Bridges

Edition of 12/8/2008

[Bridges]

For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer Executive Coaching and Human Resource consulting in the following areas:

- Business Consulting and Executive Coaching - As an unbiased resource provide advice on business development and business transition, on staffing issues, on developing emerging talent and helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills;

- Career Coaching helping people advance their careers, make career changes and/or career transitions.

- Not for Profit Consulting - provide Executive Directors with independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board relations and staff development.

If you would like to take advantage of a consultant or executive coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a complimentary coaching session or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com
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CAREER TIPS
Print and broadcast media have been filled recently with tips on how to retain your job in this tough economy. Each had their own twist but I've noticed similar themes so here are a few:

- Evaluate your performance and your attitude. This may not be your perfect job but it's the one you have for now so don't jeopardize it with a poor attitude. While you are at it, figure out if there's anything else you can do to improve your performance. Instead of treading water, this may be the time to shine. Even in tough times the star players don't get laid off.
- Be visible. This is not the time to put your head in the sand, or hide out in your office. If you are working on a key project that no one knows about or appreciates, that's not helping your case. If there's an important meeting or even a holiday party, don't send the wrong message by not showing up.
- Finally, one essential is to build and strengthen key relationships. Be viewed as a team player. Keep up your networking, you never know when it will be needed, and develop and build relationships with a mentor.

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STRESS
This year I'm hearing more than ever from clients about how stressed they are feeling. For some, this has always been a time of year when they feel overwhelmed. This year many are feeling more stressed than usual. In addition to the stress of the holidays and completing year end projects, many are concerned about the economy. Even those not directly affected are being constantly bombarded with bad news and uncertainty and wonder what that means for their individual careers or businesses.

Stress can be both good and bad - good stress can be a source of energy and productivity, it can help you focus, help you achieve goals. But it is the bad stress that most folks are referring to this year. Medical evidence continues to suggest that harmful stress, left unchecked, can cause major health problems. I have read that doctors estimate 75% of all medical disorders are directly related to stress. So as you close out the year, what can you do to reduce the stress in your life?

- First, don't deny the stress. Identify its sources so you can determine how to deal with them. Is it an end of the year work project you are trying to complete, an office holiday party you "should" attend, gifts beyond the budget?

- Analyze your to-do list and don't over-commit. Do you really have to attend every event or send 200 holiday cards? Can you show up for an hour instead of the whole evening at an event? Can you schedule that meeting early in 2009 as an alternative?

- Find an outlet. Exercise, meditate, take a few deep breaths, or as we used to do with young kids - take a five minute time-out. It can help induce that needed state of calm and lower your blood pressure.
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GIFT GIVING

As we approach the holiday season there is a huge commercial push to get consumers to buy gifts. This year in particular many folks have really tight budgets. Before you hit the stores and overspend your budget, figure out what you want to and can afford to spend. It really is the thought that counts, so this year consider some other options.

-Make a donation to a charity in your friend or colleague's name instead of giving another "thing". If you know your colleague is an animal lover, consider making a donation to a local animal shelter in their name. Or, consider a donation to your local food bank. They are in need of donations this year.

-Give a gift of yourself. Think about some service you offer and give a gift certificate for your time. Give a lesson in something you know well- how to use a computer program that tracks client referrals or a primer on using QuickBooks. Give an hour of your time to brainstorm a problem someone is facing in their business. You don't have to be an expert; often an impartial observer has great insights.

-Give a gift certificate for a service that someone could use. A busy executive might like a gift certificate for home delivery of restaurant meals.

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FINAL THOUGHT
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. - Albert Einstein

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