Thursday, March 12, 2020

This 1 Tactic Is All You Need to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

This 1 Tactic Is All You Need to Overcome Imposter Syndrome Ive been coaching an incredible woman, Alison, who had recently been promoted from manager to director. In preparation for our 6 month coaching anniversary, I went back through all of my bedrngnises and pulled out key themes of topics that we been talking about. The list included many things you would expect (and challenges so many female managers struggle with) how to be better at delegating, how to deal with staff who did notlage do a good job on delegated tasks, figuring out what she is most passionate about, learning to say no and remembering that if you dont know what you want, you wont ask for it, and you wont get it.As we went through the list, we shared reflections about each of the items. Then, Alison stepped back, thought hard for a moment, and said it kind of feels like all of the things on the list really get back to one single issue. I need to believe that I am good enough to be the director, and then act like I really am the director.As I sat therbeie watching her, through our Zoom call, I could see this wave of realization welchesh over her.I was in complete agreement She was struggling with impostor syndrome. In fact, we had talked about impostor syndrome at our second meeting together. I had even forwarded her an article about it. But, at the time, she wasnt ready to think about the idea that she was experiencing impostor syndrome. She was so deeply rooted in it, believing so much that she did not really deserve the job she was given that she couldnt even fathom how impostor syndrome would fit in.Alison is not alone. Not even close.As reported in Forbes, people who experience impostorsyndrome are high achieversunable to internalize and accept their success, often attributing their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as frauds.As women get promoted, particularly to management positions and beyond, they are often not given the support they need. This is so unfortunate, because almost 3/4 of women experience impostor syndrome. And experiencing impostor syndrome affects the way you interact with those around you, and ultimately can be detrimental for your self-esteem, your self-confidence and your career. A research study of over 200 professionals found that when people experienced impostor syndrome, they had lower pay, were promoted less frequently and were less satisfied at work.Christine Michel Carter writer, speaker and consultant advising on the mindset of Black women and millennial moms says that when women ignore impostor syndrome, it either progresses into anxiety or summit syndrome, which is basically just the act of chasing an unattainable corporate high. Its not only difficult to function in both spaces, but they are also bad for your career.So, what is one thing you can do to overcome impostor syndrome?To figure out how to address impostor syndrome, I went right to the top. I spoke to Dr. Vale rie Young, an internationally-known expert on impostor syndrome and author of award-winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It.What you want is to stop feeling like an impostor. But feelings are the last to change, she said. Instead we need to understand that people who dont feel like impostors are no more capable or intelligent or talented than those who do. The only difference between them and us is that in the same situation that triggers impostor feelings in us a job interview, starting a business, having our work critiqued, getting a promotion they are thinking different thoughts. Thats it.She continued This is really good news, because all we have to do is learn to think like non-impostors. The only way to stop feeling like an impostor, you have to stop thinking like an impostor.It isnt an action you need to change. You just have to realize that your feelings are not rational.Alis on tried this tactic and saw immediate results.Alison and I talked about how she could approach situations with a different mindset. Rather than starting a conversation assuming people dont think shes good enough, what if she really focused on the facts?Within one day, she began an incredible transformation and sent me this emailI had a meeting and tried my best to keep our conversation in mind throughout. I wasnt really as focused on having all of the answers, but focused on the questions that would help lead us to some decisions. It went well.I paid more attention to the types of things my kollektiv members was talking about, and for the first time was able to see what hea male colleague that reports to herwas saying with a different perspective. Our conversation helped me to realize that he wasnt resisting or pushing back against me, he just has a different way to look at things and different priorities.Paying more attention to why he was making the suggestions he was making (as opposed to just assuming that he was implying that I am not good at my job, not worthy, etc.) also helped me realize that one of the things I bring to the position is historical knowledge of our organization and industry that he doesnt have. I know we have spoken about that before, but it was just today that I really internalized it and it clicked.Reading her email gave me tingles. The idea that Alison could approach the meeting with this one different tactic in mind and was immediately able to see her unique value is amazing.Overcoming impostor syndrome in a journey, not a one-time action. But changing your mindset has the power to begin that transformation. What would it take for you to approach your next work meeting with this tactic in mind that people without impostor syndrome are no better, they just think differently? Are you ready to transform how you feel about your own value? Give it a whirl.--Julia Egan has a PhD from Penn State in human development and is the co-founde r ofBalancing Bravely, a resource for working moms striving to create a work-life balance that allows them to thrive. Sign up forfree tips and resources and to read her latest posts on advancing your career, achieving financial freedom, balancing work and family, and finding a little time for yourself.Are you struggling to balance it all? Grab theWork-Life Balance guide to get you on the path to success.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Incredible Facts About Best Resume Writing Services, Revealed by Industry Leaders

Incredible Facts About Best Resume Writing Services, Revealed by Industry Leaders Vital Pieces of Best Resume Writing Services, Clients can be sure that their private information wont ever be shared with third parties. The geschftsleben becomes good scores on a couple of websites, but nonetheless, it mostly gets complaints by real users. This list includes not just the category of the resume but the merchandise and price too. As a consequence, you can plektron among the best services at a price thats realistic to you and get invited to all the interviews you wished to enter. The Advantages of Best Resume Writing Services, To really aid you in finding a wonderful company, we look at every tiny facet of it quality, pricing, and reliability, simply to mention a couple. The reviews might not be taken as the important aspect for making the selection of the resume writing service the reviews may occasionally be already outdated, sometimes lack some important info, etc. Its import ant to employ a service which provides you a wonderful price for top quality. The service of Resumarea is supplied to clients at an affordable price that correlates to the value of your self-presentation. When you employ a professional writer to assist you with the application documents, the results will differ. If you need a plain resume and you may write your own content, the tool will provide you the format. The service employs an individual approach for writing all sorts of personalized documents, including cover letters and other kinds of employment-related correspondence. If you cannot locate a review on a specific company you want to know more about, I advise that you take a peek at our top rated resume writing services and spielblttchen one from the list. Make the most of our reviews to ensure the online resume writing service you decide to hire truly will be able to help you secure a bright future for you and your loved ones My site is your very best solution if you are fighting with the decision on which service you need to select. Whispered Best Resume Writing Services, Secrets Basically, writing skills really make a difference in the way you encounter. Resume writing is the main step in presenting your abilities and receiving the job that you desire. However polished your writing skills are, at times its much better to employ a professional who can frame your experiences in a manner that permits you to command the interest of the greatest companies in your industry. Simply enumerating your abilities and experiences isnt enough. Furthermore, the business offers career planning assistance and interview advice. Our work is targeted on providing result-oriented resumes which not only attract hiring managers attention, but in addition make you receive the desirable position. How to discover the ideal executive resume writing service can be as simple as picking up the telephone. Whether you are a newcomer to writing resumes and cover lett ers or your written resume doesnt appear to secure you invited on a lot of interviews, were right here to assist you. The organization utilizes an individual approach to each customer and customizes every resume. The pop-up window on the web site enables you to book a consultation and share your career goals to make the most of the effectiveness of cooperation. The resume is an immense influence on the way the employer or admission board will understand your program, and whether you will be thought of a terrific candidate. If you landsee a service we havent evaluated, dont hesitate to drop us a message and we are going to take a look once possible.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Remote Weekly Digest

Remote Weekly Digest Apply to one of our featured fully remote jobs below or visit our page with remote positions for even more opportunities Buffer - Customer Advocate (Remote) Blockstack - Designer, Marketing (Remote)Crossover - Vice President of Technical Product Management (Remote)Dell - Technology Services Manager (Remote)General Assembly - Part Time Product Management Instructor (Remote)GitLab - Frontend Engineer (Remote)Karat - Business Development Representative (Remote)Paylocity - QA Engineer (Remote)S&P in aller herren lnder - Threat Intelligence Lead (Remote)Zapier - Marketing Data Analyst (Remote) One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter cate gory. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 1000000 construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in th e Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list a t $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Sample Resume for Daycare Teacher Job Position

Sample Resume for Daycare Teacher Job PositionSample Resume for Daycare Teacher Job PositionA resume that shows your well-roundedness in terms of personality, creativity, and leadership skills makes you a desirable candidate for day care employers.Teaching in a day care setting involves working with various aspects of child development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, speech, and motor skills. While achievements and relevant certifications in child care are important, your positive character is a huge factor for day care organizations. Aligning the tone of your objectives, accomplishments, and strengths with the mission or philosophy of the prospective day care facility can help employers find an ideal match in you. Keep your resume thermisch yet authentic and professional, and quantify your experience by indicating the number and ages of children you have worked with.Read the day care teacher resume template below to give you ideas on how you can present your winni ng qualifications. Create this Resume Vera Soto278 Collins StreetTampa, FL 33602(222)-160-4675v.sotosmail.comObjectiveLooking for a career as a Daycare Teacher in an institution to contribute in teaching and developing the skills and knowledge of students.Summary of QualificationsExcellent leadership qualitiesKnowledge in developing curriculumAbility to handle students to behaveExcellent computer skillsExcellent management skills and strong personalityProfessional ExperienceDaycare Teacher, January 2007 Present Jones Academy, Los Angeles, California ResponsibilitiesMonitored the kids playtime and learning schedules.Organized meetings with parents to discuss the childrens wertmiger zuwachs in class.Organized the toys and books required by children in class.Taught the children how to communicate well with other children.Daycare Assistant, March 2004 December 2006 Jones Academy, Los Angeles, California ResponsibilitiesAssisted the teacher in handling the students in class.Compiled records of students and evaluated them accordingly.Assisted in improving the social skills of the children.Assisted students who have learning difficulties in certain subjects.Communicated with parents regarding the performance of their children in class.EducationMasters Degree in Education, 2004University of ArizonaBachelor of Science in Education, 2001 University of Arizona Customize ResumeMore Sample ResumesDance Teacher Resume Data Analyst Resume Data Architect Resume Data Entry Clerk Resume Database Developer ResumeDay Camp Counselor Resume Daycare Director ResumeDaycare Provider Resume Daycare Teacher Resume Debt Collector Resume Demolition Worker Resume

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The benefits and challenges of being your authentic self at work

The benefits and challenges of being your authentic self at workThe benefits and challenges of being your authentic self at workHave you ever been told to be authentic at work?Immediately, you picture those dinners spent laughing hysterically in the company of friends, being surrounded by family at a summer barbecue set to your favorite music, days on vacation enjoying yourself at the beach, or traveling to a new part of the world.You think, am I supposed to bring that whole person here? But being yourself in the office can come in many forms. Whether its being more (appropriately) open about your personal life, letting others see your professional struggles and successes in the spirit of vulnerability or breaking out of other self-imposed limitations, there are a myriad of ways to embrace who you really are - its just about picking the right way to go about doing so and being aware of where you work.Theres a fine line between being professional with your coworkers and leaving your personal life at home - and cutting off the things and feelings that matter to you because youre afraid they make you less able to do your job. Its important to recognize that each decision comes down tobalance and context, and its worth considering decisions of when to let your workplace guard down on a case-by-case basis. We consulted the experts on the ins and outs of being authentic from 9 to 5 and beyond. Start small and keep it positivePart of being yourself is saying what you would say in any given situation outside of work. You just have to remember whats off-limits. Emotional intelligence expertHarvey Deutschendorf recommendsyou steer clear of talking about anything going on in your life that can be viewed as negative (legal, financial, struggles youre having with people, past criminal activity, mental illness). Dont give people anything that they can use against you if theyre so inclined, Deutschendorf says.While it might be tempting to never share anything about your pe rsonal life, in order to avoid things that could potentially come back to hurt you, he said clamming up isnt a long-term solution.That makes for a very toxic environment. People need to know something about you to trust youpeople are afraid of people who never share anything and never open uppeople have a hard time trusting and building relationships with people like that, Deutschendorf told Ladders.In other words, you have to give to get something back- so dont completely ice people out in an effort to protect yourself. It will most likely backfire.Vicky Oliver, author of Bad Bosses, Crazy Co-Workers and Other Office Idiots says you could start cracking open the door to your personal life at work by picking the key parts of your - or your familys - personal interests that might dovetail with those in your office.So, for example,if you went to a fantastic college, or went to the same school as your anfhrer, you might want to bring that up, or lets say your spouse is a member of t he same meerbusen club as your bossthats the type of thing you may want to tell your boss someday.She also recommended bringing up mutual social connections, people you know in common, to establish a shared bond or affinity.Oliver emphasized that the level of detail you share very much depends on where you work. One cue to staying within appropriate boundaries is to consider what other people in your workplace share, and whether youd be comfortable letting others know that level of information.Only share your vulnerable stories with people you trustWilliam W. George, Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School, Director at Goldman Sachs and author of books includingDiscover Your True North,says sharing significant moments in our lives in which we have overcome challenges shows that we are vulnerable and human and that we have also had times in our lives when we stumbled and continued on.For example, he says, he chooses to share with his classes at HBS that his mother and fiancee passed within a year and half of one another - a series of life-changing events that forged who he is today.He also chooses to share moments in his professional life in which he learned from his mistakes - adding that he once lost my way while working at the Fortune 100 company Honeywell, because he was chasing titles instead of my purpose.In his book, True North Groups, George and co-author Doug Baker recommend creating small groups of trusted associates who will spur you to be better, share personal struggles of their own and support you when youre struggling.In other words, sometimes, its okay to let your guard down - as long as you trust the person or people youre speaking to.Or, asWarren Buffett says, I believe in trusting people. Occasionally, someone will violate my trust, but on balance I am better off in continuing to trust others.Watch out for gossipersOne rule of thumb before you share is to ask yourself if you think youre closer to your colleagues than you actually are.Its important to notice whether your colleagues gossip about each other, or behave in other ways that are covertly competitive. If you pick up an undertone of gossip or covert competition, reel in your desire to be open and self-disclosing, Katherine Crowley, Vice President ofK Squared Enterprises, told Ladders.Kathi Elster, President of K Squared Enterprises, recommends seeking outa professional counselor or therapist rather than talking to your colleagues. But if you have to talk about issues at work because you you need extra time off to resolve them, head straight to the human resources department or your direct manager - never colleagues. While you can develop trustworthy friendships over time at your job, remember its a slow, daily process of earning trust, Crowley said.Many people, especially early in their careers, are hungry for connections and friendship on the job. As difficult as it may be, its wise to keep personal information outside of the office until and unless you kno w who can be truly trusted and who cant, Crowley added.How to avoid blurring the lines between friends and colleaguesLets say youre working in a small company and you get to chatting with your boss about your trip out of town with your significant other over the weekend. Youre feeling like youre on the same page.But then the time comes to get to work, and your boss turns into a different person.Some people find it difficult to switch back and forth between being friends and being colleagues, self-described Millennial Workplace Expert Lindsey Pollaktells Ladders. It can be challenging when your boss tells you about her weekend one minute and then reprimands you for a poorly written document the next. As a leader, you want to be mindful of managing that transition. For example, I know a manager who will humorously say, Okay, Im putting on my boss hat now. Lets talk about that report.No matter how friendly you are with your colleagues, and particularly your supervisors, its always cruc ial to remain aware of the professional boundary between you. In other words, beware of getting too comfortable.Stand up for yourself if someone uses personal information against youWhen things go wrong, it can sting. But its possible to react with grace, no matter how hurt you feel.There will be occasions when you share something and get a less-than-supportive response.In that case, learn from it and move on, George says.In cases like these,Im gonna regret that I shared that with them, George says, and he makes sure to be a little more discerning and careful about who he communicates with next time.Steve Tappin, CEO of the executive coaching company Xinfu and host of the BBC s CEO Guru series, also said if your coworker uses personal information against you, you can stand up for yourself in a professional way.He recommends telling your colleague, I shared that with you in good faith, Im a bit surprised and disappointed that you judged it in that wayI would have hoped that you might have dealt with it in this way before telling them how you hoped their response differed.Theres no one right way to be yourself at workLife coach Tony Robbins defines being yourself as allowing yourself to be spontaneous, instead of responding to how you think youre supposed to be, according to an bewerberinterview with Oprah Winfrey.https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk-xKNswtpYJust as no two people are the same, no two office settings are the same. But you can gain a lot from sharing aspects of your personal story at work - you just have to be wise about what you say and to whom you say it. Just keep in mind that every workplace has different standards, what works for you may not work for others, and that people have varying standards when it comes to what they find appropriate, so they may not always react the way you want them to. But letting people in by telling them about work-appropriate features of your life can help humanize you as a fellow employee, instead of alienating the m by sharing nothing at all, ultimately leaving them in the cold.

Friday, December 20, 2019

How to Get a Job without a Car My Story

How to Get a Job without a Car My StoryHow to Get a Job without a Car My StoryOne of the biggest obstacles to a job search inthe United States today is the lack of a car. Only some of the countrys cities have good public transportation systems, and many rural areas are not served by public transit. Yet I welches able to work and support myself until age 32 without a car. Heres how I did it and some tips to consider if you venture into the workforce sans auto.I got my first job when I was 15 at a summer amusement park. The company ran a bus service from my high school, and the route passed just a few miles from my parents house, which was in a remote area. One of my parents was usually able to drop me off and pick me up at the busstop. Luckily my mother worked at a general store across from the bus stop, so she could wait for me, or I could go to work with her and wait until the bus came. Somehow we managed to make it work six days a week.In college I lived on campus and worked at a dining hall. Walking to work was the same as walking to eat. At the end of each school year I would catch a ride for the five-hour drive south to Cape Cod, where I rented anapartment and worked in a sandwich shop. When I first moved there I looked specifically for jobs close towhere I lived, and there were plenty of places looking to hire service help for the busy summer season. This was before the Internet. I found my job by going door-to-door and speaking to business owners. The bike ride to work was a pleasure, except on rainy days.After college I moved to Boulder, Colorado, where I managed to make life work with only a bike. I temped alot, and many businesses were outside of town. I would sometimes ride 20-30 minutes to an employers site. Iwas an avidrunner andwas probably in the best shape of my life. Winter was another story.One winter I was lucky enough to have a job that was only a five-minute walk from my home. Another winter Itried riding the half hour to work in zero deg ree weather and ended up with frostbite, which had permanentconsequences. My hands now have such poor circulation that they turn blue and go numb when its below 65 degrees. They also go numb in grocery stores after handling produce. If you live in a cold climate, find a job where you can take a bus or get a ride to work in the winter.Moving to San Francisco opened up my job opportunities significantly. I chose to live in a neighborhood with access to public transportation. I had no problem finding a job downtown and worked for several different companiesthatwere in or close to downtown.In 2004 I was laid off from Levi Strauss. After several months of searching, the best job opportunity I found was at a company 25 miles south of San Francisco with no public transit option. I was so excited about this job that I decided I would find a way to make it work. I rented or borrowed cars to get to each of the three rounds of interviewing. Once I accepted the offera friend who had a car but t ook public transit towork offered to let me use hers until I got one of my own. During the first weekon the job I test drove cars every evening after work and made my purchase on that Friday night. Since I had a job and enough saved for a small down payment, it was easy to get a loan.After 10 years of car ownership I cant imagine how I did it all without one. It took a lot of ingenuity, planning and asking for help.Here are some things you can doNarrow your company targets. Look at bus maps, and use Google Maps to find businesses near bus routes that are convenient for you. Look for job listings at those companies and try to network your way in.Educate yourself before you apply. Look up the address of every company you apply to and calculate bus or bike commute times. Is it worth the trade-off a long commute for the opportunity?Look for bike routes and showers. If youre a cyclist, find out which companies are on bike-friendly routes, and ask if theres a shower on site.Rely on your c ommunity. Talk to your neighbors, and find out where they work. You might be able to find a job at a neighbors company or in the vicinity. Offer to contribute by paying for half of the gas in exchange for carpooling.Know your commute costs. In some cities you can buy a monthly transit pass. In others, you pay by the ride, and some rides can turn out to be costly. See if potential employers subsidize public transit.Look for employer-provided transit. Many companies in the Bay Area now have shuttles that run from the city of San Francisco to their Silicon Valley campuses. Others provide shuttles from transit stations. Read employer websites, and use your network to find out about companies with these options.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

After Fukushima Task Force Challenges Nuclear Industry

After Fukushima Task Force Challenges Nuclear Industry After Fukushima Task Force Challenges Nuclear Industry After Fukushima, ASME Task Force Challenges Nuclear Industry In the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated coastal regions of northern Japan and the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, an ASME task force of nuclear experts is calling for a new nuclear safety construct to go beyond current safety planning to prevent extensive societal disruption caused by radioactive releases from accidents. Developing appropriate safety procedures and guidelines will be critical for the publics acceptance of nuclear energy as a baseload power source, say task force leaders.We cant have the consequences of Fukushima happen again, says Regis A. Matzie, vice chairman of the task force and a former Westinghouse Electric Co. nuclear executive. Were calling for significantly expanding what the industry has to protect againsta significant sociopolitical and economic impact on so ciety.After the accident in northern Japan,the surrounding area suffered radiological contamination that resulted in the relocation of more than 100,000 people. Economic losses cascaded through the Japanese and global economies as Japan shut down all of its nuclear generating stations. Around the world, governments began to reconsider nuclear energys future, with Germany also planning to shut down its reactors.ReviewThose developments prompted the formation of the ASME Presidential Task Force on Response to Japan Nuclear Power Plant Events, which reviewed the Fukushima events and contrasted it with previous nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Fukushimas units are the first nuclear reactors to experience core degradation due to a catastrophic external event, and the first light water reactors to experience accidents resulting in large radioactivity releases to the environment, states the task forces report. Furthermore, the accident at Fukushima was the first multi- unit accident in power reactor history, complicating response and recovery, it states.Dr. Nils Diaz chaired the ASME task force.TMIs containment structure prevented significant release of radioactivity although the reactor core suffered a partial meltdown. Chernobyl involved a reactivity excursion in a graphite-moderated, water-cooled reactor, resulted in a steam explosion, burning of the hot graphite in the core, and, absent a containment structure, release of the radioactive contents of the uranium fuel to the environment, according to the report. The common item linking the three is maintenance of core cooling, before or during the accident. It is Nuclear Engineering 101 Cool the core, says Nils Diaz, task force chairman and former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. At Fukushima, There wasnt appropriate attention paid to accident planning.Call for ChangeThe task forces call for a new safety construct is defined as a set of planned, coordinated, and implemented sy stems ensuring that nuclear plants are designed, constructed, operated, and managed to prevent extensive societal disruption caused by radioactive releases from accidents, using an all-risk approach. The term all-risk requires consideration of all credible hazards in developing probabilistic risk assessments, including rare but credible events that threaten the safety of a nuclear generating station. That includes very low-probability events, such as extreme floods and other natural phenomena that are unprecedented but conceivable at a given site, says the task force.Essential elements of the task forces safety construct includeCapability to address potential events beyond the design basis and possible cliff-edge effectsConfirmation that the design basis or extended design basis includes rare yet credible eventsUse of an all-risk approach ensuring core cooling for all phases of accident progressionImproved human performance, organizational infrastructure, command and control, accide nt management, and emergency preparedness.Such an approach greatly expands the industrys design basis of protecting public health and safety. The fact is weve always fixated on public health and safety, says Diaz. The present body of knowledge establishes the importance of maintaining that focus yet highlights a relevant fact Major consequences of severe accidents at nuclear plants have been socio-political and economic disruptions of enormous cost to society.PerceptionBut perception is reality and the task force acknowledges the industry must be proactive elend only in expanding the scope of safety planning but in communicating that to the public. Although Fukushima did not expose any fatal flaws in nuclear-generating technology, it did expose the need to extend the design basis to include rare yet credible events, including tsunamis and other natural events. To the public, the difference does not always matter.The primary nuclear power safety goal is and will continue to be protec tion of public health and safety, states the report. However, the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident reveals the need for additional steps to further reduce the potential for socio-political and economic consequences resulting from radioactivity releases from accidents.Diaz and Matzie emphasize that more rigorous studies will have to be site-specific and have buy-in from government. Noting the global nature of the industry, the report also calls for accountability from beyond regulatory agencies to plant designers, manufacturers, owners, and operators.This has to be part of a movement, a way of institutionalizing change, says Diaz. Certainly no nation wants to accept an edict from another country.The task force is not calling for the new safety construct to be imposed as a regulatory mandate. Rather, Diaz and Matzie say it should be the natural outcome of in-depth analysis of existing and additional design and management capabilities.Were giving a vorstellung and a goal, says Matzie. With the release of this report, we hope to get people to interact over the big-picture findings. Were also recommending ASME as a society to help convene a broad base of stakeholders to advance the recommendations.Read the task forces report.We cant have the consequences of Fukushima happen again. Were calling for significantly expanding what industry has to protect against- a significant sociopolitical and economic impact on society.Regis A. Matzie, vice chairman, ASME Presidential Task Force on Response to Japan Nuclear Power Plant Events