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Articles from Alvah Parker | Selfgrowth.com
- How To Be Happy at Work? Acknowledge Yourself - by Submitted on May 13, 2011 from Alvah ParkerMaking a list of your accomplishments at work is a way to acknowledge yourself and your work. In 1997 when I had just started my coaching practice another coach sent out a newsletter suggesting that her readers make a list of 100 accomplishments for the year in their personal and work life that ...
Views: 1239 - A New Method for Finding Your Passion - by Submitted on Mar 28, 2011 from Alvah ParkerAre you having a hard time finding your passion? Many of my career coaching clients wrestle with this. It was hard for me too. This month though I discovered a new way for my career coaching clients to find their passion. Although the circumstances are not what I would wish for anyone, ...
Views: 1246 - Client Feedback - by Submitted on Mar 28, 2011 from Alvah ParkerWhen was the last time you asked a client for feedback about your services and how your office staff works as a team? You might turn up some useful information by doing a client feedback session when their work is complete. I recently had an experience with a hospital that is an example of how ...
Views: 1289 - What Makes Me Happy At Work? - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Alvah ParkerWaking up every day excited and happy to go to work has always been a goal for me. Some jobs were like that for me and others were not. I remember once literally dragging myself to my job because it was so stressful. It was easier for me to write this list when I thought about what I hated ...
Views: 2074 - Uncovering Your Passion So That You Can Be Happy At Work and Enjoy Job Success - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2011 from Alvah ParkerAre you happy at work? Do you have passion for the work that you do? The notion of passion was something that mystified me early on in my career. I was usually happy at work but the feeling of passion eluded me. In fact up until I retired from AT&T, I only got brief glimpses of what got my ...
Views: 1336 - Happy At Work – Want Professional Success? Ignore Negativity - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2011 from Alvah ParkerAmy, my client (not her real name), set a goal when we began our coaching sessions to find a position where she could achieve professional success and be happy at work in 3 months. She had been working in her position for about 6 months and was miserable. The environment was toxic, there was ...
Views: 1316 - Ten Ways To Display Passion For The Job Seeker - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Alvah ParkerMany years ago I was turned down for a job at a company that I really wanted to work for. I was surprised when the interviewer told me that he did not think I wanted the job. He could not have been more wrong about that. I was puzzled by his conclusion even after he explained that I had not ...
Views: 1688(3 votes) - How To Help Employees To Be Happy at Work - by Submitted on Jan 06, 2011 from Alvah ParkerThe Internet was abuzz this past year with the Steven Slater incident on the Jet Blue flight. He was the flight attendant who got annoyed with a demanding passenger and announced his irritation on the plane’s PA system and then quit his job by dramatically taking a beer and sliding down the ...
Views: 1179(1 vote) - 10 Ways for Managers to Prepare for Interviewing a Job Candidate - by Submitted on Dec 04, 2010 from Alvah ParkerMany attorneys and other business owners start interviewing people for a job without clearly understanding what kind of person would best fit into the organization. Hiring is often done out of desperation. The attorney or business owner has a large amount of work to complete and knows he/she ...
Views: 1359(4 votes) - Can This Networking Group Help Me Build My Business? - by Submitted on Nov 02, 2010 from Alvah ParkerSo many of my clients tell me they go to a networking meeting or two but give up because nothing happens. My response is usually that you must give the group a fair trial. Building relationships takes time so you will need to attend a few meetings of one organization to see any progress. That ...
Views: 1369(1 vote) - 10 Tips for Writing Emails - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Alvah ParkerThis article was written because this past week I have seen three examples of emails that were read by people other than the intended recipient. In one case an attorney published a whole email exchange between the attorney and an applicant for an associate position in her firm. It should have ...
Views: 2579(1 vote) - 10 Mistakes Job Searchers Make - by Submitted on Aug 03, 2010 from Alvah ParkerYou've started a job search. You are excited about the prospects of finding the perfect job. Of course you have a concern about how long the job search will take but you want to make sure your job search is effective. Here are some mistakes you'll want to avoid. 1. No strategy - Someone ...
Views: 1929 - 10 Warning Signs That Prospective Client Is Not Right For You - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2010 from Alvah ParkerIn difficult economic times it is easy to let go of standards and take on a client who does not fit your vision of your ideal client. When few clients are in the pipeline it often looks attractive to take the ones that show up. When you do this you run the risk of having an angry client or ...
Views: 1233(2 votes) - 10 Traps to Avoid When Starting A New Job - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2010 from Alvah ParkerEveryone wants to start a new job on the right foot. Having a strategy for making your mark in the first few weeks is a great idea. Here are 10 traps that can undermine your efforts during your first couple of months on the job. 1. Going against the cultural norms before you've looked to ...
Views: 1791 - Ten Habits for More Brain Power - by Submitted on Jul 28, 2010 from Alvah ParkerA recent issue of a magazine includes a list of 10 activities to boost your brain health. The list includes many activities I would call important for overall wellness. In this competitive environment there is a tendency to forget health and focus intensely on a job search. It is important to ...
Views: 2204(2 votes) - Work-life Balance Is Good For Your Health - by Submitted on Jul 27, 2010 from Alvah ParkerWorking more than 40 hours a week seems normal today - at least in the US. My clients tell me they consistently work into the night and over weekends. Blackberries and other smart phones enable employees to be on call at any hour day or night. It has become an accepted way of life here. Is ...
Views: 1862 - Find Meaningful Work and Feel Fulfilled - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2010 from Alvah ParkerMeaningful and engaging work is the key to a profitable business. When people feel their work is meaningful the end result is a more productive office with a satisfied and fulfilled workforce. What do I mean by meaningful and engaging work? Here is a story to illustrate: There once was a ...
Views: 2043 - Career Changes Take Courage - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2010 from Alvah ParkerCareer transitions create discomfort. Often times it is not clear where you are headed. At other times you aren't sure if you really want to make a change. Like a snake shedding his old skin you had adjusted to the "old skin", your current career, but it just doesn't fit any more. As you get ...
Views: 1193(5 votes) - Ten Ways to Make Achievable Goals - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2010 from Alvah ParkerHave you written some goals for this year? How are you doing with them? What are the accomplishments you most want? To insure that you get exactly what you want here is a list of tips for writing good goals. 1. Connect your goals to your vision. Check each goal to be sure that if you ...
Views: 1198 - A New Way of Working - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2010 from Alvah ParkerWhen I got my job with AT&T in 1982 my father told me I was set for life. His generation really admired Ma Bell as AT&T was called. Having lived through the Depression job security was very important to my father. I was pleased my father was happy for me but I wasn't quite sure I wanted a "life ...
Views: 1422(4 votes) - Ten Warning Signs - Time To Look For a New Job - by Submitted on Apr 24, 2010 from Alvah ParkerIt is no secret that it is hard to find work these days. That makes it doubly difficult if you are still working and are miserable at your job. Other people will tell you that you should be happy to be working and bringing in a pay check. Being unhappy at work makes your whole life feel ...
Views: 1324(4 votes) - 10 Tips for More Effective Networking - by Submitted on Feb 10, 2010 from Alvah ParkerWhether you are a business owner or a job seeker you have probably been told to network. Networking is often an important part of a marketing plan. Frequently people resist networking because it seems overwhelming and they are not sure how to do it. Others try it once with little success and ...
Views: 1017(1 vote) - Feeling Grateful - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2010 from Alvah ParkerHow many times were you asked as a kid, "What are you thankful for?" You probably got that question frequently around Thanksgiving. Being a good child when I was asked I always answered it in the expected way without much thought or passion. My list always had my parents and teachers first ...
Views: 2457(1 vote) - What makes you happy? 10 Characteristics of Resilient People - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2010 from Alvah ParkerWhat makes you happy? It is easy to stay happy when times are good. It is more challenging when life has thrown you a curve. In difficult times it is important to be resilient. Resilience is that quality that enables people to face adversity and adapt to it without lasting difficulties. A ...
Views: 1863 - How Do You Find Meaningful Work? - 10 Questions to Ask Yourself To Get A Good Fit - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2009 from Alvah ParkerWhen looking for a job, most people focus on the responsibilities of the job to find a good fit. While getting hired to do a job that is interesting and well suited to your background is important, there are three other pieces of the equation that should not be overlooked - your fellow workers, ...
Views: 1426(4 votes) - Longing for Meaningful Work? - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2009 from Alvah ParkerRecently one of the women attorneys in a mentoring circle that I facilitate expressed her dissatisfaction with her current job. She worked in a small firm where the partners brought in the work and distributed it to the various attorneys in the firm. The partners then checked the completed ...
Views: 1335(4 votes) - Managing Through Change - by Submitted on Sep 03, 2009 from Alvah ParkerMy client told me her department was being reorganized for the hundredth time. The call center she managed was being converted to an email and chat response center instead of a telephone call center. She was sure customers would be angry when they found that they could not get their technical ...
Views: 1934(9 votes) - Finding Meaningful Work Starts With Self Awareness - by Submitted on Sep 03, 2009 from Alvah ParkerAbout three years ago I began to work with an Alexander Technique teacher. If you are not familiar with this technique it is a method of working with the body to insure that you are in proper alignment. People use it to strengthen their voices, get rid of chronic back pain, and improve their ...
Views: 949(2 votes) - 10 Quotes on Self Awareness - by Submitted on Sep 02, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThe key to meaningful work and a fulfilling life is first to become more self aware. Really understanding yourself and what is important to you in your life and in your work is the key to getting satisfaction out of work and life. Over the years many people have talked about different aspects ...
Views: 1269(4 votes) - Self Awareness, The Key to Finding Meaningful Work - by Submitted on Sep 02, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThe key to having meaningful work and a fulfilling life is to become more self aware. Know what you want - sounds simple doesn't it? But is it really? It takes time for self reflection to get in touch with yourself. If you are looking for meaningful work, gaining self awareness is the first ...
Views: 1217(1 vote) - To Do Your Best Work and Have a Joyful Life Ask for What You Need. - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerCindy was a new manager in a mid-sized company. She had worked for years for a manager who had discussed strategies with her and encouraged her to try new things. He had given her constant feedback and approval. When her manager got promoted Cindy was promoted to her manager’s job. ...
Views: 1031 - Ten Characteristics Of Meaningful Work - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerIt seems to me if we are working 8+ hours each day, that work should add meaning to our lives and thus make us feel fulfilled, satisfied and happy. Leaders lead first by example (find meaning in their own work) and then by inspiring others to find meaning in their own work. What are the ...
Views: 1744(1 vote) - The New Way of Work- Will It Be Meaningful Work? - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThere are many who are predicting that after this downturn in the economy the workplace will look different from the one we've known. Peter Weddle, a job board expert and writer on career topics sees a workplace with fewer permanent workers. Weddle says that employers are hit with a ...
Views: 925 - Meaningful Work - 10 Tips for Long Life and Career Growth - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Alvah ParkerA recent NY Times article focuses on a group of women in their 90s that play bridge with each other regularly. Researchers believe there are a couple of components to longevity - social interaction and using the mind. The game of bridge has both. Similarly when you are managing your ...
Views: 1394 - The Three Things A Job Seeker Must Know to Use Social Networking as a Job Search Tool - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2009 from Alvah ParkerSocial Networking (Web 2.0) The buzz about it is unbelievable. Are you wondering why? It's because using social networking can be the key to your positioning yourself as an expert in your field. By blogging or using sites like Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter, you can reach hundreds ...
Views: 925 - Ten Tips for a Good Billing and Collection System - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2009 from Alvah ParkerCash flow is critical to any professional service firm but especially small ones. How do you prevent clients from delaying paying their bills or worse not paying at all? Here are 10 tips: 1. Establish ground rules during the initial appointment with the client. If you don’t have a written ...
Views: 1067 - Happiness Is Doing Meaningful Work and Getting Fairly Paid For It - by Submitted on Jun 17, 2009 from Alvah ParkerSeveral years ago I had a series of SCORE clients who wanted to start businesses making and selling greeting cards. The cards that they showed me were usually very beautiful and every one was unique. Pricing the cards was always a problem to them. The market would not pay a price to cover ...
Views: 1172 - Happiness Is Doing Meaningful Work And Having A Supportive Community - by Submitted on Jun 17, 2009 from Alvah ParkerHaving a community is important to your health, happiness and well being. “There are few better antidotes to unhappiness than close friendships with people who care about you”, says David G. Myers, author of “The Pursuit of Happiness”. "Sadly, our increasingly individualistic society suffers ...
Views: 1035 - Ten Ways to Sweeten the Job or Job Offer - by Submitted on Jun 16, 2009 from Alvah ParkerOne aspect of meaningful work is being compensated adequately for the work that you do. Whether you are currently in a practice having survived a lay off or negotiating for a new job, you are probably finding that raises are small or non existent and offers are lower than what you were used to. ...
Views: 1015 - Top Ten Tips for Negotiating a Job Offer - by Submitted on Jun 16, 2009 from Alvah ParkerOne aspect of meaningful work is being compensated adequately for the work that you do. It is important then to negotiate a good job offer. Several people have told me recently that they had job offers. I hope that means that the economy is improving. Some tell me they were willing to take ...
Views: 1574(1 vote) - Ten Networking Tips For The Job Seeker - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThe best way to find a job is through the people you know. If you want to establish some new relationships, networking is one way to do this. Some people think of networking as going to lots of meetings. That is only one piece of networking but not the total picture. By attending meetings ...
Views: 947 - Ten Ways for Small Businesses to Cut Costs - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerAs the economy shrinks businesses must think in terms of cost cutting. Business owners must start by looking at all costs. Finding ways to save money may be challenging but it will be important for surviving and thriving in a down economy. Here are 10 ideas that the Kiplinger Letter lists as ...
Views: 1030 - Establishing Trust – How to Build Relationships and Make Them Work for you - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2009 from Alvah Parker“You don’t have to like your banker, you just have to trust him”. I read this quote of Honore Balzac in an article on the web and thought it would be perfect to start an article on trust. Trust is the key to building relationships even today. Balzac, a French writer, was born in 1799. Some ...
Views: 1139 - Simple Marketing Tips to Do in 5 Minutes a Day - by Submitted on Apr 28, 2009 from Alvah ParkerAll the professionals I work with are eager to find a simple way to add new clients. Most are already busy and tell me they have to struggle to find blocks of free time to “do marketing”. Of course some marketing does take large blocks of time but I am here to tell you that not all ...
Views: 914 - Self Assessment: The Key to a Successful Job Search - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2009 from Alvah ParkerWhen I was laid off in 1997 I was told by many to let everyone know I was starting a job search. I had been successful at my last job and was a star sales performer for many years. People who knew my history were eager to help me. But I knew something wasn't right about their advice. Don't ...
Views: 1125 - Ten Techniques to Stay Confident During a Job Transition - by Submitted on Mar 31, 2009 from Alvah ParkerYour confidence can erode during a job transition. As you move from the known to the unknown you feel unsettled and off balance. It is easy to begin to doubt your own abilities. This can happen during any type of job transition. Whether you doing a job search, have accepted some new ...
Views: 1476 - Ten Actions Necessary for a Successful Job Search - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThere are many parts to a successful job search and the job seeker has to orchestrate them in a way that gets them to all come together so that he/she receives in multiple offers simultaneously. Here are some tips for those of you in the midst of a Job Search. They will be useful if you are part ...
Views: 975 - Are You Doing Meaningful Work? - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2009 from Alvah ParkerPerhaps like me you chose a major in college or had graduate work in a field that you sort of fell into. It is hard to know exactly what you want when you are 16 or 17 years old. In my day the choices for women were nurse, secretary, or teacher. I chose teacher because I couldn't type and ...
Views: 1007 - 3 Lessons On Making More Money that Your Mother Never Taught You. - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2009 from Alvah ParkerIf you are looking to earn more money working for an employer, there are lessons you learned that may be getting in your way. Do these warnings sound familiar? • Don’t brag about yourself • Don’t be a job hopper • Don’t be a “social ...
Views: 900 - 5 Actions Job Seekers Must Take in Order to Find Their Dream Job - by Submitted on Jan 27, 2009 from Alvah ParkerThere is a big payoff to a successful job search and that is finding the job of your dreams. Imagine being asked to work at a job that seems totally suited to your skills and talents. Better still you find that the work environment of the company is one in which you know you will thrive. So ...
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