In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
I believe our current system of interviewing people is flawed. People who are able to answer questions confidently and quickly have an advantage, even though they may not be the best applicant for the position. As an employer or as a job seeker, there are things we can all do differently … this is a short guide to just what we can change.
Culture isn’t built in meetings. It is built in moments – every minute of every day and in every action – culture can be nurtured, strengthened, and lived. The way we treat people when no one’s watching determines the strength of every business. Start small, stay kind, and keep building. It isn’t easy, it can be hard work, frustrating, fraught with setbacks; however, it is worth the time, and it is worth the investment … every time.
Consider this post to be an introduction, a starting point for building your team through one of the areas that is entirely within your ability to influence.
This is a brief guide, the first of a series of guides; this one is intended to help employers learn about and realize how much people who are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent can contribute to their organizations and businesses. It is not a comprehensive research paper; rather, it is a simple guide based on the personal experiences of job seekers, employers who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other anecdotal information I have gleaned.
Your help, understanding, and willingness is needed.
Did you know that 70-80% of the jobs available are not advertised online? That means the people who only look online for jobs have a lot of competition.
This is a number that seems to be all over the internet and even if it is only partially true; how do you access them? “Word of mouth,” and networking. What if you don’t really understand networking or would like some tips? Keep reading.
You might think I have something against managers … I am less “anti-manager” than I am more “pro-leader.” Our interactions with people matter and anyone aspiring to be a good manager should set their sights higher and pursue being a good leader. As a retail store manager, a consultant, a project manager, a board member, and now as a career advisor and coordinator I have seen the difference a manager who aspires to be a leader can make and I invite you to see how many of these tools you can use.
Becoming a manager of any type of organization is a big accomplishment for anyone. My challenge for anyone in this position is to strive to be more than a manager … become a leader … and most importantly become a servant leader. The road ahead for a new manager is full of danger and chances for failure; however, as an aspiring servant leader, your chances for success increase dramatically when you put serving your team ahead of your own aspirations.
High performing teams are often desired by most organizations; however, it is remarkable how few of these organizations take the time to put all of the building blocks for success in place. Effective organizational dynamics and “how” teams function doesn’t happen by accident. Creating an inclusive and evolving “team charter” should be one of the first “building blocks” all organizations have on their “to do” list.
We notice the ramps, the braille on some washroom signs, we all sometimes use the power door options when we have large items to get through doors, but do we notice the places that aren’t accessible?
More than 20 years legislation became law that guaranteed accessibility standards for people who live with barriers and disabilities. The law promised action. It has been hit or miss, there have been some improvements, but not enough. We need to ask ourselves are we compliant or are we complicit? We also need to advocate and take action.
As a career advisor who works with people who live with barriers it is interesting reversing perspectives about social cues. Most people who live with barriers have to learn to adapt to social cues that are not intrinsic to them, what are you doing to recognize and accommodate their social cues?
This post is a brief introduction to social cues that could add understanding and appreciation to our daily interaction with people who experience barriers. The more we support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; the more opportunities for growth we all have.
This week I was asked, “What can you do, you are only one person?” Perhaps I am naive, perhaps I am too optimistic, I know I am tenacious, occasionally bordering on relentless; however, I do believe one person can make a difference … especially to someone who feels “stuck;” they feel they can’t go backward, they can’t backward, and they can’t stay where they are. More useful than mere words, this is how I believe, me, you, and anyone can make a difference to help unstick someone who is stuck.