Bridges

Edition of 2/10/2009

[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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Happy February, I've been saying for years that even with 28 days this sometimes feels like the longest month, but the days truly are getting longer and spring is only six weeks away. This past weekend the temperatures were truly spring like.

WORKPLACE TRENDS
The daily news has been filled with reports of layoffs or hiring freezes. Even for folks who are working, the constant stream of economic news can be disheartening. Emerging from these reports are some interesting trends. One trend receiving attention is the number of people who are setting up new businesses. Apparently this isn't a new phenomenon. A professor at the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence at The George Washington University said the number of startups increased during the recessions of 1983 and 2001 and predicts there will be an increase in the current economy as well.

I'm working with a client who was downsized recently and he is setting up a consulting business. He is looking forward to being his own boss and has approached his former employer and is hopeful that he will be able to sign them up as his first client. Another client is viewing her layoff as a sign that it's time for her to become an entrepreneur. Becoming your own boss isn't for everyone and yet it is one option that many are considering. If this is something you've considered, I prepared a "Check List for Starting a New Business" for clients and would be happy to send you a copy. Send me an email and I'll send you the check list.

Whether faced with a job loss or not, this may be a good time to consider retraining or at a minimum expanding your current skills. An employer recently talked to me about an employee who has decent administrative skills but is not working to her full potential. As a start I suggested that she send the employee to the local community college for project management classes. It is a good way to demonstrate that she values the employee but more importantly it would expand the employee's skill base and bring value back to the company. From a personal perspective, ask yourself what you could do to enhance your value, both for yourself and for your employer.

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RANDOM THOUGHTS
For years I've kept on my desk a chart I cut out from Investor's Business Daily of their 10 Secrets to Success - I'm not sure where I got this since I don't remember ever reading the newspaper. It says they spent years "analyzing leaders and successful people in all walks of life... and identified the 10 traits most have". The number one secret is "How You Think is Everything". I think in the current environment this trait is especially important. It would be so easy to give in to the negativity. For years I've been telling clients that your thoughts become your actions. Be especially mindful of your thoughts these days.
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GOOD READ
Laura Stack, author of "Leave the Office Earlier" and "Find More Time" is out with a new book called "The Exhaustion Cure". While much of what she writes has been covered in other books I like the way she lays out the "Energy Deposits/Boosters" versus the "Energy Drains/Bandits. In today's world it is so easy to miss the daily occurrences that are draining our energy. The real value in Ms. Stack's book is recognizing and acknowledging that something is draining your time and energy, and then shifting the focus to how you can boost energy instead.
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FINAL THOUGHT
I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities. - Whoopi Goldberg

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