More Thoughts on Staying Motivating at Work

On Wednesday, I was on the Martha Stewart LIVING show on Sirius Radio 112. I had a BLAST chatting with Career Talk host Maggie Mistal about ways to stay motivated in the office. People called in from as far away as Indiana!

We talked about motivation from both the employee and manager perspective. Today, I wanted to share my TOP 3 Strategies for Managers to Motivate their Employees:

1. Set appropriate expectations – as you create job descriptions and define project responsibilities. Give people a “line of sight” on how what they do contributes to your company’s success. People want to see where their jobs might take them. Help your employees see the internal career paths so you don’t lose their intellectual capital to your competitors!
2. Keep communication lines open – Talk with your employees to find out how they’re doing on a regular basis, not just during annual performance discussions.
3. Use creative incentives – Effective incentives can include non-monetary recognitions of a "job well done," such as a feature in the company newsletter, or an opportunity to represent your team or company at a special event.

Thanks, again, to Maggie for having me on her show! :-)

Reminder: Get Sirius about Your Career on March 15th!

Just a quick reminder that TOMORROW, March 15th at 6:00 PM EST, I’ll be on Martha Stewart LIVING Sirius Channel 112. I’ll be a guest on the Career Talk show sharing tips on staying motivated in your career exploration.

As a preview, I’d like to share my TOP 5 Strategies for staying motivated in the workplace:

1. Recruit the right team: surround yourself with people who both support and challenge you. This can be a mix of people you work with, friends, family or other colleagues. Pick the RIGHT PEOPLE and you’ll get the RIGHT ENERGY!
2. Create the right environment: figure out where in your office you are most productive. This might be at your desk, in a conference room or the cafeteria. When you need to focus on a task, go to that space to heighten your concentration. If you have less flexibility to move around, envision a FUN WORKSPACE, then CREATE IT!
3. Plan for small successes: “chunk” your projects and goals into short-term objectives. That way, you’ll have little WINS to celebrate along the way.
4. Build rewards into your work plan: celebrate as you achieve your short-term objectives. Remember to value your accomplishments, even as you plan ahead for future endeavors.
5. Do the work: find a way to get started. Start with an aspect of the task that you enjoy or that is simple to complete. Then, work your way up to the less pleasing, more challenging aspects. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be done – “just do it!”

What do you think? Post your questions and comments here, or call into the show TOMORROW at: 866-675-6675.

Sell Yourself into your "Dream Job!"

On the first birthday of Competent AdvantageTM, I’m excited to launch a NEW FEATURE for our online community. Each month, one of my HR colleagues will give us an “inside scoop” on career development and transition strategies.

Our first HR professional to share her views is Karen Robinson, Account Manager with Career Blazers, Inc. Career Blazers offers Temporary Staffing, Legal Staffing and Permanent Placement services to Fortune 500 companies in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

Since January 2003, Karen has managed recruiting for Career Blazers’ premier clients. (Think financial services, advertising, and other leading industries!) Karen describes recruiting as a “puzzle” – the client has one piece, the candidate another. She enjoys helping make the pieces fit together. Blazing her own trail in staffing and recruiting since 1992, Karen knows a thing or two about how to position oneself during a job search or career transition.

Here are Karen’s TOP 10 Suggestions to “Sell Yourself into Your Dream Job!”:

1. Network, network, network – in creative environments so that you can practice telling your story in a relaxed environment.
2. Join and participate in organizations – be active so that you can be noticed for your talents and “competent advantage.TM”
3. Identify the trends and changes in your field of interest.
4. Incorporate visualization into your life. – If you can see it, it will become your reality.
5. Research, research, research – identify competitors, latest news or anything that will give you an “educated edge.”
6. Set goals – daily, weekly and monthly to help you plan ahead.
7. Incorporate time management into everything you do.
8. Have a current reference letter from a former supervisor or someone in upper management that highlights your accomplishments.
9. Go on “Interview Runs” – Seek out opportunities to practice your interviewing skills, especially if you have been out of the market for a while.
10. Once you “land,” spend the first few weeks getting the lay of the land. – Figure out who’s who, how the team works, and how upper management handles team relations.

So, what do YOU think? Have you tried any of these strategies? Which ones have worked best for you?

It's hard to pick the best one, but I rely a lot on # 5 – research. With all of our gadgets and technology, you can stay on top of trends in your industry in so many ways! It’s important during a search or transition to demonstrate how you can add value to an organization (using your skills and competencies). Staying aware of “in-demand” skills in your industry will help you know which previous experiences to highlight in an interview, or what training you might seek to improve your proficiency.

Thanks, again, to Karen for sharing her tips with the Competent AdvantageTM community!

Colette gets “Sirius” about Career Development on March 15th!

SAVE THE DATE!

On Wednesday, March 15th at 6:00 PM Eastern, I’ll be on Martha Stewart Living Radio revealing tips on how to stay motivated during your career exploration.

You will have three ways to ask me questions and share your experiences:

1. CALL IN to the show at 1-866-675-6675
2. POST your question here in the Competent Advantage TM community
3. EMAIL your question to me at info@instepconsulting.com

If I answer your question or share your story on the air, I'll be sure to keep the source confidential unless you tell me otherwise.

If you’re not already a Sirius satellite radio customer, you can sign up for a FREE TRIAL at: http://www.sirius.com/WhatIsIt/TryIt

Hope to chat with you on March 15th!

Competent Advantage will be 1-Year Old NEXT MONTH!

It's hard to believe that the Competent Advantage community began with the first post on March 1, 2005! I'm looking forward to another great year of dialogue and information exchange.

Stay tuned for exciting programs and events to celebrate this milestone! This includes my upcoming feature on Martha Stewart Living Radio!

Take care, Colette

Get Motivated with a Quick Change in Scenery

View of Salt Lake City landscape from The Garden at Temple Square (2/2/2006)

In the Competent Advantage TM workshop, we ask: If you had a completely free day, what would you do?

We ask that you reflect on your "free day fantasies" as a first step to discovering your personal motivators and drives. A key goal of the program is to help you align your role/function with your motivators to create opportunities for career success.

"So, what does this have to do with Salt Lake City?", you may ask. Well, a change in scenery often can be motivational. I had the opportunity to visit Salt Lake yesterday on business. I didn't have a completely "free day;" but, I did have time to enjoy my view of the Wasatch mountain range during my lunch break. I walked away from the trip rejuvenated -- open space and great landscapes just do that for me!

How does this align with my career/business?

1. I am determined to explore ways to develop additional business west of the Mississippi
2. And, I took advantage of a new technology -- mobile blogging -- to share this picture with you!

How will you leverage your "free day fantasies"?

PS -- I sent this message using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless! To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.

Can Pension Plan changes impact your Career Development?

Alcoa recently announced changes to its defined benefit pension plan (no longer will it be offered to new employees beginning March 1, 2006). The plan for new employees will be replaced by a 401(k) plan with defined company contributions and company match of employee contributions. Recent accounting regulation changes suggest that Alcoa will not be alone in making adjustments to company retirement plans.

Not linked to career development, you may think? What does this trend signal for your career?

Employee contributions to retirement and healthcare plans have become the modus operandi for most companies. I’m sure most of us have become quite accustomed to it. However, these aren’t the only HR arenas in which some of the responsibility has been shifted to employees.

Another trend has been the move towards self-directed learning. “What’s that?” you may ask. Well, you may recognize it as e-learning or online courses you can take at your desk, on your laptop or even from your home computer. Or, maybe you have the ability to apply for tuition reimbursement that enables you to continue your education or pursue an advanced degree.

I’m not necessarily debating the pros or cons of self-directed learning (although I’m eager to hear your views). However, this trend strongly suggests you adopt a proactive approach to your career development:

• Make it a point this year to become aware of all learning options (formal and informal) that your organization offers.
• Figure out which ones will be beneficial for your current (or your next) opportunity.
• Create an action-oriented development plan … in other words, “just do it!”

Let 2006 be the year you take charge of your career!

How will you step out of your "comfort zone" in 2006?

New Year’s is a time for both planning and reflecting. In our last post, we mentioned why it’s important to document our career highlights and low-lights. So, now I’m going to challenge you a bit.

What will you do differently in 2006 to advance your career objectives?

Sometimes it’s easy to coast, to take the familiar road on our way to professional success. There’s a somewhat famous expression (I apologize for not being able to reference the source) about the definition of insanity – doing the same thing, in the same way and expecting different results.

What will you do differently? I have a couple of thoughts or ideas – how about:

• Sitting with a new group of people at lunch (which could be a way to expand your network)
• Taking on a leadership role in a professional association (which could create a “safe space” to try out new skills)
• Learning to speak a different language or use new software (which could increase your marketability)

These are just a few examples. What do you have in mind?? Come on, I dare you!

Looking Back on 2005

As you look back on 2005, how would you rate your professional accomplishments?

• What were the highlights? As strange as it may seem, it’s important to take note of things that you did well. Don’t be shy – write them down! Why? Because these descriptions can come in handy later (at your year-end performance review with your manager, or on your next interview with a recruiter). Besides if you don’t write it down, you’ll probably forget subtle details that could make your story that much more compelling.
• What were the low-lights? It’s just as important to keep track of the things that didn’t go quite as well as you would’ve hoped. Why? Having a clear sense of what areas you’d to like improve can help you focus and channel your energies. It also will help you identify the resources you’ll need to make the changes become a reality.

Based on your reflection, what professional goals will you set for 2006?

And, what resources and experiences will you seek to help you accomplish those goals? How about ...

• Classes or training
• Mentors
• New opportunities
• Professional associations
• Trusted advisors

On a personal note, I’d rate my 2005 professional accomplishments a 7 on a scale of 1-10. I was able to achieve some of the goals I set (e.g., developing the InStep Consulting website) and embark on new endeavors I hadn’t even considered, such as launching this blog!

In 2006, I plan to continue expanding the Competent Advantage TM program through the KIP Learning Center, and find new partners to bring more career development resources to this network.

I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas with you in 2006.

Until then, have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

‘Tis the season to be jolly … not for career folly!

So, it’s that time of year again – holiday parties sponsored by your company and/or professional associations. With good sense and foresight, these events can be excellent venues for you to demonstrate your competent advantage.TM

Here are some tips to help you be the "life of the party," but NOT the subject of post-event gossip.

Before the event:

• Get a feel for the mood and expectations for the party. Do people dress up or is business attire more appropriate? Regardless of the official attire, you should always dress to impress.
• Will there be any announcements or formal activities? And, if so, when will they occur? The last thing you want to do is stroll into the room just as your President or CEO is making his/her holiday toast!

During the event:

• Watch your food and alcohol consumption. Have fun, but be careful not to overindulge. This is NOT the party for you to demonstrate how many tequila shots you can drink or how many cocktail shrimp you can eat!
• Take notice of who attends the event. In addition to chatting with coworkers, look for ways to informally connect with managers or executives. It’s not necessarily the place to give a long speech about why you deserve a raise or promotion. However, you should always be prepared to give a 30-second pitch about your role in your organization. Be sensitive to their desire to talk about business. Parties can be great occasions to discuss hobbies and other interests that identify otherwise unknown commonalities.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Take notice of when the party starts to wind down. Why? Well, do you really want to be around when the cater waiters are clearing the tables and putting up chairs? Remember, you don’t have to go home but …

After the event:

• Make sure you have a safe mode of transportation for the evening.
• If you do happen to connect with a new colleague, make an effort to reach out via phone or email within a couple of days. Expanding your network at holiday parties is a great way to leverage your competent advantage.TM
  

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

Have 6 Minutes to Plan for 2006?

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and took advantage of the "early-bird" holiday sales. I'm excited about the upcoming season and the tidings it will bring to all of us in the new year.

There are many ways that we can help you discover your competent advantage. Rather than guess at what those strategies might be, I'm asking for your input.

How will you take your career to the next level in 2006?

Take a moment to complete our brief survey (~6 minutes): http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=350101560332

SIGN UP for Dec. 7 Competent Advantage Workshop

Hi everyone, I hope you have been having a good autumn (although the weather in NYC has been pretty spring-like these days).

For those of you in the New York metropolitan area, I hope you can join me for the next Competent AdvantageTM Workshop, offered via the KIP Learning Center.

When: Wednesday, December 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Where: Midtown New York

Why: You're cool and you want to get a jump start on planning your 2006 career objectives! (besides, midtown is really nice in December with all of the holiday decorations ...)

To view the full course description, check out: http://kipbusinessreport.com/Learning_Center/course_pages/CD-Ellis-CompetentAdv.html

For more information on the workshop location and how to register, contact the KIP Learning Center at (646) 546-5671. Hope to see you there!

JOIN ME: KIP Learning Center Launch Party on October 4 in NYC

Join me for a powerful evening of "moving & shaking" as we celebrate the launch of the KIP Learning Center for Accelerated Business and Personal Growth!

• When: Tuesday, October 4, 2005, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
• Where: Romi's Lounge, 19 Rector Street (@Washington Street), New York
• How: Take 1, 9, N or R trains to Rector Street
• Why: In addition to networking with a fabulous group of professionals, you can find out about the schedule for KLC professional development workshops including What's Your Competent Advantage? TM

TO RSVP: Email: mailto:klclaunch@kiplearningcenter.com OR Call: (646) 546-5671

I hope to see you there!

It's Back to School Time ...

coWe all know what September means -- even if we're not actually in school anymore. It's time to hit the books, so to speak. The hazy, lazy days of summer are over; and it's time to get back on top of our respective games.

I must admit to a little end-of-summer blues myself. However, much as I relished posting audio blogs to you from the beach, I am excited about the new things in store for Fall 2005.

1. COMING SOON: "What's Your Competent Advantage?"TM goes LIVE! I'll be conducting workshops in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the KIP Learning Center. Keep an eye out here or visit their website for dates and registration information.
2. My company is launching a new employee orientation program called Getting Onboard! It's designed to help people like you (as you get new, exciting jobs!) to navigate the waters so you can truly exhibit your skills and talents once hired. Help me to "create a buzz" about the program -- check out the description on our website.

I would be remiss if I did not share my regards and prayers to those who have been affected by Katrina and its aftermath. I know we each are trying to do our part to support and assist. At the bottom right of this site, there is now a direct link to the American Red Cross website.

Not to say that anyone needs additional motivation to assist, but perhaps mobilizing a volunteer effort at one's job or school on behalf of Katrina survivors may be a way to "step out of a comfort zone" to demonstrate one's leadership and project management abilities ... Just a thought.

My best regards to you all!

What Career Suits Your Personality?

I just took the Free Career Test at Simple Minds. Based on my responses to 50-questions, I was given a list of potential careers (see below). Surprisingly, the list includes my current roles as Facilitator & Corporate/Team trainer!

Take the test and let me know if your results are as accurate as mine!

Career Inventory Test Results Extroversion 63% Emotional Stability 43% Orderliness 76% Altruism 70% Inquisitiveness 66% You are a Persuader, possible professions include - entertainer, recruiter, artist, newscaster, writer/journalist, recreation director, librarian, facilitator, politician, psychologist, housing director, career counselor, sales trainer, travel agent, program designer, corporate/team trainer, child welfare worker, social worker (elderly services), interpreter/translator, occupational therapist, executive

Take Free Career Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Tips for Your Job Search

Taking Advantage of Summer

"No Foam" Resumes?

Are you spending too much time at Starbucks during your job search?

Apparently some people are – consider the person who indicated on a resume that s/he graduated “cum latte.” Click here to check out these and other Funniest Resume Bloopers.

Having worked in Training & HR for over 10 years, I’ve had an opportunity to speak with several recruiters. They all say that it’s important to create a positive first impression. In many cases, your first impression comes from your resume and cover letter.

I’d recommend you not only proofread these documents but also have someone else read them. After creating several drafts and making revisions, we often miss errors – the message is clear in our minds, so we may overlook minor mistakes on paper.

Demonstrate your Competent Advantage TM by ensuring that your career gear – resumes, cover letters, portfolios, writing samples, etc. – is accurate and precise.

Are you PROUD of your job?

According to a Harris Interactive poll, the top five professions with the most prestige are:

1. Scientist & Doctor -- 52% (for both)
2. Firefighter & Teacher -- 48% (for both)
3. Military Officer -- 47%
4. Nurse -- 44%
5. Police Officer -- 40%

We're all affected by public perception of ourselves (even if we don't like to admit it). When you go to a networking event or social function, are you excited to tell others about what you do? Do you proudly talk about your company and your role or position?

In the Competent Advantage TM program, we discuss the benefits of aligning your work with your personal drives and motivators. Simply put -- when you're excited about your doing your job, you're more likely to make an effort to do it well. Even if it means you have to learn something new or discover innovative ways to solve your workplace challenges.

We also talk about the importance of Creating a Buzz about what you do. If you're motivated by your job, you're more likely to tell others about it -- be it your manager, colleagues or friends. The buzz starts when people begin to associate you with specific accomplishments. Then, the buzz spreads as they tell MORE people about you, and so on ... Now, you're really humming!

Don't forget to "buzz" us about your career moves via the Competent Advantage TM survey!

What's Your Next Career Move?

I'm interested in learning more about what's on your career horizon. Are you:

• Looking for a new opportunity?
• Thinking about going to graduate school?
• Vying for an internal promotion at your company?

Take a moment to tell me about your next career move.

Click HERE to take the Competent AdvantageTM online survey. It's really short (only 10 questions).

I look forward to hearing from you!