Mentoring and Being Mentored Critical for Positive Career Growth

Most people have a circle of friends and family where they can seek advice about career and personal issues. But we also have the innate human characteristic of wanting to avoid conflict. One very important aspect of having a formal mentor relationship is the regular follow-up to monitor progress on confronting challenges and seizing opportunities. We may hear good advice, but as Dante wrote in the 12th Century: the secret to getting things done is to act. What we now label as proactivity. A mentor can be a game-changer in the complex bureaucracy of large corporations. How can a fresh recruit out of college, or any new employee for that matter, possibly navigate her way through the labyrinth of a large company? Ideally, a mentor is someone who has been there, done that, who can share their experiences on how to get things done and communicate effectively within the business. The mentor can also learn valuable lessons on the "perception" of younger workers and can help with retaining the transient Millennials. Studies show there is a strong correlation between a positive mentoring experience and increased productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. A business leader and mentor from a Fortune 1000 company recently noted, "it has helped me to see the obstacles we inadvertently put in the way of people's development." The younger generation, who grew up in the digital world, can mentor more mature workers on understanding and using technology. They can also give insight on how to market products/services to the growing Millennial population. Knowledge transfer is critical to the success of organizations, as mature workers leave the workforce. Good working relationships between older and younger workers can ensure that institutional knowledge is passed along. Intergenerational synergy is powerful, as is all diversity in a workforce, and mentoring can go a long way toward understanding generational differences. Personally, I prefer "organic" versus formal mentoring programs. Typically, the best mentor is someone right in front of you. Someone you have gone to for assistance, who you respect and trust, who has gone out of his or her way to help you, and shows genuine interest. In study after study, mentors report that "it just feels good to assist people at critical stages in their careers." A boss may turn out to be an excellent mentor, but it is more advantageous, I believe, to have someone not in your chain-of-command to give truly impartial advice. Outside of your organization can even be better, but you must recognize the commitment you are asking from a potential mentor and it may prove to be more of a challenge to schedule meetings than with someone within your company. Mentoring is much more effective if it occurs with regularity, to monitor career progress. Many companies have set up formal programs realizing the tremendous value mentoring has on their organizations. In the absence of being able to find a trusted mentor on your own and if your company doesn't have a formal program, talk to your human resources department about setting one up. Also, become a mentor - play it forward - for a friend, or colleague. Mentoring can be remarkably rewarding and everyone benefits. Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition, featuring social media and networking to find and keep jobs, now available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://amzn.to/mRaxuk

Become The Go-To Person In Your Company And Get Promoted

The importance of go-to people in organizations cannot be overstated. Martin Zwilling, in his article "Leaders Take The Initiative, But Go-To People Get Things Done" he writes: 'To highlight how rare this breed is, a new CEO of a large company once said, I have more than 1000 people in my head office organization, 900 can tell me something's wrong, 90 can tell me what's gone wrong, nine can tell me why it went wrong, and one can actually fix it." The critical attributes of a true go-to person are excellent communication skills, knowledge of how companies work and make money (particularly their own organization), willingness to work hard and see projects through to completion, and (positive) visibility within their company. Most of us have heard the adage, God gave you two ears and one mouth so you would listen twice as much as you talk. Effective communication is not just listening, but empathetic listening - putting your self in another's shoes and truly understanding their point-of-view before even so much as contemplating a response. When co-workers or managers know you fully understand what they are saying, they are much more open to your input. And if you are really listening, you will hear the requirements of a project or task and not have to go back-and-forth for clarification. Know how the business works and makes money. Much of this can be learned in business school, but unique advantages of your company much be studied. Read and understand the companies' vision statement, study SEC filings if publicly traded, know your marketing materials, nurture mentor relationships with those who can help guide you through the organization layers, and ask questions about how projects fit into the over all scheme of the business. Visibility in your company is a must. Internal networking - just like external networking is essential for success. Effective networking is built upon reciprocity. You must give before you receive. Do not ask for assistance until after you have offered your help to others - then their support will be readily obtainable. Volunteer for company projects, task forces, social events, sports teams, and training programs. At every opportunity meet people from other departments and (again) offer your assistance if they ever need it. A mentor can help you navigate the organization and who to know, who to avoid, and company politics from their own experience. Learn how people in the organization like to communicate - some may prefer short emails, a follow-up text, detailed reports, or still others a face-to-face conversation. Now comes the hard work part. You have to be willing to put in the extra hours to see projects or tasks through to their completion on time, every time. Once you have a strong network established in your company, you will know who to contact for advice and help to get things done. Companies have become very lean in the past several years and you will most likely need outside assistance - and you won't be afraid to ask for it if you have assisted others in their time of need. Ask questions. Questions show your understanding of a project and that you want to be sure all requirements are on the table up front, so any obstacles can be identified. Be honest if you believe there are hidden challenges, as soon as discovered, and alert team leaders. It is much better to have these uncovered early on, so additional resources can be requested. To become known at a go-to person doesn't happen overnight. You must be patient and show consistency. But the benefits are well worth the effort. You will learn of openings you are qualified for in other departments before they are posted, by tapping into your network and mentors. Your name will come up in management meetings, as successfully completing projects and as a company rising star. You will be offered more assignments and responsibility in an upward spiral toward an eventual promotion. Yes people do not win in the end. Stay out of office politics and have facts readily available if you disagree with someone. Offer other points of view not as a challenge, "but have you considered this" and use your listening skills to understand their position. Once you have had your say, proceed down the path. You will find it very rewarding once you begin to be known as a go-to person and have co-workers and managers realize the value of your contribution to the organization. Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition, focusing on networking and social media to find and keep jobs, available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

What Occupations Add the Most Workers to 2020? How to Increase Your Odds for Continuous Employment

A radical shift is taking place in the U.S. and Europe. More and more jobs are changing from full-time employee to contingent positions. A recent survey by Kelly Services reveals 44 percent of workers indicate they are now freelancers and most without benefits. So it will be important going forward to choose a high-growth field with plenty of new opportunities.

It should not be much of a surprise that jobs in the Healthcare and Healthcare Support occupations will add the most new workers in the U.S. from now to 2020, for a total of just under 3.5 million. Two factors are driving this growth - baby boomers hitting retirement age and an increase in life expectancy. In raw numbers the ranks of Registered Nurses will swell by 712,000. Add to this 706,000 Home Health Aides, 302,000 Nurses Aides and Orderlies, 210,000 Medical Secretaries, 168,000 Physicians and Surgeons, 163,000 Medical Assistants and other related jobs to round out the largest employment increase of any field.

Healthcare is followed by 2.35M Office and Administrative Support positions; 1.87M Sales and Related occupations; 1.41M Construction; 1.40M Education and Training; 1.34M Personal Care and Service; 1.33M Transportation and Material Moving; 1.17M Business and Financial Operations; 1.1M Food Preparation and Serving; 800,000 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair; 778,000 Computer and Mathematical occupations; 664,000 Building Grounds and Maintenance; and 616,000 Management occupations. All others, and the average salaries of each profession, can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.

What does it mean when one-half of jobs are contingent instead of traditional employee-employer relationships and trending even more in the freelance direction? It suggests that the employer can terminate your contract at any time, which is not much different than that of an at-will employee, but it's easier to cancel a contract than fire someone - and they don't have to pay unemployment compensation. And, of course, the reason they are bringing new employees in on contract in the first place is they don't have to pay other benefits, such as health insurance, nor keep employees happy with promotions and career path discussions. If you are a contingent worker, you will have to cover your own health insurance - and forget 401k contributions - you'll have to save for your own retirement. This leads to the job security question - none, nadda! Since the majority of workers will be independent contractors, you're going to have to learn how to fend for yourself in these areas. Most importantly, it will be up to you to continually look for your next contract position since the current one could go away at any time. You will need to develop the skills to market yourself while fully engaged in your current position and ensure you don't do it at the expense of the current gig, to give anyone the excuse to end the contract early.

You are going to have to develop and nurture networks of colleagues, co-workers, trade association members, recruiters, friends, relatives, schoolmates, etc. to always know what positions are opening up in your chosen field. You are going to have to recognize what new skills are coming into demand and master them - whether through more schooling, mentors, or extra effort on the job. The key is to be proactive. - to stay a step a head of the game and always be thinking of your next job and actively be in communication with a close-knit network willing to assist you, because you've done the same for them. It will also be important to stay out of debt, as much as possible, because there will be gaps between jobs and no unemployment insurance to help.

This doesn't have to be a scary proposition. Choose a field where you know there will be growth, or one so specialized that few can do what you can. Two-thirds of all new jobs have been created by small businesses over the past two decades. So think small business - either start your own or find one where you can add the most value. You will create your own job security going forward.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd edition, available on Amazon and Kindle. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://amzn.to/Hd9wVr

Today’s Job Market Requires Flexibility

There are countless articles on the Web and in print media today which suggest the only people being hired, in this recovering job market, are those with the "exact" set of skills sought by the organization. Recruiters only want to see resumes that perfectly match the specific requirements of the open job. Many companies use software to scan resumes for the keywords that perfectly match the position to be filled. Interviews are only scheduled with candidates with recent, highly relevant experience.
Conversely, we read that workers with skill sets, which were too specific, were the first cut as companies downsized during this past recession. This makes some sense. If you have fewer workers or managers remaining, they are going to have to take on expanded roles - not only completing their previous assigned responsibilities, but perhaps manage unrelated departments or jobs as well.
But wouldn't it also make sense for lean companies just starting to expand their workforces out of the depths of recession to hire well-rounded individuals who have the capability to do a specific job but also the wherewithal to assist or manage other areas?
That's the dilemma for job seekers today. Do I pigeonhole myself into a position vis-à-vis my resume and the interviews and get pitted against others with those exact skills? Or do I let my broader experience shine through and risk being labeled with less than the concentrated practice they are searching for?
The experts say that college graduates should keep a broad based focus since the changing job market requires flexibility. Workers who already have gained practical experience in a field may be encouraged to add a MBA to their repertoire, to enhance their value to a company, therefore, their survivability.
The reality is that smart, progressive companies - the ones we all aspire to work for - are going to opt for the person with more than just the expertise to perform the job at hand. You probably want to pass on the opportunity if the company is so compartmentalized that they don't want you to think outside of your specific role. The balancing act is to get through the screening of your resume and the gauntlet of preliminary interviews by "playing the game" with your "exact fit" for the job. Once you have an audience with senior management you can address your well-honed transferable skills - as well as the ability to excel in the posted job. It will require nimbleness, but that's what today's job market is about. If the key hiring manager doesn't feel confident of the additional value you will bring to the organization, you may not get the job but at least you will be able to showcase all of your acquired skills. A forward-thinking organization should look beyond that one position and give you the opportunity you seek.
Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition now available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

How Networking Can Help Our Careers

Networking is one of the most used and misused buzzwords of our times. Many people confuse “networking” with the mere act of connecting with people via social media on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. While these sites can be used for networking – effective networking is so much more.

Napoleon Hill, a famous motivational author of the past century, had this to say about networking, “You have to give before you receive.” And Tom Hopkins, author and one of the top sales guru’s of all time, takes it a step further: “When people use networking, they are taking advantage of a basic law – the Law of Reciprocity. The law basically says, if I do something good for you, you will feel obligated to do something good for me.” This is what effective networking is all about.

There are countless articles about “networking to find jobs,” currently on the Internet. Unfortunately, many of these bestow the readers with the wrong mindset for networking. If you charge off with the attitude that you must find someone to help you land a job, you are missing the critical component of effective networking. A sound mindset would be: I have quite a few friends when I think about it: current circle of friends, co-workers, former co-workers, college friends, extended family, church acquaintances, sorority sisters, trade association contacts, softball teammates, etc. I have a great deal in common with most of them – whether it’s our children, past schools or jobs, athletic interests, or careers. I wonder who could use my assistance or advice on the best smart phone to buy, good books to read, selling their products, or advice on people they should know to advance their careers. Once you have ongoing dialog and mutual trust and respect established, then and only then, can you ask for their assistance. Social networking sites can be great “mediums” to use to extend your reach to establish or re-establish connections with old friends to rekindle relationships.

Guy Kawasaki, author of Art of the Start and entrepreneur, suggests two degrees of separation is as far as you should go in recommending someone or asking someone for their help with your job search. Assisting a friend of a trusted friend should not be a concern, but the friend of a friend of a friend is stretching it and could have negative consequences for your reputation.

Networking is not just something to do externally, but within your own company as well, to enhance in your career. Being known as the person in your company who others can go to for assistance with a project, for advice, or even a sounding board will open “internal” doors for you. You will learn about openings in other departments firsthand and perhaps get recommended; hear about the “true” state of your company and it’s long-term viability; find out about new projects; and an exciting new product team you may want to join. Volunteer for company initiatives and projects to meet the people who can assist you – but always keep in mind, what can you do for them before requesting their help.

Two very important components of networking I have learned are “create and nurture your network before you need it” and always “give a sincere thank you to the person(s) who provide you assistance.”

Richard S. Pearson recently published his second book, 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition, with an added focus on social media to find jobs, mentors, and networking -- available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. He is an avid bicyclist, fly fisherman, and skier residing in Colorado. http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Career Success: Doing What You Love To Do

"Do what you love to do and you will never work a day in your life."

Confucius

To do something well, you most likely have to like doing it. Here is a recent post on a medical student/resident Web site: "Honestly, I don't even see being a doctor as a job, because it is such a great gift to be able to help and heal someone." I have also heard from some teachers who find teaching a real joy when they connect with difficult students-and see them fully grasp new concepts and exhibit a desire to learn. It has to be rewarding for a teacher. You also hear that firefighters, pastors, and even some airline pilots rank their jobs at the top of the "happiest" scale. Gurcharan Das, the Indian CEO for Proctor and Gamble, has been quoted on numerous occasions about what it is like to contribute all of your effort to the job at hand by being totally immersed in what you are doing. He says, "It is absorbedness-total contentment in work so engrossing that you don't even know that you are working. It may be working early morning hours without even realizing the time going by because you are so content in what you are doing."

The thought about doing the thing you most love to do, I believe presupposes a certain period of time. To eat a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant in Paris or sail around the Hawaiian Islands on a beautiful warm day (to most of us) is something we would love to do more than any job. So I think Confucius would agree that he meant what would give you the greatest satisfaction and pleasure over time - not for the moment.

I've known some graphic artists and programmers who say they love what they do and would never have to be asked to stay after 5 PM to finish a project. (Many would stay through the night if you bought the coffee). Most entrepreneurs and inventors get so caught up in what they are doing-totally immersed-that they lose sight of time, sleep, and even others who may not have the same passion.

Fund raisers for major charities, Peace Corp volunteers, veterinarians, ski instructors, actors, etc. have satisfying days but, I'm sure, also have ups and downs. The true test of whether someone loves what they do (his or her chosen profession) probably has to do with compensation. Would they be doing the same thing if they weren't making a decent wage doing so? Some attorneys do pro bono work for the disadvantaged or for the public good, but must have paying clients for their country club dues and house payments. An artist I know works on a particular painting for months without a chance of selling it for (much or any) profit, but that doesn't seem to discourage her. This must qualify for doing something you love. We could define "doing something you love to do for employment" as making a positive contribution - without starving to death.

In reality, you do not walk out the college doors and into the job of your dreams - one you will love, unless your love is raising horses and your family is ready hand over the reigns (pun intended) to the family ranch. If you have a passion about helping other people you might want to join a non-profit organization, start medical school, work for a political campaign, work for a homeless shelter, join the Peace Corp, etc. If you are a finance wiz, perhaps a job on Wall Street is your cup of tea, or working for one of the Big Four accounting firms. If you love travel and tourism, maybe American Express Travel, Expedia, American Airlines, or your state tourism department should be on your list. If you are a great cook, hair stylist, or florist and want to own your own restaurant, boutique shop, or franchise, there are skills you need to acquire to run a business (and be successful) no matter how much you love what you are doing. The point is that you are, in all probability, going to have to get an education, attain practical skills, and take intermediary steps to get to the point of doing what you love. Some of these steps may be drudgery but you've got to continuously look toward the end result.

Here's some practical advice I wholeheartedly agree with from Penelope Trunk, of Brazen Careerist. "Do not what you love; do what you are." Many tests have been developed to highlight your strengths and weaknesses, such as Myers-Briggs, which provides a list of jobs where you would likely excel based on your strengths, experience, and education. Penelope goes on to say, "Relationships make your life great, not jobs.

But a job can ruin your life - make you feel out of control in terms of your time or your ability to accomplish goals - but no job will make your life complete." Do what you love and perhaps money won't matter quite as much. In reality, by chasing the dream of what you love to do, you tap into an inner energy that propels you to do the best, most extraordinary work you are capable of. This will get you recognized and, if there is any money in your chosen field, you should be compensated accordingly. To do something well you most likely have to like doing it was my opening statement. Focus on your strengths. Contemplate the tough issues of where you have been, where you are now, where you would like to be. Develop a (realistic) plan to get you there. Unless you are proactive, outline and complete the intermediate steps (and overcome the challenges), you won't end up where you want to be.

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place.http://www.5necessaryskills.com

Make a Move - To a New Job or Promotion Now

We've pretty much hit rock bottom in the job market. Yes, some layoffs will continue in 2011 and beyond - there will always be downsizing - but the unemployment numbers will start dropping, as smart, well-managed companies have already begun to prepare for a sustained economic upturn. If you work for one of these forward thinking companies, you better start to jockey for position to replenish management ranks, as they bring new people on board to fill vacant and expansion positions held over from the deepest recession in decades.

This is similar to the wisdom imparted by a good stock market advisor, buy low and sell high. As we know in the market, many investors jump on the bandwagon trying to catch waves already cresting, then end up selling on the down slope. Companies have shed almost seven and one-half million jobs since the recession started, kept inventories at minimal levels, and stripped advertising budgets to the bone. They must now reposition themselves to take advantage of the economic upturn - even though the jobs piece of the equation is still on a somewhat slippery slope. This presents a great opportunity - in the trough of the jobs market - to advance in your career by riding the wave as recruitment begins in earnest.

Now is the time to gain maximum visibility in your company. Volunteer for new assignments, process improvement committees, to assist other departments, charity drives, even the holiday party planning team. Position yourself as the "go to" person in your department or division. Network within your company, with your manager, mentor, or any other connection, that you are ready for more responsibility. Update your resume and highlight your skills and experience, which have prepared you for more challenge. Why should your company's management look outside the organization, incur recruiting expenses, have questions if someone will fit into the company's culture, etc. when you are a proven asset? But it is up to you and your allies in the organization to communicate this. Your immediate boss, department manager, mentor(s), and others you interact with should be enlisted to sing your praises. Ask other departments, human resources, and your boss to keep you in the loop on jobs before they are even posted - to give you the first crack at them.

If your company does not have near term growth prospects for you, begin looking outside. Now is the time to re-evaluate your skills, education, and experience to begin the search for your dream job. Will you require some intermediate steps like going back to school for an MBA or other course work in your field? Do you need more experience in a particular discipline before you are qualified for your ultimate job? At the same time, evaluate if this dream job is in a field that is expected to continue to have above average growth in the coming years? Will it require a move to another part of the country? Do you have enough savings to make a move - since many companies have cut down on relocation reimbursements? All of these questions need to be answered as you take proactive steps to move forward down your career path.

If the chosen profession has limited growth and therefore upward movement, it may be time to look for a position in another field where your skills and experience will also apply. The US Labor Department has forecast the highest growth occupations through 2018, and may help you in your decision of where to look. Network systems and data communications positions will grow by over 53%; personal and home care aides by 50%; home health aides by almost 49%; computer software engineers by over 44%; and veterinary technologists by 41% to name a few. This information can be found, as well as fast growing cities, on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site.

A few words of caution - do not ignore any of your current job responsibilities as you look ahead, down your career path. And for heaven's sake don't tell co-workers you are looking elsewhere, as this will spread like wildfire and could damage chances for an internal promotion. Do your research away from the office, on your own computer and phone, and schedule interviews or meetings over lunch or take a vacation day.

It is up to you, and only you, to seize these new career opportunities, whether inside or outside of your current company. Timing is in your favor, as companies announce their expansion plans and flocks of transitional workers begin tossing their resumes into the hat. Go for it!

Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place.http://www.5necessaryskills.com