Career Coaching Blog

I have a book that I bought, apparently in London judging by the price sticker on the back, many years ago. I don’t remember doing so, but I have read this book, cover to cover, several times and it has a permanent place on my shelf. Back in the 18th century, there was an English Lord, diplomat, and politician by the name of Lord Chesterfield (yes, that’s where that word comes from). He had a son who he sent away to be educated from an early age. Rather than neglect, he had a very specific educa…

My son recently began Suzuki Cello. Here are some words of wisdom from Mr. Suzuki on the development of ability:

“Ability is one thing we have to produce (or work for) ourselves. That means to repeat and repeat an action until it becomes a part of ourselves. It is easy to say, but to have the energy to do it - there lies the problem. There are many people who resolve they will achieve this or that, but not all carry out their intentions. They start, perhaps, but they don’t really go on, and they …

Heather Hamilton at Microsoft has a superb blog.

Any long-time readers here and my clients will know that I am a strong advocate of the hand-written post-interview thank-you note.

In my opinion, Heather has nailed the subject with her recent post:
Heather’s “Marketing and Finance at Microsoft” Blog : Post-interview ‘Thank You’ notes

I am having fun!

There, I said it. Building my business by supporting your career development is exactly what I want to be doing. So, I count myself very fortunate. Thanks for being part of this audience. Here is a quick update on what’s new and what’s coming:

What’s new?
1. The Monitoring Services has expanded with a new private client site. This is the weekly email reporting service where clients log their goals, action items, progress, and where they are stuck. I support by replying to their w…

Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, once the printing press had become more common, there was a self-publishing phenomenon. Books, yes, but from what I understand a great deal of pamphlets, or what we might understand as articles, white papers, and booklets. For political purposes. For scientific glory. For vanity. For scandal.

Great titles like "The Migratory Habits of the Peruvian Mudhatch, Modestly Proposed by a Gentleman."

The means of publishing had become accessible enough that people were …

Steven at The Asia Pacific Headhunter writes a worthwhile post on breaking through to the $100k+ level. The Asia Pacific Headhunter: How to Land a 100K Job: Part One

I know. I know. I am one of thousands to review David Allen’s almost cult-like book. In case you aren’t savvy, the system is referred to as GTD. Let me say that there are at least two levels of value in GTD. The first is his comprehensive system for productivity. The second is the ideas he plants regarding next actions, projects and other key elements of time management. You can gain value in the second category just by reading the book. You can’t however just read the book for the first ca…

Here is a good question: Why shouldn’t they hire you? You are rightfully focused on developing a strong personal value proposition when you are in job search mode and have identified opportunities. If you want to strengthen your preparation, ask yourself why the company SHOULDN’T hire you.

• What are the gaps in experience, skills or knowledge?

• Is there a fit problem?

• Has your presentation been weak in some way?

• Is the competition likely strong?

Apply yourself to honestly answering these questions and…