would wonder, what is next for the multi-talented artist? "I don't know," her resounding reply. "I thank God for every open door and every closed one. Because each is a part of my journey. But I just want to do what God wants me to do."

Specifically CeCe is setting a good part of her energies into her young girl's conference, Always Sisters, now in its fourth year. "I cannot believe how this conference has taken off." The conference that once hosted hundreds has now swelled into the thousands. "I want to be able to pour into the next generation. You just would not believe some of the issues these young girls face." Among them she detailed are peer pressure, lesbianism, and gangs. Though it's hard to imagine, CeCe says speaking is not something that she likes to do. As many would think it would be just as easy to stand before a crowd to sing, speaking would be the same. Still CeCe professes its not but she does it anyway. Why? "I will do it because God asked me to" she humbly responses.

It's this humble spirit that has always resided within CeCe, since her upbringing in Detroit. She adamantly claims that she is indeed one of the "normal" people and unscaved by her success.

"I like having my sweats on. When I don't have to, I don't wear make-up" she jokingly says. Continuing with her adoration for life basics, "I just enjoy laughing, hanging with my kids, and fellowshipping with the saints."

Activities that she partakes in during her off time are bowling, putt-putt and lounging around the house. Many would be surprised to know among her list of favorite things include the TV game show Family Feud, a good helping of macaroni and cheese and get this, the store-brand granola cereal. "I like that better than the name brand."

In the end, after all the awards, the CDs, the concerts and success, CeCe Winans is just a woman who loves God. She enjoys the simple things in life like her quiet moments, family, and friends. Regardless of what her life has afforded her, she brilliantly proves that faith and fame can coexist but it must be wrapped in humility. It's all about remembering who and whose you are. "Remain who you are. Be free, be happy in who you are and success will come." Though she is Priscilla Winans Love. She is not a superstar. She's just CeCe.

(Culled from GOSPELflava)

Integrity - Don't Fake it!

Integrity - Don't Fake It!
by Gregory Covey

I had heard a story regarding integrity several years ago when I was in the Marine Corps. I had spent twelve years as a Marine - and it will never leave me. You know what they say - once a Marine - always a Marine.

Now I don’t know if the story that I’m about to tell is true - but it - it gives a perfect illustration of what integrity is.

There was a General that used to love to take his Marines on forced marches every so often. There was just something about it that he loved.

Now if you do not know what a forced march is - it is where the Marines get into full combat gear - which includes their rifles - wearing their helmets - sometimes flak jackets - full pack - and then you would march out over rough terrain to a predetermined destination - and then back. Sound easy doesn’t it - yeah right!

Now I will tell you that I have been on several force marches and they are just a blast - almost as much fun as having a tooth pulled.

Well the General heard a rumor that some of his officers might be cutting a few corners - when it came to filling their packs with the required items - such as change of uniform - an extra pair of socks - extra boots - and other assorted items. He heard that they were taking empty card board boxes and putting them into the pack so that it looked full.

This of course would make their load quite a bit lighter.

So - not knowing for sure if this was true or not - the General decided that it was time to go on another forced march - but this time he decided that they should take a route that was even rougher terrain than any other he had ever taken before.

So the day of the forced march came - and they all marched out - and it was a very rough terrain - over rocks - thorny bushes - and more hills and valleys than they cared to mention.

As the story was told to me - they marched out about ten miles.

When they reached the half way point to turn around to march back - there were vehicles waiting for them.

The General then ordered everyone to remove their boots and socks and place them into the vehicles.

As you can imagine this was very confusing to the Marines - but when a General orders you to do something - you don’t question it.

Once they all placed their boots and socks into the vehicle - the General then ordered them to get into their packs - and get out the extra pair of socks and boots that they had packed - and then put them on for the return trip.

Well - it did not take long at all to determine which officers had integrity - and which ones were about to end their careers with the Marine Corps.

Don’t ever be the type of leader that fills their pack with an empty box.

Author's Bio
The information I provide on my website is designed to help leaders with leadership and management skills in all areas. I have been in a leadership position almost my entire adult life starting at the age of 16. Please visit my website at leadership-skills-for-life.com.

Three Ways Managers Prove Their Incompetence

Leadership
Three Ways Managers Prove Their Incompetence
By Dr. Monica Burns-Capers, Ph.D

Managers are individuals who delegate, direct, monitor and expect to achieve certain results through others. However, the tasks that these managers are expecting others to achieve through the direction of their delegating efforts, never can be attained by poor direction and unclear objectives.

Managers supposedly earn their positions based on their interpersonal and technical skills....at least that's what we hope....right? While most managers have no problems displaying people skills, there are the remaining few who would just prefer to just delegate and never interact with their subordinates. You also have the managers who possess exceptional people skills, but lack the expertise necessary to perform their roles in leadership. Here are three ways that can prevent success in a leadership role.

Lack of Knowledge – If you are in a leadership position, whatever the title, you should at all costs learn the business in which you are employed. Managers must cross-train into other departments, interact with their employees, and always possess thorough knowledge of their product and service offerings. There should be no excuses as to why you can't resolve simple customer service issues or why you can't perform your job effectively. Most managers just pass the problems to the next: ”Oh that's not my department....let me transfer you to the manager in that department.”

Are you even attempting to at least find out the issue with this customer? Have you even considered how many actual times this customer has been transferred already? This is definitely one way to obtain, retain, or lose your customers. Organizations must invest in the proper training of all their employees if they expect to keep customers, or if you expect your businesses to survive. Without the customers...it can't and it won't! No one enjoys contacting a company regarding a customer service issue, and talking to a manager who lacks the knowledge of their own products and services. That's incompetence at its best people! The manager can't talk intelligently or articulate with accuracy to the customer, their product or service offerings! These are the same customers that are keeping the managers employed. There are no excuses for lack of knowledge!

No Self-Confidence – There is no way possible that you'll succeed in a position as a manager, if YOU don't believe that YOU can perform the requirements of the job. If you have a timid character trait, you'll need to take steps to find ways to build your confidence if you expect others to respect you and your abilities; and if you expect to have a career in management. Delegating becomes an issue for you, caring whether your subordinates will like you or not becomes an issue for you; which ultimately lowers the respect level and morale for you amongst your subordinates.

If you know that you can't handle the responsibilities of a position in management, do not put yourself in the situation. When you take on a role in leadership, you are expected to effectively, confidently and efficiently lead others! There is no room for a follower in a leadership role. It requires confidence and competence. It requires effectiveness and efficiency. Most of all, it requires your ability to lead!

Utilizing Intimidation – If you are a manager who enjoys instilling fear in your employees, you are an Insecure Individual. Fear is the only tool you have and you mistake this as respect. These types of managers utilize methods that threatens their employees jobs. They can't just politely and firmly delegate a task. And why? Their employees do not respect them! Utilizing intimidation with your employees displays the incompetence in your people skills as a manager. A productive employee is one who feels appreciated, not fearful. When you invoke feelings of fear into your employees, this causes all sorts of stress and missed time from work. They worry about losing their jobs and can't perform at their best.

In a customer service position, how can you expect your employees to perform above and beyond, when you as their leader, can't give them any respect. Your employees, in turn, are then mean and rude to the customers! You may think your methods of intimidation are working for you now, but just wait and observe. What you put out you get back...that includes your behavior! If you can't improve your interpersonal skills as a manager, leadership is clearly not the role for you. You are only planning your trip to your own failure. If you get no respect at home from your family or spouse.....you make up for this by bullying your employees at work.

You must deal with whatever personal issues you have, so you don't involve them in your professional communications; especially in a position of leadership! One thing I've learned from observing others......”You can always teach someone how to perform the tasks of their jobs; however, you can never teach someone how to have a “good attitude!”

Projecting Effectiveness, Efficiency, Confidence, and Competence in your leadership abilities is what earns you respect. If you are utilizing caring and genuine interpersonal skills, getting your employees to perform their assigned tasks should never be a problem for you as a manager. If you are knowledgeable of your products and services, and project the confidence to communicate and articulate this to your customers, you'll keep them. This ensures your continued employment.

Copyright © 2009 Dr. Monica Burns-Capers, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.





Author's Bio

Dr. Monica Burns-Capers, Ph.D Is An Expert Author, Organizational Management & Behavior Consultant and President-CEO of Monica Mi'Chelle Communications: A Professional Writing and Management Consulting Practice. For more information visit her at: drmonicaburnscapers.mfbiz or mmcommunications.mfbiz.com.