Friday, December 27, 2019

US Military Code Of Conduct Rules For Prisoners of War

US Military Code Of Conduct Rules For Prisoners of WarUS Military Code Of Conduct Rules For Prisoners of WarThe Code of Conduct (CoC) is the legal guide for the behavior of military members who are captured by hostile forces. If you are considering joining the military, you will be required to memorize this verbatim during your time in boot camp, basic training, Service Academy, ROTC, and OCS initial military training. The Code of Conduct, in six brief Articles, addresses those situations and decision areas that, to some degree, all military personnel could encounter. It includes basic information useful to U.S. POWs in their efforts to survive honorably while resisting their captors efforts to exploit them to the advantage of the enemys cause and their own disadvantage. Such survival and resistance requirevarying degrees of knowledge of the meaning of the six Articles of the CoC. Article I - I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am pr epared to give my life in their defense. ExplanationArticle I of the CoC applies to all Service members at all times. A member of the Armed Forces has a duty to support U.S. interests and oppose U.S. enemies regardless of the circumstances, whether located in a combat environment or in captivity. Medical personnel and chaplains are obligated to abide by the provisions of the CoC however, their special retained status under the Geneva Conventions grants them some flexibility in its implementation. What Military Personnel Need to Know Past experience of captured Americans reveals that honorable survival in captivity requires that a service member possesses a high degree of dedication and motivation. Maintaining these qualities requires knowledge of and a strong belief in the following The advantages of American democratic institutions and concepts.Love of and faith in the United States and a conviction that the U.S. cause is just.Faith in and loyalty to fellow POWs. Possessing the ded ication and motivation, such beliefs and trust foster enable POWs to survive long and stressful periods of captivityand return to their country and families honorably with self-esteem intact. Special Provisions for Medical Personnel Chaplains. Under the Geneva Conventions, medical personnel who are exclusively engaged in the medical service of their armed forces and chaplains who fall into the hands of the enemy are retained personnel and are not POWs. While this allows them the latitude and flexibility necessary to perform their professional duties, it does not relieve them of their obligation to abide by the provisions of the CoC. Like all members of the Armed Forces, medical personnel and chaplains are accountable for their actions. Remaining Articles of the Code of Conduct Article II-I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist. Explanation Members of the military are no t to surrender voluntarily. Individually or as a group, when isolated and no longer able to fight the enemy or defend themselves, it is their duty to evade capture and rejoin the nearest friendly force. Article III-If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy. ExplanationThe misfortune of capture does not lessen the duty of a member of the Armed Forces to continue resisting enemy exploitation by all means available. Contrary to the Geneva Conventions, enemies whom U.S. forces have engaged since 1949 have mistreated prisoners while in captivity. Article IV- If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back t hem up in every way. ExplanationBeing a POW, communicating and keeping the morale as high as possible with your fellow captives is essential to your survival. You are still in the military and it is the chain of command with a strong leader that will save you and your fellow prisoners. Article V-When questioned, should I become aprisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. ExplanationWhen questioned, a POW is required by the Geneva Conventions and the CoC to only give the name, rank, service number, and date of birth. This communication is for accountability purposes as well as having a guideline for avoiding being used as enemy propaganda, allowing the prisoner some flexibility when torture and other illegal mistreatment or harsh activity is involved. Article VI-I wil l never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. Explanation Keeping the faith is critical to the survival of an American in custody. Article VI is designed to assist members of the Armed Forces to fulfill their responsibilities and survive captivity with honor.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Youll never guess the three best cities for equal pay in America

Youll never guess the three best cities for equal pay in AmericaYoull never guess the three best cities for equal pay in AmericaMultiple studies have shown a wage gap between men and women and have sought to explain it through everything from job titles to education to the work of starting a family.ABODO, an apartment search service, is looking into a different wage gap factor where you live. Analyzing 2015U.S. Census Bureau salary data on full-time workers, ABODO looked at wage trends inmetropolitan cities and how that affected housing affordability.The results are far more surprising than any weve seen so far.If you want equal pay, move to Durham or Los AngelesThe city with the most equal pay between men and women was in Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Durham womens median salaries wereabout 92.6% of what Durham men earned.The other two cities that were closest to closing the gender gap were in California Los Angeles and Fresno.Our research team believes that Los Angeles is a l eader in equal pay because of the high concentration of jobs in progressive industries such as PR public relations, media, entertainment and healthcare. With a large number of jobs in industries that are leading the charge for equal pay, its no surprise to see Los Angeles at the top of the national list, Sam Radbil, ABODOs senior communications manager told Ladders.If youre a women moving to Utah for a job, perhaps reconsider. Provo, Utah, and Ogden, Utah, were among the top two cities with the highest wage disparity between genders. Baton Rouge, New Orleans, was the other city that topped this unflattering list.Women make more in two fast-growing occupations community and social services- women were earning 93.8 cents to a mans 90 cents- and the installation, maintenance, and repair industry where women earned 92.2 cents over the 90 cents men earned.How much you make determines what housing you can affordAs anyone whos looked forhousing knows, your salary determines whether you ca n afford a tiny loft or a three-bedroom apartment.ABODO also looked into how the gender wage gap in cities would affect what square footage a man or woman could afford if they only spent 30% of their income on rent.On national average, women couldliterally afford less space with their salaries 1,143 square feet compared to mens 1,448 square feet.For instance,women are overrepresented in the healthcare industry- they make up 70% of this industrys labor force- but they are in an occupation that has a wide gender pay gap.This leads to less square footage, so female healthcare workersin New Orleans can afford 1,551 square feet compared to a male healthcare worker who could afford up to 2,566 square feet.Women professionals are often toldto own your space, a method toproject confidence and authority in a world of societal expectations that wants you to shrink and apologize. With this study, we have confirmationthat getting underpaid will both economically and physicallylead to less spac e that you can own.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

5 Ways to Maximize Your 2018 Job Search

5 Ways to Maximize Your 2018 Job Search5 Ways to Maximize Your 2018 Job SearchAh, its the start of a new year, and with that often comes hopes for a better life, with new successes over the next year. For many, finding a new job is high on the list.If youre wanting a new job in the new year, weve got five ways to maximize your 2018 job search to find that perfect fit.Here are five ways to maximize your 2018 job search1. Capitalize on the new year momentum.Whether you make New Years resolutions or not, its hard to deny the feeling of starting anew and starting fresh that tends to permeate the air. Capitalize on this momentum to pep yourself up for a job search.If youve been searching for a while, or just starting out, try making some job search resolutions to guide you. Consider goals and deadlines to help you focus and make the process seem more attainable.2. Consider flexible jobs.Considering a flexible job can expand your options and even bring you more happiness in your career. If youre open to working a remote job, you can expand your job search outside of the city you live in, and to companies located anywhere in the world. Flexible and remote jobs can be found a many different career areas, as technology has allowed many traditional in-office jobs to be performed remotely. specializes in finding these types of jobs and ensuring they are scam-free. Using to find a remote job can expedite your job search and ensure youre finding professional-level and legitimate jobs.3. Research companies, not just jobs.The typical job search protocol is to open up a job search board and type in the job title youre looking for. However, consider changing up your 2018 job search by researching companies. This tactic can help you learn about a companys culture and mission to ensure youd be a good fit. You may even be able to uncover jobs at great companies that havent been posted on traditional job boards.If you find a company you really want to work for, but it doesnt have a ny open jobs in your field, you can cold call a company by sending an email and pitching your services.4. Get organized.Maximize your 2018 job search by getting organized. Theres no time like the beginning of the year to start a new habit. Figure out an organizational system that works for you. Perhaps its a simple spreadsheet where you keep track of what jobs you applied to and when, or maybe its using a program, such as Trello, to keep more detailed notes.Staying on top of the details of your job search can help you feel more focused and less stressed.5. Refresh your professional documents and profiles.Its not the best part of job searching, but its something that must be done. Use the new year to think back over your accomplishments from the past year and add them to your resume. If youve been sending out the same documents to apply to jobs, give them a refresh. Reword what you can and find a new, better way to say what you mean.Also look at your professional angeschlossen profil es, such as LinkedIn, and add any new information and/or freshen up what you already have. An update to these documents can help you dive into your 2018 job search with a renewed purpose.Start Your Job Search

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Importance of Health Insurance to a Benefits Package

Importance of Health Insurance to a Benefits PackageImportance of Health Insurance to a Benefits PackageHealth insurance is the foundation of a comprehensive benefits package for employees. It is the preferred benefit of the majority of people who work. Health insurance marks an employer as an employer of choice when desirable candidates select job opportunities. Health insurance is an insurance policy that will pay specified amounts of money to titel medical expenses or treatments. Employer-provided health insurance policies, also known as group health insurance policies, offer employees many different options for insurance coverage. Employer-provided policies vary in their approaches to coverage According to Healthinsurance.org, of the Americans who have health coverage, nearly 60% obtain their coverage through an employer-sponsored plan. In these group health plans, the employer pays the premium, or the lions share of the premium, that covers a wide range of health care expenses t hat vary by policy. Generally, group health insurance plans cover the cost of medical office visits for illness and checkups, hospitalization, emergency room services, ambulance transportation, operations, physical therapy, and even prescription drugs, to provide several examples of potentially covered health care services. But, every plan is different and it behooves an employee to become familiar with the details of his or her employers planbefore the benefit is needed. Health Care Cost In recent years, because of health care cost increases, employees are paying an increased percentage of the cost of their health insurance premiums, usually through a payroll deduction. Some plans cover the employee who must pay the cost of insuring family members. Additionally, almost every plan has a co-payment (co-pay) responsibility in which the employee pays a nominal fee to cover a portion of the health care service provided, usually ranging from $10-40.00. In addition to reducing the cos t of health care coverage for employees, the second advantage of an employer-sponsored plan is that they offer guaranteed coverage the insurance company must cover all applicants whose employment qualifies them for coverage. Typically, employer-sponsored plans can include a range of plan options. From health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) to plans that provide additional coverage such as dental insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance, employer-sponsored health plans can be comprehensive to meet the insurance needs of employees. Changes Upcoming in Health Insurance Coverage In 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It is anticipated that significant changes to health insurance plans, practices, and costs will occur as a result of this law. Various provisions of the health insurance overhaul law rolled out starting in 2010 throu gh mid-decade. Certain changesrelating to coverage of children up to age 26 and people with prior existing conditions and morehave already taken place. More are predicted. Most employers are anticipating health insurance cost increases and impacts to employee health coverage. These impacts, at best, change and expand existing coverage and benefits, and at worst, may cause employers to no longer afford to offer an employer-provided health insurance option. No one is currently aware of the total requirements or impact of these far-reaching changes to health insurance provision and health care in the US. Health insurance is an appreciated employee benefit. Sought after employees will not consider accepting a job that does not provide health insurance coverage as an employee benefit. Disclaimer Please Note Susan Heathfield makes every effort to offer accurate, common-sense, ethical Human Resources management, employer, and workplace advice both on this website, and linked to from this website, but she is not an attorney, and the content on the site, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality, and is not to be construed as legal advice. The site has a world-wide audience and employment laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country, so the site cannot be definitive on all of them for your workplace. When in doubt, always seek legal counsel or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct. The information on this site is for guidance, ideas, and assistance only.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

The Confidential Secrets for Example of a Good Cv Revealed

The Confidential Secrets for Example of a Good Cv Revealed A Secret Weapon for Example of a Good Cv Formatting a CV for a PhD application is fairly easy and straight-forward, but there might be variations across different regions of academia, therefore its better to consult with members of yur distinct department, regarding any specifics attached to your area. You should make sure the absolute most important details in your resume appear on the very first page rather than the second. VisualCV If you would like to fit everything on a single page, the space-saver CV has become the most suitable format to select, particularly for students. If you want more help, its possible to also use a CV builder to lead you through the writing process. The skills-based CV enables you to concentrate on the skills you have developed in numerous regions of your life. If a person is offering you advice that will enhance the caliber of your CV, it is simply that. By now hopefully youve realised the value of a fantastic cv. First point to consider is that the CV isnt the only means to showcase your credentials and your previous successes, but is important to articulating your own personal brand. When you return to the geschftsleben you originally left, list it again with the info about that position. In the event that you had quite a few distinct roles within the exact same Company, list the dates and then detail the particular roles and duties below. Make sure that your contact information is accurate. You can opt to omit the contact details if, for instance, one is a present employer or you would rather contact them first. The Bad Secret of Example of a Good Cv Make certain it is the very best example of a CV possible. You cant afford to acquire your CV wrong. You wont have the ability to tailor your CV to a certain job if youre posting it on a CV database, so be sure it covers all of your major achievements. An excellent CV is well-structured and simple to rea d. There arent any definitive rules to writing a fantastic CV, but there are a number of basic guidelines you can follow to make certain your CV is presented professionally. It is very important that you fully proof read your CV to produce certain that you have accurate spelling and grammar. This curriculum vitae format provides you with an illustration of what things to have in your academic CV and shows the suitable format for a curriculum vitae. Your goal is to make it simple for them to set your CV in the in pile as opposed to throw it out. Picking out the perfect CV to highlight your abilities and experiences is very important. Example of a Good Cv the Ultimate Convenience The objective, just enjoy the remainder of your resume, is about you. If youre thinking of applying for an internship, but youre unsure whether a training course is best for you, take a look at our reviews. When you would like to locate a job, you need to have a plan of action to help you accomplish yo ur aims. At precisely the same time, however, getting a superior teaching job in a superior school is growing increasingly difficult as the amount of TEFL teachers with 10, 20 or even 30 years experience is increasing. Gossip, Deception and Example of a Good Cv People who are employed in the area of logistics coordinate the transportation, distribution, and purchase of goods and services for a number of business environments. Theres no need to spell out why you left past positions. Write If youre applying for work abroad or a position in a business which works on a worldwide degree, you want to demonstrate that you have what it requires to stay informed about their fast paced work environments. When its as a result of a shift in the business or a shift in your interests, there are plenty of reasons to earn a mid-career transition. Clearly, a prospective employer will want to understand what education youve received and will also want to find any jobs which you can have had already. When you have prepared and submitted your CV to an employer the hope is you will be requested to attend work interview. If youre looking for jobs as a bookkeeper or in any other region of expertise, your success will be dependent on your willingness to take the correct actions. If you would like to land job interviews in the modern job market, you require a high-quality CV that attractsrecruiters and employers. Below youll find a collection of CVs. Your CV is just one of the most essential factors for job hunting. Fantastic CVs have to be optimised with key words related to the jobs youre applying for. Sending a CV that youve tailored for a certain role will demonstrate the employer that you comprehend the work description. Theres nobody approach to create a fantastic CV. Your CV needs to be something which engages an employers attention and enables you to stick out from other applicants. Your CV is the very first chance you get to generate a great impression on a prospective employer. Your CV and cover letter are frequently the very first impression a provider gets of you, making them daunting for new graduates.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

2014 Forecast for Video Interviewing [Whitepaper] - Spark Hire

2014 Forecast for Video Interviewing Whitepaper - Spark HireVideo interviewing is like a successful child star. The budding technology catapulted to fame in no time and captured the hearts of many employers, recruiters, and staffing professionals worldwide. Theres no denying the potential of this hot HR trend as the technology grows mora and more robust. However, similar to the uncertainty child actors face in their careers, if we fast-forward a few months, where will we find video interviewing? The answer lies in Spark Hires newly released whitepaper, The 2014 Forecast for Video Interviewing.While most child actors run the risk of becoming a fleeting memory, the outlook for video interviewing is incredibly bright In fact, the free to download whitepaper reveals the many ways employers will harness video interviewing in 2014. Readers also get an in-depth look into which companies and industries will prosper from the technology, as well as which types of candidates and workers will be best suited for the technology.More employers are expected to adopt video interviewing in 2014, says Josh Tolan, CEO of Spark Hire. With The 2014 Forecast for Video Interviewing whitepaper, were offering current and potential users more than a glimpse into the evolving uses of the technology.What are some examples of these forecasted trends and uses? In 2014, its predicted that employers will do away with quick fixes like Skype and opt for more potent video interviewing solutions like Spark Hire. The paper also reveals the online workforce is primed and ready for video interviewing to become the new norm. Why? There are currently about 34 million Americans who work at home at least occasionally. By 2016, virtual workers will consist of 43% of the American workforce. Its not hard to imagine why companies will increasingly use video interviews to screen virtual candidates for cultural fit theres no travel requiredDownload the new whitepaper, The 2014 Forecast for Video Interviewing, from Spark Hire to learn more about whats to come for video interviewing.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

How to Deal With Hostile Employee Questions

How to Deal With Hostile Employee QuestionsHow to Deal With Hostile Employee QuestionsIt can happen in any business meeting Some unhappy employeeasks a question that is off-topic, related only to their own situation, or to push anotlageher agenda. How you respond to disgruntled employees and challenging questions is important because it sends a message to other employees about the attitudes and philosophies held by management - even when those attitudes are not necessarily those of the company itself. The following strategies can help you respond appropriately to employees who try to stir up trouble in business meetings. Devaluing One Employee Devalues Others If you devalue one employee, their peers may also feel devalued. For example, if you insult one assembly line worker, you insult them all. If you criticize one secretary, others are likely to also feel criticized. Even if you make carte blanche statements tech hilfe failed to do their job but we are working on getting them up to speed you devalue other employees peers, friends, co-workers and send the silent message if management will publicly flog one rolle or department, they could flog yours, too. Provide Direction but Not Meeting Air Time If someone asks a question that is hostile, unrelated, or inappropriate, direct the person asking the question with a specific command or instruction, such as to put it in writing to management so you have time to carefully consider the problem or idea later. You might be able to diffuse a particularly volatile question by including the person posing the question rather than excluding them. For example, you might suggest they come up with a brief meeting agenda on that topic or a list of concerns. Be sure to give them a specific person to submit it in writing to. If you do not offer a clear set of instructions, you sound dismissive. If you are not sure who the right point of contact is, say so, and ask the employee to call or email you later after you have ha d time to find out who they should really pose their question to. In most situations, it is important that you do not directly answer a hostile question because It gives credibility to the question (it must be an issue if you took so much time to answer it)It can make you appear defensive (especially if you are caught off guard) andAs soon as you give a meeting air time to, or spend too much time addressing one angry questioner, you may end up with others jumping on board due to the crowd phenomenon. The crowd phenomenon describes when an individual who might not do or say something on their own feels empowered when others are doing something, joins in with whatever the others in a group or crowd are doing. In a meeting, if one person gets away with taking up time, others are likely to attempt to join in with their own agendas, concerns, or questions. Never make statements that devalue the person directly or indirectly. If you say a question is unfounded and deserves no reply, the m essage the audience might hear is that you are dismissing a concern they have. Validate Without Agreeing You can validate a persons question without valuing it outside the other persons feelings. Validation is simply anacknowledgment that something is important or has value to someone else - even if it does not to others. By incorporating statements like, I understand why you think that is important, or Clearly the situation was upsetting to you, is not the same thing as admitting you agree.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Why You Need an Original Cover Letter for Each Job Youre Applying to

Why You Need an Original Cover Letter for Each Job Youre Applying toWhy You Need an Original Cover Letter for Each Job Youre Applying toSome candidates make the mistake of focusing on their resume without giving much thought to theirtitelseite letter. Others dont even send one in at all, believing that hiring managers simply dont read them.But submitting a personalized and persuasive letter, along with your resume, is another vital tool that will help you stand out in a sea of other candidates. Heres whyYour titelseite letter is a great place to get personal about your background, skills, and abilities. You can share a story that ties in well with the opening to which youre applying. Or you can talk about your in-depth knowledge of the company and how excited you were when you saw the posting. Your cover letter provides space for you to showcase who are you as a candidate beyond just your skill set and past job titles.Another reason a personalized cover letter is so important is that it gives you the chance to get more specific about why youre a great fit for the job. While your resume is talking about your past, your cover letter can highlight your present state i.e. why you want the job and the future value you can contribute. You can discuss what you bring to the table, the impact you could make if hired, and which specific skills and abilities the employer might be most interested in putting to work.Whatever you do with your cover letter, avoid regurgitating what you have on your resume, just in letter form. The information you include in your cover letter should be unique to that document and either build on, or introduce, whats in your resume. It shouldnt be a replica.Some other tips from our professional cover letter writers to help you craft a polished and powerful letter includeResearch the company and their hiring needs so you can more easily align your background and abilities with their mission, culture, and job opening.Write a great lead. This is the opening sentence and should engage the hiring manager from the start, so they want to keep reading.While you should always be professional, its ok to go with a warm and friendly tone in your cover letter. You want to come off as a human, not a robot.Avoid clichs and empty statements, like youre a hard worker or team player. Instead, get specific and offer details and stories that show youre a hard worker, rather than saying it.Clearly, writing a cover letter isnt always easy. Thats why if youre struggling with the job, then you should consider working with professional cover letter writers, like those at ResumeSpice. We can help you distinguish yourself from the competition, all so you get the call for an interview. Interested in learning more? Contact us at 832.930.7378 today.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Is there a good way to say no to your boss

Is there a good way to say no to yur baboIs there a good way to say no to your bossI struggled with saying no to my boss and coworkers, until I started using these 5 approaches that allowed me to say no without sounding rude or lazy.Its a situation many of us have been in we have a get-it-done, make-it-happen attitude, we work so hard, and we dont say no to any request that is thrown our way. And then what happens? We become overwhelmed with work, our attention pulled in many different directions, and the most important work we need to get done suffers.The bottom line is you need to start saying no to mora things. It can be tough, especially when senior folks in the company are asking you to do things, but focusing your time and setting boundaries is important for any professional. Many of these tips are inspired by Essentialism, its a book that changed my life.Here are 5 ways to say no1. Use the Yes, what should I re-prioritize? methodThis works especially well when receiving reques ts from superiors. Let me give you an exampleI once had a boss say to me,Will you make customized agenda and place settings for each person attending the training for tomorrow? That will be such a nice touch.In one sentence she assigned me 3 hours of work. So I saidYes, today I am booked up completing info packets, meeting with each vendor to ensure they have everything, and syncing up with each participant what should I re-prioritize for this?And she immediately responded,Oh yes focus on those things, dont worry about the place settings, its not that important.The lesson here is that when someone asks you to do something they often dont realize how busy you are and how not important their ask is compared to everything else you are doing. When that happens say Yes, what should I reprioritize? And they will generally figure out something else.2. Use a bit of humorThis one is tricky, we dont want to be awkward, but I like to be playful to diffuse a potentially uncomfortable situation .I had a coworker, we will call him Frank, walk by my desk say,Madeline, its cold in here, will you change the temperature on the thermostat?And instead of snapping back, No I am not the temperature monitor Or saying, Okay sure, and then resenting him for sidetracking my work, I said with a smile,Frank, youve got that big genius brain. I have full faith that if you put your mind to it, you can figure out how to change the thermostat. You can DO ITHe chuckled, we had some funny banter back and forth, and then he went over and took care of it himself. It was then that I realized using humor to say no is a great way to keep things light at work.3. Make it a teachable momentLets say your boss asks you for something that you know they have the resources to get themselves. Such asHey, could you tell me the dates of the conference?And you know that information is exactly where its supposed to be for them to reference. I recommend to make it a teachable moment. Say,Absolutely youll find the full calendar is here (link) which has the conference dates and all the important milestones leading up to it.Dont get in the habit of simply telling people what information they ask for, show them how to look it up themselves. Ive noticed more often than not that the person Im teaching truly did not know how to help themselves, and they appreciate me showing them.4. Suggest somebody else to do itIts much easier to say I cant do it, but X might be interested than it is to reject a request outright. You are able to come off as being helpful, without having to do the task for yourself.Especially if you are a consultant or work for yourself, have a list of people you can refer others to. Its a double win you help the person asking and you refer business to someone else which strengthens your relationship with them.My job can sometimes be a catch-all of little tasks - if you work in HR at a start-up you know what Im talking about - so employees dont always know where my role starts a nd ends. Employees get in the habit of bringing me many of their requests and if Im not careful, I can end up spreading myself way too thin.Therefore, when they say, Madeline can you deutsche post ag this on social media? I recommend them to reach out to the marketing department. Or, Madeline can I get conference hardware installed in that meeting room? I refer them to IT. Ive realized that when I make exceptions and start helping with every little task, I become completely swamped and not able to do the most important parts of my job. Dont be shy to suggest someone else to do a task.5. Use the If you can X, then I will Y responseSomeone may give you a big ask, and before agreeing to it, think about a compromise.Such as, a boss once said to me,Madeline, youre good at writing, could you write his speech for him?WOW, thats a big ask Instead of taking on such a big task, I modified the askTotally, how about if he writes the initial draft then I will come in and edit it and punch it up. That was a great compromise, I didnt say no, I modified the ask. So think about how you can divide the work with whoever is involved.The main thing to take away from these are that just because your boss asks you to do something doesnt mean they require it to happen exactly the way they asked. Protect your time, redefine the ask, and empower yourself to say noFor some more of my favorite tips on how to have a great healthy relationship with your boss check them out here.This article first appeared on Quora.