A Compelling Career

CareerBuilder Launches New Site for Career Changers

CareerBuilder has decided to launch a new site to address the needs of many Americans looking for a career change. CareerPath, sites CNN Money is "a comprehensive resource for workers who are interested in trying out a different career. CareerPath.com centers around a free assessment test made up of 36 questions about skills, abilities, personal values and interests that are then correlated to competencies that are necessary for certain fields of work. The test is based on the well known Holland Theory that suggests that people who work in an environment that closely mirrors their personality will be more successful and feel more fulfilled. Visitors to the site can take the test, obtain career advice and find new career opportunities". You can check out the full article here.

Are You Ready to Change Careers?

Before jumping off the deep end into a new career because you are feeling overly restless in your current one, do a self-assessment to see where you are. In "Finding Happiness at Work" Kate Lorenz, a editor at CareerBuilder suggests completing a simple checklist derived from the work of   Dr. Steven Reiss, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Ohio State University and author of "Who am I? The 16 Basic Desires that Motivate our Actions and Define our Personalities." Reiss's research suggests that "happiness and life-satisfaction stem not from experiencing pleasure and avoiding pain, but from a sense that our lives have meaning and fulfill a larger purpose." He calls this "value-based happiness."

Reiss then narrowed these down to sixteen "universal desires" that drive individual actions and behavior. Using these profiles one can roughly measure the "degree to which an individual values each of these desires and reveals his or her enduring life goals, psychological needs and personality traits" or in career speak, a "self-assessment."

The following quiz, taken from the Career Builder article is a simplified version of Reiss's questionnaire that includes over 100 questions.

Read the following statements about each basic desire. If they strongly describe you mark "+" if they somewhat describe you mark "0," and if they apply to you very little mark "-":

1. Curiosity.  I have a thirst for knowledge.

2. Acceptance.   I have a hard time coping with criticism.

3. Order.  It upsets me when things are out of place.

4. Physical Activity.  Physical fitness is very important to me.

5. Honor.  I am a highly principled and loyal person.

6. Power.  I often seek leadership roles.

7. Independence.  Self-reliance is essential to my happiness.

8. Social Contact.  I am known as a fun-loving person.

9. Family.  My children come first.

10. Status.  I am impressed by people who own expensive things.

11. Idealism.  Compared with most people, I am very concerned with social causes.

12. Vengeance.  It is very important to me to get even with those who insult or offend me.

13. Romance.  Compared with my peers, I spend much more time pursuing or having sex.

14. Eating.  I love to eat and often fantasize about food.

15. Saving.  I hate throwing things away.

16. Tranquility.  It scares me when my heart beats rapidly.

Now, look at your "plus" items.  These are your priorities, and you should have five or six of them. 

"Once you know your deepest values, one of the best ways to become happier is to find work that fulfills them," says Reiss. "For example, if you shun power or don't like to lead, you would be unhappy managing a large staff.

"If you have a high desire for acceptance, don't choose a job that exposes you to a lot of evaluation and criticism. If you prize order, look for a vocation that involves minimal ambiguity. If you're a curious person, find work that makes you think."

Reiss cites how a desire for status and competition drives many stockbrokers. He suggests that when evaluating a job, you understand the kinds of tasks you will be doing throughout the day, week and year. Compare those to your top desires to make sure what you will be doing each day will be a source of happiness.

But he cautions it's not just the work itself; ideally your value system should match that of the industry, the company and your boss, too. For example, Julie, who identified her highest desires as honor, social contact, eating, idealism and curiosity, loved her job as a sales associate for a major food manufacturer until she got a boss who routinely cut corners and urged her to lie to clients and superiors.

"To do well in a career and enjoy life, people need to be in a job and work environment that are compatible with their intrinsic desires," concludes Reiss. "By repeatedly doing those things that fulfill your values, there is no limit to how meaningful and happy your life can be."

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Other writers contributed to this article.

Blogging and Job Searching

So, you have a personal blog (or website) where you post your latest and greatest adventures and communicate with your friends and family. But, how discriminating are you when it comes to posting content? In other words, if a potential employer were going to Google you, would they be thoroughly impressed with what they found? If not, you might want to assess what you are putting out there for the world to see. It would be a challenge to find an employer who is not Googling their candidates. It is simply another aspect of the background check - in fact, even those that slack on the formal background check, at least Google their potential employees. So, before you decide to post everything you think, do, and say, think about how it will look to others. Personal blogs are great but you have to look at the big picture and decide how much of you you want exposed for the world to see and judge.

Here's a great article on the subject for further reading: "Googling Candidates: It's Not Just for Entry Level Hires Anymore"

A Great Resource in Preparing for Your Next Job Interview

Here is a really great resource for people who are preparing for job interviews. It is called Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview by Carole Martin. It is packed with hundreds of ready-to-use phrases that will help you demonstrate your skills, experiences, and value to your employer. Do not go to your next interview until you read this book.

Employment Trends

Here is a video worth watching. It is about job trends, booming sectors, and how companies are handling this tight market. Its from MSN.

Tips for Generating Quality Job Interviews by Jay Litton

Many IT professionals are having a difficult time finding enough quality job opportunities in today's tight job market. At the same time, I've heard from people who are getting multiple job offers from companies they want to work for. These people have somehow identified the secrets to uncovering job interviews with attractive companies.

What are these successful job seekers doing to generate multiple job interviews? After listening to many of them share what worked for them, I was able to identify their top methods. My conclusion: By taking a focused and deliberate approach, you will begin producing job interviews that will put you on track to get the kind of offers you are seeking. I call these tactics the "nine Vs." Choose the one that will put you over the top, or try several of them.

 

1. Volunteering.

Be seen in a positive light. Volunteer with an association or charity where employed people in your industry can get to know you on a personal level. Select a volunteer opportunity that your prospective employer is involved in. What volunteer activities have you been involved with in recent months? A good book on this topic is Ricky Steele's "The Heart of Networking," which can be found at www.rickysteele.net.

2. Vendors.

Identify the vendors that service the industry or companies that you want to work for. Then take a key contact at one of these vendors out to lunch or for a cup of coffee. You might be able to help them when you get employed again, but in the meantime, they can help you. Integrate these vendors into your network of contacts.

3. Venting.

By this, I don't mean that you should vent; I want you to listen to what employers are venting about. What problems do they need to fix that simply are not getting resolved? Are there newspaper articles, Web sites or newsgroups that could help you identify their problems? How can you position yourself as the person who can solve them? When speaking to employed people, ask them what problems they are trying to solve to improve their companies. Then find a way to offer your ideas as solutions to their problems. This is a great way to get their attention and provide value.

4. Valuable contacts.

Which of the business cards lying on your desk can connect you to that next job interview? What have you done to help that person in his business so he considers you a valuable contact? The key is to be valuable to them first. One of the best Web sites to help you do this is www.netweaving.com.

5. Value.

Most people out of work have an "elevator pitch" that outlines their career experience and skills. Instead, try to focus on communicating what your higher-level value is. If you can clearly define your value in a 30-second "commercial," people will more quickly grasp how they can help you. Your own value becomes a calling card that will attract other people to you. An example might be: "I help companies turn their IT departments into profit centers." That would get my attention; I'd want to learn how you do that!

6. Validate.

Have you validated your job search? A validated job search is one where you have taken the time to write down your goals. On a single piece of paper, write down what type of job and company will match those goals, and begin networking to make it happen. I recently met someone who had targeted three local employers. Everyone, from his wife to his friends, was trying to help him. Finally, someone told him that one of his neighbors was an executive at one of his target companies, and it resulted in an interview and then finally a job offer.

7. Vince.

The incomparable coach Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare to win." We must be ready to start each day with preparation that is focused on having the will to network and stretch beyond our normal comfort zones. Use this quote to inspire you to achieve your daily goals. It comes from one of the greatest football coaches in history. If you had an interview today, would you be the most prepared candidate, or would you just show up to learn more about the job?

8. Volume.

When on the phone, speak up! Convey energy. Stand up. Be ready to discuss how you help companies improve their bottom lines. People are attracted to others who speak with excitement and conviction. Be yourself, but increase your volume. A few years ago, I called a prospective candidate at 9 a.m., and I still can't believe this: He yawned twice during our 10-minute interview. Obviously, he made my decision very easy.

9. Vault.

Everyone has treasures hidden in his own personal vault. Your treasures are your skills and achievements that should be discussed, shared and used for the benefit of others. Begin sharing your treasures today by opening up your vault for others to see. Great things (like job interviews) can happen to you if you do.

Use the nine Vs to multiply your success in generating job interviews. Job interviews are taking place every day with companies you would love to work for. Shouldn't they be interviewing you?

Jay Litton is is the founder of The Litton Group and can be reached at jay@littongroup.com. Jay shares his 20 years of sales and sales management experiences so professionals can market themselves better. Jay also volunteers at one of the largest job networking programs in the Southeast at www.rumcjobnetworking.com.

Recent Interview with Online Degrees Today

I was recently interviewed by Online Degrees Today about careers and job searching and thought you might want to check it out. They are a great site with excellent ideas and resources to help people finish or begin new academic programs. Online education is growing at break-neck speed. What do you want to learn today?  Click here to read the interview.

Job Trends

Here is a pretty good article on job trends I thought I would share. It is titled "Top Jobs for the Future" and it talks about trends in different industries as well as lists whether thing are looking up or out for different jobs. Definitely worth a read if you are researching what you might want to do next!

Is it a Waste of Your Time to Try and Find a Job on a Job Board?

I think it would be a stretch to say it is wasting your time but considering that surveys consistently show that nearly 85% of job-seekers find work as the result of a referral from networking and only 2-4% land jobs from Internet job boards, I highly recommend spending most, if not all of your time, creating contacts and building the network you already have. The only caveat here is new grads. When you are just out of college and your network consists of your buddy in the frat house, internet job boards (which tend to post tons of entry level jobs) may not be as much of a long shot.

What Associations Do You Belong to?

Joining an association in your field is a great idea for several reasons. You can...

1. Make contacts - this is one of the best ways to network and create relationships with others in your field. You can get to know who the leaders are in your field and learn from what they are doing.  But remember, these relationships are a two-way street so do not use your membership to "get" to other people.

2. Keep up to date on problems or issues facing your industry. Understanding the "hot" topic will help you out when you are interviewing and when you are looking for ways to grow in your current position.

3. Gain a perspective on what is emerging in your field. This allows you to anticipate changes and assess where you might be able to fit in and influence the situation.

4. Gain access to training and receive advice on career issues such as how to negotiate a new employment contract or salary expectations.

What do you do in your spare time?

I heard one of the greatest lessons of all time again today and had to share it. I think it will likely strike a cord for most people - we know we have a lot in us but we are not tapping into all of it. A quick reminder of these little gems may change the way you spend your weekend.

Did you ever stop to think that most of the world's great men have achieved their true life work, not in the course of their needful occupations, but in their spare time?

I recently left a job I had for only 8 months and I am currently looking for a job. I have an interview next week and I know they are going to ask me why I left. What is the best way to handle that question?

First of all, you are correct. Nine out of 10 times they will ask you that very question. There are a few factors to consider when answering this question. For purposes of this I will assume you left of your own volition and it was not as a result of some downsizing or a questionable behavior on your part. The first thing you want to do is be honest about it and the second thing you want to do is turn it into a benefit for them. You could tell them that you felt you had achieved as much as you could within that particular company and you believed that you had a lot more to offer elsewhere. Then you could share with them, briefly, why you see potential for growth at their company and what you will offer them. What you absolutely do not want to do is say something like you left because you couldn't get along with your co-workers or something that would reflect on you in a negative way. Don't dwell on it. Just give them a brief answer and be ready to move on.

How should I approach someone about an informational interview?

I get this question a lot and many people are apprehensive about doing this. Yes, people are busy and they will have to give up their precious time to speak with you but let me tell you, people love talking about themselves and will usually jump at the chance to do so. Let me make this one caveat though. If someone begins to feel that your main intention was to get in the door to get a job, you will lose favor very fast.

Job Interview Preparation Free Telelclass

Looking for a job? Need help preparing for your job interviews? Then join me for a fr_ee teleclass entitled, "The 7 Things You Must Do Before Your Next Job Interview" on July 24^th at 6:00 pm MST.

Once you have made it to the interview stage, it is your job to lose.  Make sure you do the necessary preparations so that YOU are the one who gets the offer.

Register by emailing me at melani@mycareerfitness.com. Once you register, you will receive the dial-in information and a handout for the call.

If you know of anyone who may need a little extra help as they navigate this part of the job search, feel free to pass this information along.

Email Overload?

If you are tired of trying to manage your email, check out this great book The Hamster Revolution. Also, if you want to hear Mike Song, co-author of the book, talk about it and give you some tips on how to better manage your email to improve productivity, sign up to attend this free teleseminar held by Career Coach Institute today June 10th at 2:00 pm EST.

Would You Show Up For a Test Unprepared?

One of my favorite things to do is help people get ready for job interviews but no matter how many times I do it, I am amazed at the amount of people who come to me who have never actually prepared for an interview. When they tell me they usually just wing it, I ask them how successful that strategy has served them when they were going to take an exam?

Dealing with the Salary Question in an Interview

When you are interviewing for a position and the interviewer asks you "Can you tell me what salary you are looking for?" what do you say? Surprisingly most people speak too soon when it comes to money and this often ends up hurting them in the long run.

You will occasionally get the interviewer who will ask this very early in the process, which can really catch you off guard but there are two things you can do to make sure you are ready for it.

Network with Intention

Many people get frustrated when their attempts at "networking" don't seem to produce any results. They talk about the networking events they attend and all of the people who are walking around with their business cards but not doing anything about them.

Resume Exercise

How long is your resume? Is your resume designed to get you a job or get you in the door? Did you know that the average resume reviewer will SCAN your resume for all of maybe 7 seconds? Want to improve your chances of standing out? Here is an exercise you should try before you send out that next round of resumes.

1. Scan your resume and circle the words or phrases that jump out at you - or better yet, have a friend do it.

5 Questions You Must Ask at Your Next Interview

I was working with someone today - essentially prepping for an interview - and when I asked him what questions he had planned on asking the interviewer, he gave me some typically generic questions that would likely make the interviewer's eyes roll in the back of her head and say "next". So, because this comes up a lot I decided to share the 5 questions you must ask at your next interview.

More Networking?

I just reread a great book that anyone looking for a job or looking for ways to keep their own/move up should read. It is especially beneficial for those who are uncomfortable networking, which usually means those who just don't know exactly how to do it effectively. Harvey Mackay is a well-known author and considered one of the top speakers in the world. I would actually encourage you to read all of his books but Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need is one of the best on the topic I have ever read. Check it out.

Step 5 – Don’t Take Things Personally

This is probably the most important tip of all. Most of the time when someone is being difficult or is really hard to get along with, it is their issue not yours (unless of course you find that you can't get along with a lot of people, in which case you might be the common denominator). So, no matter what you do, what you say, or how many strategies you implement, they are still going to be difficult. In this case, all you can do is do your job, do it the very best you can, and then either move up or move out and away from the negative energy someone like that brings to your life.

Step 4 – Ask Your Boss (the earlier the better) What Makes Someone an Outstanding Employee

I actually encourage my clients to ask this question at the interview and I recommend asking it to everyone you speak with. If everyone has a different answer, you may get a sense that not everyone is on the same page and it is important to clarify to whom you will be reporting and what is the chain of command.

If however you did not ask this question during the interview process, there's no time like the present. Here is a script you might want to try:

"My work at this company is very important to me. I not only want to do an extraordinary job but I want to exceed your and the company's expectations. As someone who has worked here a long time and who has worked with hundreds of employees over the course of your career, what do think would make someone an outstanding employee in my position?  What qualities are important and if you think I am falling short, I would love to hear some feedback on how I can improve".

This will show your boss two things:
1. You care about doing your job well and your role in the company is important to you
2. You care what he has to say and you are recognizing his experience

Now, you just have to be willing to listen to the feedback AND act on it. If you do, it will show your drive, initiative, and commitment to your career and the company - things that will likely put you in a more favorable light with your boss.

Step 3 – Determine Your Long Term Goals Within the Company and How You Want to Contribute

This is really critical and it is the difference between letting your career "happen to you" and being a genuine agent in your own life. Remember - you are the CEO of your own personal services organization and if you do not set a strategic course for yourself and focus on that direction every day, you will find yourself in the same position month after month and year after year. What does this have to do with getting along with your boss? Well for starters if your boss sees you truly committed to your work and the company, the more likely you will fall into his favor. Granted there are those bosses who are very threatened by that kind of drive and initiative from a subordinate but you can't let that hold you back. Let your boss know that you will do whatever it takes to reach (specific position) and you would welcome any advice and guidance he can give you along the way. If you see this person as someone who has qualities you would like to emulate, let him know. Complimenting your boss and showing him you look up to him can go a long way to easing the tension. You do not need to be disingenuous, but do your best to acknowledge the good qualities of your boss and tap into those. Who knows, he may go to bat for you because of it.

Step 2 (Getting along with your boss) Schedule an Appointment

When you aren't getting along with your boss, just seeing him in the office might make you cringe, so I am sure suggesting that you schedule an appointment does not sound like a very appealing option; but, it might make a significant difference in how your relationship goes.

First, make sure that you request a short appointment at a time that is convenient to him. If he works through lunch, perhaps you could suggest bringing lunch in and grabbing a few moments with him then. Or, bring in an extra cup of coffee (you know what he likes right?) and steal a few moments in the morning when the day is fresh (unless he is clearly NOT a morning person).

Then, in a very professional manner, tell your boss how important it is to you that the two of you are on the same page. You might mention that it feels as if there is some tension, doing your best not to blame or sound accusatory at all. Tell him that you would like things to improve for the sake of the company and if you have to say it, to make his job easier. Ask him if there are things you are doing or decisions you are making that are negatively impacting him and how you two might work toward improving things.
This should be a light-hearted discussion where nobody becomes defensive.

Granted, this can only be done with a somewhat approachable person. Sometimes we have bosses who are such insufferable ego-maniacs that even the most civil of conversations are not possible. In this case, I would not attempt this move. In fact, if this is your boss, your time is better spent on kicking butt on your job so that you can either move somewhere within the company that would give you a new boss or switch companies all together. Perhaps that sounds harsh, especially if your experience has been that all bosses are insufferable egomaniacs, but I assure you they are not. Surrounding yourself with such a toxic person is not to your advantage and in the end will likely do you more harm than good. There are plenty of big thinkers and highly successful bosses out there who are good and reasonable people. If you have one of those for a boss, this strategy can do wonders for your work environment. If not, reconsider your options.

Step 1 (Getting along with your boss) Work Toward a Genuine Understanding Of Your Boss

This may sound like an obvious step but I am still surprised by the amount of people, when asked, can't tell me more about their boss than what a pain in the butt he or she is. It may feel like you are giving in to the whole office politics thing but, I assure you that the more you understand your boss, the better you will get along.

So, what do I mean by "understanding"? Here's a start. Do you know how your boss likes to be notified of things? Is he an in-person communicator or would he rather you shoot him a quick email with a heads-up about something? Does your boss like to be keep current on all of the details or does he want to stay out of it? Is your boss the type of person who tends to be sort of manic - barking out a variety of assignments that need to be done yesterday and then when he calms down and changes his tune, expects you to be able to keep switching gears? Is he forgetful? Does he ask you to do something and then when you do it and he changes his mind, does he gripe at your for it? (If this is your boss, keep accurate records and notes of your conversations. This not only helps you stay on track but it is incredibly satisfying to show him what he actually said to you when he "is SURE" he told you something else entirely).

The point is, the more you understand how your boss operates, the more you can adapt your behavior accordingly. The Golden Rule was all wrong in my opinion. Rather than treating people the way YOU would like to be treated, treat them the way THEY would like to be treated.

It may sound like bowing down by dancing to your bosses tune all of the time but that is the way of the hierarchy; however, if you are able to do that, looking beyond your boss may be more possible than you thought. Remember, you aren't trying to be his best friend, you just need to create a climate where the two of you can get along and the relationship does not have so much toxic energy that it is negatively impacting either of your work.

How to Get Along with a Less Than Perfect Boss

Wow. I am having one of those weeks when I can't seem to slow down. I got back from a long weekend in Moab - see that's us - and have been playing catch up ever since. But I spoke with someone the other day about something that I thought was valuable enough to share.

This person was talking to me about how much she hated her boss. She feels like she doesn't let her do her job and she behaves in a way that makes it impossible for her to communicate with her. She asked me for my advice, so I gave it to her - and I am sharing it here too in case anyone else might be interested.

We have all, at some time or another, worked for people who drove us crazy and even worse, made us feel inadequate, incompetent, and under appreciated. When things get really bad we usually have two options: quit or do something about it to make it manageable. So, let's assume you are in this position and you have chosen to stick it out and do something about it. Here are 5 steps to improve your situation. I will go into more depth on each one over the next 5 days.

Step 1 – Work toward understanding your boss and the culture of the organization.

Step 2 – Schedule an appointment to speak with your boss when it is convenient for him/her.

Step 3 – Determine your long term goals within the company and how you want to contribute.

Step 4 – Ask your boss (the earlier the better) what makes someone an outstanding employee.

Step 5 – Don’t take things personally

And remember. This person may be your boss, but you are the CEO of your personal services corporation and you have a choice. Your boss is looking out for himself. Make sure you are looking out for YOU!

What Our Children Can Teach Us About Life

That's me and my absolute favorite people in the world - Chris and our daughter Dylan

While I was watching my 10 month old daughter Dylan eating this morning I could not help but notice how much she was concentrating and how slow the banana was moving from the tray in front of her to her mouth. It was all slow motion. I thought about all of the things that are going on for her and all the stuff that has to come together for her to get it in her mouth. It reminded me of the people I used to teach tennis to. Tennis is in my blood - I began playing when I could hold a racquet and spent a lot of my life around the game. It used to be so interesting to me when I would teach adults who had never played before. Hitting the ball to me was about as easy as breathing but for them they had to think about every move. There are so many things going on and so many things that have to be in place in order to hit the ball over the net - forget worrying about placement. So I would get a lot of very serious people who wanted to get it all right. They wanted to get their grip perfect and their shoulder turn and back swing, etc and the best teaching I could ever do was give them some tips but then just let them feel their way. Most needed to just get out of their head, stop worrying about getting it right and just get it going. As my dad always told me (I have been known to overanalyze for a living:) "Mel - you are doing too much stinkin thinkin" and he was usually right. Just go with the flow.

We take for granted much of what we do - it is all second nature - but as I was watching Dylan I thought about the people I work with every day and the new things I try all the time. New things are a challenge to get our heads around. Stepping out and doing something you have never done before is difficult and often we would rather stick with the comfortable - what we know - than dig into something that might include some struggle. It can also be difficult when we see people out there who make things look so easy. But we have to remember it was not always easy - and rarely ever is it as easy as they make it look.

So, the next time you are faced with  something new that makes you nervous or afraid remember that many moons ago you could barely eat either without getting food all over your face (and anyone or anything within a 10 foot radius) but look at you now. You can do anything  - you can ask for a raise, quit your job, start your own company, get a divorce, lose weight, get married, have a baby, earn a million dollars. Just take the first step and the rest will come.

Dylan will get the hang of it too!

Would you like to save the environment?

I was walking down the street today and was approached by a person with a clipboard (ahh the dreaded solicitor). This person said "do you have a few moments to save the environment" and while I said (as if on autopilot) "no" I could not help but feel a little bit bad about saying "no I do not have time to save the environment".

So, this person made me think about the power of words - not only what we say to others but we say to ourselves. As a coach AND a copywriter I am keenly aware of the power of words so this encounter struck me as incredibly powerful. Oddly enough a few hours later I was reading something from Yanik Silver  (http://www.surefiremarketing.com/) who was talking about the magic words that can increase your bottom line. This first step may be a cinch for marketers - ask a question that breaks through a prospect's mental indifference - something they can't say 'so what?" to. But how does this apply in our careers or at least in choosing the better path for our careers?

I thought about a lot of the comments clients make to me about their jobs 

Why Our Titles Say Nothing About Our Work

How many times in your life have you been asked “what do you do for a living”? And how many times have you actually answered the question? I bet very few. You probably answer this question by stating your “title” but suffice it to say that telling someone your title really gives the inquirer no real idea of what you actually do.

I have been talking to people about their careers for as long as I can remember and more because I am always fascinated by people’s response and less because I am going to get the answer I am looking for, I always start out my inquisition with the same question – “what do you do for a living?” Nine times out of 10 the person answers ‘I’m a marketing assistant” or “I am in sales” or the very specific “I work in HR”. Inevitably their face also matches their tone which usually indicates to me that I would never want to be whatever it is they just told me.

So, the last time I asked someone my favorite question I got to thinking how different the world of work might actually become if people really began answering the question and instead of allowing their company or industry or really insufferable boss to define them, began to take ownership for how they see themselves.

Step 10 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 10 requires that you acknowledge that no matter what you decide, you will get exactly what you are committed to getting.

This is probably one of the most difficult concepts for people to accept but it is absolutely true and you will prove it to yourself over and over again (if you haven’t already). Change is hard and contemplating and then working toward a career change can turn anyone’s world upside down. It is often replete with uncertainties, doubts, and what ifs and sometimes it may feel easier to throw in the towel or go with the safe route. But, in the long run, you will be right back where you started.

Whenever you feel stuck or feel like you are not attracting the outcome you want, take a step back and pay attention to what you are doing to influence your situation. Everything that you think, feel, and say impacts you. It impacts your external world as well as how you feel internally. What are you truly committed to getting? This question has to include the big picture – the entire process. You cannot just be committed to getting a great job with a handsome paycheck – you have to also be committed to the process it takes to make that happen. Ignite an awareness for every step of the way and keep your heart, mind, and body in tuned with what you want.

What kind of life and career are you committed to having? What are you willing to do to make it happen? You have control – you get to choose! Commit to it and stay with it and you will find you can have more than you ever thought possible.

Step 9 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 9 is to create an action plan to achieve career success.

This is the fun part. You know what you want and don’t want, what you are willing to do to get it, and what might find its way into your life to stop you from getting it; so, now it’s time to create a plan.

Creating a plan and a strategy is what is going to set you apart from 90% of the population. Do you know anyone who always talks about what they are going to do or complains about how miserable they are with their job, relationships, health, etc. but then does nothing about it? These are people who are career complainers and they have gotten so comfortable in this role, they fail to see how much damage it is doing. Don’t be one of those people.

Create your plan and by this I mean create a detailed map of how you are going to get from point A to point Z and account for all of the smaller steps along the way. Set daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals and review them on a daily basis. Put your plan in a place where you will see it everyday and commit to it every day. This is where most plans fail. People make them but then stick them in a drawer and either revisit them rarely or not at all. You will achieve your goals faster and with greater efficiency if you focus on them on a daily basis. This does not mean you must become consumed or obsessed by them; but, they do need to become a part of who you are so that the choices you make on a day to day basis are in line with achieving your goals.

When faced with a choice, ask yourself if it will take you closer to or further from your goal. This is a great strategy to keep you on track. Do it for just one day. You will probably be surprised at how often the choices you make are getting in your own way.

Exercise: Create your plan, review it daily, make adjustments as needed, and commit to the outcome. Imagine yourself achieving it and creating the career you have always wanted. Life is going to pass by anyway – why would you choose to spend it in a job or career that makes you miserable and does not allow you to showcase how great you are? You are in the driver’s seat and you have the chance now to create a life that energizes and excites you. Finally you get to decide to have a career that is aligned with your body and your mind.

Step 8 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 8 is to Identify what might hold you back from getting what you want.

Zig Ziglar, a well known speaker and wildly successful businessman, has spoken to thousands of people about goals and how to clarify and achieve them. One of the greatest tips he offered is that some of your goals must be long range and the reason for that is that there is trouble in front of you. The better you plan for this and the more aware you are of things that could get in your way, the more likely you are to forge ahead when an obstacle arises. If you have long range goals, set backs will feel like just pebbles on the water. If however you don’t have long range goals and plan for some detours, those set backs will feel like the size of an ocean.

Exercise: Think about the goals you have for your career and then identify all of the possible obstacles that could get in your way. Then, create a strategy for handling them. Once you do this, you will be ready to take on the next step.

Step 7 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 7 – Determine what you are willing to do and what changes you are willing to make to make that your reality.

Now comes the hard part. You have spent a large part of your time in this process determining what you have and what you want but the greatest challenge now comes in deciding what you are willing to do to get it. Famous oil billionaire H.L. Hunt said that success requires 2 things: 1) you have to know exactly what you want and 2) you must determine the price you will have to pay to achieve it - and then get busy paying the price.

Step 7 requires that you create a visual or some type of map in your head that spells out what you want and then describes what you are willing to do and the changes you are willing to make to make the goal your reality.

What are you willing to do – what are you willing to change to make your dream your reality?

Exercise: Create a visual of your dream. Write down where you are currently and where you would like to be 6 months from now – 1 year – 3 years – 5 years from now. Then, write down everything you are willing to do or willing to change to make it happen. Think about all of the possibilities and don’t waste time censoring or limiting what you think and say. Lay it all out there and then prepare yourself for Step 8.

 

Step 6 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

In step 5 you evaluated the payoff you are getting from your work. Now, it is time to identify the payoffs you want to get from your work.

I often talk to people who stumble when given this question. They know something is not quite right and they feel it in a myriad of ways but specifically identifying how they would like it to be gets a bit more challenging.

First of all, many people don’t even realize that they want something. I worked with one client for example who was really struggling in her work. She felt like she was not using her talents and strengths and it was wearing on her to the point that she felt little motivation. So, we spent some time focusing on this and describing what it would look like if she were able to use them and how she would know. When it really came down to it, this person needed and wanted to feel appreciated and recognized at work. She wanted to be seen as a leader and it was important to her that others see her as having a pivotal role in her company. The most telling thing however was that she felt “shallow” for saying it. She was uncomfortable saying it out loud because to her it felt self-serving. 

Step 5 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 5 – If in step 4 you were unable to identify any way for you to express your authentic self, determine what the payoff is for working in this job. When we continue to do the same thing over and over (i.e. go to work at the same job) and we resist making a change, it is partially because there is a pay off for us to stay. We must be getting something out of the situation or else staying would not be an option. So, think about what you are getting by staying. For some it might be a substantial paycheck and for others it may be a flexible schedule or the perks/benefits they get at work. Pay attention to these and don’t minimize them. They may be great reasons to stay but it is also quite possible that these reasons are not exclusive to this job in this company. Look at the bigger picture. You may be able to duplicate them in a variety of situation.

So, make a list of all of the benefits you receive from this job financially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Take out 4 pieces of paper and list as many things you can think of in each category. The work you did in Step 2 will be a good place to look to identify some of these payoffs.

Remember – you have what you are committed to getting. So, determine your current payoff and then you can move on to identifying what you truly want.

Step 4 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 4 – What would have to happen for you to be able to fully express your authentic self at work? What do you feel is getting in your way?

It is easy to focus on what is not working but it takes a bit more energy to step up and identify what is getting in the way of it not working. Some of my clients take this step and then realize they are getting in their own way. Maybe it is their attitude, inertia, laziness, or because it is simply easier to pass the buck than to take action. So, in this step I encourage you to evaluate your situation closely and review the exercises you completed in steps 1-3. Then, complete these sentences:

If only _____________________, I would feel much more authentic at work.

If only ________________________________, I would feel better about my job.

I would be satisfied if I spent ________ amount of time doing ________.

I would be so excited to do _______________.

I know that my ______________________ is getting in the way of me finding happiness/success/satisfaction at work.

I know that it is time for me to move on but _________________ seems to keep getting in the way of my ability to make a move.

When I think about making a change at work or changing jobs/careers altogether, these are the phrases I hear in my head __________________________________________.

My body feels ____________________________ when my mind thinks about making a change.

My body feels _____________________________ when I resign myself to staying in the same place.

Take some time to answer these questions in preparation for Step 5.

Step 3 - Ten Steps to Creating Authenticity at Work

Step 3 – Identify some specific moments during the past several weeks where you felt like you were able to express your authentic self outside of work. What were you doing? What makes you feel genuine? How important is that to you?

We are so good at focusing on what is not working that it can be a very powerful shift in perspective when we take a minute to look at what is working. Although you may spend much or your day at work feeling as though none of it really matters and it all stinks, there have to be times when you are able to express some of the real you.

Take out a piece of paper and fold it down the middle. On the left side write “activities” and on the right side write “why”. Now, spend about 5-10 minutes thinking about all of the things you have done outside of work that really allow you to express your authentic self. Don’t sensor yourself. Just write down every time you felt good in your own skin and you felt like you were being true to who you are. Then, when you are finished with the left, on the right side of each item you wrote down, describe why you felt like you were able to express your authentic self while doing that thing. What was it that made you feel good or genuine? Did it involve communicating with people, solving a problem, organizing ideas (or papers) being outside, making decisions, using your body to center yourself, talking, listening, observing, etc.?

Don’t worry about what this all means just yet – you don’t have to extrapolate this into a job today – but think about it and see if you can really get to the root of what feels good about what you were doing, saying or thinking. How important is that to you? Would you say that in order to find true happiness at work you would have to feel that 20% of the time? 50%? 75%? How do you think your energy would change? Your commitment to your career? Keep those questions in mind for next time.

Step 2 - 10 Steps to Authenticity at Work

Identify some specific moments during the past several weeks where you felt like you were able to express your true self at work. What were you doing? With whom were you working? How did you feel physically?

When we are over worked and over stressed, it is easy to focus most of our attention on what is not working. We forget the little victories during the day and the times when we are free to be our authentic selves are overshadowed by the times we feel completely incongruent.

 So, even if you can only recall brief moments where you were able to express your true self at work, identify them and write them down. Be specific about exactly what is it that you were doing. This is important if you decide in the future to explore a different path. There are so many ways we can express our true selves and very often people make the mistake of thinking they have to be participating in some noble effort in order to do this when actually you could be doing it when you are doing something as simple as sorting files. It is not so much the task but rather how you approach it and your attitude toward your work. We bring who we are to each task and it shows up whether we want it to or not.

So, how are you going to show up today? How can you change your situation by your attitude? How can you express your authentic self today, in all that you do?

10 Steps to Authenticity at Work - Step 1

How many people do you know go to work and become someone they do not want to be? Either they are selling a product or service they don’t believe in, reaching for a bottom line that has no meaning for them, or are simply plugging along because it is what they have always done but their work represents nothing of their authentic self.

I recently worked with a client who felt like every time she walked in her office she had to become someone else. She even had a name for this “identity” and when we talked about why it was important for her to give this other persona a name, she said it allowed her to disconnect from the things she did that she didn’t believe in or want to be identified with. She struggled with something many people face every day - a great paying job that left her empty inside.

So, what is the answer? She came to me to help her sort out her options and in many ways to get permission to “look around”. For years she felt like she had no choice, there were no options that felt viable. So, here is one of the exercises we did to open up her mind to the real options staring her in the face. You can ask yourself these questions too.

Step 1 – Identify all of the things you do at work that feel counter to your authentic self. Can you name the feeling? Can you identify what is going on for you physically when you are doing or saying things that feel counter to your authentic self?

I worked with one client who was a reporter. She had spent most of her time growing up knowing this is what she wanted to do. She had dreams of reporting on important pieces and writing stories that spoke to the human spirit. Instead she found herself constantly fixated on the next big story because that’s what was paying the bills. She would push and shove to get a word in and more times that she liked to admit she found herself prying in on people’s most private and heart wrenching moments. Her body would tense up and she would feel physically sick. She carries this around with her all day and work and it was not until she was driving home at night that she would begin to relax. When I asked her to identify how she felt or explain what was going on physically for her, her words flowed like a rushing river. She was very in tuned with what this was doing to her but she felt like she had no options. Eventually she realized that just the act of naming it gave her a sense of freedom and encouraged her to move on to Step 2 which I’ll talk about tomorrow.

 Exercise: List as many words as you can that describe how you feel when you are conflicted about your work. Name some physical responses your body has to this incongruency and what you are currently doing to minimize them. What would you be willing to do to change your situation?

What is Work?

Work cannot be easily defined because what is considered work for one person might be considered a leisure pursuit for another and what one might consider as work in one setting may not be work in another. For someone like you, who’s yoga practice is far more than asanas and really embodies who you are, finding a way to create harmony between human nature and human effort is paramount. The practice of Yoga is intended to keep the mind at peace where work seems to be a way to make life purposeful. We are expected to keep ideas and thoughts of work at bay when we are practicing yoga but then as we work and our ambitions increase and our responsibilities become greater, that peace becomes more and more elusive. So, here we are trying to find the balance - keeping one without losing the other and  this can be a bit of a struggle. So, what is the answer? In short, we have to find a way to identify the common element between Yoga and work so rather than struggling against what may feel like two opposites, they become one – Yogic Work. Tomorrow we will look at how you do this.

Yoga As a Tool at Work

When I began practicing Yoga many years ago, I was one of the many that attended classes when I could fit it in and I considered it a bonus to my regular training schedule. I completed the poses but had a very difficult time connecting them to the greater picture. I went to class and then never really thought about the experience again until the next class. I realize now that I was doing yoga rather than practicing Yoga. I was resisting the true experience. The physical  aspect of Yoga, or Hatha Yoga, was primarily designed to facilitate the real practice of Yoga - the mastery over the mind. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the primary text of Raj Yoga or Yoga of the mind, the second Sutra or thread is Yogas Citta Vrtti Nirodhah or "the restraint of the modification of the mind-stuff is Yoga". This is basically describes Yoga as a mental science and in order for this connection to happen, you must be in the moment and conscious about it. Patanjali says "if you can control the rising of the mind into ripples, you will experience Yoga."

What does this have to do with work? Well, it took me a while to understand the connection too. I spent several years unable to calm the mind. I liked yoga but my mind constantly struggled, moved, itched, etc. during practice and I was really missing the mark. But, about 4 years into my practice something changed. I remember practicing in my one room (very hot) apartment one morning and for the first time I started connecting what I was doing in my practice to what was going on in my life. I was struggling terribly with a pose that I used to be able to do with ease. After my 3rd fall of the day, I just lay on my back and felt an incredible amount of tension in my back. I realized it had nothing to do with the pose but that the pose was a mere metaphor for the mind and it was not going to matter how many times I attempted the pose that day - my mind was not having it. I was not truly present and my body knew it. From that moment on, each time I stepped on the mat I realized that I was bringing more than my physical body to it. Taking it a step further, when I would go about the business of my day, I would actually use the same breath I did in class to ground me at work. Suddenly there was no separation, there were no limits on the body and the mind, and just as the physical practice of yoga brought balance, strength, and flexibility to my body, I also began to look at yoga as a tool for bringing the same to my work.

When I have to do something new at work, I imagine myself in Warrior 1. This pose commemorates the “spiritual warrior,” or one who bravely does battle with the universal enemy, self-ignorance (avidya), the ultimate source of all our suffering. This pose makes me feel strong, grounded and confident, 3 qualities that allow me to take on new initiatives and discover new ideas at work. I have been studying Yoga for about 12 years but over the past 8 years have really come to understand the mind-body connection and now it is not possible to see them as separate things. They are a union unable to separate and there is great comfort in that. There is a reason and a lesson in each pose and if we focus on calming the mind on the mat, absorbing what we are here to learn, and then bringing those lessons into our lives off the mat, balance, strength and flexibility will follow us.

What Does Ahimsa (nonviolence) Have to Do with Your Job or Career?

Ahimsa means "non-harming" or "non-violence". It is the first Yama, or limb in Astanga Yoga and as I was practicing today I thought about this and about what it really means. I have many clients that are struggling with work related issues and whether they don't like their boss or they hate their job, it often conjures up very negative thoughts and images in their minds. And actually, this is a way of being violent and harming the self. So, if practicing the principles of yoga is important to you, really pay attention to this concept of ahimsa and where it plays out in your life. You are not just following this Yama if you choose not to shoot someone, kill a bug, or beat your children but if you also choose to be kind to yourself, use kind words, celebrate your successes and no matter how bad it gets at work, think about the opportunities you have and how you can improve the situation. If you absolutely cannot and your job makes it impossible for you to do no harm to yourself or others, both physically and emotionally, then perhaps a change is necessary.

The Art of Job Interviewing - Part 4 - Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm

This is key and one of the aspect of the interview that stumps interviewees all of the time. Many people are afraid to show their enthusiasm about a job. It makes them feel vulnerable and in a way it does, but imagine that you were looking for someone to join your company. Wouldn't you want that person to be fired up? Wouldn't you want that person to show an interest in what you are doing and how much they would like to be a part of it? I have talked to countless people that leave interviews and then don't follow up and just wait for the company to contact them. Huge mistake. If you want the job, tell them. And, don't be generic. Tell them that you really want the job so that you can use (insert specific skill) in order to (insert what <b>they</b> need). Tell them what you like about the culture of the company, how you felt during the interview, and that you hope you will be considered seriously as they move forward. You do not have to over indulge. Just a simple 60 second statement that leaves them no doubt as to your interest will be enough. Then, when you leave, immediately craft your follow-up letter and in addition to the brief overview and recap of the interview, end with a final plug about your continued interest. A genuine interest will go a long way when it comes down to decision making.

 Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun. Imagine it as a game - the winner may not always be the one who looks best on paper, but the one who is able to convince their potential employer that they are an asset worth fighting for. Do this by establishing rapport, being relevant, showing how you can contribute to the bottom line, and showing how you are the type of person they want on their team.

The Art of Job Interviewing - Part 3 - Is it a Fit?

Is it a Fit?

This question means is it a fit for you and for them. Pay a lot of attention to the culture of the office or company when you are there. Ask questions of the receptionist or even ask the interviewers what attracts them to working there. If you are given a tour, ask to see the cafeteria (if they have one) or the break room. Pay attention to the mood and imagine yourself walking in those doors every day and see how that feels. Ask if you can meet the people you may be working with. Remember, no matter who writes the paycheck, you are the CEO of your own personal services corporation and how you feel about them is just as important as how they feel about you. One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that "it is not what I thought it would be". Make sure that you get your questions answered, do the research, and know what you are getting into. You are deciding on a job and an organization that will play a significant role in your life. Take is seriously.

The Art of Job Interviewing - Part 2

Your Contributions

This is one of the most difficult parts of the interview but it will make a big impact on the outcome. Interviewers are trying to figure out how you plan to contribute to their bottom line and your ability to apply your unique gifts, talents, and skills to their particular situation. So, one way to do this is to remain relevant at all times and be as specific as possible. When someone says "tell me about yourself" what they are really saying is "tell me about the parts of you that matter to me and my company". So, make your answer relevant. I recommend that everyone create a 60 second commercial of themselves that they can easily adapt to any job. Assume that they want a summary of your work-related qualifications; so, focus on your academic degrees that relate to the position (if you are freshly out of college) and highlight a few of your specific skills that relate to the job requirements. For example, "I just finished a course in such and such which will allow me to apply these new skills to your work in such and such." Remember that every question should be answered with an eye on their bottom line.

Putting Life in Perspective

Once again we have been faced with something that really makes us stop and think about our life and how we choose to live each moment. I know many of us have been impacted by the shooting at Virginia Tech this week and for me it was a bit too close to home. My cousin goes to school there and was in that French classroom. Only her and one other student made it out of that room alive. I am not sure why she was spared but I am so grateful. I shudder to think about the images of dead bodies strewn about the room and having to climb over them to get out. Her head was grazed by a bullet and she has some stitches but physically she will be ok. But, how does one deal with that emotionally?

As I was back and forth on the phone with family members and in and out of tears I kept thinking about how much each moment matters and how we have a choice as to how we fill that time. When things like this happen, so many of the things you do on a daily basis feel irrelevant. I want my life to be relevant and I want every moment I spend to count. I do work that I absolutely love I have wonderful family and friends and I am as healthy as can be. I am so grateful for all of that. Unfortunately not everyone feels that way. This incident has reminded me that time is going to pass and life will go on so why not make every second count. Take this opportunity to do an audit on your life. Is your physical health as good as you would like it to be? How about your financial, spiritual, and emotional health? How are your relationships and your career? If any of these areas are not where you want them to be, make a decision to get them there. Identify what you want and what will make you truly happy and then spend more minutes of your life doing that and spend less time doing things you hate.

The Art of Job Interviewing - Part 1

Interviewing well is an art and yet I find so many people pay very little attention to this aspect of the job search process. It is in fact likely the single most important step.

If you are called for an interview, the assumption must be that it is your job to lose. If you have been called, you have many of the skills needed for the job and your qualifications are enough of a match that if the "fit" is right, they may hire you. People are busy and companies value their time. They are not going to spend the time and resources to have you come in for an interview if they don't think you can do the job. So, your job at this point is create rapport, show how you can contribute to their bottom line, determine if the job and company are a fit for both of you and then express your enthusiasm. The question is, how?

Part 1 - Build Rapport

This happens from the moment you receive a call to set up an interview. Be aware that every contact you have is evaluating you. They are paying attention to how you talk on the phone, your tone of voice, your energy, etc. When you first meet in person they are looking for eye contact, your presence, and how you speak. Interviewers, whether HR personnel or decision makers, are looking for a connection and your personality and personal presentation will make a huge impression. Look at it from their perspective. You are much more than your skills and abilities and they want someone on board with whom they will enjoy working and who they think will fit with their staff. Respect their status but let them see who you are and be sure you are projecting the image you intend.

Passion to Paycheck

Turning your passion into a paycheck is the ultimate dream right? Who would not like to spend most of their time doing something they absolutely love and get paid for it? Even just reading about people who are following their passion, as I just did in a great article I read in Outside Magazine www.outsidemagazine.com this weekend, gets me fired up. There are so many possibilities out there for work and one of the greatest things I do all day is help people to open their minds to all of the possibilities out there for them. So often people are trapped by old ways of thinking and by the expectations of other people and society that they fail to see how great they could really have it. So, the next time you wake up on a Monday morning dreading the week ahead, start thinking about how you would really like your career to be and what you are willing to do to achieve it. How do you want to feel when you think about going to work and what are the gaps between how you feel now and how you would like to feel? What are some simple changes you can make, if you are not quite ready to take on the challenge of a complete career change, that would make you feel better about what you are doing? Remember - it is never too late to have what you want. You get one life - why waste it doing something you don't enjoy?

Getting Noticed at Work

If you want to move up in your organization, tell your managers or supervisors. A lot of times people are afraid to tell their managers or their boss that they have their sights set on greater things within the company. Perhaps you feel intimidated or you think your supervisor doesn't like you so you could be sabotaging your own efforts in the long run. If that is the case, then choose someone else. Assess the company and determine what value you could add. Without sounding like you have all of the answers, present your ideas to a decision maker and tell them what your goals are. Do not sit back and wait for them to notice you. Do something that is worth noticing and make your aspirations clear.