At birth, I believe I was genetically destined to be a bit anal. Dad was the perfectionist, demanding the best from us at all times and wincing when I would hit the wrong key on the piano.  Mom was the tidy one, keeping us picture-perfect looking from head to toe. Strict disciplinarians and always tidy around the house, our childhood lawn and shrubbery were works of art that would make Edward Scissorhands drool! But with that sense of order also came great bursts of creativity, incredible humor, and some amazing interior design work all done by Dad’s visionary ideas and amazing handyman skills. The nut did not fall far from the tree! From that came an amazing and powerful sense of self and purpose, an ambition and drive to be anything I wanted to be, and a crazy sense of humor!

As a nurse, you develop discipline, task structure and routines. I felt that it was to my advantage to enter the profession with an already well-established sense of order and discipline. With so many patients to care for, many meds to consider and deliver, orders to review, patients calling, doctors tugging, phones ringing, computers pinging, one activity after another, you learn to organize everything about your day to optimize your care delivery and prevent errors. But with nursing also came great opportunity to be inventive, creative and innovative…and humorous! It was a profession that tapped both sides of my brain (thanks Mom and Dad!) and allowed me to exercise discipline along with vision!

So how can this be applied to your life? If you’re a perfectionist, it can be life in a self-imposed prison with the key words being self-imposed. Think about how you approach everything in your life.  Think about the extraordinary amount of TIME you spend rethinking, rehashing to get things “right”. Think about the anxiousness you bring upon yourself to try to also get everything right for everyone else, all of the time. Do you quietly insist to yourself that the task at hand must be done perfectly, the first time, without error? Do you ruminate over emails or other communications thinking that looking at it one more time (and another time, and maybe one more time) helps before you hit Send? Are you constantly adjusting things around the house so they are perfect? Or as my good friend told me, she found herself intensely worrying and extremely anxious on a new job because she felt she should be able to proficiently perform all tasks and responsibilities perfectly on day 1.  Think about the impact to your loved ones, family and friends, and most importantly, your health. Do you think your perfectionism is paramount to a life well lived? When your time on earth is gone, what will your friends say about you? How clean your house was?

Reality check – your new employer does not expect you to be perfect on day 1. Your friends and family do not expect your home to be in perfect order 24/7. Most likely you will not get extra kudos, money, rewards or praise for putting perfectionism at the top of your life priority list. Think about it. Where has it gotten you in the past? Answer these questions. Are you still repeating past behavior expecting different results? Has your behavior impacted your health or your relationship? IS IT WORKING FOR YOU?

I believe most of these tendencies revolve around issues of CONTROL.  Here is where the magic of growing older comes into play! When you “let go and let God” amazing things can happen.  You can free yourself from your prison. You can take small steps to move forward with less stress and anxiety if you CHOOSE to do so. Recalibrate your expectations of what you think others expect. You may even need to make a significant change in your life. Do it! Surround yourself with positive family and friends who love and support you, and take time for them. Letting go does not mean you don’t deliver excellence and quality. It means you find a balance in delivering the best you can that does not rob you of experiencing life to the fullest.  Practice spontaneity. Step away from rigid schedules.  Go with the flow. Take time for yourself. Exercise. Take a deep breath and walk away from that crooked lampshade. Try it. Practice makes perfect (did I really just say that?)…

I’ve got my Dad to thank for my many positive personality traits, and my Mom for being the first great nurse I knew.  Most importantly, I’ve got prayer, and God to praise. Give Him your worries and your fears. Walk hand in hand with Him as your ultimate life guide.  Let go and let God, and…thrive!

After some digital networking and a few lunch meeting with colleagues on job search, I managed to land an interview with a CEO. Flesh and blood I thought!  There is nothing better than time with human beings. Let’s face it – there are just some things in a face time experience that can’t be replicated.  And this is not only for the more acute purposes of job interviews, but for long term life in general.  It’s about the power in good physical presentation and oral communication. This is not time spent texting or avoiding human interaction – this is physical time, talk time. For an interview, it’s your shot at making your absolute best impression.  You step away from your personal technology for a moment and put yourself out there.

So exactly what did I notice? I got to see the overall office, employee dress and communication, and watched the interaction between the Executive Admin and front office staff.  As she led me down the hall for the meeting, I took a good look around at the environment, and at the CEO’s office – the size and color of the office, the windows and view, areas of clutter, areas of neatness, what was on the white board and how was it written, pictures, awards, plaques, what his desk and credenza looked like.  Then, I took visual stock of him when he entered – verbal greeting to handshake, quick general physical appearance from height and weight, eyes, skin, hair, teeth, nails, to gait (the immediate physical assessment every nurse does consciously or subconsciously in a matter of seconds which provides insight into general health). From there the usual – general attire, watch, shoes, pen…his accessories!  Then, nuances…

Being a CEO, I planned my dialogue carefully knowing that pretty much all he cared about was advancing the business and how I could help him do just that. He started first – small talk, then all business. He asked good questions and took notes (I was impressed). He looked directly at me, spoke directly to me, answered questions thoughtfully. He asked questions to clarify when I spoke. I could see that I had his mind racing with ideas. His was an entrepreneur’s mind, going 1000 miles per hour. He needed time to digest – both me, positions that would suit me and his company, and to absorb the ideas that I brought to the table. And I needed digestion time too – it’s a two-way street. When we were done with business, we talked about the large pictures of his daughters on the wall, his pets, his hobbies. I watched his reactions while discussing family. I heard his softening tone telling me about his daughters, their beloved pets, his family and neighborhood. He concluded with the company pitch, and we discussed follow-up items. And, we observe each other throughout. We communicate in a personal way, in a gratifying way. Not via text, not via video, not via social networks. Person to person. Every word, gesture, posture, tone, communicating something.

We are indeed in a digital age, but don’t forget the power of excellent oral and written communication, and pure physical presence. Be ready for it! Remember too to take stock of the other person. Drink in all of the things they are taking in about you. Most of all, enjoy the small break from your digital world, and ENJOY your face time with another human being. Flesh and blood.

Let me rephrase that – I find joy in having less! One of the many blessings that comes with age is how your perspective shifts. Mine has gone from having “things” to a more minimalistic approach. Of course I have always been a simple person in that the very smallest things in life give me great joy, every day. I have never considered myself a high-maintenance person who required lots of things (material things). Yet, a lot of hard work and determination over the years have resulted in a great many material gifts.  Along with the material things came many more treasured friends and friendships, and an increasing level of faith.

Now that I’m into my 50’s, I’ve started to take stock and inventory (if you will) about what in each of these categories (material possessions, friends, faith) is most important to cultivate, and, any areas to reinvest or just remove. My “treadmill moment” this morning was an eye-opener. I realized several things. First and foremost, was this: I am OK just the way I am. It is completely thrilling to let go of what we believe we should be in the eyes of others. That notion alone is a very freeing one. It’s one that I suggest you think about sooner rather than later. Next, less is more in terms of the material. It’s not the house, or the car, or this thing or that thing that makes a difference to me. As long as I have shelter, nourishment and health, I am fine – which brings me to exercise. My body reacts to exercise in a very positive way – my mental acuity brightens, I physically feel better, I can process better, sleep better, listen better – in other words, exercise removes the cob webs and helps you dig into life. Take the time to do this – for yourself and your family.

I wish everyone a very happy, healthy, joyful and spirited 2011. May you have what you need, be surrounded by people you love, contribute to this world, and continue to evolve into the person you knew you would be!  Cheers!

With the second time, you are in familiar territory; all is not quite so foreign.  I found myself sort of fast-forwarding through the complex waves of emotion that caught me so off guard last time.  It’s like you get the Cliff Notes version of your brain working the second time.  You may not need to navigate through the deep emotions and stages of death and dying quite so deeply, unless of course, you need to.  I knew what I had to do, and what was ahead.  I was already preparing for the job search process to begin again.  I knew this drill too, thankfully.  And on my long drive home I knew I would embrace the job search just as eagerly as I did last time, and as passionately.

The second time doesn’t sting quite as much as the first time. You know how it is – the first time you go through anything seems like it’s always the hardest. Maybe it’s a coping mechanism or maybe it’s just accepting the economic conditions as they are – unpredictable.  For me, I’d say that it stems from living in a tough economic climate where at any time, anything goes, including jobs.  I still believe in the saying “Be delighted to stay but be prepared to go.” When you anticipate change, it’s not quite so shocking.  If you are prepared emotionally and physically for change as well, that helps too.  I’m also a little wiser and know where to spend my job search time, and how not to waste time. Nothing like a little experience!

No one wants to lose their job, but it happens, and continues to happen. If you continue to believe in yourself you’ll be fine, through thick and thin! There are SO many life lessons in everything that happens to us, and I enjoy the challenge of change and all of the learning’s. I choose to view the cup as half full, not half empty, with the world as my oyster.  It’s yours too.

DO take a moment to pause. Take a deep breath, relax, look around you and enjoy all of the beauty. Smell the roses.  Smell the coffee.  Take a walk.  BREATHE.  Enjoy the gifts around you.  They are everywhere.

My resume is ready now, and so am I, the second time around!

Having worked with them at Premiere Global Services, I knew going in this was going to be an outstanding company and, a small outfit.  I never realized how much pleasure could be found in smallness!

One of their greatest assets is being a faith based company. Coming from larger corporations, I was immediately impressed with the gentle, quiet spirit of caring at NovoLogic. It flows from genuine places of care and support in everyone’s heart to each other, and, to customers.  It carries over in conversations on family and friends, and the in the spirit of service that everyone has. There aren’t any loud rude words or noises here.  Respect for everyone is evident at all times, not only in personal interactions but in customer interactions. Monday mornings begin with a review of selected bible verses, followed by discussion around applying the readings to everyday life and work.  Not only is the conversation satisfying, but it sets the tone for the week. Working for NovoLogic has rekindled my just-below-the-surface faith, and got me back to the bible and prayer. It is truly a place that shows you how to treat people.  Priceless.

It’s also a kick to go to work and have the entire company under one roof! Not much for titles, everyone is usually present in the building from the founder to the intern. And being a small company, you get opportunities to wear many different hats, which mean stretching muscles that may not have been used before. There is much opportunity for growth in learning a new skill or managing a new project. 

NovoLogic is also a service company always looking for more ways to give back to the community. And each employee reaches out to their communities by volunteering their time and efforts in various ways and in various organizations.  I have never witnessed such an outpouring of faith and love in everything these folks do, on and off the clock. It is truly woven into the fiber of their being and, the cloth of the company.

It has been my pleasure, and indeed my honor, to have been part of the NovoLogic family, even if just for a short couple of months. The experience has touched me deeply, and I will continue to carry NovoLogic with me where ever life takes me.   I pray that by my example, I can “pay it forward” for all who come in contact with me and carry forth their good work.  NovoLogic, thank you.

I can’t say that the job search process was easy. However, because this was a first for me and I enjoy different challenges with lots of balls in the air, I embraced it enthusiastically and actually had fun along the way.

Now I must admit I have not been sitting back on my laurels. I attacked my job search with as much passion and energy as I had when I was employed. Every day brought new contacts, faces, meetings and connections. And, I gave back whenever the opportunity presented by helping others in job search.

Interviewing was probably more fun for me than the interviewer. As a keen people person with high intuitive skills, I totally enjoyed all of the conversations and the discovery that goes along with this process. Some had me at hello, and some, well, not so much!  

I was found almost more than I was hunting through LinkedIn. I received several nice opportunities, so I guess what they say is true. Recruiters and employers will find YOU through LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or all three combined with key word searches. My profile had a lot of “hits”, and it was interesting to check out who was checking me out. This was another way to investigate companies, titles and available positions.  I’ve also appreciated the LinkedIn iPhone app, especially with the recent updates to the interface. LinkedIn is one place that I will continuously update and review.

I can’t emphasize enough the saying “Be delighted to stay, but always be prepared to go.”  Even though this job search is done, I’ll always be looking for new connections, new colleagues and friends, and will stay on top of my social media pages. Building and maintain your personal brand is a lifelong effort. If unemployment finds its way to me again, I’ll be armed and ready with the vast networks that I’ve cultivated all along the way and the job search will just be another bump in the road.  

So if you are still looking, don’t despair! There are tons of jobs out there, and with a little focus, determination and effort, you too will be landing soon. And best of all, YOU can decide who will have the great fortune to get you!  Good luck and God bless.

Most people probably find this situation completely stressful and utterly painful. I must admit; I feel grateful now.  I truly believe that there is a plan for each of us, and that God has His hand in all things. I figured this was in His plan for me, and that surely there would be growth as a result. And indeed, there was plenty. I’d like to share 7 things that I did, and what I learned along the way:

1. Lay off’s and RIF’s (reductions in force) can come at you sideways and catch you flat-footed.  End your time with dignity and grace. There is nothing to be gained by acting any other way. The decision to end your employment has been made.  

2. Allow yourself time to work through the stages of death and dying in the “death” of your time at your former company. When this happens, especially when it is unexpected and you had tenure, there needs to be an emotional transition and you need an adjustment period.  The first few hours and days are especially difficult. Talk to your family and friends. Don’t isolate yourself. Take some time just to breathe and clear your head. If you can, get away for a day or two. Close this chapter of your life and get ready for the next.

3. Decide what you want to do next. Depending on where you are in life, this may be an ideal time to make a career change, pursue your passion, go back to school, etc.  Take a look at your financial condition. Do you need to jump right back into the workforce? Once you make this decision, focus your energy into achieving it!

4. Develop your pitch. Get prepared to give a 30 second “elevator speech” on what you do and what you are looking for. You want to be crystal clear. People can help more easily when you clearly articulate this. 

5. Continue to network!  Networking is the #1 way you’ll land your next position. If you’re lucky enough to receive Outplacement Services, engage fully and ASAP. These organizations specialize in helping you rebuild your resume and marketing plan, and provide a job search process. Many will assign coaches, a networking team, and offer courses related to the job search depending on your length of engagement.  If you’re not so savvy in social media, I highly recommend that you create a profile on LinkedIn. Get connected and grow your network. Network network network. Even when you land your next job, be delighted to stay but be prepared to go! Never stop networking.

6. Get out of the house. It’s a lot easier to sit in front of your computer and spend hours looking for jobs online, searching the web, updating friends and sending email. Save that activity for a short time in the morning, and for a short time in the evening. The rest of your day needs to be spent networking face-to-face with friends, colleagues, neighbors, family and everyone else! Get involved with your professional associations. This may not happen overnight, but after a week or two, it needs to start.

7. Appreciate YOU. It’s easy to feel disappointed and rejected after being laid off.  You may even feel like your personal brand took a hit. If it’s a RIF or job elimination, remember that the position was eliminated, not the person. It’s not personal. You are still the bright, capable contributor that you’ve always been. You’ve just hit a bump in the road. Start getting excited about the next place that will have the great fortune to find YOU! 

God bless you on your journey!

When I was in the corporate world I’d watch people fret over a report that was due, or the mood of their colleagues, or how their boss might be feeling that day. I’d wonder – OK you have not killed anyone today, so what’s up with that attitude? While I’m making light of a serious situation, nurses face life and death situations every day. That one fact, I believe, gives nurses and other healthcare providers a certain life perspective. At least it has shaped mine.  My all time favorite saying is every day you wake up breathing unassisted is a great day. Everything else is small change.

When you feel that familiar gut tension over a late report, a looming deadline, a critical colleague, look away for a moment and take a deep breath.  Think about the fact that you woke up today with your senses intact.  Get up and use your legs to walk to the nearest window or building entrance and look outside at the sky. Listen for sounds. Look at the motion of the trees in the wind.  Smile at the people you see.

Breathe…it’s really not that bad, is it?

I’ve been told countless times before that I have certain qualities which bring out the best in others, that simply being in my company for a short time brings you to a happier place. That if you see the glass half empty, you’ll see it half full. That your mood will lift, that you’ll start to think of things to bring you to your own happy place, that you’ll think more deeply about what you take for granted and what you care about. That I’ve infused goodness into the DNA of companies. You may even giggle and laugh out loud with me.

My enjoyment comes from the care and feeding of people, which is wired into my being. That’s why I became a RN. My healthcare path eventually took me out of the clinical setting into the Corporate world of healthcare information technology. My last position was as the Director of Sales Training and Development, completely removed from healthcare. But, each position put me squarely in the center of people activities – helping, cultivating, nourishing, growing, coaching and developing people to be the best they could be. It’s been a very rewarding opportunity, and one that I seemed to be born for.

Luckily, all of these positions also involved education and training of some sort, and hence, my other passion – training and development, flourished over many years.

So, my blog posts will be around people, training, and some good old fun and humor to help folks see the lighter side of life. I hope you will follow me as I undertake this latest adventure in my journey! If one bit of advice, one tip, one story helps you in any way, then I will have succeeded.

Until next time, cheers!