Interviews
- »One on One with KPMG's Koecher & Rodriguez
KPMG’s Restructuring Services group just got a lot stronger. On July 16, KPMG acquired Grant Thornton’s supply chain advisory practice, effectively doubling the size of its core restructuring team and broadened its service offerings.
- »One on One with Ed Hess
Grow or Die. It’s probably the most common business axiom, and the least accurate, according to the new book “Smart Growth: Building an Enduring Business by Managing the Risks of Growth” (Columbia Business School Publishing). To better understand the book’s implications for firms, Consulting’s One-on-One sat down with the book’s author, Ed Hess, a former Arthur Andersen strategy consultant and current professor at the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business.
- »One on One with Summit's David Litherland
When prospective employees interview for a job, they obsess over making a good, lasting impression. Firms should do the same. To learn how firms can avoid typical pitfalls, Consulting’s One on One sat down with David Litherland, managing partner of Summit Search Group, an executive search firm specializing in placing professionals within professional service firms.
- »One on One with PwC's Tom Craren
Senior executives are becoming immune to traditional marketing. Marketing consultants tell us that to pierce through the white noise of corporate communication, firms should consider “content marketing”. Instead of more traditional marketing, providing valuable insight and perspective in a blog or electronic newsletter can serve as a more effective door opener. One of the best examples is PricewaterhouseCoopers’ “10-Minute” series. For almost three years, PwC has boiled down complex thought leadership into small electronic pieces an executive can read in about ten minutes. To learn more about PwC’s marketing efforts, Consulting’s One-on-One sat down with Tom Craren, the firm’s brand strategy and thought leadership leader. His team of 20 writers produces between two to three 10-minute pieces each month, along with more detailed white papers.
» View all
advertisement
|
Home
Columns
News Briefings
12
22
2008
»9 for '09: Career Advice for the New Year
By Bill Treasurer
Happy New Year! Or maybe not. The economy is in crisis, and experts agree the worst is yet to come. With daily headlines on bailouts, bankruptcies, and a broken-down job market, workers everywhere are bracing themselves for 2009—afraid for what's next. There are no quick fixes for fear; still, some small changes can make a big difference in how you think, feel, and function.
The good news? Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to carry on in its presence. Here are nine ways to brave a scary '09 at work, home, and beyond:
1. Resist playing it safe. Ditch the herd. While everyone else is hunkering down on the job, you can stand up and stand out—getting noticed for your talent and contributions. 2. Skip the pity party.
It's tempting to commiserate with family, friends, and co-workers. Don't do it. It will stoke your fears and shake your confidence even more.
3. Form a posse.
Create an inner circle—a small support group, or even one other person, who you can trust and turn to when the going gets rough. Take turns injecting a daily dose of hope and optimism.
4. Grow your skills.
Expanding your capabilities is the best way to bolster your job security and boost your marketability. Invest in yourself, even if your company isn't.
5. Think big.
Pick one major action that you want to achieve in the new year—the bigger, the better. Break it down into little steps and get started.
6. Take a break.
This is not the year to skip or stockpile vacation days. Use what you've got on the books to rest, relax, and recharge. You'll return to work less stressed and more productive.
7. Try something new. Give fear a productive outlet and be adventurous in your downtime. Try a fun, new sport or activity—something you've always wanted to do, but were apprehensive or afraid. 8. Do good.
Find a charity or cause that really resonates and give the gift of your time. You'll do good -- and feel good.
9. Get ready for the rebound.
The economic clouds will lift—they always do—so plan now for brighter days ahead. Start thinking about where you are and where you want to be—and how to close the gap.
Treasurer is founder and CEO of Giant Leap Consulting, a national training company with clients ranging from NASA to SPANX. He also is the author of Courage Goes to Work.
»Related Articles
Human Resources
News Briefings
|
|