If you're one of the growing number of managers who find themselves interviewing candidates with disabilities, make certain you're aware of the expected protocol. Focus on the job requirements. When you think it's appropriate, offer the applicant assistance. For example: If the individual has trouble grasping things, it might be appropriate for you to help open a door. However, don't assume your help will automatically be accepted, and don't do things for the candidate without asking first. For candidates in a wheelchair: Review your floor plan and rearrange any obstacles that make it less accessible to someone in a wheelchair (e.g., furniture in your office that's difficult to maneuver around) Never lean on the wheelchair Make sure you get on the same eye level during the interview Don't push the wheelchair unless asked

When power point was first introduced, people loved it! Last week, during a presentation skills program a few participants wanted to share with me how much they hate power point. Hate is a pretty strong word but I can understand their frustration. First of all, some people think that preparing power point slides is creating a presentation. Power point slides should be used to reinforce the speakers message. They should not be used to take the place of the speaker! If you want a presentation without a speaker, write a book. Power point slides should also be simple. No paragraphs or sentences. Bulleted lists work best. Visuals (pictures) should be tied to the speakers message. Sounds and animations should be kept to a minimum. The speaker also needs to stay out of projector light and to never, ever, ever turn to the screen and read the slide! Maintaining eye contact with the audience is one of the most powerful presentation techniques. Power point is a wonderful tool when used properly!

Summer is a great time to kick back as my husband would say and have some fun. The days are long and the weather is beautiful. Play with your kids, go camping, watch a sunset, catch fire flies, go skinny dipping, go to a ballgame, visit the boardwalk, have a water gun fight with your spouse, go whitewater rafting, take a mental health day. A few years ago a friend told me that when she was a kid, she spent the summer in her backyard pool. The sad part of the story was that her mother never went in the pool because she didn't want to mess up her hair and makeup.