The lesson is in the journey

“You can visit pity city but you can’t stay…” This was advice I received from a doctor years ago when I was faced with a medical issue that would require surgery. She told me to go home, eat cookies, binge watch movies, feel sad for myself and then tomorrow, start preparing for my surgery. Her advice was simple, yet so powerful.

How often had I let bad news or challenges weigh me down for what seemed like forever? I have shared this advice many times over the years to people in my life-friends, family, my children and even clients.  The lessons aren’t in the challenges but rather how we pick ourselves back up to continue pushing forward.

Have you experienced a situation or circumstance, where things didn’t go the way you wanted or threw you for a loop? How did you get through it? Did you have support or a plan. Those are the things to remember when another challenge comes you way.

I remember being laid off, twice in 13 months to be exact, from Best Buy. The first time, I wasn’t surprised but it still rocked me. I remember crying in the meeting where they told me, grabbing drinks with my other friends in the same situation and heading home where I went into the ‘why me’ stage. Somewhere in the night, I was reminded of the quote my doctor told me (probably because it was fresh in my mind as my surgery was only a year prior). The next day, I set up meetings to find my next home within the company and I moved forward. That didn’t mean I still didn’t feel the emotions, because I did. I was angry and disappointed. I wondered what I could have done differently to prevent this from happening. But I knew that type of thinking wasn’t going to help. I knew I had to keep pushing on. And I remember the lessons to this day.

Fast forward 13 months and I was in the situation again. This time, I didn’t bounce back right away. In fact, it took me almost 3 months to start putting a plan together to move forward, but I did. Slowly, but surely, I started to climb out of my sorrow and began to bring my plan to life. I needed my support team. My husband. Friends. Parents. There are many people in my life who could help me see my value when I couldn’t.  This very challenging time in my life happens to be one I look at most fondly. I call it the best gift from Best Buy. It took a long time and didn’t happen overnight, but over time I found myself making progress.

For those that know me well, they know that music is at the center of my life. I find joy and inspiration in songs. Sometimes they speak to my soul, like this song by Miley Cyrus- The Climb. I love it because it reminds me to keep trying and pushing forward. The lyrics are powerful. This is a song you can pull up when you need some motivation to move forward. Maybe you didn’t get a job/role you really wanted. Maybe the presentation you were giving didn’t deliver. Maybe your faced with a personal situation that throws you for a loop.  Or possibly just remembering the quote from my doctor will help.   

Do you have strategies that you leverage when you are faced with a challenge, both professionally and personally? I would love to hear them-leave me a note in the comments.  

By the way, after receiving the advice from my doctor, I did in fact go home and ate an entire package of cookie dough, curled up on the couch, watched a romantic comedy and mourned what was never going to be again-the ability to have children. And the next day, I started the process of moving forward.

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To your growth, development and amazing potential,

Lisa Hayes
Leadership Development Coach
http://www.through-the-hayes.com

Who Has Your Back?

I spent time last Friday at an event where I listened to a panel discuss the concept of Mentors, Coaches, Sponsors and Allies in our professional lives. The discussion was impactful as it had me thinking of some key questions that I needed to think deeper about. Maybe you do as well?

Who sits on your board of directors?

Having a personal board of directors is important for many reasons. The biggest reason, they can help you reach goals, give honest advice and feedback. (learn more about board of directors in this blog from ‘Be Leaderly’).

There are a few roles to consider when thinking of your board of directors, including the connector, the influencer, the mentor, the sponsor, the coach and the information powerhouse.

I realized over the weekend, that my personal board of directors has changed significantly over the years. This seems accurate as my career has done a complete shift and I no longer work in a corporate environment, but even if my role has change, my support system is just as important today as it was then.

I started thinking about this during the event on Friday and spent more time over the weekend thinking about who I had in each of my areas and where I may have gaps. I began writing down the names of people in my network. What I found surprised me.

As someone who believes in the power of these roles, I noticed that I was missing people in my network that were influencers (some who can act on or advocate on my behalf), connectors (those that could open doors for me in the coaching and facilitation world) and mentors (specifically those who can help me tackle business development).

When I dug a bit deeper into the Why behind this, I found the true reason to be my own fear and lack of commitment to networking. I know people who can play these roles for me, but I have this underlying belief that I should know these things and shouldn’t be asking for help. Has that ever happened to you? Overcoming my own fears and beliefs is something I will always need to work on. Self-identification is the key to start that process.

Here are some questions you can use when mapping our your own network:

• Where do I need to build up my network (mentor/sponsor/coach,etc)?
• Whom can I leverage to help me find someone?
• What roadblocks or concerns are in my way of finding a mentor/sponsor/coach,etc?
• What, if anything, am I afraid of in having a mentor/sponsor/coach,etc?
• What am I excited about in relation to having a mentor/sponsor/coach,etc?

I am now starting to plan how to build up my network to support my growth and development in key areas. That leads me to the next question that came up….

Who are you advocating for?

Just as important to having people in your network to support and coach you, it’s important to give back to others as well. Who I am advocating or supporting is key. Again, I found my answer surprised me.

Sure there are many that I coach and mentor for my business (I am a coach after all!) but who am I supporting. Where can I lend my expertise, advice and guidance?. Who could I go to bat for and whose back do I have?

I did the same process as above and noticed I am lacking in my efforts to give back as well.  Ironically, as I was identifying this, I received a LinkedIn message asking me if I would consider being a mentor for a fellow women entrepreneur. Turns out the person scheduled to do it was unexpectedly able to commit. Was this the universe telling me something? I immediately said yes and am excited to begin this journey of not only giving, sharing and helping this women but in turn learning from her as well. Just like any relationship, you take from it what you give and what you want, and I love to learn in any situation and from others experiences. This should be no different.

Having a support system and giving support are two great ways to grow professionally and reach your goals. Who is in you network? Who has your back? Where are you lacking support and what your plans to get there?

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To your growth, development and amazing potential,

Lisa

Four Tips to Enhance Your Resume

We’ve have heard it. A resume is the most important piece of a job search. Actually, I think they are part of a bigger strategy, but I will talk about that at a later date. In fact, a resume is the first thing many individuals jump to ‘update’ when they need or want a new job.

Resumes are a great insight into how you can help solve a hiring manager’s problem with validated information showcasing how you have done that in the past.  Often if we haven’t updated our resume for awhile, we forget what we should or shouldn’t do.  

So as set out to revamp or even start your resume, remember the following tips:

Lose the objective statement. Long gone are the days that we state on a resume, Seeking a position…. Or My objective is to be in a X role with a growing company. Having this on your resume will surely get you overlooked. Instead make sure you have a solid summary section which balances your brand, skills and abilities. It should be a holistic view of who you are as an employee and how your skills will solve the hiring managers problem.

Length- 1 to 2 pages maximum. Levo league had an article highlighting things to remove from your resume. #9 talks about keeping your resume to 1 page.  I don’t agree fully in this. In my opinion, if your experience is greater than 10 years, I would expect to see a 2 page resume when you think of all the information I want to see. A robust summary section, your experience, education and any other relevant information (professional training, technical skills, etc.). Although, this is your resume. Do what feels good for you-1 or 2 pages but NEVER go beyond 2 pages. You will lose your reader who is only spending 6 seconds reading it anyway.

Detail the last 10-15 years only. You don’t need to put much depth to jobs you had 20 years ago. What’s most important is what you have done recently that can be of service to this new job.

Use POWER words.  Put power behind your accomplishments by using strong action words. Words like Managed, Developed, Supervised, Led, Created, etc. have more punch behind them and leave the reader with a positive impression.

Simple and classic look. NO need to have fancy boarders, graphs or pictures in your resume (unless you are a designer…that’s a unique situation). Keep you look simple allowing for the reader to quickly get to the heart of why they are reading your resume. Do you have the skills and experience they are looking for?

No matter what you are in the development of your resume, just starting or making quick edits, hopefully these easy tips will help.

Also, check out the outrageous and crazy resume mistakes in the 2013 Career Builders study of Common and Not-So-Common Resume Mistakes That Can Cost You the Job.  Find interesting things like how someone listed on their resume their objective was “To work for someone who is not an alcoholic with three DUI’s like my current employer”.  I am not easily surprised these days…but that one threw me for a loop.

To your growth, development and amazing potential,
Lisa Hayes
Professional Development Coach
http://www.through-the-hayes.com

Holiday Networking? No Problem with These 6 Tips

Tis the season. Holiday season begins this week with Thanksgiving. I love this time of the year and the traditions it brings. Particularly those that involve food, family and naps. I can smell the turkey roasting for our upcoming Thanksgiving feast. Admittedly, one reason I like to host is for the leftovers. Turkey. Cranberry Sauce. Potatoes. Okay, I digress. Back to reality!

Holiday time is also the perfect time for networking. Many people assume networking stops when the holidays begin. Not so! Holiday parties at work, happy hours with your old college roommates, neighborhood gatherings, programs at your kid’s school. Every event is an opportunity to network!

Check out these tips to get a leg up on networking during this holiday season:

1. Prepare to Network– before you head to your first event, you need to prepare. Spend some time and write down the following:

• Your Objective- What work you are currently doing and what kind of work you want to do next
• Core Message-what will you say about yourself when networking and what do you want to share with others (think elevator pitch)
• Update Social Media- Make sure your LinkedIn page is current and reflects your brand statement

2. Take Advantage of all Opportunities- think about who might be at certain events. Can cousin Sally, who works at a law firm, help you? You never know. The key thing about networking is you never know who knows who.

A few months ago, I happen to be talking to a women who had recently lost her job. We were discussing networking and she was afraid at the prospect of talking to people she didn’t know. I asked her to practice with me. As she explained what type of job and the specific company she was hoping to work at, I looked at her with a smile. I told her that my friend not only worked at that company but was in the specific role she was eyeing. I agreed to connect them and the rest they say is history!

3. Communication is a Two Way Street– share what you are looking for. Is it a new job, new connections, referrals, etc. If you are looking for a job, be ready to share what kind of work you want to do, what you would bring to a company, and the type of company you are looking to connect to.

In addition, be an active listener. Listen to what people are saying, the advice that is given or places you should aim your search.

4. Dress Appropriately – Know your audience. If it’s a work event, dress accordingly. If it’s at your neighbor’s house, not showing up in business attire should be a no brainer right?

5. Keep Drinking to a Minimum– Whenever there is the potential to meet someone who could be a reference, you want to put your best foot forward. Your brand and how you want people to think of you after you leave the event should be priority.

Have you ever been to a networking event where there was ‘that’ person? You don’t want to be one of them.

6. Stay in Touch- connect on LinkedIn. Follow up on any tips, suggestions or ideas they may have shared. Set up time to formally network where you can offer to reciprocate. Keep this relationship going long after the New Year!

With a bit of planning, this holiday season can be a memorable one for your career. While others are off their game, you can be on top of yours and just might set yourself up for success in 2015!

Need career or personal development support? I am offering discounts on individual coaching services through 12/31/14. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your dream job! Spots are limited. Contact me today!

To your growth, development and amazing potential,

Lisa

Career Development Coach

http://www.through-the-hayes.com

5 Tips For Planning A Change

This weekend I was forced to do something I wasn’t quite ready for. Prepare for a snowpocalyps! Like many other states we are about to experience the aftermath of Typhoon Nuri (USA Today) and were told to expect up to 12 inches of snow. Really? In November? At some point on Saturday I silently prayed for my husband to accept a job somewhere where there was never snow before I had finished packing up Halloween decorations! Don’t get me wrong, I like snow. In December! Or at the very least Thanksgiving.

In the midst of the panic that surrounds a sudden change in plans, I remembered that this is not new. Snow comes every year in MN and sometimes stays longer than I would like. I had to take a step back and refocus on what needed to happen in order to get the yard and family ready for winter. We have a plan every year. So we spent the weekend cutting down shrubs, mowing the lawn and putting away lawn furniture. After finishing the plan, we relaxed. Confident we could hunker down for a few days while the storm came through.

Some changes are unexpected and some are planned.  What are your plans for 2015? Whatever they are, having a roadmap is important. With a good plan, you can be prepared for whatever comes you way!

Know the why behind the change.

Recognizing why you want a change is important. Maybe you’re looking for a new job because your boss is hard to work with. Will changing jobs, or leaving a company where you have a good benefits package, be fulfilling? Will taking on a new set of clients get your business over the top?

Only you can know the answer but taking an honest look at the why is the first step.

Research the heck out of it!

You wouldn’t travel from New York to California by winging it would you? (maybe some of you would and for that I am a bit jealous)! Researching the best route for you (great pit stops, quickest route, etc.) will make the trip memorable with minimum stress. The same thing goes for taking on something new. Build your plan around what is important to you.

For example, you wouldn’t want to jump into a new job without spending time researching if the company values match yours, or if the culture fits your lifestyle.

Doing your homework is important!

Find a mentor/coach.

Never be afraid to ask for help or advice. Finding someone, either a counselor, mentor or coach, whom you can bounce ideas off of will help you hone in on your goals. A coach can help you find out why you want a change and help you set goals to get there.

When I started my coaching business, I hired a business coach. She helped me set up a plan, organize my why and helped me feel confident with my decisions. I always find myself going back to all she taught me any time I change something in my business.

Be prepared- things won’t go according to plan!

Even with a great plan, there are things you can’t anticipate. Like a snow storm that comes a month early, there are many things out of your control.

Having a plan in place helps you get through those setbacks and quickly get back on course.

Take baby steps. Often.

Making changes can be overwhelming. When people are overwhelmed they tend to stop moving forward and instead get stuck where they are.

Once you have a roadmap in place for where you want to go, you can take baby steps towards your goal. Write down your plan and what actions will bring it to life. Post it somewhere you can see it daily.  Plaster your wall with post it notes. Print the graphic in this blog to remind you. Whatever works for you. What matters is that you are moving forward towards your goal!

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

No matter what you are dreaming of doing in 2015, you, and only you, are the one who can make it happen. Start planning today and watch it happen. I believe you can do it. Do you?

If you enjoy this blog, I would love for you to share it with your family and friends. Also, feel free to leave a comment. I enjoy hearing from you!

To your development, growth and amazing potential,

Lisa

Career Development Coach