http://www.buoyantlife.com/index.htmlNew Blog PostenBuoyant Life / Lauren StillCopyright 2008 Lauren Still2010-03-15T22:25:08-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:56:09 -0600Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2010-03-15T22:25:08-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/Two-Heads-Better-Career-Accountability.html#unique-entry-id-39http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/Two-Heads-Better-Career-Accountability.html#unique-entry-id-39Are two heads really better than one? When it comes to making changes in your life, achieving greater things, reaching goals, the answer is almost always "yes." (I won't paint myself into a corner and say it is 100% of the time, after all the other person could be a complete jerk who decides to undermine everything you do -- but I'd wager that 95% of the time, it is true.) What is it that makes us better when others are involved?
I suspect that the real answer is somewhere between art and science. Science tells us that we humans are social creatures, and our ability to band together has contributed to our survival. Art might counter that there is a "collective wisdom" or "collective consciousness" into which we can tap. Scientists describe how our continual desire to create and change (combined, I suppose, with our opposable thumbs) has brought us collectively past the stone age and the bronze age, to the industrial age and the digital age. Artists may argue that the blending of voices in a choir far surpasses what a single voice can emote.
And science tells us that accountability is one of the most important keys to successful behavioral change. (Ask me about the studies and statistics on this - it's really quite fascinating - I'd love to share what I've learned, but it's a bit long and heavy on the numbers for a blog post.)
I know a lot about what accountability can help people accomplish, after all, it is a major part of what I do as a coach. Verbalizing what you want to accomplish, committing to specific actions, and asking to be held accountable to those steps is an amazingly powerful process. The discussions, perspectives, and ideas that get generated can be astounding. Every day in my one-on-one encounters I experience how 1+1= far more than 2.
I also love to observe what happens when people get into a small group, and the collective wisdom and group energy starts flowing. A topic takes on a life of its own, and in the best of circumstances, everyone in that group rises to the challenge and then exceeds the knowledge they believed they had! Each person has the potential for insights, ideas, and sharing knowledge that they may not have recognized in themselves prior to the conversation taking place. The only way to bring out that energy, that magical alchemy, is in a group with the right members present.
The knowledge shared is not linear (1+1+1...) but becomes exponential. And as for the accountability, well, imagine your commitment if you tell 10 people what you plan to accomplish, knowing they'll be around to encourage you, root for you, and cheer you past the finish line when you make it.
You don't want to let that crowd down... do you?
]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillLife Balance2010-01-28T13:54:47-07:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/4a6a781258b6f115f89afe8e03e9217a-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/4a6a781258b6f115f89afe8e03e9217a-38.html#unique-entry-id-38Do you ever wonder why, with all our attempts to create order and control in our lives, we so often find ourselves feeling remarkably OUT of control? While there can be many reasons for this, I've always been fascinated by the concept of steadfastly moving in one direction, only to find out that due to larger forces, you're actually moving in the opposite direction. Sometimes no matter what we seem to do, we never reach our destination and can watch it fading into the distance.
Many believe that this is due to the subconscious working at odds with our conscious mind. I ran across this excerpt recently, which I think gives a great visual image as to what is going on in these situations. These are fun puzzles to work out - when you get the ant and the elephant finally moving in the same direction, amazing things start to happen.
Excerpted from The Ant and the Elephant by Vince Poscente

Before anyone can reach his full potential as a leader, he must first be a leader to himself. He must capitalize on innate talents and strengths, challenge the habits that hinder his growth and manage the fears and negative emotions that frequently keep him from realizing his goals. 

As you know, our minds function in two distinct spaces—conscious and subconscious thought. Our “ant” is the intentional part of the brain—houses our critical, analytical thoughts. Our “elephant,” however, is the instinctual, impulsive part of the brain—it houses emotions and memories and even guides the body to perform its vital functions. While we tend to know our conscious minds—or ants—rather well, we often overlook the power of our elephantine subconscious minds. Unfortunately, when we do, we squander a wellspring of human potential. 

Imagine a tiny ant on the back of a massive African elephant. No matter how diligently that ant marches east, if the elephant he sits upon travels in the opposite direction, the ant will end up even farther west than his starting point. Similarly, we will find ourselves receding from our goals if our conscious and subconscious minds are not aligned. What elephant-like aspects of our personalities hold us back from meeting challenges? How do our emotions get in the way of our ability to act and communicate effectively? What does it truly mean to commit to realize a dream? 

A good leader may recognize that he indulges elephant-like habits that keep him shy of his goal—but a great leader does something about it. He confronts the behaviors and routines that keep his subconscious stuck. He works to refashion deep-seated beliefs, attitudes and truths so that they support his conscious efforts. The great leader conquers his hidden fears, antes up and makes an emotional investment in his vision to show others the way to success.
]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-10-18T21:11:16-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/leading-up-career.html#unique-entry-id-37http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/leading-up-career.html#unique-entry-id-37Have you ever heard of managing your boss? Have you ever tried it? Does it sounds impossible, risky, or like the best thing you've heard in weeks?

Managing your boss, or "leading up" may also be called leading from the middle. In other words, middle management taking the initiative to exert some measure of influence on the organization in a positive way. This may mean pushing for a new product to be developed, encouraging a new strategic business relationship, or highlighting more efficient and effective processes that make the company stronger.

While strategic direction will still be set from the top, the people in the middle of the organization are often closest to the customer, with their ear to the ground of what is happening at a tactical level. This perspective can be invaluable to the success of a corporation when those that have front-line information also know how to position their ideas.

While some bosses may never accept people under them showing initiative, most will appreciate a subordinate who is engaged and brings ideas that benefit everyone. After all, such ideas can position the boss for success. Assuming that your boss is somewhat open to new ideas from those who work for him or her, how do you go about "leading up" in a way that does not look self-serving?

First, recognize that there is likely to be some resistance to any new idea. Position the idea as good for others (the team, the whole organization), and do not focus on yourself or how it impacts you personally. You will want to avoid it looking political and instead highlight the business case for the idea.

Second, think through how you can make it comfortable for your boss. How does what you're proposing or doing help her do her job more effectively? What would it free him up to do? If this positions your boss for success, don't let your ego get in the way. Instead focus on being a self-starter, showing initiative, and trust that what is best for the organization is best for you in the long run.

You will likely become a greater asset to your boss and the department, and that can only position you for greater things as the company contemplates succession planning and leadership development. And you will know that you were able to effect a positive change from the middle of the organization.

For more ideas on this topic, I suggest listening to John Baldoni in the Harvard Business Review IdeaCase #166 "Leading Your Boss (and Following Your Subordinates): http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/ideacast/2009/10/leading-your-boss-and-followin.html]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillLife Balance2009-06-08T15:01:26-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/women-friendship-and-stress.html#unique-entry-id-35http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/women-friendship-and-stress.html#unique-entry-id-35
The "takeaway" for me was:

- When faced with a stressful situation (loss of a job, financial difficulties, challenges in our relationships, etc.), women in particular should beware closing themselves off from others. In fact, finding friends to confide in can ease our stress and help us to cope.

If we take this a step further, perhaps women should add a tool to their toolbox - support circles, advisory groups, and other reasons to gather together and share. For example, what if a woman looking to shift her career in a given direction created a group of friends who had already preceded her or were in the process of making a similar change, mentors, and others who could support and encourage her in that endeavor?

Women also forget to take care of themselves, especially when things get crazy. Remember that our friendships nurture us, sustain us, provide laughter and perspective. If you need to let go of something in your life, don't let go of your meaningful relationships with other women. They might just save your sanity, and your health!

--------
Gale Berkowitz "UCLA Study on Friendship Among Women"

Taylor, S. E.; Klein, L.C.; Lewis, B. P.; Gruenewald, T. L.; Gurung, R. A. R.; & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). Female Responses to Stress: Tend and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight", Psychological Review 107(3), 41-429.]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-03-29T14:31:23-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/beyond-the-resume-creative.html#unique-entry-id-34http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/beyond-the-resume-creative.html#unique-entry-id-34
To help you get some ideas for other things you can do to showcase your skills, experience, and talents, I've compiled a list of alternative options that you may want to consider (CAVEAT: I have not used all of these resources, so do not endorse them, but simply want to share alternate ideas for your consideration).

Visual Resume/CV: www.visualcv.com
Video Resumes: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/videoresumes/a/videoresume.htm
Interview Presentation: wintheview.com
Online Portfolio: http://www.interfolio.com/
LinkedIn allows you to add presentations, documents, and more: www.linkedin.com

I'm sure there are many more, and those of you who are web-savvy could probably produce your own if you have the tools and skill set. If something along these lines seems like a good fit for you, I suggest you do your research to figure out what else is out there and what is the best fit for the talents you wish to highlight. As always, make sure it is professional, reflects your personal brand, and is relevant to the job you want.]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-03-28T12:17:45-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/job-ideas-for-hard-times-economy.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/job-ideas-for-hard-times-economy.html#unique-entry-id-33
Companies that are hiring:
Microsoft
Target
Lockheed Martin
Edward Jones
IKEA
DeVry
IBM
Walmart
Verizon Wireless
McLane
APAC Customer Services
Hewlett Packard
Google
Cisco Systems
Genentech
Whole Foods
Microsoft
Ernst & Young
Booz Allen Hamilton
KPMG
Price Waterhouse Coopers
Mayo Clinic
and more...

Jobs and skills in demand:
Accountants
Assistant Brand Manager
Bankruptcy Attorney
Budget Analyst
Business Professor
Financial Advisor
Financial Analyst
Information Systems Analyst
Procurement/Contracting Analyst
Supply Chain Analyst
Adult Literacy/ESL
School Counselors
Special Education Teachers
Substitute Teachers
Repairers
and more...

Sectors have articles about who is hiring in the sector:
Healthcare
Financial Services
Government
Technology & Communication
Education
Retail
Construction
Manufacturing
Engineering
Aerospace & Defense
Green
Entertainment
Utilities
Energy
Senior Services
and more...

Sources:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29536974
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29758909
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29662650
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/06/with-unemployment-at-8-1-heres-where-the-jobs-are/
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/07/growth-matters-companies-that-may-bring-the-economy-out-of-the/
http://www.cnbc.com/id/28194782?slide=1
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/fortune/0901/gallery.bestcos_mosthiring.fortune/index.html
http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1090-Who-is-Hiring-30-Hot-Jobs-Recruiters-are-Hiring-for-Now/?ArticleID=1090&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=1701361348144dacb09e8be117b23962-291658666-RM-4&ns_siteid=ns_us_g_30_hot_jobs_staffing__
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/onthejob/archive/2008/job1105.html
]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-03-25T11:43:00-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/getting-interviewing-edge-audio-tips-techniques.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/getting-interviewing-edge-audio-tips-techniques.html#unique-entry-id-32
There's no way around it, if you haven't been in the job market for a while, good preparation, tips and techniques are necessary to build your confidence back up that you will perform well in an interview. When you feel you've done everything you can to be ready for an interview, update yourself on tips and tricks, and have a plan for getting your message across, you will interview better because you will be calmer and more self-assured.

Recently, I decided to create some free and low-cost resources for people to use in their job search. With so many people affected by this economy, I decided that finding a way to share some of my expertise in a way that was financially and technologically accessible to the majority of people was the right thing to do. Call it "paying it forward" if you like, I'm just pleased to be able to help others in these trying times.

The latest installment of this audio series is "Getting an Interviewing Edge." I welcome you to have a listen or share this information with others who could use job search advice. Click here to view this and other great audio resources!]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-03-15T11:42:59-06:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/acd846487c573cd0affe6acdf4953833-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/acd846487c573cd0affe6acdf4953833-31.html#unique-entry-id-31
Several months ago, with a great deal of skepticism I decided to get on and try out Twitter, to see if 140 character sound bites could be at all interesting or helpful. I expected most of them to be along the lines of "eating a BLT sandwich" or "watching the new 24 episode and wondering what it would be like as a musical." As I started following people and gathering followers of my own, I made a few key discoveries:
1) There are a lot of people out there tweeting about what they had for breakfast and other somewhat inane thoughts.
2) There are also some very well-connected experts that freely dispense their ideas and advice.
3) The stream-of-consciousness aspect of Twitter was vaguely addictive and fun!

In fact, as I advanced to a TweetDeck application so I could see messages coming in, direct (private) messages, and also search results on particular topics of interest, I began to feel like the characters in the Matrix movies - seeing 1's and 0's flash by on the screen, but actually being able to make sense of it and see what people were doing, thinking, seeing, and organizing in real time. It began to feel very "connected" if in a surreal kind of way.

But back to something that might be of practical use. There are Twitter users who are genuinely interested in connecting with and helping other people. My biggest inspiration has come from those who are helping jobseekers right now. The most amazing story is that of JobAngels - a twitter account created solely to help put people back to work on a pay-it-forward basis: each person tries to help one other person in their job search, some how, some way. People "tweet" if they can help or if they need help. It is an awesome, feel-good, in-the-present-moment movement.

If you decide to start tweeting, get your account at www.twitter.com, then "follow" me (laurenstill) and for those of you job searching, definitely look up: jobangels, jobshouts, interviewbest.

See you on the tweet side!
]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-02-26T11:27:21-07:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/29776cf3a0129b979353000c27787285-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/29776cf3a0129b979353000c27787285-30.html#unique-entry-id-30- perspectives on how downsizing decisions are made
- areas of influence on who is let go (both under your control and outside your control)
- ideas for actions you can take now to shore up your job.

I hope you will explore this free audio and share it with anyone you think would benefit.

Click here to view this and other great audio resources!]]>Buoyant Life / Lauren StillCareers2009-02-24T11:20:34-07:00http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/lift-off-after-getting-laid-off.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.buoyantlife.com/blog/files/lift-off-after-getting-laid-off.html#unique-entry-id-29- gain a new perspective
- get motivated to get out there and find a new job
- learn the 9 steps you can take to get that new job faster, and make sure it is the right one.

I hope you will explore this free audio and share it with anyone you think would benefit.

Click here to view this and other great audio resources!]]>