His presentation was all about finding your why.  Your purpose in life.  What you are passionate about.  So many of my clients often struggle with this or have never even thought about it.

I found my why once upon a time when I could not see the woods for the trees. And then suddenly it occurred to me – I help people connect with themselves, help people reinvent themselves and in turn help them make new connections – this could be a new job, new idea or just a new way of thinking.

The most powerful part of Simon’s presentation was talking about the golden circle.  This is the starting point of finding your WHY.  So many people focus on the WHAT or the HOW and then when you really think about it you can get to your WHY.

 He used examples of companies that sell their products based in their WHAT or HOW and WHY.  It would be no surprise that Apple was an example.  Starting from the outside in, they sell technology such as iphones, ipads, notebooks etc.  They want people to be able to have ultimate elegance and functionality in these products – the HOW.  But WHY – because they want to think different.  Apple create a tribe of followers on this simple marketing message.

So let is try and work out your WHY – it really can be very simple exercise.
What do you do?  How do you do it?  WHY do you do it?  And keep going on the why till you get to something that really connects with you.

So what do I do?

What – I work with people in a coaching capacity to help create  progress in their lives – whether it is business, career or personal lives.

How – I work with them face to face or over skype through a defined process and structure that helps them create progress.

Why – I feel like I am part of a movement of people that are helping people create positive changes in their lives.    I help people reconnect with themselves, help people reinvent themselves and in turn help them make new connections – this could be a new job, new habits or just a new way of thinking.

If you need help working out your WHY I would highly recommend looking at Simon’s website, TEDtalk and newsletter.

Of course I would also be delighted to help you too.

At the end I thanked Simon for a fantastic workshop and also shared with him my manifesto – he said he liked the colour orange as it was the colour for optimism.  In return he gave me a token of his thanks – what a great exchange!

When working with client’s the first thing I explore is how their job seeking falls into two camps – proactive and reactive job searching?

So let’s identify some of these.

Reactive

• Picking up the paper over breakfast/on train and browsing through job adverts
• Logging online to job boards every other day and responding to job ads
• Meeting recruiters and being registered on their database

Proactive

• Logging on to Job Board and creating an email alert that notifies you of a relevant role.
• Connecting with old colleagues/new connections via Linked In and meeting up for a coffee to find out whom they know that may be interested in your skill set
• Attending relevant industry or sector networking events for the potential of meeting new contacts
• Contacting employers directly that you want to work for
• Uploading your resume on to employer databases

Looking at the list above; what techniques have you used to find a new job?

The market has changed in Australia – there are more candidates and not as many jobs.  So the way you go about looking for a new job has also changed.

Larger companies have in-house recruitment teams managing assignments and may have invested in online filtering programs.  You can upload your details to some company websites and they will contact you if a role comes up.  Optimizing your resume with keywords is a must in this instance.  Your resume could be scanned before being read by a human.

Recruiters have also changed the way they work – they are smart about who they meet and are proactive with the right candidates when many others are simply registered on their database.  They are skilled in managing the process of recruitment, they are good negotiators and remembering that their role is to make a fee – they are great sales people.  They can sell a job to a candidate and a candidate to a client/job.

Sure recruitment companies play a vital role in the job seeking puzzle but what about your own efforts – your own research and exploration.  Which do you think would be more rewarding in the long run – someone finding you a job or you finding your own job?

Time is a barrier when looking for a new role.  How do you start to plan for networking events too?  The expectation is not to be attending one every week – just identify a few professional groups that may be of interest and also think of the audience attending.  You never know there may be someone who knows someone….  In addition networking helps take away those nerves associated to meeting new people as you are forced to enter a room full of people and introduce yourself.

Think about managing your job search as if you are managing a process.  Being proactive, productive and making progress.

Soon you will be a job seeking pro.

Sally-Anne Blanshard is the Director of Nourish Coaching and partners with clients to manage their career path and develop job search strategies that work. www.nourishcoaching.com.au sal@nourishcoaching.com.au

There is a sense of achievement as you wrap up one financial year and focus on the year ahead.  It gives you chance to get back to basics on some aspects in your business.  I have talked before about how many hats you wear as a business owner.  This time let’s tackle your business plan.

Take a look at these questions.  Notice how they make you feel.   Happy?  Content? Under pressure? Curious?

• What area of your business needs focus?
• What is going well for you?
• What do you not have time for?
• What is always on the to-do list?
• If you had 3 more hours in the day what would you want to do?
• What are your competitors doing?
• If you hired someone what would delegate to them?

It is a good idea to do an audit on your business and revisit your business ‘goals’.  Notice I say this and not a business plan.  From experience a business plan takes hours, even days to perfect and then the reality can be so very different! In the time it takes to write a business plan you could be actually working in your business making things happen.

It is a good idea to craft a 1 pager of sorts – so long as you have given thought to a ‘plan’.  This gives you at a glance structure and focus for the months and year ahead.

The two questions I ask myself in business are:

• Will it make a difference?
• Will it make money?

If I can answer those two questions I am happy to pursue the project.  The answers do not have to be YES but more about the fact I have considered them.

I have just finished reading a book called Rework – which I would highly recommend for anyone wanting to shake up the way they do business.  Like with most things it takes a while to change habits.  Old habits become new habits.

And hopefully new outcomes too.  Let me know if I can help you zoom in on your business in 2012.

PS - For those of you who have not got your accounts in order you have a few months to get it sorted, in fact there is a rather helpful online brochure over at the tax office you can access.  Easy!

The skills to manage can certainly be intrinsic but also those that are acquired need to be practiced as much as possible.  Why?  Your team and waiting with their arms crossed and for you to prove yourself and walk the walk.

It has been interesting researching the topic of leadership for an upcoming presentation to an ambitious group  of female professionals.   I have managed people in the past and I have experienced and observed some interesting management styles so I consider myself qualified to speak about this topic from both camps.

I have brought this down to 10 key steps that will create a successful Leader.  One that inspires, stretches and challenges their people.  Keeps a tight ship, paints a great picture of the future, retains great staff and enhances the skill set of others.  Take a look and see if you can take on board any of the tips for your Leadership Palette.

Seek Feedback – great starting point – you don’t know what you don’t know so be open to some pretty honest feedback.  Your HR team may be able to faciliate a confidential 360 degree feedback or conduct feedback interviews.  Take on board what is said, sit on it for a while and then work out your plan to make some subtle changes.

Practice being a leader – Easier said than done?  Practice makes perfect – the more you perfect your technique the better results you will get.  An effective Manager and Leader will practice their skills every day and like a sport person ensure that they have nailed their technique to be a winner.

Be Seen – This is not the time for shrinking violets – get really comfy with being noticed.  By staff, peers and senior executives.  being noticed does not put you under a spotlight – consider it a glow of the right people observing your technique.

Move out of your way – Often we are our own worst enemy – holding back from progressing with decisions of projects for fear of failure of what people think.  So move out of your way and practice your leadership with conviction.

Back yourself - Leadership and being in a senior role can sometimes be a loney place – by being able to back yourself you will ooze confidence and people will follow.  Show the slightest sliver of doubt and people will not be willing to line up and follow.

Create change - yes people are averse to change but by being a creator of change you get to mix things up a bit and create a buzz.  Eventually people will get on board.

Network, Mentor, Coach – Sharing your experiences enables you to share something you are good at.  Maybe this is an internal relationship or could be a professional you have met through an external event.  By being a sounding board for others you get that feel good feeling and a sense of achievement.

Surround yourself with GREAT people – Positivitiy breeds positivity and in the workplace this enhanvces morale, boosts creativity and productivity.  Also having a peer group that is supportive and positive will increase your confidence and consistency in delivering your Leadership messages.

Have courageous conversations - imagine those conversations that usually start with a big gulp, a deep breathe of a light tummy.  Having courage to talk about things with your seniors and your team will only help your cause.  Maybe you need to confront someone on a testing issue or request something that is a little out of the ‘norm’.  Start having couraegous conversations see the results of your bravery.

Pat your own back – Ok so you have identified your support squad and pass on the leadership love through mentoring or networking.  There will be days where you want to stand up in the middle of the office and say – did you just see what I did!  Maybe not but getting cosy with patting your own back – being able to say to yourself – that was great – I really achieved X.  This will help you record milestones and remind you of your course of success.

Leadership comes naturally to some and not to others.  I believe it can be an acquired skill so long as it is practiced in a collaborative environment.  Your executives and peers and even your team will shape your experience and help you define what is the right Leadership style for you.  The one thing that has stood out for me in my corporate years is an authentic manager.  Like a Louis Vuitton Bag at the markets we can all spot a fake right?

Sally-Anne Blanshard

Director of Nourish Coaching
Feed your Career Cravings – Satisfy Life’s Appetite.   

So I have been thinking about this a lot lately with both my business coaching clients and career coaching clients.

What is your tag line?  How can the people you are meeting or interacting with, learn more about your brand in an instant.

During a run at the weekend I was looking at a lot of tshirts.  Typically the back of tshirts as I was behind them.  Most of those that were branded had a tag line.

• QR National – moving a nation (Queensland Rail)
• Tourism Queensland – where Australia shines
• KPMG – cutting through complexity

You get a feel for what this company offers – what they want you to connect with or understand about their business.  For some it takes months or years of research to even to come up with these little tag lines let alone settle on one that works!

So what if you do not own a company and want to work on your personal brand.  It is worthwhile looking at your Values.  Identifying what is important to you.  People will look for congruence between who you are and how you are living.  By working out your tag line or defining brand you can be remembered.

So take a look at the 7 tips below on how can you create your tag line:

• Think about what you want your customers/colleagues to think and feel when they interact with you.
• In business – consider action words to create action – Nike’s line works wonders here.
• Ask your customers/colleagues – what do they like about working with you, what would they say in feedback? Is there a common theme?
• Use a thesaurus!  Such a great resource.  You can review other words that may also have the same or similar meaning.
• Make it memorable!
• Use it!  Consider using it on marketing materials, business cards, in email signatures, in your Linked In profile.
• Deliver – whatever it is you are creating ensure you can back it up.

You see I used to think I was not a runner – just a person who kept trying to run 2km, 3km and then 5km.  Then I entered into some fun runs.

Two words that would never normally sit side by side in my world.

I have now completed a number of fun runs over the years.  My biggest achievement until recently was a 9km Sydney Bridge run – going back about 6 years!  Then last year I completed a 8km sand run – running in no shoes was a whole new experience.  This week  I ran a 5km run for International Women’s Day and supporting a Breast Cancer charity.  There are advantages to doing it on my own without a bunch of friends as supporters – I could really focus on the journey.  I related it to my client’s coaching experience.

Starting out is scary

You have your goal in mind.   The fear of the unknown – not sure what you will achieve this and not sure whether you can do it.  My goal was to finish the run without walking.

I was also running for my friend that I lost to Breast Cancer last year.  When I felt exhausted I kept her close to me as I know I was no where near as exhausted as she was with her illness.  And when I pushed through that pain barrier I felt more energy.

Getting your team of supporters on side.

Look at this image.  Imagine the hats and heads bobbing up and down.  The sound of the runners pounding the pavement.  It was a great soundtrack to the run.  It was also comforting when you struggled up a hill someone would turn and smile at you willing you on or pat your back in support.  The kind that helps you keep going, these supporters may be colleagues or business partners, your coach, friends or family.  Have your supporters in place and you will keep moving towards your goal.

Noticing every step you take is progress

It didn’t matter that some steps were like pigeon steps – I could have run like a crab if I liked so long as I was still moving forward.

I managed to finish the run with a sprint.  When you see the end in sight it is exciting and this wave of energy just came over me.

Remembering why you did it

Being reminded of why you are changing is a good motivator.  When I lost my friend last year I wanted something to remember her by.  I invested in this silver bangle that says “Choose hope and anything is possible”.  It was fitting to wear it at the run.

Maybe your goals are defined by a picture or a mood board or an idea of  what things could be like.
 

Celebrating your success

Running through the finish line I felt elated.  I ran all the way without stopping.  I did not notice anyone else in that moment!

In my coaching program we call these moments the Champagne moments.  Celebrating the wins and noting the milestones help you realise your goals.

Setting a new goal

So what it next – once you have completed a coaching program you can look at what is next – how you might use what you have learnt to changing other areas of your career, life or business.

For me I am running a 10km run this weekend.  Getting caught up amongst the buzz of running.  For fun! And I have a new goal.  To do 40 Fun Runs before I am 40.  Eek now I have put it out there. 3 years to go… And so the coaching cycle starts again.
I cannot imagine doing any in a wig or tutu!   These girls certainly did well in the Brisbane heat to walk through the finish line looking amazing.

If you would like to know more about coaching or indeed just want to know more about my big hairy scary goal then get in touch.

So here we are – 29th February 2012.  A leap year.

A year that has 366 days in it.

A year that sparks a flurry of females to propose to their fellas.

Today’s post is a lighthearted look at 10 things to know about a leap year!

1. You get an extra day to do things – you always wanted more time to do stuff well here it is – a whole day!
2. Bloggers are uniting on 29th Feb and recording one special day in time across the globe – www.29thfeb.net
3. The 28 and 1 club.  People born on the 29th typically share their birthday on the 28th Feb or 1st March if it is not a leap year.
4. …the big birthdays that happen on the 29th…only your 40th…or 60th…eek.  Typically Fancy Dress is school uniforms!
5. A famous person born on this day – Anthony Robbins – motivation & personal development guru – born in 1960- technically he is only a teenager!
6. On the international scene, 56 countries will observe Rare Disease Day calling for more research into ailments that have no known cure
7. In 1964 in Sydney, Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser sets a new world record in the 100-meter freestyle swimming competition (58.9 seconds).
8. If you fancy watching a movie tonight – watch Leapyear  - yes even a movie has been made to celebrate the event!
9. Retailers are cashing in on the date and having 29% off sales for one day only…clever.
10. The official leap year blurb – Leap years are added to the calendar to keep it working properly. The 365 days of the annual calendar are meant to match up with the solar year. A solar year is the time it takes the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun — about one year. But the actual time it takes for the Earth to travel around the Sun is in fact a little longer than that—about 365 ¼ days (365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, to be precise). So the calendar and the solar year don’t completely match—the calendar year is a touch shorter than the solar year.

    Enjoy your day!

In the last few weeks I have received 2 calls relating to working overseas. Now the calls have not been along the lines of “should I work overseas?” more about how to get their partners onside. Let’s look at compromise and how you can have a discussion with your loved ones about whether this is the right thing for you to pursue now.

Talk

First and foremost you need to have a conversation about whether you would both be happy to work overseas and if so consider if the other person’s career just as transferable to where you are going?
How will this strengthen your relationship? How will this add value to your resume(s)? How can you support each other? Are you both able to work or does this allow your partner to study/Start a family/take a career break/do something different.

Talk some more

Questions about where you are heading…you should be able to answer:
Where would you live, what is the culture like, Are there tax breaks? Will you receive living away from home benefits? How will you make friends, what communities can you get involved with, how will you keep in touch with family and friends, what is the transport infrastructure like, can you get around easily, what is the local cuisine, will you have access to other ex-pats? How will you get back if there is an emergency? How long are you prepared to go for?

These questions will promote some really deep thinking and no doubt require some things to be answered by your employer, friends and loved ones.

Compromise

Compromise is finding agreement through communication. Whilst this may seem like the best thing since sliced bread for you and your career, your partner may not be as passionate. So try and start these conversations now so that when and if you are going to consider a role overseas, the support of your partner is a given and you can focus on starting your new job!

What have been your experiences?

I am often asked by my clients how to decide whether they are choosing the right role. Who has the crystal ball to know where this job will take them? My ’5 point plan’ will help you flesh out the most important decisions you need to make when  looking for a job and before accepting an offer of employment.

1. The role – the role on offer should be one that you will enjoy doing for at least 18 months, ask yourself, does it allow you to grow, will you enjoy your day, week, month.
2. Future progression – It is worth exploring whether the role you are going into will allow you build on your skills and progress your career. Is there evidence of other people being promoted internally? What is the training like? It may be that you will not progress in this company but you could make an external move in 18 months to a more senior role elsewhere.
3. People/Culture – You are going to spending a lot of time with these people, so make sure you like them! You need to fit with the team. Not getting along with people at work is incredibly draining when you spend 7+ hours a day together. Does your new manager inspire you; are there other mentors in the business?
4. Location – Let’s face it your journey to and from work sets you up either side of the day – to charge up ready for work, and take yourself off charge to relax and enjoy being with your family and friends. Make sure you are happy with the location. Also consider if there is relocation of the office on the horizon.
5. Salary – If all the boxes above are ticked then surely the money will be right? You would not want to be earning $100,000 in a job you do not like, with people you cannot stand to be around and commuting for 2 hours a day? Think about it.

I have had the order of priority challenged from time to time, especially when jobs were scarce during the economic downturn.

I am interested in your views on this.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

So who is on your list this year?  Will you send a card to anyone?

How about approaching your job search with the Valentine’s Day concept in mind? 

• Who do you most admire – work out what companies you want to work for, maybe you have heard good things about them?  Make a list of those you would like to work for.
• What do you most desire – when it comes to your job what makes you feel really happy?  When are you on top of your game?  What motivates you?  Again, add this to your list.
• How can you show some affection to your career – are there gaps in your skills, things you need to update and give some TLC
• Now to woo or court the object of your desire – approach the employer, people you know in the industry, HR, CEO – someone who will take note of your approach.  Be different, explain why you would love to work for them.
• …and be patient.

Remember you do not always get Valentine’s cards back, so you may not get a call, or be invited to have a chat with someone, but atleast you are being proactive and not reactive in this competitive market.

Good Luck.