SPEAR 2 LEAD

SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose : Communication and Consulting

s2lead — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 00:02:12 +0000

The fifth week of the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose is a spotlight on Communication and Consulting. SPEAR2Lead is joined by Saturday Spotlight Speakers and Blog Contributors Julia Simms and Brian Kouassi.

Julia Simms is a Founder & CEO and Brian Kouassi is a Consultant II, Internal Audit & Financial Advisor. Their biographies will be shared along with their views and experiences of working in the Communication and Consulting industry. There will also be an exploration of their thoughts as it relates to passions, purpose, and professionalism. Lastly, we will get a glimpse into their perspectives when it comes to success and a focus on key concepts and terms that are important in their line of work.

Meet Julia Simms

Meet Brian Kouassi

Communication is defined by Merriam-Webster as ” a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” Consulting is defined as ” the provision to businesses of objective advice and assistance relating to the strategy, structure, management, and operations of an organization in pursuit of its long-term purposes and objectives. Such assistance may include the identification of options with recommendations; the provision of additional resources; and/or the implementation of solutions.” A consultant educates, offers advice, guides, informs, and provides a different perspective to their clients or customers.

SPEAR2Lead wanted to share the story and journey of two remarkable and inspiring professionals in the public and ministry service industry. The work that they do serve so many and does not go unnoticed. Together, we will learn more about their passions, personal purpose, the work that they do, and how they are changing the world in their own rights. We hope you are excited to learn more about these wonderful educators, through exploring starting with passions, then purposes to professionalism and success.

Passions

Passions are what fuel a person; they help each of us to strive, they are the soft skills that make each person unique. Passions are important and they help inform the decisions that people make. Ms. Simms and Mr. Kouassi parallel their personal positions and professional passions.

Ms. Simms notes ” I’m passionate about lifting people up, and as it relates to my personal line of work I’m passionate about building mutually beneficial relationships.”

Mr. Kouassi indicates ” I’m passionate about revolutionizing the way that capital markets work through innovative technology to reduce waste and allocate capital at scale for Social Good. .”

Purpose

A person’s purpose is personal, it is your why, your reason, and what helps guide the path each person takes.

Ms. Simms shares “Purpose is something that you were called to do, and when you’re not living out your purpose you don’t feel whole.”

Mr. Kouassi speaks to the topic of purpose in saying ” Purpose waking up every morning with your goals in clear view and a sense of drive to achieve those goals. “

Professional & Professionalism

What it means to be a professional and to demonstrate professionalism looks different to everyone.

Ms. Simms provides her perspective on the subject of professionalism saying ” To be a professional means that you understand how to not only handle your business but handle your business in an ethical way. Professionalism looks like mannerisms and business style clothing.”

Mr. Kouassi describes a professional as someone who is “candid, transparent, and maintains honest communication coupled with putting their best foot forward. “

Success

Ms. Simms describes and defines success as ” the freedom to live life on my own terms.”

Mr. Kouassi defines success as being able to make a ” positive impact on those you interact with.”

Words to anyone interested in the Music & Ministry Industry

When passions are combined with purpose and practiced in the profession it is the perfect combination. Innovation, Transparency, and Connections are vital characteristics to keep in mind when pursuing a Communication and Consulting related profession or career.

The video to watch the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Stories Series: Communication and Consulting Saturday Spotlight with Julia Simms and Brian Kouassi moderated by Ms. ODA is forthcoming, stay tuned!

SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose : Music and Ministry Saturday Spotlight

s2lead — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:53:38 +0000

The fourth week of the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose is a spotlight on Music and Ministry. SPEAR2Lead is joined by Saturday Spotlight Speakers and Blog Contributors Ashley Heard and Ocie S Banks.

Ashley Heard is a Choral/General Music Educator and is Ocie S. Banks is CEO/Vocal Coach. Their biographies will be shared along with their views and experiences of working in the Music and Ministry industry. There will also be an exploration of their thoughts as it relates to passions, purpose, and professionalism. Lastly, we will get a glimpse into their perspectives when it comes to success and a focus on key concepts and terms that are important in their line of work.

Meet Ashley Heard

Meet Ocie S. Banks

Music is universal, it connects communities, cultures, and countries by creating common ground for expression, creativity, and shared experience. Music is defined as ” vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. ” Ministry is the ” activity and responsibility of the local church in the fulfillment of its biblically defined mandate in the world. ” Music and ministry together allow people to be empowered, remain hopeful, stay uplifted, and get through difficult circumstances. SPEAR2Lead wanted to share the story and journey of two remarkable and inspiring professionals in the public and ministry service industry. The work that they do serve so many and does not go unnoticed. Together, we will learn more about their passions, personal purpose, the work that they do, and how they are changing the world in their own rights. We hope you are excited to learn more about these wonderful educators, through exploring starting with passions, then purposes to professionalism and success.

Passions

Passions are what fuel a person; they help each of us to strive, they are the soft skills that make each person unique. Passions are important and they help inform the decisions that people make. Ms. Heard and Mr.Banks parallel their personal positions and professional passions.

Ms. Heard notes ” In my teaching profession, I am passionate about helping my students, whether that is bringing joy to their day or helping them achieve a huge or seemingly impossible task in their education. My hope is that when they see themselves accomplish huge or seemingly impossible tasks in school (whether that is preparing for a musical or grasping a difficult music concept) they can have confidence in facing and overcoming future huge and seemingly impossible circumstances in their lives. In ministry, my goal is to always point people to Jesus in how I serve and love others.”

Mr. Banks indicates ” I am passionate about the voice and vocal health. I believe that the voice is a gift from God; therefore, we have a responsibility to steward well over it.”

Purpose

A person’s purpose is personal, it is your why, your reason, and what helps guide the path each person takes. Ms. Heard shares “I would define purpose as what you are created to do on this earth. We all have God-given gifts and talents to share and responsibilities entrusted to our care. Often times, we search for the over-arching big “P” purpose of our lives but fail to recognize and appreciate the times in life where we have seasonal purposes or day-to-day purposes. All are important.”

Mr. Banks speaks to the topic of purpose in saying ” Purpose is what you were born to do. It is the thing that you are called to. As Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson, III says, “Great men and women are born for the time that they are needed the most.” We all have purpose and were born to change the world during a specific time and space in history. As my pastor Apostle Yolanda Stith says, “Whatever makes you weep is what you are called to.” That is your purpose. The word has many problems, but you were born to be solution.”

Professional & Professionalism

What it means to be a professional and to demonstrate professionalism looks different to everyone .

Ms. Heard provides her perspective on the subject of professionalism saying “To me, being professional means that I am carrying myself in a respectful and courteous manner in the workplace or marketplace. This also means that I am communicating well in my area of expertise. I am knowledgeable about my field and craft.

Mr.Banks chimes in on the subject of professionalism with “ Being a professional, is doing your job with excellence, whether that is in ministry or in the classroom. Professionalism looks like giving your best effort in all that you do, from how you interact with others to the quality of your work.

Success

Ms. Heard describes and defines success as ” I would define success as doing the best you can with whatever assignment you have been given.”

Mr. Banks states ” Success is accomplishing goals and completing tasks. If you are making progress, you are achieving success.”

Words to anyone interested in the Music & Ministry Industry

When passions are combined with purpose and practiced in the profession it is the perfect combination. Willingness, Humility, Training, and Commitment are key attributes to keep in mind when pursuing a Music and Ministry related profession or career.

The video to watch the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Stories Series: Music & Ministry Saturday Spotlight with Ashley Heard and Ocie S Banks moderated by Ms. ODA is forthcoming, stay tuned!

SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose Non-Profit and Corporate Saturday Spotlight

s2lead — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 04:09:46 +0000

The third week of the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose is a spotlight on Non-Profit and Corporate. SPEAR2Lead is joined by Saturday Spotlight Speakers and Blog Contributors Entset Tadesse and Sophie Adjogblé.

Entset Tadesse is an International Development Program Officer and is Sophie Adjogblé is a Bilingual HR Coordinator for KPMG Canada. Their biographies will be shared along with their views and experiences of working in the Non-Profit and Corporate industry. There will also be an exploration of their thoughts as it relates to passions, purpose, and professionalism. Lastly, we will get a glimpse into their perspectives when it comes to success and a focus on key concepts and terms that are important in their line of work.

Meet Entset Tadesse

Meet Sophie Adjogblé

The Council of Nonprofit notes ” charitable nonprofits embody the best of America. They provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals, and noblest causes. America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. Every single day. ” The corporate industry according to Merriam Webster are “large organizations formed into an association and endowed by law with the rights and liabilities of an individual.” SPEAR2Lead wanted to share the story and journey of two remarkable and inspiring professionals in the public and private service. The work that they do serve so many and does not go unnoticed. Together, we will learn more about their passions, personal purpose, the work that they do, and how they are changing the world in their own rights. We hope you are excited to learn more about these wonderful educators, through exploring starting with passions, then purposes to professionalism and success.

Passions

Ms.Tadesse states” in general, I am passionate about authenticity and becoming/showing up as my best self. In my line of work, I am also passionate about providing quality service and product that aligns with the community’s need and being my best always.”

Ms. Adjogblé shares” I’m very passionate about helping others create their project/business. I’m a person who likes planning and organize work to better achieve a tangible result. In general, I’m passionate about art, skincare, and food.

Purpose

A person’s purpose is personal, it is your why, your reason, and what helps guide the path each person takes. Ms. Tadesse indicates “I define purpose as personal. I think it can be small or large. It is whatever brings you joy and balance.”

Ms. Adjogblé defines purpose as ” I think finding our “purpose” is constantly self-work. Searching, discovering, adapting, and sharing is how we can be truly close to our purpose. The purpose is discovering what we are good at in order to help our entourage.”

Professional & Professionalism

What it means to be a professional and to demonstrate professionalism looks different to everyone .

Ms. Tadesse chimes in on the subject of professionalism in saying ” I think being professional is being competent in the technical skills part of the job while navigating the soft skills proficiently (customer service, managing up and down, troubleshooting/conflict management, etc). Professionalism looks like quality work, customer service skills, and also an aesthetic portion of professionalism (for my profession suits and business wear).

Ms. Adjogblé provides perspective on the subject of professionalism in saying ” After several opportunities in government, in the private sector and even my internships abroad during my time at university, I was not comfortable presenting myself as a “professional”. And I realize that my doubt came from my self-esteem. After reflection, I understood that being a professional means having confidence in our competences and skills gained from our past experiences. And then professionalism comes when you use all the skills from your past experiences to help others who don’t have the skills or competencies in your field.”

Success

Ms. Tadesse describes and defines success as, ”When you have everything that you want and need without having to comprise your authenticity or happiness.”

Ms. Adjogblé speaks to a shared understanding by highlighting “We all want success to be a simple equation and that we can only copy and paste and be “successful”. For me, success is really knowing your higher purpose in this life and constantly challenging yourself at every stage of your life to be a better person.”

Words to anyone interested in the Non-Profit and Corporate Industry

When passions are combined with purpose and practiced in the profession it is the perfect combination. Flexibility, Communication, Confidence, Organization Skills, and Knowing the bottom-line are major keys and attributes to keep in mind when pursuing a Nonprofit and Corporate related profession or career.

Tune in this Saturday at 1 PM EST to watch the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Stories Series: Nonprofit and Corporate Saturday Spotlight with Entset Tadesse and Sophie Adjogblé moderated by Ms. ODA!

SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose – Teaching & Education

s2lead — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 02:46:53 +0000

The second week of the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose is a spotlight on Teaching and Education. SPEAR2Lead is joined by Saturday Spotlight Speakers and Blog Contributors Imani Simmons and Timothy Chen.

Imani Simmons is a 6th Grade social studies teacher and Timothy Chen is a 7th and 8th grade math teacher. Their biographies will be shared along with their views and experiences on teaching and education. There will also be an exploration of their thoughts as it related to passions, purpose, and professionalism. Lastly, we will get a glimpse into their perspectives when it comes to success and a focus on key concepts and terms that are important in their line of work.

Meet Imani Simmons

Meet Timothy Chen

” Education is multifaceted and the Merriam-Webster dictionary deconstructs its various aspects accordingly: “to provide schooling for” and “to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in a skill, trade, or profession.” Education is equally defined as “to develop mentally, morally, or aesthetically especially by instruction” and “to provide with information.” The last definition of educating that may be the most prevalent today is “to persuade or condition to feel, believe, or act in a desired way.” Teachers are on the frontlines day in and day out. They serve as mentors, supporters, provide guidance, instill value, shape minds, and inspire the future. The work that educational professionals do everyday should be valued, acknowledged, and appreciated. They deserve to be respected, recognized, and remembered for the contributions they make within their schools, communities, and the world. SPEAR2Lead wanted to share the story and journey of two remarkable and inspiring Education professionals. Together, we will learn more about their passions, personal purpose, the work that they do and how they are changing the world in their own rights. We hope you are excited to learn more about these wonderful educators, through exploring starting with passions, then purposes to professionalism and success.

Passions

Passions are what fuel a person; , they help each of us to strive , they are the soft skills that make each person unique. Passions are important and they help inform the decisions that people make. Ms. Simmons and Mr. Chen parallel their personal positions and professional passions. Ms. Simmons shares, ” Since the age of fifteen, I have worked in positions centered around children and families, such as camps and schools. I am passionate about working with children of all ages and assisting in the discovery of new knowledge, skills, interests, and talents.”

Mr. Chen notes, ” I am passionate about learning. While education and learning are often used interchangeably, I think that education is generally associated more with the formal institutions of learning. While I am passionate about formal education, I recognize its flaws. I also recognize that true learning does not always occur in a formal educational setting. Overall, I am passionate about LEARNING. Whether that is a child learning how to fish from his father, a young couple learning how to love, or a student learning how to calculate percentages. As much as I can, my passion is to help students to actually learn while they are taking part in the education system. I’d rather have my students learn how to think mathematically and get an 70% in my class than have them get a 100% without truly learning anything. And outside of the classroom, my passion is for learning as well. I love to learn languages, cultures, cooking, geography, history, and just about people.”

Purpose

Purpose is your why , purpose is your reason, and purpose is what helps the path each person takes. Ms. Simmons indicates, ” Purpose is what wakes you up in the morning and motivates you to keep going. Purpose guides your decisions and the goals that you want to accomplish.” Mr. Chen defines purpose as “the reason that you do something, or should do something.”

Professional & Professionalism

What its means to be a professional and to demonstrate professionalism looks different to everyone . To Ms. Simmons, ” Professionalism involves having content knowledge and willing to enhance and deepen skills and expertise within your profession. For example, in teaching, I must know my subject matter and how to teach in ways that support all students’ needs. Professionalism is also having excellent communication and listening skills and willingness to ask for help and support colleagues to achieve a common goal. Professionals should always remain poised in challenging situations and should arrive to work prepared.”

To Mr. Chen provides a personal take on professionalism by recounting some of the things he does . He says, ” I focus on three things regarding professionalism: competency, good interpersonal skills, and a growth mindset. Firstly, you need to be well-versed in your field and able to perform your job well. Secondly, you should be able to relate to and work with different kinds of people. Lastly, it is essential that you always recognize areas for growth and keep improving yourself.”

Success

Success is not a one-size- fits- all commodity. Each person has their individual goals, visions, dreams, hopes, ambitions, and aspirations. SPEAR2Lead understands the value of personal and professional success and wants to change the connotation of success. Ms. Simmons describes and defines success as, ” Success is discovering and living your true purpose in life while also having a positive impact on others. ” Mr. Chen attributes the definition of success to ” making progress towards your goals, in spite of whatever obstacles you may face.”

Words to anyone interested in Teaching and Education

When passions are combined with purpose and practiced in profession it is the perfect combination. Flexibility, aAccountability, and dDedication are major keys and attributes to keep in mind when pursuing a teaching and education related profession or career.

Tune in this Saturday at 1PM EST to watch the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Stories Series : Teaching and Education Saturday Spotlight with Imani Simmons & Timothy Chen moderated by Ms. ODA !

SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose – Health and Health Care

s2lead — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:06:36 +0000

The first week of the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Summer Series Passions & Purpose is a spotlight on Health and Health Care. SPEAR2Lead is joined by Saturday Spotlight Speakers and Blog Contributors Alexandra Maye and Mariama Bakayoko.

Alexandra Maye is an Interventional Cardiovascular Registered Nurse and Mariama Bakayoko is a Clinical Information System Specialist in Population Health Management. Their biographies will be shared along with definition of Health and Health Care. Afterwards there will be an exploration of their thoughts as it related to passions, purpose, and professionalism. There will be a glimpse and insight of their perspective when it comes to success and a focus on key concepts and terms that are important in their line of work.

Meet Alexandra Maye

Meet Mariama Bakayoko

Health is defined by the World Health Organization as ” a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Health Care is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as ” efforts made to maintain or restore physical, mental, or emotional well-being especially by trained and licensed professionals.” The health care system constitutes of hospitals, centers, and clinics. There are several careers in health care which include but are not limited to that of doctors, physicians, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, community health works, information specialists/ technicians, patient support staff, and caregivers. Health care works have always been important but now in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic they are as vital and essential as ever. They are on the frontlines day in and day out. The work that healthcare professionals do daily is valued, acknowledged, and appreciated. SPEAR2Lead wanted to share the story and journey of two remarkable and inspiring health care professionals. Together we will learn more about their passions, personal purpose, the work that they do and how they are changing the world in their own rights. We hope you are excited to learn more about these wonderful starting with passions then purposes to professionalism and success.

Passions

Passions are what fuel a person , they help each of us to strive , they are the soft skills that make each person unique. Passions are important and they help inform the decisions that people make. Ms. Maye states ” I’m passionate about advocating for putting self-care and well-being at the forefront of life. It is important that we take time to intentionally take care of ourselves and fill our own cup before we pour into others. I love being a cardiac nurse and all things heart related. It’s a blessing to care for others and save lives.” Ms. Bakayoko says ” I am passionate about art, wellness, emotional intelligence, and helping/advocating for marginalized people.”

Purpose

Purpose is your why , purpose is your reason, and purpose is what helps the path each person takes. Ms. Maye shares her by indicating purpose ” is my calling and gift from God that allows His works and glory to shine through me.” Ms. Bakayoko defines purpose as “the intention/reasoning behind achieving a goal and/or objective; the intention/reasoning behind why something exist.”

Professional & Professionalism

What is means to be a professional and to demonstrate professional looks different to everyone . To Ms. Maye a professional “someone who displays high levels of integrity, forethought, a level head, and calm demeanor when handling various obstacles and tasks. Professionalism looks like handling intense situations with both grace and assertiveness while understanding all viewpoints.” To Ms. Bakayoko ” a professional is one who has the ability to act in a wholesome and well-mannered demeanor in a specific environment, and accomplish various tasks and goals that are admirable to others. From a personal perspective, professionalism looks like having a strong work ethic and willingness to succeed in anything you have set forth to accomplish despite any obstacles that may exist.”

Success

Success is not a one fits all commodity. Each person has their individual goals, visions, dreams, hopes, ambitions, and aspiration. SPEAR2Lead understands the value of personal and professional success and wants to change connotation of success. Ms. Maye describes and defines success as ” Finding my purpose, being at peace with my place in the world, attaining work-life balance, and spending lots of quality time with my family and friends ” Ms. Bakayoko attributes the definition of success to ” whatever makes you feel accomplished, healthy, happy.”

Words to anyone interested in Health and Healthcare

When passions are combined with purpose and practiced in profession it is the perfect combination. Compassion, Self- Care, and Innovation are major keys and attributes to keep in mind when pursuing a health related profession or career.

Tune in this Saturday at 4PM EST to watch the SPEAR2Lead 2020 Summer Stories Series : Health and Healthcare Saturday Spotlight with Alexandra Maye & Mariama Bakayoko moderated by Ms.ODA

SPEAR2Lead Summer Stories Series : Passions, Purpose, & Professions

s2lead — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 01:00:10 +0000

The Summer series has officially begun ! Over the course of the next five weeks there will be stories shared, insight, experiences, thoughts , and conversations, evolving around passion, purpose, and profession. Each week will Start off with a Meet Me feature or two of a SPEAR2Lead Team Member, Standout Supporter, or Collaborate.

Passion and Purpose will be defined, explained, and explored on the Career Corner Blog through an article of Thoughts for Thursday at www.spear2lead.com . Each article will feature contributions from professionals in that industry spotlighted that week who will also be the Saturday Spotlight Speakers.

The Spotlights will be held Via Zoom and and Evite link will be on the website with the blog post for that week and in the instagram bio https://instagram.com/spear2lead. Questions for the spotlight speaker will be collected through that week via direct message or emailed to info@spear2lead.com

Summer Series Overview

Week 1 – Health and Health Care Match : July 27/August 1

Week 2 – Education and Teaching Match : August 2/August 8

Week 3 – Non- Profit (International Development) and Corporate ( Human Resources) Mix : August 9/August 15

Week 4- Music and Ministry Match : August 16 / August 22

Week 5 – Tech Talk and Media Communication Mix : August 23/August 29

Summer Series Bonus :

Instagram Live with @soamiworthy on July 31st at 7PM EST

National Association of Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition by SPEAR2Lead CEO Ms.ODA

August 12th 6PM EST .

Read Ms.ODA’s Bio

http://www.nationalentrepreneurs.org/pitch-contest.html

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nea-national-virtual-pitch-contest-tickets-112106539678

You can also join the SPEAR2Lead Community via Twitter, LinkedIn and or Facebook.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SPEAR2Lead

LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/spear2lead

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SPEAR2Lead

‘People Enablement’ Is the Human-Resources Trend You Can’t Ignore

s2lead — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:59:21 +0000

It seems unfortunate that human resources, one of the most vital functions of an organization, frequently suffers from a bad reputation. Employees usually know little about what their HR contacts do beyond payroll and contracts, while C-Suite execs tend to leaves them on the sidelines of visionary decision-making.

But if there’s truth behind the common call to “grow your people, grow your business”, shouldn’t HR be the most important department in a company? It’s time to stop viewing HR reps as purely administrative and give them a seat at the board by adopting the principle of “people enablement.” At its essence, people enablement is a more holistic approach towards individual development, and it encompasses the technology, processes and content empowering employees and teams to develop and improve faster. Through this emerging trend, companies can start to empower their workers to acquire valuable experiences, explore new roles and continually reinvent themselves, and here’s a brief guide to help get you started.

Change C-Suite Perceptions of HR

While it’s true that in the past HR may have been primarily administrative, these days the world of work is facing so many changes that it’s best placed to help companies navigate them, ensuring they can retain and attract talent in a world where a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people is predicted by 2030. In this environment, employees will need to have the ability to regularly update their skills, and in order for HR to successfully adopt this trend, changes need to start at the top. To start with, CEOs themselves need to believe in a people-first approach. There are companies that have started embracing this (such as Vayner Media or Atlassian), and more will follow as they observe the positive benefits, including a more engaged workforce and higher productivity. At that point, HR should be empowered to make the decisions they need to best support the workforce. This could be anything from selecting technologies that support process or creating new processes to developing training schemes for managers and new recruitment strategies.

Change Employees’ Perceptions of HR

As HR becomes empowered and adopts a more strategic function within the organization, this should have a trickle down effect, creating a change of perception among all employees, who will start to realize they can rely on HR as a partner to support them in their career development. As was demonstrated by Google’s influential Project Oxygen, first-time managers newly responsible for multiple team members are often unsure of how to support them, but when HR is able to focus on developing talent and creating an environment in which people can thrive, everyone wins. Employees will be more engaged and more likely to stay longer with a company, productivity will increase and growth will follow naturally as people will have the intrinsic motivation to bring their best selves to work.

View HR as a Strategic Partner

The best synergies can be found when HR is able to focus on putting people first, all while having a strong understanding of the business’s needs. That’s why it’s vital for HR to be included in the boardroom so they can gain knowledge of a company’s needs, shifting priorities and financial obligations. In turn, HR reps will have to become comfortable with understanding business priorities and strategic input.

For example, in the past few years we’ve seen an increase in the use of people analytics, i.e. insights HR are able to gain using technology that supports engagement surveys, performance management and more. This is a great way to benchmark, measure and demonstrate change across the organization. Not to mention, they help confirm statements about a company’s overall health. When purchasing HR tech, it’s important to consider what’s in it for employees and not just HR first. This would not only defeat the purpose of HR being viewed as a strategic partner, but also dramatically lowes the adoption rate of new technology. HR should think of technology as a way to support their business’s function, and of improving the employee experience.

Envision Shaping the Future of Work

As Globalization 4.0 approaches, it’s clear we all need to rethink our approach to work and career. Together, HR and the C-Suite can shape the future of their companies, better preparing themselves for this new reality, all while supporting employees readying to be confronted by the changes. Rather than remaining stuck in a model we inherited from the industrial revolution, we need to change how we think about employment, career trajectories, talent retention and much more. This starts by enabling HR to start tackling people-related issues in a completely different manner than they have done until now, using approaches like people enablement. It also means freeing up their time from aministrative tasks so they are able to think more strategically, while other functions can specialize in compensation and benefits. The division of responsibilities has to be clear. If companies start to think more with a people-first, as opposed to bottom-line-first, mindset, this will increase their agility and ability to change as quickly as the job market, or close enough.

The influence of technology on the future of human resource management

s2lead — Wed, 27 May 2020 11:35:12 +0000

In recent years, information technology has had a profound effect on human resources (HR) processes and practices. However, relatively little research has examined its effectiveness, and most of the existing studies have not assessed the degree to which these new systems enable organizations to reach their HR goals of attracting, motivating and retaining employees. One reason for this is that there are a number of limitations associated with current systems including the fact that they: (a) use one way communication systems, (b) are impersonal and passive, (c) do not always allow for interpersonal interaction, and (d) often create an artificial distance between individuals and organizations. Thus, the primary purposes of the present article are to review the current effects of technology on HR processes, consider the existing literature on the topic, and discuss the advantages and potential limitations of using these systems. In addition, we offer directions for future research and practice on using technology to facilitate HR processes.

Should You Hire a Career Coach?

s2lead — Wed, 27 May 2020 11:10:03 +0000

Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current role? Have you applied to multiple jobs without success? Are you wondering if you are on the right career path? Do you want to switch industries altogether?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you might want to hire a career coach to help.

Career coaches are experts in skills such as career planning, resume building, negotiation and interviewing. While you may only search for a new gig or switch careers a handful times in your life, these professionals are up to date with current hiring practices because they’re constantly working to help job seekers.

Business News Daily asked career experts to share everything you should know about career coaches, and when you should consider hiring one.

What does a career coach do?

At the most basic level, having a career coach is like having a brand awareness team, said Rachel Bitte, chief people officer at Jobvite.

“These professionals understand how to pinpoint the best aspects of your professional experience and market it in the most attractive way possible to potential employers,” said Bitte. “They’re well versed in crafting resumes, career planning, motivation techniques and, most importantly, network building.”

Vicki Salemi, a Monster career expert, said career coaches usually have extensive work experience in recruiting and/or human resources.

“They can help you with a variety of tasks,” she said. “For example, with my clients, we look at long-term dream careers, what they currently do and how their next job can lead them closer to their dream job.”

Coaches also ensure accountability to keep the job seeker on track and moving toward their next role, Salemi added.

When to hire a career coach

Many people assume a career coach is only beneficial after you have submitted dozens of applications and are in desperate need of a job. While this would be a great time to find a coach, these individuals can help you at many other career crossroads.

“Whether you’re just starting out and unsure which path to take, hoping to chase a new passion, or you’re ready to move to the next level, getting an outside perspective from a professional can be extremely helpful,” said Bitte.

Salemi suggests hiring a career coach before you really need one.

“If you’re thinking about leaving your job, but aren’t sure, you may want to hire a career coach,” she said. “It’s important to be proactive. Don’t wait until it feels like you absolutely detest your job and can’t stand going into the office.”

Salemi also said that career coaches don’t all provide the same thing. Some coaches can help with a big interview, while others specialize in negotiation and can help you discuss salary and benefits.

How to find a career coach

The best way to find a career coach is through word of mouth and referrals from friends, but you can also find great coaches online, such as through LinkedIn.

“A career coach is not always easy to find,” said Bitte. “A referral would be [best] … but that’s not always an option. So, you’ll need to do some homework and dig through Google and social media to identify someone you can trust with your professional wellbeing.”

Lauren McAdams, career advisor and hiring manager at Resume Companion, said it’s a major red flag if a career coach asks for a large upfront fee.

“Always pay by the hour for a career consultant’s time,” she said. “This ensures that you aren’t locked into a potentially underwhelming service long-term and protects you from by a fly-by-night operation.”

While a career coach is beneficial to anyone looking for career help, some people may not be able to afford one. If you can’t, you can become your own with a little discipline and direction.

“By applying some simple tactics such as taking stock of where you [are], seeking feedback from a group of confidants and holding yourself accountable, you can figure out your goals and lay out your own roadmap to make them happen,” said Bitte.

What kind of training do career coaches have?

Most career coaches don’t hold a specific career coaching certification. Instead, most have become experts in their field and decided to market their skills to help the next generation enter careers they’re passionate about.

While some schools offer career coaching or career counseling certificate programs, such a certification is not indicative of a career coach’s quality. Their resume, expertise, and the word of their references are much more valuable tools to measure the quality of a career coach than any certification.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a career coach?

If you’re thinking about hiring a career coach, bear in mind that not all coaches are what they seem. Although there are many reputable coaches out there who can help you with a career change, interview preparation, resume rewrite and more, career coaching can be rife with scams. Many career coaches have little to no experience in the field they claim to be experts in. Look into a coach’s background and make sure you can talk to past clients independently before giving any so-called career coach money. An even better idea is to ask your friends if they have used a career coach. You can choose a legitimate coach based on their recommendations.

When you find the right career coach for you, your investment of a few hundred dollars will more than pay off in the long run. Career coaches can help you land the job you’ve always wanted, get a promotion or even start your own business. Their expertise and unbiased attention will help you get the results you’ve been hoping for, often in a fraction of the time it would have taken if you’d continued making mistakes on your own. That is the biggest pro of hiring a career coach: They help you learn from someone else’s mistakes. Sometimes they were the one who made those mistakes, and they figured out how to get past them.

How do you prepare for a career coaching session?

After you have found the best career coach for you, ask them what you should do to prepare for a session with them. Every career coach is different. Some will want you to come prepared with questions. Others will want you to bring tangible materials, such as your resume or a list of your career goals.

If your career coach lets you take the wheel and determine what you do in your session, imagine your desired outcomes from that session and your relationship with the career coach overall. Write these outcomes down, and then figure out what you have been missing that’s kept you from achieving those outcomes on your own. If you don’t know what you’ve been missing, ask your career coach for help during the session.

Get your dream career with the help of a career consultant

s2lead — Wed, 27 May 2020 10:31:38 +0000

What is a career consultant?

A career consultant – also known as a career counsellor, career coach, job coach, career adviser or career mentor – is someone who has expertise in counselling and coaching people in career development. They also have knowledge of the job market and understand the needs of employers.

Career consultants use their skills to give advice to people who want to:

start out in the job market
upskill in their current career
get help with difficult career decisions
explore a new career
move into a new job or career.

How will a career consultant help you?

Career consultants ask you questions about your career and discuss your career ideas. You can get help and advice from them about:

connecting your skills to employer needs
areas to upskill in
deciding on a new career path
adapting after redundancy
self-employment
CVs and cover letters
interview planning and styles
job search planning
relationship building
personal branding
long-term career planning

I’m new to the job market

Whether you’ve never worked before, you’re leaving secondary school or you’re a recent graduate, a career consultant can help you discover which career would suit you based on your personality and talents.

Career consultants will give you job hunting, CV and interview advice to make sure you highlight your employability and transferable skills clearly and professionally to possible employers.

I’m currently employed

If you want to upskill in your current job, move upwards in your company or move into a new career a career consultant can help you overcome any barriers you may face in the workforce. They’ll help you create a long-term career plan that connects with your goals.

I’m not currently employed but have work experience

Whether you’ve been raising children, studying or travelling, it can be hard to get back into the workforce. A career consultant can give you advice on the current job market and how to plan your job search. They can help you overcome any problems and show you how to explain your employment gaps.