Managing Yourself in an Economic Downturn
Now it's time to commit. If it involves learning, then it should be embraced as continuous learning, not continuous training. It's about nonstop improvement.
Some ideas to consider under the topic of formal training; Presentation Skill Training, Public Speaking, Communications Skills Training and others may be offered at local schools or your Chamber of Commerce. Industry websites are excellent tools to find seminars and workshops.
Under the banner of informal training, Google "webinar" and your profession and you'll be surprised what you'll find. Try the library, many libraries allow you to download books free-of-charge. Social Networks are another option (and another topic we will cover in depth in the future), one of the best networking sites for business is LinkedIn. In LinkedIn Groups there are networking groups for just about every profession and most major metropolitan. Join a group, network, start discussions, ask questions, and maybe answer a few.
If you're the boss, take you employees to lunch and ask what they think. If you're an employee, ask your boss how they achieved their greatest success. And if you're a business owner wondering why so-and-so down the street is so successful, pick up the phone and ask them.
Paul is all about simple, practical advice in recruiting, career development and human resources solutions.
Managing Yourself in an Economic Downturn
Doing Tips 1 and 2 allows you to move into Tip 3; the creation of your action plan. You know what you want to do, you have an inventory of your tools, let get's that roadmap started.
You need to write your action plan down. By writing your action plan, it will provide you greater focus, commitment, and it makes it more real. Don't worry, you aren't writing the next great American novel. It should be short and to the point.
Take each goal or aspriation, how long will it take to reach these? Are they short term, medium term or long term? Listing your goals and aspirations on paper including the estimated time of execution will focus your thinking on the tasks required for aspiration attainment rather than on the possible intimidation of the big picture. Becoming a Titan of Industry is tough work and here is where it starts.
Are ready to get out there an take some action? On to next week...
Tip 4: Marketing Me 101. Pledge to further develop and network yourself.
Paul is all about simple, practical advice in recruiting, career development and human resources solutions.
Managing Yourself in an Economic Downturn
You get up in the morning, you look in the mirror and you see what you see that same old familiar face. But that's not always what other people see. How you are perceived? Much of life is perception and unfortunately it can either be positive or negative. Knowing how you are perceived is where to begin.
How would a colleague, co-worker or family member describe you? What would they say are your strengths and weaknesses? Would they say that you are known for your ability? Valued for your expertise? Trusted for your integrity? What significant contribution or contributions are you known for at your company?
Here's where you put yourself on the line. Keep an open mind and ask. Just listen to what they have to say. No comments, sidebars, or rebuttals (though you are allowed clarification if you don't understand their viewpoint). And remember, write it down!
To help you even further, consider asking your supervisor or Human Resources for information regarding participating a review, in some companies this is known as a "360 Review". If skill sets need to be addressed, this is where they will be revealed.
How are you doing? Next week...
Tip 3: I need a plan for this? The correct answer is yes.
Paul is all about simple, practical advice in recruiting, career development and human resources solutions.
Managing Yourself in an Economic Downturn
First, let's start by answering the following; At what stage are you in your business career (staff, manager, director, executive)?
Next, it's time for the good news and the bad news. Do you enjoy what you are doing and do you think you will for the next 20, 30, or 40 years? If so, what are the top four things that you really enjoy about it? If not, what are the top four things you dislike about what you do? What three career accomplishments are you most proud of? What lessons have you learned from those that you are not so proud of?
If you were to make a career change, what would it be and why? Before you jump, think about what you value and why. Is it wealth? Prestige? Serving others? What aspirations do you still have and why?
Finally, write down down! Studies have shown people are far more likely to act on the written word rather than keeping it all in their head. And plus it's a great thing to look back on once you've achieved those goals.
Done? Great! You're 14.3% of the way there. Next week...
Tip 2: What do people see in me? And why?
Paul is all about simple, practical advice in recruiting, career development and human resources solutions.