Saturday, September 28, 2024

When Ethics goes beyond academics

 


When Ethics goes beyond academics

From the Ethics course of professor George Siedel I found this very interesting story:

This tale isn't just a figment of imagination; it echoes a real-world scenario involving Qualcomm. In the heat of negotiations, a fateful fax divulging sensitive strategy accidentally found its way into Qualcomm's hands. The reaction was unexpected – rather than exploiting the advantage, Qualcomm's general counsel rushed to the CEO, Irwin Jacobs, with the document in hand. However, Jacobs' response wasn't what was anticipated; he questioned its intended recipient and promptly ordered its return. The general counsel left the encounter humbled but with a newfound admiration for Jacobs' unwavering ethics. Such integrity is rare in today's cutthroat business world, yet it's the cornerstone upon which reputations are built and sustained.

Marcelo Gameiro

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 29 Feb 2024


Saturday, September 21, 2024

Financial literacy

 

Financial literacy

In today's rapidly evolving world, financial literacy is more important than ever before. From managing personal finances to making strategic decisions in business, being financially literate is a crucial skill that empowers individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape effectively. Here's why finance literacy is indispensable in today's world:

1) Personal Financial Management: Financial literacy equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their personal finances responsibly. From budgeting and saving to understanding investment options and managing debt, being financially literate enables individuals to make informed decisions that support their long-term financial well-being.

2) Economic Participation: In an increasingly globalized economy, financial literacy is essential for full economic participation. Individuals who understand concepts like interest rates, inflation, and taxation are better equipped to make sound financial decisions, participate in the economy, and contribute to their own prosperity and that of society as a whole.

3) Entrepreneurship and Business: For entrepreneurs and small business owners, financial literacy is paramount. Understanding financial statements, cash flow management, and capital budgeting allows entrepreneurs to effectively manage their businesses, make informed investment decisions, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence.

4) Career Advancement: In many industries, financial literacy is a valuable skill that can lead to career advancement opportunities. Professionals who understand financial concepts and can analyze financial data are highly sought after in fields such as banking, consulting, accounting, and corporate finance. Employers value employees who can contribute to strategic decision-making and financial planning.

5) Financial Stability and Security: Being financially literate is essential for achieving financial stability and security. Individuals who understand how to plan for the future, invest wisely, and protect themselves against financial risks are better positioned to weather economic downturns, unexpected expenses, and other financial challenges that may arise.

6) Consumer Protection: Financial literacy empowers consumers to make informed decisions when it comes to financial products and services. Understanding concepts like interest rates, fees, and terms and conditions allows individuals to compare options, avoid predatory financial practices, and protect themselves from fraud and exploitation.

In conclusion, financial literacy is a fundamental skill that is indispensable in today's world. Whether managing personal finances, starting a business, advancing

Take our Finance Quiz here.

Marcelo Gameiro

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 13 Feb 2024


Friday, September 13, 2024

It is Easy to deceive me.

It is Easy to deceive me.

Tricking a foreign English teacher who doesn't speak the local language seems like a breeze, especially when grappling with unfamiliar names. I, for one, am no name maestro, especially when dealing with languages I can't even pronounce properly. So, instead of risking linguistic acrobatics, I resort to the pragmatic approach of calling my students by their university numbers during roll call. Now, this might be a common practice in many of my classes, and I usually let it slide without much ado. But not today. Something caught my attention - a student seemed to be playing a double role in attendance, shuffling places and mysteriously vanishing from the class after a second response. 

Being the curious soul that I am, I decided to explore it further. In the picture above I did mark it in green the spot where the elusive student had initially settled. Fortunately, she didn't return, and let's be clear, I'm not here to shame anyone, I am glad she did not return because now she can remain anonymous while I am explaining my point. My goal is not to be the villain in their academic story; rather, it's about nudging them towards a better way of behaving and fostering a good character while learning. 

In my world, where images speak louder than words, take a gander at another picture detailing my grading system. Attendance, a humble 3 points per day, sums up to a whopping 30 points over 10 days, constituting 30% of the final grade. In short, a single day's absence translates to a mere 0.9 points deducted from the final grade. Yes, you heard it right - less than one point, and if the student give me a excuse paper from the office explaining why did they miss my class, they only going to loose 0.3 points, almost nothing at all.

It boggles my mind why students would compromise their integrity for less than a point. In my previous posts, I've emphasized the significance of integrity, both in life and within the classroom. This might seem like a minor infraction, but let me be clear - heading in the wrong direction, even in small matters, can lead to a dark place. 

YouTube

Allow me to drive the point home with a real-life example. There's a viral YouTube video where a judge reminisces about her former classmate, once a friend and considered one of the sweet kids. Now, she sits in judgment as he faces the consequences of his bad behavior, losing his freedom. So, here's my message: don't veer off in the wrong direction, no matter how trivial it may seem at the time.

Marcelo Gameiro

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 17 Nov 2023

 

Friday, September 6, 2024

Elevating Your Presentation Skills

Elevating Your Presentation Skills

Unlocking the Art of Persuasion: Elevating Your Presentation Skills

Picture this: A packed room filled with eager English and Translation students, all hungry for wisdom. You step up to the front, ready to captivate their attention and leave a lasting impression.

Yesterday, at the gracious invitation of my friend Alex, I embarked on a journey to enlighten the minds of five classes of English and Translation majors. Armed with years of teaching experience and my own personal journey of mastering the English language, I was tasked with sharing invaluable tips to enhance their language skills.

Now, you might be curious to watch the actual presentation I delivered by clicking on the link below, but let me steer your focus towards something else - the remarkable difference in presentation tactics. You see, I'm not here to criticize anyone; I'm here to empower you with the secrets of delivering a compelling message.

YouKu YouTube

The truth is, those who spoke before me were trapped behind a podium, robotically reciting their meticulously written notes. Their eyes glued to the text, there was a glaring absence of hand gestures and meaningful eye contact with the audience. But not me. In my presentation, I broke free from the shackles of mediocrity, and I want to show you how to do the same.

I've been sharing my insights on language enhancement with my students for years, and I've seen my teachings transform lives. Yet, there's more to it than meets the eye. You see, it's not just about the message; it's about the art of delivering it. This skill isn't limited to the classroom; it's an invaluable asset in making a stellar first impression during job interviews or any social interaction.

As I delved into the realm of people skills, I discovered the power they hold in reshaping destinies. I was captivated, and I began sharing these secrets with everyone around me, including my students, challenging them to rise to the occasion and improve themselves.

If you've found yourself intrigued by the importance of presentation and people skills, and you're eager to embark on your own journey of self-improvement, look no further. Click on the links provided in this article,  or consider exploring my People Skills course. It's time to elevate your game and make your mark in the world of communication.

 

If you want to do this course for FREE (200-People Skills) you only have to enroll in my e-mail subscription list to receive the course for FREE. 

Marcelo Gameiro

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 09 Nov 2023