Tag: disruptive leadership

How well do you read social cues?

Paul Wagenaar

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.

WINS, LOSES, TIES, and other ways to find VICTORY – Part 1

Paul Wagenaar

Have you ever tried to get into a building but couldn’t open the door? Have you ever needed immediate assistance only to be told you will have to go on a waiting list for six months or more? Have you ever wanted a job but didn’t get it knowing that you were not considered, not because you couldn’t do the job, but because of someone’s bias you weren’t given a chance?

In Canada everyone has the right to employment, but it is far from a “level playing field;” people who live with barriers, including disabilities have to work harder to achieve their wins, they often lose, occasionally tie, and have to find ways to make progress and achieve a measure of victory.

In this, part 1 or 2, I hope to illuminate some of the barriers, the challenges, and to help dispel the myths and biases to help people who live with barriers and disabilities to achieve their employment goals.

We need your awareness and your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Walking a fine line …

Paul Wagenaar

Have you ever felt “stuck” in your professional life? Do you feel their is a “double-standard” about how you are treated and how your boss is treated. Do you feel underappreciated, over-worked, and that no matter what you do, nothing will change? I know how that feels and have experienced that more times than I care to think about; however, there are things you can do.

Being a Servant Leader without being a Manager or Supervisor

Paul Wagenaar

What is leadership? Does it come automatically when you are a supervisor or a manager? Or is it the cumulative effect of dozens of small actions that sometimes seem invisible unless you are looking for them? Someone who is a manager or supervisor doesn’t automatically become a leader, especially not a servant leader; although anyone who is a servant leader would always make a great supervisor or manager.

A job seeking Multiplier

Paul Wagenaar

How to do you multiply the impact of a career advisor? You need a tool. A tool that can help a job seeker help themselves, a tool that builds the confidence of a job seeker, and a tool that helps the job seeker identify they things they don’t know how to do well. That is what the “Job Seeker’s Playbook” is about.

This latest iteration is the result of more than a dozen job seeker’s comments, suggestions, and requests; and it will continue to evolve. I would like to thank every one of them. If you are looking for a new job or you know someone who is looking for a new job, please use and share this tool. We all would welcome your feedback as well.

An Insiders Guide to Cover Letters

Paul Wagenaar

Should you use a cover letter when applying for a job?

Do you want to stand out for all the right reasons? Do you want a prospective employer to see that you have the skills, experiences, and attitudes they want? Do you want to do something most people don’t do?

How should I do a cover letter … I thought you would never ask?

Preparation is the key to Success

Paul Wagenaar

Finding a new job can be one of the most difficult things you will do in your life, for most of us it will happen several times. Fortunately, there is help available and many of the sources will not cost you anything but a little time and effort.

This post is a brief guide to interviews and there is much you can do to stand out.

MORE TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Paul Wagenaar

I work assisting people who are experiencing barriers to employment overcome them and find jobs that either accomplish their goals or take them to the next step on their individual journeys.

My role as a coach and mentor constantly reminds me of the lessons shared with me during my career, this post is the next chapter on “lessons learned” from my November 24th post.