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Archive for the ‘career change’ Category

Job Vs. Mission?

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Too often there’s a big gap between what you do for a living and what you do because it’s fun or feeds your soul. It’s not your fault really. When you think about it, the stage was set way back in elementary school, where you spent most of your time sitting in a classroom looking forward to recess. Class was work, and recess was fun.

But if you were lucky, you had a teacher who was fun and engaging. Someone who put your desks in a circle instead of boring rows or had you doing science experiments that involved flames and smoldering potions. You probably forgot all about recess with that teacher. Your “work” suddenly became a whole lot more interesting.

Do you spend your grown-up days watching the clock for the moment you can get outta Dodge and head for home and hobbies?

Do you enjoy your work on a superficial level – but it doesn’t speak to your deepest dreams and values?

Maybe you feel like you’re leading a double life – that who you have to be at work is a totally different person than the one you are at home?

Whatever the case, if you’re splitting your focus, you’re splitting your energy and diluting gratification. Is there a deep-seated sense of purpose drawing you toward certain “recess” activities? Another word for this is mission—a calling to do things that speak to your core values and goals?

Maybe your mission pulls you to create art, work with charities, tutor neighborhood kids, or create beautiful landscaping in your own backyard. You’ll know when a task is tied to your mission because of the strong emotions it stirs, calling you to be and do something bigger with your life.

The good news is that you are living in a time when more and more people are recognizing the truth that, it really is possible to live your life mission. The question then becomes, how exactly do you meld your job and your mission?

Getting there requires a shift out of the old pattern that was ingrained during elementary school. Facilitating just this kind of shift is a fundamental aspect of the coaching process.

Save this date on your calendar now, September 15th, 2010. I’ll have more details for you soon, but I can tell you this now: I think you’ll be surprised at just how easily you can learn to bring that “recess” feeling to your work desk!
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Are You Part of a Dysfunctional Family?

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Chances are, you spend almost as much time with your bosses and coworkers as you do with your partner/spouse and/or children, so that makes them a type of family. And like many families, work families tend to be slightly dysfunctional.

A little dysfunction is normal. Whenever you put a mix of different personalities together for an extended period of time, a bit of drama is bound to happen. It’s okay: it keeps things interesting. But sometimes, the drama escalates out of control. It happens in every industry!

Whether it’s a manipulative boss, a sneaky coworker, or an employee who just doesn’t want to cooperate, a lot of my clients have had (or continue to have) issues around their dysfunctional work environment. I’ve heard some crazy stories over the years about everything from shouting matches to slanderous emails to chair-throwing tantrums! The tricky thing is how to deal with these issues in a way that’s both professional and respectful of your own needs.

The first thing to do when you find yourself in a dysfunctional situation is to take a step back and look at things objectively. Maybe your boss, who gave you great reviews your first year with the company, is suddenly on your case about every little thing. Maybe a coworker suddenly decided you were no longer a friend, but competition for her next promotion. Instead of making a mental list of all the wrongs they’ve done to you, try to step back and look at potential reasons why the person is acting this way. (It’s usually not about YOU!) Is it a problem that can be fixed through a simple clear communication? Do you need to take it to someone with greater authority?

Next, look at how the other person’s behavior has affected your own. Have you been reacting? What role is being played? Snapping back at them, or putting your foot in your mouth? When we take the time to respond, rather than react, to a situation, no matter how offensive it might be, we’re more often able to make the best decision. Sometimes, simply changing your behavior toward a person or situation is enough to alleviate the tension. You have a choice as to how you respond. Take time to look at what perspective you’re in. Ask yourself: What evidence do I have that this is true?

If it’s not a question of personal relationships, things might be even trickier. Many people these days find themselves in a position where they feel lucky to even have a job. Their coworkers have been laid off, and now they’re stuck doing the job of three people. The pressure is mounting, and the stress is killing them—and yet, the boss just throws his hands up and says, “What do you want me to do about it?” The thing to remember here is that if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re either going to burn out or walk out. So get clear on what your true priorities and responsibilities are, and make it clear to your boss that, although you’ll do your very best to stay on top of things, you do not, in fact, have six arms and three heads, so you can’t do the job of three people. It’s that simple. (You might want to phrase that differently in actual conversation…)

Sometimes, a company’s dysfunction has progressed to the point where it’s impossible to do anything about it. You see this a lot in big companies, where the corporate culture is so ingrained that it’s totally immovable. If you’re in that situation, you might see yourself like a cold-water trout in a gradually warming pond. As the environment grows less and less hospitable, your only choice is to adapt or get out.

Part of my work is helping people transition from a dysfunctional corporate environment into a new, more suitable culture. Sometimes that means simply changing jobs, while other times it means going it alone as a freelancer or small business owner. So if your work family is dysfunctional, maybe it’s time to make a change for the better! Do you have a dysfunctional workplace situation?

“To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Start this Decade with a New Pair of Shoes

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Ever heard the saying, “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes?” Do you ever wish that you could throw out the shoes you wear every day, and put on a new pair?

Shoes have become a standing metaphor in our society for our jobs, our socioeconomic status, and even our core values. So if you’re thinking about starting your own business or making a career change in 2010, you may also be thinking about a new pair of shoes—literally.

Maybe you’re a black pump kind of girl who dreams of wearing fuzzy boots all day, and working in a casual environment where people are open and fun. Maybe you’ve been a sneaker guy, but you want to step into a pair of shiny wing tips, and take your ideas into the realm of big business. Taking a few moments to visualize your “new shoes” can go a long way toward helping you define not only your career goals but your values. For example: sneakers might define agility, movement, and spontaneity. Fuzzy slippers might symbolize working from home. A pair of Jimmy Choos might symbolize prestige, financial security, and high visibility. Whatever shoe pops into your head while you’re reading this, take a moment to think about what it symbolizes to you.

The second way you can use the shoe metaphor is to think of your goals themselves as shoes. Do you want your new business to be built like a work boot or a stiletto? Not that there’s anything wrong with stilettos (I like them, myself), but if you’re trying to hold up a big dream or a big investment on a little wobbly platform, it might be time to step back and rethink. Do you want to go trendy, with a lot of glitz and glitter, or do you prefer plain, uncomplicated solidity?

When you’re further along in your planning, you can even use the shoe metaphor to help you decide what type of clients you want to attract. What kinds of shoes do your ideal customers wear? Knowing your potential customers’ “styles” can help you create targeted marketing strategies.

Your Balance Blast today: Try on a new pair of shoes this week. For real; I’m not speaking metaphorically this time! Pick a style you’d never normally wear. Do they make you feel off-balance, or confident? What do you like about them, and what do you dislike? What do those feelings tell you about who you are, and where your values lie? How can your observations help you take the next step toward your career goals?

Not sure what shoes you want to put on in 2010? Step into the BRIDGE! A 3 month Coaching Program designed to help you get back to work.

3 Month Coaching Program Includes:
• One 60 Minute Designing Your Dream Job Coaching Session
• Twice Monthly 30 Minute Scheduled Coaching Sessions
• Career Search Support
• Personal Introductions to Resources and Partners
• Resume & Cover Letter Critique
• Resume Exposure to CLB Network
• Interview Technique Coaching
• Positioning & Job Placement Strategies

Your new pair of shoes are waiting for you on the other side. Sign Up Now! SPECIAL*****During the week of February 7-13, 2010. In honor of International Coaches Week buy a 3 month BRIDGE Coaching Program for only $297 per month for 3 months (savings of $234; $78/month). Available for first time clients only. Make your first payment of $297 before 2/13/10 12 midnight EST. The BRIDGE process is customized to help you flesh out the details and get you moving, so you can step into your new shoes with confidence.

No shoe is “one size fits all,” and no career plan is either. Call me now on 508-520-9933 or email to set up a complimentary consult to learn if the “shoe fits”. If we’re not the right fit. of course I will refer you to some of the other professional certified coaches I network with, it’s what I do. I’m a connector, a BRIDGE to help you take the next step.

Learn more about the BRIDGE Methodology or Contact me to schedule a complimentary consult and take the BRIDGE back to work and in your new pair of shoes.

Until next time, walk tall!

P.S. This offer is ONLY available to first time clients during the celebration of International Coaching Week, February 7-13, 2010. Buy Now

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Sexy Goals

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Goals are like sex. And although the goal-setting process may not be quite as fun as a romp in the sheets, a lot of the same rules apply.

You can’t accomplish it alone. If you try, the results are SO much less gratifying.
Distractions and interruptions really ruin the process. Stay focused!
In order to get anywhere, you need to take action. What good does a hot crush do you if you never act on it?
Confidence will get you everywhere. If yours is sagging, call a friend (or your coach) for a pep talk!
Don’t rush it. Take the time to savor each step of the process. You won’t regret it.
Don’t be afraid of what turns you on. Own it instead. So what if no one else has ever started a yodeling cookie delivery company?
When you finally do the deed, you’ll be really proud of yourself. And you’ll be smiling and strutting for weeks.

This year, don’t hold yourself back. Don’t be satisfied with an anonymous crush. Set your goals with purpose, passion, and pleasure. There’s nothing sexier than someone who walks their talk.

Join me for a FREE class and learn the top three attributes high earners use to break through to the next six-figure level. Click here and sign up to learn how to set goals effectively, with the kind of non-nonsense confidence you need to go all the way!

Trapped in the Career Forest?

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Remember how I talked about the partnership of a good coaching relationship in Getting Your Ducks in a Row? Well, here is a great example of that process in action.

Liz, (not her real name, of course) was working for a major ad agency but had been thinking about setting out on her own for a while. She wanted to explore just how feasible it would be for her to start her own business and developing and executing a plan which would get her there.

When I asked her to name her biggest concerns about making this career transition, she answered: “feeling like what I’m setting out to do is impossible to accomplish,” and “becoming my own worst critic.” These fearful feelings are deep-seated and very personal, but they’re also common to nearly everyone who wants to take the leap and start their own business!

So we set out to overcome these concerns. When I asked Liz to tell me what successfully surmounting these challenges would look like, she answered, “Dismantling the feeling of impossibility and creating a schedule to focus on working for myself, as my own boss.”

Then I asked Liz, “If someone else were handling this process, what would you be worried about?” She concerns that there could be a lack of attention to detail around expressing the ‘soul’ of the business and that things wouldn’t be done the she want them done.

See how very revealing a few well positioned questions can be? Liz was able to see that fear and perfectionism were holding her back. Sometimes, you’re too close to your own thinking to see how it may be holding you back.

We continued this kind of exploration during our work together and the tipping point came a month or so later when Liz shared, “I have learned that no matter how much I want my world to change at my current company, it’s never going to happen. I am wasting my time, creative spirit and future freedom… For the past couple of weeks, I have been promised more ‘high level’ involvement, but the one area where I am at my strongest—positioning and strategy for brands—I have been locked out. The company doesn’t see my full potential, and I am it’s time to invest my time and energy elsewhere.”

If you’re struggling to find focus and clarity as you walk your own path to success you may just need a little help navigating your career forest so you can see the trees of opportunity that await! A tree thinning event for top career advancers is on the horizon in early January. Keep an eye out for the details – coming soon.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Do you ever feel like your dreams are hazy? Like they are too big and far away and you just don’t know where to begin to bring them into focus? Believe me, you’re not the only one.

I know this because nearly every one of my clients has expressed the same frustration at the beginning of our work together. In fact, I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard, “I’d love to work with you. I just have to get clearer about my goals first.”

If you get nothing else from this post, please hear this: You’re not expected to have everything figured out when you engage in a coaching relationship. That’s a big part of why you hire a coach - to help you find that clarity.

I can’t speak for the way others work, but in everything I do, the first step is all about helping you define what you want to achieve. Then we go to work identifying the obstacles between you and those things and developing a concrete plan for moving past them to the finish line!

Waiting until you’ve got all your ducks in perfect marching order before working with a coach is like waiting for your symptoms to improve before going to the doctor.

Bring on those dreams in duckling form and together we can line them up, stack them up, grow them up and even teach them to square dance if that’s what will give your life fulfillment and purpose! The point is that a good coaching relationship works like a partnership – with a firm, non-judgmental, accountable push!

Defining Your Goals for 2010

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

This week, I’m giving you a homework assignment.

If you’re like most people, you’ve spent quite a bit of time over the last few months thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2010. And this week, before the madness of the holiday season starts, you’ll be putting the finishing touches on your career goals for next year. Think of it as putting the icing on that sweet holiday cake.

If you’ve been keeping up with my blog for a while, you’ve probably already done some work with identifying your values and defining your goals. Now, it’s time to plan, prepare, and make changes, so you can charge full steam ahead into the new year.

If you’re considering launching your own business, now is the time to “chunk it down,” to break down the big picture into smaller, detailed bites. In order to succeed, you want to be really clear about what you’re after, and research your target markets and demographics to ensure you’re taking the most strategic approach. Not too long ago, we talked about the “unwind” happening in society right now: does your business plan allow for this new type of consumer? The more quality and value you can offer, the better your products and services will be received in this new consumer economy. Good planning and a thorough understanding of who you are targeting will give you a solid platform from which to launch your marketing and product development ideas.

Wherever you are, you can begin your planning process by following the BRIDGE process I’ve developed to help my clients advance their careers and start new ones.

· B—Be clear about what you want

· R—Research to realize what paths can take you toward your

goals

· I—Identify market criteria and other important information

· D—Develop your contacts, define (or redefine) your short- and

long-term goals

· G—Get a game plan

· E—Execute, then evaluate.

The more specific you are in your outlining, the easier your planning process will be.

So, your Action Step—your homework this week—is to list your goals, both big and small, for 2010. Be clear, not vague. Rather than saying, “I want a new job,” say “I want to land a new job in field X in city Y, for Z dollars per year.” Stay positive, and let the Law of Attraction and your new focus work for you!

Once you have your plan in place, the execution is simple. All it takes is one step at a time to cross the BRIDGE to your new career! Stay tuned, because I’m working on a brand new program for top level professionals who are ready to move up – whether that means setting your sites on the corner office, finally starting your own business or shifting gears and taking your career in an entirely new direction!

CoachDQ