career life coach

Posts Tagged ‘career life coach’

Is Your Resume SEO Compliant?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Those of you who’ve taken my BRIDGE tele-class or followed my BRIDGE strategy for Job Search, you already know that when you’re clear about the role you’re after, it takes less time and effort to land your ideal position.

I’ve heard it said many times that when you’re applying for jobs on-line and you send your resume, it may as well have been sucked into a black hole. With the increasing intelligence of search engines, company web site databases, and online applications, it’s easier than ever to get lost if you’re not on top of the latest web strategies. First on the list: make sure your resume is SEO-Compliant (Search Engine Optimization).

The “B” in my BRIDGE for Job Search Strategies method stands for “Become Clear.” As a Coach, part of my job is to help my clients with this first, deceivingly complex step. What do you want your career to look like? What do you want your life to look like when you’re in this career? Where and for whom do you want to work?

When a client has trouble with this step or if “B” is too heavy for you to handle right now, we move to “R”—Research. We Research together to “I”—Identify—your skill set, likes, interests, motivators, values, unique attributes, target titles, target companies, and target key words. While we’re doing this, we’re also “D”—Developing— your resume, your career positioning, new contacts and “G” Getting a game plan, while “E”—Executing and Evaluating—on these strategies to help you reach your ideal position faster. This takes us back to “B”—Become Clear—at which point, you’re ready to progress to the next level.

As you Research and Identify, you’re not only creating a list of your skills and values; you’re creating a list of key words and phrases. These can be very helpful when creating an SEO-Compliant resume, since they are likely also the words and phrases which will be searched by hiring managers. You can then use these key words when researching on LinkedIn and other online resources to Research and Identify your ideal target employer.

“We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” – Abigail Adams

Here’s how you can use SEO and key words to optimize your resume using LinkedIn.

Let’s say you are targeting a position on the client side as a Director of Marketing in the computer software industry. Go to LinkedIn.com, and in the upper right-hand part of the screen, click “Advanced” which is just to the right of the Search box for “People“. This will take you to the screen below:

LinkedIn Director of Marketing Key Word Search

In the Keyword box, type the title you are targeting (for this example, Director of Marketing). Note: You are typing Director of Marketing in the Keyword field not the Title field. Next, for Location, select “Located in or near” and then enter your Zip Code. Next check off under Industries, Computer Software, and click Search at the bottom.

Drill down on some of the profiles that come up in the search, and take note of the titles, the companies and the key words used to describe the position held in each profile – keeping in mind that some Profiles contain much more information than others. Use these key words and phrases to refine your target search, and then look at the LinkedIn Profiles of your potential competitors – then look at your resume. Is it compliant relative to the types of positions you’re targeting?

As you’re reading job descriptions do you notice some of the same key words? Are those key words present on your resume? It’s as simple as that! Use these words and phrases and get your resume SEO-Compliant! What most people don’t realize is the biggest value you get from LinkedIn and other job boards is the information you can obtain with simple Research.

As the saying goes, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Brian Tracy, in a recent interview said…”You can’t hit a target you can’t see… and more people spend more time planning a picnic than they spend planning their careers.”

Start planning your career today by taking advantage of my no-obligation complimentary coaching consult.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap and accelerate your career so you can love your life now! Visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today or for more information click here or email me.

Need help with your resume? Enter your name by September 7, 2010 by e-mailing me at DQ@CoachDQ.com win a free resume strategy coaching session! (Valued at $350)

8 Resources To Help You Build Your Network

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

I talk a lot about using social media to expand your network, look for a new job, or promote and grow your business. But how do you know which sites to use?

Which sites you choose depends entirely on what you want to achieve. Helping you figure out what you want to achieve is part of what working with a coach is all about. If you’re looking for a new job, Twitter has some great job boards, and you can get real-time updates of new listings, learn more about the companies you are target and if it’s networking you’re after, LinkedIn—and, to a lesser degree, Facebook—allow you to connect with other professionals.

There are other, less well-known social networking sites that have a lot to offer job seekers, entrepreneurs, and networkers. Here’s a partial list of business-related social networking sites you might find helpful:

• AdvisorGarage—An online directory of advisers willing to assist budding entrepreneurs.

• ConnectBeam—Social networking specially designed for corporate users.

• Doostang – An invite-only career community for professionals.

• Fast Pitch—A growing business networking community in the corporate world. It provides users with a one-stop shop network to market their business.

• Mediabistro.com—A site for professionals in content or creative industries.

• Ryze.com—A site for establishing new connections and growing networks. Connections for jobs, building career and making sales.

• Blitztime—Speed networking platform where you can network in your PJ’s. Check out their free demo to learn more.

• XING—A directory of business contacts powering relationships between business professionals.

Everything is easier when you have the right tools and you know how to maximize them. Integrating social media into your job search or business networking strategy is a great way to open new doors, stay on top of the trends and grow your network. “Opportunity rarely knocks at your door. Knock rather on opportunity’s door if you ardently wish to enter.” – B.C. Forbes

Check out some of the sites above, see who’s online, and shop around until you find the site (or sites) that are best for you. You never know who you’ll meet (or Tweet)! Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/coachdq

Are you overwhelmed with all the resources available and you just don’t know where to start? Contact me for a complimentary coaching consult.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit http://www.careerlifebalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

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Are You Lowering Your Standards?

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

In these uncertain economic times, the perception is that there’s no room to negotiate. “I’m lucky even to have landed a job,” or “I’m afraid to ask for more, the company is on tight budget and I don’t want to piss them of,” or “I’m already at the top of the range for the position”…..these are only some of the things I hear people say when negotiating an offer and bottom line they hesitate to ask.

There is a major misconception. Very rarely will an employer flat-out refuse to work with you. You don’t have to take a ridiculous pay cut just to be employed. Even now, with cutbacks and budget-crunching rampant, employers are still willing to negotiate with candidates whom are qualified and are the right culture fit for the company.

I have two clients who just completed my private VIP three month BRIDGE Program to help you cut your job search by half and both clients landed their ideal jobs,—but the initial salary wasn’t what either of them had hoped for. When they realized that they didn’t need to lower their standards just to have a job. We worked together to help them negotiate a better offer. Coincidentally, both were able to negotiate $5,000 more per year, plus some additional perks.

We looked at things that were little cost to the company, no cost to the company, salary, and bonus structures, then role played possible scenarios, strategized for rebuttals, and helped them prepared them for the next step.

When you assert your value, employers recognize it. And even if there really isn’t room in the budget for a bigger salary, it doesn’t hurt to ask. After all, you aren’t privy (yet) to the inner workings of the company: you only know what you’re worth.

“Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy.” – Joe Paterno, Contemporary American College Football Coach

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

Narrow Your Focus, Expand Your Business!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

8 years ago this month I left my job as an Executive Recruiter placing Sales, Marketing and Advertising professionals, went back to University and enrolled in one of the top coaching institutes in the world and started my own business!

8 Years in Business! Does time fly when you’re having fun! I’ve learned a lot and certainly have a lot more to learn, however, one important lesson I’ve learned was to narrow my focus – and the results have helped to expand my business. The topic of this week’s article is “Narrow Your Focus, Expand Your Business!” It’s true; there are riches in the niches!

In fact, one of my clients who recently claimed his niche, reported a 67% increase in revenue over last year and the year is just half over! We worked together using my BRIDGE Method. I do that because it works. I’m so confident that I’m using it again for myself as I continue the transition and expansion of my own coaching & consulting business.

I’ve done a lot of thinking about my specialties, and exactly the type of clients I think will be best served by my unique skill set. Implementing the first step of the BRIDGE Method, “Become Clear,” I was able to determine that my ideal clients are self-motivated college grads or MBA’s who have a history in marketing, advertising, or design fields; who are creative and expressive; and who just need a leg up to get to the next level in their job search or business development plan. Now this isn’t to say that I’ll only work with people who have these qualifications, but clients who possess one or more of these qualities tend to benefit most from my services – because my particular expertise lends itself to their development.

Once I’d really gotten clear on who I want to work with, I started working on the next steps: “Research, and Identify Target Markets.” I found that, armed with a clear picture of my ideal client, I was able to effectively reach out to people who were actively looking for my services, rather than just casting my line out into the Internet void. While on Twitter the other day I happened to glance at the profile of someone who was following my Tweets. He’s a marketing and web development professional with a Master’s degree, a musician, a DJ, and a foodie, who’s interested in starting his own business but needs a little help getting clear on the particulars. Behold the power of targeted thinking!

At first it may seem that by targeting a niche market or taking the time to really identify your ideal client, employer, or employee, you’re limiting your options. But the truth is you’re doing exactly the opposite. Instead of spending time and resources on projects which don’t utilize your full skill set, you can now step confidently into the spotlight and say, “I really am the BEST person for this job/client, because this job/client is the best one for me.”

This clarity is the biggest gift of my BRIDGE Method. When you know exactly what you want, you don’t need to waste time in a Method of elimination. When you know exactly who or what will be best served by your unique skills, you don’t need to spend your energy on tasks that don’t light your fire. When you know where you want to be, you can forge a path to get there, instead of wandering around lost in the woods.

I offer regular tele-classes using the BRIDGE format, as well as one-on-one coaching sessions which delve even deeper into the BRIDGE Method to help you get clear, get ready, and get going! Remember, first-time clients receive a FREE consultation session!

Struggling with Self-Fulfillment?

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

When working with job seekers and business owners I often suggest they develop case studies. For job seekers it’s a good exercise to help them prepare their resume as well as for the interview. I recommend preparing 3 to 5 case studies using the following structure.

Step 1 – Describe the problem or situation in 5 sentences or less.
Give examples of how you saved money or time, made a process more efficient, or increased revenues.

Step 2 - Describe your process and/or how you solved the problem or issue. No more than 2 paragraphs.

Step 3 – State the result or outcome.

For business owners, use the same formula above. It’s a way to showcase the types of clients you’ve helped, can be used as a sell sheet, can enhance your website, or be used as an article. Click to see a sample here. Facts tell and stories sell!

In this week’s article I am taking my own advice and sharing with you one of my case studies. There are many misconceptions and preconceived notions of what it is really like working with a coach. Clients hire me for many different reasons; to make more money, career/job change, start their own business, and of course career life balance – however, their goals are always the same. They want results and I take pride in teaming up with them to get the results they’re after. My practice is about 50% male and 50% female, and I like it that way. I choose the clients I want to work with which is why I offer a complimentary consult. Here is one case in point.

Susan came to coaching because she was frustrated with her job and felt unfulfilled in her life. She had been working in the same company for five years, and saw no opportunities for future growth. The company politics drained her, and by the end of the day she had little energy left to share with her two young children.

Susan knew she wanted to make a change in her career. Feeling stuck, but driven to find a solution, she contacted Coach DQ—Dawn Quesnel, PCC (Professional Certified Coach)—who specializes in coaching sales, marketing and advertising professionals, and creative entrepreneurs whose techniques blend holistic life coaching and career coaching in a practice she calls Career Life Balance. In her first session with Coach DQ, Susan said, “I struggle with self-fulfillment, and worry that I’m not being a good mother and wife. I feel that I didn’t realize my earliest dreams, or didn’t try hard enough to realize them.”

Coach DQ replied: “Your career affects your life, and your life affects your career. Finding a balance isn’t always easy, and you can make the choice to make balance a priority. All you have to do is believe balance is possible. You absolutely can go after your dreams while being more present for your family. You only have one life, so why not make it a great one?”

When she started working with Coach DQ, Susan filled out a coaching questionnaire. Here are a few of the questions, and Susan’s answers.

1. What accomplishments or measurable events must occur in your lifetime in order for you to consider your life satisfying and well-lived? Have enough money to live comfortably with my family, have money for retirement, perhaps kids education.

2. Do you have a secret passion in your life, something which is almost too exciting to actually do, or do more of? Work in the movie/tv industry

3. What tips would you give your coach about how to manage you most effectively? Check up on me regularly, give me assignments

4. What’s missing in your life, the presence of which would make your life more fulfilling? Calmness, no stress, a sense of satisfaction in a job well done, knowing I am doing the best that I can, and being told that on a consistent basis.

5. Please describe your life purpose. How does it impact your day-to-day living? How do you know it’s the right path for you? I would say my life purpose right now is to make sure I am being a good mother first, wife second, and good to myself last. It impacts my day to day by having enough time and energy to give myself to my family in the way I feel it would benefit us as a whole and individually. It is the right one for me because having children is a big responsibility and it’s the most important part of my being at this time.

6. What do you want to make sure you get from the coaching relationship? Direction, options, new ideas and thoughts that I wouldn’t think of myself from lack of experience, support and dedication, loyalty.

7. What two steps could you take immediately that would make the greatest difference in your current work and life situation? Get a new job that pays better. Spend more time with my family.

Coach DQ suggested exercises to help Susan get clear on what her she wanted from her “dream job,” and how she wanted her life to be. Together, they developed specific goals and timelines, including a job search strategy plan to help Susan land her dream job. Then they looked at the obstacles—including her limiting beliefs—and developed structures to help her manage that inner saboteur who repeatedly told her, “You didn’t try hard enough.”

Working with her coach, Susan cultivated new habits and thought patterns, and learned how to use her time more effectively. Soon, she built up the courage to approach her current boss about working from home a few days a week, so she’d have more time to spend with her family.

After just six months of working with Coach DQ, Susan landed her ideal job in the film industry. She sold her house, and moved north to be closer to her family. She now has a shorter commute, makes more money, and has more time to spend with her children. By getting clear on what she wanted from her job and her life, and by using the focused techniques provided by Coach DQ, Susan was able to manifest her ideal situation and fulfill her personal and professional goals.

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” – Carl Jung

Are you thinking too hard?

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Science is just beginning to scratch the surface of the real power of our brains. In the last few months, I have become more fascinated with the human brain. What I’ve learned about brain function, brain types, neurological patterns, and thought patterns, from David Rock, has not only changed the way I think about my own mind, it’s changed my approach to coaching.

DQ and David Rock author of “Your Brain At Work”

This new understanding is opening doorways left and right, and it’s benefiting not only my business as a whole, but each one of my clients.

One of the themes we’ve been discussing on BrainTalk is how to build a bridge between business and your intuition using both halves of our brains: the left brain, and the right brain. The left brain controls all of our conscious thoughts, analyses, and learned patterns. According to some analysts, it’s the “rational” side of the brain. It’s also where those pesky ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) are generated.

On the other hand, the right side of the brain is creative, intuitive, and uninhibited. This is where our “gut feelings” come from, and the quiet voice we often call our “sixth sense” or your little brain. Click here for more science on this topic and learn what Freud never told us about.

The right brain is able to tap into the depths of the subconscious, where deep intuitive wisdom comes from. Your right brain, when properly accessed, can be your greatest asset, because it speaks from your truest self, rather than from your conditioned, fearful, restricted self. Often, when we want to make a change, we start by thinking really hard about it. We apply all of that left-brain reasoning power to the problem, hoping to find a solution that’s both comfortable and logical. But because our left brain is conditioned to think in predictable patterns, we don’t always find the answers we’re looking for. If you’re feeling stuck in a job, or if your attempts to create change are being swallowed up by legions of ANTs, you might be thinking too hard.

When you stop devoting all of your left-brain thought energy to a problem, you create a little more internal quiet. When this happens, the softer voice of the right brain can start to make itself heard. By turning the attention of the left brain elsewhere, you might find yourself suddenly realizing solutions you never considered. Practicing yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or other breath-centric exercises; taking a long walk; engaging in a favorite creative pursuit; or simply sitting quietly for five to ten minutes are all great ways to temporarily turn off your left brain.

Want to learn more about using the power of your brain to help you create a successful, balanced life? Check out Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s books, “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life”, and “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body”. (www.amenclinics.com)

While my newfound fascination with and knowledge of the brain is taking my coaching skills to the next level, I’m maintaining my focus – (with marketing, advertising, and creative entrepreneurs) and continuing to help my clients in their career transitions, job searches, and entrepreneurial ventures. I feel as though my knowledge and experience are really coming together to help me better serve my clients. Or maybe I’m just learning to unify both sides of my brain!

Six Signs Your Self-Care Has Been Put on the Back Burner

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Good self-care practices are truly necessary to help you be at your best in both your personal and professional lives. Taking time out to relax and do something that’s healing for you can recharge your body and reset your mind, cleansing them from built-up tension and anxiety and making room for new, healthier energy and ideas.

Here are six signs that your self-care has been put on the back burner:

You’re reacting, not responding
You’re skipping lunch
You’re feeling unfocused
You’re exhausted
You’re impatient and easily frustrated
Your entire body feels tight and stressed

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, maybe it’s time to give yourself a little T.L.S.C.—Tender Loving Self-Care! The important thing is that you notice the signs before it’s too late, and you’re forced—by an illness, injury, or an all-out nervous breakdown—to take time out and recuperate.

So what is self-care, exactly?

Self-care is anything that allows you to take a break from your professional and personal responsibilities, and focus completely on yourself. It’s about taking a step back from your routine, and asking yourself, “How are you?”

Last week I took a couple days to focus on me. I call it a mental vacation or a mini-vacation. I spent some time in self-care. I took naps, meditated, and made a little time to recharge. I felt totally grounded and centered, and ready to put my energy into my clients again.

Self-care is also a part of my daily routine here in Massachusetts. I regularly receive Reiki treatments and massages, and take time out to meditate. I used to have a hard time justifying the expense of self-care—but, like a nice suit for an executive or scissors for a hair stylist, self-care is a tool which is necessary for me to do my best work.

Here are some ways in which you can begin your practice of self-care. Some are free, others are not, but all are great ways to reconnect with yourself and regain your footing in a crazy world.

· Take time to meditate, or just breathe deeply

· Listen to a guided visualization CD

· Get a massage or Reiki treatment

· See your chiropractor or acupuncturist

· Take a nap

· Play a round of golf

· Take a yoga or Tai Chi class

· Read a great book

· Take a hot bath or Jacuzzi

· Garden

If you’re convinced that your crazy schedule won’t allow time for self-care, “chunk it down!” You can definitely find five minutes over the course of a whole day: spend it breathing deeply, even if you do so while sitting in your car between one meeting and the next. If you have fifteen minutes, sit with your eyes closed and listen to that meditation CD, or (if you’re into yoga) do a few half-sun salutations and standing poses that don’t require a mat. If you have half an hour, take a nap, or read a chapter in your favorite novel. And if you have a whole hour, book that massage you’ve been dying for.

Your mind and body are the most important tools you have to be successful. Just like any other tools, your mind and body need regular care and maintenance in order to perform at their peak. If you find yourself rebelling at the idea of taking time for you, imagine what would happen to your car if you never changed the oil, or how well your expensive kitchen knives would work if you never sharpened them. Engaging in self-care is not being selfish—in fact, it’s the opposite. When you’re calm and balanced within yourself, you have more to give to others.

Your Action Step this week is to engage in at least one self-care activity, for a minimum of thirty minutes. You can split up those thirty minutes any way you like—five minutes a day over six days, or ten minutes over three days—but you should spend them in an activity that calms, centers, and grounds you. If you’re stuck, give me a call: I can help squeeze a self-care routine into even the tightest schedule.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Dawn Quesnel, CPCC, PCC, known as Coach DQ, is a professional coach, radio show host and workshop leader. Through the use of her B.R.I.D.G.E. programs she helps creative professionals and business owners navigate career or business transition while maintaining a healthy career-life balance. Her core belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, consistently leads clients to uncover hidden resources and strengths. If you are ready to B.R.I.D.G.E. the gap between you and a life you love then visit www.CareerLifeBalance.net or http://www.coachdq.com today.

Facilitating the ‘aha’ on BrainTalk with special guest David Rock

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

This month on BrainTalk, we are proud to have as our special guest, David Rock, author of ‘Personal Best’, (Simon & Schuster, 2001), ‘Quiet Leadership’ (Harper Collins, 2006) and ‘Coaching with the Brain in Mind’ (Wiley & Sons, 2009), and ‘Your Brain at Work’, released in October 2009. Join us June 2nd, 12pm EST on BrainTalk, as we discuss “Facilitating the ‘aha’: How leaders, coaches and trainers can improve their insight-quotient by understanding the brain.”

David Rock on BrainTalk w Coach DQ & Tara Crawford Roth

In 2004, David founded the brain-based approach to coaching, which has gathered momentum as a theory base for coaching ever since. In collaboration with several leading neuroscientists, David is working to explain the neural basis of issues like self-awareness, reflection, insight and accountability. In 2006 he co-authored a feature article in strategy business magazine with neuroscientist Dr Jeffrey Schwartz, called ‘The Neuroscience of Leadership’, the most downloaded article of the year at the magazine. In September 2006 CIO magazine ran a cover story featuring David and Jeff’s work called ‘The new science of change’. His paper ‘Managing with the Brain in Mind’ was the most downloaded of 2009 at strategy business.

Do you know your brain type? Take the Brain Type Questionnaire and find out on BrainTalk at 12n EST today to learn more! Join me and Co-Host Tara Crawford Roth for our new series “BrainTalk“ airing the 1st Wednesday of every month at 12pm EST. Our goal is to help listeners understand that it is not an either or it is an AND- intuition and business are your right and left brain. Together they are a powerhouse!

Are You Prepared for a Career Tsunami?

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Now, I’m not trying to get all gloom-and-doom on you, but in this economic climate there’s a very real possibility that things can shift for everyone on a dime. And, with new unemployment regulations going into effect, many people who were feeling secure in their benefits may soon be out of a paycheck.

I call these shifts “career tsunamis” because they’re upheavals: sudden, unexpected, and usually life-changing. Therefore, it’s important to have a solid plan in place, a “life-raft” you can rely on if things get a little crazy.

A tsunami doesn’t just have to mean a layoff or a company closing. You could experience a personal wave when, waking up in bed one morning, you realize that you’re not at all in love with your career. You might wonder how you got here, and what wrong turns steered you away from the goals you used to cherish. Or, you might realize that, although you feel that you’re on the right path, you haven’t taken a forward step in five years.

Often, we resist change until something forces it on us, or until the internal pressure builds up so high that we become the tsunami. Instead of waiting for something to give, try making your plans now. A little preparation can go a long way, even in the toughest circumstances.

Here’s how you can go about planning for those unexpected shifts.

• Take 20 minutes to plan. Where do you want to be in a year? In 5 years? What steps can you take to ensure that your dreams stay on course even in the event of a career tsunami? Do you need more education? A larger network? Start working on the supporting details now, so you’re ready to move forward when the time comes.
• Take 10 minutes to dream. If your circumstances were to change, what would you do? What course would you take? I once knew a man who lost his job after 30 years at the same manufacturing plant. Instead of panicking, this 55-year old decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a barber.
• Plug the holes. If you know there are areas of your life that could use some “tightening up”—like extraneous spending, poor use of time, etc.—start working on them now. Better to fix a leaky boat on the beach than to try to do it while you’re bailing out water.
• Save, save, save. A well-padded savings account can mean the difference between a tropical squall and a hurricane. Even if it’s only $25 or $50 a week, put something away “for a rainy day,” so you’re not totally reliant on government benefits in the event of a layoff.
• Keep your network warm. Keep up with your contacts now, rather than waiting until you’re in a state of panic.

Steven Covey, in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote, “Begin with the end in mind.” If you’re building a house, you have to have the end result solidly in mind before you pour the foundation. Same goes for your career. If your planning is solid, and your support system is well-maintained, even the biggest waves won’t be able to sink your boat.

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

CoachDQ

Posts Tagged ‘career life coach’

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