Written by Trudy Jo Ware
Jessica Pierce spins to the podium and extends a big welcome to all. “Are you new to Career Connectors” she asks. If so, this is our mission. In reflection I think whether, I have one? In the whirl of her presentation, Jessica introduces keynote speaker, Michael Seaver of Seaver Consulting who jumps on board and asks, ”are you incorporated”; do “you have a contingency plan”?
Keynote Speaker
I’m engaged with full attention as Michael begins his presentation showing a slide of a descending escalator captioned, “The old career escalator is JAMMED”. The meaning is provocative. Michael’s passion is to support leaders and considers each of us a leader who is in search of a personal mission, a higher purpose. He points out leaders want to discover and apply their personal strengths, find their true voice and create a strategic plan to best express who they are. His appointed virtue is to move leaders from managerial success to societal significance.
Business or not; Michael applies strategy that enlists a commitment to live in a place that we build and belong. Because we use talents to carry out our beliefs in an environment that fits we will assume autonomy, master our chosen profession and find a higher purpose where we contribute to a cause greater than our own. He cites Daniel Pink; an American author who draws parallels and contradicts the response of business norms of the twentieth century to current scientific research. His search is the “how to’s” for motivating people in today’s challenges. The old practice of rewards for hire and performance that we think are a natural part of business carry less weight in our current work environment. He points out the truths of motivation are – autonomy, mastery, and purpose which drive people’s high performance and satisfaction.
Business models are changing and our skills are mismatched. What are we doing to prepare for what’s next? Are we willing to learn, unlearn and relearn? Life, Michael believes, is not a balance, but a harmony. It is important to know who we are, our purpose, so we engage passion in our life’s work to foster fulfillment rather than loss during times of peaks and valleys. He states, “Whether you “sell” your services to an organization in exchange for a salary or you “sell” your services on a project for a fee, you are a corporation.”
Rightfully, we are a business of sales and with every successful business there is an aggregate business plan followed by a contingency plan. We are in career transition and Michael’s idea of a contingency plan comprises a forward work of mistakes. He contends “The secret to making mistakes isn’t to avoid them; it’s to realize that they aren’t fatal. They’re the fuel to find stratospheric success.” Our personal plan should contain: five development parts, experiences, education, certifications, and an Advisory Board. The following earmarks key items:
Personal Contingency Plan Parts
- Education *Advisory Board
- Certification – Name
- Continuous Development – Title
- Counseling – Strenths
- Consulting – Skills
- Mentoring – Why You Want
- Coaching – Meeting Time
- – What You Learned
- – How You Thanked
Michael Seaver’s parting words were: “My advice to you as you embark on this journey, discover your personal mission, find a career that you would die for …and then live for it.
Hiring Companies
IBM
Representing IBM was Karen Altig, Management Consultant, was on hand to let attendees know that IBM is looking for both technical and non-technical employees, including business analysts. Since their hiring needs change daily, she encourages job seekers to visit their website regularly. One key to success in applying to their site is to build a profile. IBM currently has a number of business units who are hiring. To apply for a position, visit their website.
Appointment-Plus
Jennifer Rojas, Appointment-Plus,
This is a growing IT company – always on the edge- a great place to work, and looking for top talent. The company has been in the valley for 12 years and has survived the ups and downs of economy, because it is a creative company in software development. The company continues to fine tune their Cloud-based scheduling system while developing support products and services. Refer to the website for numerous job offerings.
Charles Schwab
Shannon Grimmes, Talent Attraction, was back with us once again. This company sets out to help everyone be financially fit, providing clients with ETHICAL services, RESPECTING fellow employees, and STRIVING relentlessly to innovate what they do. They are gearing up for 2014 and have many positions to fill beyond the most obvious Financial Advisors. For more information go to their website.
Resources
Computer Skills Institute
IT’S FREE – NO COST TRAINING offered through:
- Maricopa County Workforce Connections
- City of Phoenix Workforce Connetion
- TAA (Trade Act Agreement)
- Approved for the GI Bill
The company has been serving valley residents since 2004 offering essential certifications for career success. Visit their website to advance and retune your computer skills.
DISC & Your Job Search:
Kyla Bonnstetter, Top Talent Consultant
Identifying the right people, the right position and the right place are extrapolated inferences from the DISC assessment that more business use today in productivity management and screening new hires. What does that mean for the job seeker. It’s a promoter; no wrong or right answers. It serves as means to “indentify self” aligned with company mission and culture. It’s a time saver; no square pegs in round holes as the job seeker addresses transferable skills for position requirements. It can help you discover how your role in the work environment, potentially helping steer you to the best career or company for you.
Closing
Jessica Pierce, Executive Director of Career Connectors, thanked all the volunteers and hiring companies and our partners for their extended support. She also reminded everyone that Localwork.com is hosting a free Job Fair Phoenix Airport Marriot, Monday, May20, 10:00am‐2:00pm. Check this website for details and to sign up. She also reminded everyone that the DISC assessment is a great tool in the job search and it is available on Career Connectors at no charge. Check out Career Connectors new website for information and direction to opportunities in your career search. The next meeting is in Phoenix on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 9:00 AM, Lost My Job! Now What? with Naomi Buckta.