Sporting a moniker of Canada’s Career Strategist, you have to know that I take my responsibility seriously. So, I thrive on developing meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals — the kind of professionals who understand the value of sharing their expertise. These are the people I follow.

Lately, I have been following my tweeps and monitoring them more closely. I have made a personal revelation, which I would like to share.

It is clear that many followers, including myself, don’t appreciate threads that go on about someone’s daily activity. Around the globe, twitter-lovers and twitter-haters alike have thought at least once, “Why would I care if you are making supper now?” or “Who cares if you are taking a break?”

Personally, I have now started to find some of the more insidious Tweets (and Tweeters) invasive and even offensive. In short, I am growing a major aversion to seeing posts like these:

• Busy running around as usual.
• Glad it’s Friday!
• Busy looking for a job.
• Currently working on a client resume.
• It’s raining outside so I’m working.
• Just wrote another resume.
• Coached an executive client.
• Looking for business.
• Connected with an industry expert.
• Finished up a client call.

Sometimes, I wonder if the person tweeting has some sort of Napoleon complex. Do they really think that it’s all about them? Do they get that others don’t care about what they are doing right now? Are they THAT self-absorbed?

People who insist on sharing every mundane detail of their lives are virtually assured that busy professionals will not follow them. Even if these individuals are giving their followers important information from time to time, all the extra lines of fluff are taking away from their message.

Meaningful twitterers can offer a wealth of information. They can become seen as subject matter experts. People want to read every single tweet.

Everyone loves to read a tweet that is meant to help us, deepen a relationship, empower someone, support a colleague, or lift our spirits.

If you want to achieve tweetsperity, tweet with a generous, sharing heart. Give much more than you want to receive. If you genuinely care about your followers and their needs, you’ll find that you’ll grow your contact base, gain friendships, achieve your career goals, and attain immeasurable rewards.

CLICK HERE to learn more about your career development.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Use Twitter Effectively to Build Your Career

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If you’re involved in a career transition, I’m sure you’ve heard the latest hype about QR codes. Some evangelists swear that they are the “next big thing” in job search strategy. Others believe that this is just another fad that will completely disappear into the fog of technology past.

As an innovative professional, you’re likely curious about all the buzz. If using a QR Code can be beneficial to a job search, you don’t want to be left out of the loop.

I don’t proclaim to be an expert on the subject, but while researching how these codes are currently being used, I’ve learned of many pros and cons to using this new technology for career development. I’ve noticed that vendors and providers who want to sell services related to developing and tracking QR codes promote them aggressively. However, critics believe that the codes are “gimmicky” and don’t work in real life scenarios. As you’ll see, I’ve developed some strong opinions of my own.

Here’s what you need to know about QR codes before making your own decision.

What is a QR Code?

Quick Response codes, “QR codes” for short, originated in Japan, where organizations have been using them for a number of years. These days, businesses around the world use QR codes to advertise, market, and promote their companies, services, and products.

These little, square codes are similar to traditional barcodes you find on price tags in stores. However, they are quickly gaining in popularity because they can hold far more information such as website links, phone numbers, email addresses, and other text.

The code is actually a picture with embedded information. When someone scans the picture using a mobile application (QR Code Reader) or another scanning device, the details within the picture open up.

Why would a person use a QR Code?

Just as companies use QR codes to promote their organizations, individuals can use QR codes to promote themselves.

QR codes are primarily used on smart phones. Mobile apps allow recruiters and employers to familiarize themselves with candidates using devices such as Blackberrys, iPhones, android phones, and iPads.

Pioneering job seekers, consultants, and other entrepreneurs are starting to use QR codes in resumes, business cards, and other documents in their marketing portfolio. The primary purpose of the code is to provide detailed information to networking contacts, recruiters, and employers. However, more advanced individuals can also track the usage of the code.

You can easily create your own QR code to provide any information you choose to give to others:

• A QR code can be built to open up a V-Card that includes your contact information, credentials, LinkedIn address, Twitter handle, Skype name, blog, and/or website, making it easy for your connections to add you to their contact list on their on cell phone.
• You can create a QR code that has text only. A creative text code might offer a short resume profile, a list of projects, employers, clients, or achievements.
• Most commonly, you can build a QR code that opens up a link to one webpage that is optimized to be viewed on a mobile phone. For example, you could direct a person to your LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, blog, website, or YouTube video.

If you decide to use a QR code, you might want to place it on the back of your business card or at the top of your resume so it can be easily scanned by mobile phone users. The most important thing is to ensure that the code leads to a mobile-friendly page or vCard.

Who should use a QR Code?

Clearly, in terms of career development or job search, QR codes are in the very early stages of development.

Certain professionals might want to use QR codes to show that they are on the leading edge of technology. By incorporating a code into their self-marketing material, they can advance their career by providing others with a concise link to information they want to share. By disseminating a QR code, they are also demonstrating their proficiency in the technology.

Good candidates for QR Codes:

• Job seekers specializing in advertising, marketing, communications, and business development could add a code to their business card and portfolio cover to show off their understanding of the technology and to advance their career.
• Professionals in technology-related roles might want to put a code on their resume to show that they are progressive and that they keep up with advancements in technology.
• Management consultants might use various QR codes in brochures, magazine ads, and proposals to advertise, deploy promotions, and expand their business.

Some progressive employers such as marketing firms, advertising agencies, and software technology firms are likely to find a candidate who has an understanding of the technology appealing. If you are targeting organizations that use such codes in their business, it may be advantageous to add a QR code to your resume.

Putting a QR code in an email would be overkill. Remember, QR codes are mostly for mobile communications hardware. There is little reason for anyone to scan a code in an email when they can simply click on a link.

Can anyone generate a code?

Yes. If you feel that a QR code will be beneficial on your resume, narrative biography, or business card, you can easily create one.

A quick Google search will uncover many internet applications that can help you generate your own QR code. Some even have the capability to track people scanning your QR code:

http://www.qurify.com/en/

A free, easy to use text or link QR code generator.

http://goqr.me/

A free QR code generator with multiple tabs for different types of codes.

http://www.qrstuff.com/

A free colour QR code generator with a variety of options, including LinkedIn and vCard.

http://vizibility.com/

If you are serious about generating a QR code to create a mobile-friendly page and manage your job search, check out this up-and-coming service. Vizibility has a free, easy-to-use interface to help you present details about your background in a mini-online marketing visual. You can rank and manage Google search results for your name so that you can show the most important and appropriate ones to people who scan your QR code. Advanced features will allow you to track people who have used the code.

What are the cons of using a QR code?

At this point, there is a lot of controversy about the use of QR codes for job search. Some people believe that QR codes are a waste of time and that candidates could use their time and energy in many other ways.

Using a QR code might help you in your job search but, if it does, the current value is miniscule:

• According to Sean X Cummings, the general public seems largely oblivious to their use. An informal street survey of 300 people determined that only 11% of people even knew what a QR code was – let alone how to use it.
• Recruiters typically use Applicant Tracking Systems (resume scanning software) to sort and select resumes based on the text in the documents themselves. I don’t know of any such software that is able to recognize QR codes.
• Today, most recruiters don’t use QR codes to research candidates. They do their formal research and background checks on a laptop or desktop computer. Therefore, recruiters are likely to ignore a QR code unless it is pertinent to the job being targeted.
• QR codes are mobile friendly – and that’s all. QR codes are not valuable beyond being simple links in a picture that your contact can scan if they have the right application loaded. For most people, receiving a link to a website is just as good as a scannable picture.

My conclusions?

I’m open – but guarded – about the possibilities of using QR codes.

All of your self-marketing documents should be designed to meet the needs of the recipient. At this point, few recruiters know about or use QR codes at all. Clearly, some traditional approaches work very well. There is no reason to spend a lot of time and energy on something that is not proven. If recruiters want things a certain way, then why rock the boat?

In most cases, there seems to be little reason to use a code. Nevertheless, there are scenarios where I would include a QR code in a client’s business card, resume, or other marketing material – all are directly related to the requirements of the targeted position, organization, and industry.

Admittedly, the use of QR Codes for job search is still in its infancy; however, I would include them for some progressive professionals. If nothing else, the QR code might show that they are ahead of their time, stimulate an enquiry from a recruiter, or start a conversation on the topic.

In the future, as technology progresses, there may be more compelling reasons for using QR codes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone actually scanned your QR code? Is the idea far-fetched or promising? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

QR Codes in Job Search: Really?

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Recently CBC Television’s Marketplace investigated a career services firm that was ripping off clients. In Recruitment Rip-Off, Tom Harrington exposed the aggressive and unethical sales practices of a Toronto-based company that first pretends to be a recruitment firm and then scams job seekers by taking thousands of dollars. The company’s representatives often target internet job seekers as well as new immigrants by expertly playing on their inexperience and desperation in the labour market.

Over the years, I’ve had numerous complaints about this shady company – both from clients and well-reputed career practitioners. They currently go by the name Toronto Pathways, but over the years, they have gone by several other names to avert the many complaints that can be found on the Internet. This organization is under investigation by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner for its misleading practices.

Clearly, ethics and integrity are of primary importance to everyone – job seekers, practitioners, and recruiters alike. I personally know and value the services of many outstanding professionals. It’s unfortunate that one “bad egg” can hurt job seekers and taint the industry as a whole.

If you are a job seeker, you need to be informed.

RED FLAGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

The company offers a VERBAL guarantee. Most ethical companies display their guarantee directly on the website. Any services that do not have details on the site should readily email you a formal quote before taking money. Always read the guarantee and quote in full before signing up for services.

They entice you by saying that you are special and your search is especially easy. Don’t believe everything you hear. Every search requires work. If it did not, then it would be easy for everyone to find jobs. Learn the best techniques to perform a strong job search and you will have the best chance for success.

They call both you and your spouse into the office. Any good career firm will give you a quote without requiring you to come into the office with your spouse and make a decision on the spot. Before trekking into the office, take the time you need to learn more about the service.

They approach you on a job board posing as a recruiter, but asking for money. If a company finds you on a job board, they may be legitimate. However, respectable recruiters earn their money by filling positions on behalf of companies. The employer pays for these services and therefore you should never give money for an interview.

The references they cite are unreachable. Instead of relying on testimonials or companies listed on websites, do your homework. Most good practitioners have many endorsements from real people directly on LinkedIn.

They say that they have new postings every day. Most open job postings can be found on job boards, company websites, and through LinkedIn. Some high-level recruiters that are retained by companies have access to private postings which don’t come along every day. If you meet a “retained recruiter,” they will never charge you for services.

The company promises that if you pay, they will connect you with employers. You cannot buy personal contacts with people. The job of doing an effective job search is yours – not theirs. It is unrealistic to expect that an employer will want to meet with you if you don’t even have the ability to approach them directly. If you make the effort to learn and develop relationships with decision makers, you will create opportunities.

There are no career-related certifications or credentials listed on the website. Most provinces in Canada currently have or are enacting provincial certification requirements for practitioners. Career Professionals of Canada credentials practitioners in the areas of resume writing, interview coaching, and career consulting. Before retaining any firm, refer to Career Professionals of Canada’s professional directory to ensure that the consultants are certified.

The company seems too good to be true. There are many outstanding service providers across Canada. Do your homework to find them. Before retaining anyone check the Better Business Bureau and the RipOff Report. Google the company name for complaints too.

When it comes to career services, Canada is a leader in the world. Job seekers who qualify for unemployment insurance can find many fundamental resources free at government-sponsored career centres and service providers. Other government programs are available for new Canadians, youth, and other under-employed groups. If you do not qualify for these services, you can find many ethical service providers including certified career practitioners and resume writers.

The MarketPlace piece has hit a nerve within our industry. Respectable recruiters are uncomfortable being labelled alongside a company that pretends to be a headhunter, but is really a scammer. Principled career practitioners feel that they have not been properly represented in the piece. And, through it all, job seekers feel slighted and exploited by corrupt organizations.

In 2011, The Canadian Council of Career Development Associations was launched, bringing together the executives of jurisdictional associations and Career Development organizations all in an effort to improve our industry standards. I am pleased to be on the steering committee of this national umbrella group and advocacy voice to promote professional identity, excellence, and collaboration on common issues such as certification, training, practitioner mobility, quality service indicators, and building the career development evidence base. If you have any questions or concerns about this piece, please comment below or email me directly.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Career Service Scammer Uncovered

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Recently, a 6-figure executive contacted our firm looking for information on our branded resume portfolio packages. From the start of the call, it was clear that this person was one of those “difficult” senior executives. You know the ones — in an effort to “sound” important, they speak down to their colleagues, employees, and anybody who is willing to take it.

Rather than letting me ask some questions to understand his needs, this person started the call with a list of demands. Without ever knowing who he was speaking with nor explaining what he wanted to achieve in his career transition, he had already made up his mind about how his resume should look, what we should put in, and what we should leave out.

Poor guy! He really did not “get” the power of leveraging a professional rather than pushing around the “hired help.” I almost decided not to retain him as a client of Graham Management Group. What a loss for him!

When I finally got a word in, I explained who I was. As soon as he realized this, his demeanor completely changed. In fact, the next words he said are “Oh I didn’t know that I was speaking with THE Sharon Graham.” I went on to ask a number of probing questions about his situation and needs. Then, I recommended an appropriate service, all the while delivering the message that you must treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.

If you are an executive, manager, or leader of any kind and you are in a job search — then this message is for you. 

One so-called rule about leadership is to display confidence. However, there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance.

In a career transition, some candidates feel the need to dominate every meeting or interview in order to show their authority and strengths. Unfortunately, this strategy often comes across as aggressive and confrontational.

Treat everyone you meet with respect and as an equal, regardless of what level that individual holds. During conversations, do not be controlling. Never exaggerate, brag, or use sophisticated terms just to look important.

As an executive, you must show your leadership qualities. If you do this respectfully, you will have a much better chance of creating the positive relationship you require to receive a call back.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Executive – your attitude is showing!

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I provide complimentary resume assessments to $100k+ clients on a daily basis. I have to admit that I am sometimes bored at the relative sameness of most resumes that come my way. There sure is a lack of creativity out there. But it does not have to be that way.

In the world of resume writing, there is a great difference between formula and strategy.

Formula is the easy way out. You can use either one of two formats for your resume: reverse chronological or functional. That’s it. Two formats in a world that is populated with talented six-figure professionals. Every one unique. Every one with a different career path. Every one with a very special value to offer.

Reverse chronological. Functional. Simple. Easy. Boring.

Strategy is quite different. If you want to stand out from the other $100k professionals, don’t adapt your career to a formula. Forget the textbook style resume template and the structured rules that you can easily find on the Internet.  Bypass these rules and use strategy to sell yourself.

Instead of sticking with a formula, why not determine all the strengths and talents you bring to the table. Then, strategically position all the information to make the best features stand out. By structuring your resume in a way that highlights your strengths and minimizes your obstacles, you are giving yourself the best chance of being viewed in a positive light.

So, when you send your $100k+ resume in to Graham Management Group for a free assessment, surprise me. I’m looking forward to learning all about your unique, creative, talented self.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Your Resume: use strategy not just a formula

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“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:21

This passage from the Bible suggests that what you treasure is very evident in your thoughts and actions. But, if you are focusing on physical prosperity, you may be missing far greater spiritual treasures.

It is natural for your human heart, mind, and energies to be fixated on something. Think about where you spend your time. Your thoughts and actions are very telling.

Do you desire worldly or spiritual wealth?

Do you value money over charity?

Do you find meaning in possessions or in relationships?

Does your work eat into your family life?

Your thoughts create your objectives and goals. And, your actions drive you to achieve them. If you treasure something, you can attain it. But, are you treasuring the right things? Is your heart in the right place? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Evaluate what you treasure. Resolve to change your priorities this year. Focus on things that are meaningful and you will achieve many more blessings than you ever imagined.

“When this life ends as it will, we either stand by God utterly bankrupt no matter what this state of life has been, or we stand before God with treasures stored up in Heaven.”
Charles Price

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Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

What do you treasure?

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The single smartest thing you can do for your career in an era of economic decline is to build your network to include influential people.

Connecting with existing friends, neighbours, and colleagues is a narrow approach to networking. If you really want to accelerate your career in a slow economic environment, you must go past your comfort zone.

Target leaders, experts, and decision makers in your industry. You can develop relationships with influential people at industry meetings and through professional associations. If you are internet savvy, you can connect with them through social media, by commenting on their blogs, answering questions on an on-line forum, and even by participating on e-lists.

If you make solid relationships with the right people, you will exponentially expand your network and career opportunities. First, if your new contact refers you to someone, the referral will be much more meaningful because their recommendation will be valued. Second, if your contact is someone “in the know,” he may be aware of a company that is experiencing difficulties and looking “behind the scenes” for help in rejuvenating the organization. This strategy will not only allow you to tap into this hidden job market, but also to create long-term security in a tough economy.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Build your network and boost your career in a weak economy

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As an advocate for ethics and integrity in the Canadian resume writing industry, I have the pleasure of knowing and working with some of the best resume writers that Canada has to offer. I have personally trained and mentored a number of highly qualified Master Certified Resume Strategists who have gone on to offer outstanding services in the Canadian labour market.

Our industry offers many authentic resume writers who provide services with ethics and integrity. Having deep reverence for the work of these qualified Canadian resume practitioners, it comes as a shock to me every time I learn of organizations that are not so ethical.

This month, I’ve learned about a large number of infractions from a few organizations offering resume solutions to Canadians. The complaints I have learned about include a range of unethical business practices:

• Plagiarizing marketing material from other resume websites and blogs. 
• Making unsupported claims regarding their organization’s rank within the industry. 
• Identifying exceptionally high client satisfaction rates without proof.
• Not sticking to prices shown on their website.
• Producing poor quality resumes and supporting documents.
• Not delivering on the resume and career services promised.

Most resume services in Canada never plagiarize anything. They always provide clients with exemplary services – and they are true to their word.

Do your homework. It’s easy to find authentic organizations in Canada before you ever retain them. Just look them up in two places:

Career Professionals of Canada’s website:

http://www.careerprocanada.ca/FindAProfessional

Determine if they are a REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER. The most qualified practitioners listed have the Certified Resume Strategist (CRS) or the Master Certified Resume Strategist (MCRS) designations.

The Better Business Bureau:

http://www.bbb.org/canada/Find-Business-Reviews/

The TOP ORGANIZATIONS are rated at “A+” however there are a few organizations that have been given the lowest rating “F.” Not all organizations are listed, but your best bet is to select one that has a good rating on the BBB site.

Before retaining a resume service, do your due diligence. Ask for independent proof of statistics presented on a website. Make sure you receive a formal quote in writing prior to paying for services. If you have not received the quality, pricing, and services that were promised, you have a right to register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Thank you for reading my blog! For further information, connect with me at Graham Management Group. We are a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ Rating. You can also find us registered as Master Certified Resume, Interview, and Career Strategists with Career Professionals of Canada. Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Resume Services that Give the Industry a Bad Name

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I recently read a thought-provoking debate between resume writers worldwide who are members of PARW/CC. Some members felt that certain words used in resumes are “dead” yet others found them to be valuable and descriptive.

In my professional opinion, you should never discount a specific word, nor should you include it in your resume, unless you have seriously considered the potential outcome. When determining what to say in your resume, consider every word, phrase, and sentence carefully.

If I asked you if you are “dynamic” or “innovative,” I can be fairly certain that you’ll say “yes.” That’s because just about every professional who is targeting a senior-level role would say the very same thing when describing himself or herself. So, the real question is “who are you really?” If you are thoughtful and truthful in describing yourself, hiring decision-makers will see the significance of what you bring to the table.

“How forcible are right words!” Job 6:25

Any word used at the right time in the right way can be powerful; however, when a word is overused, it loses its power. Can you imagine what a prospective employer might think when he or she browses through a stack of resumes and sees “out of the box” almost every time? As an experienced professional targeting six-figure positions, you need to show your distinguishing factors. Try to come up with creative, new ways to describe yourself if you really want to stand apart.

Your challenge is to select your words extremely carefully and incorporate only the best descriptors of the value you bring to the table. Rather than using a tired clichéd word such as “motivated” how about incorporating a different word that describes how you are motivated? Maybe you are “industrious and inventive in resolving tough concerns” or you might be “meticulous in performing due diligence.”

Of course, if you want to spark the interest of employers, sometimes you must use certain words even if they seem to be overused in resumes. Keywords are typically nouns that describe the job requirement, such as “strategic planning,” “mergers and acquisitions,” “profit and loss management” and “client relationship management.” These types of phrases are meaningful to employers and they are looking for them in your resume. You need to ensure that you incorporate words into your resume that show how you meet the needs of employers and address the requirements in their posted jobs.

“How often misused words generate misleading thoughts.” Herbert Spencer

Sometimes it’s okay to say it like it is. Big, fancy words such as “intellectual” or “entrepreneurial” may look nice on paper, but if you are studious or hardworking, just say so. And if you don’t understand the meaning of the word – don’t use it.

Important sounding words don’t always attract interest or offers either. For example, you might think that describing yourself as a “visionary” is going to impress board-level decision makers, and yet you may not get a call. It’s likely that the board is looking for a tactical expert who can successfully implement the board’s vision through uncommon means. Had you explained what you actually do – and have done successfully many times – you might have had a shot at the role.

“Words may show a man’s wit but actions his meaning.” Benjamin Franklin

Anyone at a senior level could say that he or she is “highly experienced,” “results-oriented,” a “team player,” or a “strong communicator.” Who wouldn’t be, if they were targeting a six-figure position? There are many ways to express your value. Don’t use these words if you don’t have to.

If you feel you must use typical resume words, back them up with actions. For example, support your suggestion that you are “results oriented” by substantiating it with concrete examples that prove the results you have attained. You’ll convey your talents, achievements, and value in a way that helps you to stand apart – not blend in.

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” Maya Angelou

Rather than just using the words, start proving your value. You don’t have to come across as a run of the mill applicant. Instead, think about yourself as someone with uncommon value – something that nobody else offers. Give what you bring to the table a human voice. Show the reader who you really are and your deeper meaning will come through. You’ll demonstrate why you are the only candidate that truly stands out and meets the need of the role you are targeting. Remember…

“If words are to enter men’s minds and bear fruit, they must be the right words shaped cunningly to pass men’s defenses and explode silently and effectually within their minds.” J. B. Phillips

Tell me your thoughts. Where do you stand on the debate? What words do you feel are overused?

If you want to learn more secrets from the resume writing world, CLICK HERE

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Are the words in your resume wasting the employer’s time?

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Today is your chance for a fresh start – an opportunity to assess your career goals and to build a new path either within or outside your current organization. If your present work situation is making you feel uneasy about the future, you may not have to leave immediately. By improving your existing relationships, you can recapture your vitality and significance within the company while creating a stable foundation for your future career transition.

Rehabilitate your Relationships

In all aspects of life – as in business itself, we have relationships that are initiating, developing, stagnating, or declining. When you are in the first stage at work, you feel excited, energized, and generally enjoy coming in every day. In order to survive and possibly thrive in your current situation, you need to recapture the romance of that first stage.

Evaluate the relationships you have with those around you. How are things with your team? What are you experiencing with your colleagues? When you converse with your boss and others are the conversations warm and trusting, neutral, disinterested, or antagonistic?

Devise a plan of action for each type of relationship.

Your team needs you. How can you mentor them and provide support in ways you’ve never considered before? Think about how you first approached them and how receptive they were. What did you do that was different to how you interact now? Be considerate of their feelings at this time. If you are stressed and think you are no longer ‘in the know’, imagine what they must be going through. Listen to their concerns and plan ways to make changes in areas where they can have some control. Share what you can about the company’s vision, keeping them informed, and using a positive and supportive tone. Be their mentor in ways you haven’t in the past. Be their trusted leader.

Your colleagues need you. Even if your peers appear to be shutting you out or are openly cool with you, you can change your reaction to that coolness with warmer business-like responses. This isn’t about schmoozing and being phony with insincere compliments, but responding in an honest fashion. Arrange to meet and discuss challenges that you are all facing. Come to meetings with positive ideas instead of pointing out what’s wrong or what you don’t like. Now is not the time to be in a power struggle. It’s time to build trust with two-way conversations and bringing innovative ideas forward.

Your boss needs you. Whether you have an executive above you or report directly to the Board, you have stakeholders that need to know they can count on you to perform with utmost business integrity. You need to show them that they can have total faith in your judgement and that you are on board with the vision and culture. Be receptive to considering all ideas they put forward while openly sharing what you believe sound like reasonable opportunities for the company and where you envision their may be barriers to success. Set aside your personal emotional responses in favour of mature, forward-thinking comments that will reassure them you have the organization’s best interests at heart.

You need you. Only you can manage your own reactions to what you are feeling. You can choose to do nothing and continue the decline or you can decide to work on rebuilding relationships and look for ways to feel better about your situation. Think of this as your ROR (Return on Relationships). What you give in the form of honesty, support, understanding, and your contributions to the success of others and the company, not only builds relations for now, but can sustain you in the future.

Whether you decide to move on or remain with your current company, the positive investments that you make in all your relationships will give you lasting returns. The newfound or reinforced trust that they have in you will make you feel better about who you are and your value to the organization. Some of your efforts will make the current situation more stable, a few will simply become accepted with no real change, and many will thrive.

You will reap more than an internal feeling of well being. Your ideas may receive better reception. What you will learn from others will surprise you. You will enhance your network. It will be easier for you to request – and obtain – help in the form of LinkedIn recommendations and other support as you go forward.

Do you have some helpful strategies to share with my readers? In today’s business world, there are so many that can benefit from your recommendations and personal success stories.

You can find other nuggets in my article on Creating Superb References http://www.grahammanagement.com/Things_GMG_Articles_CreateSuperbReferences.xpg

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Post from: Canada's Career Strategist: www.SharonGraham.ca

Excel in your career by rebuilding existing relationships

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