Richard Clear asked:


In the West many debates have surrounded the idea of Chi and if Chi really exists. Chi is a Chinese word that when simply translated into English means Energy and or Life-Force. The debate(s) typically starts around the so called manipulation of the chi life force energy. Often, these skills are seen demonstrated by advanced masters during cultural events, festivals or demonstrations etc.

Unfortunately, to the average person these skills then appear to be along the lines of a circus sideshow or magic tricks where trickery or illusion and sleight of hand are involved. Also, many of the techniques of Chi Energy activation and cultivation have been kept secret so little explanation for the seemingly impossible feats of skill are offered and this adds to the idea that some kind of illusion is behind the skills being presented and/or demonstrated. Much of the secrecy is due to specific groups (religious or trade guilds) or families having a history and tradition of skills and practice that is supposed to be kept within the group or family and not revealed to outsiders. This is a part of the heritage and cultural phenomenon of the Chinese people and only in very recent years have these practices begun to come into the modern world of scientific exploration, methodology and measurement.

Most modern Masters of the arts agree that all chi phenomena can be explained and fits well within the realm of modern physics. So, after many years of study and teaching it is my personal feeling that really it is the idea of mind over matter that is at the heart of the debate.

There are other factors that compound the problem of understanding the reality of Chi activation, cultivation and flow. The first problem to be addressed is a language barrier. There are words that describe specific aspects of Chi and Chi Kung (Energy Work) practice for which there is simply no direct translation into English and often Chinese teachers of Chi Kung aren’t proficiently fluent in English like a native speaker so although they may know some English there is still a communication barrier…

Continued in “The Chi Debate Part 2″

Chris Stout asked:


Communicating in college is crucial. You have to be able to voice your opinions clearly and effectively on a daily basis. Here five tips for sharpening your communication skills in college.

1. Speak up

If no one can hear you, it won’t matter what you say. Make your points like you mean it. Clear your throat and address the class confidently. Be certain that you’ve thought for a moment before you opening your mouth. Once you’ve mentally organized what it is you want to say, execute the verbal expression of your thoughts as clearly as possible. Don’t go overboard with the volume (you don’t want to be a disturbance), but be sure that you can be heard by everyone.

2. Outside of the classroom, practice reading aloud to someone.

This tactic works wonders. When you read aloud to someone, you practice so many things. You get to hone your ability to speak loud and clear. You gain comfort you’re your ability to vocalize the text, and you can calm any concerns you may have about speaking in public. This latter part is why you have to take turns reading aloud to another person. Reading aloud by yourself is too easy. With another person present, the reading becomes a practical presentation.

3. Become well-informed.

Do you are homework as instructed, and read the assignments before you get to class. Communicating in your classes is difficult when you haven’t properly prepared. The more informed you are, the more pertinent you analysis will be. Don’t just speak so that you can hear yourself talk, have something valuable to say. The more work you’ve done, the more comfortable you will feel expressing your ideas.

4. Have educated debates outside of class.

Discuss what you are learning with others, and let others share what they have learned. You are not going to be able to take every single class that you want, so learn form other peoples experiences. Ask questions and exchange ideas. Practice articulating your positions in a comfortable environment. This way, when it’s time for you to speak up in class, you’ll have already had experience articulating you thoughts out loud.

5. Meet your professors during office hours.

If you want a better handle on the material you’re studying, go see your professor during office hours, You’ll learn added insights and extra contexts. You’ll be able to frame your ideas more effectively, because you will have added familiarity with the subjects you are studying. If you can debate your professors in their office, you can certainly voice your opinions in class.

Take college as an opportunity to hone your communication abilities. Practice writing, arguing, sharing and defending your ideas outside of class so that you can be a more effective communicator during section and lectures.

Matt Somers asked:

eld of endeavour we need knowledge, skills and an appropriate state of mind to perform well. Coaching is no different. In previous articles I have written about skills and state of mind. In this article I will consider the knowledge base that good coaches need, both in terms of subject matter expertise and knowledge of coaching itself.

Subject Matter Expertise

There is still some debate around whether coaches need a detailed knowledge of the matter in hand or underlying subject in order to be able to coach another person effectively.

Some argue that it is impossible to coach without subject matter expertise, as without it we can’t show another person what to do or give our advice or guidance. However it’s clear that telling people what to do is fraught with danger; do I understand how I get results myself? Can I find a way to express that to another person? Will they be able to remember what they’ve been told? We’ve also come to recognize that, these days, knowledge is out of date within a few months and it is highly risky to approach any situation with out of date knowledge. Far better then to coach in a way that allows other people to develop their own solutions and to do so in a way that encourages them to become self-reliant in the future.

That being said, as far as being a manager coaching in a work situation is concerned, in reality we probably will have some background in the situations being discussed, but we should resist the temptation to jump in with our own quick fix solutions.

Knowledge of coaching itself

This is a far more important area of knowledge for effective coaching and breaks down into four main areas:

1 What coaching is

We need to understand – and may often need to explain – that coaching is NOT about telling people what to do and how to do it. In fact, coaching is an interventions designed to raise awareness, generate responsibility and build trust.

2 How managers can incorporate coaching in their own style

We all have our own style of communication with some of us preferring a more directive approach and others a less directive one. Managers who coach need to develop an understanding and knowledge of incorporating the principles of coaching into their own natural style.

3 The principles of awareness, responsibility and trust

Before I can change and improve anything I must first become aware of how it is now. Ultimately it is I who must take responsibility for making improvements and changes. I must trust myself to try new things and I must trust my coach to help me do them. The best coaching managers are those that understand and apply these principles.

4 The impact of questioning and active listening

Questions evoke awareness, responsibility and trust infinitely better than instructions or advice, but even the best coaching questions are meaningless without effective listening.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:

It is common to speak about our strengths and our weakness at interviews. The chances of you grabbing the job increases when you recognize your strengths. But over confidence on this subject can at times fade your opportunity. Attending interviews with a mindset that you know everything will only make you walk out of the interview.

Skill Identification:

Skill identification is very important. Skill identification is the key for a job. You have to do express your abilities. You have to expertise to your best. Many people boast about themselves. They boast about their abilities and skills. But never be shy in discussing about your skills. It is your responsibility to explain your talents to your employer. In fact, telling about your abilities is like trading yourself with the employer. This is the exact way of getting a job. Avoid underestimating yourself and being tough or rude during interviews. Be ready with answers to questions thrown to you like the one which asks you to differentiate yourself from the rest, questions etc… Prepare your resume in a way that it should highlight your talents and skills. This enables the employer to note it easily.

Types:

Hard skills and Soft skills are the two types of skills. Things you like to do come under hard skills. The things may be of your interest like some knowledge about the operations of various machines, typing skills, knowledge on computer programming, ability to use different sets of tools, certificates on special crafts, etc… The skills that are abstruse come under Soft skills. Personal qualities are an example of a soft skill. A personal quality includes qualities such as the role of a good player, self ability to work, decisive nature and the behavior in an organized manner.

Steps:

Listing out previous work experiences:

Preparing a list on your previous work experience is very important before attending an interview. The list should contain the name of companies you had worked for and the lessons or things learnt from them. The list may be difficult to prepare and at times be longer. But make sure that you do not miss out even a small activity where you had been a member of some organization.

List your hobbies:

Listing out hobbies is also advisable. It may appear unimportant to you, but it is not. In fact, your hobbies can reflect some of your abilities to the employer. In other words, your personality is much reflected. For instance, say you had represented for your school’s debate team. This tells the employer about your good analytical skills. If you are a champion in chess then it would indicate your employer about your ability in arriving at critical decisions. Note the things you do frequently along with your daily routine. You may be person who is perfect in doing things. You may also be an extrovert or a gregarious person. Though these seem to be ordinary, they add some value to you in your interview.

Career Decision:

Career decision is the next phase you got to work on after you had listed your skills and abilities. Match your skills with the job you are searching for by selecting the good and the best from the list. Analyze whether your skills match the job you seek. Sometimes you have to omit some skills from the list, but never be bothered. Keep in mind that your skills add value to you.

Stick to your resume:

Be true about your skills. You must be a proficient in it. For instance, if you are an organized and efficient person then you have to prove it by utilizing the interview time to its best by filling your thoughts in an effective manner.

Thus it is essential to know about your skill before applying a job. Do your levek best and good luck!