Libraries Exposed

I visit my local library often.  I enjoy reading, but I also like the idea of putting my property taxes to work – free DVD rentals, audiobooks online, newspapers, references, etc.  The list is virtually endless.  A couple weeks ago, I went to borrow a couple DVD’s, and I saw a flyer for free resume critiques, interview assistance, and one-on-one career advice.  I couldn’t believe this was being offered for free.  Given the rise in unemployment, certain towns/cities are offering these services for free.  This was a service I was willing to pay for, but I submitted my resume for review, and they gave some great feedback.

So visit your local library periodically to see what’s being offered.  You won’t be disappointed.

Daphne R.
www.careercougar.com

The Career Journey Never Ends

I recently visited the New Canaan Cats website which focuses on assisting displaced workers/employed individuals who are looking for a career change.   The group meets monthly and invites career professionals to speak and educate on the job/career search process.

I went through the “Self Assessment” process  that the group recommended including the following steps:

1.  Review Your Resume
2. Identify Things You Really Like to Do
3. Determine How You Make a Difference
4. Study Your Personal Characteristics
5. Review Your Values
6. Understand Your Preferred Work Environment
7. Identify and Analyze Your Accomplishments
8. Consider Psychological Testing and Feedback
9. Analyze and Plan for Your Financial Needs

It may sound rudimentary but give it a chance.  I’ve completed steps 1 – 3 so far, and I’ve really learned what I mostly enjoyed in previous positions and areas that I can best contribute to an organization.  Step 10, in my opinion, should be “spread the word”.  The point of all of this self reflection is to ultimately reach your goals.  The only way you’re going to do that is to tell people what you are looking for in your current or next position.

Recently, I was offered an opportunity within my organization that I was initally excited about.  After I began exploring the steps mentioned above, I began to know why that little voice in my head was there.  I was excited that someone was interested in me, but I was not excited about the position as it does not speak to my need for running my own projects and being accountable for results.  I’d rather lead than be in a support position, and as I looked over previous positions (along with my projects and accomplishments), I saw that I was always eager to take lead on projects.

Recently, another opportunity has surfaced, and I was able to communicate exactly what I was looking for in a position.  I was also able to distinguish my core skills and say, “This is what I have to offer…these are my greatest strengths…and here is how I could contribute to your organization”.

I highly recommend this free website with great career advice from seasoned professionals.  I met a few of them once before, and I was really impressed with the advice that they gave.

New Canaan Cats Career Asseessment
I look forward to hearing your feedback .
Daphne R.
www.careercougar.com

What Makes A Good Boss?

I’ve noticed recently that many people are researching bosses. People seem to be in a predicament where they aren’t willing to leave their jobs due to security but also want bosses that they can get along with. I suppose a good boss is relative, but based on my experiences, I’d like to share traits about good leaders that I’ve seen inspire their people to do their best:

1. Straightforwardness

2. Clearly communicates expectations, vision and goals

3. Seeks input from subordinates

4. Willingness to roll up sleeves and work like their employees

5. Expresses confidence in their employees

6. Keep things positive in tight situations

7. Look for ways to develop employee talent

8. Encourage employees and look for employees’ positive attributes

9. Flexible & truly open to new ideas

10. Institute systems to help employees be successful in their jobs

11. Has a sincere interest in developing employees

12. Willingness to challenge the status quo

13.  Appreciative of employees’ efforts

In your experiences, what traits do you associate with a good boss?

Daphne Robinson
www.careercougar.com

What Leadership Is All About

Recently, I attended a seminar where Rudy Giuliani spoke.  He stated that whether you’re selling a product or your selling yourself, you have to believe in it.  He stated that people should acknowledge and understand their weaknesses (especially when they are in leadership positions of any kind).  He didn’t say understand your weaknesses and use them as excuses for not accepting/taking on new challenges.

He advised that leaders should find people who complement their weaknesses.  For example, I was speaking with a senior manager in my company, and he admitted something that most managers do not.  He stated that, when it comes to details, he gets bogged down and he makes mistakes.  He is more of a big picture/strategic person, yet he found someone in another department that was willing to support his vision and initiative for the company.

Although this person did not work for this manager, he was able to inspire and motivate her to support his goals.  This person was analytical and had excellent attention to detail.

Can you identify your weaknesses?  Can you identify someone who complements you?

D. Robinson
www.careercougar.com

Be Careful of the Advice You Take

Today I watched a video about celebrities and advice that they had received early on in life. For example, did you know that one of the all time comedians of all time was turned down from drama school? That person was Lucille Ball. This gentleman was kicked off of his basketball team. He went home and wept after being rejected. That person is Michael Jordan. This man experienced failure after failure and his fiancé died prior to their wedding. This gentleman was the famed politician, Abraham Lincoln. Others such as Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas Edison and many others had many people tell them that they were not good enough or simply could not succeed.

Can you relate? Did someone tell you early on in life that you were not smart enough, handsome enough or strong enough? Do you tell yourself that at times? If you do, reading stories/autobiographies about people like these can be one way to give you a boost to take your career (and any other endeavors) to the next level.

Daphne Robinson
www.careercougar.com

Do You Have an Ungrateful Boss?

Ever work for someone who is only concerned about making their life easier? Do they only care about what makes them look good? Do they “throw you under the bus” to keep from taking responsibility for mistakes?

Network Your Way to the Career of Your Dreams (Part II)

This is an update to an entry on June 18th regarding a friend who was fed up with his current work situation. He was looking to make a change in both his career and geographical location. He posted his resume online to no avail.

The Power of Relationships

I’m currently reading the book, Who’s Got Your Back, by Keith Ferrazzi.   Keith’s basis is that people inherently need (and even crave) human connection.  He states, “Let’s get something straight:  The concept of reaching out to others for support isn’t about changing who you are.  It’s about enlisting the help and advice of others to help you become who you can be”.

Ever Get Overwhelmed?

Today I was at work doing my normal routine. All of a sudden, I began thinking about everything that’s wrong with my life…I’m not a millionaire, my career path is not quite clear, I haven’t finished painting my apartment, I haven’t changed my the oil in my car, etc. All I could think about is what goals I have not reached in my finances, in my career, in my relationships, and in my home. I was pretty down in the dumps and anxious at the same time.

I noticed that I periodically get into this sort of thinking…what’s missing in my life instead of what’s possible.

A Good Boss is Hard to Find (by Guest Blogger & Author, Karen Burns)

First off all, I want to give kudos to Karen Burns for writing “The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use“.   This book provides relevant, fun and practical advice for anyone at any level in their careers.  I also like it because I don’t have to read it in any particular order, and I still get great tips that work for my non-sequitir brain.  So pick up a copy, dive in, and have fun.  With that being said, Karen has done me the honor of being a guest blogger on www.careercougar.com.   Karen has provided some really great points on what makes a good boss…Enjoy!