Smart Career Moves

Make Informational Interviews part of your Job Search Strategy!

2010-12-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

A valuable job search tool often overlooked is the informational interview. The purpose is to talk with people in the industry, or in the position you are interested in to 1) confirm it is the right place for you and your skills, talents and goals, 2) to add information to your knowledge base on this industry or job, and 3) to obtain suggestions on additional contacts in the industry, thereby building your network and your knowledge. Your goal is not to secure a job or even a job offer, (although that could be a dream come true) but to gather more information while on your career transition journey.

Keep in mind that an informational interview is all about “them”, the person you’re interviewing. Their time, their business, and their information is extremely valuable, and you must let them know how much you appreciate the opportunity to meet with them and share in those things.

Here are a few tips for successfully using this advanced component of your job search:

Ask for only 30 minutes of their time. As mentioned, “time is money” to busy business people, so assure them while you’re setting the appointment that you will not take longer than that.

Be clear with them about the purpose of the meeting so they understand your intention. Some may not be familiar with this tactic, so carefully explain that you are gathering information and would like, at their convenience, to learn their ideas and to gather their expert input.

As their time is of the essence, it is your responsibility to be prepared for the interview. Here are some ideas for questions which can be customized to meet your needs:

In your opinion, what are the most critical factors for success in this field/industry/position?
Are there any licenses, certifications, or degrees required?
How did you get into this profession/position?
How long have you been in this position?
Is there a particular career path one should follow in order to get to your level?
Can you give me a description of a typical workday or workweek?
Which parts of your job/business do you most enjoy?
What could affect future opportunities in this field? Is it growing?
What qualities and skills do you look for in a person when adding to your team?

And always end your meeting with:

Who else do you suggest I talk to?

You will want to use these questions as a guideline in order to get conversation flowing between the two of you rather than drilling them with question after question. Let them open up and share with you, thereby building rapport.

Keep your eye on the clock, subtly, during the actual meeting. They will think highly of you and even be grateful for your calling attention to the fact that “we’re coming up on 30 minutes and I don’t want to take any more of your time…” You may find that they are enjoying the discussion and give you more time than expected, but let them make that call.

Send a hand-written follow up thank you note expressing your gratitude immediately. It’s a good idea to send another note later to share with them your progress or any interesting information you think they’ll appreciate. For all you know, this contact could become a valuable resource, customer or friend in the future and a valued member of your network.

Remember, this is not a job interview. You are the one who initiated the meeting and you hold the key to its success. Plan, prepare and practice your questions beforehand and you’ll be completely comfortable as you get into conversation with them. Most people like talking about themselves, their business and how they became successful. They in turn will be open to giving you suggestions and sharing their expert advice.

Make yourself memorable – just asking for a chance to conduct this type of meeting will do that. Be professional, respectful, and appreciative.

Good luck!

Group Think

2010-07-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

I've had the opportunity to facilitate a Master Mind group over the last few months and saw first hand, once again, the power that "group think" has. Amazing results in members' personal and professional lives were had, along with great fun and new friendships.

We met every other week in person, each briefly reviewed our last 2 week's activities toward the goals we'd set at the beginning of our program, brainstormed any hot issues, then set the next 2 week's action items. Email follow up with the accountability reminders were sent during the in-between-meetings weeks. Most importantly, we encouraged, affirmed, and supported each other along the way.

So, why not consider gathering a group for one of my coaching programs? Do you have some friends who are thinking of making a career transition? Some co-workers who want to improve their performance? Some colleagues who want to move ahead in their lives personally and professionally?

If you are willing to share with others and gain the benefit of hearing what they think about your common situations, let's put the power of groups to work in your life!

Contact me and let's talk about what location, frequency of meetings, and content would help your group make headway and move forward!

760-941-5166 Debbie@LousbergUnlimited.com

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, May 10th

2010-05-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

“People are as happy as they make up their minds to be” –Abraham Lincoln

Step Into It!
Choose today to be happy, to be successful, to be a leader. You have the power to make each day of your life the best it can possibly be. Hold your goals and values dear to your heart and always move in their direction. It all starts with the power of choice. Choose the best for yourself today.

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, May 3rd

2010-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

“You can’t succeed by yourself. There are no rich hermits.”
(as seen on local company marquis)

Step Into It!
Something about work got you baffled? Reach out for help. There’s someone with just the right expertise with exactly the advice you need. There’s nothing like an objective opinion to open our eyes and see things in a new light. Don’t forget the people who’ve helped you get to this point and send a thank you their way.

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, April 28th

2010-04-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
~Arnold H. Glasow

Step Into It!
What motivates you? What cause or passion ignites that fire within? Can you integrate these things into your work? Think of the activities currently in your work life that empower you and figure out how to do more of them. Set yourself on fire and head toward success!

Not Just any Job, the RIGHT Job!

2010-04-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Most job seekers jump right to updating their resume as their first step in the search process. Most employees and entrepreneurs get engrossed in their day-to-day activities and have time for little else. There’s an important piece of your professional life that needs to be performed regularly in order to ensure that your work will keep you satisfied and successful for the long term: Take time to assess your current career path or your potential new job, and its match to what makes you happy.

For Job Seekers: Jumping into the first opportunity that comes along without evaluating your own strengths, preferences, wants and needs can lead to discontent and disillusionment at work. Take control of your search, own some power in the job search process and find a position that excites you, uses your best attributes, and provides you with meaning and satisfaction. Even if you feel that you must accept the next offer, you can ensure that at least you’ll be a few steps closer to your ideal job by self assessing.

For Employees and Entrepreneurs: It’s so easy to get on that treadmill day after day and not take time to step back to see the big picture of your work life. Take a long break or a personal retreat afternoon and evaluate where you are professionally and where you’re heading. Make sure you’re getting your needs met – gratification, acknowledgement, support, positive challenge, and rewards. Make some adjustments where needed and put yourself on the track of a meaningful career.

Get out pen and paper and answer these questions:

What work-related activities are you naturally good at doing?
What tasks have you been recognized for by co-workers and supervisors?
What types of things do you learn quickly?
What are some of your greatest career accomplishments?
List your favorite aspects of your last job which you’d like to experience again.
Define your hard and soft skills; prioritize them in order of preference.
What adjectives and phrases best describe you? How would your colleagues describe you?
What were outcomes of any formal career assessments you’ve taken?
What did you want to be when you were in school?
What interests and hobbies do you have now?
List your work-related values – those things that matter most to you on the job.
What are your personal requirements around factors such as salary, benefits, commute time, size of company, work hours, management style, company culture, and dress code?

Write your answers down. There’s something very powerful about getting an idea out of your head and onto paper. This tangible document, like a Job Search Journal, creates a road map and plan for creating the kind of work life you desire. Take time to get to the bottom of these questions and see what patterns emerge. Your answers are all keys to your strengths, passions, times and places where you are happiest. There is where your work should be centered.

For even more insight, take a formal assessment, such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and add the results to your own self-discoveries for more clarity about your right and perfect work.

Self assessment provides you with information easily overlooked or forgotten once we get into our daily routines. Reminding yourself of when you are at your best and performing at your highest will boost your confidence and focus your job search or job performance. Spend some time on the most important person in your life – YOU – and make sure you’re in not just any job, but the RIGHT job!

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, April 12

2010-04-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

"Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new."
--Og Mandino, Author

Step Into It!
Set out to learn something new this week. Find out about training classes to improve your skills, ask someone in the know to explain those mysterious technology features on your phone, read a biography of an interesting person in history. Learning is easy, fun, good for your health and career, and causes you to grow in so many ways. Never stop learning!

Building a Foundation of Self Confidence

2010-03-06T23:56:00.000-08:00

Think about the times when you feel most confident at work. Is it when you’re running a staff meeting, analyzing reports, or talking with your customers? These situations are where your strengths and talents shine through and you handle them easily and effortlessly. Now think of the times when you are uncomfortable – making a formal presentation, meeting with a prospective customer, or interviewing job candidates, for instance. Drawing on self confidence in these situations can calm our nerves and give us the ability to face new things head-on. Others’ perception of us is their reality, so do all you can to influence them positively! Napoleon Hill says in Step 3 of his Self Confidence Formula (see below) to devote 10 minutes a day on developing it. Here are some ideas on how to do so:

Vocabulary: Listen to the words you use and how you speak of yourself, especially when nervous. Downplaying successes and pooh-poohing compliments send messages about our confidence level to others. Stay positive, self-supportive, and remember your previous achievements.

Self-Talk: What do you say to yourself when you make a mistake or are faced with a new challenge? Feeding your mind positive, loving thoughts about yourself are just as important as feeding your body with good food and exercise. Create some affirmations to help you through tough spots – “I am capable and confident”…”I handle new situations easily”. Appreciate your own best qualities and strengths.

Be Present: Put away distractions, especially all things that light up, beep and buzz. Be present with the person you’re meeting with – listen, interact, and make them your priority at that moment. Being fully present with them is truly a foundation for solid business relationships.

Posture: Pay attention to how you sit and stand when doing something unfamiliar. Take a stance that tells people you’re open to receiving information and input, while keeping in mind what accomplishments and benefits you already bring to the table.

Voice: In addition to words, pay attention to how you sound. Speaking calmly and confidently at a steady volume conveys trustworthiness and competence. Record yourself speaking before you enter into new territory.

Appearance: Be comfortable in your professional attire. Fidgeting with a stiff collar or itchy fabric will detract from your verbal message. Sometimes that tried and true older garment is better than something expensive and new. Dry clean, mend, iron and polish it up to make a great first impression.

Eye contact: Look people in the eye even when you’re uncomfortable. Making a connection via the eyes settles everyone’s uneasiness and helps express sincerity, openness, and interest.

Accomplishments: Remind yourself of what you’ve done successfully in the past. Chances are that you’ll pull from that previous experience to help you push through any new unfamiliar ones. Keep a running list of monthly successes and review it often and definitely before stepping into a new event.

Visualize: Close your eyes and imagine the task ahead already successfully accomplished. Do what the athletes do – play it out in your mind over and over again, so when the actual time comes, you’re comfortable and exude confidence.

Forgive & Forget: Get over any past mistakes that may hold you back as you encounter this new challenge. Think about it one last time, talk it out, forgive the parties involved, and let it go. Don’t carry it into what can be an exciting future.

Practice all these things and your confidence will soar. People will want to do business with you, have you handle their accounts, make referrals to you – all because of the way you come across and make them feel.

Having confidence helps us grow personally and professionally, and create dynamic exciting lives with new challenges and positive outcomes. By building confidence, you will carry yourself with respect and dignity, better connect with employees, customers and colleagues, and build a life of integrity.

Visioning 2010 - Stepping Into It

2010-02-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

I’ll be honest – 2009 was a little foggy for me. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m one of those eternal optimists always looking for the silver lining, but the year had some tough spots that slowed me down. It did finally begin to shift in October with a wonderful 10-week class I took called “Prosperity Plus, a New Way of Living”. Not only did I have to look at myself and my beliefs under a microscope, I had to commit to listening to audios, doing written exercises in the workbook, and generally changing my approach to things, at least for the length of the class. Four months later, I find myself still incorporating many of these things into my daily activities.

Here’s one of the biggest “take-aways” for me. It had to do with envisioning my future, deciding exactly what I wanted in 4 areas: Financial, Health, Relationships, and Creative Expression (which includes career), writing that out and reading it each day. Like many of you, I’ve done this before – set goals at the beginning of the year, visualized in my mind the desired outcomes, and even created vision boards to place around my office. After awhile, their impact faded and I slipped back into my old ways. Here’s what worked this time: “Stepping Into It”. This added component of pretending my vision was already true and telling someone about it made all the difference. The facilitator had us get with a partner and during our turn, take 4 steps in a clockwise direction as if we were actually stepping into our desired life. When we turned around to face our partner, we acted as if we hadn’t seen them in a year and told them all about our life – what it felt like, what we’ve seen, done, bought, where we’ve been and so on. The energy in the room afterward was incredible! I led a different class in doing this same thing last week and the result was the same. It’s exciting, it’s fun, and it makes one feel that anything is really possible.

Outside of class and without a partner, I now ask myself “how would I solve this/approach that situation/ behave, what would I say/wear/do if I were living that life now? This engages me more than any vision board or the many affirmations on sticky notes around my desk. Where they become just words and pretty pictures after awhile, “stepping into it” changes my mindset and my attitude. I stand up straighter and become more confident. It’s simply pretending I’m the person I want to be, living the life I want and paving the way and trying it out in my mind for that to become reality.

As Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Pretend it’s already happened and step into the life you are imagining.

Stress Relief for the Work and Job Search Weary

2010-02-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

A New Year with new opportunities and adventures awaits us! Let’s start it out right with some reminders on how to take care of ourselves and ward off stress, which is oftentimes the cause of emotional discomfort and physical illness – the last things we need when responsibilities continue to build and rest on our shoulders.

Regina Roark, Doctor of Chiropractic, in practice for 16 years and located in San Marcos, CA, offers advice for managing the inevitable stress experienced from job searching and overworking. We recently asked her advice especially related to work issues.

What do you advise your patients who are looking for a job or worrying about job security these days?
My #1 piece of advice is to take time to take care of yourself on a daily basis, even if it’s only 5 minutes!

That certainly sounds do-able. How would someone effectively use 5 minutes for self care?
First with breathing exercises. Sit comfortably in a quiet place where there will be no interruptions. Consciously breathe in slowly through the nose, preferably, counting to 5 or 10 or 20, whichever length is most comfortable. Then breathe out through the nose at the same pace. Do this several times for a calming effect. Be sure to return to your normal breathing if you have any difficulty, such as getting light-headed.
Another technique I advocate is visualizing. Again, find that quiet place where you’ll be undisturbed. Close your eyes and think of a real or imagined place where you would go to spend time alone. Picture it clearly in your mind. Using the beach as an example, think of the color of the water, the foam of the waves, the sand, rocks, and clouds. After a few days of practice with thinking about what this place looks like, add another sensation to the picture like the sounds – waves crashing, wind blowing, birds singing. Then add the senses of touch and smell to the picture. Whether someone is sitting behind a computer, dropping off resumes, or managing people, this technique works wonders in clearing the mind and improving moods. And it can easily be done on a 5 or 10 minute break!

What kinds of situations are you hearing about from patients who are stressed out?
Not only are people looking for jobs, but many of my patients are overworked. They have to cover more hours at less pay or have had to get second jobs to help ends meet. With all this extra responsibility, they tend to let themselves and their self care go first.

What are some steps people could take to get back on track, especially here at the beginning of a New Year?
I recommend a 5-step process:
Step 1 – Be aware that whatever situation is creating stress, it will not last forever. Change is inevitable and things will get better.
Step 2 – Delegate whenever possible. Ask friends, family, and your support system for help. Reach out to those closest to you, explain what’s happening, and seek their assistance, if only temporarily.
Step 3 – Have a sounding board, a person whom you trust and will honor confidentiality, that will listen to your complaints. It’s important to talk things out and vent your frustrations, but not just to anyone.
Step 4 – Exercise if only for 5 minutes. Take a short walk, do stretches, use your lunch hour to get fresh air and move your muscles. Find a walking buddy, which will encourage you to be more consistent.
Step 5 – After identifying the stressor, follow this “3 A’s” system, in this order:
Avoid – physically remove yourself from the stressor, be it a person, place or thing. Put some distance between you and the cause of that stress. If that isn’t possible, then…
Alter –change your own thought or action about the stressor. Make the situation better in some way – learn more about it to create a deeper understanding, take a class to improve your own skills, think objectively about it and consciously respond differently than you have before. Again, if this doesn’t remove the stressor, then…
Accept – realizing that you can only change yourself, accept the stressor for a certain time period giving it a chance to improve, then be ready to move on if that doesn’t occur.

Using that 3A idea, what if the stressor is a person like a co-worker or boss?
Avoid the person in order to give yourself space and time to think about your responses and reactions to them. For instance, if your boss is the problem, take time to think through your next interaction with him or her and what the discussion may be like. Prepare your words and responses carefully, keeping in mind hot buttons that you can also avoid. This avoidance step is not running away – it’s giving yourself the gift of time to prepare. By approaching a hot topic or conversation in a different way, you are altering the scenario for the purpose of causing a different, more positive outcome. By researching an issue that causes stress or honing your skills in an area that makes your boss tense, you are taking control and mixing things up differently. After following the first 2 A’s, it’s time to accept that you’ve done what you can and realize the person may not ever change. Set a timeline for deciding on and making your next move – a new job, another department, or a heart-to-heart conversation. The 3A’s help you gain more control of the stressful situation and level the playing field.

Any other helpful advice for our readers who may be looking for work or contemplating a career change and feeling the stress?
Get up from your computer. Every 20 minutes (set a timer), stand up and stretch. Walk to a different room or down the hall. Change positions or switch chairs. Your body needs to move and your muscles need stretching.
Notice what your body is telling you and seek professional advice. Talk to your chiropractor about your workstation which could be contributing to back, neck or wrist pain. An improper chair can lead to headaches or numbness, which in turn affects sleep and your ability to exercise or even grocery shop.
Finally, really try to look on the bright side. A lay-off or job unhappiness can be an opportunity for change to more rewarding work or the chance to follow a dream.

This article appeared in the San Diego Job Giant on January 7, 2010.
Got a comment or other stress-relief tips? Please post your comment here!

Tried & True Tips for Managing your Time

2009-11-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

What a great time of year for some refreshers on that old favorite subject of Time Management, one I’ve not yet come close to mastering! End of year activities and deadlines, holiday gatherings and obligations, as well as New Year planning are filling the calendar, so you may find a few reminders helpful about now. Throughout the years, I’ve embraced as many tips as I have ignored others, and am aware of the many more I “should” implement. Below are some of my favorites, along with a few from my friends and colleagues. Enjoy!

Let’s start with one of my hotspots – Email! If your job allows it, check for new messages only 2 or 3 times per day and never first thing in the morning! Get your to-do list started, and then check messages mid-morning. Reply or take action as needed, and turn off your email program. Repeat mid afternoon or before leaving for the day. This lessens distractions immensely and you’ll feel that you had a very productive work day.

"Touching a paper (action) once". I read or heard this somewhere and I have applied this rule to my daily routine. As I get an action, I act on it right then and there OR I file it to follow up on it another day. That avoids unnecessarily shuffling of paper. It does not seem like much, but let me tell you ... it keeps you organized and focused on those actions you can take care of that day.
Maria, Contracts Administrator

My favorite time management technique is to create a “six most important list” the night before so I can walk into my office and get started right away. This is a staple Mary Kay training tool on time management.
Cynthia, Future Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics

My best time management tip is to be sure and schedule fun time for myself, just like I schedule doctor's appointments and meetings. I have started scheduling myself an entire fun day each week: no work, no chores, no tasks. Giving myself this time has enabled me to be much more focused and productive the other days of the week, and I don't feel so stressed out and frantic.
Sharon, Seminary Student

First, I use a timer (either a kitchen timer or a travel alarm clock by my desk). I allot myself a certain amount of time per project and setting the alarm helps me to stay focused on my task rather than any distractions. Second, I always calculate the time I need to leave to arrive at an appointment on time and place that into my calendar prior to my appt. time. I have less stress because I’m more aware of how much time I actually have for the day – and I’m not late for any appointments!
Suzan, Author and Coach

Other favorites from www.mayoclinic.com:
Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.

By the way, my favorite time management tool for the past 3 years has been my Planner Pad, a spiral bound (also available in binder format) calendar/to-do list/appointment book all in one. I used a Palm PDA for many years after my trusty DayTimer no longer served me but now I’m back to a manual system and loving it. If you are so inclined, check them out here: www.plannerpads.com.

Job Security and Job Search - It Really Is About Who You Know

2009-11-26T21:59:00.000-08:00

The single best thing you can do for yourself during times of uncertainty, especially if job security is in question, is to plug into your network. If you think you don't have one, yes, you really do. It starts with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. After you touch base with each of those people, you find out who they know that you should know and build from there. Many job seekers I've worked with discount this powerful tool, lose track of their past contacts, then find themselves at square one when they're jobless and desperate for help. It's important to keep your network active and stay in touch with those outside your day-to-day activities. You may find yourself in need of help one day and with an active network, you'll know just who to call. Another value to getting from behind the computer and out to meetings is that you'll find the support you need for solving business problems, finding employees, developing relationships, and even identifying your next job.

Harvey Mackay, inspirational business speaker and author of "Dig Your Well before you're Thirsty" says, "Networking is a lifelong practice that provides you with new knowledge and experiences, job security, expanded financial reach, and the strength of the group. The secret to maintaining a great network is, above all, knowing the value of the personal touch."

As for the virtual type of networking so popular today, if you have already or plan to join Linked In, Facebook or any of the numerous others, spend time learning about the site and maximize its benefits. Decide what you want from it and then diligently update your profile and respond to people and make connections regularly. And remember - if you should ever find yourself in the job market, recruiters and human resource folks are "googling" candidates. Make sure what they find online about you will help you get your next job or opportunity!

Do It Up Differently!

2009-11-02T13:28:00.001-08:00

I love hearing about people who are doing things differently in the job market these days and business world – positive things that get them noticed and called in for interviews, hired, promoted, or launched into business. They are proactive and creative and unafraid to get out there and take a chance that just might bring great reward.

What prompts this sort of activity? Some people I know were tired of waiting on others for job offers, others wanted to demonstrate their talents and desire for a particular job, and still others sought to rise above the mainstream norm and make themselves known. Read below for some ideas on doing it up differently!

With competition for jobs at high levels and job security still in question in many places, it’s crucial that you, too rise above it all and take a stand for what you want. Consider some of these real-life examples and then design your own:

If your department or position is being eliminated, proactively hand deliver resumes to other department heads, in addition to working with Human Resources, to let them know of your company experience and qualifications.

Have pre-addressed, stamped thank you cards in your car ready to mail immediately after interviews.

Personally deliver resumes to your target companies and ask to speak to the hiring manager.

When given a choice on how to respond to a job opening, do all of them – fax, phone, and email.

Put together a creative follow-up package with references and testimonials as to why you are the best person for the job.

Deliver cookies or snacks with your thank you note after interviews or informational meetings.

Turn your favorite past-time into a part-time business to ease full-time job uncertainty.

If a position you applied for continues to show up online as open, inquire about being a temporary fill-in while they are still looking for the right person.

Own up to mistakes or challenges you know will surface during your performance reviews anyway and show your enthusiasm for overcoming them and moving forward in your career.

After surviving a layoff, ask for a meeting with your manager to find out what you can do to help the company while making yourself a more valuable employee.

Send handwritten thank you notes to recruiters you meet at job fairs.

Bring interview or review conversations back around to where you can accentuate your strengths and talents.

Ask the next question that many are afraid to – “Why was I not your top choice for the job?”, “Do you have any suggestions for me as I continue my job search?”, “How can I improve my performance and contribute more to the company’s success?”

Anyone can send an email, post their resume online, wait to see what will happen or hear what the boss’ or client’s decision will be. Take back control of your job search or career path and decide what your own positive steps will be to get what you want.

Ask, “How do I want this to turn out?” and aim for that end result. Or as my husband frequently reminds me when pondering a decision, “What do you have to lose?” You and I have the power to create the life of our dreams. Let’s go for it!

Can We "Have It All"? - New Book Says Yes!

2009-10-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here’s a new book by Marcus Buckingham, Find Your Strongest Life; What the Happiest and Most Successful Women do Differently. Marcus is best known for his “Strengths Revolution” work, helping millions of people identify and benefit from their strengths. Read his ideas on how women can have it all and be happy. Take the Strong Life Test (see sidebar) and “discover the role you were born to play”.

Shop at Amazon.com!

Do You Know your USP??

2009-09-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

A marketing concept from the 1940’s, the Unique Selling Proposition, says that successful advertising campaigns make unique propositions to customers, thus causing them to switch brands. This term is used today in many fields to explain what differentiates one thing from another. Let’s apply this term to people:

What makes you memorable, incomparable, and causes you to stand out from the rest? These qualities, skills and abilities, your USP’s, are useful to know as you prepare for performance reviews, get acclimated to a new job, or for interviewing for that next position. Know and believe in yourself so that you can convince others to do the same and hire you, promote you, or build a valued relationship with you.

What better situation to identify USP’s than when building a resume? Here’s the document for touting your strengths and skills. You have only seconds to catch a reader’s attention, so use powerful words and phrases to describe yourself and what benefits you bring to a company. In today’s popular resume format, the summary paragraph - the first component at the top, is exactly where you would present these words. When you get to the interview, you will expand upon the words that piqued their interest in you and explain further why you’re the right person for the job!

What about when applying for a grant, submitting a proposal to a customer, or meeting with your boss to talk about that promotion? More situations where your USP will come in handy. Give yourself time to prepare and consider what makes your organization, company, department, or you, most deserve the prize ahead of all others.

To create your USP, start by listing adjectives and 2-3 word phrases that best describe you. Then go back through the list with your target audience in mind and pick out the top 5 that will most appeal to them. Use these in your summary paragraph or introduction of your presentation or proposal. Next, write out your accomplishments that pertain to the upcoming situation by utilizing the Challenge encountered-Actions taken-ensuing Results format. Note the most effective actions and outcomes for backing up your intention to win the prize. Help your readers and listeners understand clearly why you are the most deserving, the most qualified, and the best choice with a powerful Unique Selling Proposition!

Get Started! Begin that list of adjectives and phrases. Get other perspectives and ask friends and colleagues what words they would use to describe you. Begin forming your USP by thinking about what makes you unique, special and so deserving of what you want. You are one-of-a-kind. Define it, believe it, and be proud of it!

Visualize your Goals already Achieved

2009-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

I got some good advice from my mastermind group upon mentioning my jitters about an upcoming presentation to a group of professional women at a large San Diego company: “Visualize how you want it to turn out”. Simple and powerful words to apply to every single goal you have in your life and especially work. Read below for the how and why visualizing should be part of our everyday activities.

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
--Albert Einstein

Athletes have been using their imaginations to achieve their goals for years. They visualize an upcoming event in their mind before it actually takes place. Jack Nicklaus, the legendary golfer said “I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head.” First he saw the ball sitting where he intended it to go, then saw how it got there – its path, trajectory and landing, and finally saw the type of swing needed to turn his vision into reality.

This can work for the rest of us just as effectively. First get very clear on exactly what you want, and then take 10-15 minutes each day to close your eyes and imagine that your goal is already complete. Envision your dream house, ideal career, having unlimited money and good health, a successful presentation, or whatever you choose. Even more powerful is to imagine the corresponding feelings and sounds. Researchers say that an image or scene in your mind, when accompanied by intense emotion, can stay in your memory forever.

There’s fascinating scientific reasoning for how this works: When you visualize your goal as already complete on a regular basis, it creates a conflict in your subconscious mind between what you currently have and what you are visualizing. Your mind then tries to resolve the conflict by 1) programming your brain to let you be more aware of things that will help achieve your goal; 2) activates your subconscious mind to create solutions; and 3) creates new levels of motivation.

We each have one of the most powerful tools known to man right between our ears – our imaginations! Put it to use right now – get a mental picture of each of your goals, think about and feel them daily, and see what happens. You become unstoppable in achieving the life you want for yourself.

This week: Find yourself a quiet spot and bring to mind one important goal you want to achieve. Close your eyes and see yourself enjoying the benefits of that achievement. Think about how every aspect of reaching that goal feels and sounds to you. See in your mind’s eye what you’re doing, who’s with you, and every detail of its positive outcome. This exercise may feel like the children’s game of “pretend” but go with it. Write down what you thought about and carry that paper with you to remind you of not only the target goal, but also its associated feelings and effects. You’ll have more confidence and soon begin taking steps needed to make it happen.

Got a Summer Vacation???

2009-08-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Have you taken your summer vacation yet?
You’ve got another month or so before summer officially ends, so if not, get that break penned in on your calendar. Expedia’s annual survey indicates that we Americans do see the benefits of taking vacations with “39% reporting they feel more productive and better about their job upon returning from vacation and 52% claiming to feel rested, rejuvenated and reconnected to their personal lives”.

My friend, Elaine Masters, owner of Drivetime Yoga (www.DrivetimeYoga.com), offers some wonderful advice regarding vacations and her specialty, road trips, in this week’s article.

"It's Monday but summertime daydreams are tugging at my attention. I've been browsing expat websites, pouring over travel magazines and I just returned from a great trip! Oh, guilt is tempting but daydreaming this time of year is natural. A recent survey conducted by Huntress, a British staffing firm, found that over 68% of polled workers admitted that they spent a good portion of the day dreaming about impending vacations. Another 25% said they noticed their productivity drop in the summer.Forward thinking companies have harnessed this natural "summer slump" by giving their employees a little more time off. Studies show that they reap financial benefits in a few months with increased morale and productivity, especially during the busy times of the year. For those entrepreneurs amongst us, it's hard to justify time away, but you can manage your desire to get outside, still get things done and satisfy that wanderlust. Here are a few tips:
If you're on staff, write up a proposal to your boss that includes tele-commuting or flex-time so you can have 3-day weekends. Be specific & have alternatives.
Travel-commute: Again managing your time is key. Bring your laptop/smart phone with you and set up a few hours a day to work. Turn things off on schedule or you'll negate the positive effects by staying online too long.
Break out of your rut and change your routine. Take advantage of the great weather to do some Yoga on the patio, the beach or at the park. Make stretching a prelude to your picnic lunch!
If you work at home and the kids are there, get them stretching too.

Denying your natural desire to go out and play can lead to frustration or worse, depression. Find new ways to nourish yourself with mindfulness and a little discipline. You'll be happier for it.

Here are two simple Road Trip Yoga Tips:
Get Present:
To be more focused and fight the monotony of longer drives, try 'rolling' through each of your senses. Approach this with a beginners mind, as though it were the first time you felt each experience. Listen to the noises of the car and road. Feel your back and legs against the seat and the vibration in your feet. Sense the space around your car and the distance between you and other drivers.
Stretch breaks:
About every 20 minutes, check in and feel what's going on in your body while in the car. Add little stretches and adjustments based on what you discover. Stretch slowly and deeply at rest stops. By stopping every hour, for even a few minutes to stretch and move more, you'll arrive feeling better, with less stiffness and be more ready to play or work."

For more stress relief tips contact Elaine Masters, RYT, info@drivetimeyoga.com www.DrivetimeYoga.comCopyright 2009 Elaine Masters, RYT - www.DrivetimeYoga.com. Used by permission.

Thanks Elaine!

This week: Schedule that summer vacation trip and start making your arrangements for getting away from the office, or at a bare minimum, plan a day or two off for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. No doubt, the work will still be there when you return but you’ll find yourself more productive, refreshed and ready to tackle it.
Have a great week!

Being, Doing, Having

2009-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more what they want, so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."
--Margaret Young, American entertainer, 1920's

Ever notice those among us who don’t seem to have to work that hard to do well in their jobs or to be good leaders or successful business owners? They appear comfortable in their own skin and pleasantly confident about the roles they’ve chosen in life. They aren’t struggling or trying. They’re simply caught up in the “being” instead of the “doing”.

Here’s what I’ve determined about them so far:
They know without a doubt what their chosen path is and take full responsibility for it.
They expect and plan for positive outcomes.
They speak with firm, affirmative language as if there is no other way.
They don’t make excuses or apologies – they don’t have to because they’re doing what they’re meant to do.
They are content with whatever they have right now. If they aspire to have something better, a job, car, house, etc., you don’t hear them talking about it – they’ve probably got a plan in place and know they’ll have whatever it is soon enough.
They have a good balance of work and play in their lives.
When they receive a complement, they are genuinely appreciative and somewhat surprised that there is anything out of the ordinary about them.

What I especially admire about these people is that they dwell in the present, not the past or the future. For example, no matter who they are talking with, that other person has their full attention. When they’re on a project, those related tasks have their complete energy. When they are on vacation, they’re really on vacation without any distractions. They are fully present.

Who do you know with these traits? Your boss, a co-worker, teacher or community leader? Take some time this week to notice what makes this remarkable group of people tick. Or pick one of my observations above and implement it into your life. Perhaps you are already one of these people who’s gotten off that treadmill of “doing” and spends more time “being”. Keep on being. The rest of us will watch, take notes, and eventually catch up.

Shakti Gawain, best-selling author and teacher, says it this way: “When I’m trusting and being myself, everything in my life reflects this by falling into place easily, often miraculously.”

Change: The Only Constant in Life

2009-06-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

June – can you believe it? Time is flying and the pace of our world seems to continue its increase. New technology, information, activities, choices, and decisions keep us on our toes and demand our attention in order to stay at the top of the workplace game. My friend and mentor, Barbara Eldridge contributed this issue’s article about what she calls the “2009 Dilemma” – planning and changing in order to keep up. Read below for her insight and suggestions.

Are you keeping up with the pace of change? The pace of technology? The pace of your industry? The pace of your competition? The 2009 Dilemma is how much do you have to change to keep pace? During these challenging times you need to have information at your finger tips that help you make the best decisions.
Planning is a hands on process. You might start by asking some tough questions:
Do you recognize the need for change?
Are you prepared to look reality in the face?
Are you willing to change yourself?
Will you turn a plan into action?
Do you have the guts to take yourself in new directions?
I would like to lay out a road map that will get you to view your career through a lens that eliminates the distortions of everyday business. Let me warn you, you may not like what you see. But if you are going to meet 2009 head on it is a necessary process. Let’s look at what a new strategy could do for you.

1. Develop a statement of purpose. What’s your purpose?Sometimes why we started in a career is not the same as why we continue to work it. One of my long time clients over the years has added staff, and possibly her successor, so that now she can travel more. The business was started so she could support her family.
2. Conduct a SWOT analysis. This will help you evaluate your internal strengths and weaknesses, along with the opportunities and threats you face in your career market place. It will give you a basis for developing a plan.
3. Crystallize your thinking - Determine what specific long range goals you want for yourself. It is never enough to just want more money. They should cover all aspects of your life.
4. Create benchmarks, with specific results for meeting those goals. It is easier to make adjustments along the way without losing sight of the long range goals.
5. Brainstorm strategies for reaching each of the results. There is more than one way to achieve a result, ask others for ideas.
6. Develop a Plan of Action. Plan the progressive steps, along with when you want to accomplish them. Nothing ever happens without action, but there is a world of difference between mere action and constructive action.
7. Be confident in yourself and your own abilities. Be determined to follow through on your plan, because without determination the plan will deteriorate.
The 8th step is to track your progress. Write out your numbers (yes I said write), the steps you have taken. It is a sure way of staying focused.

Barbara Eldridge is President and Founder of Mind Masters a membership organization for business owners. Her advisory experience includes leading businesses into growth, reengineering business systems and processes to accommodate the changing market place, and refocusing businesses that needed to change to survive. Contact her at Barbara@MindMasters.com or www.mindmasters.com. © 2009 Mind Masters, Used by permission.

June is a perfect time to re-evaluate your career path and progress you’ve made to date. This week, follow Barbara’s advice and steps. Revisit your 2009 goals and congratulate yourself on achievements or make some adjustments to get yourself back on track.

Springtime Brainstorms

2009-05-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

I attended a Career Management Alliance conference in San Antonio, Texas a couple of weeks ago and came back with so many great ideas to implement. One especially stands out – that of Brainstorming – and its value in opening up new possibilities, creating bonds within a group, and providing focus. Read below for more on this powerful creativity tool.

Brainstorming is defined by Webster’s as “the unrestrained offering of ideas by all members of a group to seek solutions to problems”. In the session I attended on business development, the group of 15 attendees contributed ideas on topics such as time management, maximizing productivity, branding, prioritizing marketing efforts, sales, and so on. Scribes were assigned to document the ideas and then commit to the ones they would personally focus on for improvement. When all was said and done, we had a list of at least 12 ideas for each of the 8 topics, providing us with possible actions we would not have come up with on our own. Some really resonated and made sense to me; others could work in the future.

And to make Brainstorming really effective, there are rules to abide by*:
1. Go for Quantity – produce a large number of ideas
2. Postpone Judgment – save evaluation until after all ideas are out
3. Encourage off-the-wall ideas – use imagination to list all possibilities
4. Welcome and record all ideas – record the actual words people use
5. Write all ideas where people can see them – write legibly
6. Eight to Evaluate rule – generate a minimum of 8 ideas before moving on

(*Special thanks to Louise Kursmark and Wendy Enelow of Resume Writing Academy for this enlightening session)

See how you can use this tool to come up with creative solutions to nagging problems at work, define your next ideal job, or re-energize a business? How about even at home when deciding how to tackle the next home improvement project or vacation destination? Get a group of co-workers, friends, family or associates together. Pose the problem, review the Rules of Brainstorming, and let ‘em go! At the end of your session, prioritize the ideas and create an action plan to propel you forward.

This week: think of an issue where Brainstorming may be the perfect tool for finding the right solution. Follow the method outlined above and have some fun with your group!

Share the results here - we'd love to see your success stories!

Balance and Goals...Goals and Balance

2009-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few words on one of my favorite topics, Goals and its sidekick, Balance. As you know, my focus is on work and career related goals; those in others areas oftentimes take a backseat to things I want to accomplish in business. When overwhelm creeps in, along with that creepy procrastination, it’s a good time to re-evaluate where I’m spending my time. It brings up that phrase we’ve heard over the years – “Life-Work Balance”, which not surprisingly, I’ve not yet mastered. You?

What to do? Write these goal categories on a piece of paper: Career, Financial, Family, Personal, and Spiritual. List what you want to achieve in each of these areas in the coming months or by the end of the year. This helps remind you what else matters to you besides work and realign how you spend your time – doing things that are most important to you in all areas of life. And then, each day, and definitely each week, spend time taking steps toward those goals in those areas.

Wise words from the Mayo Clinic website: “Remember, striking a work-life balance isn't a one-shot deal. Creating balance in your life is a continuous process. Demands on your time change as your family, interests and work life change. Assess your situation every few months to make sure you're keeping on track.” (read here for their article on work-life balance: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/work-life-balance/WL00056) Goal setting is imperative to succeeding in life…all areas of life. Don’t forget to balance out your goals among them.

How do you achieve balance while working toward your goals? Please post a comment!

Stress Relief in Job Search and Job Security

2009-04-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

I ran across a good internet article last week when researching “job search stress”. It discusses primary causes and ways to decrease anxiety. I think the information applies to not only people stressing about being out of work, but also the numerous others stressing over job security. It all boils down to one’s thoughts about a situation – we create our experiences by what we think. Read on and be sure to pass it along to someone who can use some de-stressing tips right about now...

The author, a resume-writing specialist, says that by avoiding these 5 things, more peace of mind is possible. I agree and have added some of my own thoughts:
Perfectionism – creating an outstanding resume is important, but don’t obsess about it. I’d add that focusing about the possibility of losing a job or going way over the top with overzealous performance in order to keep it are also forms of perfectionism and detrimental in the long run. Do your best. That’s good enough.
Procrastination – letting things pile up during a job search simply add more stress to the mindset of joblessness. Same goes for job security – putting things off at work and home adds more worry to the situation. Focus on what’s right in front of you rather than projecting into the future. I like the author’s two mottos: Touch it once and Do it now.
Powerlessness Feelings – thinking that others are in control of our destinies with regard to hiring and firing decisions wears a person down, no doubt. Instead, focus on what you do well, concentrate on strengths and accomplishments. Keep a positive attitude and recognize that you are in charge of your life and most definitely are not helpless.
Problem People – Avoid them. Plain and simple. Others’ negative attitudes do you no good so protect yourself especially while in a sensitive situation. When they start talking about the bad economy, unemployment statistics, and who’s laying off, walk the other way or change the subject.
Pessimism – staying positive may be easier said than done when in uncomfortable employment circumstances, so it’s very important to take a break and pull your mind away from this one overwhelming area of life on a regular basis. Schedule time to exercise, garden, chat with positive friends, work your hobby. Volunteer and help others reach their goals. Find those spots of enthusiasm and optimism – let them grow and enter into to your work life.

Whether in job search mode, worrying about possible lay offs, or even business building in a tight economy, I believe these are indeed good things to keep in mind. Protect yourself, take a break from burdensome tasks, optimistically forge ahead with a solid plan for building your future, and create the live you’ve imagined.

This week: Take it easy on yourself, Do it now, Know you are in control, Avoid the naysayers, Build on your optimism and pass it along to others in need.

Got some other stress busters while in job search mode or overcoming job security worries? Post them here!

So What do You Say to Yourself...at Work??

2009-04-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

I just received this book, first published 20 years ago, in the mail and find it to be so timely and still relevant – What to Say When You Talk to Your Self by Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. He says “Self-Talk is a way to override our past negative programming by erasing or replacing it with conscious, positive new directions. It is a practical way to live our lives by active intent rather than by passive acceptance.” I love that. Read on to learn about 4 levels of Self-Talk and how to move through them:

Level I – Negative Acceptance (“I can’t…”)
This is the lowest, least beneficial, and most harmful mode of Self-Talk. Not only do we say bad things about ourselves, we go on to accept them as truth. Unfortunately it is the most frequently used. Be aware of your “I can’t’s” and move toward replacing them.

Level II - Recognition and Need to Change (“I need to…I should…”)
This level recognizes the problem but offers no solution, instead it recognizes that you need to make a change but are stuck in that place of recognition without any action steps, creating guilt and disappointment in ourselves. “I really should get up earlier”, “I need to enroll in that training class”.

Level III - Decision to Change (“I never…I no longer…”)
The first level that begins moving you in the right direction – you know the need for change and also make the decision to do something about it. You are beginning to rephrase the old “can’t’s” into more positive, present-tense statements. “I no longer argue with my coworker about our responsibilities” “I never speak crossly with my employees”.

Level IV - The Better You (“I am…”)
The most effective level that is used the least and is needed the most. Here you are creating a new picture of how you want to be and giving the words to your subconscious mind as its new program, replacing old “cannots” with “Yes I can’s”. These messages inspires us, encourages us, excites and pushes us forward. “I am organized and efficiently get things done easily and effortlessly”, “I am worthy of promotions and recognition.” “I believe in and respect myself.”

This process helps break down the years of negative programming that our brains are used to and begins feeding it new directions. He says that the “subconscious mind will believe anything you tell it if you tell it long enough and strongly enough. It will simply go to work to carry out its new directives.”

Helmstetter adds, “just listen to anything you may be saying to yourself that could be working against you, turn it around, and start using the Self-Talk that works for you.”

This is only the tip of the Self-Talk iceberg. Pick up a copy of the book and see for yourself. It’s an easy, beneficial read guaranteed to make you look closer at what you say to yourself.

What we say to ourselves sets us up for success or failure, creates possibility or shuts us down in the face of choices. This applies to perfectly to our work lives as well as personal. The messages you give yourself during the day affect your interactions with customers and colleagues, your ability to get things done, and ultimately to be doing the work you absolutely love to do.

This week: catch what you’re telling yourself and eliminate and replace that negative Self-Talk. Write it down and consciously work through the levels above. Put a positive message on a stickie note and place it where you’ll see it daily. (“I approve of myself” was in my car for many years) Begin reprogramming your brain to think highly of yourself and that you are capable of achieving your goals. Live the life you have imagined.

Drop me a line about what you say to yourself during the workday!

What are you telling yourself?

2009-03-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

In my work helping people make successful career transitions after being laid off or making their own decision to do so, I hear many excuses: “I’m too old”, I’m too young”, "I don’t have a degree”, “My dream is too unrealistic”, “I’ll never be able to do it”, “In this bad economy…”. These are typical reactions to change, ways we humans adapt, or don’t, to the unfamiliar. So there begins my work with clients – helping them take a look at what they’re telling themselves and realizing there are always ways around perceived obstacles. In matters related to you making that change you’ve got in mind, what are you telling yourself?

Undoing our Excuses
Here are some different ways of looking at excuses, which are really self-imposed limitations that hold us back from realizing our own potential:

“Too old” – consider the years of accumulated experience learning ways of the business world or an industry, knowing how to get things done, having established a reputation and good work habits.

“Too young” – there is a lot of energy and freshness associated with youth, new ideas and an understanding of how today’s technology can help existing processes, and a hunger for learning from more experienced colleagues.

“I don’t have a degree” – experience speaks volumes in most cases and what is gained from actually doing the thing can overshadow having the piece of paper; a degree can be completed while learning the job.

“Too unrealistic” – wisdom throughout the ages says that if you have the idea to begin with, you have the ability to make it happen; asking tough questions and building a business plan around an idea will shed light on its viability.

“I’ll never be able to do it …” – you get what you think, so your attitude must be open and willing; setting goals, creating action plans, monitoring progress, and appreciating any size of step taken is how many a dream is realized.

“In this bad economy…” – there are still people thriving and businesses having their best months ever – we just don’t hear about them much. Yes, careful consideration is in order along with a reality check on finances, but nothing says you can’t start making moves now.

“I won’t make as much money” – that remains to be seen – with a goal and a good marketing plan, whether self-employed or not, there may be more money available than you think.

“I don’t have the skills” – related skills may just be buried in years of experience; if you’ve learned new things before, you can do so once again; volunteer, take classes and show your enthusiasm for getting the skills you need.

By the way, here’s my own overused excuse, “I don’t have enough time” – maybe my schedule is filled with tasks better left for later (or in my case, too many details that don’t really warrant doing) and events that won’t help me reach my goal. Time to re-evaluate and reprioritize.

The point is, we all have excuses for not taking action on something that could lead us to more success, more happiness, peace of mind, self belief and confidence than we can imagine possible.

If we really want something and make the commitment to get it, we will find the ways to overcome our excuses and make it happen. As Henry Ford, that great American industrialist said, “Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.”

So what's holding you back from reaching your dreams? Identify that old excuse and counter it with what you can do, even a baby step, to get past it.

Back to "Old School" in the Workplace

2009-03-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

A lot of my time is spent these days helping people individually and in groups get back to work. In my Career Transition Clubs, we cover a variety of topics including social networking’s role in job searching, recommended resume styles, and doing work we love. Twice a month, I conduct job search workshops at Interfaith Community Services where topics include basics such as interviewing skills, goal setting, and networking. One thing has become very clear – to succeed in today’s job market and workplace, one must stand above the crowd, or as a Club member recently put it, "we need to use old-school techniques”.

“Old School” Tips & Techniques
From the Urban Dictionary, “old school” is defined as “anything that is from an earlier era and looked upon with high regard or respect”. Some of these old-school workplace tips are seemingly common sense, though I’m sorry to say, not frequently put into common practice.

* Sending hand-written thank you notes after interviews and meetings
* Hand-delivering requested materials, such as resumes, and enclosing them in a larger
envelope so no folding of the document is required
* Doing follow up by placing a phone call rather than emailing or texting
* Taking care to dress professionally and neatly for interviews and presentations
* Taking the time to arrange for face-to-face interaction vs. phone or email
* Going back to clarify when you feel miscommunication may have occurred
* Paying attention to detail, especially spelling or abbreviations others may not understand
* Being an attentive listener and “being present” with the person speaking
* Initiating a handshake, saying “thank you”, and making eye contact
* Acting on something personal about a colleague, manager or client – their birthday, favorite
foods, children’s names, things you have in common.
* Sharing the credit when things go well and accolades are flowing
* Apologizing when you’ve erred, in person whenever possible

Yes, it’s true - by ensuring you do these “old school” things as often possible, you will actually stand out from the crowd. All are common courtesies, yet not commonly practiced. Today’s fast pace and technology laden workplaces can prevent us from getting back to these basics. Nothing can ever take the place of the human touch in our high tech world.

To Do this Week: Check yourself on the list above and make sure you’re covered. Focus on one you might improve upon and put it into play. Work on it consistently, make it a habit and enhance your reputation. Then pass this list along to someone who’s in the job market so they can really make an impact on potential employers.
Have a great week!

Please post a comment or another "old school" idea that you'd like to see become more common practice!

How do YOU define Success???

2009-03-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

Recent news has got me thinking about the definition of "Success" and I wonder if many people are changing theirs in light of our changing times. Personally, and up to now, mine has been more focused on the achievement of that “big hairy goal”. Now, however, I’m paying attention to the small steps and realizing it’s not an all or nothing kind of thing. Maybe that end result won’t or can’t look exactly like what I have in mind, but I can sure learn to enjoy the journey!
Take a look at others’ thoughts on success:

"Success is found in the journey, not the destination." - Arthur Ashe

"Try not to be a man of success, but rather to be a man of value." - Albert Einstein

"If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all." -Anna Quindlen

"The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration." - Confucius

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." -Henry David Thoreau

"The temptation to quit is greatest right before you succeed." -Chinese saying

This week: Revisit your personal definition of success and see if it still holds true. If not, use one of the above quotes to inspire what resonates more with you. That’s the beauty of Success. We get to choose its definition and change it whenever we want.
Here’s one more I especially like:
“Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.” -Arnold H. Glasgow

Please share your definition of success by posting a comment now!

Expect What You Want - especially when Job Hunting!

2009-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Remember that old childhood story about Chicken Little convincing her friends that the sky was falling? Well, if you watch the news and read the papers on a consistent basis these days, it’s easy to begin believing that our sky is indeed falling. I just caught myself on this a couple of weeks ago. Time to take control of the only thing we can – ourselves and our thoughts. Read on…

From Jack Canfield’s Success Principles, principle #4 talks about the “expectancy theory”, yet another powerful example of how our brains work. Scientists say our brains expect certain outcomes because of our life-long conditioning. Through events and education, we believe things will turn out a certain way, whether they actually do or not. However, it is possible to replace negative expectations with positive ones. So when you begin to believe that the outcome you want truly is possible, your brain will start working on making that happen.

Now, let’s relate this to a real-life story about a job search from a former client of mine:
The first thing that struck me about Terry when we began working together a few months ago, was his confidence and absolute belief that he would find the type of job he desired. He never wavered from this and after getting clear on his wants & needs, brushing up his resume and getting the word out to his network, he started interviewing. Fast forward to last week: he accepted a job offer doing the type of work he had in mind for a growing exciting company, and still has two pending offers coming through from other possible employers. His advice to other job seekers: Get clear on what you want and believe that your vision is possible. Terry expected to achieve what he set out to do, rolled up his sleeves, took action, ignored the naysayers, and now is enjoying the reality of his vision, dare I say – even in “this economy”!

Your Challenge This Week: Pick a goal or dream you’ve put aside because of an expectation that it’s not possible at this time. Perhaps a promotion, a new project, new clients, bigger sales, new job, or…you fill in the blank. Think it through in very specific detail so that you can easily see it happening. Get past obstacles by asking “why not?” and “what if?” Try acting as if it is possible to have this thing you want. Choose to believe that you really can have it and expect to see it show up in your life. Believe in yourself and go for it!

Please post your success stories about how what you wanted showed up in your life. This stuff works! Tell us about it.

Passion at Work - Real Life Stories

2009-02-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

Many of you, I’m sure, celebrated Valentine’s Day this past weekend and recognized that much acclaimed passion in your significant relationship. That emotion that takes hold of us and makes everything else seem less of a priority can and does happen in the workplace, as I’ve been discussing this month. Read on for some real-life stories about people who absolutely LOVE what they do for a living.

*A dynamic grandma and former real estate professional is now heading a thriving non-profit business based on the concept of teaching kids the importance of self worth and appreciation of themselves and others on a world-wide scale.
*A woman who for 10 years worked in her family’s construction business and thought she’d found her niche. Then she realized that her new church activities were taking up lots of her time and found she didn’t mind that a bit. After analysis of the possibilities over a 6 month period, she is now happily entrenched in seminary school so she can build a career on helping people in a spiritual sense.
*An entrepreneur at heart whose career in selling business planning and management tools to small business owners developed into her own company for helping small businesses flourish and reach their goals with the aid of her experience and passion for other entrepreneurs.
*A former marketing executive in corporate and non-profit America had health issues which caused rethinking of his future. A lifelong passion for a healthy environment paved the way to opportunities in using his skills and expertise for the benefit of a large utility company and their ventures with the construction industry.
*A woman who thought her ideal career as a business coach would take her into retirement eventually realized that her true passion and talents were better suited to helping women transform their personal and professional lives. She now has her own successful coaching practice.
*A small business owner whose labor-intensive company was zapping his time and energy so much so that there was not much left after hours for his young family. He successfully made the switch to becoming a full time employee elsewhere so he could be more a part of his wife and kids’ lives on a daily basis.
*A professional man passionate about mentoring young adults in their careers, now leads a team of young engineers and is considered one of the most successful departments in a manufacturing company and looked to as the example to follow.

What do all these stories have in common? They identified their passions, persevered in integrating them, and held the desire to live life full out thus creating more meaning and satisfaction. Proof that it can be done and is happening right in front of us to people we see everyday. How about you?

To Do this Week: Review this month’s messages about passion and pick one activity that will help incorporate yours into your work life. Talk to someone who’s living their work dream and learn their story. Figure out how you can have some of that! Then write your own passion story and feel the reward and satisfaction. It’s well worth the effort.

Putting Passion into Practice, part 2

2009-02-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Last week I mentioned some ways to identify your passions or even clarify those you are already aware of. A really good book on the topic, The Passion Test, gives much more information and in-depth exercises for identifying them. It’s definitely a process. The passions I started with last year when I read the book have been reworked and refined until they are much more specific. For instance, I started with “inspire and encourage others to reach higher to discover their potential”. Now it reads “leading and facilitating groups where new ideas and methods are discussed, thus getting each person closer to doing what they love”. Here’s the next step in connecting the dots between work and passion: integrating them into your work life.

Putting that Passion into Practice
The best way I know for making a change (like integrating your now identified passions into your life) is to make a goal of it and create a realistic action plan. I’ve mentioned many times that studies show the most successful people set goals, and not only that, they write their goals down, keep them visible, and review them often. Next, think of ways to achieve this goal by creating an action plan, step by step activities that answer the question, “how can I do more of that?” And last but not least, hold yourself accountable for achieving them.

Let’s take an example of someone who is passionate about teaching and training. Their goal becomes “Spend more time each week in a training/teaching role until it becomes my primary function.” Their action plan may include such steps as “determine training needs in my department”, “find or develop appropriate classes for my employees, clients and colleagues”, “attend ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) monthly meetings for exposure to the field”, and “volunteer at xyz organization to teach xyz class”. These can be broken down into even smaller steps if needed – whatever it takes to make them feel realistic and achievable. The next step is to assign a date that each step will be completed by and put it on the calendar and weekly to-do lists to ensure activity. Regular review of progress, realigning with other priorities when needed, and noting accomplishments toward reaching the goal are all critical parts of the process.

Need some help getting started? I have a very simple worksheet for identifying and integrating Passions into your work life that I’ll be happy share with you. Please add a comment to this post and I'll send it to you.

To-Do this Week: Write down at least one goal that will add more passion to your life. Next, determine the action steps required which help you “do more of that”. Write these down and assign a due date – add to your calendar and hold yourself accountable. Even better, share this process with a friend and hold each other accountable. Celebrate your accomplishments and progress toward making your work more fulfilling and exciting, step by step.

“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
~Arnold H. Glasow, American humorist and author, 1905-1998

Putting Passion into Practice!

2009-02-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of being the speaker at the monthly meeting of the Good Ol’ Gals networking group last week in North San Diego County where close to 60 dynamic, creative women were in attendance. The topic was one of my favorites and very appropriate for the month of February: Putting Passion into our Work. Before making a career transition into my own career services business almost 4 years ago, I had made no connection between “work” and “passion”. Now I get it. I hope you do, or will, too.

What’s the Connection?
Passion is that powerful emotion that drives us to act or behave in certain ways. We can all relate to the romantic, February 14th type of passion; how and why does this emotion relate to work? Most of us spend an incredible amount of time working, usually more than just 8 hours per day. When you factor in morning preparation and 2-way commute time, you’re looking at 10 hours or more. That’s not even counting “mind time” when you’re still mulling over work issues without even being there!

What if you were doing work you absolutely love, work you feel “called” to do? What a difference that feeling, that passion, would make in those work hours. Imagine feeling fulfilled, completely engaged, and satisfied that you are making a contribution to others’ lives. Studies prove that people who do what they love for a living are happier and healthier – mentally and physically. They focus on the positive, less on negative, and therefore are less stressed. Family and friends find them more fun to be with, interesting to talk to, positive and expressive.

Ready to put some passion in your work? First you need to identify what your passions are by taking the time to answer the following questions:
1. What is it about your work that gets you out of bed in the morning?
2. What are you doing during the workday when time flies by?
3. What are you doing when, upon completion, you say “I can’t wait to do that again!”?
4. Complete this sentence: When my work life is ideal, I am…

This starts the process of putting more passion in your work. Your answers are clues to what you are happiest doing and get you closer to doing work you love.

To-Do this Week: Get a blank piece of paper and write answers to the 4 questions above If you already feel passionate about your work, maybe you can add a little more. If you have a good job but aren’t necessarily excited about it or able to leave just yet, here’s a way to make it more interesting. And if you’re in transition, actively looking for work, definitely take the time to do this exercise so your next job will include your passions from the get-go.

"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman, theologian and writer

Are you passionate about your work? Drop me a comment and let me know how you made that happen!

Stay on the Upswing during this Downturn - Show Your Value

2009-01-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Attitude is everything and is important everywhere, I think you will agree. No better place to start than at work, especially now, in light of widespread job market and company layoff news. The closer these things hit to home, the more we need to step up and be ready for whatever may happen next. Rather than joining the masses who sit in worry and stress, take action and create a secure future for yourself. The following series of posts present ideas to help keep yourself on the upswing during this downturn:

1. Show your Value: Step up your involvement and present solutions and ideas that can cut costs or even create a low-cost revenue stream for the company. Take on new projects and offer to assist others with theirs. Show initiative by attending training classes to improve your skills and set your sights on the next position you want within the company and do the things needed to get there. Stay in constant contact with your boss and make sure s/he knows you are eager, ready and willing to do your part to help the company reach its goals. Speak positively about the company and your colleagues. Do whatever it takes to stand above the crowd. Be that productive, resourceful employee that people enjoy working with.

How else might you show your value at work during tough economic times and make your job more secure? Please post your ideas here!
Stay tuned for Idea #2 - Be a Model Employee

What did you want to be when you grew up?

2009-01-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity last week to be a workshop leader at a teen girls’ conference where I introduced them to exercises for finding their right career path. I told them of the advantage they have right now at their age to become aware of clues to their “right livelihood” before adult responsibilities and experiences begin covering them up. They found it very interesting and somewhat unbelievable when I told them that the question they get tired of hearing now is the very one I ask my mid-life, mid-career clients who are so unhappy in their jobs: “What did you want to be when you grew up?”

How would you respond to these questions and statements?

I am naturally good at:
In my spare time, I like to:
My favorite school subject is/was:
I got the best grades in:
I feel passionate about the issue of:
I like to read books about:
A person I know (identify who), has an interesting job, which is:
I think the most interesting sites on the internet are:
My friends and colleagues have said that I’m really good at:
My favorite places to go are:
Businesses that are interesting to me are:

Clues to your natural abilities, strengths and talents can truly go all the way back to your childhood. Reviewing some of your favorite things from back then may point you in the direction of what you really could be doing for a living that would be more fulfilling and meaningful to you. Check yourself with what you’re doing now and see how close you are. Feel free to pass this along to a friend who’s been wondering what they want to be when they grow up.

I started working with a new client last summer who found herself in this dilemma. After a long successful and exciting career, it was time to move on and she wasn’t clear where to go. She actually inspired my Career Discovery Journal, which was created just for the purpose of figuring out what kind of work you’re better suited for. If you or someone you know is dedicated to making a career change this year and has no idea as to what that new career looks like, please visit this site: www.dowhatyoulove.net and order a Journal today.

For more information on our Career Services, including one-on-one coaching, group Outplacement workshops and Career Transition Clubs, please visit www.LousbergUnlimited.com.

7 Steps to Simple, Powerful Goals

2009-01-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I have (and am sure you have too) run across numerous strategies, products, and workshops for New Year goal setting. Over time, I developed my own method, a hybrid of the most popular, and one that works best for me… and one that works well of my ’09 intention of keeping things simple. I share these 7 steps to encourage you to create your own 2009 roadmap to success in an easy, realistic way:

1. Write them down in detail – studies prove that those who write down what they want have much more success than those who do not. Be specific – vague goals create vague results. Include answers to the questions “how much?” and “by when?

2. Chunk each one down – create action steps and include in your to-do list so you can move toward achieving your goals every day

3. Visualize – see yourself actually doing, being, having each goal; find related pictures and create a vision board. envision your life with them already accomplished and then add emotion to the vision – what will it feel like to have accomplished each of your goals?

4. Set goals for all areas of your life – Spiritual, Physical, Personal Development, Relationships, Financial, Community - and of course - Career.

5. Review regularly – once in the morning and once in the evening; keep them visible, such as in your day planner or calendar; put your top priority goal on a card and carry with you

6. Track progress and accomplishments throughout the year; reset and revise goals where necessary. Keep the momentum rolling – if progress is interrupted, pick up where you left off and keep moving forward.

7. Be accountable – ask someone to help hold you responsible by checking in and reminding you of your intentions for this year. You do the same for them.

Taking the time to plot out what you want to accomplish this year is like gathering up maps before taking a road trip or writing a business plan before launching a business. Being clear on what you want and determining what action steps to take puts you fully in charge of your activities this year. Constantly remind yourself of what you want and make note of your progress. And as life is constantly changing, so are our goals. If you see the need to drop one from the list or re-prioritize all of them, do so without looking back. You are in charge of this journey.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Mark Twain, American author and humorist

“If you are bored with life, if you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things – you don’t have enough goals.”
Lou Holtz, NCAA award-winning Football coach

Keeping Things Simple

2009-01-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like things have gotten too complicated and all the joy is gone from previously enjoyable tasks? One of my own personal goals this year is to simplify various activities, one of which is writing and sending out my Monday Morning Stretch weekly emails. It has gone through some transitions this year and by the way, thank you to my subscribers for your patience and positive comments as I’ve tried out different styles. While it may have looked more professionally constructed with its catchy format, good graphics and photos, it became more of a hassle and something I did not look forward to doing. Back to simple and what worked before – short paragraphs filled with helpful workplace information (and maybe a graphic here and there). The acronym, K.I.S.S, is a great reminder – Keep It Short & Simple.

Think of one of your own work related tasks that has become too complicated and is perhaps now your least favorite thing to do. Too many forms, numerous levels of required approvals, and an over-the-top amount of reports to generate are all causes for overwhelm. In my case, too much space requiring too much text for a weekly message was the culprit. Take that one task and think about how it could be simpler and what you can do today to break it down into something easier to accomplish. Delegate a piece of it, ask for a reprieve on reporting, or combine 2 or 3 forms into one. Get creative and simplify what’s become too much to handle.

This week, see where you can apply that K.I.S.S. rule and make your life simpler and better. As famed American Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said,

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”

The Power of Master Minding for Job Seekers

2008-12-17T00:23:00.001-08:00

The power of just what masterminding can do really came through with a recent comment from a member of my Career Transition Club. She’s been out of work for several months and just joined this group of mid-level professionals looking for positive change in their work lives. She said during her introduction that she looks forward to coming to the meetings because before now, she was so isolated and cut off from anyone in the same situation that could really understand her predicament. Now she comes to the weekly meetings knowing she’ll be surrounded by fellow job seekers who can relate to her, offer sound advice, and have her best interests at heart. Just knowing that others are cheering her on and want her to succeed makes all the difference to her.

Wow. When I formed this group, I knew that bringing people together to talk about the challenges of being unemployed, overqualified, and having to search for work in a tough job market would at least benefit by hearing what others are going through at the same time. What I continue to realize each week is that the benefits go even deeper than that. There’s solace in being with people, perhaps strangers at first, who have a common bond of living with the same set of circumstances. There’s a powerful camaraderie that comes from connecting with others outside of our usual circle of family and friends - objective outsiders looking in on us with fresh eyes seeing things we may not.

What I witness each week that far outweighs my original intention is the spirit of masterminding at its finest. A group of people otherwise feeling isolated and without resources while in the uncomfortable place of seeking work walk out of the meeting chatting, laughing, and sharing ideas with each other about what they might do next. I watch in quiet admiration at the evolution of these individuals as they develop into that supportive uplifting cohesive group that accomplishes so much together because they were drawn out of their isolation into a much better place.

Please comment on how group support has helped you during a job search.

Whys and Hows of Passion in Work

2008-12-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

“My highest calling is that which animates me”
The topic of discussion at recent Career Transition Club meetings has been about integrating our passions into our work, but first comes the tough job of figuring out what they are. This quote from some work I did last year through the Noble Purpose program offers a simple reminder and way to identify those passions.

The question often comes up about following a passion that requires leaving a stable income- generating job. Where does passion fit into that scenario? My answer is that determining what facets of your current job feed your passions is where you should focus and spend more time doing those activities. That’s where you are lit up, excited, and fully engaged; in another word- animated.

So, what specifically are you doing at work when you’re having fun, not watching the clock, and completely focused on the task at hand? Pay attention to those things. That’s where your passions lie.

Why passion at work? Imagine being happier, fully utilizing your skills and strengths (which are often directly connected to passions), and actually looking forward to doing what you do for a living! And further, imagine the by-products of that – more energy and positive outlook shared with friends and family, even strangers when you're on your own time. As we prepare to enter into a new year, spend some time focusing on your passions, those places where you are animated and living life to its fullest.

Have a story to share about how you're living and working your passions? Drop me a comment.

Gratitude at Work

2008-11-24T00:35:00.000-08:00

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” --author Melody Beattie

During those times when a particular situation at work (or elsewhere for that matter) is causing stress and strain, take out pen and paper and make yourself list 5 things you are grateful for in that situation. A friend of mine says sometimes when it feels especially tough, that may mean the only 2 things she can think of are “the pen and paper I have to write this list with”! At least that’s a place to start and it does get easier after that. By giving thanks for even the smallest thing, we force ourselves into “gratitude mode” and feel the stress and strain lessen. You begin to focus on what you do have and not what you don’t. Then a feeling of abundance kicks in and that whole bad mood feels less overwhelming. As like attracts like, this feeling grows and we make room for more things to be grateful for.

If you’re not all that happy with work right now or feeling insecure about your job, it might feel difficult to find that one thing to be grateful for, but there’s something there. Whatever it is, it deserves your gratitude and attention so that it can grow and make your work life more fulfilling and meaningful to you. Do some thinking over the next few days – you might realize more to be thankful for than you thought.

Career Advice - How's your First Impression?

2008-11-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. Wise words many of us have grown up with as we’ve moved through our careers. It’s typically good advice for interviews, and also for attending networking events, meeting with clients, and that first day of work at a new company or on a project with a new client. Things to remember include: Be observant, take notes and remember names, ask meaningful questions, be open to new ideas and methods, turn off your electronic devices, show interest and be a good listener, and ask for things to do, even menial tasks, to help you understand how things work.

Recently I was asked to submit my advice to young people for their first day of work for an article in the Wall Street Journal’s career section entitled “Day One – Now What?” Read the entire article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122619711571011423.html

Great food for thought. Check yourself on these things next time a new situation arises where you’ll be presenting yourself for the first time. Are you doing all you can to create a powerful, professional first impression?

Please post your comments!

Managers Doing the Right Thing

2008-11-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

A relatively small reduction in force had to take place due to decrease in demand and overage of inventory. Lists of affected workers were compiled and reviewed, then reviewed again. Logistics were finalized and managers were coached on how to conduct the one-on-one meetings. The unfortunate news was delivered and employees were escorted off site.

Typically, this is the time when morale begins to wane and rumors start to fly. My client and his manager took it upon themselves to go above and beyond by adding the human touch to this uncomfortable situation. They dispelled confusion and uncertainty with good old honest communication. They spent the rest of the day having personal meetings with their other employees explaining the need for this action and assuring them of the strength of the company and its future. They made themselves available to discuss concerns and answer questions. For the remainder of the week, they kept a watchful eye and paid attention to the department’s undertones in order to maintain morale and keep productivity high.

What a difference this extra effort and attention to the human side of business makes. A valuable lesson for anyone in management who finds themselves in a similar situation - Do the right thing and talk openly and honestly with the unaffected employees to ensure they understand the company’s decision and stance on the future.

Career Transition Clubs - A Smart Move during Layoffs

2008-11-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Too often, displaced workers are given the bad news, their severance check, and asked to leave, with no help or mention made of job search resources that may be available to them.
Outplacement programs provided by employers to their laid-off workers are a huge benefit to everyone. They not only help the employees quickly get on track with job search skills; they help improve the morale of the employees still working, create goodwill in the community, and for the bottom line, help get employees back to work sooner and thus decrease the costs associated with unemployment benefits.

However, these programs can be costly and are either non-existent or only offered to management level and higher. I have a creative solution and am very excited to announce my newly formed Career Transition Clubs. Companies may sponsor their employees into the Clubs at the corporate membership rates for a period of time giving them much needed resources and support. Weekly meetings provide opportunities to exchange ideas with other people in transition, learn tips and ideas for getting back to work sooner, and develop action plans to stay on track.

These meetings are also open to individuals already in or planning a career transition. Please contact me for more information at info@LousbergUnlimited.com. We’re kicking off in Vista, CA on Monday November 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plans are underway to hold more Club meetings in other areas of San Diego County and eventually via phone and internet. Stay tuned for details!

Step 1 for Finding your Perfect Job

2008-10-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

What's the first thing people do when they find themselves jobless? They dust off their resume and post it online, thinking that's the first step that must be taken immediately. This is very common and I disagree.

Even after being laid off or let go unexpectedly, there's a step that must occur before haphazardly entering the job market - taking time to assess your strengths, skills, and values, along with identifying your absolute must-haves for your next job. This exercise makes you crystal clear on what kind of work you are best suited for and what you are willing and able to accept - location, salary, size of company, benefits, and so on.

Finding the time, locating a quiet place, and simply sitting down with ourselves are challenging tasks to undertake in our busy lives. After working with many clients trying to figure out their next move and running into these challenges, I realized the need for an easy-to-use, accessible guide for this purpose. The Career Discovery Journal was born! This 30 page, spiral bound journal includes exercises, encouraging words, and prompts to get you thinking about what you're good at, what you like to do, and ultimately, where you belong. It's perfectly sized at 5.5 x8.5 to take with you everywhere and is reasonably priced at $17.95. Please visit www.dowhatyoulove.net for ordering information. This is the guide for planning your next career move!

Networking for your Career

2008-10-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

The single best thing you can do for yourself during times of uncertainty, especially when job security is in question, is to plug into your network. If you think you don’t have one, yes, you really do. It starts with your family, friends and colleagues. After you touch base with each one of those people, you find out who they know that you should know and build from there. Many job seekers I’ve worked with discount this powerful tool, lose track of their past contacts, then find themselves at square one when they’re jobless and desperate for help. It’s important to keep your network active and stay in touch with those outside your day-to-day activities. You may find yourself in need of help one day and with an active network, you'll know just who to call. Statistics show that the jobs experienced professionals are seeking are overwhelmingly found through networking. Another value to getting yourself from behind the computer and out to meetings is that you’ll find the support you need for solving business problems, finding employees, developing relationships, and even identifying your next job.

Just a few more words on the virtual type of networking: If you have already or plan to join Linked In, Facebook or any of the numerous others, spend the time learning about the site and maximize its benefits. Decide what you want from it and then diligently update your profile and respond to people and make connections. And remember – if you should ever find yourself in the job market, recruiters and human resource folks are “googling” candidates. Make sure what they find online about you will actually help you get your next job!

Please post your comments about how networking has helped your career. Have a great week!

National Business Women's Week

2008-10-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

I recently learned that this week, the 3rd week of October, is National Business Women’s Week, sponsored by the Business and Professional Women USA organization. This week of recognition was officially designated over 70 years ago by President Herbert Hoover to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of working women. The first observance back in 1928 was meant to “focus public attention upon a better business woman for a better business world”, as BPW/USA’s President at the time, Lena Madesin Phillips, said.

A national organization based in Washington D.C, the Business and Professional Women’s organization has over 2000 local chapters. For more information, visit their website at www.bpwusa.org. Be sure to take a look at their downloadable report entitled “101 Facts on the Status of Working Women" or contact me for a copy.

How can you make a difference this week in recognition of National Business Woman’s Week?
Mention it to your colleagues and plan an informal gathering where you share the year’s accomplishments. Look into mentoring young women as they develop their careers. Share information with your boss and human resources department and gain their support in making an announcement or posting a flyer. Gather your women friends and co-workers and head off to lunch to celebrate. Uncover and update your list of accomplishments for the year and pat yourself on the back. We’ve all come a long way!

The First Step toward a Successful Career Transition

2008-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Don’t let all this bad economic news sidetrack your plans. You should still entertain thoughts of that career transition you’ve been dreaming of and even begin taking steps to get you there. Now’s the perfect time to assess your strengths, values, traits, and knowledge and really figure out where you belong in the workplace. Statistics show that those who have the ability to frequently put their strengths into action are the happiest and most productive people in the workforce. Being satisfied at work makes for a more fulfilling personal life. Imagine feeling less stress, having more fun with family and co-workers, and seeing the possibilities of what your life can be!

The first step in a career transition is not reviving your resume and perusing the online job boards. It is taking time to determine what makes you most satisfied and engaged at work. With these things forefront in your mind, your resume, networking and job search will lead you to the right career path. Imagine feeling energized about going to work and excited about playing a part in a company’s success! It’s not only possible, it’s the right thing for you to do, and right now!

Here’s a tool I created to help you do this – the Career Discovery Journal. Each section provides questions and exercises to help you uncover the clues you need to find not just the next job, but the right next job and career direction for you. After working through its pages, noting your findings, the pieces will begin to fall into place so you can clearly see where you want to go. Then, work on your resume and view the job boards and begin networking with confidence because you will know what you want and where you’re headed!

The Journal is 30 pages, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, and spiral bound – the perfect size and format for carrying with you and having handy for when inspiration strikes and ideas come to mind. Get yours today and begin creating the career of your dreams! For purchase information, please visit: http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/web/order.php

Next step: Developing a powerful Job Search strategy. Coming soon: the Job Search Journal!

Good News from the Workplace: Toyota's Tradition

2008-10-12T23:06:00.001-07:00

Now, more than ever, we all could use exposure to more good news than the other kind. As I run across positive stories taking place in America's workplaces - employees doing good at work, companies doing the right thing, and small business owners thriving in today's tumultuous marketplace, I'll pass it on here. Sit back and read what good things are happening under the radar and be sure to post your own experiences of all the good that still happens in our world.

Good News:
At Toyota’s San Antonio, TX and Princeton, IN plants where they annually crank out 30-40,000 Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs, production was halted for 3 months due to a fall in sales. This could have meant real financial trouble for some of the 4500 employees and their families. But, in keeping with their tradition of “no layoffs during hard times”, they’ve found creative ways to keep these folks busy while earning their full paychecks and benefits. They will be attending non-stop classes and training specifically for improving their auto assembly skills. Then when production steps up again in November, Toyota will reap the reward of more skilled, and I would presume, a happier and more efficient workforce. How’s that for a retention program?

In addition, they have another piece to this solution: In the event they run through the retraining program with time left before November, employees will be sent out into the community to work with San Antonio and Princeton service agencies. They soon may be sprucing up public parks, scrubbing graffiti off of buildings, and even cleaning up the shoreline of a Texas lake. How’s that for social responsibility?

Doing the Right Thing
So what can each of us do to make the workplace more secure and enjoyable during these interesting times? We can make our own good things happen; in this case - helping our employees, co-workers, and clients to see the positive at work by pointing out accomplishments and reasons to celebrate. Perfect attendance, a new client, a substantial order, a new skill, or anything else that causes improvement and a feeling of achievement - all things worthy of a compliment. Catch someone doing good in your workplace or theirs and let them know you noticed. It’s just the right thing to do!

Please post your comments about the good you've seen in your workplace or elsewhere.

Managing Your Career: Make Things Happen!

2008-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

“What are you waiting for?” “If not now, then when?”
Those are powerful questions to ask when I find myself in a slump and feel that no progress is being made. This frame of mind is usually my clue that I need to shake things up a bit and take some action to get that momentum rolling again. Now, planning and goal setting are keys to success of course, but it takes an awareness or feeling to know when it’s time to actually pick up that phone, send the collection letter, enroll in class, start that discussion group, or begin writing that proposal.

Jack Canfield says in his book, The Success Principles, he’s found that “the one thing that seems to separate winners from losers more than anything else is that winners take action. They simply get up and do what has to be done.” He says that you must identify what’s holding you back from acting and break through it.

Sometimes a slightly different perspective is all that’s needed to break through and get something checked off your list. A very effective way to do this is to talk it through with an objective friend or colleague. Lay it out, tell them what your obstacle is and ask what they would do in your situation. I recently did this with an idea I couldn’t seem to move – I couldn’t come up with a location for the jobseekers’ club I wanted to start, so I would just drop it each time it came back to mind. When I presented the idea to an objective party, in this case, my master mind group, the answer became very clear – talk to a contact at the Chamber of Commerce. Simple enough. I just couldn’t get there on my own.

Waiting for perfection, permission, reassurance, the right person, more time, less risk, or more education are all things that can hang us up when what really needs to happen is a simple action. One little step like talking it through with a trusted friend can be all it takes to move you forward into success.

So, what are you waiting for and if not now, then when?

Be sure to post a comment and let others know how you've busted through obstacles and made things happen!

Are You Doing What You Love at Work?

2008-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

The primary purpose of my business, Lousberg Unlimited Career Coaching & Training, is to help people make the most of their work lives because we spend so much time there. I talk a lot about, and coach on, passion and honing in on the kinds of things you really love to do so that your work will be more fulfilling. Last week, when talking with a group of teenage girls about careers, one asked me “now be honest, do you really love your job?” Having spent considerable time creating from scratch what I now do for a living, a resounding “Absolutely” was my answer.

So, I am genuinely walking the talk and striving to help others find ways to do the same. Yes, I love my business and helping others strategically maneuver through the workplace, facilitation of programs with work groups and coaching with individuals. Life and work is a process, so I recently found another passion to add to the mix which provides an outlet for my formerly squelched creativity – developing and producing informational products. These workbooks and booklets are for those who want to work through their career transitions at their own pace, in their own space.

I am thrilled to announce my “Do What You Love…Love What You Do” line of products, which launches this week with the Career Discovery Journal, a 30 page spiral bound workbook for noting ideas and clues about possible next steps in your career. Filled with exercises, thought-provoking ideas and encouragement, along with plenty of room to write, it is the perfect size (8-1/2 x 5-1/2) to take with you everywhere, wherever inspiration may strike! Topics include Strengths, Values, Childhood dreams, Personal Purpose, and more, to get you thinking about the kind of job where you can truly shine. Please visit my website, http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/, for ordering information.

Order your Career Discovery Journal today and begin creating the career of your dreams! If I and countless others can do it, so can you.

Your Attitude = Your Success

2008-09-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

No doubt about it, the last few weeks have been tumultuous for the US economy and its citizens. The mainstream news is primarily filled with negative outlooks and interviews with naysayers. Being bombarded with this type of information can wear us down, suck us into thinking the worst, and ultimately lead us off track from accomplishing our goals. Staying the course you’ve set for yourself and holding fast to your dreams is still possible, regardless of what others say. Make a conscious decision to ensure that the last quarter of the year brings you the success you planned on. Here are some ideas:

Associate with positive uplifting people (Author Jack Canfield says you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with)
Take a break from the news: turn off the TV and avoid negative internet headlines and articles
Search out information that focuses on good things (I enjoy the San Diego Transcript’s electronic version, San Diego Source www.sddt.com, which focuses on the successes of area companies)
Create a support or mastermind group based on prosperity that meets regularly to discuss the positive side of finances and how to improve yours
Concentrate on honing a skill that will make you more valuable to your company and serve you well in the future
Take breaks during the workday to refresh and re-energize; take hours or days off to regroup
Fill your conversation with optimism and enthusiasm and encourage the same in your co-workers
Note your accomplishments and point out those of others
Make time to talk with a child– notice their excitement and ability to enjoy the present moment
And as Eric Butterworth says in his book Spiritual Economics, “Refuse to indulge in casual conversation about the bad economy, the high cost of living or about anything you really do not want to say “yes” to. Keep your thoughts centered in the ideas of abundance, sufficiency, and well-being.”

Yes, recent financial shenanigans and impending solutions may affect us directly; however, we get to choose how we look at the situation. By consciously choosing to put into practice some of the ideas above, plus any number of others, you are taking control of your thoughts, your career, your life. Continue heading for success!

Please post your comments and thoughts about keeping your career on track during economic uncertainties.

Managing Your Career: Recognizing Your Accomplishments

2008-09-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

As you continue to refocus to set yourself up for success in 2008 by making adjustments to your physical and mental work space and then by reviewing and resetting your goals, there’s one other very important task that bears emphasis: Recognizing your own Accomplishments. Need some how-to’s and why’s? Read on…

I’m sure you’ve experienced the euphoria that comes with the successful completion of a project or the achievement of a goal. Did you write it down and celebrate it? Unfortunately, in our fast-paced business culture, we tend to move very quickly onto the next thing on our to-do list, leaving that feeling of excitement and accomplishment barely noticeable. Filing it away in your memory bank doesn’t always work - we easily forget what great success we had last month or even a few days ago. That’s why you should stop, take note, and write them down.
Keep a simple list on your computer or in your organizer.
Jot down the date and a brief description.
Or, you can add more detail and chronicle your “C-A-R Stories” by describing the Challenge, the Actions you took, and the Results.
Then make it a habit to update and review regularly.

Receive an award or special memento? Post it where you’ll see it regularly and remember what work you put into its achievement.

There are several reasons why this is so important:

You’ll be ready for your next performance evaluation
You can better justify your request for a raise or promotion
You’ll be prepared for interview questions
You have substantial information to add to your resume, speaker’s bio, or website
You have your own personal log of reminders on what you’ve accomplished over time, which boosts your self confidence and gives you encouragement to tackle the next challenge.

Be sure to celebrate each accomplishment, in whatever way is meaningful to you. A treat from my favorite coffee shop, a weekday walk on the beach, lunch with a friend, or a little something special from my favorite online catalog are ways I’ve learned to recognize and celebrate my accomplishments – big or small. Take some time this week to review what you’re most proud of achieving so far this year. Document it, and then decide how you will have some fun and celebrate that win. Make sure 2008 is your best year yet!

Revisit, Revise, and Re-Energize your '08 Goals!

2008-09-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Since September’s theme is all about Refocusing and Setting Yourself up for Success to ensure that 2008 turns out the way you planned, one of my favorite topics, Goal Setting, is right on target! Hopefully you have your 2008 Goals nearby or posted where you can see them. If not, dig them out, dust them off, and read on:

Now’s a good time to evaluate the progress you’ve made toward accomplishing the items on your list. Take this opportunity to check off the ones you’ve accomplished and celebrate those achievements. Congratulations! Take a look at the remaining ones. Are they feasible and important enough to stay on the list? Will they affect the way your success is measured come December 31st? Now, prioritize this revised list.

Remember, your brain is a “goal seeking organism” – once you commit to something, it will continue to find ways to make your intentions happen. If you have achieved some goals thus far, you must set more, otherwise you have no direction for the rest of the year. Here are some reminders for revising and re-energizing your 4th quarter goals:

Be specific – vague goals cause vague results. Answer the questions “how much?” and “by when?”.
Reach higher – stretch into new areas, even uncomfortable ones, in order to grow.
Write goals down in detail – be explicit – give your subconscious mind details to work with so it can keep directing you toward the right opportunities.
Make goals visible - read them each day, aloud if possible, and to make them even more powerful, close your eyes and envision your life with them already accomplished.
Be accountable – ask someone to help you by holding you accountable and reminding you of your goals.

At first glance, this may sound like something you don’t have time for. Studies prove, though, that those who have goals and write down what they want have much more success than those who do not. This week, plan for your end-of-year success and follow the tips above. You won’t regret going through this exercise of resetting and re-energizing your goals!

Please post your tips and success stories about goal setting. Have a great week!

Back to Work!

2008-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

At a recent networking meeting, I overheard several people say they were actually glad summer is over - so they can get back to work! Kids have returned to school, summer activities have come to an end, and they now look forward to regaining that focus on their careers.

As summer weather and memories drift away and we move into fall, give your physical work environment a look. Notice what’s in place and running smoothly. See if anything’s slipped, perhaps an area needing some immediate attention: a pile of reading not yet reviewed, papers needing placement back in their appropriate files, or a process that needs some tweaking. Pick just one, focus your attention there, and get it done.

Now review your mental work environment, such as expectations and goals you or someone else set for you. Perhaps you need to improve your software skills, reach some sales numbers, cut your department’s spending, or better manage your employees. Choose the one goal that will most affect your success. Focus your attention there, and get it done!

Choose one physical area and one mental area of your work life. Create an action plan for making improvements with these areas first. Then choose another and then another. Methodically move through your list and set yourself up for being effective, calm, and clear-headed during the last 3 months of the year, when things are typically chaotic.

Once you are back on track, share this method with your work team, boss, or anyone you work closely with. Come October 1st, the first day of Q408, you’ll be fully prepared for whatever comes your way!

Please post a comment and let me know how you are easing back into work after summer.

Forget those Post Vacation Blues!

2008-08-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

I saw this letter to the editor in the American Airlines magazine on a recent trip and thought it a great reminder as we say goodbye to summer, get back in the swing of things at work and look forward to the fall:

"I have had unforgettable times on vacation in places such as Tuscany, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. I feel blessed to have been in those wonderful places with my loved ones. Yet when it's time to leave, I look forward to home with the same joy and fervor that I had for the trip. I do not experience post vacation blues, as I love my life at home, I love being home, and I love living my life with real purpose in everything I do. Could it be that if you really love your life, love what you do everyday, and love your home that you created with so much time and effort, there is no such thing as post vacation blues? Traveling is nice, but home is better. To have the freedom to see the world is to develop a deeper love for home."

Notice that bold phrase "love what you do everyday" - where are you on a scale of 1 to 5 when it comes to loving what you do everyday at work? Congratulations and keep it up if you said 4 or 5! If you're not at that end of the scale, what's keeping you from being there? Take some time this week to do a little self-evaluation: determine the things about your work that you do love and figure out a way to do more of those tasks. Turn your career into one you love doing everyday and forget those post vacation blues. Make it one where vacations and leisure time are just the icing on the cake and you actually look forward to getting back to work. It's possible and you can make it happen!

Please post your thoughts and ways you've made your work and career more fulfilling.

Job Searching and...Master Minding

2008-08-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

I recently spoke to a Career Transition Club for managers and executives on the “Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Job Search”. I offered them a wide variety of ideas for beefing up their searches and staying motivated during their time of transition. While I like to think that I offered some great ideas, the real benefit to them being in that room that night was exactly what we can find by being part of a Master Mind group. There is incredible power available when two or more people gather together for the same purpose, in this case, looking for a job.

As they went around the room giving their 2 minute introductions, each person included what type of job and industry they were looking for and passed around their resumes or business cards. At the end of the meeting, they had time to ask each other questions as a group, and then spent the last half hour mingling and having one-on-one conversations. As an observer, I immediately saw the results – support for one another through the sharing of leads and ideas and the simple act of being in the same room with others who were in the uncomfortable position of being unemployed.

I overheard a biologist talking about his ideas for finding investors and starting a research company with someone coming from the banking and finance arena. I listened in as a project manager talked about her dream to work in a “green” industry in order to help the environment with someone from a sales background pursuing the same industry. I saw the exchange of resumes, cards, contact names and numbers, and even smiles and handshakes at the end of the evening.

Think about what you get from being part of a Master Mind or any other support group, whether it be for small business owners, for following a spiritual path, for parenting, or for…you name the focus. Its true benefit comes from the support and camaraderie that develops from knowing you are not alone in whatever situation brought you together in the first place. If you’ve been thinking about joining or starting a group, keep this example of unemployed, potentially downtrodden people leaving that room with new colleagues and friends, filled with hope and new ideas for their bright futures. It’s as simple as pulling together 1 or 2 more people looking for the same thing as you, opening up to sharing, and being ready to enjoy the amazing results.

Please share your thoughts and experiences about Job Search support groups and Master Minding by posting a comment. Visit www.LousbergUnlimited.com for more information on our career services for individuals and organizations.

The Best Things about a Job Search

2008-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Job hunting is usually not something we look forward to; instead we tend to think of it as an overwhelming necessary evil to be avoided. Hmmm…maybe that’s why so many people stay in jobs they don’t like. In my work as a Career Coach, helping individuals make job transitions to more fulfilling work, that task of hunting for a job becomes the biggest obstacle. I propose we all change our attitude about this and look into this “cloud’s” silver lining to see what opportunities are there:

Change direction: Now’s a great time to reassess and see if you want to stay in the same field. Take stock of what you liked best about your last position – was it the environment, the people, the commute? Was it the tasks you performed and the challenges you got to tackle? Chances are, those things can be found in other workplaces regardless of industry. Determine your strengths and favorites and look to other options where they can be found.

Build your network: Networking is hands-down one of the best job search strategies out there. Make a point of visiting an association meeting each week and talking to someone new about your job search every other day. Always end your conversation with “who else do you know that I can talk to?” Your network should be ever-growing and cultivated regularly for support you’ll need at any point in your career.

Personal growth: Here’s a good opportunity to stretch and change. “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” is a great reminder for job searchers. Do something a little different this time – decide what your “dream job” would be and take steps to go after that; take a class and hone a skill you’ve always been interested in and add it to your resume; track your weekly progress and note your accomplishments.

Set goals and follow action plans: Sharpen your pencil and write down what you can realistically achieve in a week’s time. How many resumes and letters will you send? How many phone calls will you make? How many friends and associates will you reach out to? How much time will you spend on the internet job boards, networking, and making phone calls? Now put an action plan together outlining how you’ll accomplish these goals. Then celebrate your accomplishments.

Revisit and revise your resume: Yes, we should all have our resumes ready to go at a moment’s notice, working or not, but that usually isn’t the case. Take this time to dust off that document, look at it with fresh eyes, gather some resume books or search the internet for samples, and give it a new look. Then, have someone proofread and give their honest opinion on whether or not it will get you in the door for an interview.

Polish yourself up: Take inventory of your closet. Shoes and suits in need of minor repairs? About due for a new conservative business outfit anyway? Do what you can to wear things that are professional, cast the image you want to convey, while being comfortable and showcasing your confidence. Test your handshake, project your voice, smile, and head for those interviews with the look of someone they’d be silly not to hire.

Research: Spend time at the computer looking into local area companies and their websites and decide if that’s really where you want to work. Surf a little and find links that take you to related companies and industries you might not have thought of before. Learn all you can about an organization before you enter their door for your interview.

Pump up your attitude: When HR professionals are asked what trait they most look for in candidates, they say Enthusiasm! Even someone with all the skills and background can be overshadowed by another with more enthusiasm and less qualifications. Show how much you want that job. Be interested and engaged; ask questions of the interviewer, especially, “what’s the next step in your decision process?” No matter if this is your first interview with your first choice company or your eleventh interview with the eleventh company on your list – keep showing your enthusiasm. It does pay off. That job you want is just around the corner.

What an opportunity! Your job search can be valuable in so many ways, rather than something to dread. Of course the ultimate goal is fulfilling, steady work with a good income, but job search is that step we all find ourselves in at one time or another. Make the most of it – stretch outside of your comfort zone and make it as enjoyable an experience as possible. See what a little change in attitude can do for you and your career!

Please visit www.lousbergunlimited.com for more information on how Career Coaching services can help you and your organization.

Career Advice: Develop your 30-second Commercial

2008-07-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Debbie:
I’ve been in job search mode for several months now, determined to find something that lights me up and uses my transferable skills acquired in the communications industry. I have no desire to go back to that type of work, and seem to get pigeon-holed into that field when I ask people for advice. They don’t seem to hear me say that I’m looking for something entirely different. Can you give me some ideas on how to make this clear? Thanks. Bob

Dear Bob:
Here’s where developing a powerful “30-second commercial” will come in handy. First, go through the steps of reviewing your history and get crystal clear on how and where you want to use your transferable skills and knowledge. Do your research on what types of industries will be most interested in what you bring to the table, then go to events where people in that field gather. By presenting your polished presentation to them and speaking their “language”, you should have no problem being understood. When talking with friends, relatives, and others in your network, again get very clear on what you want and practice articulating that. Ask some objective listeners to give it back to you so you hear what they heard. Keep practicing and tweaking your message. You’ll be much more confident and your job search will pick up momentum. Good luck!

Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move.
Please post a comment or your own career related question.
For more information about our Career Services, please visit www.lousbergunlimited.com

Career Advice: Help! No Degree and Feeling Stuck

2008-07-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Debbie:
I have recently found myself at a stand still. I have about eight years of experience in child care, four years as an uncertified teacher, and three years of experience in employee supervision.
I have employers tell me that my background is excellent, however during the interview they ask if I have obtained a degree. The answer is NO! I have the experience with no degree. Most of my employers promoted me because of my ambition and hard work. I now am stuck with the issue of taking a large pay cut if I continue in the fields in which I have experience. This will literally put me in debt or cause me to lose everything I have worked for. I left my last employer for failure to pay me consistently and at times not paying me at all. What do I do next?
Fran

Dear Fran:
Here’s something important I want you to think about: First, review all your background, job by job, and identify your biggest accomplishments and strengths in each one. Write these things out and title the page “Fran’s Successes”. Put that document where you will see it on a regular basis and continue adding to it as you think of others. This step reinforces what you say that employers tell you – that your background is excellent. You must completely believe in yourself so when interviewers ask about your educational background, you can tell them with confidence that, no, you don’t have a degree, but you do have the experience and can-do attitude needed for the job. Tell them you have been promoted in the past because of that ambition and hard work you put into your previous work. Employers will hire for attitude over skills or education if you can express it clearly and confidently. This will help you stay in those fields you’ve been working in and make the money you deserve.

If you’re thinking of switching to another field, you don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Objectively review your resume and job history and pull out the experience, knowledge and skills you’ve obtained over the years. Think about other industries or jobs that could utilize what you have to offer. Ask around, review job descriptions to get some ideas, and do informational interviews with people in other fields to see how you might fit. You may be surprised to find that your experience in one field is just what another industry is looking for. Again, start by appreciating yourself for what you’ve achieved and don’t be timid about letting people know those strengths. The confidence and positive attitude you display will take you far.

Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move.
Please post a comment or a career related question. For more information on our Career Services, please visit http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/.

Career Advice: Get Clear...then Get the Word Out!

2008-07-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Making a successful career transition takes some work, though nothing a well-thought out plan can’t handle.
First comes the uncovering of what it is you want to do and incorporating your passions to ensure fulfillment. Take self-assessments and review your favorite aspects of previous jobs. Know your skills and strengths as well as your challenges and build an "ideal job" description that matches you and your work desires.

Next, identify the potential employers or even the ins and outs of starting a business, then create an action plan to begin the process of actually working in your new desired field. Research the internet, talk to others already doing what you want to do. Find out where that job description will fit and start taking steps to make it happen.

And thirdly, build up your confidence and get the message out to others by clearly articulating what you intend to do. Revive your network and begin a campaign to tell those who can help most what you are looking for. Always ask "who do you know that I should talk to?".
Read the following posts for more ideas on Clarity and Getting the Word Out!

Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move.
Please post your comment or career related question.

Time Management: Practice Saying "No"

2008-06-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

“Just say no” sounds easy and makes sense when it comes to managing our time. However, feeling like we’re letting people down or not pulling our weight or doing what’s expected of us creeps into our thoughts and we find ourselves saying “yes” to things we really don’t want or have time to do. Here’s some refreshing advice from Jack Canfield in The Success Principles:

He reminds us that highly successful people say no all the time, “to projects, to crazy deadlines, to questionable priorities, and to other people’s crises.” In fact, he says, “they view the decision to say no as equally acceptable as the decision to say yes.”

In last week’s message, I offered an exercise to help put your priorities in line with what you want. It boils down to what I tell every individual and group I talk to: Take stock of what you want out of your life. Set your own standards for those 8 categories: Business/Career, Contribution/Giving, Financial, Fun/Leisure, Health, Personal, Relationships, and Spiritual. Define what you stand for in each area and put your stake in the ground. Then, when that question comes around asking for your commitment of time or money, you know the answer because you’ve clarified what’s important to you.

Here’s Jack’s suggestion on saying “no” in a tactful manner leaving you and the requestor in a win-win mode: He uses the response, “It’s not against you; it’s for me”. This means that instead of shutting someone down who’s making a well-intended request of you, go a bit further with acknowledging the importance of their request, then a brief explanation that your decision is not against them or their organization; it’s for you, your family and your own commitments. He says “Few people can get angry at you for making and standing by a higher commitment. In fact, they’ll respect you for your clarity and your strength.”

Turning down opportunities, requests to give, or participate in activities can be uncomfortable at first; with practice and constant review of your priorities and vision for the future, it becomes easier and empowering. Start out small – always go back to those 8 categories to remind yourself what matters most. You get to choose.

Time Management: Valuing Your Time

2008-06-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

In keeping with this month’s theme of Time Management, here’s a quote from best-selling author. lecturer, and psychiatrist, M. Scott Peck:
“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”

And another from Stephen Covey in his book First Things First:
“Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things.”

So, what are those “right things”? What matters most to us should be at the top of our goals and to-do lists. However, with our fast paced, information loaded society, that does not always happen and leaves us frustrated and stressed. Here’s an exercise to check yourself at this mid-year point and make sure you’re on the path of designing the life you want. Spend the bulk of your time doing what you love and on those things that bring the most meaning to your life:

On a sheet of paper or computer document, create a list with these 8 categories:
1. Business/Career
2. Contribution/Giving
3. Financial
4. Fun/Leisure
5. Health
6. Personal (includes development, education, growth)
7. Relationships
8. Spiritual

Under each section, write out your top goals for that area of your life. Go back and review, edit, and add. Beside each goal, write out the reward you will gain from accomplishing it. Then prioritize each list of goals in the order that will bring you the most satisfaction and bring balance to your life. Finally, on your list of reprioritized, meaningful goals, assign a target date for completing each of them. This list can now be easily incorporated into your daily planner system.

Valuing yourself and your time makes all the difference in your happiness. Slowing down to consciously decide where you want to spend your time, with whom, and doing what, puts you in control and helps you make the most of this thing called “Your Life”, of which you only have one of. Make time for the exercise described above and let me know how it works for you.

Time Management: Delegating the Monkeys

2008-06-05T11:22:00.001-07:00

Having returned recently from a much-needed vacation, I am determined to not let so much time lapse between now and the next one, and prevent burn-out before I go again. That’s where better managing my time comes into play. To help you find time to plan your summer vacations and more fully enjoy leisure time with friends and family, this month’s theme is Time Management.

If you are a manager, one of the best skills you can develop for your success is that of the delegation of responsibilities to those who report to you. For those of us without direct reports, we must still build this skill and be aware of “monkeys” on our backs that could be better handled by someone else, thus giving us back control of our time.

In researching the topic of delegation for a leadership training session, I ran across an article from the Harvard Business Review entitled, “Management Time: Who’s got the Monkey?” I do not currently manage employees; however, this article had a huge impact on me and the way I look at my work load and time management skills.

The authors, William Oncken, Jr. and Donald Wass, say that there are 3 different kinds of management time: Boss-imposed time – needed to accomplish tasks required by the boss which cannot be disregarded; System-imposed time – for supporting the company and peers; and Self-imposed time – where we make decisions on what gets done with the rest of our time. What happens frequently in this Self-imposed area are those bad time management decisions we can only blame ourselves for – saying “yes” when we should have said “no”, and hanging onto those monkeys (responsibilities and tasks) that could be delegated, or worse, taking them back when we did give them away once already.

I thought about how many times I have held onto an activity or responsibility because “no one could do this as good or as quickly as me” or “it’s just easier to do it myself”. This applies to household chores and as well as paying someone to handle small business administrative tasks. In addition, and more embarrassing, are the times I took something back without thinking twice about it. A common example is giving tasks to volunteers or students, then when they ask for clarification on directions, I say “you know what? I’ll just go ahead and take care of this” rather than taking time to explain and completely hand off to someone else. There it is, unnecessarily back on my to-do list.

Notice the time management decisions you make with your valuable discretionary time. Double check your calendar and work load before saying “yes”. Check yourself on how well you are delegating to others, giving clear instructions, and then staying out of their way and letting them make decisions about completing a task. As the authors of this article say, “get control over the timing and content of what you do” by enlarging your discretionary time. Delegation is key.

I encourage you to read this article, which, by the way, was written in 1974! It is filled with great examples of a manager’s dilemmas in delegating and the monkeys he continues to battle, and then tame. Thirty plus years later, this concept is still so applicable today.
Please contact me if you'd like a copy.

Managing Your Career: Bygones

2008-05-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

One very important, and often overlooked, aspect of managing our careers is that of letting go of old mistakes by forgiving ourselves for being human. Miscalculations and errors in judgment will occur at one time or another – there’s no way around it. We must move on and not let them color our future success. Yes, they can be painful, but there’s really no better teacher than those mistakes made on the job – some of the biggest ones I’ve made will never be repeated because the lesson was so powerful. Sure, there was embarrassment and a temporary dip in self-confidence, but this dissolved once I really let go and moved on. It’s just life – we learn by doing, and sometimes that doesn’t turn out as well as we’d like the first time. One of America’s most often quoted authors and philosophers from the 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said this in his essay, Self-Reliance:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

That puts it in perspective for me and is a reminder pasted on my wall. What old mistake are you hanging onto? What’s holding you back from being as successful and happy at work as you could be? Perhaps it’s one of those inevitable bumps in the road you encountered. Time to make your peace with it and head wholeheartedly toward your success!

Please post a comment and share ways you have moved on from those inevitable "blunders and absurdities".

Career Transformations: It all Starts with an Idea

2008-04-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

As we close out the month of April and its theme of “Career Transformations”, I leave you with these thoughts to consider for making positive change in your work life.

Whether you are looking for fulfillment in work by…
Becoming an entrepreneur
Switching industries to something that has personal significance
Going to work for a large corporation
Starting a second career after retiring from the first
Taking your business in a new focused direction
Surviving an economic downturn
Making your current job more exciting and meaningful

…the process begins with you and your conscious decision to make something more from what you have. Believe that you do have the power to truly transform your work life into something that matters, no matter what your age, title, or experience.

Start by sitting down with pen and paper. Sketch out what you want and compare how that differs from what you have now. Create a plan for making small incremental steps and push yourself closer to the idea you have in mind. Set your goals, write due dates on your calendar, and stick with it. Persistence pays off and you’ll soon feel the momentum of your actions heading toward positive change.

In the words of Napoleon Hill (1883-1970), American author and creator of the “Philosophy of Achievement” teachings,

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans;
then transformation of those plans into reality.
The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.”

Do what you think you can. No idea is too small. Live the life of your dreams.

Please post a comment and share how you've made or will make a career transformation.

Career Transformations: Shy & Retiring?

2008-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here’s a transformation that will affect us all one day – the move from Career to Retirement. Whether you are a Baby-Boomer (born between 1946–1964) thinking of your own upcoming departure from the workforce, are working with those who will soon be retiring, or watching friends and family go through this phase in their work lives, here are some interesting tips and facts from this month’s Kiplinger’s magazine:

75% - Baby-boomers who expect to work, at least part-time, in retirement.
64 years old – Age when 76% of Boomers plan to retire from their current career.
42% - Boomers who expect to cycle between work and leisure during retirement.
Over 50% - Those who plan on starting a new career after leaving the first one.

Some tips to assist those planning a move to a new “retirement career”:
Contact age-friendly employers identified by RetirementJobs.com and AARP. The list includes: Best Buy, Borders, Quest Diagnostics, REI, and Wells Fargo.
Contact VocationVacations and test drive your dream job idea before taking the leap. A mentor and hands-on experience in the desired field is provided to help confirm that this is the right move.
Update that resume and references, research possible employers, cultivate your network, and be persistent.

Online Resources and Books for finding work after Retirement:
Retirementjobs.com
Retiredbrains.com
Yourencore.com
Don’t Retire, Rewire by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners
Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life by Marc Freedman
Portfolio Life: The New Path to Work, Purpose and Passion after 50 by David Corbett and Richard Higgins
Age Power: How the 21st Century will be Ruled by the New Old by Ken Dychtwald

Among the Best places to find retirement jobs:
Albuquerque, NM Madison, WI
Durham/Raleigh/Cary, NC Nashua, NH
Fayetteville, AR San Antonio, TX
Joliet/Naperville, IL Sarasota, FL
Las Vegas, NV Seattle/Bellevue, WA

Valuable information for those planning their exit strategy. By the way, experts say that planning should begin 3 to 5 years before the actual departure date. Baby Boomers are redefining what “retirement” means and the majority have plans to stay engaged in work in some shape or form during those years. Please pass this along to anyone who’s talking about retirement and has plans for a big second act!

Your comments are always welcome.

Career Transformations: From Good...to Great!

2008-04-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

In Jim Collins’ book From Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t, he says “Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice.” I believe that individual greatness is the same – we make the conscious choice to be average, pretty good, or really great in our jobs and careers. Think about it – what do you need to do to move up that scale to greatness? Upgrade your skills, stretch yourself by taking on a new project, or move into that career path that better suits you? Here are some more ideas and information on transforming your career into something truly great:

From Secure to Fragile: If layoffs are looming in your work environment, now’s the time to step up your involvement and visibility. After sharpening your time management and delegation skills so you can focus on higher priority tasks, offer to take on new projects and participate in the company’s initiatives to build revenue. Be a model employee by always being on time, demonstrating a positive attitude, and handling yourself professionally. Document your accomplishments and high-level activities, not only for your own self confidence, but also to fill your boss in on what you’re doing to be of value during tough times. While keeping busy with this plan, look out for yourself and continue your networking, updating your resume, and stay tuned in to what your next move might be if it becomes necessary.

From Broad service offerings to Focused service offerings: For small business owners, it’s easy to take on too much and try to be “all things to all people”. If you’re finding yourself spread a little thin these days with no time to accomplish all that work on your plate, do a little Quantity-Quality evaluation. List all the services you provide and the revenue each brings in to your company and the clients that purchase those services. Make a decision to stick with the ones that bring in the most money and attract the best clients. Recheck your list by factoring in the happiness component – which tasks and services are you providing that bring you the most joy? Weigh that against the revenue factor and see which you should consider keeping, then really focus and build on those few. Let the others go.

From White Collar to “Green Collar”: According to a recent article in Business Week, many mid-career changers are choosing a new path to benefit their passion, the environment. By assessing your skills and interests, you may find a position you can easily transition into while pursuing your passion for Mother Earth. This is a relatively new field for job seekers: There are currently 8.5 million of these "green-collar jobs" in renewable-energy and energy-efficiency industries in the U.S. and a November report commissioned by the American Solar Energy Society projects that number could grow to 40 million by 2030. Whatever your passion, the same evaluation process of your skills and interests will be of value. Transitioning into something you love may not be as difficult as you think!

More things to consider this month as we explore the idea of career transformation. What conscious choices can you make this week to move from just good to truly great in your work life?

“Man’s greatness lies in his power of thought.”
Blaise Pascal - French mathematician, philosopher and physicist (1623-1662)

Please post a comment! Let others know how you've transformed your career into something great.

Career Transformations: You Get to Choose

2008-04-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the beautiful season of Spring, this month’s theme is about transformation – those that you can choose for your work life. Notice the word “choose”. We all have faced career changes for one reason or another – layoff, relocation, and job dissatisfaction, to name but a few. The choice comes in how you view it, especially if the change was not your idea. With a good plan, a positive outlook, and a strong support system, making a job change can be a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.

Take a look at these examples and ideas on steps to choose from for a smooth transformation:

From Entrepreneur to Employee: Weigh the pros and cons carefully along with your commitment to each. Make a decision based on what’s best for you personally first. If you are leaning toward going to work for someone else, sketch out what your ideal job will look like – you have valuable experience someone will honor in exchange for the perks you desire. If you decide to stay the course, determine what you need to do differently, write it out, get objective opinions from experts, and commit wholeheartedly to making it happen.

From an “Ok” job to a Dream Job: If you are often pulled into thoughts about another career path, there’s something there you need to look at. Begin your exploration, weigh the pros and cons of leaving that “ok” job, volunteer or shadow someone in the field you’ve got your sights set on, and decide when you’re most comfortable making the move. Confer with family members to get their understanding and support. If leaving the “ok” job is not feasible at this point in time, find ways to make it more challenging and rewarding while you continue to plan ways to your new path.

From Stay-at-home Mom to the Work World: Dust off that resume and do some re-working of it. Make a list of all the tasks and responsibilities you’ve undertaken while at home. Those do indeed transfer into skills an employer will value. Don’t discount any volunteer work – leading discussion groups, coordinating fundraisers, and serving others in some capacity all add up to making you a viable job candidate. Now make a list of companies and industries you find interesting, do some research, and plan your approach to getting a job that fits you.

Food for thought if you have been tossing around career change ideas. If you know someone else in these situations, please pass this information along. We’ll cover more possible scenarios throughout the month. Regardless of the reason for the change, there are always choices to be made to make it rewarding and yes, even enjoyable. You get to choose.

"The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Please post your comments about your own career transformations.

Career Advice: Help! I've Landed a New, but Miserable Job!

2008-04-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Debbie:
I got a new job about 3 months ago and am realizing it’s not at all what I expected. I don’t want to look like a “job hopper” on my resume although this is getting unbearable. Help! How long do I have to stay in this situation where I’m miserable? Candace J.

Dear Candace:
First question for you: What drew you to that job in the first place? There was something there that attracted you. I suggest remembering what that was, defining why it hasn’t panned out, and determining if there’s any chance of making this work for you for at least another 3 months. If you are building a career, it’s important to show progressive moves and some tenure on your resume. Ask yourself what is working there and how can you do more of those tasks, work with those people, or take on those projects. Be objective in your analysis before you move too hastily and possibly make the same mistake with the next job. Talk to your close friends and confidants and ask for their objective input. Doing work you love and are passionate about it is very important; however, before jumping too soon from a job you’re not getting that from, do a thorough evaluation of the situation. After this type of analysis, you’ll know exactly what to do – stay a while longer and give it your best, or move on to something that serves you better. Whatever the case, you’ll feel better knowing you made a smart career move.

Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move
Please post a comment or a career related question.

Growing Your Career: Tips from Cathie Black

2008-03-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

As we wrap up the month of March and the theme of “Growing Your Career”, here are “seven rules for a really big career” from Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazines, in her book Basic Black, The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life):

Take risks that are calculated, not crazy.
The worst-case scenario is rarely as bad as you think.
Don’t personalize things that aren’t personal.
It’s best in the long run to make your life a grudge-free zone.
Be generous with praise – and careful with criticism.
Know the rules so you know which ones to break.
It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.

Sound advice from the woman who was the first female publisher of a consumer magazine (New York) in 1979, and the first president, then publisher, of USA Today beginning in 1983. In her book, she talks about how she’s achieved not only professional accomplishment, but also personal contentment by keeping things in perspective using tips like those above.

Keep this list nearby as you move through your work week and see if you can put some of these into practice. Stay the course, let the stress levels drop so you too can enjoy some of that professional accomplishment and personal contentment.

Post a comment and let me know how you've been able to apply these tips to your work life!

Career Advice: Transitioning from Business Owner to Employee

2008-03-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Debbie:
I’ve owned my own website design service for the last several years and have been successful much of that time. It’s getting stressful, though, to keep wearing all the hats an entrepreneur has to wear and I’m tired. I’m thinking about looking for a regular job by the end of the year. Any advice on making a smooth transition back into working for someone else? Diane B.

Dear Diane:
This can be one of the toughest work-related decisions a person has to make. It’s important to be at peace with it and 100% committed to what’s best for you personally first and foremost. I recommend starting with a basic written Pro and Con list to weigh the benefits and downside of being an Entrepreneur vs. an Employee. Create a wish list of what your future job should include – consider location, work hours, commute, company culture, pay, health and retirement benefits, report-to structure, and job description. Start your investigation into potential future employers as soon as possible to give yourself time to consider all aspects of your next move. Identify companies you feel good about, perhaps even some of your existing clients, vendors, and colleagues in your network. Talk to others who’ve made the same kind of change and find out what’s worked for them. Clarity is key. The more information you gather, the wiser decision you’ll make. Put as much effort in determining what you want your job as an employee to look like as you did when designing your own business.

Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move

Growing Your Career: with Integrity and Trust

2008-03-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

I spent last week on the island of Oahu conducting management training for a client in the heavy equipment industry. My training partner and I developed a program for the middle managers and their San Diego counterparts around six leadership skills which they’ll be evaluated on by their employees next month. Our goal has been to help them better demonstrate the skills and thus receive better scores as this annual evaluation comes back around.

One of the leadership qualities we focused on during last week’s sessions was personal Integrity and how it affects those we work with. While a complex subject, it’s interesting to pick it apart and see its application. The word itself comes from the Latin root, “integer” or whole number. Like a whole number, a person of integrity is undivided and complete. Ethical and trustworthy are good descriptors, as well as consistency and fairness in decision making. In other words, a “what you see is what you get” type of person. They are very clear on where they stand and act accordingly.

Now I would expect that we already believe our integrity is intact, that our standards are high, and that we take the moral high ground in all situations. We typically don’t have to think too hard about this. The place where we can improve and grow our careers is in the awareness that this quality lends itself to building more trusting relationships. By exhibiting integrity, we are open, honest, and transparent in our actions. We share information, coach our employees, and give them constructive feedback. We are forthright and honest with our customers and coworkers, and unafraid to take thoughtful risks. Others in turn see us as believable and clear in our intentions, and are open to our influence.

Food for thought as you go about your work week. Think about some relationships where you are having less than ideal results with an individual or a team. Perhaps it’s a matter of building that trust and demonstrating your personal integrity just a bit more. Be willing to open yourself up, give honest fair input, and do what you say you’ll do. These small internal changes can make a huge difference externally.

Growing Your Career: Complaint Free!

2008-03-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Here’s a different idea for growing your career (and your personal life) based on a book I’ve been reading – A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen.

The concept is that you must not complain, criticize, or gossip for 21 consecutive days (the length of time it takes for a new habit to take hold). He’s created a purple plastic bracelet you begin wearing on one wrist. As soon as you slip, you must move the bracelet to the other wrist and begin counting over again until you are successful in reaching 21 days without complaining, criticizing, or gossiping.

The author says that by changing your words, you change your thoughts, and begin creating the life you’ve dreamed of. He goes on to say that “good things will happen when you leave your grumbling behind and form this new positive habit.”

So how can this help you grow your career? Think about the time people around you spend complaining about family and coworkers, the company they work for, and the government. Is there any benefit to doing this? I don’t think so. It’s energy better spent on moving ahead with our lives, looking for opportunities to improve our situations, and make positive change in our lives and others’. We all know the attraction that people with positive attitudes and enthusiasm have. They are so busy living their lives in this manner, they have no time for anything to the contrary. They are happy, productive, and fun to be around, and probably very satisfied with their work life.

A friend of mine recently reminded me that while this is a good idea in theory, what about “venting” to clear the air and talk through issues out of our control? I do agree there is a need for healthy venting. Perhaps we take off the purple bracelet while we air our complaints, agree to move on from those negatives, not look back, and resume our count to day 21.

Give it a try this week. Notice what you talk about with others. Make some small changes and see the difference. For more information on this 21-day challenge, visit http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/.

What do you think? Post a comment!

Growing Your Career: Communication Skills

2008-03-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

When it comes to Growing your Career, one of the most important pieces for successfully doing that is sharpening your Communication Skills. These skills are invaluable, especially in this day and age of lessened “human touch” and business moving at break-neck speed. It’s always a good idea, and never too late, to sharpen yours. Here are some ideas you can put to use right away:

First, choose the right method for the situation – phone vs. email vs. in person vs. handwritten note. Consider oral methods when prompt feedback and interchange is desired; written methods when more accuracy and a permanent record of what transpired is needed. Sometimes a combination of both is required. And sometimes, it’s just too easy to send an email when a phone call could be so much more welcomed and effective. Think about this before you hit that “reply” button.

In situations where emotions could run high, be clear and use blameless language – state where you are coming from, not what you think the other person did. Sticking to facts is sometimes the best method – factual evidence is much less controversial and hard to dispute, especially if it’s documented.

Did you know that body language accounts for over 55% of the effectiveness of your message? People notice your gestures, facial expressions, and posture more than they listen to your words. Make sure your body is confirming what your mouth says.

Keep this in mind when you’re on the phone: Research shows your tone of voice is responsible for over 86% of message effectiveness in those cases where body language is absent. Record yourself and listen or ask a friend for input.

When presenting to a group, restate your central point several times by weaving it into your presentation. Research shows that audiences lose 85% of your message after leaving the communication situation.

When it comes to honing your public speaking skills, the task most people greatly fear, look into two organizations to help you: Toastmasters www.toastmasters.org and Speaking Circles (www.speakingcircles.com). I have experienced both of these very different programs and highly recommend them equally. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.

And finally, don’t forget the art of Listening as an invaluable communication tool – stay focused, ask questions, and keep an open mind. The ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus (born in 55 AD), knew the power of listening when he said “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Your audience, be it 1 or 100, know when you are really listening and they respond accordingly.

These are just a very few on the tip of the very large communication iceberg and there are numerous books on the subject to help you.
This week, as you go about your work, think about these tips and try one on for size rather than following a usual routine. Making improvements in your communication skills will make you more effective and confident, no doubt!

Career Advice: Turning a Hobby into a Business

2008-03-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Debbie:
I want more than anything to build my work around my favorite thing in the whole world – making and decorating wedding cakes. So far, it’s just been a hobby and people tell me I’m really talented and should think about opening a business. That sounds so exciting but I don’t’ know how I’d make a living at it and I’m scared to leave the security of my full time medical clerk job. I need some advice. Tammy P.

Dear Tammy:
Congratulations on being aware of your passion! That’s the first step in making it a bigger part of your life – identifying it, getting specific, then taking action steps toward it. I recommend you start by doing some research on what it will take to turn it into a business. Jump on the internet and look at bakery or wedding cake business sites and learn what you can from others. There are many hats a business owner wears and sometimes the thing they love to do (like making and decorating cakes) gets lost in the paperwork and marketing. You might consider working for someone part-time who’s already taken that step. This way, you can see the inner workings of a cake business and decide if that’s the route you want to go. You can also spread the word about your passion a little more with some basic business cards and see how you handle the additional business.
As far as making the money you need and want to earn - with a good plan, a clear understanding of what you are taking on, and lots of patience and persistence, it can be done. You’ll discover that as you follow your true passion, it becomes second nature to talk about what you do, people become excited along with you, start telling others, and business will come your way. Did I mention patience and persistence? Go for it – step-by-step and you’ll make it happen!

If you are in need of career advice, please post your question as a comment and watch for the answer to appear in a future Smart Career Moves blog post. Enjoy your work day!

Career Advice: Doing What You Love

2008-03-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Debbie:
I could splash around in the retail end of the swimming pool for the rest of my life if my parents didn’t care. I love people and making them happy makes me happy, plus the commissions are great! But my parents did put me through college and now expect me to “do better” than retail, and get a “real job”. How do I make them happy while still being happy myself? Liza T.

Dear Liza:
When you are working with your passions, you are happy, time flies by, and others benefit by being around you and feel inspired to be like you. The enthusiasm and positive attitude of your letter indicates to me that you are great with customers, which means you will be great at retail! Large percentages of people are so unhappy in their work – it’s refreshing to hear that you are not one of them. To convince your parents that you are already doing what you love to do, I recommend you create a retail career plan that proves your commitment to utilizing your education and to your passion. This is for them, and more importantly for yourself to plan your future and develop your career with specific goals and action steps. Start by looking at management and growth opportunities within your current employer’s organization. Talk to your supervisor, the Human Resources department, and the Store Manager. While leveraging your experience where you already are is a wise idea, also look outside at other retail companies to compare and see what they offer. You can then make the decision to stay put or get your resume out to other companies. Put your findings on paper, plot out what your career path will look like and where you’ll be in 1, 3, and 5 years from now. Develop goals and action steps for each one and begin your journey to making this work you love into your life’s career.
Good luck!

If you are in need of career advice, please post your question as a comment. I will address it in a future Smart Career Moves blog post. Enjoy your work day!

Growing Your Career: Never Stop Learning

2008-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Here it is - March - the beginning of spring, warmer weather and the rebirth of those things that hibernate for the winter. How about your career – has it been in hibernation for the last few months? Over the next four weeks, we’ll cover skills you may consider to help grow and nurture your career.

Let’s get right to it:
“Never stop learning”. That’s the motto for an adult community ed school here in my area. While they are promoting their class offerings, this saying is literally applicable to each and every one of us. While you may have the ability to take classes after work and on the weekends, some may prefer to look at learning opportunities during their work week and work hours.
In addition to typical classroom settings, here are some ideas to help you never stop learning:

Cross train within your company to learn how other departments fit together to form the whole organization.
Attend training classes conducted by your company’s training department or attend outside programs; ask your supervisor to bring in outside trainers to present specific topics of interest
Mentorship – be one or become one. Either way, I see the same benefit – wisdom from a more experienced person and/or the new ideas and perspective from a fresh newcomer in the workplace.
Management and skill development books on tape – put your commute time to good use.
Books – surround yourself with those relative to career development. Read cover-to-cover or pick out nuggets from chapters here and there.
Master mind groups, formal or informal, which are incredible support systems
Associations within your industry. Hear what your counterparts are doing and thinking in their companies.

If you take only one or two of these suggestions and implement them, you are opening yourself up to an abundance of new ideas. Go ahead, pick one this week, take some simple action steps (visit your training department for upcoming classes, shop the book-on-tape aisle at the bookstore, take a wise co-worker to lunch to discuss mentoring), and open your mind to another point of view that can make a big difference for your career.

One more reason to never stop learning: It keeps your mind young and healthy! The more you use those synapses – message connections between your brain cells – the stronger they get and the more they increase. Furthermore, if you learn something that excites you, you learn it faster and train those synapses to make strong connections. Read You: Staying Young, the Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty for more information on the biological benefits to keep learning!

Please post your ideas on ways to Never Stop Learning!

Some Final Thoughts on Passion at Work

2008-02-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

I believe we’ve created a good case here this month for finding passion and having it present in your work. Now the big question – how do you integrate it into your career when you work for an employer in a structured environment for a good steady paycheck, or own a business not quite doing what you love because the money’s so good doing something else?

If you’ve identified a passion like photography for instance, and work for an accounting firm, that appears to be a huge obstacle. Taking advice from The Passion Test authors, you must break that passion down (much like goals) to make them more manageable and easier to incorporate into your life right now. So you think about the different aspects of photography you most enjoy, and brainstorm ways to bring that into your work life. Offering to take photos of the next company event, for the next annual report, or even proposing a display of your work in the cafeteria to let people know what you love to do are some very viable ideas.

Eventually, you realize that photography is such a huge piece of your life that your next job must allow for its use somehow. That’s where, as they mention in the book, creating a template of your passions and laying it on top of your next decision, challenge, and opportunity comes into play. Always choose in favor of your passions.

Now what about the money? Can you make a living solely following your passion? Yes. With a realistic picture of your financial needs and a well defined action plan, not to mention patience and dedication, you can make this happen. And something funny begins to take place while you are working more and more with your passion. Money becomes less of a focus, you are intent on your passionate activity, and the money actually does start to follow without you having to constantly worry and oversee it.

I encourage you to take these ideas to heart. For most of us, our work is a major part of our lives. It doesn’t have to be the one piece that you like the least. It should be something you look forward to, are fulfilled by, and that serves your true desires.

Let me know your thoughts and experiences with integrating your passions into your work. Please post a comment!

Passion at Work: Who Needs it?

2008-02-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

So do you really need Passion, that “extreme, compelling emotion” (Webster’s) in your work? A popular non-conforming-type author says hard work and excellence are the true keys to success. He says to set your passion aside and just get really good at what you do. Interesting… I hold that the opposite is true: that passion plays a strong role in getting good. Extensive research by author Marcus Buckingham shows that people excel at what they like or even love to do. Furthermore, key factors for increased levels of productivity and profitability are tied to employees’ ability to do work they love. Hard work alone without some degree of drive (read passion) does not mean assured success. What do you think?

Here’s a good reason to keep pursuing your passions: good health. Drs. Newberg and Waldman, both neuroscientists and authors of Born to Believe, say “the brain is very happy when you’re focused on what you love. The more you focus on what you truly love and desire, the volume gets turned down in those parts of the limbic system where the destructive emotions of fear, anger, depression, and anxiety are controlled. This allows you to think more clearly.”
They go on to say, “You also turn up the volume in other parts of the limbic system that generate positive emotions. When this happens, you get a release of dopamine, endorphins, and a variety of stress-reducing hormones and neurotransmitters. The more you focus on what you truly love, the healthier you are likely to be, and the more you will feel the positive effects of those stress-reducing neurochemicals in your body and mind.”

Passion in our work means happiness, clear thinking, less stress, and good health. I’ll continue defining mine and working toward incorporating them into my work life. How about you?
Please post a comment!

Passion - Getting Clear

2008-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Janet and Chris Attwood, the authors of The Passion Test this past weekend. In addition to talking about their own and others’ interesting stories, they led the audience through the first steps of the Test itself. Here’s a glimpse into how it works:

List 10 things which will make your life and your work ideal, which when accomplished, will make you feel fulfilled and complete. Complete the sentence, “when my life is ideal I am…”

Now starting with the first one, compare its importance in your life to the next one and the next one and so on. (as if you could only choose one or the other) If another takes priority, then begin comparing that one with the others that follow. Do this exercise until your top 5 come to light. These are your passions.

If they don’t seem very clear at this point, go back to step one. I did and each time I got a little clearer. The authors say “When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life, and only the extent you are clear.”

There are more steps such as creating markers or identifiers of what will be happening when you are living these passions, vision boards, and action plans of things you can do right now to start living your passions. Each step helps you get closer to what truly drives you and is most important.

There’s no doubt in my mind that living our passions makes us happier, more successful and fulfilled. Here’s what Scottish theologian and author, William Barclay (1907-1978) had to say: “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” We each have unique gifts derived from our passions. All we have to do is identify them and then use to them to enrich not only our own lives, but those of others too.

Interested enough to find out more? Purchase the book or take it online at http://www.passiontestonline.com/, where it asks you for a small donation. This exercise of delving into your core is very worth the money and time. Build your life – personal and work – around what matters to you most.

More: The Value of Coaching - International Coaches Week

2008-02-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thinking about hiring a coach? Common benefits to working with a coach include:
Gaining fresh perspectives on your personal challenges and new opportunities
Enhanced decision making and problem solving skills
Improved interpersonal effectiveness
Increased confidence in your work and life roles

In my experiences of working with my own business and spiritual coaches, I have gained their objective insight on whatever issue I bring to the table, and even better, I gain the invaluable opportunity to talk it out knowing they are really listening to me. There's sometimes nothing better than that seemingly small gift. They hear me talk and then they listen between the words for what else might be going on to help me get to the real issue at hand.

That's what I appreciate about the coaching field. It's filled with people who really care and simply want to help others. If you are changing jobs, leaving relationships, building a business, looking for purpose or even physical well-being, there's a coach out there ready to assist. As the current President of the San Diego Professional Coaches Alliance, I am proud to be associated with many people like this. Please visit our website at www.sandiegocoaches.com to meet some of them and www.coachfederation.org to learn more about our industry.

You can accomplish anything with a coach!

The Value of Coaching - International Coaches Week

2008-02-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

This week is earmarked as International Coaches Week, which was started in 1999, to recognize the difference that Personal and Business Coaches make in individuals’ lives and how they add to the health of organizations when employees are trained, and then coached, into higher productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.

So what exactly is this field of Coaching all about? Coaching is a supportive relationship with a trained professional that enhances one's ability to learn, make desired changes, solve problems, and achieve goals. Coaches work with their clients individually or in groups, face-to-face or by telephone, typically in a series of regularly scheduled sessions.

Coaching is not consulting, teaching, or therapy because it is not focused on giving advice, delivering curriculum, healing dysfunction, or analyzing behavior. The focus of coaching is on guiding a client to find their own unique answers. Coaches won't tell them what to do or what they need to learn. A coach supports them in strategizing solutions, choosing the right direction, building personal skills, and raising awareness. Coaching doesn't spend time in the past; it concentrates on where a person is today and how to get to where they want to be tomorrow.

People typically hire a coach when they:
Determine that their goals and dreams are not being achieved by their current methods;
Have the willingness to be challenged, supported, and called forth to approach things differently;
Decide they are willing to do what it takes to create change in their lives

Thinking about hiring a coach? For more information on the Coaching industry, visit http://www.sandiegocoaches.com/ and http://www.coachfederation.org/.

February - A Month for Passion (in your work): The Passion Test

2008-02-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

February is a good month to talk about passion, wouldn’t you agree?
For the next few Mondays, the topic of discussion will be about finding passion in your work, not the February 14th kind (I’ll leave that one to you).

A particularly good book I’ve been reading is The Passion Test by Chris and Janet Attwood, which is filled with guidance, inspirational stories, quotations and exercises for identifying your passions and following them.
Let me rephrase that – rather than “following them”, the ideal scenario is to take control and make your passions the template for your life where you choose only those activities and projects which match those passions and will take you closer to realizing the life you want. In the book, the authors say repeatedly, “Whenever you are faced with a choice, a decision, or an opportunity, choose in favor of your passions.”

The book instructs you how to actually take the “Passion Test” (which you can also do online at http://www.passiontestonline.com/), create “Passion Cards” to help get clear and affirm them, and make what they term “Markers”, indicators that you are truly living your passions. I recommend spending some time with this – what you think is your passion may be only a small piece of a bigger one that you can really get your arms around and integrate more fully in your life. And if you’ve never sat down to figure out what they are, here’s a great start.

If you decide to purchase the book and work through it, I’ll be interested to know your thoughts and results. Please post a comment!

Great Starts for 2008 - Your Map to Success

2008-01-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

A study was done several years ago with college graduates just preparing to enter the work world. 3% of them had written their goals out; 10% had goals in mind only; the remaining 87% had no goals at all. Several years later, the 3% who had written goals were 10 times as successful as both the other groups. The 10% with goals, but only in mind, were just 2 times as successful as that largest group who had no goals at all.
The obvious lesson here? Write your goals down.

Whatever tools you choose to plot out your success this year, be sure to write it down somewhere in whatever form most appeals to you. A plain and simple Word document, Excel spreadsheet, a colorful Mind Map, a yellow tablet, or a Vision board will all do the trick – get your ideas out of your head and onto something you can review regularly. In fact, looking at your goals first thing in the morning and again last thing at night feeds your subconscious mind exactly what you want it to work on behind the scenes. That GPS in your head will surely get you where you want to be with a clearly defined, visual map.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.”

This week, get clear and fine tune your 2008 plans and get them out of your head and onto a piece of paper or computer screen. Review them regularly, adjust when necessary, and watch for a Great 2008. It’s that simple!

Great Starts for 2008 - Use your very own GPS

2008-01-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

Some more thoughts on your Goal Setting as 2008 gets underway:
According to a recent study of 60,000 people, only 77% of their New Year Resolutions survived the first week of the New Year; one month later, only 55% made it through the first 4 weeks. Another study showed that a mere 15% of those who make Resolutions manage to keep them at all. Do you see yourself in these statistics?

Perhaps that first draft of New Year goals is just too vague or too broad. “Exercise more”, “Eat healthier foods”, “Find a new job”, are all great ideas. However, they don’t provide the clear details that your inner GPS, your mind, needs in order to achieve them. Just like the GPS in a car, your mind needs a clear understanding of where it is and where it needs to be so that it can get you from where you are to where you want to be. “Work out 2 times a week during the months of January and February”, “Shop at the Farmers’ Market once a month”, and “Apply for 2 jobs per month at companies on my target list” are much clearer and action-oriented.

I've mentioned SMART goals before, the process of assigning important details to your goals, making them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. That’s only one method of many to get moving in the right direction.

Here’s another way discussed in a workshop I helped conduct last week for emerging women leaders:
First clarify your vision – start out with that Big Hairy Audacious Goal (“BHAG”, a concept first coined by author Jim Collins), one that is long-term, inspires you to action and is perhaps somewhat outrageous.
Second, write it out, down to the last detail so you have an even clearer picture in your mind of what it looks like.
Next, start breaking it down into manageable chunks, listing the most obvious things that need to take place.
Review one more time and break those down even further until you have a list of short-term goals that you see as do-able in the near future.
From there, determine the action steps needed for each short-term goal, assigning a due date to each step. These tasks should be small enough to be completed in a few hours.
Note these in your calendar and keep yourself on track, always moving forward. Let a friend in on your plans so they can help hold you accountable.

Set yourself up for success this year by remembering your internal GPS. Make those resolutions, turn them into specific goals and create the action steps needed to see them through. Check them off as you go along, enjoy your achievements, and by the end of December, you’ll have had a terrific 2008!

Post your thoughts and success stories for keeping your New Year resolutions intact.

Great Starts for 2008 - Be a little Unreasonable!

2008-01-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

I attended a business planning workshop recently and one of my “take-aways” was the idea of challenging myself to be “unreasonable” this year. This is done by setting and pursuing goals without thinking about failing - that getting “out of the box” thought process, if you will. This should allow me to break away from the conventional thinking that’s so easy to follow and enable me to do extraordinary things in 2008.

Sounds good, really good. Now just how to go about being unreasonable with our goals this month? Here’s a book aptly named Be Unreasonable: The Unconventional Way to Extraordinary Business Results by Paul Lemberg. He says that unreasonable strategies can bring unprecedented success. These include:

· Be Uncompromising by sticking to your goals no matter what.
· Be Demanding by expecting more, not less, from everybody.
· Be Critical by changing old systems that just don’t work.
· Be Prepared for real success on your terms.

He also says “Being unreasonable is about assessing the situation and leaping into the unknown-not foolishly, but courageously. Only by going against the norm, and perhaps ruffling feathers, can you be competitive, innovative, and successful.”

While Lemberg is a leading business growth consultant, his ideas can easily apply to us individually in both our careers and personal lives. Stretching ourselves just a little further than normal when setting a goal can be considered unreasonable enough for some. And so what if it really sounds unattainable and against the grain at first? As I’ve mentioned here many times before, our subconscious mind will work night and day to find a way to make it happen if we really want it.

Here’s your challenge this month: Look at those goals you’ve set for 2008 so far. Pick one and stretch it out some until you feel uncomfortable. Commit to it and expect success. Then let your mind do its magic and start figuring out ways to reach it. Push yourself, get out of the comfort zone, and watch those extraordinary things happen this year. Good luck!

Great Starts for 2008 - Set SMART Goals

2008-01-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

Now that you have that Vision of what you want 2008 to look like, put pen to paper and develop Goals and the ever-necessary Action Steps for each goal. And not just any Goal, but a SMART Goal - one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. Having these details written out makes it more manageable and easier to achieve.
Here's an explanation:

Specific: It must be well defined and clear and should say exactly what is expected, by when, and if applicable, how many. Example: By February 15th, I will have 2 new versions of my resume ready to send to prospective employers.

Measureable: To stay motivated to reach your goal, it’s important to have milestones to reflect your progress. You must know that it is obtainable and when it has been successfully completed. Example: Each Friday, I will work on one section of my resume.

Attainable: The best goals require you to stretch a little to achieve them, but not to extremes. They are not out of reach, nor are they below your usual performance. Are you sure it’s not too easy, or too hard?

Realistic: This means you currently have the resources, knowledge, and time to actually achieve it. It might not be the right time for this goal if you don’t have enough hours to see it through or need to develop a new skill first. Is everything you need in place right now in order to achieve this goal?

Time-based: Your goal should have clear starting and ending points. Committing to a deadline or schedule for achieving your goal keeps you focused and headed toward success!

Make a SMART goal this week following this simple process. Now add some even smaller action steps to each piece that make it even more do-able. See what kind of results you create by being this detailed and focused!

Please post your comments. Visit my website at http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/ for more information about career transition services.

Great Starts for 2008 - Visioning

2008-01-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

As 2008 gets underway, now's the time to put some thought into how you want this year to turn out, both professionally and personally. Over the next few days, I'll be sharing some of my favorite career planning activities. Here's #1:

Visioning is an exercise that requires quiet, distraction-free time along with your imagination. Grab a pen and paper to capture your ideas after you've imagined what 2008 will look like.
Get comfortable, close your eyes and ask yourself a few questions to get the images rolling:

What kind of work are you doing?
Where are you working?
What type of company is it?
What does the environment look like?
What are you wearing to work?
What type of co-workers and colleagues do you associate with?
What does that paycheck look like?
What are you accomplishing in 2008?

After the picture gets clear, jot down some notes about that vision to help you keep it in mind. Now, time to set some goals around it and make good things happen! More on that next time...

“How do you want this to turn out?”

2007-12-18T01:45:00.000-08:00

As we continue our roll toward the end of 2007, the process of setting goals begins to hit our to-do lists. Here’s a valuable piece to add to that process as we head into the New Year. This was shared by a student in a “Success Principles” class I conducted a few months ago. I’m convinced that this one additional question is commonly overlooked, and is one of the most powerful steps we can take toward fulfilling our goals and lives. Here’s how it works:

Every time she is preparing for a meeting or even an unfamiliar situation, she asks herself, “How do I want this to turn out?” She thinks through what she ideally wants from it and visualizes what that looks like. For instance, in a situation where she had to confront a coworker who had overstepped their bounds and affected her team, she prepared ahead of time, ending with asking herself this question. She then firmly set in her mind the vision of maintaining a good working relationship while clearly defining their roles. She was able to keep this picture of her ultimate desired outcome in mind during the meeting and operated from that standpoint. Needless to say, she attained that goal effortlessly.

This reminds me of how experts say a brain is a “goal-seeking organism” – it will work relentlessly to achieve the goals we feed it. Being clear about what we want (remember that vague goals = vague results), and adding this personalized one last question to our planning process can make a big difference.

This is an important step to add to your Goal Setting activities as you look ahead to 2008. It adds some color to the sometimes dry “Goal-Actions-Results” model and lets you put some imagination into it. Then it’s no longer just about numbers and dates – it becomes something you truly want and can feel and see in your mind’s eye. Write down your goal, ask the question, and then imagine what that will look and feel like.

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”
Andrew Carnegie (the richest man in America in the early 1900’s)

Please post your comments and best goal setting tips!

Choosing Your Words for Success

2007-11-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine in Florida recently forwarded an article entitled “Are Your Words Holding You Back?” by Ellen Welty. It is a very good reminder about how the simplest words may be seriously affecting our coworkers’, boss’s, and customers’ impressions of us. Here are some tidbits you may find useful:
Downplaying our ideas and input by prefacing them with “this may not be worth mentioning” or “this probably won’t work” or “I’m no expert”. By devaluing our own ideas, how can we expect others to take them seriously? Instead, use neutral introductions like “I have an idea” or “What if we…”

“I’m sorry” that we use the words “I’m sorry” so much, but it’s true. Many of us, unfortunately lots of we women, assume we’re in the wrong or haven’t measured up to others’ expectations. Communications expert, Judith Selee McClure says to replace “I’m sorry – I didn’t catch that” with a simple “Could you please repeat that?” Using the phrase “I apologize” is even a step in the right direction – she says that “apologize” is active, where “sorry” is passive.

Playing it safe and hedging your bets with the phrase, “I think” says you’re not completely up to the task or not fully committed, not to mention lacking confidence. Delete these words completely. Answer confidently with yes and no.

Using “kind of” and “sort of” are words that water down your convictions and avoid confrontations. Using non-committal words give us a sense of protection. Something either is or it isn’t.

“Just” used to describe ourselves – “it’s just me” or “I’m just a stay-at-home mom/office manager/dental hygienist/etc. says we don’t value ourselves very much. Stop using this word that minimizes your role or importance. “Hi, it’s me” and “I’m a stay-at-home mom” have much more power.

The article ends with a plan for eliminating self-defeating talk and putting more “me-power” behind the words we use. A few suggestions:
Pick one word, phrase, or negative speech habit to focus on at a time.
Spend several days noticing when, and around whom you use it.
Leave yourself some reminders, such as on a post-it note in your planner, that state the new way you will say something
Share your goal to eliminate “wimpy words” with a friend and ask them to point out when you use them.
Be patient with yourself – new habits take about a month to take hold.

Some items here sure caught my attention. Monitor your speech this week to see where you may be using these self-defeating words and phrases. Say what you mean clearly and concisely and feel your confidence rise.

Please share your success stories! And visit my Career Coaching website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com.

Moving on from Workplace Mistakes

2007-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

“No past mistake can act as a barrier to my future progress.” --Dr. Ernest Holmes, spiritual philosopher

I ran across an article recently (which included the affirmation above) about the importance of not carrying around our past mistakes with us, whether it be in relationships, personal, or work related. It reminded me that as long as I continue to keep mistakes alive by pulling them out to review and contemplate over and over, they will continue to influence my life.

Case in point: Some years ago, a friend of mine made an error in judgment when presenting a project overview to a high-profile client. The problem stemmed from the fact that he assumed too much about them and didn’t research and customize enough. As a result, they were unhappy with some items, and along with his own team, were questioning his competency in running the project. He was able to recover and make things work to everyone’s satisfaction, but his own self confidence suffered hugely. He felt he let everyone down, including himself, and proceeded to act throughout the project as if he were not as skilled and talented as he really was. It took awhile to get past it, and he did eventually, with a clearer idea of how to handle his next project. It’s highly likely that, as time went on, he was the only who remembered and focused on that mistake and therefore was the only one still suffering from it.

Moral of the story: There’s usually a valuable lesson in there somewhere. Forgive yourself, acknowledge the lesson, wash your hands of it for once and for all, then move on. As my training partner says in many of our workshops – “there are no mistakes, just learnings”.

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet and essayist

As always, I welcome your comments. Please visit my website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com for information on career services.

September Book of the Month

2007-09-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ever been at a complete loss for words in uncomfortable work situations? Here’s a great resource, especially for managers, that the rest of us can benefit from as well. Why Didn’t I Say That?!, What to Say and How to Say It in Tough Situations on the Job by Donald H. Weiss, provides real life situations, sample dialogs for each, and tips for effectively handling those necessary conversations. These can be adapted to a variety of situations including those in our personal lives.

Chapters are broken into such categories as Giving Feedback, Problem Solving, Encouraging Others, Interviewing, Reviews and Appraisals, Communicating with Difficult People, Taking Corrective Action, and Firing and Downsizing dialogs.

Weiss reminds us in Chapter 1 that there are four basic steps to effective Communication:
Opener – set the person at ease and review the purpose and agenda of the meeting
Exchange – getting and giving information that you may be lacking
Resolution of Differences – identify and summarize differences and negotiate conclusion
Action Plan – if a change is needed

He then goes on to show how these steps are used in situations such as “Coaching a Reluctant Employee”. Key phrases to use with this person may include:
“What do you think about…?”
“How would you go about doing this?”
“Here’s the situation… What do you think?”
“I need some extra help with this and I think you can do it. How do you feel about that?”

The script that follows this example and all others give you ideas for wording and how to effectively approach this type of person.

Section IV, “Managing Relationships” can help every one of us. Ever tried to communicate with someone who claims to know everything? ...with someone who doesn’t speak up? …someone who’s judgmental or close-minded? It’s all here – tips and phrases for planning your communication in those less than ideal situations. I recommend it!

The book, published in 1994, can be found on Amazon for $18.95 new.

Please post your comments and suggestions for other work related books. Visit my website at http://www.lousbergunlimited.com/ for information about personal and organizational services.

Defining Your Strengths

2007-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

You may be familiar with Marcus Buckingham, his books, and the “Strengths Revolution” he advocates. As you may recall, he says the way to finding passion at work is through our strengths, and then to play to those strengths with all our might. In fact, with this in mind, it may not even be necessary to change jobs – take a look at your favorite tasks in your current job, determine where your strength is in those tasks, then build your job around them. Changing jobs too early could mean packing around the same mistakes along with you unless you take the time to analyze what pieces you do truly enjoy.

In an article in the September issue of O Magazine, Marcus says “Our strengths are those situations in which we are intensely, happily, completely engaged.” He also says that all of us, no matter how confused and unhappy we may be about a work situation, have “very good instincts about what we should be doing.”

Think about that. Even if you’re currently planning an exit strategy from your job, you must admit there are some tasks you enjoy doing – things that make you feel good, completely absorbed in the moment, and time seems to fly by when you’re working on these activities. This is where he says to start – define your strengths as narrowly and concretely as possible. To help you do this, he offers a couple of worksheets – one to make notes on during the course of a week about what you “loved” or “loathed”, and the other to test your “loved” ones on a strengths scale. You can find these worksheets here: http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200709/omag_200709_idea.jhtml

I can’t think of anything more valuable than this type of self-analysis when realizing something needs to change in your work life. This can make all the difference and can be as simple as rearranging your job duties so you’re spending as much time as possible on those things you love to do!

Please post your thoughts on this topic - Strengths in the Workplace. And, visit my website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com for more information about my career transition services.

Job Search Tips - Common Sense tho not Common Practice

2007-08-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

At last week’s 2-day Outplacement Workshop I facilitated, the group of young professionals walked away with several “ah-ha’s” for Job Search success:

A summary statement at the top of a resume is very important and is placed before the work experience section. It sums up who you are and should use powerful adjectives to catch the reader’s eye immediately.

Write Accomplishment Statements about previous work performance, which in turn become material for a resume, statements to use during an interview and other job search conversations, as well as being good reminders for self esteem. Quantify whenever possible.

Interviews are an exchange of information, a 2-way conversation, and usually an uncommon situation where the interviewer may be more uncomfortable than the interviewee. Use this to your advantage by being calm and conversational.

Send individual hand-written thank you’s after every encounter. It creates a positive impression about you and can prompt favorable comments getting back to the decision maker.

The process of job hunting is comparable to a sales campaign and so should have a marketing strategy. There are many activities to be put into practice at the same time – responding to internet postings, direct contact with target companies, attending association meetings, informational interviewing, follow up letters and calls, and spreading the word about what you want to your ever-growing network.

Put together and practice a 2 minute pitch about yourself. This answers the question, “Tell me about yourself” and is a “conversationalized” resume presented clearly and concisely. Also known as an “elevator speech”, it allows you to talk confidently about your experience so the receiver can see the connection to open positions.

Enthusiasm and positive attitude are what wins over the interviewer. Target the position you want, be convincing about why you’re the best person for the job, and let the interviewers know that.

This is a sampling of what was covered during our time together. Some are common, well-known ideas, just often forgotten. Good reminders for anyone contemplating a job search, so please feel free to pass them along. One last reminder that made the participants stop and think: “Google” yourself because recruiters are. Be sure they’re seeing the image you want to convey!

I invite your comments and your own job search tips! For more information about my services, please visit my website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com

"Finding the Up in Upheaval"

2007-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

They say that change is inevitable and at the same time, researchers tell us that most people don’t like change. What a paradox! How do we cope with something we dislike but that will happen anyway?

As Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, said, “The Universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”
Apparently, way back in the year 161, Emperor Aurelius knew the same thing – that the Romans resisted change even though it was a fact of life, part of being a human being living in this Universe.

Undoubtedly, you’ve seen numerous changes occur in your workplace – hiring, firing, layoffs, new management, mergers, acquisitions, new products, added territories, and the list goes on. With or without our support, it will happen – our employers and clients will become different in some aspect – that much is guaranteed.

Here’s the thing to remember: You get to choose how you’ll handle the next change in your life. How and what you think about it is what will make it acceptable or not - make your life better or not.

Here’s a 4 step model for dealing with organizational change from a training program called “Finding the Up in Upheaval”:
The only thing you can control about change is your reaction to it.
Before you can deal with change, you have to accept that change has/is happening.
Communicate with others to help you understand what reality is.
Look for opportunities to create the future you want.

Keep these 4 bullet points handy for the next time any change occurs. Stay calm and objectively walk through each step. Find the upside to the “downside” and your job, career, and life will be much better.

Please post your thoughts about change and ways to cope and succeed in a changing environment!

NUTs, Messes, and Incompletes

2007-07-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

“NUTs” or Nagging Unfinished Tasks, as Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD, professor of cardiac surgery, and author of YOU: On a Diet, calls them, are “often very simple to fix but if you never get around to them, NUTs create a subtle underlying angst that can undermine your health.”

Jack Canfield, in The Success Principles, calls them “Messes and Incompletes” and says they rob us of valuable “attention units”. Since we can only pay attention to so many things at once, each addition to that never-ending To-Do list leaves less time for completing our present projects. This creates that angst and stress that Dr. Oz mentions, affecting us both mentally and physically.

One way to tackle these Nuts or Messes is to apply a simple time management principle: Do it, Delegate it, Delay it, or Dump it. The moment you’ve got a task in mind or something in your hand, make the decision as to what needs to be done with it right then and there.

Another powerful way is to make a list of all incomplete tasks and projects in your life – professionally and personally – and review each one with the question “What will it take to actually get this task completed?” Make notes on what action steps need to take place and determine the time slot that works for you – 2 hours each afternoon, 1 whole Saturday per month, etc. and commit to it. Note it on your calendar and plan it into your life.

Get your “Nagging Unfinished Tasks” out of your way and make room for achieving the goals and dreams you want for yourself. Complete the tasks of the past so you can fully step into the present with open arms. Clear out the old and get ready for the new!

Post a comment and let me know how you get the NUTs out of your way!

Setting and Resetting your Goals

2007-07-14T13:55:00.001-07:00

July – the middle of the summer, the mid-way point of the year, and the beginning of a new quarter! Where are with your 2007 goals?

I recently attended a 3rd Quarter Planning session to keep my business on track. I realized that the same process can easily be used in each of our personal and work lives. Here’s how it works:

1. Refresh your list of goals and write them down in order of importance – this may include those not yet complete and new ones you want to add
2. Review and list what happened last quarter – what were your desired results and what were the actual results? What actions need to be taken to either continue progress or make a correction for each unfinished one? Be sure to add completions and successes to your Accomplishments List and celebrate those!
3. What are some key successes you want to happen over the next quarter – in July, August, and September? List them and be specific about when you want that to occur.
4. Now, take each of those key success points and break them down into manageable pieces to create your Quarterly Plan: List the Desired Result, the overall Strategy to make it happen, then get very specific and list Action Items for each. Answer the question “How do I get there?”
5. Finally, assign dates to each of those Action Items and insert them into your calendar system.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll have a powerful written plan for how you want the next 3 months to go. Be it personal and home related, or focused purely on your career or business, you now have a map and a plan for getting to where you want to go. Happy Planning!

“Goals serve as a stimulus to life. They tend to tap the deeper resources and draw out of life its best. Where there are no goals,
neither will there be significant accomplishments. There will only be existence.” - Anonymous

As always, let me know your thoughts!

Manage Your Career - Take a Break and Clear your Head!

2007-06-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

I was forced into a break of sorts last week when my turn for jury duty came up. Knowing I’d be in for a wait in the jury lounge, I took along several work related things to do – articles to read, forms to fill out, supply catalogs to review, and the like. The biggest accomplishment during that time, however, was simply taking out a pen and a clean sheet of paper and answering the following questions:

What aspects of my work do I really love doing?
What things are currently in place to support that?
What plans are in the works that will support it in the future?
What does doing only what I love to do, all the time, look like?
Is anything holding me back?
What action steps can I take immediately to make this happen?

The change in environment allowed me to clear my head, take a deep breath and write from a bigger-picture perspective. That’s all it took! Getting out of my office, away from my normal routine, and into a quiet place with few distractions. Next time you’re wrestling with any issue, such as workplace discontent, do this. Go to the park, sit in your car, take a walk, sit in a waiting room. Get outside of your life with all its busy-ness, take out your pen and paper, and just breathe. Amazing possibilities and solutions will come to you!

Oh yes…I did get called to serve on a jury, albeit as an alternate. Talk about getting your mind off of your own stuff and onto something else! A good experience on several fronts.

Please post your comments about the restorative nature of taking a break from work! Visit my website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com for more information on services for managing or transitioning your career.

June Book of the Month - 5 Dysfunctions

2007-06-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

This month: Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. The author presents his theory on common team issues by relaying a “leadership fable”, a story about a fictional new CEO and her experience of leading an existing, poorly functioning team down the path to rebuilding itself into a powerful productive one. Woven into the story is his model of the 5 Dysfunctions, an explanation of each and how it plays out in a group. Especially valuable are his suggestions and exercises for overcoming each one.

A brief overview of the 5 Dysfunctions:
1. Absence of Trust – Trust lies at the heart of a functioning cohesive team. Team members must get comfortable with being vulnerable with each other – admitting their weaknesses and mistakes, asking for help.

2. Fear of Conflict – Productive conflict, at home and business, is required in order to grow. The purpose of healthy conflict, that of focusing only on concepts and ideas, is to produce the best possible solution in the shortest period of time.

3. Lack of Commitment – Great teams move forward with complete buy-in from every member, even when some have voted against the decision. They are aligned around a common objective and move forward without hesitation.

4. Avoidance of Accountability – This refers to the willingness of team members to call their peers on performance or behaviors that might hurt the team. The most effective and efficient means of maintaining high standards of performance is peer pressure.

5. Inattention to Results – The collective goals of the group and the unrelenting focus on specific objectives and clearly defined outcomes is required for any team judged on performance. They minimize individualistic behavior and avoid distractions.

Lencioni’s view is that, in this age of fast and ever-present change, “teamwork remains the one sustainable competitive advantage that has been largely untapped.” He goes on to say that while the impact of teamwork is difficult to measure and achieve, “its power cannot be denied”. The advantages of effective teamwork? When people set aside their own needs and come together for the good of the whole, what was thought impossible can be accomplished. They get more done in less time and with less cost. And ultimately, people find fulfillment in their work. A sense of belonging and connection gained from being part of an effective work team can far extend outside the walls of work.

We’ve all had the experience of working on teams of some sort. How many times did you come away feeling energized and excited about working together for some greater good? Like me, perhaps not as many times as you’d like. Here’s a great book with tools and suggestions to implement with your next team to make it a rewarding, effective experience.

Have a great week!

My employee training services include the facilitation of workshops for teams based on this book. If your organization would like to know more about creating powerful effective work teams, please let me know. Visit my website at www.LousbergUnlimited.com