Howard Figler Tele-Interview

As I was listening to Howard Figler's Careerwell Tele-interview on, "The Role of a Liberal Education in the Development of Career" I was looking up community college courses on writing and publication. Mr. Figler has a wealth of knowledge and information about career development. The "Career Counselor's Handbook," and "The Complete Job Search Handbook" are just two of the many books and articles he has written. I had been looking forward to hearing the interview, and I was very impressed with his discussion about getting a well rounded education. He said that the courses you take in college are more important than the degree you receive. It really made sense.

Then Mr. Figler began talking about taking courses you want to take rather than the classes you think will lead to a degree and land you a job. I thought that is great except that we are in a recession. Can we afford to follow our passion and take courses in areas we are interested in? I thought about the fact that I have always taken courses that I thought would lead to employability rather than courses I want to take. I  always wanted to take courses in English and Anthropology. In fact, whenever I have a chance to take a class for the fun of it, I take a class in literature or writing. Now I am starting a publishing business and looking for English classes. After coming full circle, I realize it does make sense to take classes you enjoy.

After getting an AA degree in Business, a B.A. in Psychology, and an M.S. in Career Counseling, I am coaching clients on writing and entrepreneurship. While listening to Figler it suddenly hit me that I always thought studying English was impractical, and now here I am looking looking for English courses. As I was telling myself that I had always taken the practical route, I realized that what Mr. Figler was saying was exactly right. I am finally seeking a career I am passionate about.

If you missed Howard Figler, you missed an excellent Careerwell Tele-interview. You can sign up now for the December Careerwell Tele-interviews at www.careerwell.org.

 
This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

The Entrepreneurial Spirit at Work

"The workforce as we've come to know it will probably never be the same. Job-seekers must develop a whole new mind-set to thrive in this new world of work.” Dr. Randall S. Hansen, founder and publisher of QuintCareers.

 

In a previously thriving economy, most people expected financial and job security, although they often worked for years in jobs they didn't enjoy. Now that jobs are getting harder to find, it takes more research and planning to find a fit for your strengths, passions, and values. Promotions, benefits, and bonuses are no longer the norm. Finding value in your work, staying healthy, and contributing to something greater than yourself, can bring more satisfaction than working at a job that "appears" to provide security. An entrepreneurial mindset will give you the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a changing workplace.

 

Researching your options, understanding hidden expenses and demands, and knowing why you are working will help you make the best career decisions. You can create opportunities for yourself by developing an “Entrepreneurial Spirit."

 

In his Job Action Day article, Welcome to the Age of Protean Careers: Encouraging Workers and Job-Seekers to be Proactive in a Transformational Workplace Jay Block says, “Protean Careers." Get used to the term, for it's here to stay. Indeed, the American workplace has changed forever; and this transformation is presenting significant problems for many who have come to depend upon the "Industrial Age" workplace. The "Protean" workplace is the only viable solution to the transformational shift away from employers taking care of employees, to employees taking care of themselves

Block uses the analogy of Proteus because, “He was able to change, adapt, and acclimate himself to successfully meet and thrive in the future that he envisioned.”

In his 4^th and 5^th points on how to use a “Proteus Solution,” Jay says that you need to become an independent entrepreneur and live within your means.

Kristin Cardinale, Ph.D. suggests that “The typical American worker suffers from something along the same line that I refer to as 'career myopia' whereby workers lose their ability to visualize the big picture because they are so focused on the daily grind of the 9-to-5 world. As a result, their field of vision narrows, and the big picture becomes fuzzy. They lose sight of their dreams and instead fixate on merely surviving instead of thriving.” Read her Job Action Day article, Avoid Career Myopia and Create Your Opportunity for Freedom, to learn more about creating an "entrepreneurial career model." 

 

Expecting an employer, counselor, assessment, friend, or family member to tell you the “right career” for you is an example of “career myopia.” Doing your own research on the internet and through informational interviews as well as talking to friends, colleagues, and family about their career and life experiences will give you the fuel you need to make your own career decisions. Manage yourself and your career as if you were your own boss.

“You can find so many opportunities to make others feel like they matter, be it your co-worker or customer, mentor or manager, supervisor or stranger on the other end of the line.” says Billie Sucher in his article, Are You a S.M.A.R.T. Worker? Career Strategies to Make You More Valuable at Work.     

  

An entrepreneur looks for opportunities at work, home, and in the community for building positive relationships. Everyone is a potential customer, ally, or partner. You can create opportunities through your entrepreneurial spirit. 


 Job Action Day articles on the entrepreneurial spirit:

Creating Opportunity Through Your Entrepreneurial Spirit,
 by Nancy Miller


Welcome to the Age of Protean Careers: Encouraging Workers and Job-Seekers to be Proactive in a Transformational Workplace by Jay Block


Avoid Career Myopia and Create Your Opportunity for Freedom, Kristin Cardinale, Ph.D

Are You a S.M.A.R.T. Worker? Career Strategies to Make You More Valuable At Work, by Billie Sucher

Read all of the Job Action Day articles at: http://www.jobactionday.com/2010-Job-Action-Day.html.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright CLWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

The Art of Storytelling

Is learning the art of storytelling in your personal career and/or business plan? The ability to tell your story in a professional positive light is an important part of your career development. Why is storytelling so important? In her book, "Tell Me About Yourself: Storytelling to Get Jobs and Propel Your Career," storytelling guru Katherine Hansen, PhD says that your story makes you unique and gives the interviewer something to like about you. When you tell your story concisely and effectively giving an interviewer, customer, or client a "picture" of what you can do for them they will remember you.

When I first heard employment specialists recommend that clients "tell their story," I was appalled at some of the "stories" I heard. Most of us are not in the habit of telling our story effectively. By learning to write and tell our stories we can be honest, listen to ourselves, change negative thinking, and feel more confident about our skills and abilities. I have been journaling my story everyday in a blog called, "Walk About U!" The practice of writing and walking has helped me to write more creatively, feel more energized, and use analogies to paint a picture. Telling a good story takes practice. Taking a "Walk About U!" with LifeWork Coach, Nancy Miller, is a fun way to develop and express your story.

Developing a simple "LifeWork Success Plan" is an excellent way to organize your thoughts and ideas and bring out the stories you want to tell about your business or career. You can sign up for the LifeWork Success Plan Coaching Program to propel your career or business.



This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Conference Opportunities

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the National Career Development Conference in San Francisco. The conference was a wonderful networking opportunity. Coordinating the CCDA table and presenting Local Chapter Leadership awards at the membership meeting gave me a chance to meet so many interesting people as well as board members I have been teleconferencing with for the last year (some of whom I had never met!)

Students from the CSUN student chapter of CCDA volunteered at the CCDA welcome table, as well as board members, chapter leaders, and students volunteered who also helped with the conference. Volunteering for leadership positions or to help with a conference are a great way to network while learning and increasing professional development. Whether you like to sit in workshops or volunteer at a nature preserve, volunteering is a great way to help people, animals, or the environment while positioning yourself to be the best you can be in your career field.

I got back from the conference and my Macbook Air laptop crashed. My Mac feels like my third arm. It's hard to work without it. I have most of my documents on my light portable computer. Fortunately, I have my book on Fastpencil, and much of my writing on blogs. I will manage until I get it back in a day or two. The good news is that I went to the Apple store for a free diagnostic. They found the problems, one of which was a design flaw, and they are fixing it at no cost. I was very impressed with their technical service.

I am floundering through my documents and files to find what I need for setting up the new "Pages" feature on Blogger. Great feature! I couldn't wait. When the environment presents challenges, I just find another way to work.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

A Three Goat Day

I just got home from a trip with my daughter, three preschoolers, and a dog from Albuquerque, NM to Sacramento, CA. We traveled through 6 states in 7 days with a layover in Colorado Springs to visit friends and family. After driving two ten-hour days, my daughter was getting very tired of driving and the kids were restless. Our trip was delayed by a trip to the emergency room to have many deep splinters removed from my two-year grandson’s legs and hands. The boys were so excited about sitting on a bench and watching prairie dogs playing in the grass at the visitor’s center in Cheyenne, Wyoming that they didn’t notice the bench was leaving it’s mark.The staff and volunteers at the hospital in Laramie were so nice and friendly it made the stop a little easier (at least for myself, the baby, and my five-year old grandson who were served refreshments while my daughter tended a screaming 2-year old.) We continued our trip driving through the sheets of rain and whipping wind in Wyoming that was pulling at the bicycle on the back of the van. We finally stopped and my daughter somehow got the bicycle into the packed van. Needless to say, we were discouraged with having to stay an extra night at a hotel.

TechnoKids

Are devices like the iPhone, iPod, Wii, and computers making kids smarter? In the April 2010 Fast Company magazine article, “A” Is for App, author Anya Kamenetz, claims, “New studies and pilot projects show smartphones can actually make kids smarter.” Kids as young as preschoolers and toddlers are getting comfortable with using technology in their everyday lives. But what happens when tasks don’t mix?

Today’s 2 and 3 year olds love the iPhone and iPod Touch. In a recent visit by my 2-year old grandson, we learned the hazards of the iPod Touch for toddlers. Calvin loved to help himself to his mother’s iPod Touch, turn it on, scroll across the screen and find his favorite dice game. He was delighted to find the game, shake the dice, and select the numbers he wanted. Then came bath time. He hopped into the tub holding the iPod. His horrified mother retrieved the iPod, dried it in a bag of rice, and plugged it in. Nothing. That was the end of an expensive device that she had come to depend on.

Preschoolers are savvy at using cell phones, computers, and handheld devices. They are growing up in a digital world where they can learn independently, be creative, and feel a sense of freedom. But as young children learn to use the devices, the manufacturers will need to make them tougher and waterproof if children use them freely. The XO computer is a compact sturdy computer for kids that is big enough to keep track of.

I learned to use a computer in college, thought math was boring in school, and later learned to love all of the things my computer and iPod Touch apps can do. Today’s children are having fun with math and word games while waiting for their parents to finish errands and classes to begin. Some are using the devices as part of their classroom learning. I hope the portability and social aspects of the new devices will encourage more shared interaction than the previous generation's individual game playing and passive TV.

It will be interesting to see how technology affects the next generation in their work, relationships, and self-esteem. Expectations and values are changing already and sometimes for the better. Young people are able to keep up with the many changes and transitions better than some of the older folks. We can all learn to be adaptable and resilient rather than fearing change. You can send an email, text, or comment. I'd love to hear from you. I also use Skype, iPod Touch, and Mac. How well is technology working for you?

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Success Stories Inspire Successful Programs

Counselors, program analysts, and researchers are often great problem-solvers. They have excellent skills for defining a problem, analyzing it, and then finding a solution. Problem solving is an important skill, but problem solvers may find themselves looking at the big picture and missing a simple solution. A recent article in Fast Company magazine, taken from the book, “Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard,” describes a unique approach to change. The authors begin by looking at what is working, rather than what is broken. Then they find ways to duplicate the success that exists.

One anecdotal success story in the article describes an employee of "Save the Children" who goes to Vietnam in 1990 to fight widespread malnutrition. The contributing problems of poverty, poor sanitation, and impure water systems seemed overwhelming and were out of the control of the organization. So rather than trying to solve everything that wasn’t working, the managers looked for children who lived in poor conditions but were not malnourished.

The company’s research showed that the mothers of children who were not suffering from malnutrition had slight differences in their cooking and eating habits. To improve the eating habits of children suffering from malnutrition, a community designed program for malnourished families was set up. The mothers learned new behaviors that soon became habits. Practicing healthy actions helped the women change their thinking. The change arose from knowledge gleaned from their own community rather than instituting strategies designed by outsiders. As a result of their work, the article states that 65% of the kids learned and maintained better nutrition.

As a personal/career coach and program manager, I learn from the experts, but then I look at the needs of the community. It is important to find out what systems and habits are working well. While managing the Pathways to Success Program for a nonprofit serving the homeless, I found the general wisdom was the belief that people first need a stable home before they can get a job. Paying for a home without an income is impossible for many people. Interestingly, I learned that it wasn’t always the people who had an address that got the job. After starting a career center, facilitating workshops, and implementing career coaching programs, I found that those with good job search skills, self-esteem, a cell phone, and professional clothes were often the ones who got the job. I was able to offer workshops, provide accountability, and assist in helping people find professional clothes. I couldn’t solve the homeless problem, but I could help people develop better relationships, lifestyle habits, and job search skills that helped participants with no home find a job.

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, Fast Company,
February 1, 2010, Issue 142, Dan and Chip Heath, http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/142/switch-how-to-change-things-when-change-is-hard.html, online 3/15/10.

This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

My Avatar Interview

The sharp buzz of the alarm hits my ears at 6:00 AM. It’s a blustery January morning in the year 2020. It’s time to get moving. The interview is at noon. I’ve had a good night’s sleep, and it’s time to shop for my avatar. Over fresh fruit and a whole grain bagel, I tell my computer to wake up. After being unemployed for 6 months, I hired a professional career coach to make sure I would be prepared for my job interview. After visiting the virtual company as my coach suggested, I know that the atmosphere is friendly and somewhat casual. A classic sport suit will work well. Since I eventually want to be a buyer for the sportswear department, I will choose a very fit avatar with a golden bronze complexion and dark brown hair.

I double check the time and make sure my login and passwords are close at hand. I know where to find the virtual office protocol, and exactly how long it will take to get in. I know that customer service is the number one priority for the company, with efficiency and fiscal management close behind. I take a deep breath and give a sigh of relief that I no longer have to shop ahead, press my jacket and polish my shoes ahead of time as I did in 2010. I don’t need to test drive my route and fill my gas tank. The competition is intense, so choosing the right avatar and wardrobe is essential, but it’s fun and creative to tailor my look to my interests.

I know what strengths, skills, and experience the company is looking for, and I have individualized my ePortfolio accordingly. After getting the interview, I practiced possible questions and answers with the latest job search program, and then improved my confidence and voice tone with my coach. Several practice sessions later, I can quickly answer the questions verbally and in writing. I took time to make sure I know how to move around skillfully in the virtual world. In the year 2007, a Wall Street Journal article described gaffes such as interviewees floating in the air or showing up in jeans. I would not be taken seriously in today’s work world without a basic understanding of virtual technology.

The avatars have leveled the playing field in many ways. There are no more worries about transportation, traffic at the mall, being introverted, too young or too old. Although many aspects of job search are simpler now, the basic principles of interviewing never really change. Background checks, skills testing, and assessments are the norm since the employer is not seeing the real me in my body language and facial expression. I will have to build trust through voice inflection and choice of language. It’s 11:45 and I look fabulous and confident. I’m ready for my interview!

Wall Street Journal (2007), http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118229876637841321.html, online 3/11/10

The Interview

Imagine answering these questions based on the avatar scenario. What else could the avatar say? Imagine your own avatar scenario. How would you answer these questions for yourself?

1. Tell me about yourself.

I have 5 years experience working in retail. I recently designed an online market research survey to assess the interest of customers and potential customers in a new line of sportswear. The response to the line was so positive that our buyer will soon be getting a small order to try out in the store. I have a passion for fishing, boating, and skiing, and your store has top of the line equipment.

2. Why do you want this job?

I really enjoy talking to customers about their different sports interests. Helping them find the best price on the safest, most innovative supplies makes my day. Most sports enthusiasts would rather be outdoors than in the store shopping, so my goal is to have satisfied customers out on the slopes or in the water as quickly and efficiently as possible.

3. What do you expect to be doing 5 years from now?

Over the next five years I plan to learn more about sports equipment and attire. I hope to be working with designers to find the most innovative equipment for the store. I travel to different parts of the country and visit sports events to find out what equipment the winners are using. I am constantly researching the latest concepts in sportswear.

4. Tell me about a strength/weakness?

My strength is satisfying customers. In the last year, I have had the least returns of any associate because I listen to the customer and assist them in finding the right products. My weakness is that I enjoy talking to customers about the latest sports equipment. After years of experience, I am able to keep my conversations friendly, brief, and focused on the customer and the product.

5. Describe a problem or conflict and how you solved it.

An angry customer wanted to return equipment he had obviously used over a period of time. He said the associate misled him when he made the sale. After asking the customer some questions about how he was using the equipment, I was able to show him the proper use. He decided to keep the equipment and also bought a jacket.

After all of my preparation, I felt confident in the interview. I shared my ePortfolio that included sports gear designs from Europe and Alaska. I got the job, and I will be starting next week.

Reprint by permission only

Copyright CLWD © 2007 Nancy Miller, M.S.

www.centerforlifeworkdesign.org

success@lifeworkplan.com

Bright Spots in Winter

Winter breeze rustles
bright flowers
midst graying canvas

Enjoy what's bright this winter. Winter weather brings wind, rain, storms, and dark clouds just as the environment has challenges for your life and career. Look outside, take a walk, talk to a friend, stay connected, and find inspiration. Bright flowers, birds flying against the wind, and ripples in the lake remind us that there is always something bright on a gray day.

With Love and Happiness,
Nancy


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller

Vision Statement Revisited

It’s a cold overcast damp January morning. As I took a walk along the creek, I had time to reflect on my "Vision Statement." I created a Vision Statement" about five years ago, and at least once a year I go back and re-evaluate it to make sure it still fits with my current values and goals. In 2006 I wrote this vision statement after completing the "Vision Mapping Assessment."

My Personal Vision Statement

To find a place
That inspires my spiritual growth;
Where I can develop my ideas;
Speak the truth;
See honestly;
And feel valued.

I was thinking that my "Vision" for honest self-expression might need to evolve and grow by now. As I thought about it, I couldn’t imagine what else to add. Then I realized that this year I had set a goal to put my self-expression and creativity into a well-formed book. That is my challenge. I realized that writing a book was the culmination of my vision for self-expression. I’m
finding out how much work it really is! Looking back at my “Vision Statement” still gives me motivation. to put more time and energy into the work that I planned to do this year.

The next step is to take another look at my strengths. I will go back to my vegetable analogy to identify the strengths I can use to create my book. The next step will be to see what I am missing. Where are my challenges and blocks to accomplishing my goals? What strengths am I lacking? I will look for ways to build my character by using strengths that don’t come naturally to me, and learning skills I need. Then I will look to my network to build a team to support the work that I want to do. If my network doesn’t provide people who have the time and skills needed for this project, I will broaden my network or hire consultants.

The third step is to develop a plan to accomplish my goals. The important part is to make sure my goals fit my vision. Otherwise I could accomplish my goals without fulfilling my purpose. Last year, I thought I needed to build my skills in the area of math. I took an online Intermediate Algebra course and didn’t complete it. I had always thought it would be one of the ultimate challenges in my life to complete Intermediate Algebra. With a Bachelors Degree through the School of Math & Science, and a Master of Science degree, it just seemed like I should complete a course in Intermediate Algebra. Not to mention the fact that my daughter whizzed through the course while she was in high school. But before I finished the course, I realized that I was spending a good deal of my time on a class that I wasn’t interested in, that didn’t fit my vision or purpose, and I really didn’t need. The lesson I learned was that all the determination in the world doesn’t help if I am working on something that doesn’t fit my vision and purpose.


This website is intended for informational purposes only. For professional personal/ career coaching, call or email Nancy for assistance with consulting, resources, and information to meet your personal needs. See links on the side panel for professional organizations. Copyright LWD © 2005 Nancy Miller