Author: Katie Weiser

5 Secrets to Manage Change at Work

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5 Secrets To Manage Change At Work

One of the toughest things about change in the workplace is that there is a lot of resistance to it.  Resistance is all about not truly understanding why the change has come about.  It’s not unusual to hear employees ask:  “Why can’t we stay in the status quo?”

It’s helpful when leaders take the time to explain to employees the “why” of change and to paint the picture of how the change is going to increase revenue, improve employee satisfaction, or make things run more smoothly.

If you are one of those employees who is resisting the change or a manager responsible for making change happen…below are five tips to help yourself or others move along the spectrum of acceptance.

1.  Ask for understanding.  Talk with a manager or supervisor to understand the bigger picture.  Discuss how the change is going to affect your job.  You may find that it does not which may be a relief.  If it does, then ask some probing questions:

  • How specifically will the processes or procedures you use now be changed?
  • What is the time frame for the “new” ways to take effect?
  • What training will be required of you?

Having this knowledge will help alleviate concerns.  Be proactive, don’t listen to the gossip going around the company of how “bad” this is going to be.  Straight answers from your manager or supervisor are the best.

2.  Focus on what you are gaining, not what you are losing.  In times of change, everyone focuses on what they are losing.  Often, change can be a welcome job enhancer by moving out of a comfort zone and into a stretch zone. It could also use talent that plays to your strengths.  New work relationships may result if there is restructuring going on.  So, re-frame a perceived loss by asking what am I gaining?

3.  Be patient with yourself. Learning anything new takes time.  You may find yourself working crazy hours because there is a steep learning curve.  But, in six weeks time – it will become the new normal.  Cut yourself some slack.

4.  Be an advocate for the change.  Those around you will be struggling with resistance.  Misery loves company.  Stay out of the complaining and whining that others do.  Help colleagues to understand the big picture.  Step out and be a leader yourself in helping make the change happen.

5.  Take care of yourself.  Change is stressful and it takes a toll on the body.  This is the time to hit the gym, take a walk, meditate, reflect, eat healthy.  Taking care of the body, helps the brain to also chill out.

The old saying goes, change is inevitable, growth is optional.  So true.  Change can be viewed as an opportunity to reach a higher potential. Growth always includes some kind of change and learning.  So, take the time to understand, focus on the gain, be patient, be an advocate and take care of self.  Change is always around the corner — go with the flow!

If you need help with navigating change, take advantage of my 6 part Thriving in the Midst of Change…Career and Life audio series on change which contains over 25 tips on how you can master change in both your career and life.  Each audio is 7-10 minutes long and comes in an MP3 format which is downloadable and accessible on any mobile device.  It’s easy, click here for instant access to Thriving in the Midst of Change…Career and Life!

To Your Career Success,

Katie Weiser

© KATIE WEISER, 2015. UNAUTHORIZED USE AND/OR DUPLICATION OF THIS MATERIAL WITHOUT EXPRESS AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THIS BLOG’S AUTHOR/OWNER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. EXCERPTS AND LINKS MAY BE USED, PROVIDED THAT FULL AND CLEAR CREDIT IS GIVEN TO KATIE WEISER WITH APPROPRIATE AND SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENT.

Career Skills Wanted

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Career Skills Wanted

Nonprofits are the stomping ground for workers who want to make a difference and be a part of a larger effort for the greater good. Working as a team, volunteers bring diverse skills, expertise and passion as they work towards a common vision.

In a nonprofit environment, your unique career skills are gold.  And, while they are not handing out any gold to line your pockets, know that the sense of accomplishment and appreciation can far outweigh the paycheck.

There are many reasons to volunteer your time and talent.  The times during a career when volunteering is an opportunity are:

  • When you are out of a job.  You are at loose ends and miss the daily structure you had before. Sometimes it takes months to find another job. Volunteering could be your key to sanity and in filling a work gap on your resume.
  • When you are headed for retirement.  You now want to do something meaningful — consider an organization that tugs at your heart strings. A local charity could provide full time employment and keep you very busy.
  • When you are still at work.   You feel you want to be a part of a bigger effort. Squeeze in a few hours a month and feel the joy that comes from making a difference, even on a smaller scale.  This is also a network booster – you meet many more people who may be instrumental in helping you land a different job in the future.
  • When it’s a company effort.  Take a stand and lead your company to rally around a local charity by donating to it or taking a company day and selecting a much needed community project. Ideas include everyone cleaning up a local park, reading to nursing home residents, painting a playground, planting flowers, etc.  Many companies are doing this; and they often receive favorable press which is great free advertising.  In addition, you meet new people in your company – you have expanded yourself beyond your group or division silo.

You would be surprised at what services nonprofits might need; your skills may be just what they’re looking for.  The return on your investment is priceless.  As Nike says, “Just do it.”

To Your Career Success,

Katie Weiser

© KATIE WEISER, 2015. UNAUTHORIZED USE AND/OR DUPLICATION OF THIS MATERIAL WITHOUT EXPRESS AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THIS BLOG’S AUTHOR/OWNER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. EXCERPTS AND LINKS MAY BE USED, PROVIDED THAT FULL AND CLEAR CREDIT IS GIVEN TO KATIE WEISER WITH APPROPRIATE AND SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENT.

The Interview Conversation Starter ( Question )

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The Interview Conversation Starter (Question)

Interviewers love to start the conversation with “tell me a little bit about yourself.” I count it as the # 1 interview question.  It can be intimidating to talk about yourself immediately!

It is also a great opportunity for you to begin strong and shine. Here are a few tips on how to respond to this seemingly small talk inquiry.

Be prepared.  Write out your response in advance so it does not seem awkward when you start talking.  Just the simple act of writing out your answer will help you remember what you want to say, and you won’t fumble at the beginning of the interview.

Strengths and skills.  Highlight 4-5 strengths and skills that would be valuable to the company in under two minutes.  This means including the strengths and skills you see in the actual job description.  Strengths like strategic thinking, adaptability, analytical, communication are strengths that companies often are looking for.  Your skills can be specific to the job, e.g. medical coding, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, specific technology applications.  

Don’t repeat resume.  Remember, they have your resume in front of them.  So, there is no need to think in bullet points through your resume.  There will be a time during the interview when you will be able to go into more detail about your work experience, explain any gaps, discuss military service, etc.

Focus.  Focus on your professional experience and minimize your personal information.  This sets off the interview on a professional level.  The interviewer may ask some personal questions later in the interview, but don’t offer the personal information during this opening conversation.

Ask what else.  After you have done your summary, ask what else you could tell that would be helpful.  Let them take the lead at this point in asking questions and guiding the interview process.  There can be an awkward silence – just keep quiet and smile.  You have volleyed the ball into their court.

Simple, simple, simple. Don’t overdo your response. You can lose your audience if you talk too much.  If you start to see their eyes glaze over, you know you are talking too much.

Practice, practice, practice!  Will you be nervous at your interview?  Of course, you will be.  Butterflies in your stomach are perfectly normal.  In fact, I firmly believe that if you aren’t nervous, it means you don’t really care.  You can practice in front of a mirror to get comfortable with the words.  Even better, find someone who can role play this with you and ask for feedback. Small tweaks as you practice can take your response from good to great.

Remember, most interviewers want you to succeed.  A firm handshake and looking them straight in the eye sets you up for success.  Then, be prepared to answer…”tell me a little about yourself.”  Good luck with your interview.

I offer my clients a 90 minute mock interview and critique session which covers the Top 20 interview questions.  If you are in need of this valuable interview preparation, please contact me at 706.550.4161.

To Your Career Success,

Katie Weiser

© Katie Weiser, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Katie Weiser with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Create Your Bucket List Now Before It’s Too Late

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Create Your Bucket List Now Before It's Too Late

In 2007, the movie “The Bucket List” was released starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is about two men who, terminally ill with cancer, escape from the hospital with their wish list so they can fulfill the list before they die. The title is derived from the term “kicks the bucket” a phrase that dates back to at least 1785. The lesson of the movie is that it’s never too late to live your dreams and desires.

We all have unfulfilled dreams and desires. Why wait till tragedy strikes? Psychologists will tell you that creating a bucket list is actually very good for your mental health!

Even for very successful people, resentment, anger and/or regret may set in when they begin a life review of what their heart really wanted to do. It could be things like “going to Paris,” “kayaking down the Colorado River” or “learning to sail.”

Developing a bucket list is a great way to allay those negative feelings as well as put those wants and dreams onto a big “to do” list.  It’s also a visual way to “see” your dreams on paper and start making them a reality. For many people, just making their list is cathartic and can help to put their mind and their thoughts in a better place. Collaborating on a bucket list with your spouse or significant other can also be a great way to get to know each other better. Indeed, some of the things that you find out about each other might be quite surprising.

This week, create your own career and life bucket list. Even if you’re not close to retirement, I highly recommend setting yourself up for success by thinking long term. Think about your career, what you want to do after your career, and how your current professional life can help support that. Whether it’s through savings, a promotion or changing industries.  Perhaps there is an encore career you wish to pursue.

Creating Your Bucket List

Use this exercise as a visioning, creative process. While there are really no set rules when creating your list, below are some helpful tips. Remember the more specific you are, the more likely it is to happen.

  • Find a quiet place to think and reflect.
  • Take three slow deep breaths and ask yourself “Three years after working non-stop my entire life, I will…”
  • Sit and wait for inspiration to flow through you. It may take time, be patient with yourself.
  • Write down everything that comes to you. Just let your thoughts flow, think big and small. This is your list so do not hold back your desires or edit your thoughts at this point.You can use pen and paper or your tablet or smart phone.
  • You may want to take several days to complete this list as new, more exciting ideas may keep popping up.
  • Once you feel your list is complete, you may want to use a numerical system to denote how important an item is. For example, “seeing Paris” might be number five on the list while “learning to speak French” might be number one.
  • For greater clarity, break it down into years one, two and three.

Creating Your Action Plan

  • Ask yourself what steps need to be in place in order to make these dreams come true?
  • Capture your “activation steps” beside each bucket list item. This turns it into action vs. a static list.
  • Create a timeline for each item. Is it to be accomplished in a few days, months or longer?
  • Keep your list handy. Think of your list as a work in progress. You will always be adding to it over the years.
  • Share it with others. but only with people you trust will support you and your dreams. We all have naysayers in our lives. It’s important to keep them away from crushing your dreams. This also gives you more accountability once it’s public.
  • Finally, be sure to keep your list in a visible place so you can revisit it daily and stay focused on accomplishing what you want.

Have fun with this exercise! Remember, if you’re stuck getting started on any part of your career/life journey, you don’t have to go it alone.  Please contact me for a FREE Strategy Session.  It’s time to put LIFE into your dreams and desires!

To Your Career Success,
Katie Weiser

© Katie Weiser, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Katie Weiser with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

10 TIPS TO HELP YOU RETIRE WITHOUT AN IDENTITY CRISIS

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Retirement Without An Identity Crisis

If you are still in the world of gainful employment or in your own business, you probably think you are too busy to think about retirement – after all, it is 3-7 years out.  Or, you feel that you can just figure it out when you retire because you will have all the time in the world then.  Be careful, that thinking can unexpectedly create an identity crisis!

Case in Point:  My friend, Karen, was planning on retiring in 2019 – 5 years from now and had not thought about what retirement would look and feel like or what she might do.  Then, life just handed her a curve ball.  Her company decided that it was “her time” to leave and offered her a package to go not in five years, but … now!

At first, Karen enjoyed sleeping in, loved her lunches with her already retired husband and enjoyed quick trips to see her children and grandchildren.  After about three months, she became depressed and asked for my coaching help.  She explained that when she was at work she knew exactly what to do every day and she felt fulfilled and happy.  She missed so many things about work:  a structured life, deadlines that kept her on task, wonderful camaraderie with co-workers, the boss she loved to hate, the business travel, her interaction with the outside world, etc.   She just did not feel relevant anymore.  She did not know who she was, what she wanted to do or how to get there.  She was also still struggling with the emotions of being pushed out of her job.  Even though, the “package” was decent – it still gnawed away at her.  She ruminated over scenarios of why they picked her and she began to feel like a victim of circumstance.

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Here are 10 tips to help you avoid this identity crisis:  Whether you are pushed out like Karen or leave on your own accord and on your own terms, you will feel a sense of loss.   The emotional turmoil can be overwhelming and begin to chip away at your identity.  So, what do you do?  Here is what Karen and I worked on together to help her manage this.  First, we worked on her emotions and self-worth.  Then, we were able to work together which produced 10 ways to shift her mindset and shape what she wanted to do with her life:

  1. Accept that retirement is one of the biggest transitions in life.
  2. Take time to grieve for what has been lost and then move forward.
  3. Realize that you have the freedom of choice and time to do some long, overdue self reflection.
  4. Tap into your passions, interests, strengths and values to create an ideal encore career or life.
  5. View life as an opportunity.
  6. Appreciate that your life experiences provide more options.
  7. Capitalize on the skills you have learned over the last 35-40+ years and leverage them.
  8. Bask in the glory of your mature perspective and listen to and follow your inner voice.
  9. Enjoy the thrill of new horizons.
  10. Cry a little, laugh a lot.

So, what happened to Karen?  Her new mantra became:  It’s my time …It’s my time! … It’s my time!  Your old job is not your identity – it does not define you as a person.  You are unique and have many gifts to share with the world.  This time in your life is an encore performance for you.  You say to the yourself, “Watch out world, here I come.”

Moral of the story:   Take the time in advance of retirement to plan your second life so that you will be able to step into your new identity quickly without all the drama.  Break a leg!

If you are suffering from an Identity Crisis (retirement or not), please call me for a FREE Strategy Session.

To Your Career Success,
Katie Weiser

© Katie Weiser, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Katie Weiser with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The five stages to leave the ‘old’ behind in a career transition

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The Five Stages to Leave the Old Behind in Career Transition

With any change in your life, including a professional change, there is loss – even if the change is good.  And loss must be grieved so you can leave the ‘old’ behind and move into the ‘new’ in a healthy way. Keep this in mind when change happens to you in your career, as well as in your personal life.

Career transitions can have a big impact on us because our jobs can be such a big part of our lives. So be pro-active and prepare yourself beforehand when possible, for a major career transition.

Most grief professionals agree that the grieving process consists of five stages that must be addressed in order to move on.  Here are the five stages:

  1. Denial– Not accepting that it’s really happening.  John was dumbfounded when he learned his two best friends were fired.  He got very caught up in their stories and often said “I can’t believe it” and bad mouthed the company for what it had done.
  2. Bargaining– Believing that with negotiation or adjustment it can go back to the way it used to be.   John was affected directly by additional responsibility which he told his boss he could not take on.  That met with skepticism which made John realize that he had better accept the new normal of wearing two hats.
  3. Anger– Feeling that the situation is “unfair”.  John confided in his wife every night that the firings and the additional work he had to take on was unfair.  She tried to console him, but he was very angry.
  4. Sadness– Feeling lost, alone, or vulnerable.  John’s days at work were lonely without his best buddies around, he missed them.  He found some of the new work was a stretch for him and he worried about whether he could master it.
  5. Acceptance– Realizing that things will not go back to the way they were, and it is time to move on.  Coaching through the above emotions and helping John understand that it is natural to have these feelings helped him to finally accept that he had to get with the program and that it was a new era for the company and for him.  It was okay to feel good about the job again because he was learning new things and ways of doing them.  And, even though he still missed his friends, he realized that commiserating with them, did not help him or them.

Moving through these five phases can take time.  It’s important to first understand that you must go through each of these phases and second, allow yourself to do so.  It is only then that you are ready to move forward.

If you need help with navigating change, take advantage of my 6 part Thriving in the Midst of Change…Career and Life audio series on change which contains over 25 tips on how you can master change in both your career and life.  Each audio is 7-10 minutes long and comes in an MP3 format that is downloadable and accessible on any mobile device.  It’s easy, click here for instant access to Thriving in the Midst of Change…Career and Life!

To Your Career Success,
Katie Weiser

© Katie Weiser, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Katie Weiser with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.