Sunday, March 31, 2013

It isn’t just fit to the job – but to the culture as well … And it is becoming ever more important!

Take control of your consistent emotions and begin to consciously and deliberately reshape your daily experience of life. - Tony Robbins

 You often hear people talk about finding the right fit to a job and how critically important this is. At times, people find themselves in jobs that just do not align to their personality, interests, temperament – and the results are usually poor and sadly predicable. They end of leaving the job or the company asks them to leave the job. Normally not a pleasant experience.

 As of late, I have worked with clients who loved their job – but despised the culture of the company they work for – so they leave. I am hearing this more than ever before, and the culture of a company starts with one’s boss – they set the agenda. Disconnect to culture or management is the number one reason people leave jobs. Yup – not money!

 That is why career consultants inform – no preach – to those who will listen that you need to be certain of your fit to a job or career before jumping in. At times the grass seems greener on the “other” side – but it may not be if the role isn’t right for one. Assuring that you fit to a job or career brings satisfaction on all levels of life as your job – where you spend 80% of your waking time working at or thinking about – can often define your level of life satisfaction and happiness.

 But it goes beyond fit to the job … Fit to culture is as well critical
 Finding the right fit to a job or career is critical as I have said. As critical in many cases, is finding the right fit to the culture of your employer or prospective employer. I have met so many people who loved what they do every day and are happy and connected in their career, but disconnected from the culture of the organization they work for.

 Defining Company Culture
 There are several descriptions but I feel this one sums it up:

 A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals and myths all companies develop over time. - (www.entrapreneur.com)

 Culture is, as you can see, an interesting mix of factors – some real; others perceived. The best way to evaluate the culture of the company – the real culture and not the one that is posted on the web site or in the mission statement - is to talk to employees, current and former. That is where you really learn how the company operates (values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals) versus what is said on how they operate, treat employees and service the customer (the myths).  Of course, you need to  temper what you learn – the person conveying the info to you may be tainted or have an agenda but nevertheless, you will learn.
 It is also important to know thyself – and understand the culture that you best work in as well as the constructs of a job that fits your cultural needs in order to be truly successful.

 So you love your job – but not your company?
 Very common. Some find themselves in a situation where they just love the job they do, but they don’t have the same feeling for the organization they work for. Perhaps they did at one time, but then the company changed. This is so true after new management or after mergers & acquisitions. When faced with this the decision is usually clear – time to move on and do what you love to do in another organization. It is sad yes and difficult, but the right thing for you to do for yourself and the company. If you are not engaged with the company, your commitment and performance will eventually suffer, and that hurts all.

 Taking control is the most important step
 You cannot move forward, grow, prosper or get yourself into a better situation if you do not take control and be personally responsible for your own career. Your employer isn’t going to manage your career for you – you must. One step – pledge to make 2012 the year you put yourself in the driver seat of your career and navigate your own way.

 Only you can define your own destiny. Only you control how high you grow. And thank you for reading this. – Dan

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CareerDanMoran
Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Next-Act-Career-Management/118936434845981?ref=hl
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Job Market Report 3 27 13

Okay - still steady and better - that is good! Happy Easter ...
____________________________________________________________________


For Immediate Release

March 27, 2013

Job Postings Remain Flat but up for the month and continuing stronger trend

(Albany, NY,  March 27, 2013) –  Job postings remained flat for the past seven days but the good news – we are up at levels that indicate a very strong job market in comparison to what we have seen in the past few years, both statewide and nationally. Postings came in at 1902, compared to 1910  the week before.  “The indicators are strong but still the market is much lower than before the recession but better than what we have seen in the past few years and that is good news for those in the market and as well, for the business climate in our Region”, “stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Other markets in NYS saw the same results, with the exception of NYC that saw rather strong increases in jobs. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings increased strongly nationally. As of 3/27/13  there were 580,000 job postings nationally, up from 540,000 the week before.  


Sunday, March 24, 2013

Be All In - For Yourself ...

"The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you."  - Anthony (Tony) Robbins

The job market is better; the economy slooooow improves. This is good and what we have been patiently waiting for.

With renewed confidence, many are returning to the job market, planning to move on from a job they just held onto until the market improved, and they are doing so in masses. Employers have yet to see the impact this will have on their business, especially those who treated employees with lack of respect, and to a degree, loyalty.

But the fact remains: For many, their perfect job isn’t in the market yet now or perhaps forever. So, they have to make it on their own and be all in for themselves. Yes – they should look to entrepreneurship – driving their own destiny, controlling their life, enjoying what they develop and for once, being in control of their life and their earnings. Many are flocking to being in their own business now and the statistics are telling. In the 25 years I have been coaching people in their careers, people destined to start their open business was normally about 2% of those in the market.

It is 12% now – 6 times the norm. What this tells us is two things:

People are sick and tired of being controlled by others, and,

… The barriers to start one’s own business have been removed, thanks to technology in a large part

The days of having to have hundreds of thousands of dollars to start a business are history, unless you want to start a brick-and-mortar McDonalds or some other large concern. In 1988, I started my business, with initial training, equipment, office and all, for $13, 888. I see people starting businesses in their basement, at a home office, on the web – you name it. And they succeed if they have the right personal, personality and behavioral characteristics to be an entrepreneur – this is critical.

It isn’t just drive, or persistence or positive mental attitude that counts – it is more. It is resilience, yes being stubborn, being open-minded and more. There are many, many factors that make the difference between success and oftentimes disconnect and failure.

Do you have the characteristics to succeed in your own business? 


Maybe – maybe not. My recommendation to you – find out first before going down that path. Talk to others in their own business. read and research. Get help if you need to. With many of my clients, I use a rather unique assessment  – the Entrepreneurial Perspective (EP) assessment. This tool identifies – or not – if one has the core characteristics to succeed in their own business. There are others on the market ( but just be careful of the “free” ones on the Internet – they are often not valid).

If it is right for you, you can be in control of your career and life right away. Starting a business while working is so common today; have two or three “things” that produce income (business, two part-time jobs for example) is very common. Just be open minded and look at the possibilities.

It is your choice – be controlled or be in control.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CareerDanMoran
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Next-Act-Career-Management/118936434845981?ref=hl
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Job Market report 3 20 13

A little pause in the action - but still better!
_________________________________________________________



For Immediate Release

March 20, 2013

Job Postings Flat after very impressive run-up last few weeks

(Albany, NY,  March 20, 2013) –  Job postings were flat this week, locally, statewide and nationally. This comes after a very impressive increase in March – close to 30% better than February. Postings came in at 1910, compared to 1970 the week before.  “We are still seeing strong indicators of current hiring activity and planned activity, consistent with national surveys that predict the next few months to be very good for those in the job market. We are seeing this especially in our own Capital Region and in other parts in NYS, “stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

National surveys are showing that CEO’s are more bullish than before about sales and revenue performance, bit a bit more reserved about hiring with 29% stating they plan to expand staff, which isn’t very bad at all but not like pre-recession years. The improvement is slow and steady – and for many, that is good.”

Other markets in NYS saw the same flat results. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings increased strongly nationally. As of 3/12/13  there were 549,000 job postings nationally, up from 528,339  the week before.  
“The market is stronger than we have seen in quite some time. We are, however, not where we were pre-recession – but this is better for sure”.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Always do your personal best – to be your “Best” …

Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.”  - ― Miguel Ruiz
 
Over the past few months – and this month as well in Capital Region Living Magazine (www.crlmag.com) – we honor the best in food and entertainment . Congratulations to the winners in the polls - they work long and hard to achieve – they give their personal best.

I am often asked what this means – to give your personal best – in career & work situations, as well as life. People want to do their best but sometimes they do not know what that means. Does it mean showing up on time for work every day? Does it mean sucking up to their boss?  Does it mean leading the birthday committee?

I don’t think so. Being your personal best isn’t the things you do. Rather, it is a state of mind one achieves that drives all their actions and behaviors. I was introduced to a book, and subsequently a  methodology, by my own “personal best coach” – my wife Vikki. She knew I had one behavior several years ago that kept me up at night and held me back – I made assumptions – assumptions about everything and they raced through and clogged my mind.

Vikki introduced me to The Four Agreements (www.toltecspirit.com http://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319); it was a life-changing experience. Written by don Miguel Ruiz, the Four Agreements provides  a methodology for life that can bring happiness to all aspects of your life, and change mindset that can be counterproductive to growth. The Four Agreements  (btw, this book was on the New York Times bestseller list for 8 years when published in 1997) provides a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform your life to a new level of freedom, true happiness, and love. Some describe this as an inspirational code for life – I like this description best; that is what it was to me.

The books foundation is found in ancient Toltec wisdom, originating in Southern Mexico several thousand years ago.  The Toltec’s viewed science and spirit as part of the same entity, believing that all energy - material or ethereal - is derived from and governed by the universe.  If you have visited Cancun and went to the ruins of Tula – that is where the Tolec’s flourished.

So what are the Four Agreements?
You will find them below. I asked that this be formatted in this manner so you can cut these out – and put them where you can see them, everyday. This is important: If you can see it – you will be reminded to live it.
If you commit to living the Four Agreements – really commit and not just say it – you will be released from behaviors and thoughts that take you nowhere and stop you dead in your tracks. You will be stronger – you won’t take yourself too seriously and you won’t take everything personally.

You will focus on doing your best – only your very best – in everything you do. And you will be free from allowing assumptions crawl into your mind to mess you up – and man do I know that! I stopped assuming and when I see myself going down that path, I “talk” to myself – stop it Moran!

Assuming, doing just what is needed and not your very best, not being true to your word that be career & life killers, hold you back and never allow you to achieve. I see it in my practice every day; I coach many a client to just stop that wasteful mind noise and move on – and they do, usually.

Be your personal best and start today with a new mindset. Let the Four Agreements guide you and thank you for reading this.  Cut these out – make copies and post so they are always in sight. – Dan

The Four Agreements®
don Miguel Ruiz

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.


3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.


4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Job Market Report 3 13 2013 - Looking very good!



For Immediate release

March 13, 2013

Job Postings Continue to soar – in Region and Statewide 

(Albany, NY,  March 13, 2013) –  Job postings again increased significantly this past week consistent with reports of increased hiring plans for the upcoming few months. As well, the increase appears to coincide with stock market performance and other economic indicators. “We are seeing a very strong trend occurring as job postings increased yet again in the region by close to 9% in one week, growing from 1800 to over 1960 in one week – very nice! For the month to date, the market is up 29%”,  stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Other markets in NYS saw the same increased results indicating a strong State trend. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings increased strongly nationally. As of 3/12/13  there were 549,000 job postings nationally, up from 528,339  the week before.  

“The market is stronger than we have seen in quite some time. We are, however, not where we were pre-recession – but this is better for sure”.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Feel the Fear? ... Is it holding you back?

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."-- Frank Herbert
 
 You have that great idea or you discover your career direction at any age or stage in career life and you are elated. You know that you need a change and you see the opportunity.

 Then that “thing” creeps in --- FEAR.

 Fear that you might fail. Fear about what others will think about you. Fear of the unknown.

 Often this can stop you dead in your tracks, if you let it. Making a career change and setting your path to do something that you want to do in your life – on your teams – is exciting.

 One visions being truly happy in their job or in their chosen career path or in their own business. Being truly happy impacts all parts of your life – the way you interact with family, friends or others significant in your life, as well as those you work with.

But then again, it is that fear thing creeping back.

 If faced with this, I recommend you ask yourself this question and answer honestly:

 What's the worst thing that can happen if I don't achieve this? Will my life end? Will I be exiled from existence?  Will I? … Will I?…


When you look honestly at the answers and weigh them, I am almost certain that clarity will come about and you will begin to see your way around the fear barrier. You will, in a way, give yourself permission not to be fearful. You will give yourself permission to do what you want, on your terms.

 Hanging on to a job you despise?
In a career that you are not at all matched to do?
Know you need and are ready for a change?
In a business that has you in a rut and you just don’t like anymore?
Realize fear is holding you back?


As I have recommended before, let it go.

Go out on the limb.

Confront and then minimize your fears. Remember – what is the worst that can happen!

 Do it today.

 Live to be all you can and want to be.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212

dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Job Market report 3 6 13

Excellent growth in the job market - get back in if you haven't yet!
_______________________________________________________________________



For Immediate release

March 6, 2013

Job Postings Increase Significantly Last Seven days – Like Dow, appears to be confidence …  

(Albany, NY,  March 6, 2013) –  Job postings soared significantly this past week which may be consistent with the stock market increases as they reached a new high. “What a turn-around. The job market rocketed upwards the past week consistent with the stock market, showing consistency and confidence”   stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Postings were 1809 vs. 1520 the week before, a rather healthy increase.

Other markets in NYS saw mixed results. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings increased slightly nationally. As of 3/6/13/2013  there were 528,339 down slightly from 539,700  the week before.