Greek Hospitality is the Best! 

One of the best parts of the trip was living in the family hotel, Hotel Hankadas, and becoming part of the Greek extended family that gathers there every morning, afternoon and evening to talk, watch the political news, eat, work in the vineyards around the hotel and share a glass of wine with us at the end of the night. We loved Paul who runs the hotel with his two sisters, Irene & Suzanne and his wife, Catherine.  There are also lots of other community people in and out including several traveling salesmen who sell linens out of their trucks up in the villages.

Our Work in Greece – Opening Doors for Future Volunteers

We were the 87th Global Volunteer team (and the first for 2012) to work in this small community, Amoudara, just outside of Heraklion in Crete. Our work assignment changed upon our arrival – from working each day in a local school teaching English to more community outreach and liaison work.  As one door closed another opened!

We were honored to be invited to work in a battered women’s safe house planting a garden and cleaning the house for the residents.  There are only two battered women’s shelters in the entire country!  In addition, we represented Global Volunteers at their monthly Board Meeting meeting networking with many of Heraklion’s most influential women activists – from age 80 to 20.  Our hope is that future teams will be allowed to work with the shelter especially in supporting the organization’s future children’s orphanage “House of Angels”.

We also learned that “volunteerism” is a very new concept in Greece.  We had a chance to meet with a newly formed group of women volunteers through a special invitation by the Vice-Mayor of Gazi.  In the local government chambers we participated in a joint meeting sharing our visions and commitment to volunteerism in all communities.  It didn’t matter that we spoke different languages – smiles & laughs communicated all that we need.

Over the next few days, we were invited to participate in a larger women’s meeting at the local Chamber of Commerce and then to visit a local kindergarten for young children of working parents.  The weeks ended with a phenomenal trip up to the mountains to visit Saint Spiro’s center for mentally delayed adults (more on that later!).

I have many funny stories and wonderful lessons learned.  I’ll share many of those over the next few weeks.  And if you see me packing my backpack again you know where I’m going . . . to Hotel Hankadas!

I am fascinated with the message in this brand new book – to build your own company to a size that fits you. Sounds simple but with the uptake in our economy there is a great deal of pressure to expand continuously: to strive for more influence & power with the final goal of steadily increasing profitability.

But what gets lost when we embrace that kind of thinking? Lancaster and Abrams challenge you as an entrepreneur to buck popular “wisdom” and peer pressure to create a business that genuinely fits your needs at this time in your life. Pick it up if you are either starting your own business or have been in business for years as I have been. A new and powerful perspective!

And it’s been a conscious choice to build and develop my business to be just the right size and shape for what I want at this time in my life. I can do – and have done – anything I want. I’ve had the opportunity to “throw spaghetti” on the wall whenever I get “yet another” creative idea. I throw it out – give it a whirl – and see what happens. While maintaining the integrity of my business, I’ve learned that in this economy we all need to be willing to take the risks, push the comfort zones and continually create the business that we really want for ourselves.

But now that my business is in its mid-life . . . what do I want now for my business? Certainly, to continue to be part of people’s lives as they move through significant career and life transitions. That’s been the theme of my life’s work and I love it. But I would also like to change it up a bit and hopefully, that will be more overseas work.

Let’s see what ideas and “spaghetti” I bring back from the sun and waters of Greece!

In today’s work world, we have the opportunity but also the challenge of working with all five generations.  Each generation has different expectations, experiences and expertise to bring to the table.  And each also has their prefered ways of communicating as any parent of a teenager knows.  All of these differences can make the daily job of the project manager, team leader or supervisor infinately more complex and challenging.

First Step:  Know the Generational Context

I’ve found that reading about the ”generational context” that each of these generations grew up in has been invaluable in understanding the lenses that they see themselves, their colleagues and their jobs.  It’s amazing the differences in generational perspective!

One of my favorite books is Generations, INC: From Boomers to Linksters – Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work, Meagan Johnson & Larry Johnson, 2010.  Written by a father-daughter team in a lively converational style, this book is filled with research and personal interviews to help us appreciate how each generation perceives their world around them. And the authors go a step further by giving us concrete tips on how to lead and be led by each of these generations.  It’s a must-have book if you’re in a leadership position or now working for someone in a different generation than yourself.

What Works with Each Generation

This is my short cut list of how to maximize the gifts each generation brings to their work.

1. Traditionalist (1918-1945) Use their life wisdom especially in times of change.
2. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Give them new challenges to stretch & grow.
3. Generation X (1965-1980) Keep things moving & provide autonomy.
4. Generation Y (1981-1995) Have them take the lead with technology.
5. Linksters (born after 1995) Tap into their expertise with social networking.

And it goes both ways . . . you may find yourself as a Baby Boomer working for that Generation Y boss.  If so, grab up this book, keep your sense of humor and enjoy the ride!

I leave in a couple of days for a three week Global Volunteers work assignment in Greece.  I’ll be gone from the office a full month so there are lots of projects to be taken care of both here at the office, at home and in my community work.  But since I’ve lived overseas and travel quite a bit it shouldn’t be hard. Or is it?

Passwords, Passwords & More Passwords 

If you have oodles of time and enjoy the thrill of the chase to solve just one problem per day then tackling the banking industry; the health care system; the mobile phone network or the Greek ferry system will provide hours of entertainment.  But I don’t have that time and energy – and I don’t have a secretary (as I remind my 94 year old attorney Dad with his own secretary).

And everything needs a password, a log-in and then a host of “security questions”.  The funniest was this past weekend when I had to answer a series of “multiple choice” questions from three different banking people asking the most obscure questions – no longer your favorite color or mother’s maiden name.

So here’s what I’ve learned in this entire process.

• First., punch “0″ over and over to try and connect with a live person.  Forget trying to go through the prompts hoping to find one that matches what you’re looking for – it’s just not going to happen.
• Second, try my sister’s trick which is to simply plead ignorance and say that you don’t use/own a computer and therefore can’t do these transactions on-line yourself.  The live person will usually say “No problem, I’ll do it for you”.  Works beautifully.
• Third, when you’ve reached the end of your patience, as I did with getting two sets of instructions from my mobile phone carrier, turn the task over to someone who still has the strength to persevere - hubby, Wally, retired Marine who loves a good challenge.  I found myself saying to the young phone salesperson “Are you telling me that this IPhone which is “smart” enough to make spaghetti sauce can’t be used anyplace in Europe”.  Yep, that’s what she was saying ’cause Greece is a GM Country – now what does that mean?
• And finally, keep your sense of humor and expectations very, very low.  Don’t expect to get an answer to your question the first time around but rather you will be referred on and on and on.  Someday you may get an answer if you still remember or care about the question.

“Leaving on a Jet Plane . . . “

Sharing my story with you has given me some wonderful perspective.  So I think I might just go on down to the Reno airport two days early, order a glass of wine and settle back with a good book.  If you want to call me on my fancy new “loaner” IPhone that I won’t know how to work – please try.  Just don’t ask me for a password!

But wait . . . there’s one more step to take.  And that’s a short “performance-based” followup email and a handwritten thank you note.  Sounds like a lot of work when you’re emotionally you’re ready to relax?  Well, this extra step can (and often does) make the difference in how you are remembered and considered for the position.

Your Follow-Up Email Reinforces Impression

First, send a short email to the individual (or individuals) that interviewed you expressing your appreciation for the interview and covering these three points:

• Your understanding of the needs of the organization/priorities
• How you can bring unique value to the organization/ie. meet those needs
• Your confidence that you would be a good fit for the position & organization

And then don’t forget to express your interest in being hired. Amazing how many people never say that either in the interview or in the follow-up written correspondence.  If you want the job, tell them!

Your Handwritten Note – Icing on the Cake

Second, sit down and write a short, short thank you note on a nice card saying simply thank you for the interview, you feel you would be a good fit and you’re looking forward to hearing from them soon.  Just like our mothers used to make us do . . . it’s a habit that sets you apart from the pack.  And that thank you note always brings a smile because so few people take the time to say a personal thanks.

And . . . think of this.  If they offer the position to someone else who then turns it down (happens all the time) and they are looking at an alternate and they see your note sitting on their desk . . . we always want to stay in front of the decision makers continuing to build a positive relationship.  Try it!

Stop right now. Disengage your thinking brain, the prefrontal cortex, by getting up and moving. Let your brain take a break by moving into another quiet activity – not another thinking task – but rather physically moving by walking, doing a routine household chore or sorting your paper clips. Quiet is the key – reduce as much background noise and distractions as you can. You may also find that you are at your creative best at a certain time of day. Mine is early, early morning after that first cup of coffee. My mind is clear, my energy is high and new ideas are flowing.

Now it’s your turn . . . what works for you? And how can you do more of what works for you this upcoming week? If all else fails, go jump in a nice long hot shower. That always works!

So many colleagues recommended this book that I just had to pick it up. And it’s everything as promised. I even got it for my ‘ole IPod to listen while I’m at the gym.

Rock helps us understand the intricacies of brain science by taking us inside the thinking of two young professionals, Emily & Paul. He tells the story of their everyday work lives from the perspective of what’s going on in their brains (scientifically) – what gets in the way of their career success and how to move past those habits and behaviors that don’t work for us anymore. A fascinating read!

What we all can learn from Barbara is the power of intention.  Early on, Barbara knew what she wanted . . . and she was determined to make it happen.  Being a strong “J” on the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory (MBTI), Barbara figured out what she needed to do: when she needed to do it, and then (with a bit of help from Coach Mom) how to move through these steps quickly but effectively. The result . . . a summer internship at a prestigious firm in New York City for the summer.

This is what Barbara did . . . not alone because a savvy job seeker pulls in all the resources they can.  So she had  excellent help from the Career Center at Syracuse University,  New House School of Communication, and late night help from her ever faithful Coach Mom.

It’s a Journey - Not for the Faint of Heart

It’s tough and not for the faint of heart.  But this list of the “must dos” of a job search will give you some ideas if and when you start thinking about a delicious new career chapter for yourself – or maybe for one of those family members who are also itching for a change.

These were Barbara’s 12 job search steps . . .

• Clarified exactly what she wanted – the who, what, where, when & why
• Maximized networking contacts & references to open doors
• Used professional resources and offers of help appropriately
• Designed an eye-catching resume specific to the PR industry
• Created targeted cover letters that matched need to value
• Personalized follow-up emails to ensure a prompt response
• Complied a “I Can Do” mini-portfolio
• Rehearsed telephone interview strategies and questions (& debriefed afterwards)
• Prepared physically, emotionally & mentally for on-site personal interviews (& debriefed afterwards)
• Sent personal thank you letters after every interview
• Graciously handled final offers & negotiated hiring terms/days/responsibilities etc.
• Celebrated!

Is It Worth It?

If you are ready for a brand new career or to take your career up to that next level the answer is a solid YES. But it takes work, perseverance and a belief in yourself that you can make something happen. It might take longer in this tough economy but don’t give up . . . just give it time. And if you get stuck, call me!

So try this new, old approach . . . story telling. Everyone loves a good story.  And people remember a good story because it creates a visual image for them.  We come alive while both telling stories and listening to them.  Stories are powerful, but they take planning to avoid the pitfall of a tale that goes on and on.

Selecting Strengths for a Story

Here’s how to get started in deciding what is most important to communicate in an upcoming interview.  First, think of a strength that you want to highlight for the interviewer(s).  This strength should speak to one of these five P.E.A.K.S areas:

1. Your Personal Characteristics (ability to work in a team, leadership, handle conflict, attitude etc.)
2. Your professional Experience in this industry or in the responsibilities being requested
3. Your Accomplishments which you have been recognized for by your colleagues
4. Your Knowledge (formal education and on-going professional development)
5. Your range of Skills appropriate to this job opening.

Use the C.A.R. to Create Your Story

Once you have selected the strength that you want to showcase take a minute to rough out one short paragraph that tells the story.  And here’s the trick . . . use the C.A.R. format.  This works beautifully to keep your story short and to the point.

• C = Challenge (what was the challenge you faced ie. new project, a conflict etc)
• A = Action  (what was the action you took – focus on your actions)
• R = Results (what were the concrete results that happened as a result of your actions)

And then the icing on the cake is tieing in the results with the value you could bring this company if hired.  Play with this . . . do one story completely and then a couple more.  Shoot for about 8 – 10 short stories.  Create a cheat sheet for yourself with the C.A.R. format.  For each story hit each of the three points briefly adding in the final touch of the value you would bring.

Practice each story out loud to your dog but don’t overdo it.  You want your natural voice, enthusiasm and energy to come through as you’re telling the story.  After all, you’re talking about you at your best.  Good luck out there, and if you see me along the way tell me your best story.  I’d love to hear it!