During the past few months, I have been "up in the air" almost every other week. I've been in airports, on airplanes and interacting with fellow airline passengers and airline employees due to business and personal travel. It's amazing what being "up in the air" teaches me about life and leadership. Rather than tuning out familiar phrases I heard on a recent flight, I wrote them down.
1) There are rear and window exits, during an emergency, lights will illuminate to show you the way out.
There can be many solutions to a problem but usually one or two good answers will rise to the top. Don't over-analyze people, processes or plans. Sometimes the answers are simple. When the lights illuminate let go and let God.
2) Fasten your seatbelt...especially during take-off and landing.
Take-off and landing are calculated risks. So plan and prepare for emergencies by doing your part. Just buckle your seatbelt tight and low. Things sometimes go wrong, the unexpected may happen. There's no need to panic if the take-off or landing is a little bumpy. Believe that you are buckled in and ready for turbulence should it occur. Once you're airborne, trust and enjoy the journey.
3) In case of a water landing, use the seat cushion. It's a flotation device.
Many times the resources we need are already around us, we just have to know where to look and understand how to use them. Make sure you have a strong support system. Don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it. Talk out solutions with a few trusted advisors or a mentor. If you remain without the answers or clarity, maybe you just need to float awhile by giving it to God. Don't let pride or ego get in the way. Go ahead float awhile.
4) Put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help others.
Exercise, rest, eat right and be present. It's tough to lead when your body is tired, you have poor eating habits and your mind is overloaded. If you do not take care of your body, it is difficult, if not impossible for you to have a meaninigful impact in your work or in someone else's life. Balance your drive and intensity with self-care. Practice self-care relentlessly. Just move your body daily and breathe intentionally.
5) Be careful when opening the overhead bin. Items placed in the overhead bin may have shifted during flight.
During the journey, change happens. People change. Situations shift. Our responsibilities and priorities change or may be changed by others around us. When things tumble out from the overhead bin, remain calm, use discernment and catch them. Sometimes a good bump on the head wakes us up.
6) You never know who will sit next to you on the flight.
Whether it's people on your team or life circumstances, you cannot control what goes on around you but you can control how you react to it. Don't judge people by external characteristics such as attire or ethnicity. God puts us in certain situations for a reason, we may not always understand the reason. Make every effort to learn all you can from the individual or the situation.
Stephen Covey says, "Every human being has four endowments: self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination." I hope you use them all in your travels through life. How do these familiar phrases apply to you? Do you have others to share? I'd love your comments below...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Forget networking: are you netweaving?
In career services, recruiting and talent acquisition circles, we constantly talk about networking. It's a well worn word and concept. The word networking has been used since the late 1970's. If you conduct a Google search for a definition of "networking" you'll find a minimum of 163,000,000 hits. Even if you refine the search, there are hundreds of thousands of definitions for networking. That's why the idea of networking can be overwhelming for both new college grads and experienced professionals. Most people don't even really know how to network. They tend to envision networking as an awkward meeting involving a stilted,generic conversation followed by a meaningless exchange of a business cards. You can "network" this way and it will be useless.
The most important step in networking is knowing what you "net want." Increasingly, I discuss goal setting,relationship bulding and long term career planning in my interactions with students and clients. The intention of this thought process means that you to take responsibility for the outcome of the effort. Yet, the problem with networking is that it has the word "work" in it. It sounds so daunting. So from this moment forward, I refuse to use that word! I am advising everyone to focus on "netweaving."
Netweaving creates a different mental image and involves a different apporach to building relationships. My definition of netweaving is when like-minded people share expertise,exchange contacts and information while building and renewing rleationships that cross paths through related events, processes and technologies; Netweaving is the effortless use of personal interactions (and technology) to build relationships that lead to positive results for everyone involved. So how does one effectively netweave?
1)What do you net want? First, determine the industry, company or job you plan to pursue and focus on making contacts. No one can help you when you have no idea what you want. Identify, prioritize and target industries, positions and people in your circles. Who do you know, who knows someone in the company, industry or career you want? Do you customize your emails, resume and cover letter for each contact? What do you have to offer? How do you show your personality and professionalism? Are you using all of the features on LinkedIn and Twitter to establish a professional, personal brand? Social media is here to stay. Employers and others will check you out online at a far higher rate than ever before. 80 percent of recruiters say they Google your name, check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn upon receiving a resume or inquiry. What does your digital brand say about you? Are you watching and learning from the trends in your industry or preferred company? LinkedIn has a new "companies" feature. You can now follow companies and learn who has been hired as well as who is leaving an organization. This information allows you to understand more about the business needs, recruitment trends, education and experience levels of new employees. When you meet someone from that company or industry you'll have more information to use as a conversation starter.
2)Ask questions (or for help). If you do not understand an industry or career path ask someone who knows. This might be a career services professional or someone working in the industry or company you want. I am continually amazed by how many people walk around in a stupor of career confusion when help is often closer than you think. There is no need to be embarassed to ask for help. No one expects you know it all. So open your mouth and ASK for the support you need. The best kept secret of netweaving is that people really do want to help you. Make sure you're asking credible individuals and not just your peers or someone who is in your same employment boat. Don't be afraid to show some vulnerability without being overly pitiful or needy. Be sincere and authentic in your interest and the way you ask questions. If you are a recent graduate or in college, start with your alumni association or career services office to ask for basic help. As you meet new people at church or in other social situations ask them what they do, and how they ended up in that career. Many times you will find they are not in the same career they started after graduating from college. And that's okay, it might give you some ideas for a career path. We've all heard it before but community serivce and volunteering are great ways to meet new people while making a difference. What's your cause? What are you personally passionate about? Has some disease touched you or someone in your family? Going green? Missions? Go help other people. It does not have to be to some exotic far away country, it may be in your own neighborhood. Tell your story and ask others about theirs.
3)Use both online and interpersonal communication effectively. I know you've heard this before, but step away from the computer. Netweaving requires you to meet people and have face to face conversations with them. Be interesting and be interested in others. With a few well-placed questions you can listen more than you talk. When someone asks you to send a resume or information on your expertise, remember the person may be reading it from a Blackberry or iPhone so keep it short. Not just the length of the page, but the words across the page too. Avoid too many attachments. The cover letter is the body of the email. Make it easy for the person recieving your communication. It's easy to rely only on LinkedIn, Twitter or even Facebook to search for contacts and information. While I strongly suggest LinkedIn and Twitter as excellent netweaving tools, you must make personal contact. Ask for a short meeting or offer to share your expertise in person over coffee or lunch. Remember, to consider community service and other volunteer opportunities as a way to meet more people and give back. Try to have a personal contact once a week (at a minimum) for the purpose of discussing your career, helping someone else or developing a job search strategy.
4) Do I give up too easily? When netweaving avoid giving up if you don't get immediate, positive responses. If you do find someone who is genuinely interested in netweaving with you, do you follow up appropriately? The Wall Street Journal recently reported that there are a minimum of six people applying for every one job opening. Recruiters, hiring managers and professional contacts are all very busy. Check in with them 1-2 weeks after meeting them or sending an inquiry via email, resume or application. Avoid asking, did you get my information? Consider asking, is there any other information I can provide? Remind them of what you have to offer but focus more on your passion/knowledge for the industry or desire to help the organization reach its goals. Don't stalk a contact but find a balance between calling and sending electronic messages every week until you get an answer or new directions. Always thank people for taking time to speak with you or by email. Yes, politeness still matters. The reality of netweaving is that the threads of the touchpoints you make may not stitch together as easily or as quickly as you'd like. It may take anywhere from 6-9 months to weave the right relationships.
I believe we all have a calling and purpose. The hope is that we find a career where our day-to-day work and life's purpose align. We all seek to find that alignment. That complex tapestry takes time and thought to explore, but it's possible to tap into it. It's called netweaving. Start now...always give to others and a little bit of prayer never hurts either! Jeremiah 29:11
The most important step in networking is knowing what you "net want." Increasingly, I discuss goal setting,relationship bulding and long term career planning in my interactions with students and clients. The intention of this thought process means that you to take responsibility for the outcome of the effort. Yet, the problem with networking is that it has the word "work" in it. It sounds so daunting. So from this moment forward, I refuse to use that word! I am advising everyone to focus on "netweaving."
Netweaving creates a different mental image and involves a different apporach to building relationships. My definition of netweaving is when like-minded people share expertise,exchange contacts and information while building and renewing rleationships that cross paths through related events, processes and technologies; Netweaving is the effortless use of personal interactions (and technology) to build relationships that lead to positive results for everyone involved. So how does one effectively netweave?
1)What do you net want? First, determine the industry, company or job you plan to pursue and focus on making contacts. No one can help you when you have no idea what you want. Identify, prioritize and target industries, positions and people in your circles. Who do you know, who knows someone in the company, industry or career you want? Do you customize your emails, resume and cover letter for each contact? What do you have to offer? How do you show your personality and professionalism? Are you using all of the features on LinkedIn and Twitter to establish a professional, personal brand? Social media is here to stay. Employers and others will check you out online at a far higher rate than ever before. 80 percent of recruiters say they Google your name, check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn upon receiving a resume or inquiry. What does your digital brand say about you? Are you watching and learning from the trends in your industry or preferred company? LinkedIn has a new "companies" feature. You can now follow companies and learn who has been hired as well as who is leaving an organization. This information allows you to understand more about the business needs, recruitment trends, education and experience levels of new employees. When you meet someone from that company or industry you'll have more information to use as a conversation starter.
2)Ask questions (or for help). If you do not understand an industry or career path ask someone who knows. This might be a career services professional or someone working in the industry or company you want. I am continually amazed by how many people walk around in a stupor of career confusion when help is often closer than you think. There is no need to be embarassed to ask for help. No one expects you know it all. So open your mouth and ASK for the support you need. The best kept secret of netweaving is that people really do want to help you. Make sure you're asking credible individuals and not just your peers or someone who is in your same employment boat. Don't be afraid to show some vulnerability without being overly pitiful or needy. Be sincere and authentic in your interest and the way you ask questions. If you are a recent graduate or in college, start with your alumni association or career services office to ask for basic help. As you meet new people at church or in other social situations ask them what they do, and how they ended up in that career. Many times you will find they are not in the same career they started after graduating from college. And that's okay, it might give you some ideas for a career path. We've all heard it before but community serivce and volunteering are great ways to meet new people while making a difference. What's your cause? What are you personally passionate about? Has some disease touched you or someone in your family? Going green? Missions? Go help other people. It does not have to be to some exotic far away country, it may be in your own neighborhood. Tell your story and ask others about theirs.
3)Use both online and interpersonal communication effectively. I know you've heard this before, but step away from the computer. Netweaving requires you to meet people and have face to face conversations with them. Be interesting and be interested in others. With a few well-placed questions you can listen more than you talk. When someone asks you to send a resume or information on your expertise, remember the person may be reading it from a Blackberry or iPhone so keep it short. Not just the length of the page, but the words across the page too. Avoid too many attachments. The cover letter is the body of the email. Make it easy for the person recieving your communication. It's easy to rely only on LinkedIn, Twitter or even Facebook to search for contacts and information. While I strongly suggest LinkedIn and Twitter as excellent netweaving tools, you must make personal contact. Ask for a short meeting or offer to share your expertise in person over coffee or lunch. Remember, to consider community service and other volunteer opportunities as a way to meet more people and give back. Try to have a personal contact once a week (at a minimum) for the purpose of discussing your career, helping someone else or developing a job search strategy.
4) Do I give up too easily? When netweaving avoid giving up if you don't get immediate, positive responses. If you do find someone who is genuinely interested in netweaving with you, do you follow up appropriately? The Wall Street Journal recently reported that there are a minimum of six people applying for every one job opening. Recruiters, hiring managers and professional contacts are all very busy. Check in with them 1-2 weeks after meeting them or sending an inquiry via email, resume or application. Avoid asking, did you get my information? Consider asking, is there any other information I can provide? Remind them of what you have to offer but focus more on your passion/knowledge for the industry or desire to help the organization reach its goals. Don't stalk a contact but find a balance between calling and sending electronic messages every week until you get an answer or new directions. Always thank people for taking time to speak with you or by email. Yes, politeness still matters. The reality of netweaving is that the threads of the touchpoints you make may not stitch together as easily or as quickly as you'd like. It may take anywhere from 6-9 months to weave the right relationships.
I believe we all have a calling and purpose. The hope is that we find a career where our day-to-day work and life's purpose align. We all seek to find that alignment. That complex tapestry takes time and thought to explore, but it's possible to tap into it. It's called netweaving. Start now...always give to others and a little bit of prayer never hurts either! Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, May 7, 2010
5 Traits of Authentic Leaders
Throughout my career, I have been in roles where I've been asked to implement change and lead teams of people who don't report to me on the organizational chart. I've had to create, motivate and implement plans without having the direct power to hold individuals accountable for the lack of measurable results or for resisting change that would benefit the organizational mission. From financial services to academia, implementing change is not easy and requires an authentic style of leadership. Being able to motivate is important, but the ability to affect change and see measurable results without the power a title sometimes holds requires clarity, alignment and inspiration.
The authentic leader finds a way to connect the mission, vision and project to the hearts and minds of individuals at every level in the organization. In corporations and academic institutions, I believe people are starving for authentic leaders. I've given some thought to the top five traits of authentic leaders that I've observed and seek to model:
1) Dream big dreams. Authentic leaders are typically visionaries. They see beyond the current predicament or situation. They believe that greater things have yet to be done and positive change is possible through hard work. They are realistic enough to see data, cultures and behaviors as influencers, but these are not roadblocks. They have hope for a the future and try to inspire that hope in others. They seek to methodically implement positive change with a view toward what is possible using data, strategic plannign and calculated risk taking.
2) Have strong values. Authentic leaders tend to demonstrate high moral character, integrity and belief in something greater than themselves. The authentic leader's core values are mainly seen, and sometimes heard. They are noble, trustworthy, fair and compassionate in decision-making. They may have motivational sayings or quotes displayed in their office. The authentic leader may attend church regularly or is part of a strong faith /spiritual community.
3) Seek to improve self first. An authentic leader knows they have weaknesses. They may read books on leadership or attend workshops for continuous learning in their area of expertise. They tend to work hard but exercise and try to make time to take care of themselves. They rest when they are tired and encourage others to do the same. They try to eat right, maintain a healthy appearance and connect to a strong support system. They recognize they are not perfect but accept it as an opportunity to grow.
4) Show courage. Being an authentic leader requires courage. Sometimes the authentic leader must speak the truth in a change resistant environment. They are often good communicators and presenters. The authentic leader knows how to address problems through honest, direct, consistent communication. They are not hurtful, just honest. And not everyone is ready for that, so the authentic leader may not be the most popular or well-liked, but they speak their truth in love anyway. The authentic leader even has colleagues or mentors who don't always agree with them but will encourage the disagreement and healthy resolution to it. The authentic leader will always try do what is right, even when it is unpopular.
5) Seek to leave a legacy. The authentic leader sees their work as bigger than themselves. Their work may be viewed as a calling rather than a just a career. They want to touch lives of people they haven't met. They want to leave a place better than they found it. They embrace changing times and trends but hold on to enduring core values. Authentic leaders have no doubt that they want others want to catch the spark and light the flame for years to come. They want the future to be more streamlined, simplified but always better for the next generation.
Emily Dickinson describes the authentic leader best:I dwell in possibility, a fairer house than prose. More numerous of windows, superior for doors. Of chambers as the cedars, impregnable of eye. And for an everlasting roof, the gambrels of the sky. Of visitors the fairest. For occupation this: the spreading wide my narrow hands to gather paradise.
Finally, Kierkegaard, describes the passion of the authentic leader:
If I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for passionate sense of what can be, for the eye which ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating...as possibility?
Do you know an authentic leader? What traits have you observed in an authentic leader? Leave your comments below...
The authentic leader finds a way to connect the mission, vision and project to the hearts and minds of individuals at every level in the organization. In corporations and academic institutions, I believe people are starving for authentic leaders. I've given some thought to the top five traits of authentic leaders that I've observed and seek to model:
1) Dream big dreams. Authentic leaders are typically visionaries. They see beyond the current predicament or situation. They believe that greater things have yet to be done and positive change is possible through hard work. They are realistic enough to see data, cultures and behaviors as influencers, but these are not roadblocks. They have hope for a the future and try to inspire that hope in others. They seek to methodically implement positive change with a view toward what is possible using data, strategic plannign and calculated risk taking.
2) Have strong values. Authentic leaders tend to demonstrate high moral character, integrity and belief in something greater than themselves. The authentic leader's core values are mainly seen, and sometimes heard. They are noble, trustworthy, fair and compassionate in decision-making. They may have motivational sayings or quotes displayed in their office. The authentic leader may attend church regularly or is part of a strong faith /spiritual community.
3) Seek to improve self first. An authentic leader knows they have weaknesses. They may read books on leadership or attend workshops for continuous learning in their area of expertise. They tend to work hard but exercise and try to make time to take care of themselves. They rest when they are tired and encourage others to do the same. They try to eat right, maintain a healthy appearance and connect to a strong support system. They recognize they are not perfect but accept it as an opportunity to grow.
4) Show courage. Being an authentic leader requires courage. Sometimes the authentic leader must speak the truth in a change resistant environment. They are often good communicators and presenters. The authentic leader knows how to address problems through honest, direct, consistent communication. They are not hurtful, just honest. And not everyone is ready for that, so the authentic leader may not be the most popular or well-liked, but they speak their truth in love anyway. The authentic leader even has colleagues or mentors who don't always agree with them but will encourage the disagreement and healthy resolution to it. The authentic leader will always try do what is right, even when it is unpopular.
5) Seek to leave a legacy. The authentic leader sees their work as bigger than themselves. Their work may be viewed as a calling rather than a just a career. They want to touch lives of people they haven't met. They want to leave a place better than they found it. They embrace changing times and trends but hold on to enduring core values. Authentic leaders have no doubt that they want others want to catch the spark and light the flame for years to come. They want the future to be more streamlined, simplified but always better for the next generation.
Emily Dickinson describes the authentic leader best:I dwell in possibility, a fairer house than prose. More numerous of windows, superior for doors. Of chambers as the cedars, impregnable of eye. And for an everlasting roof, the gambrels of the sky. Of visitors the fairest. For occupation this: the spreading wide my narrow hands to gather paradise.
Finally, Kierkegaard, describes the passion of the authentic leader:
If I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for passionate sense of what can be, for the eye which ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating...as possibility?
Do you know an authentic leader? What traits have you observed in an authentic leader? Leave your comments below...
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
4 Reasons to blog during job search
Check out my article:4 Reasons to blog during a job search...click on the headline above to read. I welcome your comments!
http://www.examiner.com/x-29169-Jackson-Job-Search-Examiner~y2010m5d4-5-Reasons-to-Blog-While-Searching-for-a-Job
http://www.examiner.com/x-29169-Jackson-Job-Search-Examiner~y2010m5d4-5-Reasons-to-Blog-While-Searching-for-a-Job
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