Fresh research work and innovative ideas are reachable these days with social media and overall online world. However, entrepreneurs can find inspiration from movies as well.

A great movie can change your perspective and stimulate your brain to find innovative ideas, obtain a vision and follow it till you achieve. You just need to be a little selective with what you watch. There is a tsunami of movies out there. But you can’t watch all of them.

Read Also: Top 26 Apps For Internal Employee Communication in 2019

Here, in this article, you will find a list of 10 movies that will inspire you again and again as an entrepreneur.

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1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The struggle of a salesman depicted by the jolt of talent Will Smith, this movie will give you an internal power to chase your dreams as an entrepreneur. The story is about Chris Gardner, who has no job, no money, no house, and no wife.

He and his kid have to live in shelters or even in the toilets of subways. The story shares the personal struggle of Chris Gardner and his smart moves to beat others and win a livelihood for himself and his kid.

 

2. The Social Network (2010)

Humans have lived in the forests, then, created villages, which turned into cities. But now, we all live in the online world. But how it all started?! This movie shares the story of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

The movie shows the early days of his life at Harvard and how he created a startup for fun, but soon became competitive about it. And that competitive spirit turned Facebook into a multi-national billion dollar company.

 

3. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

This classic shares the story of how Bill Gates and Steve Jobs started their empires during the 80s. The story highlights the genius of both the giants, but it also goes into the rivalry and triumphs of these two founding fathers in the tech world.

The story teaches the importance of being ahead in the market. But at the same time, you learn to not let yourself down if someone steals your idea. In the world of business and entrepreneurship, implementation decides the success, not the idea.

 

4. Joy (2015)

Wherever you are in life, it is all because of your own hard work, humility, and patience. The world doesn’t owe you anything. This is what you learn from the life story of Joy Mangano, who is an entrepreneur played by Jennifer Lawrence.

Joy invented Miracle Mop as well as the Huggable Hangers. But her inventions went through an intense level of personal and professional struggles. The story shows how she overcomes her struggles and creates 100+ inventions to promote via Home Shopping Network to earn millions.

If you are a women entrepreneur, this should be the first movie on your list. The movie deeply explores the struggle of being a businesswoman.

 

5. Wall Street (1987)

The world of wall street understands the language of bucks and bucks only! The rest is nothing but worthless conversation. The dialogues from this movie have become classics among entrepreneurs and investors. The story revolves around a young, ambitious stockbroker named Bud Fox.

Read Also: 11 Habits Of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs

He is ready to do everything to succeed. But he comes across a situation when he is supposed to help with something that is illegal and morally wrong. This movie explains why entrepreneurship is beyond getting famous and rich. You can’t sell your morals and expect to survive in the long run.

 

6. The Big Short (2015)

With a blend of drama and comedy, this movie is set in the market environment of middle 2000s. Some finance experts begin to notice the hidden instability in America’s housing market.

They predict a collapse. They go deep and realize how corruption and flaws in the market ruin a flourishing industry.

The writing and the performance of actors such as Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Finn Wittrock make this movie a treat to watch for entrepreneurs. The drama is presented with a splash of comedy, which keeps you excited till the end.

The movie will teach you how important it is to see the core of any opportunity. You can’t blindly follow everyone towards something, which you believe will fail in future.

People might call you mad and won’t believe your vision, but that doesn’t make you wrong all the time. It is all about an in-depth evaluation and assessment to feel confident about your predictions.

 

7. Boiler Room (2000)

A moral dilemma is in front of you every now and then. Entrepreneurs have to fight it many times in their life and career. And that is what this movie shows from the life of a college dropout. Seth Davis is only 19 and he obtains a big position among top brokers.

But the firm, he is working at, seems suspicious. Now, it is up to him to decide whether he chooses legality and morals or follows the path of greed and money.

This movie is a correct depiction of how entrepreneurs have to choose between a right and a wrong thing in their business. And that choice decides the fate!

 

8. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

This one is a drama-packed movie about success, fortune, fame, law, and greed. One of the greatest performances from Leonardo Di Caprio takes the movie to a whole new level of excellence. You will learn to stop making excuses to yourself and just go for what you want in life.

At the same time, the movie will also help you realize how easily you can lose your success if greed, power, women, drugs and other temptations start interrupting your thoughts.

 

9. Limitless (2011)

Played a Bradley Cooper, this is a movie about a writer who is struggling in his life. There is no present or future life for him. But he suddenly finds a unique pill, which increases his mental abilities to 100 percent. The drugs allow him to rise in the world of finance, but the side-effects become unbearable to handle.

This thrilling movie is a metaphorical depiction of how easy solutions can have harsh consequences. In the movie, the character Eddie overcomes that, but life isn’t so generous all the time.

 

10. Two for The Money (2005)

Professional football, gambling, and Vegas, these three words should be enough to make you excited about this movie. Things go out of control, but the actors McConaughey and Pacino show how a new change is possible for the determined people in the world of business.

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So, which motivating movie has made it to your personal list?!

Working as a team is important for any organization to reach the goals within minimal time frame. However, all members of a team may not be working from a single office but may be scattered in many parts of the globe.

This can be really challenging when it comes to collaboration including team communication, work flow and project management. There are many online collaboration tools available now which can be really handy during these times.

Whether it is file sharing, documentation, design or even organized remote communication, there are specific tools that can make the job easy and more organized.

Are you looking for amazing online collaboration tools to enhance your team productivity? Then have a look at this huge list of the top rated tools for the job.  

Read Also: Top 26 Apps For Internal Employee Communication in 2019

1.Yammer

Collaborating across locations, departments and business apps is no more a problem as this private social network can be handy. You can create groups and share posts. All what you need to access your venture’s Yammer network is an email id from the particular company’s domain.

2. Asana

All employees of your team can log on to this cloud platform, provided they have a WiFi connection. This project management tool lets you have an overview of all current projects and the three panel dashboard lets you access any data of a particular project.

3. Slack

Remote teams can make use of this power house messaging app to improve their communication. It comes with numerous bots and powerful integrations and operates in channels. Tracking and archiving conversations will be easy through channel options.

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Remote teams can make use of this power house messaging app to improve their communication. It comes with numerous bots and powerful integrations and operates in channels. Tracking and archiving conversations will be easy through channel options.

4. LiquidPlanner

This project management tool is particularly designed to help technology teams. Tool’s flexibility is the key and team can use it to collaborate seamlessly, organize projects in a better way and track time taken for completion of projects.

This project management tool is particularly designed to help technology teams. Tool’s flexibility is the key and team can use it to collaborate seamlessly, organize projects in a better way and track time taken for completion of projects.

5. Skype

This is one of the most common communication tools used by business professionals for its awesome features and free accessibility. Audio and video calls can be made despite the type of devices used on both sides. Group call feature can be a good help during group discussions on projects remotely.

6. Airtable

Creating and editing of databases can be done in a better way with this project management tool. You can easily sort out project elements by organizing information in tables. Collaboration is well supported as it allows creating and saving custom views.

7. Hipchat

Your team collaboration can be made more efficient with this private hosted chat service. Unlike group chat, this tool allows for collaborating tasks and docs by uploading it according to individual convenience. Video chat feature can be initiated from any device allowing you to communicate with the team on the go.

8. Basecamp

This project management tool is ideal for smaller business teams to manage their work decently. This very affordable software is powerful but comes with simple and easy to use features. The tool has a very minimal learning curve.

9. Google Hangouts

If your venture is on a budget, you can go for Google Hangouts to help you move on. Hangouts on Air allow you to record the Hangout so that you can view it later on your convenience. The privacy feature lets you to hide the public display of Hangouts.

10. Confluence

This wiki platform lets you to share and upload documents and create pages for your team. It features an internal documentation library and an easy-to-use interface. It also features good storage and search capabilities to effectively manage data on past, present and future projects.

11. GoToMeeting

Hosting a meeting with your customers or colleagues is a lot easier than you think if you choose to use GoToMeeting.You can simply launch a meeting from anywhere despite whether it is instant messaging or emails and features one click recording.         

12. Soapbox

It is a user friendly screen recording tool known for its ease of use. Its option to simultaneously do webcam recording and screen recording makes it a unique option. During editing, you can add transitions and share video via a thumbnail in any web page through a link.

It is a user friendly screen recording tool known for its ease of use. Its option to simultaneously do webcam recording and screen recording makes it a unique option. During editing, you can add transitions and share video via a thumbnail in any web page through a link.

13. Invision

The design collaboration with your team can be made easy with this enterprise grade prototyping tool. From uploading designs to gathering feedbacks, everything related to design can be made remotely. In fact, projects can be managed from a single dashboard.

14. GanttPRO

This is a user friendly web-based project planning tool which is designed to work on the basis of Gantt charts. Its intuitive UX/UI design makes anyone an advanced user of the software in merely few minutes. It comes with a resource management feature and you can create and assign task to individuals.

15. LastPass

This online password manager lets you track the many numbers of passwords and usernames needed for your project with ease.  There is no limit for number of passwords that can be stored and provide syncing option across devices

16. Concept Inbox

This is a comprehensive visual design collaboration tool that helps to manage project designs remotely. It keeps track of versions and enables everyone to keep up the speed. With email notifications and in-context annotations, the app allows real time feedback on prototypes.

17. Filestage

This user friendly collaboration application is a good option to streamline the review and approval processes and improves internal and external communication. The tool helps you to get feedback from clients on desired documents and enhance the quality of conversations based on feedbacks.

18. Google Docs

Collaborating, editing, sharing and publishing any kind of documents with remote teams is easy with Google Docs. Creating spreadsheets, presentations or blog posts are a lot easy with this tool. All these can be done free of cost.

19. Cage

This tool for smaller business and teams allows sharing of files with customers in an easy and more organized way.Assigning and managing tasks are made simpler and visual comments can be made on the design making the project more interactive.

20. Sketch

It is a comprehensive tool for UX design deliverables aiding web design professionals. Designers can simply create a design once and use it whenever needed in future. Flexible design elements can be made with nested symbols.

21. Prevue

Creating beautiful presentations with your clients or customers is no more a big deal if you use Prevue. In fact, presenting the project and getting the client feedback is almost possible in real time with this app.

Creating beautiful presentations with your clients or customers is no more a big deal if you use Prevue. In fact, presenting the project and getting the client feedback is almost possible in real time with this app.

22. WebEx

Managers who host the meeting with their remote employees can use this tool to share their desktop with them easily. It features face-to-face live video option and even the control of keyboard and mouse can be transferred to any presenters if desired.

23. Office Online

Startups looking for a quality tool for basic documentation and editing can go for this free version of Microsoft’s original Office suite. Even when there are some limitations when compared to paid version, you can get the best out of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Onenote for free.

24. Usersnap

This bug tracking software enables your team to report bugs in the browser. The time for communication can be reduced as it can be seamlessly integrated with existing workflows. Feedbacks for website prototypes and design drafts can be easily made.

Read Also: 15 Tools for Improving Employee Productivity

25. Etherpad

This is a comprehensive collaborative editing tool that works in real time which is available for free. This Open Source online editor is highly customisable and clients and customers can write and edit the documents in same time.

26. SugarSync

In addition to taking back up of your file, SugarSync allows you to maintain even the folder structure unlike many similar tools. This helps to know exactly where your desired files are and access it pretty easily.

27. Google Drive

Easy and quick organization of files is possible with this awesome tool and you can share the desired files with your team anytime. You can store up to 15 GB of files for free including any digital files and team can access it from any device.

28. Nimble

With this tool, your social media contacts and address book can be combined into a CRM solution for sales and marketing. It features group messaging options and provide insights into who has clicked or opened the messages.

With this tool, your social media contacts and address book can be combined into a CRM solution for sales and marketing. It features group messaging options and provide insights into who has clicked or opened the messages.

29. OneDrive

This is one of the top class file sharing tools from Microsoft which offers 5 GB for free and another 50GB if you pay. This comes pre-installed on Windows 10 which is compatible with all devices. Accessing and sharing files is allowed despite PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.

30. ProofHub

This comprehensive tool enables your team to stay more productive at work as it offers anything and everything required to plan and run the projects. You can even set dependencies on tasks in addition to adding people and assigning roles of team members.

31. Dropbox

Syncing your work is a lot easy with Dropbox despite the type of device used or where you are. The business version of the tool offers 1 terabyte space and comes with additional features like higher sharing limits and priority email support.

32. Red Pen

The visual teams can find RedPen as a really handy fast feedback tool. It allows you to receive feedback from your team and your thinking can be explained through clicks and points. Feedback from clients can be received through private links.

33. MediaFire

This is one of the simple storage and file sharing platforms with user friendly features. Even when it doesn’t offer any high end features which makes the tool complex, it serves the purpose of the actual file sharing needs to run a project decently.

34. Zoho

This is a mixture of project collaboration tools allowing clients or customers to come together and execute planning and related works all from a single place. The tool enables you to create project workspaces that help to work as a team despite their geographical location. 

35. Chanty

Seamless collaboration and communication is practical with this business messenger which is powered by AI. The handy file sharing and unlimited searchable history with instant messages can make small teams to go more productive. It features voice transcripts and audio and video calls.  

36. Podio

This powerful project management tool lets managers to run their businesses smoothly despite whether their team members belong to which all countries or time zones. They can easily have a look on their daily tasks or even see how productive their working days are.

37.Zoom

This awesome tool lets managers to perform online training and demos and collaborate virtually. It enables you to share your screen, web pages or photos and cloud content. It even comes with a white board feature and group messaging options.

38. Trello

This web-based project management tool lets managers to organize the projects using cards. The cards are organized on a board and each column signifies a part of the project. This lets you to have a glimpse on the board and check on project status.

39. join.me

This simple online meeting tool is a great option to work with remote teams with file sharing and screen sharing options. It is browser-based and so assures user friendliness and features audio and video conferencing options. All you want is a session ID on join.me to join a conference.

40. Wrike

With Wrike, you can take project management to a different level as it lets you to effectively break heavy tasks into simple goals and manageable units. Data reading is possible for analysing the time and money invested on each project and lets you easily track individual performance to the team.

41. Teamviewer

It is a comprehensive tool for telecommuting, collaboration and IT support. With just a password, admin program can even allow reverse sharing so that client can access admin computer. One can even run a portable version of TeamViewer without installation.

42. Stormboard

The digital workspace of this tool let you to minimize the number of meetings and track the progress of projects seamlessly. The tool enables you to do anything from planning a project, assigning tasks to employees, holding a meeting to setting goals, deadlines, and milestones.

43. Zipboard

Teams handling web related projects can use this visual platform for easy collaboration. Automatic updates are sent to team if a problem is reported or resolved. Screenshots of prototypes can be uploaded and feedback can be provided by team.

44. Bitbucket

This is one of the large and software repository platforms for effective project management. The tool was designed by Atlassian which justifies its popularity and it offers unlimited private repositories. With this tool, collaborating on projects is really easy for developers within enterprises.

45. GoVisually

This tool for designers is particularly meant for freelancers and small business teams to share their creative work. Receiving recommendations and feedbacks from clients is possible without the need of any logs. It lets you design files and work on multiple projects with your team from a single place. 

46. SimpleMDE

This free to use simple markdown editor is flexible to suit your specific needs. It comes with a subset of the HTML features with all the basic editing options needed during the project processing.

47. Codepen

This awesome software tool comes with the tag line “A playground for the front end web.” You can just start off the tool for free and may upgrade to higher versions for pro features. Finding inspiration or design pattern examples for your project and try building a test case for a bug is practical with this tool.  

48. Clickhelp

This browser-based documentation tool enables project managers to set up and publish FAQ tutorials or user manuals with ease. It comes with a range of pre-built templates with diverse themes. It allows integration with Google Analytics and offer support for Meta tags.

49. Mailbird

This email client for Windows makes your online communication more seamless. Other messenger platforms can be managed well as it allows third party integrations. It is known for its ease of use as the app can be learnt within 5 minutes.

50. Gitlab

This web based git repository service lets teams to secure projects on a more minute level and assures safety of projects while team is working on it. It is written in the Ruby language and comes with stand out branch protection, permissions and authentication features.

51. Moqups

This web-based wireframing solution is flexible in nature and allows managers to approach a project in a better way. The project workflow can be revolutionized using its powerful prototyping features. The interaction between assets and elements of a project can be done without switching apps.

Read Also: Top 20 Parental Control Routers to Use in 2019

Keep this awesome list of online collaboration tools as a check list which might help you whenever you are finding it challenging to collaborate with your team.

Even when a good collaboration tool can add a lot of value to your team success, choosing the right tool that serves your actual purpose is the key.

For that you will have to spend some quality time on discussing the pros and cons of the tools in question and analyze how it will help you in betterment. 

Even when a good collaboration tool can add a lot of value to your team success, choosing the right tool that serves your actual purpose is the key. For that you will have to spend some quality time on discussing the pros and cons of the tools in question and analyze how it will help you in betterment. 

Always consider tools that offer multiple features so that your team can use tool in various possible ways.  And a Cloud-based technology can be preferred as you need not worry about the version controls.

Working as a team is really important in any organization or business to get things done in minimal time with maximum efficiency. Even when the manager is responsible for the outcome of the project assigned to him, it is not practical for him to do everything alone.This is where ‘delegation of authority’ is important when the manager divides his tasks and power to his subordinates or team to meet the target on time.

When it comes to business organizations, delegation of authority power relates to the right of the manager to take timely decisions, give orders and allocate and utilize resources efficiently in order to accomplish the organizational objectives. Here we can have a look at how delegation of authority is beneficial to business.

Read Also: How To Give Positive Feedback To Employees

1.Good collaboration among team

Delegation paves the way for open communication and trust within the team. A good collaboration among team mates helps to get the job done smoothly.

As employees get a feel that they get some space to prove themselves or make some positive changes to the organization, they feel more important. This brings out the best in them.

2. Facilitates growth and expansion

With the right use of delegation, better expansion and growth of business activities can be facilitated. You can also see flexibility in organizational structure.

With the right use of delegation, better expansion and growth of business activities can be facilitated.You can also see flexibility in organizational structure.

In fact, more layers can be added to the existing structure of organization depending on the changing requirements. This even helps to screen out employees from executive level if they are found to be less productive or inefficient in handling activities at the lower level.

3. Benefit of specialization

In a dynamic environment, specialization in certain working area can bring in success.The role of managers is to share the responsibility or authority of certain work to individuals who are specialized in that.

That person might find it really easy to do it. So managers can tactfully share the work by considering the ability and knowledge of the team mates in a particular area.

4. Develops a positive business culture

Delegation boosts the overall team morale and productivity. It also helps the company to develop a set of highly-qualified employees, who can get the job done even in manager’s absence. As the work load is reduced, everyone in the team gets enough free time which promotes a positive working ambience.

Managers should assure proper communication and support as and when needed, but give them the space to work on their own. Micromanaging the delegated tasks can in fact kill the creativity and they just become mechanical replica of your role.

5. Builds team spirit

As bonding and mutual understanding takes a high when delegation of work to a group is promoted, it helps to build good team spirit. As they can work together to achieve a common goal, team spirit will be notably high and this paves the way for better productivity.

This also means that nobody needs to work alone with their limitations as they can help each reach targets with minimal effort.

6. Option for training and development

Delegation of authority also provides a platform for managers to provide training and development to their team. The team gets hands on experience in certain work areas and this gives them a good opportunity to showcase their skills and get better out of their efficiency.

Getting a chance to make crucial decisions based on their ability and knowledge also helps them to develop their managerial efficiency.  

Read Also: 45 Motivational Quotes For Employees

7. Balance the workload

The key advantage of delegation is sharing the workload or responsibility with others so that managers will get some breathing space to do more productive works.

Fair distribution of work in fact enhances overall productivity as a team is working towards a common goal. Shouldering smaller responsibility with team mates help managers to focus on more important areas and decision making that affects positively in the company turn over.

They can enhance their managerial efficiency and effectiveness as they can invest more time on creative functions while sharing the routine natured works to less experienced team mates.

8. Opportunity to test employee skills

There is no better way to test the skill set of your employees. No written tests or planned practical tests can give you the actual results. Assessing how your delegates handle the role in the real life scenarios help you to assess their skills and study their limitations.

More than rating the performance, this in fact gives a room for improvement as you can arrange skill enhancement programs for your team.

Also delegation gives your team scope to analyze situations, think creatively, be more alert and become better decision makers.

9. Motivation for team

When you choose your team mate to hand over an important task, this is indirectly giving them a boost in motivation. They will get a feel that they are being recognized for their hard work and they feel important for the organization.

When he gets a feel that he is being trusted by management for higher level jobs and they rely on his abilities, it motivates him to work with better efficiency. This enables him to come out of the comfort zone and make better use of his abilities.

10. Give way for better organization

Delegation of authority can even serve as a basis when developing an organizational structure. The sharing of responsibility and authority can reflect on the number of layers that are present in an organization.

This can directly have an impact on the functioning of the enterprise and that is one main reason why management is very keen with this process.

Moreover, when work is properly shared among the right hands, top level managers can skip the direct interaction at the lower level. This helps them to shift their focus instead to organisation planning, leadership, and coordination.

11. Builds trust and understanding

This process simply means that the person in charge of some duty actually trusts someone else and their ability and reliability to get it completed on time. When you do this inside a team, this in fact leads to better understanding and trust within the process and team mates.

This is also an opportunity for managers to test the skill set of their colleagues as well as analyze their dedication and approach towards work. This helps them to make good decisions when it comes to promoting them to top levels or when allotting them a single handed project.

12. Quicker and better decision

The process of delegation can in fact help to push the decision faster and better. Even while being within the limitations, employees can make quick decisions within their specific area in a pretty quick time.

Rather than the top level managers, the employees who are working closely to the clients or field workers will have better information in hand and the decisions can be made without much effort.

They can even make better change of plans or strategies as and when the situation demands if they are given the power of decision making.  

13. Gives scope for innovation

The right use of delegation of authority can also give way for more innovation. When certain individuals are given the right amount of freedom and powers, they can actually think differently and come up with interesting ideas.

Delegating the power to the right individuals can trigger innovation in the whole work space and they can contribute positive changes and out-of-the-box ideas within the organization.

Read Also: 45 Motivational Quotes For Employees

Conclusion

Of course, there are some disadvantages to take care of during delegation of authority such as misuse of power, delay in execution; low quality output due to poor coordination and failure of fulfilling the tasks.

Managers must make sure that such cons are avoided in the best ways possible and get the best out of the possibilities.

With better distribution of tasks, you can get the projects completed in the least possible time frame without compromising the quality.

In fact, the quality can be improved with right allocation of resources and by getting the service of specialists in certain tasks. Moreover, it is about how you can better mould your team and maintain a positive business culture.

Whether you need good connectivity for personal use or for your business, you need to make sure that you have everything in place from a good router to one of the best modems, that’s best suited for your business.

There are various reasons as to why you need some of the best modems and routers but a better idea would be to go for products that combine both.

It makes for an efficient option and one that should help you cut down on the pricing as well. Here are some of the best modem/ router combos that you can use, for both personal and business use.

Read Also: Top 20 Parental Control Routers to Use in 2019

1. Arris/Motorola SURFboard N300 (SBG6580)

The sBG6580 comes with three products in one; it contains Wi-Fi access port, dual band modem as well as Ethernet router. It certainly comes in a convenient combo and packs in advanced functionality as a result.

If you are looking to build your own network, then this is the one you need. But as for the device, it comes with a download speed of 343 Mbps, as well as upload speed o 131Mbps and a WI-Fi speed of 300 Mbps.

It certainly manages to provide you with jus what you need, the perfect combination with which to connect online. It also comes with a integrated security system, which can help keep your connection secure at all times.

It also harbors DOCSIS 3.0 technology, which keep up to the current internet standard, IPV4&6. But the best part is that it comes with 2 year warranty and what’s more, the pricing on the same is quite attractive. Here are some of the specs of the product –

  • It comes in an interesting combo of router, wifi access, and router
  • It is priced attractively
  • It comes with two year warranty
  • And it also features enhanced security

2. NETGEAR N600 (C3700)

This is an interesting product and one that comes with N 600 router and built in DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, all rolled into one. It also comes with Ethernet ports and USB ports which should enable you to transfer data, with ease.

This product with its decent speed is perfect for HD gaming as well as live streaming. This device is very easy to set up and equally easy to use so much so that even a novice should not have much issue in handling the same.

It definitely stands out for all the right reasons, and moreover also comes with a separate access for guests as well. It also features parental controls which you can set up to ensure that your kids do not use the same to access anything that may seem inappropriate.

The genie app should help you to install the same easily and if you have guests coming over, they can use the guest access. Here are some of the main specs of this product

  • It comes with decent speed
  • It also features parental controls
  • It comes only in black color
  • It has an AC power source

3. ActiontecADSL Router (GT784WN)

One of the best things about this router/modem combo is that it is quite cheap and still manages to pack in quite a bit of advanced functionality. This product packs in the best and comes with full-rate ADSL 2/2+ modem.

In addition to a 4-port switch it also includes 300 Mbps wireless-N router. It certainly seems to be offering the lot and one that should make it perfect for both your home and business alike.

This device has been rigorously tested for performance and it certainly seems to live up to its hype. It comes with parental controls by which you can ensure that your kids’ access safe content at all times.

It also comes with top firewall service which should help provide you with the security you need, for your connection.

It also comes with content filtering as well as multiple layer encryption as well which can help prevent unwanted intrusions, hacking, as well as prevent DDOS attacks.

Actiontec provides round the clock customer support and if that’s not enough, there is the fact the current product also comes with some fantastic speeds which should make this a great product especially if you are into online gaming. Here are a few specs regarding the product

  • It comes with modem, router as well as 4 port switch access
  • It is priced attractively
  • It comes with high speeds, making it perfect for online gaming
  • Enhanced firewall
  • Enhanced security with multiple layer encryption and can help prevent unwanted intrusions, not to mention DDOS attacks

Read Also: Top 8 Smart Speakers To Rule The Charts of 2019

4. NETGEAR N450

The N450 manages to combine the best of Wi-Fi routers, modems into one; this product comes with multiple functions where it comes with DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that offers 8 times the speed of normal routers.

It also has a Wi-Fi router with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can seamlessly enable you to connect online right away, and at high speeds. This product comes with a download speed of 340 Mbps, as well as high speeds to stream movies, online gaming as well as VoiP.

This product is perfect for businesses looking to transfer large packets of data online. This device is engineered to provide you with the right amount of coverage and more importantly, it does not carry any equipment cost either.

It comes with more than an adequate amount of protection thanks to WPA/WPA2 and can help keep your connection secure at all times and even help prevent DDOS attacks.  Some of the stats of this product are-

  • It comes with modem, Wi-Fi router, as well as 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Decent pricing
  • High speeds, perfect for online gaming and high definition streaming
  • Perfect for Video conferencing
  • Enhanced security due to WPA/WPA2

5. TP-Link AC1750 (Archer CR700)

The TP Link may seem over-priced, but given all the advanced functionality, it sure seems worth it. The Archer CR700 is a cable modem router that should provide you with all the coverage you need.

It comes with Wi-Fi speeds of 1750 Mbps, which is really fast and makes it a perfect choice especially if you are into online gaming. What makes this product stand out is that it can simultaneously run t 2.4 GHz band (up to 450 Mbps) and at 5 GHz band (up to 1300 Mbps) bands which can help you optimize your net connectivity.

This 2 in 1 device is just what you need to beef up your current network and to provide you with the high speeds you require. It also comes with some fantastic download speeds as well with superior DOCSIS 3.0 cable download speeds of approximately 680 Mbps.

It also comes with 6 internal antennas as well as amplifiers which it uses to reduce interference as well as to boost its signal strength. Incidentally, it comes with both warranty as well as customer support 24/7. Some of the key specs of this product are –

  • It is easy to install and easier still to use
  • It can be connected with multiple devices at the same time
  • It comes with upload speeds of 1750 Mbps
  • It comes with download speeds of 680Mbps
  • It also comes with 6 internal antennas

Read Also: Top 10 WiFi Range Extender To Use In 2019

6. Motorola MG7550 AC1900

The Motorola product is a tad expensive but given its speed, and its current functionality, it is worth every cent and more. This product is compatible with most of the major cable networks and comes with a modem, WiFi router and multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports.

It is capable of extremely high speeds which make it perfect for gaming and if you were seeking for ways to upload large data or to download the same. The product itself comes with a sleek design as well as a vertical design which can help minimize shelf space.

It manages to integrate together the best of modem and router and in the process, provides you with highly secure connection and at high speeds. What makes this modem/ router stand out is that it comes with multiple configurations for sites that are heavily trafficked as opposed to others.

This product provides you with a reliable connection and comes with all the enhanced security that you need. With the AC1900, you get multiple layer encryptions and one that should enable you to avoid DDOS attacks, hacking attempts as well as malware infections. On a scale of one to ten where ten ranks at the highest, this product can be ranked at 8. Some of the key specs are –

  • It comes with high speeds
  • It also comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports,
  • It comes with a vertical design which should help save valuable space on the shelf
  • It also comes with enhanced security

It is essential that you check out the above products and then select one that fits in with your current requirement. With the right router and Wi-Fi in place, you should be able to maximize your opportunities and then make the best of the same.

Aldous Huxley could not have imagined it better! It seems that we are truly living in the age of automation.

In America, At least, one in six people own a smart speaker. But what makes these smart speakers great is the fact that they are multifunctional, expressly designed to provide customers with much more than a payback of their favorite tracks.

These smart speakers can integrate with compatible devices and help you control the same, for e.g. with smart speakers, you should be able to control the lighting in your room, your fridge, smart lock and much more.

With troves of brands crowding the market, it is time that we took a closer look at some of the best smart speakers for 2019.

Read Also: Top 20 Parental Control Routers to Use in 2019

1. Sonos one

  • Connectivity: 802.11 b/g 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port
  • Weight: 4.08 lbs
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Rich sound
  • Best of alexa and Sonos

This speaker brings the best of two world’s together; with the latest edition, you can now look forward to the best of smart speakers, courtesy of Alexa’s debut speaker, Sonos.

This speaker is voice controlled and certainly excels in obeying all the voice commands Apart from this, it also comes with some real smarts that allows you to communicate with Siri, as well as integrate with various devices which you can then control with the help of Sonos.

Google assistant is still MIA, but that’s temporary. This smart speaker stands out for the right reasons.

2. Apple Homepod

  • Connectivity: Wireless, WiFi, Bluetooth
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Fantastic sound
  • Minimalistic design
  • Siri scope is limited
  • No Blue tooth streaming, Apple music is required

The Apple Homepod manages to score over other smart speakers in the fact that it is instantly compatible with all your Apple devices.

The only question that you need to ask yourself when considering this product is to determine whether it Is worthwhile investing in the same, one that fits comfortably only in an Apple ecosystem.

It comes with a great intuitive set up and stands out on its own, not to mention the fact that the speakers do deliver high quality sound as well. It may be a tad expensive but it comes with fantastic functionality, especially in an Apple ecosystem.

3. Amazon echo 2nd generation

  • Weight: 29 oz
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: wireless, Wi Fi, Bluetooth
  • Great new look
  • Attractive price
  • New Alexa features
  • No more rotating dial

The 2nd generation is a lot better than the first one and that’s saying something. The current Amazon Echo (2nd generation), comes with a sleek look that takes your breath away.

What’s more, it comes with rich sound and you can use this smart speaker to play all your favorite sounds.

It does integrate better with your other devices than some of the other smart speakers and should be able to provide you with seamless quality where audio is concerned.

But what really stands out is that this smart speaker is attractively priced.

4. Google home

  • Weight: 1.05 lbs
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
  • Great new look
  • Customizable base
  • It comes with a big song library
  • Currently missing Google’s core services
  • Current ecosystem all set to expand soon
  • Can make calls to landlines

When it comes to playing tracks of You Tube, Google home certainly ranks right at the top, What makes this smart speaker stand out, apart from its design is the fact that it is multifunctional and comes with several intuitive features as well.

It integrates well with some, if not all the tech friendly gadgets at your home and you can control the same with this speaker.

It is still a tad short of a few top end smart speakers and has a lot of room to grow in. That being said, this speaker manages to stand out nevertheless with its rich sound and its various functions.

Read Also: Top 10 Apps That Give Free WiFi

5. Amazon echo plus (2nd generation)

  • Weight: 35.65 oz
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • Better audio drivers
  • Attractive fabric design
  • Temperature sensor and more

Amazon echo plus (2nd generation) is a lot more than a smart speaker; it has transformed into a smart hub. It comes with a subdued fabric design and has certainly evolved from its previous two tier design.

The sound quality is good, and so is its bass, and it certainly comes with good audio quality for that price range. It comes with several smart assistant features which should enable you to link up the speaker to several devices in your home.

It also comes with a built in smart hub, with which you can control several devices at the same time. But the best part about this device is that it is attractively priced

6. JBL Link 20

  • Weight: 1.3 kg
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
  • Connects to Google home
  • Attractive fabric design
  • Answers questions and more

One of the reasons that this speaker stands out from most of the other speakers is on account of its sleek look, its ease of use and portability.

It connects seamlessly to Google home and also happens to be waterproof as well. Yup, this is one waterproof smart speaker that actually floats on water, so you can use it anywhere including your boat.

It also comes with helpful LED indicators which lets you know how much battery juice is left, as well as your battery signal. This device should let you know just how strong your current Wi-Fi is and whether it is strong enough to operate the smart speaker.

This product relies entirely on Google assistant more than anything else and is quite easy to use,  by even the most novice of beginners.

7. Sonos beam

  • Weight: 6.35 lbs
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Connects to your TV
  • Attractive fabric design
  • Answers questions and more

This smart speaker is just like Sonos one except that it sits on top of your television  and integrates with the same seamlessly.

It comes with both Alexa and Airplay support and provides you with rich sound, and high fidelity. One of the interesting things about this beam is that it integrates very well with other compatible devices especially your Sonos speakers.

In other words, you can use the beam with your other Sonos speakers to create a surround effect, as well. It comes with voice recognition and with it, you should be able to voice your commands and Sonos beam will execute the same flawlessly.

 

8. JBL LINK VIEW

  • Weight: 2.87 lbs
  • Battery life:n/a
  • Connectivity: Wireless, 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
  • Comes with Google assistant
  • Attractive fabric design
  • Answers questions and more

JBL LINK view certainly comes with an interesting display and is compact in size; and this smart display certainly puts it among the top smart speakers for 2019.

It comes with 8 inch screen and two 51mm drivers which help provide flawless content on command. It also comes with voice recognition so you can ask it questions and it will automatically display the required answers, be it the weather or the latest news headlines.

It includes Google assistant and so you can always get the answers to your various questions, with ease. It also comes with the ability to pull up Chromecast videos, You Tube videos and much more. It certainly comes packed in with all the advanced functionality that you need in a smart speaker.

9. Google Home Mini

  • Weight: 173g
  • Battery life: n/a
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Bluetooth support
  • Comes with Google assistant
  • Attractive fabric design
  • Answers questions and more

If you are on a limited budget, then you may want to opt for the mini version. The Google home Mini is quite compact but despite its size, it still manages to pack a punch.

It is able to integrate with compatible speakers and thereby provide your audio with much needed boost. This speaker can also answer your questions and even random ones, which makes for an interesting addition to your living room.

These are some of the smart speakers that we can look forward to, for 2019.

It is widely expected that the following year will see more new products being launched with better functionality and more user centric features.

Read Also: Top 10 WiFi Range Extender To Use In 2019

The pricing will also be varied with Amazon offering some of the most attractive prices in the market. The one thing that you can count on is that the smart speaker market is in the process of evolving further and it is not hard to imagine a time when you would be able to control all the devices in your home with the aid of one.

Feedback can’t ever be negative if you know how to present it in the right way. Each employee achieves something, while facing troubles in some areas of his or her work.

Feedback should help employees positively acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. That is what positive feedback means.

With a few efforts, you can give positive and meaningful feedback to your employees.

Read Also: 35 Leadership Skills Every Manager Needs To Master

1. Go beyond “Great Job”

When an employee spends hours and hours working on a presentation, you can’t motivate just by saying a Great Job. 

It does convey that you liked the work. But you need more words to encourage that same employee to keep working with the same determination.

Adding details to your feedback and becoming specific increase the value of your feedback. You can say-

Your competitor evaluation in the presentation was exactly what we wanted to clarify our point. Amazing work!

If you see, detailing your feedback it not about saying more stuff. It is about becoming specific with what you want to convey. This clarifies the confusions in the mind of your employee. He or she will know what you expect in the future as well.

Simply saying “You did a great job” won’t tell an employee what he or she has done right. You need to clarify what you liked and which areas require more work.

2. Create a comfortable environment

Positive feedback can have some point, in which, an employee has to work on. To positively represent your feedback, you need to create a comfortable environment first.

No need to publicly advertise a feedback ever. Feedback should be a private, one-on-one conversation between you and your employee.

A one-on-one conversation gives more meaning to your praises and criticism. You create a calm and relaxed environment where your employee can think about everything you say right at that moment.

This conveys your support to employees in growing their skills and abilities.

Even praising in private is better than advertising it. Many people don’t want to stand in the spotlight. They simply want to do their work right.

Such people want you to give your feedbacks personally in a one-on-one communication setting. However, you can judge the needs of your employee and praise some of them in front of others.

3. Merge three strengths with three concerns

You or your managers can work on creating balanced feedback with three strengths and three concerns. The strengths should contain the accomplishments of an employee, while the concerns should include areas where that employee can grow.

The strengths motivate and encourage an employee to work on the concerns and improve consistently. At the same time, the strengths also tell how to do things correctly in future. It is as if you offer a list of “what to do” and “what not to do” with your feedback.

This way, you offer positive feedback to each employee without putting too much pressure on them. Your praise makes them value your suggestions regarding the scope of improvement. So, they put more effort into improving their capabilities.

4. Give it a positive ending

The key to positive feedback is to encourage employees. For that, each employee should leave your office with a smile on his or her face.

You should end every feedback with a positive comment. Present all the scope of improvements in the beginning. Use your second half of the conversation to describe how an employee has impressed you.

Your closing comments should convey that you appreciate your employee’s contribution to the growth of the organization. Put positive thoughts into words and let each employee know how much you appreciate his or her presence in the company.

Your employee will leave your office with a positive thought and motivated mindset. This feeling will stay fresh in their mind even if the words get blurred after a few months.

Read Also: How to Improve Policy Implementation at Workplace

5. Talk about performance, not someone’s personality

When constructing statements of your feedback, make sure you don’t judge the personality of an employee. You need to comment on how they perform instead of attacking their personality characteristics.

So, instead of saying- “Your arrogance has become a problem.”

Try saying- “When you oppose my ideas during client meetings, it sends a wrong message.”

Remember that you are not there to attack your employees. You want to help them improve their capabilities in a positive way. So, don’t target their hearts, try to appeal to their minds with your feedback.

6. Give a purpose to your employee

Your feedbacks should have a forward-moving tone. It should inspire an employee to work better and improve regularly.

Which is why you need to outline your feedback with clear objectives. Sit with your managers to describe a few objectives for each employee. Then, shape those objectives in positive statements.

Convey your feedback as an outline for the future. This saves employees from regretting about what they have done wrong in the past. Their minds immediately go into an action mode. They feel they have a chance to make things right.

At the same time, you should clearly convey that all the possible support is available at the expense of the employee. Make sure each employee knows that you are there to guide and support in the process.

7. Link your feedback to an organizational impact

The strength of your feedback increases a thousand times when you align it with an organizational impact. Suppose an employee has delivered his end of work on-time for the last 6 months.

This surely has helped other departments performing better, which has increased the growth rate of the whole organization.

Simply saying that an employee is punctual with his deadlines is not effective enough. But when you describe the organizational impact of his support, it motivates him to keep working with the same determination.

To give such in-depth feedback, you first need to recognize organizational impacts of the behaviors and efforts of your employees.

Then, you can outline each individual characteristic in connection with a large organizational impact. It conveys to each employee how their small actions decide the fate of the company. So, they become more responsible.

8. Document and prepare your feedback approach in advance

The preparation of feedback should be an ongoing process for managers and higher authorities. It would be wise to keep developing performance reports consistently for each employee.

Create a list of positive assets each employee brings to the table. This way, you will know what to say when the time of giving feedback comes. Also, you can use the same reports to decide on appraisals and promotions.

Using the prepared reports, you can practice your feedback in advance. If you want, make a list of bullet points for each employee.

These bullet points can have every factor you want to talk about such as performance, achievements, job behavior, and others. This helps you choose the right words and cover everything to offer comprehensive feedback to each employee.

9. Choose the right time to give feedback

When you have some positive and constructive things to convey, find the right time. Giving positive feedback right after finishing a project or before the beginning of a project seems logical.

Your positive words further motivate your employees to improve their efforts.

Just after finishing a project successfully, you can offer your positive feedback to appreciate employees’ contributions. This allows each employee to know that their hard work has been noticed.

If you choose to give your feedbacks right before a project, your appreciative words can trigger the sense of improvement in employees. This allows each employee to use your feedback right away on a new project.

You can choose a time that suits the mindset of your employees.

Read Also: 20 Skills Required For Effective Team Management

10. Make your feedback session interactive

Your feedback session should be as interactive as possible. It will allow employees to convey their work approach, performance capabilities and the challenges they face.

At the same time, you can learn more about the reasons why some employees succeed while others struggle to perform optimally. The interactive approach also leads to some ground level ideas and plans, which helps in improving the work system as a whole.

The interactive approach becomes easier to achieve when you outline your feedback in a positive tone. Even the concerns are presented as a scope of work, which allows employees to express their conflicts.

Along with all the mentioned tips, you should also try to be as direct as possible. Give your feedbacks personally without using a messenger or a communication channel.

Also, include observations instead of interpretations. If you can accomplish all of that, it will create a growth mindset in your whole organization.

Positive feedback to your employees is fuel to perform better in the coming future. Genuine praise and genuine concern are taken positively by everyone. You just need to choose the right words without judging an employee.

You can accomplish a lot with positive feedback. So, use the mentioned ideas to improve your ability to convey them.

 

When it comes to managing a team, a manager must possess several skills so that he can manage the team effectively. He needs to be able to quickly identify those who can add value to the whole team.

Essentially any management and/or leadership require several skills and you may want to quickly review the same listed below so that you can fine-tune the same.

Read Also: 20 Skills Required For Effective Team Management

1. Integrity

The first thing that you need to know is that a good leader leads by example. You need to maintain a high standard of integrity and work ethic.

Chances are that the rest of the team are already looking towards you as a peer role model and you need to make sure that you set an example, for the rest of your team to follow.

2. Team building

One of the marks of any good manager or leader is the innate ability to form inclusive teams irrespective of gender or any other metric other than skill set.

You must have the ability to identify valuable skills in all those you come across irrespective of any difference and make them part of your team. It is vital that you support them at every stage of their work and work with them to get it done on schedule.

3. Positivity

You need to make sure that team knows that you back every decision that the company makes and that you believe in the company’s goals and priorities. This mark of positivity should help enthuse and even motivate the team to perform better.

4. Communication

It is important, that as a manager, you are able to communicate all your goals, priorities to the rest of the team and even repeat it at times so that there is no miscommunication on the same.

You need to ensure that everyone is on board and understands their role and what’s expected of them, as you move ahead with the rest of the project.

5. Listening

Any good leader would know that it is important, to say and, equally vital to listen as well. While it is true that you do have to communicate all project related information to the rest of your team or employees, at times, you would also need to listen to what they may have to say on the issue as it can help you streamline your performance and help you achieve your targets faster.

6. Motivated

Every leader needs to be self-motivated; this is not just another job but an opportunity that you can use to redefine your own career goals. To that end, you need to stay motivated and try and accomplish all you possibly can.

7. Confidence and optimism

In this case, both confidence and optimism go hand in hand. Just remember that the rest of your team is looking towards you for cues and you need to be optimistic and confident at all times – as this should help the rest of the team remain confident about their chances as well.

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8. Accountability

When it comes to sharing the blame, the buck stops at the top man and that happens to be you. You need to be responsible enough to take responsibility for any mess up and try not to shirk the same by passing the buck to someone else.

9. Courage

As a leader, you may be required to take a decision which may be highly unpopular. But these decisions have to be taken nevertheless and a mark of any good leader is one who does not shy away from the task at hand.

10. Engaged

One of the best ways to get the most out of your team is by staying engaged and that means involving yourself in the process and not sitting it out by the sidelines shouting directions at others.

11. A healthy sense of humour

When working on various projects, things can go wrong as they inevitably do – but it is important to retain that healthy sense of humour, and refocus on what’s positive, at all times.

12. Passion

It goes without saying that every employee needs to be passionate about his work as it can help propel them up to greater heights.

The same is true of any leader or manager, you must believe in the goals you set as this can help motivate the rest of your team.

13. Respectable

Any good leader would know that being respected by others can go a long way to make yourself heard; at the least, the others pay attention to what you are saying and try to understand the reason ‘why’.

14. Likeable

A good leader is always feared, respected and liked by the rest of his employees. The same cliché holds true for any team that you may manage since being liked enables you to easily build a rapport with others and build a closer relationship with those working under you.

15. Ethical

It goes without saying that you need to maintain a high standard of ethics, otherwise, the rest of your employees may not have the same respect they once had for you.

16. Loyal

While it is true that you can and should expect loyalty from your employees, you should also show them the same loyalty towards them by helping them with their work and even supporting them on various personal issues as well.

17. Charisma

Every good leader needs to have a magnetizing persona or charisma that can help them stand out in the crowd.

Read Also: How to Improve Policy Implementation at Workplace

18. Drive

Any good leader or manager would have the necessary drive and motivation to succeed in all their key goals; doing what you love doing can help motivate you and give you the drive you need to achieve your goals.

19. Emotional intelligence

More often than not, people often lack in the same. The fact is that emotional intelligence can help any good leader or manager performs better since they retain better control over their emotions and can gauge the reactions and emotions of others around them.

20. Emotional control

As a mark of a good leader, you must be able to control all emotions within yourself. Sure, when you are at home, you can let go but doing so at the office is a big no-no.

21. Opportunity cost

Any good leader would know the value of opportunity cost and while the opportunity is often realized in USD, it takes everything into consideration such as resources, man hours etc.

22. Humility

As a leader, it is important to remember that humility can help transform you for the better, so do not forget asking other team members for their feedback regarding your own performance as a manager as it can help you identify problem areas you need to work on.

23. Discipline

No one’s asking you to be a hard taskmaster but as any leader would be aware, it consists of you of retaining an inner discipline and being resolved to attain those goals.

24. Perspective

At times, as a leader, you must have the ability to seek out a fresh perspective since you may well be missing the forest for the trees.

25. Risk management

As a leader, you must be able to identify, evaluate and address risks so that your team can perform better.

 

26. Time management

You must be adept at managing time since it can help you multi-task various tasks at the same time.

27. Self-assurance

As a leader, you may need to chart a new road ahead for your company and need to be self-assured to overcome the various challenges you are bound to face.

28. Maturity

As any good leader knows already, maturity rarely goes hand in hand with age; maturity is when you know how to communicate with others effectively when you listen to others and take their feedback seriously.

29. Serve as an example

Before you have high expectations from the rest of your team, it is important that you set an example for others to follow and emulate as well.

30. Network building

Often it is important as to who you know, as this can help you with your career and any decisions you make. This is why most leaders often try and build a network and keep in touch with people from various walks of life.

31. Sociable

It is important for any leader to be sociable and outgoing as it can help you communicate better with others and even help in building a relationship as well.

32. Public speaking

A good leader must be an effective communicator and that often includes speaking in public, at large gatherings. You must be able to convey your ideas adroitly and with the right amount of panache.

33. Reasonable

As a good leader, you must know your limits and that means that you cannot make unreasonable demands from the rest of your team as this can result in you being disliked by everyone.

34. Boldness

As a leader, you would often be required to take tough decisions and you need to boldly take the same, in the interests of the company.

35. Empathy

Often, a good leader who stays too focused on his goals can lose sight of all those around him. While it is good to be focused on the task at hand, you need to empathize with all those around you, and especially with the rest of your team.

By being empathic to their current plight and needs, you can help bridge any gap and build a better relationship in the process.

Read Also: Do We Need Employee Assistance Programs at the Workplace?

Conclusion

Leadership skills can help you win over your subordinates and colleagues. All one needs is passion for learning such skills and inculcating them in his or her life for getting maximum results.

WiFi and Bluetooth are two modes of wireless communication. Both modes utilize radio signals to establish connection. But there is a core difference between these two with respect to the purpose they serve.

Bluetooth allows connection in a short range between devices. This helps in sharing data between the connected devices.

On the contrary, WiFi enables access to the internet.

Bluetooth is limited to the devices connected in a short range. But there is a higher connection possibility for WiFi users.

The bandwidth also changes between the two modes. WiFi offers higher speed due to high bandwidth, while Bluetooth connection works on low bandwidth.

Read Also: What Is The Difference Between Broadband And WiFi

Bluetooth

1. What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a universal mode of wireless connection that works in a short range. This wireless connection is used for data communications.

IBM, Nokia, Toshiba, and Ericsson are the companies that invented Bluetooth. However, it was Intel that created SIG or Special Internet Group to promote the concept of Bluetooth.

They also developed Wireless Personal Area Network or WPAN. With that, Bluetooth became the very first technology for short-distance wireless network for data application and communication.

The rate of data is pretty low with respect to WiFi. But it offers an inexpensive way of creating a small but effective wireless network.

Using Bluetooth SIG, the process of cable replacement takes place. Ad-hoc network becomes possible. Plus, connected devices create APs or Integrated Access Points. These access points allow all users to utilize wireless voice and data.

2. What is the architecture of Bluetooth?

The topology of Bluetooth is called the scattered kind of ad-hoc topology. This topology defines the collection of connected devices in an ad-hoc way. This collection is called Piconet.

There are total 4 states of Bluetooth connection:

  • M or Master- This state can contain 7 to 200 collections of slaves in the active
  • S or Slave- The slaves are the names given to terminals. These terminals can become a part of one or more piconet at once.
  • SB or Stand by- These stay in line to join an existing piconet. During the waiting period, SB’s MAC address stay retained in them.
  • P or Parked/hold- P are the ones waiting to get attached to the existing piconet. But these ones release their MAC address.

3. How is a physical connection developed to use Bluetooth?

To create a physical connection, a modem with FHSS type is used. FHSS or Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modem is leveraged along with 0 dBm of antenna power. Alternatively, 20 dBm can be used for the operation as well.

The hopping rate of Bluetooth should be 1600 hops/second. Bluetooth can attain a specific hopping format for every piconet, which is known as its frequency.

4. How to manage a Bluetooth connection?

The connection takes two major processes for an establishment. These processes are called Inquiry connection and Page connection.

Every active device is assigned to 3-bit in AMA (also known as Active Member Address). Every parked device gets allocated to 8-bit in PMA (also known as Parked Member Address). There is no address required for standby devices.

  • Sniff- In this state, slaves listen minimized rate of the piconet.
  • Hold- Slave restricts all the ACL transmission and allows SCO packet exchange.
  • Park- Slave allows the release of AMA it has.
  • Page- AMA becomes the master after getting assigned.
  • Connected- The process of listening, transmitting and receiving is involved in this state.
  • Standby- The listening process happens periodically.
  • Inquiry- A search is conducted to locate other devices in the network area.

5. What about the security aspect of Bluetooth?

With Bluetooth, you can expect information confidentiality and usage security as well. The utilization of a random number, device’s MAC address ensures its security.

The two-step approach, Authentication, and Encryption, further enhances the security. However, there are three ways of Bluetooth operations, which are non-secure, link level and service level.

Read Also: What Is LiFi? All You Need to Know

WiFi

1. What is WiFi?

Wi-Fi is also called Wireless Fidelity. This technical name is IEEE 802.11 suite. This standard was the initial WLANs standard. These same standards create an interface that ensures transmission and receiving process between multiple wireless clients and access point.

With 802.11 standards, inventors wanted to increase the range of wireless connectivity. Making portable, permanent and mobile connections, these standards lead to the development of much-needed PHY and MAC layer.

Features of IEEE 802.11 standard include:

  • It enables a time-bounded, asynchronous delivery facility.
  • It provides support to continuous service in the whole area that comes within the distribution system.

2. What is the architecture of WiFi?

The topologies or operation models have two types:

  • Infrastructure topology: This mode generally contains at least one AP or access point. The AP stays linked to a wired infrastructure of the network along with multiple wireless stations. AP has the control over encryption and creates the route for wireless traffic towards the internet network.
  • Ad-hoc topology: In this mode, two wireless stations connect with each other directly without any access point. There is also no need for a wired network in this mode. This topology is also called IBSS or Independent Basic Service Set. A wireless network between two laptops is an Ad-Hoc mode.

3. What about WiFi’s security?

There are provisions provided for privacy and authentication path. The authentication process can be done in two ways:

  • Open system- This is a default scheme of authentication. An algorithm ID for authentication is sent by a request frame. The results of this request are judged with respect to the response time.
  • Shared key- This authentication mode is more secure. In this, a request frame usually carries a 40-bit encrypted code, which is used for frame ID authentication. This code stays secret between the IP and the request frame. Two stations complete the process of sending, encrypting and responding with the secret code. This completes the authentication process.

Read Also: WiFi Can Let You See Through Walls – Know How!

Bluetooth vs WiFi

1. Bandwidth

Bluetooth bandwidth stays low, while WiFi works with high bandwidth. This is due to the range of network and the limitations associated with the connected devices.

2. Required hardware

The devices need to have Bluetooth adapter in order to connect in a Bluetooth network with each other. The connection to Wi-Fi requires the availability of a wireless adapter in every device along with the availability of one wireless router.

In terms of required hardware, both types require their own adapter availability. However, WiFi needs one wireless router as well.

3. Usability

When it comes to usability, Bluetooth network seems pretty simple. The connection is small, which allows users to easily switch from one device to another for a new connection.

The process of using WiFi is a bit complicated with respect to Bluetooth. First of all, it requires the correct installation and configuration of router. The software configuration also takes complex steps. Only then, the complete setup establishes WiFi network connectivity.

4. Range

In terms of connection range, Bluetooth provides a small area of network around 10 meters. This is nothing when you see the connection range of WiFi. A WiFi network can give you 100 meters of connection range.

5. Security

When compared in terms of security, WiFi seems better than Bluetooth. WiFi offers better security features. Which is why Bluetooth seems less secure as compared to WiFi. However, there are security issues regarding the use of WiFi as well.

6. Use of energy

The energy consumption is pretty low in Bluetooth, which makes it easier to install in small devices as well. The WiFi network takes higher energy, as there is a router involved along with multiple network stations.

7. Range of frequency

The frequency can range 2.400-2.483 GHz in a Bluetooth network. This range goes up to 2.4-5 GHz in WiFi. This frequency range is the reason why Wi-Fi enables better and more complex connections.

8. User flexibility

Bluetooth allows a certain number of devices to connect together in a short range. So, the user flexibility is pretty low in this type of network as compared to WiFi.

With WiFi, many users can get access to the network at once.

9. Modulation techniques

The modulation technique for Bluetooth is GFSK or Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying.

The modulation technique for WiFi network is OFDM or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. It can also use another technique called QAM or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.

Conclusion

Both WiFi and Bluetooth technologies have enabled users in terms of wireless communication. Multiple devices can connect with each other and share data. The purpose of both connection types is different, but they both have their own advantages.

While Bluetooth works fairly to connect devices in a short range, you need WiFi to get large connectivity to the internet.

With this knowledge, you can now utilize both kinds of wireless communications as per your need. You know the advantages, so choose a type of network that aligns with what you are trying to accomplish.

For instance, large connectivity for multiple users asks for WiFi. But you can connect two devices using Bluetooth for data transfer in a short range.

 

Everyone comes across a vindictive boss; it happens and the movie ‘The devil wears Prada‘ best exemplifies this. Of course, this does not excuse any bad behavior but dealing with a difficult boss are a fact of life and that’s something that every professional has to learn to manage.

The tips posted here should enable you to do just that and help you to dealing with a difficult boss and still make a good impression.

Read Also: How to Be a Better Employee

1. Understand the issue

It could well be that your boss may be dealing with other issues which could account for the fact that he seems perpetually cross with you.

It could be personal or something that’s work related at the least, before you castigate him as a ‘devil in Prada’, you may want to take a few moments to check out how he operates and whether he is stressed out.

Chances are, if your boss is good at his job, then you may well be the X-factor in which case you need to adjust your work habits so that you are able to make a good impression on your boss.

2. Figuring out their goals and priorities

If you do have a difficult boss to deal with, then a good way to deal with the same is to figure out their respective goals and priorities.

One of the common priorities’ that most managers have, by virtue of being a manager, is to make their company a success.

So, you may want to focus on delivering along those lines and soon your boss may well change his opinion of your work and your abilities.

What’s more, by being able to help your boss with his current priorities’ and with the company, you should be able to give your career a much-needed boost in the process.

And the golden lining, if you do perform well, then you could well be on your way to a promotion and to a new department head.

3. Pressure triggers

One thing that you may want to do is to help identify the various triggers that are most likely to set off your boss on one of his angry rants.

Chances are that he has an anger management issue, and is likely to take them out on you. So, you may want to find out what sets him off and see if you can take effective measures to prevent the same – for example, if he gets made over typos, then you may want to triple check your work before you hand it in.

Or if he does not want to be disturbed in the afternoon, then you can ensure that no one disturbs him during these hours.

4. Work ethic and work style

Granted that you have to dealing with a difficult boss and no one is asking you to imitate your boss but it would not exactly be a bad thing.

Rather, than imitate another person’s mannerisms or even ape them by wearing the same outfit, you may want to study their work ethic and how they operate at the office.

For example, you may want to see how they multi-task when working and adopt some of those measures as your own.

For example, do they prefer to communicate with all their employees and stay on top of the issue or are they more content to delegate work to others and see what happens.

Are they informal, and want to discuss common issues such as the latest movies with their assistants or do they prefer a formalized working environment?

These are some of the things that you may want to pay close attention to as it can help you connect better with your boss, and in the process, work better with him.

Read Also: 10 Challenges Faced by HR Managers and How to Tackle Them

5. Feedback

Feedback is an important process of any job; usually you get it from your boss and other departments in the form of a performance review.

But it is also a good idea to gauge your boss’ reaction as regarding your work so far and how he views the same.

Since you are not into the habit of gazing into a crystal ball, asking for your boss’s opinion should enable you to adapt and change yourself accordingly.

True, you may not be too happy about the feedback you receive but think of it is an opportunity to grow better and what’s more, the feedback may well transform you and give your career a boost in the process, while enabling you to communicate better with your boss.

6. Always be one step ahead

Yes, this is easier said than done but if you have a boss who loves to micromanage all those working under him and that involves you – the one thing that you can do realistically, is to foresee the same and stay ahead of the curve.

In simple terms, make sure that you complete all the assignments he assigns to you and gets it done ahead of the designated time so that he really does not have anything to gripe against you.

This is one effective method for getting your boss off your back. You may have to sacrifice some of your free time but if that involves you in completing all your tasks ahead of schedule, you would be better off for it.

Once your boss realizes that he does not need to micromanage every task he assigns over to you, he would relax and let you handle the same.

7. Act as a leader when you need to

Leadership roles often do not often come knocking on the door, requesting permission to enter –you may well have to grab the opportunity.

Assuming that you have an incompetent boss and a difficult one at that, he may not be able to handle the official challenges that he is required to.

In such situation, you may need to take on the leadership role, but only if you happen to know the work and the required project guidelines well enough.

If that is the case, then you can chart a new direction for the concerned project, brainstorm with the rest of your team and ensure that the deliverables are executed on, in time and as per schedule.

But remember that you do not and should not want to undermine your boss so make sure that you keep them in the loop and update them with every change that you make to the project and how it can affect the entire organization positively.

8. Do not let it affect your performance

Dealing with a difficult boss and then, there are those who are crazy; but irrespective of how your boss acts in the office and with you in particular, you should not let it weaken your own performance.

It is important that your work speaks for itself and granted that there are times you may find it too stressful to even focus on work.

In such a scenario, you may want to find a hobby as it can help you relax and in turn, enable you to focus on your work properly.

Remember that the best way to dealing with a difficult boss is by doing a stellar job and do not try to take it too slow with your designated work as a way of getting back at your boss or by taking too many sick leaves.

Both do not work and the only thing that you can do is to ensure that your performance is perfect and also maintain a good relationship with others in the company, at least until you can quit this job for another.

9. Do not hold grudges

Yes, dealing with a difficult boss can make you see the but you need to accept that at the moment, they have authority over you. And that includes ordering you about, designating meaningless tasks to you and running roughly shod over you.

But you should not focus too much on the negative aspects or even hold a grudge for long as it is meaningless and would not really help contribute anything meaningful to your life or to your career for that matter.

Read Also: 11 Software Tools Every Team Manager Needs

10. Research

Before you end up with another difficult boss with your next job, you may want to research the company that you are interviewing for, check out their management and see if they have a good reputation.

You should be able to check out the company online, see what other employees or ex-employees have to say about the company so that you can have a good idea of what you can expect with the new company from day 1.

And during the interview process, you may want to ask the interviewer some pointed questions regarding the company, their work ethic and their management style as it can allow you to glimpse into the inner workings of the company.

Bottom line, you need to do your research so that you can make sure that you are not stuck with yet another difficult boss.

Conclusion

Next time you face a boss that you cannot manage properly, go through these tips and calm yourself down. Be patient in your ways and you will surely win your boss’ trust.

Beyond your education, your designation, and your experience, a work relationship is also career-defining factor. Despite all the professional guidelines, a workplace is ultimately about many people working together.

So, we all make an image of the people around us and they do the same about us. Your relationship with your colleagues, seniors, and juniors decides your productivity, promotional opportunities, goal achievements, pay increase and job satisfaction as well.

You can’t be too reserved or too interfering. There has to be a balance in your work relationships, which comes with effective interpersonal skills.

Read Also: How to Build a Better Company Culture

What if you avoid building work relationships?

Not working on your work relationships burns a lot of bridges professionally. A person, who simply uses his designation to put pressure on others, doesn’t earn any respectable place in a company.

Putting blame on others without offering support or a solution is another problem. These kinds of habits make you an unwanted person in your office.

People avoid working or collaborating with you on projects. This immediately impacts productivity. And eventually, you can feel left out and not appreciated in your company.

So, the question is- how to build great work relationships to obtain a satisfactory work environment?

Ways to build great work relationships

The core basis of building a great work relationship is your ability to bring positivity even in a negative situation.

Your approach to working with colleagues should be empowering and motivating for others. That is how you can unify everybody working around you.

To help with that, here are some great ways of building great work relationships:

1. Always present a problem with a potential solution

No one likes a person who only points out issues without giving any effort to solving them. You must have seen such people in your work environment.

They always know what the problems are with a team, a project, a deadline or anything else. But they never use their abilities to find even a potential solution.

This one habit can make you a bundle of negative energy at work. Your co-workers and seniors will start neglecting your point of views. This decreases professional reputation and harms future opportunities in the company.

Every time you feel the responsibility to point out an issue, present it with a clear solution. Put genuine efforts into finding actionable ways to resolve that problem. This will enhance your importance in the eyes of your bosses and co-workers.

2. Never blame publicly

When you work in a team, projects face some problems. So, you try to find the source of that problem. Sometimes, it is the system that creates an issue, while in other situations it is a colleague.

Identifying the source of a problem is necessary. However, so many people do this just to put the blame on others to hide their own mistakes.

Even if you have genuinely found the right person to blame, it would be wrong to publicly announce their mistakes. You need to make sure that only the most relevant people know about the mistakes of a colleague.

If possible, you should try to have a one-on-one with the person in a private meeting. This way, you can present the facts and also offer your support to help that person fix the problem.

Putting blames and calling out colleagues publicly create a lot of enemies in the work environment. And you don’t want that.

The more allies, the better chances you get to grow with the support of others. You can’t be a lone wolf when there are a hundred wolves working in a pack.

3. Use your verbal/nonverbal communication capabilities wisely

Using a sarcastic tone when talking to certain employees, looking away when a junior is trying to convey his or her point of view – These are negative communication signals that ruin your reputation.

We all act like a radar when it comes to reading verbal as well as nonverbal communication signals.

If a colleague hears a sarcastic tone in your voice, he might start talking bad things about you to others. If a junior feels you don’t care about his or her point of view, you won’t be able to motivate them to maximize their work efforts.

Shouting and giving an angry face to people are other two big communication issues at the workplace. You should know that there is absolutely no right time to scream at people at work.

If your personality is all about dignity and respecting other people, you won’t feel the need to scream in any situation.

4. Be a trustworthy team player

From a football field to an organization, a team runs smoothly with mutual trust. Your team members should be able to trust you. But that won’t happen if you constantly blindside your co-workers, reporting staff or your boss.

Very often, employees hide facts knowingly or unknowingly, which can put other team members in a bad spot. A work system is about a collective resolution of problems to achieve a common goal.

You need to understand and apply this in daily work approach. Always make sure that every relevant persongets information directly from you. These relevant people are everyone involved in a work system.

If you are transparent in your work approach, co-workers will trust you and bosses will believe in what you say. This is key to building a reputed image in your workplace.

5. Commit to what you can actually deliver

Work in any organization is interconnected. Your failure to deliver begins a chain reaction of failures in multiple departments.

Which is why you have to be very clear and practical when giving commitments. Setting deadlines is not a formality. If you constantly fail to deliver work on-time, it puts you in a bad light in front of your co-workers and seniors.

They eventually stop believing in your capabilities, even if you deliver the best work.

For all these reasons, you have to choose your commitments wisely. Never take a responsibility you can’t fulfill. And if you take such a responsibility, present the potential delays or issues in advance.

This is way better than not delivering the work and harming the stream of work flow.

When you get responsible about your commitments, it doubles the importance of your work. It is true that your ability to meet deadlines can get interrupted by other people. Which is why you need to factor in all the aspects in the first place and choose a deadline you can follow.

Anayse productivity with wifi attendance ad banner

6. Share your credit for contributions, ideas, and accomplishments

Do you remember the time when you accomplished a work goal for your company?! Now, try and remember all the help you received directly or indirectly to achieve that goal.

If you have been managing a team, think about the ideas you created only because of the inputs offered by your team members.

Realizing the impact of co-workers and juniors in your accomplishments the best positive change you can bring. People think that sharing credit reduces self-importance. But no. It actually increases your value in the eyes of your bosses and colleagues.

Every time you are presented with a credit, take some time to think about everyone involved. Who gave you a small idea?! Who contributed to the process of working on that idea?!

Who supported your ideas till the accomplishment of your goal?! Think about all these questions, recognize and thank people.

Even a simple thank you creates a big impact in motivating people who work with you. And your relationship gets stronger, which helps in accomplishing more goals.

7. Help colleagues and juniors improve their skills

Every individual brings something to the table in a company. The work culture in a company should allow individuals to improve their talents, experience, and skills.

This happens when employees start helping each other. It is not just the manager who can motivate and encourage employees. One employee can also help another employee find the true potential of talents.

When one employee grows, it improves the capacity of the whole team, which boosts the growth of the whole organization. Your help in this process puts you in a positive light in front of your colleagues, juniors, and seniors as well.

Noticing talents, giving genuine compliments and praising the efforts should be an ongoing habit in your work life. These are really simple things, but they have a big impact on your relationship with everyone who comes in contact with you at work.

8. Keep your work relationship expectations in check

You responsibly manage your work relationships and expect the same from others. But others won’t necessarily start behaving responsibly right away.

Your behavior brings a gradual change in work relationships. Every individual is different, so you can’t expect them all to behave the same way.

Instead, you should keep your expectations in check when it comes to how other people behave around you at workplace. Otherwise, you will end up feeling frustrated or lose your ability to stay calm and responsible.

That being said, it is uttermost important that you convey your expectations in a respectable manner. Tell what you expect from your co-workers, juniors, and seniors as well.

Don’t give too high expectations to your co-workers. Give small suggestions or request, so your colleagues can gradually improve their relationship building abilities.

9. Initiate positive conversations

You build relationships when you start knowing other people at workplace personally and professionally.

It happens gradually, but you can make efforts by initiating positive conversations every time you come in contact with an individual or a group of co-workers.

A positive professional conversation can take place during a meeting. Similarly, you can have a personal one-on-one with a co-worker during lunch breaks. The conversation should be positive and shouldn’t be forced at all.

If you are new at your workplace, initiate conversations by asking questions. You need to find a window of opportunity when a colleague is open to conversation.

This means you can’t bother when someone is busy. Also, the topic of conversations depends on how closely you know that co-worker. Just ask yourself how comfortable you feel starting a conversation. This way, you will find the safest way to initiate conversations.

Regular interaction allows you to know the point of views and personality traits of others. This gives a framework for building work relationships.

10. Listen and observe

Apart from talking, you also need to actually listen and observe. This process should involve people working in your company and the organization as a whole.

Listening and observing allow a chance to understand work culture as well as the personality traits of co-workers, juniors, and bosses.

Understanding other people’s point of views let your brain design a strategy on how to work with each individual. The process is automatic usually, but you need to take control in order to avoid being judgmental.

Getting control of your observations is about respecting the point of views and evaluating your own personality at the same time.

Read Also: How to Improve a Toxic Work Environment

Conclusion

All in all, you need the mentioned ten habits in your professional life to build great work relationships. The process is easier said than done, but you can achieve this goal with determination and self-assessment.

Be truthful to yourself and understand the complexity of working with hundreds of people.

Hopefully, this article has helped you gain some great ideas to improve your work relationships.