Archives for April 2014

iPhone Apps to help you feel safer

April 30, 2014 By Tom Mungavan Leave a Comment

There are some new iPhone apps that may help you feel safer. The functions range from notifying friends with your location when you press a “panic” button to recording video and making loud noises.

REACTmobile app helps you report suspicious incidents or send your current GPS coordinates to a pre-selected contact list with the touch of a button. (Free)

StaySafe app allows you to define your path and arrival time at your destination. If you don’t check in, your emergency contacts are notified with your last known GPS location even if your phone is turned off. ($6.99)

MyPanic app emits a loud alarm and flashes bright colors to help scare away an attacker or get the attention of others nearby who might be able to help you. ($.99)

bSafe app has several functions including sounds an alarm, records a video, alerts authorities, and notifies your contacts. Also has a timer alarm notification if you do not turn off before a designated time.(Free)

“Heartbleed” internet security issue could potentially impact everyone

April 25, 2014 By Tom Mungavan Leave a Comment

Change your important Internet passwords frequently, make them hard to guess, and use different passwords for each of your important websites — like your bank. If you already do that, you don’t need to read further.

The “Heartbleed” security issue is likely to impact everyone. Two-thirds of sites use the underlying technology, including common sites like Yahoo, so if you use a password in more than a couple places, there is the potential to have an issue. While the likelihood that it impacts you is small, you may never know until it’s too late. It is a bit like backing up your computer. We typically do not think it is important until it’s too late, even though we are constantly bombarded by Internet security stories about what “might happen”.

This security issue is difficult to understand for the non-technical person and it really doesn’t matter as long as you do what everyone should do (and most do not); change passwords frequently … and don’t write them on a post-it note.

Maintaining good passwords is easier said than done. There are a number of programs available to securely store your passwords, make it easy to sign in with strange passwords, and create secure passwords. I use a program called RoboForm which I believe is the most popular in the market. It will sync with computers, tablets, and smartphones.

See [article]
[How to use good passwords]
Check a site for status at [Heartbleed Test]

Quote of the Week

April 24, 2014 By Change Masters Academy Leave a Comment

There is less competition for success right now.

That means there are more open doors! Go for it!

And while you’re going for it, do not apologize for it. In fact, be just the opposite.

Be proud of what you’re trying to do and let everyone know it!

2014 April – Change Masters President’s Letter

April 11, 2014 By Tom Mungavan Leave a Comment

Most of our clients find that every day becomes more challenging than the last. If that feels like your life … you are in good company. My objective is to provide a collection of quick ideas that might be helpful to you.

That Would Have Been a Tragedy

We almost did not publish the “23 Mundane Moments That Can Make or Break Your Career“. When I told that to one of our clients who has used the Mundane Moments Series for over 100 of her staff she said, “Oh no, that would have been such a tragedy!” So this is where I get to say publicly that Carol was right and I was wrong. The way it evolved was …[… more]

More Breaks Increase Productivity

If you are losing steam from your busy schedule, remember the proven fact that regular breaks can improve your productivity. [… more]

How to Derail at Work

In 1987, we started giving out a handout from The Center for Creative Leadership on the blind spots of senior leaders that can derail them. It is still amazingly relevant today. In fact, when they updated their findings, these areas remained the top derailleurs, twenty-five years later! [… more]

Group videoconferencing for under $1000

Logitech has announced a new videoconferencing webcam for small groups that has many of the features of videoconferencing systems that cost tens of thousands of dollars, and will take remote communication opportunities to a new level. It has the potential to help you make a quantum leap in your leadership effectiveness. [… more]

Remote Communication Best Practice – Customize Yourself!

Customizing your communication to match the way others like to hear from you will manage your perception, get your remote communication heard or read, and ultimately dramatically increase your persuasive efforts. Here’s how you can do it. [… more]

You can launch Siri by tilting your head

Mobile tip for iPhones that might save a little time and frustration. [… more]

Your feedback is encouraged

I hope you found at least one helpful item. Please let me know what is most helpful and what else you would like to see included in future letters.

Warm regards,