Change Success – Initiate more conversations

When there is an organizational change, a systems upgrade or change in policy/procedures or leadership, a common mis-belief is that if we give people the facts, they can handle the change.  Facts are important to answer the “why” question.  But it doesn’t get to a personal level – and that’s where the change must beContinue reading “Change Success – Initiate more conversations”

WIIFM? First, Listen

People are so overwhelmed by things changing in their lives and their work that we can count on them begin distracted while we are trying to communicate. Whether you are leading a training session or a meeting, over half the people are preoccupied with other thoughts.  Some are already gearing up to argue with you.Continue reading “WIIFM? First, Listen”

Abundance in the job search?

Now that sounds like I’m in my own la-la land.  But Jason Alba started me thinking with his blog: http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2011/03/31/rethinking-abundance-mentality-job-search-version/ The concept of abundance has been around in many forms throughout many civilizations. Some may know it as ‘living with intention’ or ‘positive thinking.’ When it comes to job search, our emotional strength is criticalContinue reading “Abundance in the job search?”

Change is tough – Stop being miserable.

One of my favorite bloggers has offered us this lovely gift of not only his wisdom but also his poetic talent. In this Seussical tale Kerry Patterson draws from his own experience (and all of us have similar ones!) to stop  perpetuating much of our own misery. You can download this story for yourself orContinue reading “Change is tough – Stop being miserable.”

Network How-to

In her blog, “How to Build Your Network in 12 days“ Debra Feldman points us to the specific actions we can take to  develop an effective career network.   Some are basic, others are more advanced. All of the tips help us get beyond our current contacts and create more visibility of what we can andContinue reading “Network How-to”

I just Want a Job, “No One is Hiring” – Part 4 of 6

The companies in my area that would hire me have all gone out of business. While many, many businesses have closed their doors, other doors are opening if you know where and how to look.  Are you still looking for jobs using the same job title you’ve had for years?  Are you only looking forContinue reading “I just Want a Job, “No One is Hiring” – Part 4 of 6″

I Just Want A Job – Part 3 of 6 – Translation, please

I have experience and skills – why can’t they see that and just hire me? Think of yourself as a shoe.  Are you a running shoe, a fashion boot or a rugged sandal?  What size are you? Employers see resumes and candidates and they have to have a way to determine if they are theContinue reading “I Just Want A Job – Part 3 of 6 – Translation, please”

Recruiters Using Social Networks

In addition to keeping your resume up to date, be sure your online presence is giving you the visibility you need.  The 2009 Jobvite Social Recruitment Survey shows that recruiters are using online methods for finding candidates more than ever. LinkedIn use grew from 80 percent in 2008 to 95 percent of respondents in 2009Continue reading “Recruiters Using Social Networks”

Disengaged in the Middle

Managers have an on-going challenge to see that their staff are working to their optimum – doing interesting, challenging and things that engage many of their skills. The recent Gallup Journal  article shows  that the “Frustrating Forties” is a time when we’ve past learning the ropes and often aren’t getting much professional development. Not surprisingly,Continue reading “Disengaged in the Middle”

Are Your Management Skills Up to Date?

I’m not talking about knowing the latest ‘flavor’ of management or the buzzwords. “Retention” is the battle cry once again. Many organizations are now using engagement survey stats for managerial performance measures. Your management skills along with to your technical credibility keep you viewed as a valuable contributor, not just a place holder, by yourContinue reading “Are Your Management Skills Up to Date?”