They say “April showers bring May flowers” For those of us that prefer fair weather we quickly realise that to enjoy the flowers in bloom we must accept that rain is necessary.   In a similar sense for us to enjoy a happy and satisfied career or life we must first plant the seeds for success and make the effort to keep them watered.  That may for some happen by chance just as we experience April shower however for others we will need to get out the watering can.  May the month of April be filled with renewed energy, hope and limitless opportunity.  As always I look forward to hearing from you should you wish to discuss how I might support you with your career, business or life goals.

Time for a Career Review

It is important to regularly review your career and assess where you are at any point in time. Even more importantly it is good to take stock as to where you are heading and if that is in line with your values and underlying purpose.  If it is in line then the odds of you being successful will be much higher.  If not you will most likely encounter a number of possible effects from lack of motivation and enthusiasm, low energy, and possible health issues.
 
Far too many people drift along the path of least resistance accepting those 'opportunities' that present themselves. For real and lasting career success it takes real guts to take the time to work out what you really want and have the conviction and drive to make it a reality.
 
I work with individuals to help them to take stock of their career and pinpoint their next steps to career, business and/or life success.
For further details of the services we offer visit: Services for Individuals

Leading in Challenging Times

Every leader, whether that is of a team, a small business or a large Corporate, will have to cope with adversity of one form or another.  Many believe that adversity is the true test of leadership ability.  It is how we cope and act in such times that test our metal and ultimately what shapes our future destiny. 

Leaders without doubt play a key role in such times as many employees will look towards them for guidance and support to help them navigate through the difficult period.

Here are 6 steps worth bearing in mind whilst leading in difficult times:

• Allow Employees to React Naturally – You need to recognise that employees are all different and so they will react in many different ways. Allow and promote the sharing of feelings. The key to helping people move on will be to allow them to respond and react in their own ways. You also need to recognise the issues which exist and accept unfortunately that production or output will drop. 
• Set up Open Lines of Communication - It will be important to communicate candidly and often with employees both individually and in groups. Ensure communications are positive, proactive, motivating and authentic.  This will be the time to remind employees of the company and or team mission and vision to help regenerate the overall sense of purpose and common goal. Be sure not to deny or play down the seriousness of the situation.
• Display and encourage Adaptability – Adaptability and change will be required to navigate the challenging times. New and relevant approaches should be encouraged to help engage with the workforce. With necessity being the ‘mother of invention’ you just never know what one of your employees might come up with!
• Accept any Support from Employees – When the going gets tough you often find a small number of employees offering support or help. Make sure to accept any offers and do not in any way feel threatened. Leading is about managing others so whatever good deed an employee does should be a positive reflection on your management style and abilities. This can be a great time to delegate more. Many employees will be open to taking on new tasks and responsibilities to help support the company. Apart from helping the company survive it will help broaden their experience.
• See Beyond the Challenge & Inspire Ideas - Exploring different ideas and opportunities will be important. To help with process it can be useful to hold meetings and thought sessions with employees. The more ideas the better and it will go a long way to helping employees feel more involved.
• Be Emotionally Intelligent – Emotional Intelligence is seen as an ability to identify, assess, and manage the emotions of one’s self, of others and of groups.  Developing and using this key leadership quality in such times will be useful.

Without taking the above steps there is a real risk of creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. In such an environment gossip often proliferates. If this happens you are in real danger of people either shutting down, becoming disengaged or paralyzed by fear.

And now for some Quotes…

“A leader is a dealer in hope”. -  Napoleon Bonaparte

“Success never comes to look for you while you wait around”

“By the work one knows the workman” – Jean de la Fontaine

“Don’t let fear stop you”

For further details on our services for Individuals and Corporates please call us on 0845 643 6937 or email info@recruiterscoach.co.uk

Regards,
The Recruiter's Coach.