Caroline Dowd-Higgins2013-05-23T06:05:14-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=caroline-dowdhigginsCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Caroline Dowd-HigginsGood old fashioned elbow grease.Career Advice for the Class of 2013tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.31894252013-04-30T22:02:32-04:002013-04-30T22:02:41-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
As you head into the post-academic world you have an opportunity to design your own career destiny and I encourage you to tap the power you have within you. You earned your degree with a tremendous amount of time, effort, and more than likely a big financial investment that may also translate into significant student loan debt. As you begin your career journey, I share this wisdom to help you find your way in the world-of-work.
Your First Job Won't Be Your Last. Research shows that adults change careers (not just jobs) five to seven times throughout their working lives. So, test drive jobs and see if they are career worthy and don't settle for roles that don't play to your strengths. Your first job out of the gate is a single step on a lifelong career path and you have the right to change your mind as often as you like.
Networking 70/20/10 Rule. Courtesy of Organizational Psychologist, Marla Gottschalk, this networking rule simplifies the process.
The First 70 percent: For this initial segment, choose potential contacts that work within your direct core area of interest. Ask about their work -- better yet -- inquire about the challenges they are currently facing. You'll undoubtedly gain a new perspective.
The Related 20 percent: These individuals are working in areas related or "adjacent" to your core area of interest. You may find people in roles that are equally appealing -- learn from them.
The Outrageous Outliers (The final 10 percent): Go a little crazy here. Reach out to those engaged in work that simply interests you. Don't be concerned with their core area as compared to yours -- just possess a passion to learn about their area of expertise. Convey your interest early on -- ask about articles, posts and books that could help you "cross -pollinate" and apply their knowledge set to your work life. You know how important it is to build your professional community and connect with people to tap the hidden job market.
The Zig Zaggers. Since career changing is expected, understand the power and the liability of "Zig Zagging" when changing jobs often. You will be perceived as a flight risk if you don't stay in a job long enough to earn your worth but you can also be a wealth of new ideas for an organization that needs your skills and experiences. Consider your movement wisely and understand the career world is small; never burn a bridge and maintain professional connections especially when you move away from a job.
Be a Solution Provider. It's easy to go into the job search focusing on what you want. While that is important you must also be a solution provider. In our current economy you may land contract or temporary work that leads to full-time permanent work so be industrious and lead with I Believe I Can Help You... and provide a solution to an issue or concern.
Empower your Network. In addition to the graduation well wishers, your friends and family are probably asking how they can help. Accept their gracious offers and tell them what you do well so they know how to connect you with their circles of influence. If you have specific organizations you want to work for, ask your network to check their Rolodexes and LinkedIn connections to see if they can make a personal referral. Share your strengths story so your network has an easy to remember conversation to share with others that illustrates what makes you unique and employable.
Be Your Own Best PR Agent. You should be packing your resume, personal business cards, and your professional portfolio with you everywhere you go. Seriously, you need to become your best self advocate and be ready to discuss how you bring value to an organization at all times. You are responsible to market yourself and in this ultra-competitive market, there is no such thing as top of the class entitlement. I don't care where you minted your degree or how high your GPA is; you must be able to showcase what you do well in an articulate conversation and demonstrate your emotional intelligence and your strengths.
Be a Skills Agent. It's OK if you still don't know exactly what you want to do career-wise. This is the time for informational interviews and test driving. But, you must have a clear picture of your professional strengths and competencies so recruiters and employers can help you fit into a role in their organization. Don't focus on job titles but rather focus on concrete skills examples that illustrate what you do well.
Minimize Email. You understand the power of networking and now you are on a mission to email as many people as you can to get the ball rolling in your job search. Stop! Busy professionals get hundreds of emails a day. Distinguish yourself by picking up the phone. Leave an articulate voice mail if necessary and use a script until it becomes second nature. The goal is to eventually meet in-person but a phone call is the best way to set yourself apart from the myriad of others in the job hunt.
Are You LinkedIn? With 200+ million members (that number grows daily) LinkedIn is the number one professional networking resource today. Recruiters and headhunters troll this site regularly searching for new talent. Fill out your profile in total, use a professional photo, compose a compelling summary statement and seek out recommendations to endorse you for specific skills and accomplishments. Join Groups, participate in discussions, and use this tool often and to your best advantage. A dormant LinkedIn account will do you no good.
Take a Risk. So perhaps your dream job does not materialize right off the bat but another opportunity does surface. Take a risk, try something new, and expand your comfort zone. You may just find something you love and an accidental career you would have never considered otherwise. The greatest risk is not taking one at all. You are also more employable when already employed.
No experience? Be flexible. According to a 2013 Adecco survey by Braun Research of 500 hiring managers across a range of industries, for job seekers without relevant experience, 47 percent said to be flexible and start in a different area of the company. Interestingly, these hiring managers said it's more beneficial to network over going back to school if you don't have relevant job experience so be flexible and willing to learn on the job.
Eye Contact is Imperative. This is the generation of technology but in all likelihood, you will be working with people from a variety of generations and these folks really value good old fashioned eye contact. It builds trust and rapport and if you are interested in a career where you will interact with humans in any capacity, eye contact is imperative. Observe the power of eye contact in a conversation and likewise how uncomfortable it is when someone won't look you in the eye. Think about it: Eye contact will never go out of fashion so use it well.
Own Your Self Confidence! Walk tall and learn to speak with humble confidence about what you do well. If you approach a networking conversation or an interview with confidence it will enhance your marketability tenfold. You need not be perfect just out of the gate (or ever!) but believe in your abilities and others will as well. The same 2013 Adecco survey of 500 hiring managers reported the importance of being engaged and asking questions during the job interview. Showing personality and authenticity were positive factors in the decision making process of hiring managers for candidates who were extended job offers.
Learn to Bob and Weave. One of the most sought after competencies by employers is the ability to deal with adversity and change. It's tough out there in the real world and it doesn't get any easier once you land a job. Showcase your resilience and be ready to discuss how you have overcome challenges, including how you are dealing with a tough job market. Proving you are resilient may land you an opportunity.
The Class of 2013 is the succession plan for the future. You have the opportunity to identify your passion, carve out a niche for yourself, and thrive in a career knowing that you can always change direction. The challenge is yours as well as the responsibility. Create relationships with influencers and connectors and be ready to talk about what makes you unique. Someday soon you'll be tapped to help future graduating classes find their way in the career world and this will be your chance to pay-it-forward.
Celebrate the successes you have earned -- I am cheering you on all the way. Now the tougher journey has begun but I have confidence that you will succeed if you assume the responsibility and take the power you have and use it wisely.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name. She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>How to Play Together in the Multi-Generational Sandbox at Worktag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.29895682013-04-01T14:27:33-04:002013-04-01T14:27:39-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
So how does a modern day professional cope with this generational diversity and play well together in the company sandbox? Here is a primer on the generations and their characteristics plus some practical advice for workplace harmony.
Millennials (or Generation Y) born since 1981 - is the most educated and culturally diverse generation in the workforce today. They tend to be zig zaggers, hopping from job to job and distrusting bureaucracy. Millennials crave work opportunities with meaning where they can feel part of the organizational mission and often value helping those in need more than a fat paycheck. They were educated with a focus on community and service learning and value that in their workplace.
Extremely tech savvy, the Millennials identify the concept of work/life balance as their top professional value. Research shows they will sacrifice pay for more vacation time or a flexible schedule and they crave recognition. In 2014 the Millennials will comprise 36 percent of the workforce and by 2020 they will represent nearly half of those working.
Advice to Millennials for Workplace Détente
• Respect the older generations in your workplace and learn from them - their knowledge and experience is priceless. Be coachable, be gracious, and appreciative - excellent professional manners and emotional intelligence still matter and will take you far.
• Seek out mentors and sponsors to enhance your professional development.
• Know that discussing work/life balance during the job interview can send a red flag to the employer signaling that you might not have a strong work ethic. Perform your due diligence and seek out company culture and identify best fit before you hit the interview.
• Offer yourself as a reverse mentor and share your technology savvy with others less technology-able in your workplace.
• Eye contact is essential for in-person communication and showcases self-confidence. Seek out in-person conversations with your colleagues, and know that the art of face-to-face communication is valued by seasoned professionals. This skill will always serve you well regardless of technology.
• The older generations in your workplace want you to succeed for you are the succession plan. But know that they also want you to earn your way to advancement and recognition so be ready to showcase your professional strengths and work hard.
Generation X born since 1965 - was the first to experience a large percentage of divorce amongst their parents and working moms during their formative years. This created a generation of individuals who own their independence, resilience, and adaptability. They feel strongly that they don't need supervision or micro managing to get the job done.
The Generation Xers are multi culturally aware and comfortable in diverse work environments. They are practical and enjoy a work hard/play hard philosophy in their careers. Many of them faced first jobs in the 80's during an economic downturn and they witnessed their parents getting laid off or struggling with job insecurity. The traditional career ladder of upward mobility in one organization became unavailable to them so they created a workaround to be more fluid in their career trajectory. They reinvented the definition of loyalty and remain committed to their work, but since organizations did not extend loyalty to them, they take employability very seriously and climb the career lattice moving laterally based on the opportunity.
Advice to Generation X for Workplace Détente
• Utilize mentors and sponsors of all generations in your workplace (and beyond) to grow your career and get the solid feedback you crave.
• Although you dislike rigid work environments, know that the Baby Boomers before you are accustomed to this culture so be solution providers and creative innovators at work to showcase your value add.
• Manage Up consistently so your boss and his/her boss know what you are accomplishing on the job. Advancement isn't automatic - you must earn it and sometimes even ask for it.
• Be ready to throw the ladder down to the up and coming as the Millennials are entering the workforce at a rapid pace and they will be your colleagues sooner than later. Serve as a mentor/sponsor and pay-it-forward to the next generation as you move into leadership roles.
• Even though you have been trained to work autonomously, know the importance of team building and collaboration. The current work environment supports this model and you need to get onboard.
• Don't let the Baby Boomers retire before you have learned everything you can from them. This generational wisdom is leaving the workforce in droves and their expertise should be cherished.
• The Baby Boomers also have golden rolodexes with valuable relationships so be sure to steward these networking opportunities before it's too late.
Baby Boomers born since 1943 - are identified as the post World War II babies who are just now hitting retirement age. The first generation to be raised with television, they were considered technology advanced in their youth. Described as social and political rabble-rousers, the Boomers came of age during the civil rights movement, the anti war demonstration era of Vietnam and a sexual revolution that accompanied the popularity of Rock n' Roll.
Boomers are not all retiring in their 60's and many have experienced entrepreneurial success due to their connection and wealth. Boomer career success was demonstrated by trying new things and an ability to bob and weave during times of economic fluctuation.
Work centric, the Boomers are extremely hard working and motivated by rank, wealth, and prestige. They invented "keeping up with the Joneses" and defined their generation by professional accomplishments and long work hours. Commitment and loyalty to their company was demonstrated even if that required obligatory face time.
Goal oriented and competitive, Boomers are confident and ready to challenge well- established practices to make a better mousetrap. Since their companies did extend loyalty to employees they believe in the hierarchical ladder and earning opportunities for advancement within a single organization. The concept of job flexibility and working from home is foreign to them since they were raised to believe that work should be done at the workplace.
Advice to Baby Boomers for Workplace Détente
• While the whippersnapper Millennials may seem too green to be worth your time, they are ripe with opportunities for reverse mentorship. Not only are they part of the workplace succession plan, they can set up your new smart phone in minutes so you don't need to watch the online tutorial.
• You are a generation of consummate communicators and relationship builders. This technique does not have to die with the use of technology. Share your network cultivation and stewardship expertise with Gen X and Y and feel comforted that your cherished relationships can live on if you train others in this important skill.
• Since you need open lines of communication, ask for it beyond the calendared performance reviews. Even if you are in a leadership role, Managing Up is a technique you should utilize.
• Lack of employee engagement is the number one reason for dissatisfied workers today. Recognize that the younger generations thrive on feedback and create a culture where achievement is rewarded and recognized. Set clear expectations and accountability measures and consider mentor programs to pair younger employees with more seasoned pros to mold and guide the next generation to succeed.
• Even Boomers need to focus on continuing professional development so consider workshops, training, and individual coaching to keep you sharp, relevant, and able to do your best work.
• Recognize that the tech savvy generation grew up with the Internet and many have never seen a typewriter. Capitalize on their proficiency and encourage them to create systems and innovation for efficiency and productivity. Inspiring them with a challenge can lead to great things.
Generation Z represents the next frontier born from the early 2000s onwards. Their work styles have yet to be defined but here are some things to keep in mind if you have kids born into this generation:
• Gen Z will experience "Velcro Parenting" where the amount of time they spend with their kids will reach new heights.
• Gen Z will experience more significant parental unemployment.
• Gen Z kids will spend less time playing outside and more time indoors with structured activities.
• Gen Z will live by their iTunes apps and games.
• Gen Z won't have to argue with their parents to get a cell phone. All kids under twelve are predicted to have cell phones so they can communicate with family anywhere.
At the end of the day, we all have to co-exist in the organizational culture so understanding what drives each generation is the first step towards professional peace and productivity. It should not be an "us against them" generational mindset since we are all in this together. It is important to define expectations and hold all generations accountable. Clarity of mission is essential for building and retaining great talent. Take some time to consider how you can learn from each other and play well in the multi-generational sandbox.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name www.carolinedowdhiggins.com She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Never Let Anyone Extinguish Your Sparkletag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.28036042013-03-04T15:57:21-05:002013-05-04T05:12:01-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
Finding your sweet spot in the career world can be daunting, but the responsibility lies with you alone to play to your strengths and honor your passions in the job you are in or the job you may be seeking.
Identifying what makes you unique requires self-reflection and focus -- so get quiet with yourself. Turn off the monkey chatter in your brain and slow down so you will be able to identify what makes you sparkle. Protect your sparkle fiercely in your professional life. This is what makes you unique, what energizes you, and what gives the countless waking hours you spend at work meaning and a sense of purpose.
Know Your Distinguishing Factors - What sets you apart from the pack? Truly consider your strengths and the energizing skills that you enjoy performing. It's not enough to be good at something -- you must really relish doing it consistently. This is when time flies because you lose yourself in these wonderful tasks. When you can become the go-to person in your organization because of what you do uniquely well then you can distinguish yourself and become indispensable.
Learn to Bob and Weave - if you are not a boxing fan, you may not know the origin of this term, but the concept is universal. You must be quick on your feet, flexible, and ready to innovate in changing situations. In other words -- roll with the punches. The new normal has taught us that resilience matters and showcasing your sparkle factor may provide growth and leadership opportunities if you distinguish yourself as the professional who is at-the-ready to do what it takes to accomplish organizational goals.
Toxic People Can Steal Your Power - positivity is infectious but so is negativity. Minimize the toxic associations in your life and give yourself permission to play to your strengths and focus on what you do well. Power is not given, it's taken so never let the toxic people steal your thunder or undermine your value. Be assertive, self-confident and fiercely protective of your sparkle factor. Establish a work culture of having a good day or a great day -- both are very strong options and will diminish negative attitudes.
Ask for What You Need - the most successful people have a team helping them achieve their goals. Assemble your Personal Board of Directors and don't be timid about asking for help. Can you do it all? Yes, but not alone, and not at the same time. Tap your tribe and pay-it-forward by having the back of someone else. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a wise distribution of what you do really well. Delegation can provide someone else with an opportunity and it empowers you to do what nobody else can.
Command Respect - there will always be people who are fearful and manipulative who may try and squelch your sparkle. Strive to earn their respect since it's more important than being liked by them in the workplace. You need not win the office popularity contest, but it would be ideal if you earned your colleagues' respect. People accept what you project, so it's your responsibility to teach them how to treat you. Consider what professional persona you want to put out into the world. How do you want to be recognized? Send that message out loud and clearly to those around you.
Bring it On - showcasing your sparkle is energizing for you and contagious for your colleagues. Consider how you dig deep and deliver. Discuss what motivates you and your colleagues. If you are in a leadership role be sure to ask your staff what makes them sparkle so you can recognize and validate them for a job well done. Employee engagement or lack there of is a top factor in retaining or losing great talent.
Love What You Do - it all boils down to honoring your values and playing to your passions on a regular basis. If you are in a role where you cannot showcase your sparkle it may be time to consider your career future.
You alone have the power to embrace your strengths, own your self-confidence, and engage your sparkle factor. Spend some time reflecting on what makes you tick. You deserve to sparkle so once you find it -- protect it for the precious commodity that it is.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name www.carolinedowdhiggins.com She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Do You Want to Be Liked or Respected at Work?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.26113262013-02-05T13:00:38-05:002013-04-07T05:12:01-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
Many women (and men) get sucked into the popularity contest mindset in the workplace as well and strive to be liked by their colleagues. It's natural to say that you want to be liked and respected, but when forced to make a choice, I urge you to seek the respect of your co-workers and your boss. Here's why:
Nice is Not Enough - being courteous and professional in the workplace is expected, but if one is too agreeable, passive and overly compassionate, it may hinder your chances of getting promoted or working on prime assignments. Being overly nice is probably not in your job description, so don't succumb to the self-sabotaging behavior.
Don't volunteer to take notes or get coffee for others if that is not expressly in your job description. I know that women tend to be nurturers and that's great, but do it at home with your loved ones and don't get too personal at work. If you find yourself acting like your co-worker's mother or become the company pop psychologist because you are a really good listener, you are being too nice. Get back to work!
Professional Respect - this evokes a positive feeling of esteem or deference for a person and their actions. If you are cultivating a professional persona where you are indispensable at work, you can become the go-to expert and distinguish yourself amongst your peers. You've got to assert yourself to be seen and heard so you can be recognized for the great work you are accomplishing. Nobody ever earned kudos on a performance evaluation for being nice. Miss Congeniality is best left for the pageant circuit, but it doesn't mean you can't be a colleague who treats others professionally and earns the respect of others.
Friends or Enemies - Charlotte Beers, author of I'd Rather Be in Charge and Former Chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, says that relationships often matter more than work. Perhaps not fair, but it's reality. The quality of your work may be trumped by the relationships you build or break.
Charlotte says:
You have to recognize that there will be a moment in time when you will not be able to be represented by the quality of your work but rather by the relationships you have. Make as few enemies as possible, it's really just good form. Men can compete ferociously with each other and then turn around and lend a hand to their opponent. Here's the bottom line: The person who is very good at relationships is the one who gets to be in charge.
It's a small world and your boss today may be your customer in five years. Every person counts in our connected world-of-work, and respect is a key element in maintaining professional relationships.
Teach People How to Treat You - you have so much more control than you are allowing yourself to use. Dr. Phil McGraw offers this strategy: "Own, rather than complain about, how people treat you. Learn to negotiate your relationships to have what you want." Give yourself permission to train the people around you (at work and at home) so they treat you with respect and dignity. You must take responsibility for shaping other's behavior and teach them how you wish to be treated.
If you accept when people are aggressive, bossy or controlling -- and they get their way -- you have rewarded them for unacceptable behavior, according to Dr. Phil. You need to be accountable and ready to negotiate what you need and want in the workplace from a position of strength and power -- not fear or self-doubt. Your resolve to be treated with dignity and respect must be uncompromising. Being nice is not enough to command the respect of others.
Self-Confidence is Empowering - as you navigate your career path, consider how you can assert yourself more and earn the respect of your colleagues. The goal is to be more emphatic and self-assured, but not aggressive. Your new persona of respect will be palpable to others and perhaps cause a positive ripple effect in your organization. Don't ever compromise and sell out on this most precious commodity because you deserve to be respected.
A bonus to being respected at work is that many people will also enjoy being around you and that's a good thing. You will continue to foster professional relationships at work but keep the "liking" to Facebook.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Define Career Success on Your Own Terms in 2013tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.23894532013-01-02T17:37:37-05:002013-03-04T05:12:01-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
Women have been bombarded with cultural images of the wonder mom or career mogul, only to find that society's perfect picture of success is almost impossible to achieve. Women are plagued with guilt because of the choices they make and my goal is to help them define what their version success means and to enjoy it authentically.
Instead of stressing yourself out with New Year's resolutions, consider spending your energy defining what success really means to you. Here are some thoughts to get you started:
Give yourself permission to do what you want to do. I've interviewed hundreds of women who pursued careers and personal lives based on what others wanted for them, only to wind up miserable. Take control of what you really want and know that you will thrive when you give yourself permission to do what gives you strength and purpose.
Give up the guilt! As if family members don't spew enough guilt for the masses, women have a penchant for taking the weight of the world on their shoulders. So what if you didn't have time to cook a meal from scratch and served your kids pizza for dinner? At least you spent quality time eating with them. Guilt is a useless emotion that will plague you until you set yourself free. Give it up and watch yourself bloom with self-confidence and peace.
Ask for what you want. Even high achievers don't accomplish their goals alone. Can you do it all? Yes, just not alone, and not all at the same time. The juggling act of life and career does not have to send you into a frenzy. Ask for help and reciprocate when others ask of you by paying it forward when you can. There is a reason it takes a village, and you deserve to assemble your team to help you along your way.
Create your career off-ramp and on-ramp. We all know a woman who has said: "I don't work -- I just stay at home with my kids." That is malarkey ,since motherhood is the most stressful and important job on the planet. Embrace the time you have with your kids and don't capitulate your status in the world. Enjoy your time out of the traditional workforce and consider ways that you can honor yourself in the process. When and if you want to re-enter the workforce, take advantage of the on-ramping resources to get yourself into a career that meets your values and allows you to define what success means to you.
Raising children may not be the only reason to take a hiatus from your career. The sandwich generation is taking care of kids and elderly parents simultaneously. If you pursue an exit strategy, give yourself a break and define success in terms of your immediate tasks -- don't lament why you aren't moving forward with your career. Success should be appreciated incrementally, so live in the moment and savor your success day by day.
Take stock of your values. As life changes, so will your values, so don't expect your definition of success to be the same throughout the decades. What you prioritize will be different as you enter the workforce post college from what you focus on as you look to retirement. Likewise, how the personal integrates with the professional will change regarding children, partners/spouses or aging parents, for example. Enjoy the flexibility of values shifting and adjust these as you re-define your success throughout the years.
Play to your strengths. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate. When you focus on what you do well, you gain energy and enthusiasm. Weakening tasks deplete your drive. Your are not broken, after all -- so honor what you do well and focus your life and career on activities that energize you.
Tune out negative chatter. It's easy to get sucked into the black hole of what other people believe success should look like for you. Perhaps they envision you earning a certain salary, sitting in the corner office or at home with kids and not in the career world at all. You need to be in charge of what's important to you. Turn off the self-doubt and change the negative chatter channel to focus on what's working for you. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you dream big and develop a plan so you can achieve the success that really defines what you want.
It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. The beauty of success is that it should be constantly changing. You always have an opportunity to redirect and reinvent your career and personal life. You have the power to show up, stand up and speak up to assert your unique definition of success. It's all about taking a seat at the table and declaring your intentions. Enjoy this power, use it often and don't be afraid to change your mind!
Love yourself. Once you give yourself permission to really love yourself, success, satisfaction and peace of mind will come more readily. This New Year, try not to focus on what's wrong with you, but rather focus on what's right. Instead of lofty resolutions that are difficult to keep, consider a new way of thinking that honors your strengths and plays to your passions.
Success is yours for the taking, but don't let anyone else define it for you. Honor your values and design your own career and life destiny so it doesn't happen by default. The New Year is a fresh start and I wish you great success defined just the way you like it!
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name www.carolinedowdhiggins.com She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Best Holiday Career Gifts for Yourselftag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.22244902012-12-03T16:20:07-05:002013-02-02T05:12:01-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
If you have been job searching or career reinventing this year, you have been working very hard to make changes in your life for the better. Chances are you have also ridden the emotional rollercoaster of success and disappointment. Remind yourself that it's not the destination that counts, but the journey.
Designing your career destiny takes courage, strength and commitment. As you look to celebrate all that you've accomplished in 2012, consider the following gifts to yourself that cost nothing but are truly priceless.
Permission
By giving yourself permission to make changes, asking for what you want and defining success on your own terms, you have taken the power you deserve to do great things. It all starts with using the tools that you need to succeed. Permitting yourself to do what you need to move forward paves the road and allows others to commit to your success. By giving yourself permission to use your power helps you to operate from a position of strength.
Give yourself permission to:
• Ask for what you need in your workplace to make you more successful.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to keep your skills sharp and competitive so you can grow your career as you wish.
• Say "NO" every now and again so you can prioritize yourself at work and home more than you do right now.
• Give up the guilt when considering what you really need to be gratified.
Self-Confidence
Self-efficacy is a gift that you must give yourself since it can't come from any other source. While you can start with affirmations and positive thinking, self-confidence is truly realized when you set and accomplish goals. Start with baby steps and take stock of where you have been in addition to where you want to go. Look back at this year and make a list of all the things you have accomplished -- great and small. It's important to celebrate your achievements as this gives you energy to pursue new goals.
Not only is self-confidence good for you -- it's good for those around you like your family, friends and colleagues. Confidence is infectious and an employable characteristic that resonates in the workplace. You deserve to enjoy your self-confidence because you earned it.
Unleash your self-confidence by:
• Applying for that very appealing new job even if you don't have every single qualification listed in the job description.
• Negotiating your raise from a position of strength.
• Asking for help when you need it. Confident people are not afraid to seek assistance.
• Walking tall, being decisive and making eye contact with those in your world.
Play to Your Strengths
Strengths are skills and competencies you enjoy using so much that they give you energy. As you look to the New Year, promise yourself that you will play to your strengths 80% of the time in your personal and professional world. Life is too short to be focusing on tasks that deplete your energy. Minimize your weaknesses because you are not broken and spend your precious time sharpening your strengths.
Playing to your strengths will reduce your stress and ramp up your work and life satisfaction immeasurably. You have a lot more control utilizing your strengths than you believe so consider this a gift of professional wellness and personal gratification.
Showcase your strengths by:
• Delegating work tasks not in your wheelhouse to others who will relish a new opportunity to shine.
• Designing a new job description that focuses on what you do really well that is of value to your organization.
• Volunteering for new projects that honor what you do well so you can manage up and show your boss that you are ready for new challenges.
Dream Big
What would you dream of doing career wise if you had no limitations? Often the limits are not insurmountable and you can pursue the dream career scenario if you are willing to try. If you can envision it, you can make it happen. Dreaming allows you to imagine and create what you want to accomplish.
Chronicle those aha moments when inspiration strikes. Dreaming is cathartic, motivating, and energizing so be sure to include this in your personal career gift basket this holiday.
Start career dreaming by:
• Creating a vision board to ponder the possibilities.
• Write your career dreams down and say them out load so others know your plans and can keep you accountable.
• Seek out mentors and sponsors whose advice and counsel may help you achieve your dreams.
• Being willing to take a risk on something new. By expanding your comfort zone you just may discover something wonderful.
As you wrap the presents, decks the halls, and take care of everyone else this holiday - don't forget how important you are in the equation. Focus on what you need and celebrate all that you do. You deserve great things this New Year as you design your career destiny so it doesn't happen by default. This is the greatest gift of all.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Accentuate the Positive in Your Career Questtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.20469612012-10-31T11:27:02-04:002012-12-31T05:12:01-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/Opportunity: What is Working initiative. In partnership with LinkedIn, NBS News, Microsoft, Starbucks, MCJ Amelior Foundation, The Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Skoll Foundation, Opportunity Nation, Simply Hired and a myriad of other organizations, Huffington Post aims to change the narrative from "fatalistic and passive acceptance of joblessness as the new normal" to unearth new opportunities currently disguised as insurmountable problems.
Companies, foundations and non-profits are partnering to tackle the jobs crisis, doing everything from offering multi-million dollar prizes awarded for new jobs via small businesses to innovative crowd funding to raise money for employment boosting non-profits. Other foci include tackling the skills mismatch and the asset gap we face in this country.
I heartily agree that we need to accentuate the positive in the career quest and in addition to the impressive Opportunity: What is Working initiative, individuals need to take action as well. It all starts with rearranging some mental furniture. A Mayo Clinic study showed that positivity increases life span, lowers stress and allows individuals to cope better during times of hardship. Now more than ever, individuals need to focus on what's working since positivity can equate to employability.
Consider these strategies as you look to the possibilities of employment or managing your existing career.
Play to Your Strengths. Everybody has career strengths -- things you do well that you enjoy that give you energy. The trick is recognizing these strengths and how you can make them employable. Rally your circle of trust and ask your people what you do well. Compare that list with what you really love to do and consider what skills are most needed in your career area of interest. Stop focusing on what you don't do well because you are not broken. Play to your strengths and lead with what you enjoy and your career pursuits will take on a new sense of vigor and enthusiasm.
Have a Good Day or a Great Day. A wise mentor shared this mantra and it has impacted how I view my career and personal life every day. Make a choice to look at your career quest through a positive lens. Positivity is infectious but so is negativity, so become the magnet that people want to spend time with and make the choice to focus on what's going well in your world.
I have seen a pessimistic attitude derail candidates in job interviews from newly-minted college grads to seasoned professionals. The Debbie Downer attitude does not play well in the company culture, so change your mindset and bring a positive attitude to all career-related endeavors. People will be more eager to help you and hire you because of your attitude.
Holiday Good News Letter . If you are a diligent networker it may seem like you are always asking people for information, advice and introductions. Be a wise relationship builder and share some unsolicited good news about your job search progress, even if you focus on the journey and not the end result. Your network will appreciate that you are keeping them updated without always asking for something. With the holiday season upon us, a good news note, email or phone call will be much appreciated.
Pay-it-Forward. Good karma does circle back, so share job leads, strategies and information with others in need as you simultaneously seek employment. Helping others is not only the right thing to do, but the person you help today could be the one that hires you tomorrow. Consider going back to your alma mater when you have a hiring opportunity in your organization to tap the alumni candidate pool. Share an inside job lead with a friend who may be better suited for the role. Helping others builds community and with every person who achieves success, we move forward as a nation.
Say Thank You. Chances are you have rallied a team to help you achieve your career goals. If you haven't, it's time to assemble your personal Board of Directors, since nobody should do this alone. Be sure to thank your professional posse so they know how much you value their guidance and support. Mentors and sponsors also need to know how much you appreciate them so don't be shy about picking up the phone to say thank you!
Positivity in Employable. I work with clients and students regularly who are visibly emotional about the current state of the job market. We all know how difficult it is but it's time to distinguish yourself from the pouting pack and embrace a solution provider mindset. Employers are looking for great people and you need to show them your genuine enthusiasm because positivity is employable. People hire for fit and train for skill but emotional intelligence always rules.
Steve Jobs talked about putting something back into the flow of history by helping your community and other people. Put your career pebble into the flow, since each baby step will make an incremental and impactful change in our national workforce. There is enough negative talk about the job market. The time for positivity is here. We can collectively change the opportunities and I believe it all starts with a positive attitude.
Consider how you can help someone in your community. Throw the ladder down to help someone else get on solid ground. It's the right thing to do and it will help us put the spotlight on what is working. Accentuate the positive -- it will make your career journey a lot more palatable.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET. Caroline also contributes to AOL and More Magazine online.]]>Don't Rely on Your Boss to Advance Your Careertag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.19469602012-10-09T18:02:09-04:002012-12-09T05:12:02-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
While there are some great bosses out there, there are many who are lacking in superior leadership skills. No matter what end of the spectrum your boss falls on, your career advancement is your responsibility, not his. So many people go through life letting momentum carry them along a career path. It's time to give yourself permission to take control your career future.
Here are six action steps to get you started down the road to career advancement and empowerment:
Have a Plan - Even if you are happy in your current position, you need to be thinking about your future growth or exit strategy. Keep time on your side by developing a vision of where you want to be in the next one, three and five years. Consider your salary, rank and the tasks of your position and begin to design a scenario that you can grow into when you earn the opportunity to advance. By having a plan, you can contribute to the conversation during performance evaluation time (and in-between) so the powers that be know you are serious about professional growth.
Earn a Sponsor - A sponsor knows your accomplishments well and will sell you to others that do not know you in your organization and beyond. Your sponsor puts her reputation on the line for you and gives you a professional endorsement that gives you clout and credibility. Your sponsor is willing to put his name out there for you in order to help you advance but the relationship is earned and is an investment for you and for them.
It's important to keep your sponsor well-informed about your accomplishments so she can go to bat for you and recommend you for key projects that will help you distinguish yourself in your current organization or another career arena.
Manage Up - Don't wait for your annual performance review to share what you are doing well. Your boss is busy doing her job and may not even realize all the great things you are accomplishing because everything is going so well. Prepare a brief monthly report to share with your boss that outlines the goals you have met or surpassed, new initiatives you have implemented and any information that will showcase that you are working above and beyond your expected job description. These reports will help your boss know you are promotion worthy and define your performance in terms that you create.
Ask For It - It's time to be the CEO of your own career and ask for what you want professionally. Don't take a passive role in your career advancement and never assume that your superiors know about your professional aspirations. Ask your boss for a promotion and make a strong case for your request by backing it up with comparative salary data as well as results of your accomplishments during a given period. Be clear about what you are asking for but enter the discussion with a negotiating mindset, open for revision and up for the discussion.
Don't suffer from low expectations, set your sights high and be specific about what you want and why you deserve it. In this economy you can't wait for a raise to come to you no matter how stellar you are at work. You must make the powers that be aware of your value-add, ask for what you deserve, and come to the negotiation with facts and a strong ability to negotiate.
Asking for what you want doesn't always involve a raise. It may be that you want to work on a new project or add travel to your schedule. Think creatively about what meets your professional values and ask for it.
Know Your Value - As you navigate your career advancement journey you will be adding experiences and professional strengths to your accomplishments over time. It's important to know what you do well and what is desirable in the marketplace in your particular field so you can plan your strategy accordingly. Knowing your special sauce will give you a competitive advantage and enable you to set yourself apart from the competition. This is especially important when negotiating for a raise or a new opportunity.
It May Be Time to Move On - In some organizations, moving up in the ranks is just not possible no matter how stellar your performance is due to rigid job classification structures and stagnant HR policies. If you can't move up to achieve the opportunity you deserve, you should think seriously about moving out of your organization and into another where you can bloom. It's up to you to recognize when there is a sticky floor and a low ceiling preventing your professional growth.
Don't rely on your boss to grow your career. You alone have accountability for where you want to go. If your current boss is not star material, giving you opportunities to grow within an organization that you love, it may be time to look for one that is. After all, you are in control of your career destiny. You have the power to take charge of your career future. Game on!
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book This Is Not the Career I Ordered and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET. Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>Career Lessons from Summer Camptag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.18522282012-09-05T15:50:29-04:002012-11-05T05:12:01-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/kid summer camp lessons were also applicable in the career world for adults.
Even if you've never been to camp, or if it's been ages since you ate s'mores under the stars, you can apply these simple lessons to your career for better satisfaction and engagement.
Try Something New
At summer camp you may have learned to shoot a bow and arrow or participated in a talent show for the very first time. Taking a chance to try something new at work will open up a wealth of opportunities in your career. Many professionals land terrific new roles because they expand their comfort zone and take a chance on something unique. You will never know if you don't try and that is the biggest risk of all. You have the power to ask for new projects, so be seen and heard and ask to try something new that appeals to you. Give yourself a new challenge or a stretch goal and see what happens.
Have Fun
Whether summer camp was at an overnight retreat in the woods or a fire hydrant-turned -sprinkler in the inner city, kids are given the liberty to have fun in the summer. That carefree attitude is infectious but sadly, most professionals have lost the joie de vivre to authentically enjoy their workday. Even if your work is intense, take some time to savor what you are doing. Laugh and delight in the accomplishments you achieve. Give yourself permission to have a good day or a great day and approach it with a positive attitude and kid-like enthusiasm. Your behavior will be infectious and might cause a positive attitude domino effect in your organization at large.
Make New Friends
Sleepaway camp means unknown roommates and exposure to a new posse of people with whom you eat, play and coexist for an extended period of time. Take advantage of growing your personal and professional community with new people whenever you can and go beyond technology to meet with people in person. It can be really empowering to make new friends and enjoy their company beyond the networking frenzy of wanting information and job leads. Friends are to be cherished and appreciated. Call a dear friend you've lost touch with and reinstate your relationship -- you'll be glad you did.
Get Outside
If your sunburn came from a fluorescent office bulb this summer, you need to get outside more. The beauty of camp is that kids enjoy the great outdoors, breathe the air and move their bodies. Adults need this too, and studies show that outdoor air and a little sunshine improves daily focus, memory and alertness. If your 3 p.m. slump usually sends you to the vending machine looking for a sugary snack, consider taking a brief walk outside to re-energize you for the rest of the day.
Mix Up Your Routine
The beauty of camp is that it helps kids see life through a different lens. They can't rely on the routines they have at home and have to acculturate to a new structure -- like it or not. Think about how you can change your daily routine to get yourself out of a rut. Maybe you will work out at a different time of day or take a new route to work, eat something different for breakfast or meet with new colleagues for lunch. Variety is the spice of life and can infuse new energy into a tired routine that zaps your drive.
Take Time Off
Kids recharge during summer vacation and they really appreciate the opportunity to just be kids. It's not a badge of honor to not take your allotted vacation time. Leonardo da Vinci said, "To remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power or judgment..." Time off is provided so you can rejuvenate and come back to work rested and more productive. You deserve the time off -- take it without regret and really try and unplug yourself from the tethers of technology that connect you to work.
The camp experience isn't just for kids anymore. Indiana business mogul, Mickey Maurer created Mickey's Camp in 2001, giving adults a chance to leave behind the daily pressure of work to explore new opportunities and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow grown-ups in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Set in the idyllic Bradford Woods outdoor retreat center in Southern Indiana, women camp first, bunking in rustic cabins for three days and the men finish out the week in the same facility each August. The beauty of Mickey's Camp, in addition to the myriad of great activities and camaraderie for adults, is the philanthropic focus. This year campers raised more than $200,000, which was contributed to local charities of their choice. With fresh air, engaging activities and a lot of fun, Mickey's Camp adult campers got to unplug for a few days and pay-it-forward to those in need.
Never underestimate the power of a campfire and toasted marshmallows for kids and career- driven adults alike.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name. She is the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET. Caroline also contributes to AOL Jobs, CNN Money, and More Magazine online.]]>6 Things NOT To Do In A Job Interviewtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/thenewswire//2.18362542012-08-28T10:52:23-04:002012-11-17T12:08:17-05:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/ Carrying too much stuff into the interview. You want to seem the consummate professional, not a harried traveler navigating through airport security. A slim portfolio or folder to carry extra resumes, pad and pen is all you should have. Ask if you can store your overcoat, umbrella or heavy bag while you are interviewing. Don't carry a beverage into the interview but if they offer you something during your meeting, always take the water. If you get thirsty later, you'll appreciate it (and unlike soda, coffee and tea, water dries clear should you spill it.)
Bragging that you're a 'perfectionist.' Many interviewers will see this as a red flag; it means you're difficult to work with and will never let go of a project. Say, instead, you're detail-oriented.
Confessing to multiple weaknesses. Interviewers commonly ask job applicants to describe their biggest weakness to see if people are humble and self-aware enough to identify something they can improve upon. But that doesn't mean you should cite a list of faults. Name one weakness that is relevant to the job, and explain how you are working to improve that skill.
Giving obviously rehearsed answers. It's important that you seem relatable, natural and likable, as well as competent and smart. Show your personality since the interviewer is checking you out for a workplace fit. I think of this as the "airport test": If the interviewer got stuck in the airport with you for several hours, would he or she consider you a desirable co-worker? Or would you be the kind of person who drove everyone crazy?
Having no clue about the company you're interviewing with. You should always be able to answer the question, "Tell me what you know about this company." Before the interview, you need to check out the company's website and speak with people who might also know the organization. This is how the human resources team determines if you are just fishing for any job or you are genuinely interested in their company and this particular opportunity. An interviewer wants to know that you took the time to do your due diligence since competition is fierce and not preparing indicates a lack of seriousness.
Answering your phone or fumbling with it. Sure, it's rude if the interviewer is constantly checking his BlackBerry, but if your phone goes off during the interview, you just look unprofessional. Seriously, if the phone is set to beep, light or play a concerto, make sure it's really powered off before the interview so you give your undivided attention.
Are there more mistakes you have seen job candidates make -- or made yourself? Share them in the comments section below.]]>Ten Career Worthy Olympic Lessonstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.17418192012-08-06T16:13:00-04:002012-10-06T05:12:17-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
The extreme level of focus, commitment, determination, and relentless work ethic is something others can relate to in their non-Olympic careers. But the majority of employed individuals and job seekers are still questing for an ideal career fit that will allow them to honor their passions and engage in rewarding work.
The Olympic athletes set a tremendous example for all careerists and remind us to dream big and go for the gold. Here are ten strategies to consider as you work towards your ideal career.
Distinguish Yourself -- Olympic runners are not equally strong as sprinters and long distance runners. They excel in a particular role that showcases their talent best. Find your niche and focus on the special strengths that set you apart from the competition. In your work environment think about how you can showcase yourself as an expert or go-to person for something you do incredibly well. Find your career sparkle and let it shine brightly.
Don't Let Ageism Get in Your Way -- The oldest athlete on record in the history of the Olympics was Oscar Swahn who competed at age 72. In this discriminatory career world where seasoned professionals are often discarded for younger, less experienced, and more "cost effective" employees, it's time to take control and showcase your value. With life and career experience comes a more refined skill set, emotional intelligence, and the ability to handle change. Be ready to prove your worth no matter where you fall on the age spectrum because you have tremendous value. Game on!
Resilience is Essential and Persistence Pays -- New Zealand Olympic runner, Nick Willis talked candidly about how he is motivated to win not by the celebration of success but by the fear of failure. It's inevitable that you will face disappointment in the career world but resilience and the ability to start fresh after a set back or a major change is something employers are seeking in candidates. Change is constant in the world-of-work. Candidates and working professionals who demonstrate resilience and persistence set themselves apart for success.
Team Work Rules -- When an individual athlete does not medal in a particular event you can bet that they will still be there to rally their teammates and cheer them on for victory. A selfless focus on a team and serving the greater mission is incredibly important in the career world as well. You've got to have the back of your team members and earn their support in the professional arena. Job interview questions often focus on the role you play on a team so be ready to give examples and learn to play well in the organization's sandbox in order to succeed.
Game Face On -- Most people can't even walk across a balance beam let alone perform a high-flying routine and dismount with perfection like the Olympic gymnasts. Fear is natural and even the most accomplished professionals succumb to self-doubt from time to time. But remember how important your professional persona is when communicating with others. Game face on -- never let them see you sweat and keep your fears to yourself. A smile also does wonders to set others at ease when interacting.
Be A Good Sport -- Before Michael Phelps became the most decorated medal-winning athlete in Olympic history, he didn't perform well in every event at the 2012 London Games. The reality is that you win some and you lose some and this follows suit with new business, job interviews, and opportunities. Give yourself a private pout, rant, and rave period (mine is 24 hours) to process the emotions of disappointment and then move on. You have more important ways to spend your energy and your focus should be on the next opportunity.
Honor Your Body -- Olympic sprinter Yohan Blake eats 16 ripe bananas per day to keep his energy and potassium levels high. Athletes treat their bodies as temples so they can achieve Herculean physical acts the rest of us can only imagine. You only have one body and it's never too late to start treating yourself well by eating healthy, exercising, and by getting enough sleep to ward of sickness and stress. Millions of people become debilitated due to burnout and stressful work environments. Honor your body so it can serve you well.
Play to Your Strengths -- There is a reason athletes play different positions on a team -- to showcase what they do well above and beyond their teammates and to serve the greater good of the team. From the server on a Volleyball team to the final leg runner in a Relay Race -- each have a unique strength to move the team toward winning. Don't focus on your weaknesses in the career world because you are not broken. Spend your time and energy sharpening your strengths for success. If you are in a role where you are not able to play to your strengths, consider a new opportunity that will allow you to shine.
Have a Support System -- Behind every athlete is a community of support from friends, family, coaches, trainers, and fans that make the work they do a reality. Rally your personal Board of Directors for career support, wisdom, and accountability check-ins. It really does take a village so don't be afraid to ask for help and be sure to pay-it-forward to others to keep the circle going.
Go For The Gold -- For an Olympic athlete, the ultimate success is a gold medal. Give yourself permission to dream big and set high goals. You can always readjust but allowing yourself to dream BIG can be inspiring and provide an opportunity to think about an ideal career scenario that would honor your values and allow you play to your strengths. You deserve it, so design your ideal career by going for the gold!
Michael Phelps set the record for the most career medals won by any Olympian during the London 2012 Games but his road to success has not always been smooth. Phelps experienced extremely tough times during the years between Olympic competitions when the next goal was not always clearly in sight. His mantra: "Get the dream. Get the plan. Reach for it" articulates the importance of reaching big dreams by setting daily goals and working incrementally to meet those goals.
Keep the 2012 Summer Olympians in mind as you navigate your personal career journey. You will experience both the agony of defeat and the triumph of victory as you move towards your end goal. But remember to dream big, and approach the goal one step at a time. Resilience is essential and persistence pays, but in the end -- passion is what distinguishes you from the competition. What will be your gold medal career moment?
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline Tuesdays at 5pm ET]]>Don't Let Impostor Syndrome Sabotage Your Careertag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16517622012-07-05T15:35:17-04:002012-09-04T05:12:15-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
Dr. Valerie Young is an internationally known speaker, author and expert on women and impostor syndrome. Her book -- The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It (Crown Business, Random House) is a fascinating look into how so many accomplished and capable people suffer from self doubt.
A self-described "recovering impostor," Young remembers her own experience in graduate school, a time when she succumbed to feelings of self-doubt and failed to recognize and celebrate her accomplishments. Impostor syndrome is a major psychological phenomenon that is extremely prevalent in the career world.
There are high achieving celebrity impostor syndrome sufferers including Tina Fey, Maya Angelou and Sheryl Sandberg, who have all openly admitted to feeling like an impostor at some point during their careers. Young says, "When you feel yourself sliding into competence extremism, recognize it for what it is. Then make a conscious decision to stop and really savor those exhilarating mental high points and forgive yourself for the inevitable lulls."
That's what Tina Fey does. As she says in Young's book, "The beauty of the impostor syndrome is you vacillate between extreme egomania and a complete feeling of: 'I'm a fraud! Oh God, they're on to me! I'm a fraud!' So you just try to ride the egomania when it comes and enjoy it, and then slide through the idea of fraud."
Another type of impostor never achieves success, according to Young, because the impostor syndrome holds them back from moving forward with their goals:
The thing about "impostors" is they have unsustainably high standards for everything they do. The thinking here is, If I don't know everything, then I know nothing. If it's not absolutely perfect, it's woefully deficient. If I'm not operating at the top of my game 24/7, then I'm incompetent.
Fakes & Frauds
Impostor feelings need to be normalized so we can understand that the circumstances are situational. Impostor syndrome is not a mental illness but a phenomenon that afflicts many whose work is constantly being reviewed by a subjective audience.
Consider the creative careerists and those who use skills in writing, design, performance or marketing as an example. These professionals often only feel good when they garner rave reviews because their work is appreciated by a subjective audience.
First-generation professionals and college students often feel like they are frauds who don't deserve to be charting a new path. Women in STEM careers (science, technology, math and engineering) are still a minority in the workforce and they often succumb to the pressure of feeling they need to represent all women in STEM fields. They often believe they are not worthy or good enough even when very accomplished. This is a classic example of impostor syndrome at work.
Take a Risk
When opportunity knocks with a new job, promotion or a chance to take a risk, women often feel the impostor syndrome take hold. Young suggests impostor syndrome gives us an opportunity to drill down and ask if the new opportunity is fear based. Sometimes it's a question about whether the new promotion, for example, will really provide you with an authentic path that honors your values. It begs the question -- how do you define success? The feelings of self-doubt are normal and in the best case scenario, prompt one to pursue a self reflection about what really matters. According to Young:
While the impostor syndrome is not unique to women, they are more likely to agonize over tiny mistakes and blame themselves for failure, see even constructive criticism as evidence of their shortcomings; and chalk up their accomplishments to luck rather than skill. When they do succeed, they think 'Phew, I fooled 'em again.' Perpetually waiting to be "unmasked" doesn't just drain a woman's energy and confidence. It can make her more risk-averse and less self-promoting than her male peers, which can hurt her future success."
Did You See Her Hair?
It's very well documented that girls and women are more likely to internalize failure and mistakes while boys and men are more likely to externalize these. Young cites a classic cartoon example where a woman tries on a pair of pants that no longer fit and she says, "I must be getting fat" while a man tries on his ill-fitting pants and states, "There must be something wrong with these pants."
Women tend to assume it's their issue and blame themselves. There is a social and cultural bias and women can be the worst offenders. Have you ever watched an Academy Award show and a famous actress (any will do) approached the stage to receive her coveted award and you murmured "I can't believe she is wearing that dress!" Women tend to be very critical of each other, so fostering a culture of self-confidence needs to start with women supporting other women.
Own Your Confidence
Don't wait till you feel confident to act confident. It's important to have humility to admit when you don't know something. A way to build confidence is to be authentic and accept that you don't need to know everything.
Young talks about an unrealistic Competency Rulebook. Women set very unrealistic expectations for themselves and the impostor syndrome then has a ripe environment in which to thrive. Women must stop being their own worst enemies. It's impossible to know everything and women need to give themselves a break. Perfection is unattainable so women have to stop waiting to achieve perfection and celebrate the strengths they already own.
According to Young, it's time for women to be bold:
Being bold is not about being right, being perfect, or knowing it all. Rather it is about marshaling resources, information and people. It involves seeing problems as opportunities, occasionally flying by the seat of your pants, and ultimately being willing to fall flat on your face and know you will survive.
You've heard the adage -- "fake it till you make it," but Young takes this a step farther. She encourages us all to find the chutzpah artists in our world who take life by the horns and have the moxie and the courage to make things happen. We can learn so much from these courageous souls by tapping into their willingness to take a risk. Start observing the confident people around you and model their behavior.
Girl-Talk
The Impostor Syndrome can start at tender age, so Young encourages parents to be communicative with their kids and address adversity, resilience and self-confidence early on:
Research shows that even as girls, women are more likely to blame ourselves when things go wrong. We're also more apt to give up following a set-back. Since failure and mistakes are inevitable, bar none the best thing parents can do is to help their daughters understand the learning value of failure and to gain confidence from overcoming adversity rather than running from it. It's okay to falter. The key is to get back in the game and try, try again.
What's a Woman to Do?
Self-confidence is attainable. Expand your comfort zone incrementally toward a stretch goal. Baby steps will allow you to truly own what you do well and learn to turn off the negative mental self talk that often surfaces. The impostor syndrome can emerge during performance evaluations or review time when you feel most vulnerable at work. By focusing on what you love to do, you can reprogram you brain to also believe that you do these things really well. Take time to enjoy your strengths and don't set unrealistic goals of perfection. Celebrate what you've already done well.
What is your negative internal script saying? What do you want the positive voices to say instead? Revel in your excitement, anticipation and successes and become OK with the fact that you can and will make mistakes. When professional athletes don't win the big game, they watch the playback tape, learn what they can do better next time, and get back into the game.
Pull up a chair -- invite yourself to the table, and give yourself permission to own your strengths and your self-confidence. The impostor syndrome is very real but you also have the power to silence this negative self talk so you can enjoy your life and your career.
Be sure to check out Dr. Valerie Young's book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women for great strategies on how to thrive in spite of the impostor syndrome.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book This Is Not the Career I Ordered and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET]]>Are You 'Bringing It' at Work?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15679082012-06-05T12:29:28-04:002012-08-05T05:12:28-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
It takes courage and conviction to seek out your career destiny -- it doesn't happen by default. So many people let the momentum of a job take them on a path that leads them to a place they have no desire to go. Power is not given, but taken. You have the power to take small and incremental steps on your personal career journey to lead you to where you want to go. You also have the power to make stretch goals and expand your comfort zone to take risks and try new things.
Are You Bringing It?
I'm the first to tell you that it's not always easy, but it is certainly doable. The first step comes from articulating what you want in your professional life. Say it out loud, write it down and then start to own your aspirations by telling others. Before you know it, people will surface who can help you on your customized career journey. You will attract members of your Personal Board of Directors when you start to envision what it is you really want in life and there is no better time to start than now!
Lean Into Your Career
Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, gave an inspiring graduation speech at Barnard College in 2011 that lives on in the blogosphere. She told the young graduates to be ambitious and self-confident, and to "lean in" to their careers, especially since control was theirs for the taking. The world will present many choices during your professional lifetime and career paths can be circuitous and inevitably, they will change. But if you "lean back" and let things just happen by default, you lose the power of choice you so richly deserve.
According to Sheryl: "Put your foot on that gas pedal and keep it there until the day you have to make a decision, and then make a decision that honors you." Be excellent at what you do and lean into your career with self-confidence and the power to control your professional destiny.
Make Time for Dreams
Give yourself permission to dream. It's healthy and exhilarating to think big and be ambitious about what you really want personally and professionally. Leadership belongs to those who take it and career management is leadership behavior. Leadership has nothing to do with rank. Whether you are an entry-level employee or a C-Suite executive, you must take your career future into your own hands.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae and forget to honor your dreams. Work/life integration is tough and balance is next to impossible, but dreaming will empower you to rejuvenate and focus on what you really want. Dreams are necessary to develop your goals and they tap your creativity to consider the possibilities.
Only you can define what success and happiness means to you. Dreaming gives you permission to design your life and career destiny. Dreaming begs the question, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" Fortune begs the bold -- don't let your fears overwhelm your desire and give yourself time to dream big so you can begin to make it your reality.
Expand Your Comfort Zone
Put yourself out there because you will never know what you are capable of unless you try. Aim high and don't think about stepping out of your comfort zone as a painful process. Consider expanding your comfort zone as a way to sharpen your strengths and discover new passions.
Naomi C. Earp, former Commissioner of the EEOC said: "Society moves forward because people venture something new, not because they play it safe. Push through your fear and seize new opportunities." You've got to identify how you want to bring it career wise.
Ask Your Way Up
Selena Rezvani, author of Pushback: How Smart Women Ask And Stand Up For What They Want was a guest my CBS Radio Show -- Career Coach Caroline last month and talked about being the CEO of your own position no matter where you are in your career lifespan. Taking control and asking for what you want at work and in life is essential if you want to honor your plan and not one that was prescribed for you by the establishment.
On a recent employer relations trip I made to Chicago in order to mine new jobs for my law students, a Vice President of Human Resources for a major corporation shared an inspiring story about a young professional who skyrocketed upwards in his organization. I inquired about how this superstar distinguished himself and earned promotional opportunities and the VP with whom I was meeting smiled and simply responded: "He asked for new challenges and promotional opportunities so we knew he was hungry for it."
If you wait for the powers that be to recognize your accomplishments, you'll need to have extreme patience. According to Selena Rezvani, you must "Ask your way up..." and manage up to make your aspirations and career goals known to your boss and her boss.
DeeDee Wilson, former CFO at NIKE, shared in Selena's book: "I've never been afraid to say, 'This is what I want and why, and this is how I plan to deliver on it.' If I was told 'no' the first time, I would go back and ask several more times. You need to take what you want!"
Create Your Own Tipping Point
By bringing it, setting goals and dreaming big you not only honor yourself, but you can create the momentum you need for your personal tipping point. All of these things add up and will help you prioritize what you want and deserve in your professional life.
I take comfort in knowing that I am in control of my professional dreams and my career future. I can change my mind, change direction and reinvent as often as I wish. But bringing it is my way of embracing my dreams, walking tall and owning my self-confidence. That's the message I want to send out into the world.
Consider the legacy you want to leave in the world. Are you bringing it?
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET.]]>A Career Letter to the Class of 2012tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14671362012-05-02T10:00:46-04:002012-07-02T05:12:13-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/
As you head into the post-academic world, you have an opportunity to design your own career destiny and I encourage you to tap the power you have within you. You earned your degree with a tremendous amount of effort, time, and, more than likely, a big financial investment that may also translate into significant student loan debt. As you begin your career journey, I share this wisdom to help you find your way in the world-of-work.
Your First Job Won't Be Your Last: Studies show that adults change careers (not just jobs) five to seven times throughout their working lives. So, test drive jobs and see if they are career worthy and don't settle for roles that don't play to your strengths. Your first job out of the gate is a single step on a lifelong career path and you have the right to change your mind as often as you like.
Networking 90/10 Rule: You know how important it is to build your professional community and connect with people to tap the hidden job market. Plan to spend 90 percent of your time being seen and heard so others can consider you for opportunities. Social media is a great way to network but only spend 10 percent of your time behind your computer so you maximize in-person connections that will distinguish you beyond the competition.
The Zig Zaggers: Since career changing is expected, understand the power and the liability of Zig Zagging when changing jobs often. You will be perceived as a flight risk if you don't stay in a job long enough to earn your worth but you can also be a wealth of new ideas for an organization that needs your skills and experiences. Consider your movement wisely and understand the career world is small -- never burn a bridge and maintain professional connections especially when you move away from a job.
Empower your Network: In addition to the graduation well wishers, your friends and family are probably asking how they can help. Accept their gracious offers and tell them what you do well so they know how to connect you with their circles of influence. If you have specific organizations you want to work for, ask your network to check their Rolodexes and LinkedIn connections to see if they can make a personal referral. Share your strengths story so your network has an easy to remember conversation to share with others that illustrates what makes you unique and employable.
Be a Skills Agent: It's OK if you still don't know exactly what you want to do career wise. This is the time for informational interviews and test driving. But, you must have a clear picture of your professional strengths and competencies so recruiters and employers can help you fit into a role in their organization. Don't focus on job titles but rather focus on concrete skills examples that illustrate what you do well.
Minimize Email: You understand the power of networking and now you are on a mission to email as many people as you can to get the ball rolling in your job search. STOP! Busy professionals get hundreds of emails a day. Distinguish yourself by picking up the phone. Leave an articulate voicemail if necessary and use a script until it becomes second nature. The goal is to eventually meet in-person but a phone call is the best way to set yourself apart from the myriad of others in the job hunt.
Are You LinkedIn?: With 150 million members (that number grows daily) LinkedIn is the number one professional networking resource out there. Recruiters and headhunters troll this site regularly searching for new talent. Fill out your profile in total, use a professional photo, and seek out recommendations to endorse you for specific skills and accomplishments. Join Groups, participate in discussions, and use this tool often and to your best advantage. A dormant LinkedIn account will do you no good.
Be Your Own Best PR Agent: You should be packing your resume, personal business cards, and your professional portfolio with you everywhere you go. Seriously, you need to become your best self advocate and be ready to discuss how you bring value to an organization at all times. You are responsible to market yourself and in this ultra competitive market, there is no such thing as top of the class entitlement. I don't care where you minted your degree or how high your GPA is -- you must be able to showcase what you do well in an articulate conversation and demonstrate your emotional intelligence and your strengths.
Take a Risk: So perhaps your dream job does not materialize right off the bat but another opportunity does surface. Take a risk, try something new, and expand your comfort zone. You may just find something you love and an accidental career you would have never considered otherwise. The greatest risk is not taking one at all. You are also more employable when already employed.
Eye Contact is Imperative: This is the generation of technology but in all likelihood, you will be working with people from a variety of generations and these folks really value good old fashioned eye contact. It builds trust and rapport and if you are interested in a career where you will interact with humans in any capacity, eye contact is imperative. Observe the power of eye contact in a conversation and likewise how uncomfortable it is when someone won't look you in the eye. Think about it -- eye contact will never go out of fashion so use it well.
Be a Solution Provider: It's easy to go into the job search focusing on what you want. While that is important you must also be a solution provider. In our current economy you may land contract or temporary work that leads to full-time permanent work so be industrious and lead with I Believe I Can Help You...and provide a solution to an issue or concern.
Own Your Self-Confidence! Walk tall and learn to speak with humble confidence about what you do well. If you approach a networking conversation or an interview with confidence it will enhance your marketability tenfold. You need not be perfect just out of the gate (or ever!) but believe in your abilities and others will as well.
Be Resilient: One of the most sought after competencies by employers is the ability to deal with adversity and change. It's tough out there in the real world and it doesn't get any easier once you land a job. Showcase your resilience and be ready to discuss how you have overcome challenges, including how you are dealing with a tough job market. Proving you are resilient may land you an opportunity.
The Class of 2012 is the succession plan for the future. You have the opportunity to identify your passion, carve out a niche for yourself, and thrive in a career knowing that you can always change direction. The challenge is yours as well as the responsibility. Create relationships with influencers and connectors and be ready to talk about what makes you unique. Someday soon you'll be tapped to help future graduating classes find their way in the career world and this will be your chance to pay-it-forward.
Celebrate the successes you have earned -- I am cheering you on all the way. Now the tougher journey has begun but I have confidence that you will succeed if you assume the responsibility and take the power you have and use it wisely.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm ET http://sky.radio.com/shows/coach-me/ ]]>This Is Not the Boss I Orderedtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13963512012-04-02T14:17:38-04:002012-06-02T05:12:01-04:00Caroline Dowd-Higginshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-dowdhiggins/Forbes blogger Erika Andersen summed it up nicely, stating in a recent post, "Top talent leave an organization when they're badly managed and the organization is confusing and uninspiring."
I have been fielding numerous questions on my CBS radio show: Career Coach Caroline from people who are at their wits' end dealing with an incompetent boss. Sadly, the good bosses are harder to find than those who wind up in leadership positions because of the Peter Principle where in a hierarchy employees tend to rise to their own level of incompetence. We aren't teaching enough leadership skills at university and in a tough economy, professional development budgets have been slashed or eliminated. Well-meaning individuals who land roles as leaders often make your work life hellish because as nice as they are (and some are not!), they are inept at leading. So what's a professional to do?
Take Control
I've seen many professionals leave great companies and wonderful jobs because of bad bosses. While leaving is always an option, in a tight job market you should consider a few other things first. Take control of how you operate in your work environment and how you communicate with your boss.
Figure out your boss's work and communication style and deliver your message accordingly. For example -- does your boss respond better to verbal or written communication? Does he need specific details or a big picture overview? Is she a planner or more spontaneous in implementing the mission of the organization?
Most conflicts in the workplace come from differences in personality, communication, and work styles. Understanding how your boss operates may alleviate some of your stress and give you and your boss better clarity of expectations. So watch and listen, and ask others who have some institutional history to share their strategies for dealing with your boss.
Manage Up
In many workplaces, the boss does not notice what their staff is doing unless they are on fire (literally!) or if something goes terribly wrong. If you are chugging away, producing great results, chances are your boss will focus more on his work since you don't appear to need anything.
While the autonomy may seem liberating, you must make sure that you manage up so your boss and her boss know the value you bring to the organization. If you don't tell the powers that be what a great return on investment you are -- you may stay a well-kept secret and that will stunt your professional growth within the organization and beyond.
Don't wait for an annual performance review to showcase what you do well. Schedule a periodic check-in or send written updates documenting your results and initiatives. Consider creating a portfolio that illustrates exactly how you impact your organization positively. This evidence will also help you plead your case when you are seeking a raise or promotional opportunity.
Boss from Hell
While some bosses just need leadership training -- others are beyond repair. If your boss behaves unethically, egregiously, or harasses you -- get yourself to human resources immediately. There are labor laws to protect you and you deserve a healthy and safe work environment. Don't worry about being the bad cop; let the human resources people advocate on your behalf and document the unacceptable behavior of your boss so you have a record.
What I have seen over and over again in my consulting practice is that many naïve bosses simply don't know what their team needs -- so take the boss by the horns, as it were. Have a frank conversation with your boss and tell him what you need. Tell her what your purpose is on the team, your goals, and the culture you believe will enhance productivity. If you can clarify your aspirations for the future of your organization and be a solution provider, instead of a complainer, then your boss may learn from you and appreciate your leadership insight.
Of course that utopian concept doesn't always work and sometime bad bosses are also jerks. If your boss is beyond repair and you have an unhealthy work environment that prohibits you from doing your job successfully, you may want to consider moving on.
After all, you deserve to work in an environment where you are valued, appreciated, and recognized for your accomplishments. Having a boss who will mentor you, or even sponsor you would be an added perk but you may need to work elsewhere to find this.
So start a stealthy job search since you are much more employable when you are currently employed. No matter how bad it gets, your bad boss is not worth being unemployed for so stick it out until you find a non toxic environment and let their shenanigans roll off your back.
Don't Diss Your Bad Boss
As tempting as it may be to announce to the social media masses what an ass your boss is -- take the high road and keep all communication professional. The network is small and you will need a recommendation from your current boss if you move on. Never throw your boss under the bus and develop talking points for why you are looking to move on. In many cases, a bad boss's reputation is far reaching so you need not say a word in order to be understood by a prospective employer.
When you are on the job hunt be sure to interview your prospective bosses wisely. Don't assume that your next boss will be better. Here are some questions to ask during an interview:
• What is your leadership style?
• How do you mentor or sponsor your team members and encourage their professional development?
• Of all the people who have worked for you, who are you the most proud of and why?
• Can you describe a conflict between you and your team and how it was resolved?
• Why did the person who left this position move on?
• What are your future goals for the team?
Know When It's Time to Go
If your new boss passes these interview questions with flying colors then you may be lucky enough to land in a healthy new work environment with a great boss who will give you an opportunity to grow and prosper. But if the new boss seems worse than your current boss, it may be a deal breaker and force you to extend your job search for a better fit. It's worth waiting for a functional boss so never underestimate your boss's role in your success and happiness in the organization.
You should be looking for a multiplier boss who will optimize your strengths and give you an opportunity to take on new challenges, debate decisions, and invest in the organization with direct buy-in and accountability.
The perfect boss may be difficult to find so in the meantime capitalize on your expanded network within and beyond your organization to find mentorship, leadership, and the professional respect you deserve.
Caroline Dowd-Higgins authored the book "This Is Not the Career I Ordered" and maintains the career reinvention blog of the same name (www.carolinedowdhiggins.com) She is also the Director of Career & Professional Development and Adjunct Faculty at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She hosts the national CBS Radio Show Career Coach Caroline on Tuesdays at 5pm http://sky.radio.com/shows/coach-me/ ]]>