Just a reminder to avoid the tailspin of gossip and harsh words by being deliberate with feedback and communication with others; demonstrate the willingness to exhibit a kind pleasing nature. Now…go take on the world!
13/07/2009
Water Wars are a Reality!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/12/india-water-supply-bhopal
Using my blog to outreach to build awareness about an issue that will pale in comparison to the demand for oil….WATER!
Learn more by clicking on this link regarding Water Wars:
http://waterwars.pulitzergateway.org/
Do something today! Visit http://www.charitywater.org
One billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in six of us. charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.
Have gratitude and respect for a valuable resource that is so widely available in our culture. Gratitude for the ability to turn on a faucet or reach for a cool glass of hydration…on demand, or to take a dip in that backyard swimming pool…
See Category-Stewardship for connection to sites referenced in this article.
06/07/2009
Take the Job Search Survey….
Click on link below to begin survey. We will compile the results for a later blog to share information on job search habits. Thank you for your input.
06/07/2009
Career Transition the Next Steps
There are several steps you can take to transition yourself in the marketplace.
First, make a list of all connections and contacts and outreach to meet over coffee or over the phone to discuss options with those in your industry and to gather information and possible leads for opportunity. This is strictly to information gather and for no other purpose, do not ask to give them your resume at this point, unless it is requested.
Two, tell everyone and anyone you are looking for work, they will be your extended “eyes and ears”.
Three, your resume will reflect your specialized field, however, in the cover letter you can separate the transferable skills and abilities that apply across industries to transition to another area.
Four, do not hesitate to reach out through networking events and engagements in your area through a local chamber of commerce or trade association. Research shows 80% of your success will be due in part to your circle of influence.
Five, have you considered going back to school to brush up on skills and bring them current for the marketplace? Is this an option? If you graduated from a local university, contact their career services department and they will guide and assist you as well.
Finally, be sure to send a letter of thanks to those that have supported your efforts during your transition and update them on your successful landing of a new opportunity.
Begin with these steps and see what evolves. Good luck with your search.
23/05/2009
How Rude! Managing Workplace Conflict
So you think that your co-worker has it in for you; or that a particular colleague specifically wakes up each morning determining how to make your life more difficult? Well, fortunately they are not that smart. The real issue boils down to communication or lack of communication.
75% of most conflict is petty and small. Someone forgot to replace copy paper in the copy machine when needed, or talking too loud on the phone in the next cubicle, interrupting during meetings, gossip, taking the last cup of coffee from the coffee maker and not replenishing and the list goes on and on…..
Most people confuse personalities with issues, the conflict is not dealt with early on, and that most people do not stay to the facts when addressing the conflict.
Avoid addressing the personality and stay focused on the issue. “Sally didn’t put more copy paper in the copier, she’s stupid.” The fact is she failed to refill the copier. When personality comes into the framework of conflict it breeds more conflict. It will force the person to get defensive and justify they are “right” or “should” or disregard the actual offense.
FOCUS ON THE ISSUE!
Deal with the situation immediately. Avoid letting the irritation or conflict build and build until you finally explode! Be sure to take the person aside, privately. Ask for a specific time and location to meet and indicate what you want to address, collect all the FACTS, and be prepared to control the meeting.
The biggest failure in addressing conflict is the ability to stay with the facts. Step 1: State the facts of the situation (I went to use the copier, you were the last person to make copies, and the copy paper tray was empty.), Step 2: State the impact it had on you and only you, not everyone in the office. Avoid generalities. (When copy paper is not in the machine it disrupts my productivity and is frustrating to me.), Step 3: Respect their decision. (I can appreciate you are busy and may have overlooked using the last of the copy paper.) Step 4: Request an action. (However, in the future would you please double check the supply before leaving the copy machine?)
The above formula is useful in addressing conflict that is big or small it allows you to stay with the facts and avoids bringing personality issues into the conversation.
It is true, that some conflict may never be resolved but it can be managed. However, it is important to address the situation immediately to ensure the ability to move forward.
The pitfalls of not dealing with conflict is costly! Lack of trust, lack of respect, impact on productivity, not feeling valued are just a few of the affects of unmanaged conflict in the workplace.
25/04/2009
Why do we “clink” glasses during a toast?
The idea was to involve all five senses; sight, taste, touch, smell, and the only thing missing was sound/hearing and as a result a “clink” of the glass was established.
18/04/2009
Out of a Job?
Your resume, interviewing skills, or plan of action may be standing in your way! Not sure? Contact me.
07/04/2009
The Key to Career Transition Success-Agility
Personal agility in a time of adversity is the key to unlocking the paralyzing affect of change.
Agility (u-jil-i-tee): The power of moving quickly and easily; nimbleness.
The loss of a job can create an identity crisis; especially when demand for an occupation is limited or non-existent.
This is a time to re-evaluate, re-invent, and re-direct.
Is re-education an option? Learning new skills is an excellent way to increase marketability, reinvigorate career direction, network and expand the circle of influence.
Are existing skills and abilities transferable to other industries? Hard skills/technical skills developed in previous work history may transfer regardless of industry. Use a cover letter to distinguish a change in industry and highlight the transferable hard skills.
Is entrepreneurship on the horizon? Translate a hobby or interest into a viable business opportunity. Visit a local college or Small Business Administration (SBA) location to get details on programs to assist with business planning and development.
The key to success is in agility; what is your agility factor?
Remember, if nothing changes; nothing changes. Onward ever; backward never.
10/03/2009
Job Search Tips #3: Be Proactive!
Job Search Tip #3: Be Proactive in your Job Search!
Did you know that you only have a 4-7% chance of success in finding opportunity online through sites like monster.com or careerbuilder.com etc.?
Do you realize you have an 80% chance of landing a new opportunity by being proactive in your job search?
What does that mean? You seek out opportunity and avoid waiting for that perfect job to surface via a job fair, recruiter, or online.
How do you begin a proactive search? Research companies of interest, visit their corporate sites, outreach to a company after you have acquired their mailing address and key contacts (i.e. Director of Human Resources) as a result of your research. Investigate new start-ups, and companies coming into your area or expanding.
Good companies are always looking for good people! Your resume may land on the desk of that decisionmaker when one of the following may occur:
An employee:
- Retires
- Relocates
- Exits workforce for personal reasons, i.e. pregnancy, sick parent, goes back to school, career change, health concerns
- Starts their own business
- Quits
- Recruited
- Transfers to another Department
- Released from Company
Tell everyone and anyone you know you are looking for opportunity. You never know who may know whom and that could translate into a potential lead.
A job search is a full-time job; and it is a full-time job looking for a job. So don’t make the mistake of jumping in and heading for the “help wanted” sign, seek out opportunity, ask for opportunity and control your search.
