Take your career to new heights by going green!

         You are in the process of revising your resume and possibly re-evaluating your career objectives  You might be considering the option of exploring an alternative occupation.  But what does this have to do with going green?  The process of re-inventing yourself requires you to recycle your present skills.  Understanding life cycles will provide you with valuable information that will facilitate this process.   Why?  Occupations are like all other living organisms.  Everything is born, grows, matures and then declines.  It is important for you know which stage your vocational field is in process, to make a sound decision. 
         As an employee, you also have a work cycle which is determined by your attitude about employment.  People that are described as being on the "fast track"  have a work cycle similar to:

1. 1st year master skills to perform job (growth)
2. 2nd year provide outstanding performance and take on challenges that foster professional growth (growth)
3. 3rd year continue outstanding performance while seeking promotion (rebirth) 

This growth cycle is similar to the life cycle of single cell organisms.  They grow to a critical size and then split in half.  Like single cell organisms these employees continues to growing and seek new opportunities. 

Other employees' career cycle can be described as:

1. 1st or more years to acquire skills to perform job (growth)
2. 2nd+ year perform job duties at satisfactory level (maturity)
3. 3rd begin retirement planning (decline)

Which one of those scenarios more accurately describes your employee work cycle?

        There are several theories for business life cycles.  The most popular are the Kitchen Cycle, the Juglar Fixed Investment Cycle and the Kondratieff Wave or K-Wave.  These theories are used by investors and managers to understand the business environment and to predict future trends.  A small business life cycle is described as establishment, growth, expansion, maturity and decline.  Manufactured products have a four stage life cycle.  The four stages are:

1. creation
2. public awareness with increasing profitability
3. brand definition which ends with declining profitability
4. market saturation with diminished sales

Personal products such as clothing follow a similar life style but profitability could peek either before or after the growth phase.  Items that peek prior to the growth phase are called "fads".  Could you describe your occupation as a fad?  What about your attitude?  Is your peek performance prior to you acquiring all of the skills necessary to perform the job?  Not certain what constitute a fad occupation - then consider llama farming.   Llama wool in the 1980s was supposed to become very popular but it never did.  Therefore, llama farming became popular but never grew/matured befored it declined.
           Occupations are created, grow, mature and decline.  Each phase could last a few years or multiple generations.  They can transition from one phase to another slowly or very abruptly.  As you consider your career direction you need to know if your current occupation is growing, matured or is on the decline.  This is not a new concept and is not related to the current economy.  As baby boomers, we remember the TV repairman.  During the 1950s and 60s this was considered a very technical job and paid well.  No one would pursue that occupation today.  The computer industry has generated a series of occupations since the 60s.  Many of those occupations no longer exist or have significantly evolved.   
         What affects the life cycle of an occupation?  It starts because there is a change in society that generates a need.  There are multiple sources for change including advances in technology, medicine or cultural values.  There is a demand for people with the skills that can fill that need.  In the begining there are no specific credentials, training programs or professional organizations. As it matures, formal training and employment criteria becomes available.   People that are actively working in the industry but might not meet the educational criteria that is being esablished and are "grandfathered" for a limited time.  As the industry grows, everyone is expected to meet the established criteria and grandfathering is no longer an option. Finally, there job market becomes saturated with potential employees the demand for greater skills increases while the number of positions and salaries decline.
         What should you ask yourself to determine your occupations life cycle status?

1. Is there a demand for the product or service I provide?
2. Is the demand (number of positions) increasing, stable or decreasing?
3. Are the salaries for someone with my skills increasing, stable or decreasing?
4. Can my product or service be automated or consolidated with another task?
5. Do institutions of higher learning (IHL) provide training in my field?
6. How difficult is it for someone to acquire the education to perform my job?
7. How do IHLs help student secure employment? 
8. What is their graduation rate?
9. What is job placement rate?
10. Has there been any scientific, economic or social developments that affect how my product/service is percieved?
11. Where is the market for my product or service?

If your answer to these questions, are negative then perhaps you are in an occupation that has matured and is facing decline.  Remember, needs stay the same but how they are met changes.  A new product  or service delivery methods will emerge to replace the current one.  In order to be employable you will need to recycle yourself. by having the current skills and lexicon. Reading professional journals, magazines and books will help.  Your goal is determine what is "cutting edge" in your field and convey that image.  Another option is to relocate to where the market continues to be stable or is growing.  Finally, you have the option is to pursue employment in a different field.

Courageous Cat

     I love chatting on Facebook!.  It is a great medium for me to communicate with people from the old neighborhood.  We share our concerns about our the kids, brag about the grand kids, compare our medical problems, cost of prescriptions, problems on the job or adjusting to retirement and reminisce about our childhood activities. One of those activities was watching TV.  Television was relatively new in the 1950s and 1960s, therefore there were very few television shows and it was a family activity.  As a Baby Boomer, you probably watched cartoons like "Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse",  "Deputy Dog" and "Dudley Do-Right" just like me.   Albeit, the characters were extremely stereotyped and the plots were straight forward the message was clear - hard honest work always pays and good always conquers evil.  As kids, we bought that storyline hook, line and sinker.  This theme was reinforced in our social outlets.     
     Lets take a walk down memory lane and critically review the story lines.  In the Dudley Do-Right series, Polly is danger, screaming for help when Dudley drops in at the last minute.  Courageous Cat had a gun that when activated always provided correct the tool to save the day.  Deputy Dog, proceeded slowly and cautiously through his investigations.  The bad guy thought he was going to get away when Deputy would solve the case.  What do these stories have in common?  The good guy didn't give up!  They kept going despite the odds and lack of support from their superiors or peers.
     Are there lessons to be learned (or remembered)?  I think so!  I know that Dudley Do-Right isn't going to appear nor do I have Courageous Cat's zap gun but I do know that if I don't try nothing will happen.  
     First, It would be unrealistic to expect anyone to stay positive or motivated every day.  Even Deputy Dog took time to rejuvenate between cases.  You need something that is fun and energizing.  With limited funds consider low cost alternatives, ie instead of going to the movies rent a video. Could you invite friends over to watch TV.
     Second, if we were to continue our comparison with our childhood role models, we would notice that they were all physically fit.  They walked, ran or rode a horse for at least 30 minutes (the length of a cartoon episode) five days a week.  Are you in shape?   Walking or jogging is great exercise and inexpensive.
      It seems like these cartoon characters were living their lives in balance.  They addressed the issues of wellness/health, career, leisure but what about finances and spirituality.  I don't recall any of these figures having to do without.  Somehow, in their world the universe seemed to  provide for all of their needs.  Isn't this the same concept that is presented in the Law of Attraction?  They assumed they would have and they did.  Perhaps we could adopt this attitude.  Finally, spirituality was addressed by their ability to follow their code of conduct.  They all believed in their mission which was to serve others.  Can you say this about yourself?
       Now that we have walked down memory lane, how can you use this information to help your job search?

Everywhere you go - There you are!

      As a life and career coach, people frequently come to me with questions regarding their career options but I always start at at same place.  I ask how are things going in their life in general.  Your life consists of 5 sections:  health/well-being, financial, vocational, relationships, leisure and spiritual. 

• Health/well-being: your physical health, stamina, grooming, attire.  
• Financial:       savings, earnings, retirement plan, insurance, investments, taxes, etc
• Vocational:    education, work history, hobbies,
• Relationships: all social interactions including parents, friends, children, significant others, co-workers 
• Leisure:         anything you do for fun
• Spiritual:        your believe and value system

Many people don't realize that an imbalance in any area will impact the others. So, how do you incorporate the various aspects of your life into your job search? 
 Health/well-being:   are you physically able to perform your anticipated job duties,  is your medical information organized so that you can provide it if needed, can you explain any disability for which you are seeking job accommodations, are there work hours that best meet your needs, is your appearance current, should you loose some weight.

• Financial: what is the minimum income that you need, what benefits do you need, can you afford to relocate, what is the going rate for the job that you are seeking
• Relationships: are your family and friends supportive, are you on good terms with at least 3 former co-workers and 3 peers that can serve as references for you.  
• Leisure activities: can be used to demonstrate leadership skills, personal qualities, networking opportunities
• Spiritual activities:  will help you stay focused and motivated with your career transition.  Do you share your spiritual believes with those that are going to be your primary emotional supports during this time?

Take the time, to review how you are doing in these areas.  Consider how your ideal life would be, how would you change your life, what would you leave the same and why would you make these decisions.  Try not to blame problems in your vocational life for problems in other aspects of your life.

For daily job search information Tweet me @CYCWC  and for more information on balancing you life please, contact me at 402.965.1496 or chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com. 

Risk management during career transition

      Heart pounding?  Sweaty palms?  Hyperventilating?  Do you believe these are symptoms of a career transition?  WRONG!   Changing careers should not feel like you are leaping into an abyss.  Yes, there is going to be some stress but it is manageable.
       A clear understanding of the reasons that prompted your decision to change careers is essential.  This information will let you know how quickly you will need to leave your current employer, resources, availability of references and your feelings about the transition.  The latter is extremely important!  Your feelings will impact how you interact with others, approach necessary tasks and ability to recall information.
        Develop a Career Transition Plan, which is a formal strategy listing the steps need to be taken.  These steps should meet the SMART criteria.  They should be specific, measurable, accountable, realistic and time specific.  Federal, state and county employee can consult with their personnel department.  The U. S. Office of Personnel Management offers the Career Transition Assistance Program.  (www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp).   Military personnel can participate in either TAP or DTAP (http://www.turbotap.org/portal/transition/resources/About_Us).  Major corporations that are downsizing  or relocating frequently offer employee assistance programs or outsourcing sources as part of the discharge package.  Determine your entitlement to these benefits by consulting the human resources department and/or union representative.  Depending upon your state unemployment services may provide counselling services that outline the steps to be taken and other supportive services.
     According to Susie Orman, you can be financially responsible and make a midlife career change.  She recommends that your have at 6 months of saving at all times and provides steps on how to make a career transition in her article "Getting Set to Start Over"  (http://www.oprah.com/money/Getting-Set-to-Start-Over).  Consulting with your financial planner, personal banker, investment broker and/or accountant will help you make decisions on the best time to leaving your present position, withdraw money and adjust your financial investments.   
     Purchasing a business or franchise requires due diligence.  Informational interviews, The Occupational Handbook and the Department of Labor can provide industrial information but legal advise is necessary.  Checklists such as the one listed at http://www.findlaw.com/  on "Buying a Business: Due Diligence Checklist" is a good place to start.  Organizations such as SCORE and the U. S. Small Business Administration (http://www.sba.gov/), Success Magazine, or sites such as http://www.entrepreneur.com/ are useful.  Depending on the type of business, consider using an attorney that specializes in e-Commerce Law, Entertainment & Sports, Environmental, Tax, Business or Real Estate/Property Law.
     The financial aid office for institution of higher learning that you are considering can provide assistance.  A Google search will provide a plethora of sites that  promise to help locate funding for this pursuit.  One of these sites is www.collegegrantnews.com/new.php.
      If you need help creating your career transition plan, contact me at 402.965.1496.
 

Back to the future.

      Every where you go, people are talking about their reunions.  Elementary, high school, college even the military groups are having reunions this time of the year.  Are you going?  Is it going to be an online reunion or in person?  Being unemployed or underemployed does not justify being absent.  This might be the best networking opportunity that you may have all year.  
     People change.  One look at your yearbook photos, will let you know that you have changed.  Physical appearance is not the only thing that has been modified by time.  The class jerk might been a manager in a Fortune 500 company.  Loners may be involved in relationships with very influential people.  So how do you impress them without appearing desperate or needy?  
      Take a deep breath and relax.  Most likely, you will not be the only person in the room that is looking for work.  Your goal is not to get hired at the reunion but to reconnect with old friends, because being recommended for a job by an employee of the company is one of the best ways to cut through red tape and get an interview.  Ask your friends about their lives and don't forget to ask about people that are not present.  Absentees could have work obligations that prevented them from attending.  Talk about yourself but really focus on what other people are doing.  Not just their current position but how they made the transition from school or the military into that position.  Let them know that their story is very interesting and that you would like to talk with them some more.  Be sure to work the room and talk with everyone including teachers.
      Follow-up is critical.   You need to call people within a week of the event.  Now is not the time to tell them that you are unemployed and want their help.  You are developing relationships by conducting informational interviews.  During your conversations reveal your strengths by relating experiences that demonstrate your abilities but continue to focus on the other person.  Find out their career plans, information about their industry as well as their company.  Be really interested in them and focus on cultivating a relationship because asking too early in the game will alienate the person. They will feel used and/or manipulated.  Your objective is gain a mentor not create an enemy.  When you present your circumstances, let them know that you value this relationship and would like them to be your confidant and an advisor.   Again, you are not asking them to give you a job just advise.  They could proofread your resume or cover letters.  Ask them to be a reference for you on LinkedIn and/or if your could join their LinkedIn group or be friends on Facebook.  Naturally, if you realize that this is not someone that you would as a mentor, you have the option to ask them to recommend you to someone that could serve in that capacity or just let the relationship die.     
     A business card is a resume so be sure to circulate your card and collect others. It has your name, contact information and something about your professional qualifications.  Tactfully list your qualifications by including your degree (B.S.,  M.B.A, etc) or a generic job title under your name.  If you have a or Facebook page or website include it but only if it is strictly for business. Sites like http://www.vistaprint.com/ can make quality cards for very little money very quickly.  Jot notes on the back of business card for talking points when you do your follow-up calls.
     Is your reunion online, take this opportunity to demonstrate your computer skills.  Volunteer to establish a Facebook page, website or broadcast on Tweeter.  Post pictures and connect these sites to other places of interest to the group. 
    You can't undo the past but you act in the present and have faith in tomorrow.  The downside of any reunion is knowing that you were a jerk and/or voted most likely to go to jail, people will remember you.  Accept the fact, that you acted in a manner that was not socially acceptable when you were a student.  Apologize if it is appropropriate but keep moving.  Don't waste time and energy trying to get the sympathy vote by telling everyone how abused you were at home, even if you were abused.  You want people to know that you have changed for the better.  Focus on two or three strengths and stories that demonstrate these abilities.  If you clearly, offended or injured someone then arrange to meet with them in the future to apologize and make amends.  This will demonstrate that you have really changed for the better.  If people, retell stories about you from the past, update the endings by adding "lessons learned"  statement.  This will give your an opportunity to relate how that experience helped you to grow and who helped your development.  
    Regardless of your current circumstances or the issues that brought to this position take the time to connect with your past.  Who knows your future might be there.

Getting the job done!

     Like many of you, I participate in professional and civic organizations.  During the last week, I noticed that people were struggling with the same issue.  That issue was delegating tasks.  Several reasons for people not using this skill include a fear that they will be perceived as being lazy and having a poor work ethic; that the task will not be performed properly and finally because they had a bad experience with delegating. 
     There are three tiers in the corporate ladder.  These tiers are technical skills, people skills and finally leadership.  Extensive training is available to acquire technical skills in a safe environment but the acquisition of people skills can only be gained by having experience.  The ability to delegate is a critical people skill.  It requires you to communicate effective, understand the human condition (motivators) and teach.  Learning to delegate is difficult because most people do not know how to do it properly.  Being able to delegate creates a win/win situation on the job which is great for you.  As your work responsibilities increase your ability to manage your time and workload is critical.  Being able to delegate a project that is not critical for you have a "hands on" presence can allow you to work on more critical issues.  It allows you to grew and develop your staff by assigning them new responsibilities.   
      When you ask people, what is the major problem with delegating an assignment?   It is the fear that the task will not be done properly.  People attempt to address this concern by "nagging" or managing by being MIA.  Neither approach is successful and both can be avoided.    
       The clue to proper delegation is in the work itself:
Define your role in the task.  Ask yourself, if your involvement is critical?  Do your superiors perceive your
    role in this task as critical?  If the answer to either question is yes, then do not under any circumstance
    delegate the task.
Evaluate your employees.  Make sure they are ready and willing to assume this task.  Ask yourself, what
   will the successful completion of this task mean to this person?  How will they be perceived by their
   peers?  What are the unwritten expectations if they are not successful?  Do they understand your reasons
  for delegating the task and that you are still involved?
List the desired results and time lines.  By being clear of your expectations and needs, you will be able to
   communicate them to your subordinate. 
Explain the 'environment' to your employee.   They need to know how this task fits into the mission of the
   organization.  This includes the purpose of the project, who will get the results and how the results will be
   used.  Don't be afraid to explain how this task will impact you, the Team as well as the employee
Grant them the authority to make and implement decisions.  Are there financial or other possible restrictions,
   then determine how much authority they will have or a procedure for them to obtain your approval.
Assure the employee that they will have your full support.  If upper management is monitoring this project,
    let them know that their support is available. 
Train the person in areas in which they are not proficient.  Arrange a time and place for the training so that
   the person will have these skills at the appropriate time.
Establish a timeline for regular communication and the format in which progress reports should be made.

In order to learn how to delegate effectively, use it in volunteer activities.  Once you feel comfortable with your skills in this area then implement them in the work place.  If you need help understanding your role, expectations or just letting go, contact me for assistance.

Before you make that New Year's Resolution .....

Perhaps you should consider that most resolutions are made to inspire self improvement or to attain a goal.  By March, these goals have been abandoned until the end of the year, when they are dusted off and we vow this time following year we are finally going to achieve X.  So why does the cycle keep repeating?

      Having goals or making a resolution is not wrong but, consider doing something different by reviewing your life line.  The first step is to plot all of the significant events of your life on a line, starting with your birth.  The line is a neutral zone, items that a placed below it, are negative while items that are above are positive.  You decide if the significant events are negative, neutral or positive.  The only criterion is that the significant event represents a fork in the road, in which a decision was made that impacted your life.  You may not have made the decision but there was an impact that sent you in a different direction, for example your family decided to move when you were 17 and you could not graduate with your childhood friends.  Once these events are plotted look for patterns.  Does something horrible happen every 3 years?  Is there a clear ratio of positive to negative events?  Do certain events seem to repeat themselves i.e. you move every 4 years?  How did you rate most of life events? Positive? Negative? Or neutral?  Now let’s consider how these events are still affecting you?  Are you attempting to capture, resolve, relive, or undo an event?  Perhaps you are still holding a resentment or feeling regret because you deep down inside, you believe that the wrong decision was made or are you trying to recapture that feeling of joy but nothing seems to come close?  Take some time to consider what you have just discovered about yourself.

      Make a circle and divide it into six equal parts.  Label each part of the circle: spirituality, health/well being, professional, leisure, relationships and financial.  Take each of these significant events and place them in one section of the circle.  Again, check for patterns.  Are positive events clustered in one area?  What about neutral ones?  What about negative ones?  Do you have significant events in all or just a few areas?  A balanced life would have events in all sections of the circle.  Is your life in balance?  If not, which aspect do you need to develop?  Take the time to reflect on this information.

     It is always easier to figure out where you are going, once you know where have been.  Given this information, review the resolutions that you were considering and decide if you should pursue, modify or develop new ones. 

     If you noticed that your life seemed lopsided and would like assistance to get in balance, please contact me for complementary session.