Developing Your True Potential

Values

2010-02-21T10:51:00.007-08:00

Have your values changed over time? Do you notice a difference in your values when at different jobs or volunteer positions?

Non negotiable Values: I have always had “making a difference “ as a work value. It is what I call my non-negotiable value. I had ONE job that I was good at doing but could not sleep at night when I worked there. I was working as telephone solicitor and realized I was representing a company that did not make a difference; they just said they did. It was a powerful experience.

Find a Way Values: When my creativity value is not being met at work, I find myself getting very creative with my cooking. I have seen this same thing happen for my clients. I worked with an admin assistant who could type 120 words per minute. She didn’t place value on her speed, she thought it was much more valuable that her documents looked like works of art. She kept physically describing how they looked. Her art/creativity was a find –a –way value.

2^nd Best Values: When my leadership or recognition values are not being met (they are secondary in my list), I find myself focusing on advancement through learning and increasing my knowledge.

Have you discovered your “non-negotiable” values? Noticed any “find-a-way” values? Share your experiences with us.

Motivation Types

2010-02-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

So now you have all 8 descriptions of the Motivation Types which are your top 2? How does that line up with your work, your volunteer experiences, your partner? My theory is our motivation also drives our choice of partner.

Anything in italics comes from Barbara Moses' book "What Next? The complete guide to taking control of your working life" 2003. I highly recommend purchasing the book and completing the excercises in full.

There are strengths associated with each motivational type, as well as potential trouble spots and common conflicts.

Ideally work will satisfy both your major and minor motivators. Commonly, however, our motivators may conflict. Consider the following dilemmas.

“I want to get ahead (career builder) and I want to be available for my kids during the day (lifestyler).”

“I am easily bored (novelty seeker) and I want financial security (stability seeker).”

“I want to run my own show (autonomy seeker) and I want to be part of a team (sociability seeker).”

It would be great to hear if anyone has solutions to their conflicts. Thanks for sharing!

I was also wondering if anyone has found their motivations changing as they age? Or are your motivations different from where you grew up?

Self Assessment

2010-01-24T09:28:00.001-08:00

Has anyone had an experience where it was the right career but the wrong place?

My first exposure to career advisors was eons ago when I first left teaching. I was so dissatisfied with their lack of help that I complained loudly to their funder, which resulted in one staff member being fired. (In my opinion they even managed to fire the wrong guy.) I would never have worked in the career counselling field until I landed in the Comox Valley and read a job description that caught my attention and the rest is history. 15 years later I am still loving my work as a career counsellor. I am glad that I didn't assume all career counselling places were unprofessional.

The cartoon is also a great way to think about transferable skills.

Does anyone know someone who almost missed out on their best job?

Generalist vs Specialist

2010-01-17T10:19:00.004-08:00

Are you a generalist or a specialist? Receive the free newsletter to find out and then you can follow the discussion.

An example, my degree is in Education, elementary education. Elementary teachers need to be able to teach every subject. Teaching many subjuect areas is a sign of a generalist. Secondary teachers usually teach only one or two subjects and their courses in university coalesced into a major and a minor. My major was elementary. Secondary teachers usually specialize into one or two topic areas over the years.

My father, a die hard generalist, changed the subjects he taught as a high school teacher every 5 years during a 30 year career. He was a scanner adapting in a world of specialists. It worked well for him but some people were unsure of his professional actions. He is not a typical man nor was he a typical teacher - not a bad thing in this case but he did face some resistance from administration for being atypical.

Do you have an example you could share?

Scanners and Divers

2010-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

So are you a scanner or a diver? You can find definitions of the terms in the latest Morgan Ebbett newsletter. It is a free publication just send us your email and we will add you to the list. You email is never shared with anyone or anything else.

I am a scanner and as a career counsellor I get to start a new project with every client I meet. My job is exciting enough for me to have developed a long term career and appear to be a diver which is often more traditional. Let's face it, who wants advice on careers from someone who it appears can’t keep a job? By finding a job that honors my scanning nature, I have been able to develop a career I love.

Once you have identified if you are a scanner or a diver can you share with us which sort of jobs have worked well for you?

Seasonal Delay

2010-01-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were looking for the new posts, I apologize for their absence. I thought I had scheduled them to post while I was away and apparently I didn't make that work. So now you can read on and post your thoughts!

Myers Briggs

2010-01-02T14:53:00.002-08:00

One of my favourite quizzes that uses the 4 letter code is the Keirsey Temperment because they identify famous historical people with the same Myers Briggs code as yourself. Also if you get the opportunity to participate in a True Colors or Personality Dimensions quiz these are also based on this coding system but the process has been simplified into 4, not 16, types or groups to choose from.

One client wanted to be a bartender but her personality quiz results kept pointing her in the direction of an elementary or preschool teacher. After much frustration on her part and lots of discussion, we discovered that she had very different definitions for the words used in the quizzes and that was causing the mixed up results.

I am really interested in knowing which quizzes you found to be the most accurate. Were there any surprises or a – ha moments for anyone? Did you feel like all the quizzes are way off base?

Judger or Perceiver

2010-01-02T14:48:00.001-08:00

(The caption reads "Walter couldn't pretend any longer: The oil patch was not for him. He was a dancer; the ballet was in his blood, and by George, today he would dance!")

I had a client who was very uncomfortable about being unemployed, so she grabbed at the first job that came her way. This developed an unhealthy work pattern. She would grab the first job she found but she also found herself fired within a year. She needed to assess her transferable skills and find a different industry to work in that would appreciate what she had to offer. She couldn’t see this pattern until she stopped long enough to gain some perspective on the big picture. The opposite sometimes exist where people are afraid to apply for a position in case they become stuck in the wrong job. But this can lead to an unemployment limbo or a limbo that has you staying in a job that makes you miserable.

So how do you organize your job search when you are a Judger? Or how does your job search happen when you are a Perceiver? Perceivers have you missed a job opportunity in the past? Judgers is it extra torturous to have no decision about what work you will be doing tomorrow? How have you made a career change in the past?

Thinker or Feeler?

2010-01-02T14:40:00.001-08:00

A client dealt with his career change by making a list of all the potential places he could apply for work. A very logical approach to job search. He designed the list so as to start at the top and work his way to the bottom where the most sought after employer was. His logical theory was that he would rather practice looking for work on the companies he least likely wanted to work for and instead have well honed job search skills by the time he arrived at his employer of choice. The default position was that took the pressure off and even a less than perfect company might offer him a position, which wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Look around your world and think about who you would like to work with? Feelers respond to values and the relationships developed at work. Thinkers can use this same technique or looking for people they would like to work with because they will gravitate towards other Thinkers and appreciate their logical way of performing daily tasks. How does your T or F effect how you find a job? Tell me a story from how you got a job in the past. Do you have a logical job search plan? Do you apply for a job at a place where it just feels right? How does your preference for making decisions effect your job/career search?

Sensor or Intuitive - How does that effect your job search?

2009-12-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

If you are on the Morgan Ebbett email list you will have received information about another personality dimension - Sensing and Intuition. If you didn't email us we will be happy to send you the background info.

If you have the background info read on...

A resume and cover letter are essential tools for all job searchers. Sensors and Intuitives are easily spotted in their preferences for a resume format. Sensors tend to have just the bare facts with no fluff. Intuitives tend to have a hard time nailing things down in under 2 pages. Can you see your personality traits effecting how you present your information to an employer?

How do you approach your job search? Is there a practical plan or do you just wing it? Do you approach employers or only apply to newspaper positions? In the past what actions led you to getting a job? How does your preference for finding information effect your job/career search?

We would really love to hear from you !

E or I, how does that effect job search?

2009-11-30T16:23:00.006-08:00

Need Your Feedback

So how does your E or I effect how you look for work? Does it make looking for work easier or more difficult? Think of how you have gotten jobs in the past, what steps did you take to land the job?

One of the most unusual pieces of advice I ever gave a client was to tell her to go shopping! Our conversation started when I asked how she had gotten her last few jobs. We had a discussion and discovered that the last 2 out of 3 positions she was offered while shopping. She is an extrovert who was out talking with the people in the stores. She had her regular places she enjoyed shopping, which often indicates a good personality/values fit, and they appreciated her demeanour and product knowledge she displayed while in their store. So we decided she needed to go shopping so she could find another job but I am not sure how happy her husband was with me!

In another situation, a client revealed she was offered jobs while conducting an information interview. As an introvert job searching one-on-one was more comfortable for her. How does your preference for making decisions effect your job/career search?

Award of Excellence

2009-04-26T13:48:00.008-07:00

News Release April 20, 2009
Photo Credit Joanne Stoeckl

Karae White, owner of Morgan Ebbett Career Services in Courtenay, is the 2009 winner of the BC Career Development Award of Excellence, which honours inspirational leadership and excellence in career development.

Three Awards are given each year by the Career Management Association of BC; for a Team, Organization and Individual; Karae is this year’s recipient for the Individual category. One only has to look at her extensive portfolio to see that she is more than worthy of this accolade.

She started her own business five years ago after many successful years as a Career Advisor with the Job Shop (CEAS) in Courtenay. Her clients range from military personnel who are making the transition to civilian employment and online clients living as far afield as New York and Turkey, to local entrepreneurs, business organizations and clients with special needs.

Living in the Valley for more than 15 years, Karae has gained huge respect not only for her professional skills but for her service to the community. Testimonials from clients point out her commitment and her compassion, her determination to ensure that those she helps will find not only a job or career but fulfilment in what they do. “Karae passionately believes that life is too short for the wrong job.” She has been and continues to be a source of inspiration to all those she comes into contact with – through business and her extensive volunteer work.

Karae’s ethos extends to her own career. A constant student of job development she is always looking to both learn and teach new strategies through workshops, certification and further education. Not content with a Bachelor degree in Education, she completed an eCareer Coach Certificate, enabling her to provide career services online.

Karae is delighted at this recognition of her work, “It was powerful and a bit surprising to sit back and look at what I have accomplished during 15 years of honing my skills in one career. I tend to put my head down and go hard until whatever I have set my sights on is done.”

Contact Karae White, BEd, eCC
At Morgan Ebbett Career Services
http://www.morganbbett.com/
250 338 1343

Picture attached. Caption: Karae White, photo by Joanne Stoeckl

The Value of Success Circles

2009-04-23T14:27:00.004-07:00

This article appeared in 'Our Big Earth' in April 09
by Karae White, BEd, eCC

As a career coach for the last 15 years, I have heard many stories about how people found work and discovered meaningful careers. Part way through my career I went from working in an office with co-workers to working as a self-employed Career Coach. During this transition, I also went back to school to earn my eCareer Coach certificate. It was here that I learned about professional learning communities.

Working for myself, I lacked the regular contact with other professionals. The kind of day-to-day talk that led to inspiration and resolution. I wanted to create a professional learning community of my own so I wasn’t working in isolation.

The idea of the Success Circle came to fruition when I listened to Maureen Fitzgerald talk about her research into ‘sharing circles’ found predominately in aboriginal cultures. She has since grown an entire business from this powerful idea of sharing in circles.

I envisioned a sharing circle for businesses and piloted it for 10 months. The results were amazing for every participant. Check it out at www.morganebbett.com/successcircle.htm.

The Success Circle works well for a couple of reasons.
We all come to the circle with varying degrees of business expertise but none of us knows it all. Through the dialogue, women do have a tendency to discuss stuff, we all end up contributing to the knowledge base as well as adding to our own. This turns into a feel good yet practical way to grow your business. It becomes a meaningful network of supportive people.
The second benefit comes from publicly setting SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely goals. The more precise your goals are the more likely you are to reach them. The more goals you cross off your list the higher your motivation to keep working hard. This hard work grows success.
The third reason is an increased level of accountability. There is nothing quite like saying you will do something and then having someone check to see what you achieved Often we back down when obstacles come up and this accountability provides another level of motivation to push through our fears and achieve our goals.

In short, Success Circles can be a business owner’s collaborative “board of directors” of sorts that allows you to maximize your potential while helping others achieve their business goals right along side you. It’s a fantastic way to support like-minded businesses and foster a spirit of cooperation and community as well. A Success Circle is something that, as business owners, you will find is an invaluable addition to every day.

Why Did I Not Get That Job?

2009-04-13T20:27:00.004-07:00

Why Did I Not Get that Job?
Karae White, BEd, eCC
April 2009

As a career coach, I am often asked why someone didnot get a job. If you search Monster.ca there are job forums where the same question is asked repeatedly. So how do I answer this question “why didn’t I get that job?” There are a few reasons I have noticed over 14 years of helping people find work.

1. Attitude – just because you got the interview doesn’t mean you will get the job.

2. Preparation – yes you do need to practice for an interview. Most employers like to use behavioural interview questions and you CAN practice answering these types of questions. It will help to calm your nervousness and let you think clearly when answering questions. I prep my clients as often as possible. Darrin M says, “The biggest thing I gained from you was the confidence that I would eventually be successful and the confidence that I possessed the skills and such to be successful. Your help with the interviews was invaluable as shown by the fact that I did so well with both."

3. References – some people do great in the interview and then their references are contacted and the company changes their mind. Do you have good references who know what to say? You CAN talk with your references about the position you are interviewing for, the skills you need to do that job and when you used those skills when you worked with your reference. Try not to provide personal references.

4. Competition – do you know who your competition really is and what skills and experience they have? Sometimes there are just more qualified people out there.

5. Company – does the company know exactly what skills they want and do they have an idea of who will best fit with their team? Sometimes after interviewing an employer adapts their wishlist of skills in their future employee in exchange for a personality that will work well with their team. Most employers believe skills can be taught but attitude can not.

6. Follow Up – When you don’t get the job, ask the interviewer what you could do to improve your interviewing skills. If you came 2nd, try following up with the employer in a few months to see if the new hire did actually work out. You never know when it might be your turn.

Take these points into consideration when you are looking for work and making a career change. At Morgan Ebbett Career Services, we believe life is too short for the wrong job so we specialize in career transitions. For more information on Morgan Ebbett Career Services check out our website at http://www.morganebbett.com/ or phone us at 250-338-1343 ext.2

ABC Career Tips - B is for...

2009-04-12T16:18:00.003-07:00

“B” is for Bravery and Boldness by Karae White, BEd, eCC
to make the career change happen. Fortune favours the bold. You and your ME Career Developer create a unique relationship based on what you need which is focused on helping you to achieve your goals.

Career Builder Challenge: It helps if you identify who the cheerleaders are in your life. Call them and tell them what you are doing and that you might phone in the future for their support.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Goethe
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

FREE 30 mins. consultation so you can try before you buy.

ABC Career Tips - A is for...

2009-04-12T16:14:00.003-07:00

“A” is for Assess your Abilities by Karae White, BEd, eCC
so you know what you offer an employer. There are many free online tools to help you articulate your abilities. Contact Morgan Ebbett and we can email free career and personality quizzes to you. We have extensive experience matching people with career direction, so often we can find your career direction faster.

Career Builder Challenge - Ask your friends, relatives, and coworkers what they think are your talents and then take those answers and match them with careers where your strengths are seen as talents and not a hindrance.

“Whether you are naturally level headed, spontaneously enthusiastic, artlessly charming or born to pressure, we take our behaviours with us into everything we do. If what you do is at the core of who you are, your stress level will go down.” Dr. Harry Levinson

“What lies behind us and lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.” Henry David Thoreau

FREE 30 mins. consultation so you can try before you buy.

Welcome

2005-07-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the blog of Morgan Ebbett Career Services.
At Morgan Ebbett we passionately believe that life is too short for the wrong job so we hope theses articles inspire you in some way to find your true calling.

"If you plan on being anything less than you are being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life." Abraham Maslow