Written by Connie Huber SHRM-CP PHR
A couple of weeks ago we all blinked and our lives changed at warp speed to a new landscape. The workforce has changed drastically. Many are now jobless and the economy is suffering. We now are being asked to stay home and self-isolate. In addition, many have loved ones that are struggling with COVID19 and some of us may have the virus and not know it. Who could have predicted toilet paper and hand sanitizers would become scarce commodities! Our days and nights are filled with fear, worry, and doubt. Thank goodness our speaker, Kristi Staab, MBA-Chief Rock Star, Author, Executive Coach and Trainer gave us tools to make effective decisions during this time of chaos, crisis and calm.
Keynote
Kristi quickly established why she is known as “Chief Rock Star.” Her enthusiasm and positivity were well-received as we stumble through the chaos we are experiencing. The goal of her presentation was to guide us on how to make decisions in calm, crisis and chaos. In addition to changing our decision making skills, Kristi noted we also need to establish our near, short- and long-term goals.
Our emotions may be out-of-control and running amuck. We may be feeling multiple emotions, as well as some new ones surfacing. Take a moment to review your emotional well-being. Determine four emotions you are currently feeling. Are you coming from a place of being anxious or stressed? How will these emotions serve you best? What would you rather be experiencing … joy, energized, successful, or sense of community? Where would you rather be making decisions from? Think for a moment of when there may be a period of time you felt like you were drifting. Hold on to hope and put hope in your heart. COVID19 has altered the global population.
Empower yourself, not disempower! Establish three things you have control over at all times:
- Become the best version of you. During isolation, seize the moment to work on your personal and professional self.
- Upgrade your skills through online courses, read books relating to your profession, and network. If you are not firm on your professional choice, explore potential options. Employers will want to hear you were productive while isolating.
- Review your language to see if it projects a powerful you. If you think it is going to be hard, it will be hard. Focus on controlling your language and thoughts.
E+R=O translates to EVENT+RESULT=OUTCOME. Thoughts and beliefs reflect your outcome. Your outcome is influenced by your actions and behaviors. Shift your perspective from surviving to thriving! Understand that billions of people are going through the pandemic. We will get through this challenging time. We have a choice in changing the negative spiral. Ask yourself “Who do I get to become now? Who will I be when we get to the other side of the pandemic?”
Remember the times you said, “I wish I had time to___?” You now have the time to do the things you have wanted to do. Be sure you are being kind and gentle to yourself. Extend grace to others. Use the time to volunteer and give back to the community. How we respond to the pandemic is a choice. Your decision will either serve or not serve you. Focus on love not fear. Create rules to energize you.
In making decisions during times of chaos and crisis, the following will help achieve your goals. Be the calm. Consider how you are going to lead yourself and others. Stand up for yourself. Doing so will fulfill your four basic needs:
- Be informed
- Choose reliable sources for your information
- Limit your exposure to TV and digital devices
- Make your decisions from facts!
E+R=O. Thoughts, beliefs, actions will provide the outcome to the situation.
Know what motivates you! In making decisions, evaluate the opportunity for you. In addition, define the expectations. Find your calm! Determine how you will become the best version of yourself in getting to the other side of COVID19.
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS: Kristi is holding virtual seminars every Wednesday through April. Visit Kristi’s Facebook page for additional information: Facebook or contact her on LinkedIn.
Hiring Companies
Dexcom
Patrice Baptist, Recruiter
Dexcom was founded in 1999. The company produces medical devices and is a leader in monitoring glucose levels for diabetics. The company culture is very welcoming, diverse, inclusive and fast paced. Benefits are a complete offering and available the month after completing the first month of employment. A sampling of open positions includes Production Planner, Lead Cost Accountant, Cost Accountant, QA Engineer, and Process Analyst. If interested visit their website.
Cable One
Vanessa Corona, Recruiter
Cable One (rebranded to Sparklight) offers high-speed internet; business phone service; reliable, crystal-clear cable TV services; and fiber-optic solutions. Cable One has 9,000 residential and business customers in 21 states. They have been in business for over 30 years and were publicly traded in 2015. Cable One is committed to their customers, associates and community. Benefits begin when you start your employment. Currently, there are over 20 open positions in Phoenix, including in accounting and IT. For more information go here.
Closing
Jessica Pierce, Founder & CEO of Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking the volunteers. In response to COVID19, Career Connector meetings will now be virtual and offered every Wednesday. The next Career Connectors meeting will be a virtual event on April 22, 2020; “Preserve Your Well Being During Chaotic Times” presented by Lisa Barrington. For additional information on this event & future events, please visit the Event Schedule.
