Archive for the ‘Change Management’ Category

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

According to studies done by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Wall Street Journal, 48% of jobseekers and 24% of employers search for jobs/employees through “places of worship.”

As a career coach, resume writer, and job search strategist, the most common mistake I see job seekers make in searching for a job is a profound lack of networking.

Please do not post your resume online, and then sit back and wait for the phone to start ringing. Statistically speaking, less than 10% of jobseekers find their next position this way. As my dear friend, Susan Whitcomb said, “It’s either network or not-work.”

Okay, so you know you should be networking but you say you don’t know where to go. Why not start off by worshipping regularly at your local church, temple, or mosque? Find out if they have a careers ministry.

As added bonuses for attending worship services regularly, you will please the Lord and find encouragement and hope. This is really a big deal, because along with the mechanics of job search, you need the right mindset.

Consider volunteering too. Nothing gets your mind off your problems like helping someone else with their problems. And few things feel as good as the blessing you will receive when you cheer someone up with a kind word of your own. (Proverbs 12:25)

John 16:33 I told you these things so you could have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. 

You’ve probably heard the expression before − There are only two things you can count on − death and taxes. While I agree that death and taxes are a certainty, they aren’t the only ones. You can also count on facing adversity at some point in your life and God’s absolute and unwavering love for you.

Regardless of who you are or what you do, you will face adversity in this world. We all do − every single one of us− either in our personal relationships, our health, or in our career, but the Lord wants us to be brave and find our peace in Him.

If you’re facing uncertainty, if your stock portfolio is dwindling, if your job is in jeopardy, or you’re having trouble even finding a job, cry out to the Lord. Remember who your daddy really is and that He loves you and that there is absolutely no adversity that He can’t overcome.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

I heard a great quote recently by Joe Girard, “The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.”

Have you ever wondered why so few people achieve their big picture goals? I think there are several reasons for this: people get tired, distracted, life gets in the way, people get confused and sometimes internalize their limiting beliefs. Hey, climbing the ladder of success is hard work.

But winners and high achievers do the things that other people aren’t willing to do (executives and leaders — I’m talking to you), and there’s one solution to the problems that keep people from achieving their goals that works with an amazing level of effectiveness.

So what is this secret, you ask? One word… accountability.

Experts estimate that if you have an accountability partner, you’ll be eight times more likely to achieve your goals. Yes, you read that correctly — eight times more likely — that’s HUGE. Choose your accountability partner carefully. You’ll want someone who will support and not sabotage your success. Friends, as well as coaches, make wonderful accountability partners. Check out stickk.com (yes, two k’s) to see their simple and free four-step process for achieving your key goal or goals.

Are you ready to step up to the plate and be the person who God is calling you to become?

By the way, if you like quotes too, click here to see more of my favorite quotes.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Sometimes it’s easy when in the midst of a challenging situation to doubt the Lord, but He loves you so much, and regardless of where He has you today, he always has your back. He’ll never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6).

If your career isn’t going well right now, find comfort in the words of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Instead of being angry or frustrated about your career predicament, remember that the Lord has big plans for you, and part of those plans might very well include using your current situation to grow your obedience, faith, and trust. Ask Him, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6) Then, sit back and listen. He will answer you. 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

If you’re one of the millions of Americans feeling insecure about your career challenges, take heart. Even Moses doubted that he was up to the work he was called to do.

Instead of focusing on why you won’t succeed, I recommend you:

• focus on how you can make sure you will
• write down all the things you’re most proud of having accomplished during your career
• figure out who can help you be successful

If you’re interested in learning a process for overcoming your limiting beliefs and stressful thoughts, consider investigating The Work by Byron Katie, or Katie, as she’s known. She contends that the only time we experience stress is when we’re being a thought that isn’t true. An example of this can be seen in the biblical reference above. Clearly, Moses *was* equipped to successfully bring the Israelites out of Egypt. For more about The Work, go to www.thework.com. 

Finally, two parting thoughts:

It’s not what you know it’s who you know — foster sound, strong, mutually beneficial relationships with people who are in a position to help you. Perhaps it’s time to call in the big guns. Moses had God helping him, and that’s always a plus in my book. Who do you have, or who can you get, to help you?

Control the controllables — there’s a lot in this world that is beyond our control. Recognize that the only person you can control is you, and align your thoughts and actions to be congruent with your goals. What is one thing you can do today to boost your confidence level?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.

The next time your stomach reels as you ponder the state of our economy, the banking crisis, or the job market, take heart.

God’s word assures us that there is a time to every purpose under heaven. That means that regardless of how bad things look as related by news reporters and stock market indices, God has a sovereign design behind everything.

If you’re one of the thousands of Americans who is out of work right now, remember that everything happens for a reason, and while it’s easy to fall into victim mode, it’s not useful.

Like seasons, jobs come and go. It’s part of God’s master plan. It’s natural to grieve for a little while after losing a job you really liked, but don’t grieve too long. Instead, think of what you can do to adapt to the change, in a way similar to how you would adapt to a new season.

When winter arrives, you get out your heavy jacket or coat, change the way you dress, and if you’re like me, you even change the way you eat. I love comfort food in the winter — like hearty stews, soups, and roasts. 

What can you do right now to comfort your soul and nurture your confidence as you face this new season in your life? 

One parting thought:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.