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Your 2014 headline

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Older gentleman (2)

My late 95 year old grannie came close to falling off her rocking chair at Christmas. A plate of mince pies nearly became flying saucers. The culprit was a question.

The question I asked was:

“What are the top 10 highlights of your life so far?

Her no 1 life highlight was being proposed to on Waterloo Bridge – sweet!

The question I asked her is a BIG question, isn’t it? I mean there’s incisive questions and there’s incisive questions.

Open incisive questions are useful for purposeful refection, ideal in a full-on world.

The slowing pace after Christmas and before New Year is a good time to reflect, ask yourself big questions and plan.

I start by going through my diary and remembering what I have done and then reflecting to mine useful insights and plan actions.

This is the first of a series of 3 seasonal blogs to help you do this.

#week1 – headlines

Question for you.

What headline best sums up your 2014?

Here’s some examples:

• Fought tooth and nail for fair budgets and recognition
• Drowned in a sea of overwhelm and procrastination
• Lost time mindlessly doing social media
• Clung on by the skin of her teeth
• Quit the rat race
• Built a foundation for future success
• Created a portfolio career
• Became self employed
• Pushed out his comfort zone
• Had a life changing paradigm shift
• Played safe and stayed put

What would your headline for 2014 be?

A final 2 questions:

What would you like your headline to be for 2015?

What steps will you take to create this?

For more insights and tips, follow us on twitter:

https://twitter.com/talentliberator

“The future depends on what you do today” Mahatma Gandhi.

Wasted at work

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Fed up woman with pile of paper at desk

My eyes opened more widely recently, more than usual, and I am not talking mascara.

It was a discussion in a workshop of high growth microbusinesses about waste.

Waste is everywhere, sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden until you shine a light on it.

Common waste includes:

• Having a gym membership and not using it
• Buying too much food and throwing it away
• Meetings with no agenda where nothing is decided
• Houses where nobody lives when many are homeless
• Procrastination because of fear and worry
• Lack of focus when spreading yourself thinly
• Queuing – for anything
• Cars on the move with one passenger stuck in a traffic jam
• Energy worrying about things you can’t influence

A lot of the time, waste in many situations is preventable or reducible.

What is your biggest waste?

What is it costing you? Time, money, potential?

Waste of talent in business and in careers is scarily common too:

• Talented mothers leaving careers because of inflexible working practices
• Employees feeling disengaged because their skills are being underutilised or promotion prospects blocked
• Graduates doing a menial job because there can’t get one of a higher level
• Cruising in a dead end job because of lack of confidence or fear of change
What would you add?

No wonder self-employment and portfolio careers are growing!

Research recently got my brain ticking over faster than a lawnmower’s first outing in Spring. Employee churn is reducing, employee engagement reducing, stress increasing, trust in management declining.

So where are the policies for job redesign, where do portfolio careers fit in workforce planning? Where are the career conversations around an individual’s values? From the outside looking in, hasn’t the world of work as we know it passed its sell-by date?

Do you feel your talent is being wasted, for whatever reason?

If so, isn’t it time we talked? My job is a talent liberator; I do what it says on the tin. Get in touch. rachel@liberateyourtalent.com

For more insights and tips, follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/talentliberator

“It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
Ella Fitzgerald

A ‘waste of time’ is in the eye of the beholder

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Woman juggling clocks

What is ‘a waste of time’ and who decides?

I went to an interesting workshop this week about ‘achieving more for less.’ A catchy phrase for efficiency and effectiveness and how to waste less time. Big trend that one in business as I am sure you have noticed, and sometimes a short term myopic one.

As someone who works pretty expediently thanks to a super organised family gene, a portfolio career + Stephen Covey’s book ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’ being the closest I get to a bible, I was very hungry to gobble up more tips.

I remember having a battle with a home/office organiser who I commissioned to ‘sort me out’ when I moved from London to Oxfordshire 7 years ago. Apparently unbeknown to me, I had a very ‘creative’ filing system = new insight!

Super office organiser tried to browbeat me into having a big household bin near to the back door so I wouldn’t have far to take it to the dustbin and not empty it very often. No. No no no. I dug my heels in and we had a standoff.

I was really frustrated that she didn’t take time to ask me questions and understand my needs but instead imposed her map of the bin and rubbish emptying world onto me. I explained that I preferred a smaller bin that was emptied more often located further away from the back door so that:

a) I didn’t trip over it and end up in A&E
b) It was less likely to smell as it was emptied more often
c) I had more trips to the dustbin = exercise & escaping from my PC.

She acquiesced. I was the client after all.

So ‘a waste of time’ IS in the eye of the beholder and stakeholder. The currencies of ‘waste’ are diverse aren’t they? Money, time, energy, sleep, thinking, relaxation, chat, rubbish et al.

A lot of other things have benefits when another person e.g. your boss might perceive it as ‘a waste of time’. My afternoon naps aren’t a waste of time; they make me more productive afterwards.

Creatives need space, percolation and varied stimulus to spark off an award winning idea. Others observing them might think they are doing nothing but a lot of chewing pencils, staring into space and drinking wine and coffee.

I spend a lot of time thinking, reading & writing sitting on trains = very productive. E.g. I chose to go to St Austell recently for its 11 hour return journey for thinking and planning and to hit some key deadlines.

So what time are you wasting or is it just how you or others are perceiving it?
What 1 change would make all the difference for you?

One change I am going to make following the workshop is halving the amount of reading I optimistically take to London, fail to read and lug around before bringing it back. But then again, maybe I won’t because it’s an alternative to weights in the gym.

So what is the moral of this story and is there one? I guess it goes back to good old marketing principles – find out your client’s needs and don’t make assumptions.

If you would like a free copy of:

‘How to do absolutely nothing’ (which I might re-name)
‘Addiction to busyness’
‘The danger of making assumptions’

e mail me at rachel@liberateyourtalent.com

PS We do gift vouchers which make a practical and thoughtful Christmas present. Please ask for details.

For more insights and tips, follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/talentliberator

Finally if you are twiddling your thumbs today, I found this web site sharing links to Pointless sites so you can waste some time.
http://www.pointlesssites.com/showcase.asp

Hope is not a strategy – part 2

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To do hand written checklist

The world of work is changing fast. Are you ready for it?

Here are 6 trends from a digest of a MPF trends seminar I attended recently by Rohit Talwar of Fast Future. @fastfuture This blog is the second in a series about world trends and how they will affect the world of work and business.

• Change the Board agenda: Most businesses focus on 1 year, so changing the order of items covered on a Board meeting’s agenda is a simple way to get management thinking, planning and having conversations for the longer term

• Up technology spend to compete: Businesses need to up their spend on technology e.g. typically companies spend about 1-3% of budgets on technology whereas disruptive small businesses are spending about 30%

• Build employer brand: Businesses need to be created so that they attract talent to choose to work there

• Reinvent business DNA: Businesses need to create a new game and think about how they can recreate their ‘DNA’

• The new business way: New style firms have a clear ‘spine’; a) technology will become the core of the firm, b) project and business management will be separated, c) expertise will be used to serve clients and also other firms

• SMEs and technology create disruption: Technology and hungry, nimble entrepreneurial market entrants are eating away at the heartland of traditional slow moving business and firms

How will these trends affect you?

What’s your first step to reflect on this?

To follow Fast Future on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fastfuture

For more insights and tips to help you liberate ALL of your talent, follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/talentliberator

PS We do gift vouchers – they make an ideal present to reflect, take stock, plan and make your career future-proof. Get in touch. #savesshoeleather

Hope is not a strategy

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Globe of world in Oyster shell

The world of work is changing fast. Are you ready for it?

Here are 6 trends from a digest of a MPF trends seminar I attended recently by Rohit Talwar of Fast Future. @fastfuture

• Old style businesses could become extinct: There is a big ‘clash’ between the old and new worlds. This is magnified for traditional businesses and where technology is changing fast/creating disruption

• Change and uncertainty is certain: Accelerated speed of change with uncertainty the new ‘normal’

• Quality thinking a must: To succeed, firms and businesses need to create time and a structure for thinking

• Danger of stress inhibiting clarity of thought: Stress of downturn pressures has created fatigue – can affect clarity of thought/decision making when quality thinking is becoming more vital

• Plans with 3 timeframes: Three different timeframes need to be considered for businesses to stay ahead; longer term ‘radar’ (4-10 years), medium term vision (3 years), short term – clear goals for 12 months

• Diverse minds needed in tandem: Different individuals and mind/skill sets are needed to be responsible for these 3 different timeframes and issues

How will these trends affect you?

What’s your first step to reflect on this?

To follow Fast Future on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fastfuture

For more insights and tips to help you liberate ALL of your talent, follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/talentliberator

10 pros of a career portfolio

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a life (2)

Portfolio careers are growing fast – because of need and want. More information below if this is a new concept for you.

http://liberateyourtalent.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/could-a-portfolio-career-make-you-dance/

A career portfolio or portfolio career has many pros. I have thought of over 70. Here are 10 of mine for now:

1. Doing what I want
2. No week ever the same
3. Always learning
4. Planning my own tasks around the sunny weather
5. The ability to be spontaneous
6. Taking a day off if I feel like it
7. Avoiding rush hour
8. Avoiding queues and busy times in shops
9. The variety and stimulation of varied work
10. Getting better value train fares from travelling off peak

What would be your biggest pro?

For more insights and tips, follow us on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/talentliberator

Below are two analogies for managing your career portfolio:

Comparing a portfolio career to Doctor Who:

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/comment/columnists/doctor-who-and-the-portfolio-career/2016469.article

Managing a portfolio career like investments

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/manage-your-career-just-like-an-investment-portfolio/articleshow/44913756.cms

Are you plural or singular?
http://www.harveynash.com/uk/news-and-media/publications/portfolio_careers_the_business_of_pluralism.asp

Who’s marketing you?

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Brand you
Do you hate marketing yourself?

Many people do especially women; it makes them feel very uncomfortable. With more competition for jobs and the trend to freelance and portfolio working growing apace, marketing yourself is something that cannot be ignored.

Rather than write lots of words, I thought you would appreciate some questions to ponder.

Here they are:

My desired outcome from marketing myself is …………..

I dislike/resist marketing myself because……………….

Ways I currently/historically have avoided marketing myself are ……………..

Ideas to market myself that feel more comfortable to me are ………..

The top 3 key stakeholders to my career success are ………………

1
2
3

Three S.M.A.R.T. actions I will take to market myself are ……………

1
2
3

If you found these questions, just imagine how useful coaching would be to help you market yourself.

For more useful insights and tips, follow us on Twitter.

Indirectisms of the Brits Part 1 ………..

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English is known to be a confusing language to Foreigners because English people do not always say what they mean – they wear a ‘mask’. I am the only very direct member in a family who are very indirect/covert! This can be challenging & frustrating in the ‘communication department’!

The other day I caught up with a contact on the phone. When I asked them how their job was going, they replied: “It has its challenges.” Translation – “It’s a b******* nightmare!”

This got me thinking about verbal padding and how the British rarely say what they really mean and feel and what phrases they say.

This blog, Part 1, is a light-hearted look at the phrases that are used at work. What are your favourites?

“Your dedication has not gone unnoticed.” (but won’t be rewarded)

“I don’t know where we would be without you.” (in a better position, I’d imagine)

“It’s been really helpful you challenging our thinking.” (now get back in your box where you belong, you minion)

“You are a very valuable member of the team.” (but you’re on the redundancy list as your brilliance makes the management feel threatened)

“Would you excuse me?” (I have far too many important matters to attend to, to grace you with my presence)

“I understand what you are saying.” (I really don’t know what you are banging on about)

“You have my backing.” (you’re on your own mate!)

“I hear what you say.” (and will ignore it and do what I planned in the first place)

“The decision had nothing to do with me.” (I chose the knife, stabbed it in your back and twisted it)

“You can be completely frank with me.” (but only if I like what you say)

“Just between you and me.” (and the rest of the office)

“Do you have a moment?” (you’re sacked)

“This won’t take long.” (just longer than it needs to because I haven’t prepared)

“Is it a convenient time to call?” (I want to speak now whether it suits you or not)

“It’s been a pleasure.” (not)

“We have a no-blame culture here.” (your card is marked)

“I love the new look.” (you look like a dog’s dinner)

How are you creating some sunshine in August?

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Growing sunflowers (Better Business)

August is a great time to catch up with yourself!

Stephen Covey who wrote the classic book ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’ talks about the importance of blocking out time in your diary for ‘important not urgent’ tasks.

He defines important not urgent tasks as:

• Preparation
• Prevention
• Planning
• Relationship building
• Empowerment
• Self-awareness, learning, exploration & development
• Learning new skills
• Creative thinking
• Networking
• Prioritisation
• Training & development
• Exercise

People are naturally better at some of these and less so at others.

What are your goals for each of these areas? Do you block out time in your diary for these things? Most people don’t. They spend most of their time reacting, fire fighting and chasing their tail!

Why not choose August to create some new habits?

Ask yourself these questions and score yourself out of 100% for these key effective habits:

1. How good am I at managing time well and prioritising tasks for maximum results?
2. How good am I at marketing myself in a relevant, consistent and targeted way?
3. How good am I creating better systems, healthy habits and behaviours?
4. How good am I at developing my skills/knowledge to stay one step ahead?
5. How good am I at reflecting, planning, refocusing and follow up?
6. How good am I at setting compelling goals with plans to achieve them?
7. How good am I at creating and building key relationships to help me grow personally and professionally?

If your total core is less than 400, coaching would be very beneficial indeed to protect your current work position and ensure you are planning your future with more competition. If your score is 400-650, coaching would help you to achieve excellent results faster than you can do alone.

The world of work is changing REALLY fast at the moment and there is less time to do these things but they are becoming more important to create a secure long term future for yourself.

Important not urgent things to do in August:

5 tasks I am focusing on this month are:

• Catching up on sleep and de-weeding the allotment
• Reducing the paper mountain that has built up over a few months of writing and doing events
• Identifying and removing the cause of annoying ‘niggles’
• Reviewing my technology
• Mapping key systems and processes to streamline them

Here are 6 more ideas for creating some sunshine in August:

1. Reflect on your achievements and learnings from the last 3 months
2. Review your career strategy
3. Tag your LinkedIn connections
4. Update your CV
5. Follow more followers on Twitter
6. Research networking and training events for the Autumn

Follow us on Twitter for more insights & tips:
https://twitter.com/talentliberator

Review our client testimonials:
http://liberateyourtalent.wordpress.com/energise-client-testimonials/

View our LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/energiseliberateyourtalent

Get in touch if you are ready to explore coaching with us. Thanks!

Yes, But, But, But …………..

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Making a career change can feel as big a decision as choosing a life partner and whether to have a baby. That’s big.

To achieve a successful career change, you need to overcome the ‘buts’. A career change can seem like a huge mountain in front of you to climb. Part of my job as a talent liberator is to be your Sherpa.

Cartoon 14 Career Ladder

I was reflecting recently on what ‘Buts’ come up often with my clients:

* Lack of time to think and make a change

* Feel burdened by the weight of responsibility e.g. as the main breadwinner

* How a change will affect future plans and choices e.g. having another baby

* Fear of the unknown

* Finding something that fits you and is fulfilling

* Getting a lucky break and for a potential employer to see the value you bring

* Fear of making a bad decision and regretting a change

* Believing that a change means you have to go to the bottom of the ladder

* Fear of losing financial security and feeling vulnerable

Sound familiar?

7 Tips to overcome career change ‘buts’

1) Design security into your change

2) Set up a savings account to fund a career break, retrain or financial cushion for peace of mind

3) Keep the faith – be persistent

4) Make time to get clear on what you want

5) Create your own luck – be proactive

6) Fill the gap – information, especially for lawyers, provides clarity and reduces fear

7) Block out time every week so you make progress

What tips would you add?

What next?

The quieter summer months are the perfect time to think about your career and what you really want.

Imagine returning to work in September clear about what change you want to make and how you will achieve it.

A fast track career coaching programme could enable you to achieve it. Act today – get in touch:

http://careerstrategies.co.uk/careercoaching/what-next/

To follow us on Twitter,
https://twitter.com/talentliberator