the encouragement lounge

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Thriving

I just recently found a cool blog called "The Lift Blog". Here is an interesting post by Monica Worline -- "Thinking about Thriving".

More soon!

Harriet

Photo by HLS

Monday, June 28, 2010

Cool Mondays!

Hi All,

If you are in Pittsburgh, or if it's hot and muggy where you are... this one's for you! A cool image to cheer you on!

All the best with your work!

Harriet

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Symptoms and cures for writer's block

This is from the good folks at the Purdue Writing Center:

Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Monday, June 21, 2010

Beating Procrastination

Hi All,

Here is a thoughtful article on understanding and beating procrastination:

Beating Procrastination

Happy Monday!

Harriet

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Saturday morning video -- Coinstar by PES

Good morning all! Here is your Saturday morning video -- this is a rerun, but it's a fun one, so I'm sharing it again!

Coinstar by PES

Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

p.s. this one goes out to a friend who could use some shoe fun

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

"Deepening the Mentoring Relationship"

Here is some advice on how to develop and strengthen mentoring relationships. This is taken from "Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most Out of Their Relationships" by Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy.

"1. Develop a deep understanding of each other's work environment and issues.

2. Develop a mutual admiration society.

3. Treat each other as confidants instead of as competitors.

4. Be open to your partner's influence and ideas.

5. Help each other to focus on solvable problems.

6. Develop a relationship that is meaningful for both parties.

7. Consider the important role of gender, race, or generational differences in the relationship.

8. Know when to bring others into the mentoring network."

photo by HLS

Monday, June 14, 2010

Monday morning laugh..

Are you missing those old typewriter days? If so, some clever dude has just the thing for you (is this for real???), a USB typewriter gadget that lets you type on a typewriter and that serves as the keyboard for your iPad or other computer screen. Check it out (watch the video!):

USB typewriter

Happy Monday!

Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.