Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Category Archives: Kit’s Tips
Inventory Your Successes from Last Year
This is a great reminder for all of us. It’s so easy to slip into thinking about everything that we didn’t do, couldn’t do, postponed doing etc. We often do that at night before going to bed. Instead of focusing on what we did accomplish during that day, we are busy thinking of all that we didn’t do. The result? We just feel more overwhelmed and exhausted.
So try this instead . . . do an “inventory” of your successes from last year. Start with flipping back through your paper or electronic calendar and start noting down all that you accomplished in both your professional and personal life. Now go to anyplace else that you write these things down. Ask colleagues, your spouse, your friends as well. Often their memories are much better than ours.
Make a HUGE list for 2014. If you are on a roll, go back another year and another year. You will be amazed that you actually have been very successful! Now give yourself a warm pat on your back, curl up next to your fluffy pillow and go right to sleep knowing that you have been very successful in the things that matter most to you at this time.
What is “Essential” to You? Focus on the Power of Five
In deciding what is essential, I always start with identifying the outcome I want in a certain area. And then I think about the strategy I need to achieve this outcome and what disciplined approach will be most effective in implementing the strategy.
Here’s what it looks like – it’s actually my annual business plan.
- I draw out my favorite Olympic Circles picture – five interconnecting circles.
- In each circle, I write an area of my business that I have chosen to be essential in the coming year. My five areas for 2015 are:
Individual Career Transition Coaching; Corporate Partnerships (Training & Coaching); Mentoring/Prof. Development; Marketing; Business of the Business.
These five areas are where I want to devote my time and energy this year.
When I do that in a disciplined way, I am extremely effective in achieving my goals and my business grows and flourishes!
Do You Have the “Right Stuff” to Become a Free Agent?
I am a free agent and love it. Earlier in my working life, I worked for both San Diego County and for Kaiser Permanente HMO (west & east coasts) and enjoyed both a great deal. But as my professional career has matured I’ve gravitated to working for myself as a sole practitioner, independent contractor, business owner etc. I’m all those things rolled into one. Yes, I work harder, but I enjoy the challenge of using my years of experience and expertise in any way I want.
But being a free agent is not for everyone. Here are three questions I would suggest you ask yourself before making the leap into this new way of working and of being.
- Do you have the initiative and drive to build a business from the ground up? It takes focus, commitment and a large dose of optimism to stay with it. Do you have those qualities?
- Are you willing to learn the new skills – or hire someone who does – to market your business, to establish the infrastructure and to do the business of running the business?
- Is the rest of your life fairly stable? Do you have a separate income that can help pay the bills until this new venture is profitable? Can you commit the necessary time and energy?
No time is a perfect time. But with some careful planning you may find that becoming a free agent is just perfect for you in this time of your life. Lots of other people of all ages are embracing this idea – think about it!
Posted in Kit's Tips
Tagged Career, entrepreneurship, inspiration, Multigenerational, Visioning
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3 Ways to Retain the Talents of a Millennial
What is the Millennial generation? These younger people, also known as Gen Y, were born after 1985 and bring a wealth of talent, energy and creativity to today’s workforce. But for many Baby Boomer employers, it is a challenge to figure how to successfully recruit, manage and ultimately retain these valuable employees.
Once hired, the Millennials are bringing different expectations to their jobs. To learn what these are simply ask a Millennial. They will tell you, often with some genuine frustration. I have been asking several, including my daughter Barbara, age 22, about what is the key to keeping them or, in reverse, why they would leave their current job.
Here is what they say . . .
- “First, give me the opportunity to use my strengths. Don’t be afraid to challenge me. Give me stretch assignments. I also want to see a career progression at this company. Is there a clear path to move up in this company? Will you give me the training, mentoring and coaching resources to help me master new innovative skills?”
- “Second, listen to me! Give me a chance to contribute my ideas even though they might be a bit different. Encourage me to have a voice and have a seat at the table. I want to be included as a valuable member of the team. “
- “Third, don’t forget me. I need and appreciate regular feedback about my job responsibilities and performance. I want to know how to excel in this job but I also need support and guidance. After all, this is my first “real” job.”
It actually all makes perfect sense. If you hired well, the Millennials simply want to do what they were hired for or what they aspire too. Set aside the stereotypes and listen to each person as an individual – you will be pleasantly surprised!
LinkedIn Tip: Start With A Powerful Headline
The headline at the top of each LinkedIn profile is my favorite part. Along with your picture, the headline tells me a lot. In a glance, I can see what your areas of expertise are and therefore how we might connect or even work together.
Take your time in developing a powerful, effective headline. Don’t just use your current job title which is the default from LinkedIn. It’s so boring! Instead, identify your skill sets (what you want to be known for) and then list them with a straight vertical line between them. Look at my own LinkedIn profile for an example http://www.linkedin.com/in/kitprendergast.
You can also use a “benefit statement” approach which allows you to put the benefit you bring to others into one sentence. This works particularly well if you are promoting one highly specialized skill like website design, real estate sales etc.
Either way, make sure that your headline is concise, engaging and value-driven. This first impression can make all the difference in opportunities arriving at your door!