Perception is Reality
June 7, 2008
Do your coworkers like you? Does your boss think you are impressive? Do your subordinates think you are fair? How are you perceived?
Questions like these cross everyone’s mind every day, and the answers we give ourselves help us determine how to get along in the world. Knowing the extent to which your coworkers like you might make you more or less likely to invite them out to lunch. When you get the impression that your boss is disappointed in you, you can tell that it is time to put more effort into your work.
Having an accurate understanding of what others think of you can be essential to getting along in life, and to getting ahead in the workplace.
Much of everyday behavior is directed toward understanding, responding to, or attempting to change how we are seen by the people around us. We can be easily led astray, however, by common errors in these perceptions. New research shows us that when we want to better understand how others see us, we should start by changing the way we look at ourselves.
Nicholas Epley, assistant professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, presents: Know What I’m Thinking? Understanding How We Can Improve Our “Mind Reading” Skills, at the GSB Capital Ideas website.
According to the authors:
If we do not have a good sense for the things people in our workplace are thinking when they look at us, the authors suggest that we could find ourselves investing our time and energy in the wrong ways.
Stop by their website, read the article, watch the video interview, and see The Big Picture.
Arizona Entrepreneur’s Edge
March 25, 2008
The State of Arizona encourages entrepreneurship and has many resources to help to become successful. The Department of Commerce is one such source.
The Arizona Department of Commerce will help ease your way into becoming your own boss. This is your online resource center – a website where you can find information on business licensing, statewide resources, certification, procurement opportunities, and much more. We are here for every stage of your business development.
Download Arizona Entrepreneur’s Edge (full version) (PDF), a free resource guide from the Department of Commerce to starting, operating and growing a business in Arizona. This guide provides general information for new business owners and serves as a reference and directory for established businesses of all sizes.
Arizona College Savings Plan
March 12, 2008
Did you know that contributions to a 529 plan can now be deducted annually from Arizona State income taxes? As of January 1, 2008, Arizona families can begin taking advantage of this opportunity to save for college. Eligible individuals who are single and/or designated as ‘head of household’ can deduct up to $750 annually while married individuals filing jointly can deduct up to $1,500 annual deduction.
This new state tax incentive now allows Arizona residents using a 529 plan to save taxes in two ways.
First, 529 plans assets grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are federal and Arizona State Income tax-free when funds are used for qualified higher education expenses. This incentive became permanent with the passing of the Pension Protection Plan of 2006. Second, the new incentive gives families a tax benefit on the front-end when they make contributions to a 529 Plan.
What’s really exceptionally about this new benefit is that you can deduct contributions to ANY 529 College Savings Plan in the United States and still be eligible for this deduction. You are not required to invest in the Arizona College Savings Program in order to claim this deduction. You’re allowed to shop around for the best plan for your individual situation.
Personally, I find The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan works best for me, but there are many other low-cost, low minimum plans available.
The best place to start learning is at A Guide to Understanding 529 Plans. The best places to start shopping are Savingforcollege.com and the College Savings Plan Network.
Also, don’t forget to check out other ways that help you save:
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