About Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead is a military veteran, author, motivational speaker, Professor and Academic Business Department Chair with over 17 years professional experience in the public and private sector. Jenice’s expertise covers human resources, business management, the federal hiring process and government hiring policy. She understands the significance of human capital value for organizational development. She has an exceptional aptitude for teaching difficult topics with practical approaches. Jenice has a MBA with a Concentration in Human Resources from Saint Leo University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Jones International University.

How to Answer Personal Interview Questions

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

What Important Rewards Do You Expect from Your Career?

IInterview questions are vital to the hiring process of any company, the key to answering interviewing questions is to practice answering them over and over again with professionalism and honestly.

When answering personal questions, it is important to keep a professional mindset while deciding how to answer the question. Personal questions about work ethic, work life, and over all work experience are not inappropriate. These are considered personal questions in relation to work. Remember that any personal questions dealing with sexuality, religion and political party preference or any other topics not allowed, under the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) these topics should not be asked during any interview.

This is a random personal work question that may or may not be asked by many employers. It is important to focus on the main subject of this question. The main subject is “important rewards” this is the main subject of this question because if you don’t plan on receiving any awards then that should be stated, but ensure to back it up with something positive such as “I don’t plan on receiving any awards because most of my work is behind the scenes and the work I complete for my clients is reward enough.” Your answer doesn’t have to be that cheesy, but it is important to always back a negative perceived answer with a more positive response.

If you have already received rewards from the work you have completed or done for previous employers it is important to mention this as well. Make sure to give details of what work was completed and the specific reward and time period for which the reward was received. Taking in mind that some positions on your resume are shorter than others, if there are awards you have received from related work or a retired status make sure to mention these awards for the position time frame. This helps the interviewer to realize that you take your work seriously and strive for greatness.

This is a difficult interview question to answer, but if you come mentally prepared to answer this question or a similar question, you are sure to impress the interview panel as well as give yourself a reminder of how competent you are and reaffirming your professional ability. Happy job hunting, you can do or be anything you want with persistence.

For more information go to “Pep Talks” the series

Welcome to “Smarter Not Harder LLC”

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Dr. Jenice Armstead started “Smarter Not Harder HR” to provide a necessary and innovate service for growing human capital value and organizational management.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides services to both individuals and businesses. Individual services include: mentor coaching, resume development, government job application assistance, business proposal assistance and help with how to start a business. Business services include: human resource management, human resource development, implementation and training courses for organizations to grow their human capital value.

Smarter Not Harder LLC portfolio includes management and technical resources, providing solutions devoted to job description development, job classification, job Stress Management, Affirmative Action Plans, Diversity & Inclusion and Government Regulation/Compliance. Our focus is to assist organizations manage human resources management, occupational safety standards and increase productivity.

Smarter Not Harder LLC delivers customer-value through addressing the challenges of a changing economy. Showing organization strategies as the foundation for human capital value to constantly grow and develop employees. The workplace is ever changing.

Smarter Not Harder LLC provides interactive subject matter expert knowledge for business solutions that make organizations more effective and efficient. Smarter Not Harder has all of your human resources management needs in one place.

Smarter Not Harder LLC Services Include:

Individuals: Cover Letter & Resume Services, interview preparation, professional portfolio development (Subject Matter Expert in Federal Hiring/Interviewing)

Organizations:

Employee Handbook Review, Customized Employee Handbook, Workplace Policies, Customized New Hire Booklets, Customized Separation Booklets, Evaluation Program Development, Disciplinary Actions, Performance Management, Complete HR Library with Customized Documents

Special Projects:

Compliance Audit, Termination/ conducted on-site, New Hire Orientation, Candidate Screenings, Workplace Investigations, Sexual Harassment Trainings, Management Trainings, Job Description Development, Department Development and On-Site Support

For more information about Smarter Not Harder LLC:

contactme@jenicearmstead.com

For more information about Smarter Not Harder HR services email:
Jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Jenice Armstead

Groupon for Three Professional Resumes Or Professional Resume with Cover Letter from Smarter Not Harder (Up to 72% Off)

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Jenice Armstead, Smarter Not Harder has launched her first Groupon for the Tampa, Fl area. Do you need a cover letter, resume or both? Then check out Groupon, Tampa, Fl and search Jenice Armstead, Smarter Not Harder Resume Services.

Choose Between Two Options
$75 for three professional resumes ($250 value)
$85 for a professional resume with a cover letter ($300 value)

Expires 90 days after purchase. Limit 1 per person. Valid only for option purchased. Limit 1 per visit. Appointment required. Willing to Travel 10 Miles Maximum from Zip Code 33647 Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.

If you need resume services and don’t live in Tampa, Fl … NO PROBLEM we can meet in my “Virtual Office” using Blackboard Collaborative – you will still receive the same individual services and detailed attention toward your professional needs.

“Jenice was very helpful and courteous. She made sure I had a very personal and professional service. She also gave me free advice.” Groupon Client 2014

“Very professional and the organizer is very in tune with today’s modern business world.” Groupon Client 2014

“Awesome! Very Thorough, professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended. Great deal too!.” Groupon Client 2014

Jenice Armstead

For more information click link to Groupon: Jenice Armstead Groupon, Smarter Not Harder

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides the understanding of the comparison and contrast of three theories of organizational leadership, including their core concepts, strengths, and limitations. Each theory helps an organization develop effective leaders for the 21st Century. Human resources professionals use insights from each theory to craft organizational policy.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 3”

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides the understanding of the concepts of performance management is related to organizational development theory. Includes a description and critique of at least four key strategies of performance management. Human resource professionals are the point of contacts for explaining how to support organizational development through application of performance management strategies.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 2”

Press Release: Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This book provides an historical overview of the development of management principles during the Scientific Management Era. Including key scholars, principles, and insights, as well as notable critiques of scientific management. Human resources managers today, explain principles of scientific management as the topics are related to organizational policy, organizational development and also promote organizational growth.

For more information go to “Simple Academic Overview Vol. 1”

Jenice Armstead GROUPON – Resume Services

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Choose Between Two Options

$75 for three professional resumes ($250 value)

$85 for a professional resume with a cover letter ($300 value)

For more information click link to Groupon: Jenice Armstead Groupon, Smarter Not Harder

Jenice Armstead

Barnes and Noble 2014 Local Author Event

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

I would like to personally thank everyone who came to the Barnes and Noble Local Author Event, it was a smash hit and I had a chance to meet and greet with wonderful people. I show cased the completion of my first business series “Pep Talks” all 5 vols. Thank you so much for your love and support.

For more information to go Pep Talks

All the Best,

Jenice Armstead

Pep Talks the Series

Thank You Mama Maya Angelou

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

A great and beautiful Soul has ascended unto Heaven and has given joy and encouragement to many. She has brought love and happiness to the world through her natural God given talent of physical, verbal and written expression. I am honored to have had the chance to be in her presence and hear her speak greatness. She has made me want to be a better woman, I remember the first time I read “Why the Caged Bird Sings” when I was in grade school, the first time I read “Phenomenal Woman” and the first time I hear her speak – it changed my views on life and people. Thank you Mama Maya Angelou for sharing your natural gifts with the world, you will live on through the power of your words.

Happy 3 Year Anniversary to “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!”

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

It has been 3 years since I became a self-published author. I started with a cookbook, thinking that it would be “easy” to do and get my foot in the door of several publishing agents. Truth be told, writing any kind of book is hard work and time consuming. My first book “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” as no exception. I am happy to celebrate the 3rd successful year of self-publishing “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!” My personal message to you is, never give up on your dreams. Press on, and press in – with diligence, dedication and determination you will succeed at your goal.

All the Best,

Jenice

Excerpt from “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!”

Eating right is only half of the equation for living a healthy life. The first part of living a healthy life style is belief that it is possible. Your thoughts are just as powerful as what you can see with your own eyes. Thoughts are ideas, ideas start with the thought of the possibilities of what can come to life. Studies have been conducted on thoughts and it has been affirmed that a thought has a frequency. If a thought has a frequency than it must become as the thinker believes. Meaning, everything you see once started as a thought.

There were thoughts on how the idea would come about and then it would be so. As so is true for living healthy and eating right. If you have thoughts of “how hard it is too loose weight and eat right” then that must be your reality. If you keep these types of thoughts in your mind, you will make eating right and living healthy hard – when it does not have to be.

In order to start this new journey of living healthy and happy your new thought could start with the statement “life is great, I am living healthy and happy right now, my body is working for me, and I am treating it right.” Your thoughts are so powerful that you can create anything – including a better life for yourself.

Along with thinking positive and eating right, it is important to also start a regular exercise plan that is perfect for you. A good exercise plan contains three important elements: 10-minute warm up, 20-minute aerobic plan and 5 – 10 minute stretch or cool down period. Every single recipe in this book is designed to help you start and maintain a healthy life style as you see fit right for your body. Eating is a celebration of nutrition to the body – your body is your temple. Keeping in mind, we all have urges to eat things we know we should not…or eat too much food at any time in our life. This does not make you a “bad” person. Always remember you can change your thoughts and though changing your thoughts your reality will change as well.

For purchasing information go to “Lesbians Have to Eat, Too!”

Forgiveness Friday

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Today, take the time to forgive yourself for past faults. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, past miscommunications and past judgments. Today is a gift that you will not get back, because tomorrow – today will be the past. The past is one of our greatest life teachers. The past allows for us to reflect on how we could have handled a situation better, how we could have not reacted or how much we still have to learn. But, today choose to forgive yourself, others and adverse situations for not being or doing what you now know and have the full understanding of. Choose to do yourself a favor, and let it go to forgiveness.

Jaye

Olivia Cruise: Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Port Call: Feb 7 – 8 2014 – Half Moon Cay

Our last and final port call was at Half Moon Cay. Where is Half Moon Cay? You ask … well, it is in the middle of beautiful no where! I have never heard of Half Moon Cay before the cruise, and now I can’t wait to go back. The island was so remote that all Olivia Traveling Ladies had to be boated to and from the ship. Talk about paradise. Half Moon Cay was saved for last for a reason. The water was crystal clear, the sand was as smooth as silk and the air smelled of peaches and mangos on a hot summer day. It was and absolute little slice of heaven with a helping of “I wish I could stay here forever!” In fact, that is what the sign said as we walked up to the board walk. Even though I am sure every Olivia Lady took a picture under that sign, we just had to get a photo as well.

As we walked up to the beach, I recall throwing my stuff down and making a b-line for the water, head first. It was a bit chilly, but once I got use to it the water felt like “Life” all around me. At one point a school of tropical fish swam right through my legs. At first I figured it was seaweed, then when I looked to brush what I thought was seaweed off of my leg, I saw several eyes looking up at me. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen before. The coral reef was vibrant and the ocean floor was smooth. Olivia Travel provided a BBQ lunch for all of us to enjoy together on the boardwalk. There, I saw several huge roosters with their babies. I tried to get a picture, but they were too fast for me to keep up with. The next day, was the trip back home. This cruise with all of the memories, photos and new friends made Olivia Travel delivered all that was promised our Honeymoon Cruise would be, and so much more. Thank you Olivia Travel, we look forward to our next travels together.

For more information go to Olivia Travel

Half Moon Cay

Olivia Cruise: Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Port Call: Feb 6 2014 – at Sea

The on ship activities were just as much fun as the port calls. Olivia Travel makes sure that all of your needs are met. On our way to the next port call, the Equality Cruise ensured to stimulate our minds with enthusiastic discussion forums, educational documentaries and cultural events. While at sea, there was a screening of “Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement” which brought everyone to tears. It is a true story of love, laughter and inspiration. After the showing there was a question and answer forum from Edie Windsor herself. Talk about an inspirational person, Edie Windsor is a social justice pioneer and it was an honor to hear her story.

Later on that night, there was a comedy show with Gina Yashere. She was hilarious. Gina Yashere is from London via Nigeria, and funny as all get out. We had a chance to meet and chat with her for a few minutes. Her accent was beautiful, as she is inside and out. At sea promised to be a good time, and a good time it was. Even at sea, Olivia Travel makes sure that all of your needs are met.

For more information go to Olivia Travel

Gina Yashere, Comic (Middle)

Jenice & DJ Rockaway

Ship Writings on the Wall

Ship Violinist

MS. Westerdam Cake

Olivia Travel Staff

Olivia Travel Sign

Olivia Cruise: Caribbean Equality and Leadership Cruise

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Port Call: Feb 5 2014 – Virgin Islands

Today’s port call was for the Virgin Islands. This place was simply magical, the air, the food, and the people – everything was perfect. After porting, we found the cutest shop that had exquisite and duty-free clothing. After some light shopping, we ran into some our your “YouTube” Friends Christin and Ashley. These fabulous ladies are not only down right gorgeous, friendly and super sweet, but they also are business owners as well. This cruise was full of magnificent professional women. We all chatted for a bit and then went off to do some island exploring.

My wife and I caught a tourist trolley and went on an island adventure. The tour guide took us through the heartbeat of V.I. and showed us some of the history of the island. The views were stunning and mountainous. Once our tour was finished, we returned to the port dock. As we were walking up to the ship, my wife nudged me and asked me “Do you know who that is?” As I turned around I was shocked and honored to see Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, first Lesbian officer and author of the book “Serving in Silence.” I just about passed out. We asked for a photo and then struck up a long conversation with us. We spoke about women rights in the military, the overturning “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and other political items. What an incredible opportunity it was to meet and speak with her, one-on-one. I will never, ever forget that moment. The Virgin Islands proved to be one of the most “honorable” port calls of the cruise for us.

For more information go to Olivia Travel

Check out Christin and Ashley Luna Bella Make Up

Virgin Island Port Call

Christin (left), Jenice and Ashley (right) of Luna Bella Make Up

Historical Slave Building

Virgin Islands

Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, first Lesbian officer and author of the book “Serving in Silence.” (Middle)

Resume Service Package

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

A resumé remains the most acceptable means of self-promotion, alongside having a hype man lead call-and-response chants about your GPA. Make an first-time impression with a great resume package.

Jenice Armstead, has over a decade of experience helping job applicants pin point what hiring managers are looking for in their resume. After submitting a current resumé and filling out a questionnaire on career goals and accomplishments, applicants work one-on-one with a writer to craft a resumé that’s clear, concise, and attractive to interviewers. This business expert also boost clients’ chances of getting hired with extra-mile services, such as O*Net job descriptions, job analysis and creating possible job descriptions for the clients.

Professional writers increase your chances of employment by creating a smart new resumé targeted to specific employers.

$99 for a Professional Resumé Package with a Cover Letter and Thank You Letter ($250 Value). For more information contact jenicearmstead@gmail.com

Thankful Thursday

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

When was the last time you took a moment to reflect on all of the good things in your life? How far have you come in your career? How far have you come from your educational goal? How far have you come in your relationships? How far have you come in your financial growth? How far have you come in your own personal growth? Reflecting gives us the ability to “see” how much we have accomplished. Taking time to do this, allows us to see more positive than negative in our lives. Take a moment, write a letter of “accomplishment” to yourself. Save it in place where you will remember to go and read it every so often. Make sure to take time to write down details of your “Thankfulness” in the situation. You will find that you have more to be thankful for than you realize.

All the Best,
Jenice

Personal Awareness

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

The ability to visualize your self in different situations will assist you in transforming energy from negative to positive instantly. No matter what I may feel, what I may see or what others may do – I know and trust and believe in GOD and in what GOD is doing in and for me for my greater good. When I feel the least and see the least, that is when I know GOD is doing the most in my life.

~Jenice

Two-Cents Tuesday: Classroom Management

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

Understanding Individual Behaviors and Emotional Development

Academic Review by Jenice Armstead

Abstract
This paper gives and overview of the purpose of classroom management as it pertains to the understanding of individual behaviors and emotional development of students. Motivational factors are contributing attributes for the potential success of a student. Structured lectures and lesson plans assist with the students’ ability to function and develop within a course and the utilization of advanced educational technology enables students to exhaust additional resources for academic success.

Keywords: ARCS Model of Motivation, development, stimulation, technology

Classroom Management: Understanding Individual Behaviors and Emotional Development
Classroom management requires an understanding of individual behaviors and emotional development as well as group dynamics. The ARCS Model of Motivation: Attention (A), Relevance (R), Confidence (C), and Satisfaction (S), is one method an educator uses to facilitate the dynamic of the student experience in classroom management (Keller, 1987). Students require a variety of components for educational success. The students’ growth and development depends on the ability to effectively understand the curriculum. The responsibility of the educator is to teach, encourage and motivate the student to achieve the highest understanding of the topic. Qualitative factors of student development and behavior toward curriculum suggest the educator utilizes a blend of understanding student motivational factors, sound organizational strategies, and access to advanced technologies.

Academic motivation of a student begins with the individual behaviors and emotional development. Motivational stimulation is vital to understanding how to develop and manage the students’ classroom experience. The ARCS Model of Motivation explains the facets of attributed learning comprehension of the student as it relates to motivation (Keller, 1987). Using a positive direction along with high intensity curriculum, the ARCS Model of Motivation moderates intensity factors (Guven, 2009). There is a familiarity of expectation out of a course from a students’ perspective, which drives the students’ initial motivational factors. To effectively motivate students, educators need to analyze and identify each student’s individual motivational necessities.

The educator is responsible for recognizing when a student is lacking motivation and experiencing difficulty in the class. The educator must strive to build the confidence of the student through a structured curriculum for the student to learn in a more effective way. Active and constant communication between the educator and student are vital tools for the success of the student. A strategically developed classroom lecture provides the student a course outline for the expectations of the student in the course. A weekly detailed course module gives the student an academic flow chart of topics, assignments, and due dates. The lecture and classroom management structure is the responsibility of the educator, and utilizing advanced educational technology permits for a fluid student academic experience.

The 21st Century classroom is designed, developed and determined by group dynamics used within advanced educational technology. Students are encouraged to use a multitude of educational technologies to include software such as Turn It In.com, Grammarly, Smart Thinking and eBooks. Students have the ability to interact directly with peers, educators, and libraries using online resources. For technology to be a successful tool in the curriculum, the student must feel comfortable with the software being used (Palloff & Pratt, 2003). Educators offer online lectures and “Virtual Office” hours, which can enhance communication and assistance in a technologically dominant learning environment.

Classroom management strategies involve a sympathetic arrangement of understanding individual student behaviors, development tactics, and effective learning dynamics. Promoting a positive environment that motivates the student starts with the four dimensions of the ARCS Model of Motivation: Attention (A), Relevance (R), Confidence (C), and Satisfaction (S) (Keller, 1987). Students require constant academic reassurance and stimulation. Each student is an individual when it comes to learning tactics; effective educators understand that not all students learn the same way. Planning, implementing and developing course lectures are important factors of how the student understands course topics. Immediate access to resources, such as: online forums, email and live librarian chat sessions enable students to grow with technology. Effective academic classroom management starts with an understanding of the students’ academic and behavioral needs, strategic plan, effective communication, and utilization of technology.

References
Guven, M. (2009). The Epistemological Beliefs of Distance Education
Students. Turkish Online Journal Of Distance Education (TOJDE), 10(3), 217-246.

Keller, J. M. (1987). Development and use of the ARCS model of motivational design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10(3), 2 – 10.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2003). The Virtual Student: A Profile and Guide to Working with
Online Learners. Jossey-Bass.

Monday Morning Mindset

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

BE CAREFUL

Be careful of your thoughts

For your thoughts become your words.

Be careful of your words

For your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions

For your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits

For your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character

For your character becomes your destiny.
-Author unknown

Thankful Thursday

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Jenice Armstead

This Thankful Thursday, I want to celebrate my thankfulness for the completion of the “PepTalks” Series. It was a long and hard journey, but with persistence and motivation goals are attainable. I will be signing and speaking about the “Pep Talks” series at the next book signing on May 17th, at Barnes and Noble in Tampa, FL at Wiregrass The Shoppes.

The Pep Talks Book Series is an introduction to a new way of interviewing and obtaining a job in today’s competitive market. The Pep Talks Book Series is all about giving the reader an advantage over their competitors when working toward the goal of gaining more knowledge and understanding in this new job market. This new job market is all about unconventional ways of obtaining knowledge while gaining the desired employment.

The Pep Talks Book Series explains how the new Job market knowledge and understanding how to better improve the chances of being “individually recognized” as a professional are vital. The Pep Talks Book Series assists with building job confidence and self-esteem along with providing detailed examples for the reader to use for interviews. The Pep Talks Book Series are designed to assist the reader in planning, executing, and managing their own career and potential growth in their field of choice.

Each section has an interactive “fill in the blank” area for guiding the reader with critical thinking activity examples to assist with brainstorming, and “Confidence Boosters” provide the reader with constant motivation for obtaining their “dream career.” The Pep Talks Book Series can serve the newly looking or the long-term job seeker with methods that will assist with the career search and provide motivation for future endeavors.

Excerpt from “Pep Talks” the series, for more information to to “Pep Talks” the Series

About Jenice Armstead

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