The only failure in life is the failure to learn from failure.
Archive for October, 2009
thought to ponder
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Lessons for Elected Leaders – a new dawn
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009Vision – where are we going? It is impossible to inspire confidence in your target audience if people dont have a vision of where they are going. All they are getting at the moment is a daily diet of “potential cuts.”
Responsibility – When it is obvious that what you did is completely wrong, take responsibility, admit your transgressions, be contrite, take corrective action and resign. Stop treating the people of this country as idiots – they know that ” friends don’t give loans and strangers gifts” and so on.
Leaders lead!
Stop following the crowd and make a difference. How many politicians have sat by and watched one scandal unfold after another and hadn’t the courage or leadership skill to highlight the inappropriate behaviour.
Communication is key – in tough times it is incredibly important that you tell the people where it is at, where it is going and so on.
Be authentic – it is strangely the new language in town – in reality it should have always been the only language. Honesty and integrity are the new buzzwords because we have seen how far we have went with spin and popcorn.
Follow your bliss
Monday, October 19th, 2009Research published by international charity VSO showed that more than 10 million British workers feel they are “stagnating” professionally.
Twenty per cent were considering a previously unplanned change in professional direction.
Fifty percent believed there were limited opportunities to get promoted in their current job
Another fifty per cent said the recession had reduced their chances of developing their career.
Other research conducted by UKTV’s Watch channel showed that 69% of 3,000 parents surveyed admitted they had failed to follow their dream career path.
Regardless of whether the market is up or down, I passionately believe that people should choose to pursue their passion. It has a profound effect on all aspects of your life.
As Confucius said “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
In addition, the more you immerse yourself in your passion, you more you travel towards expert status in this niche ( remember 10,000 hours – 3 hours a day for ten years will bring you there!) When you arrive, you will be well rewarded for feeling the fear of choosing the path less travelled.
Refocus on your industry of choice
Friday, October 9th, 2009A global poll conducted by Monster.com indicated 89 percent of job seekers surveyed across Europe, the United States, and Canada would consider an industry job change in their search for new employment during this present economic climate.
The company said its Monster Global poll asked 22,444 visitors to its sites “Would you consider a job in another industry?”
If the jobseeker’s focus is now on getting a job in their industry of choice – a place where they can realise their dreams – a place where they can find a job that satisfies their values and interests; well then they are heading in the right direction.
If on the other hand they are looking to get any job in any industry; I believe they may be disappointed.
It is as challenging at the moment to get any job as opposed to going for a job in an industry that ticks all the boxes for you.
Why?
Because of the law of supply and demand. As there is an oversupply in the marketplace, employers can wait for someone who really wants their job. This will be evident within minutes as who you are screams at me without you opening your mouth!
Go for your preferred industry – build up a compelling book of evidence that you want that job which would include embracing web 2.0, and see what happens!
Get them complaining
Thursday, October 1st, 2009According to research carried out in Ireland by the National Consumer Agency only seven out of ten people complain if they have a problem with a service or product – this is down from eight out of ten people two years ago.
This actually constitutes worst news for the business than it does for the consumer. When companies are aware fo their failings in the context of their offering, they can strive to improve and eliminate these shortcomings.
Regardless, a company should have an aggressive “get them complaining” strategy if they really want to move to the next level.
Complaints are a unique opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the client, and should be seen as such.
Therefore every person who leaves without complaining can be seen as a lost opportunity.
Warning – the programmed “was everything ok with your meal” routine at the cash register doesnt equate to an effective strategy to get them complaining!