Dawn Lennon
Brazen careerist
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TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Vickie Elmer's comment on my recent blog post about pivotal moments included great questions on how to recognize the turning points in our careers and then what to do about them. So I wrote a second post--more of a how to. How good are you are spotting the moments that are your turning points? Any secrets to share? http://wp.me/pJhPc-r2
30 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Edward Antrobus:
For me, the big turning point will be finally getting a job in my chosen career, instead of my series of survival and temporary jobs.
30 weeks ago
30 weeks ago
Noel Rozny:
Someone told me once that you should run towards the thing you're most scared of. All of my big pivotal moments have been exciting but also a bit ...MoreSomeone told me once that you should run towards the thing you're most scared of. All of my big pivotal moments have been exciting but also a bit scary because of the challenges they bring.
30 weeks ago
30 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Every career has a series of pivotal moments that bring success or disappointment. The better we are at spotting and acting on those moments, the more likely we are to make good choices. What have been your most significant pivotal moments? How did you spot them? Where did they take you? Here are a few that might interest you. http://wp.me/pJhPc-qU
30 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership2 more
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
When we’re feeling lured into the "job haters" club, it's often time to reexamine our jobs through a wide-angle lens, so we can see the big picture. What are your key indicators that a job is the right fit for you? Here are some of mine. http://wp.me/pJhPc-qO
31 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals and Career Changers
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Some time ago I asked for your opinions on employee development at work, particularly what was lacking. Your views were incorporated into a presentation I gave today to HR professionals. I believe our development should be a shared commitment by us and our companies. But when it isn't shared, we need to take the lead. What are you doing to keep growing in your career? I wrote some ideas in this post. http://wp.me/pJhPc-qE
31 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more
Dawn Lennon
Some time ago I asked for your opinions on employee development at work, particularly what was lacking. Your views were incorporated into a presentation I gave today to HR professionals. I believe our development should be a shared commitment by us and our companies. But when it isn't shared, we need to take the lead. What are you doing to keep growing in your career? I wrote some ideas in this post.http://wp.me/pJhPc-qE
31 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Self-confidence is essential to our success and often a struggle to keep strong. When your self-confidence flags, what to you do to lift it up? Here are some thoughts: http://wp.me/pJhPc-qy
32 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Changers and Career Rocketeer1 more
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
We often forget that exit strategies are as important to career changing as they are to business dissolution. After all we're the sole proprietors of our lives, which are our businesses. Preparing to leave a job is important whether it's our choice or not. How do/have you planned for a job change? Here are some of my suggestions. http://wp.me/pJhPc-qp
32 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer and Career Changers
Al Smith, III and Omar recommended this
JRandom42:
Sign seen on desk of senior network engineer: "You can't fire me! Slaves have to be sold!"
32 weeks ago
32 weeks ago
Jani:
Great timing - I just logged in to ask people for advice on creating an exit strategy for myself! So glad you posted this.
32 weeks ago
32 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
We hear that there's no "I" in team but there is. There are the helpful "I's" and the detracting ones. When does your individualism help and how can it hurt a team? Here's a look at how the Phillies top 4 pitchers set an example. http://wp.me/pJhPc-q8
Edward Antrobus:
Great post. "I want to bring out the best in the group by doing my best." This is part of my personal work philosophy.
I'm not so sure about "I ...MoreGreat post. "I want to bring out the best in the group by doing my best." This is part of my personal work philosophy.
I'm not so sure about "I know the outcome I want and will exert my influence to get it" being necessarily negative. Yes it can be. But it can also be helpful. It all depends, I guess, on what exactly the outcome is and how it aligns with the teams goals.
33 weeks ago
I'm not so sure about "I ...MoreGreat post. "I want to bring out the best in the group by doing my best." This is part of my personal work philosophy.
I'm not so sure about "I know the outcome I want and will exert my influence to get it" being necessarily negative. Yes it can be. But it can also be helpful. It all depends, I guess, on what exactly the outcome is and how it aligns with the teams goals.
33 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon:
@Edward Thanks...terrific comment. Great point about the "exert influence" example. I agree that it can definitely be helpful. For me it's when ...More@Edward Thanks...terrific comment. Great point about the "exert influence" example. I agree that it can definitely be helpful. For me it's when that influence turns into browbeating that the team gets hurt. Well said...~Dawn
@ JR--Thanks.
33 weeks ago
@ JR--Thanks.
33 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Negative labels at work can get heaped on us for lots of reasons. It's getting rid of them that's the challenge. What have been your experiences? Here are some thoughts on what I call the "big positives" needed to counteract those negatives. http://wp.me/pJhPc-qj
33 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Being willing and able to talk to people is the centerpiece of a successful career, but it isn't always easy to break the ice with some people and keep it open. What techniques have you used to open up conversations? What was the benefit? http://wp.me/pJhPc-pX
34 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Dawn Lennon
Staying motivated at work can be a challenge. We are well served when we have supervisors who understand our aspirations and what drives our energy. What are the best motivators for you? Do you have a boss that motivates or demotivates? http://wp.me/pJhPc-px
Heath Port:
Motivation and passion for a job can be very different. Motivation can be a simple as having a steady income. I can be motivated to have an ...MoreMotivation and passion for a job can be very different. Motivation can be a simple as having a steady income. I can be motivated to have an income to pay the bills and feed myself. But to be passionate at my job, I believe I need to believe in the mission and values of the company I am working for and understand where my role fits into that bigger picture. I have had bosses that are very good at showing me this in the past and I have had some that treated me a like a cog in a machine. Effective leaders can articulate mission and vision and help other understand where they fit in.
35 weeks ago
35 weeks ago
Lori Ruff:
My brother-in-law used to keep a sign on his office door... "will attend meetings for food"... the engineers worked long hours and didn't get out ...MoreMy brother-in-law used to keep a sign on his office door... "will attend meetings for food"... the engineers worked long hours and didn't get out much. I guess it shows :)
34 weeks ago
34 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dawn Lennon
Feeling disrespected at work can close us down. Sometimes we may also be perceived as being disrespectful without being aware of it. What have been your experiences with disrespect? What have you had to do about it? http://wp.me/pJhPc-pQ
34 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Dawn Lennon
First impressions are not trivial things. They can brand us in ways that are hard to shake. We are both givers and receivers of first impressions. What's yours (do you think)? How's it working for you? Any horror stories to share? Advice to give? http://wp.me/pJhPc-pG
35 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals and Career Changers
Dawn Lennon:
@Edward Terrific observation about how first impressions can create false impressions. Your experiences with impression turnaround with your ...More@Edward Terrific observation about how first impressions can create false impressions. Your experiences with impression turnaround with your coworkers is really important.
The hard reality about first impressions is that we can't avoid making them on others by our own actions. We can perhaps avoid putting too much stock in the first impressions we have of others, however, but as human beings, I suspect we're wired to be drawn into the inclination. You make a strong and insightful point about on that count. Thanks for that! ~Dawn
34 weeks ago
The hard reality about first impressions is that we can't avoid making them on others by our own actions. We can perhaps avoid putting too much stock in the first impressions we have of others, however, but as human beings, I suspect we're wired to be drawn into the inclination. You make a strong and insightful point about on that count. Thanks for that! ~Dawn
34 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon:
@Tatiana I too agree with Edward and with your point about how often we fail to take the time to get to know people on a more substantive ...More@Tatiana I too agree with Edward and with your point about how often we fail to take the time to get to know people on a more substantive level.
Whether we like it or not, most people operate routinely on first impressions. Sometimes that's a very good thing and sometimes not. The first impressions we make on others contribute to the unfolding of our brand identities. If we want to attract the right kind of reactions from others from the start, particularly
at work, we need to be mindful of the first impressions we make and their potential impacts. Thanks so much for commenting. It was nice to hear from you. Best, ~Dawn
34 weeks ago
Whether we like it or not, most people operate routinely on first impressions. Sometimes that's a very good thing and sometimes not. The first impressions we make on others contribute to the unfolding of our brand identities. If we want to attract the right kind of reactions from others from the start, particularly
at work, we need to be mindful of the first impressions we make and their potential impacts. Thanks so much for commenting. It was nice to hear from you. Best, ~Dawn
34 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
Feedback is where we get some of our most important real time help and support on the job. Too often supervisors forget that's a key part of their jobs and employees fail to listen and take feedback to heart. In your experience, what has been the most useful feedback you've received? What are the feedback dos and don't that you see? http://wp.me/pJhPc-pk
36 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Career Changers and Career Rocketeer1 more
Edward Antrobus:
JRandom, I don't know that I've ever met anyone who WANTS to hear criticism, even constructive criticism. It's just a matter of taking it "like a man"
35 weeks ago
35 weeks ago
JRandom42:
@Edward, most of them don't want to "take it like a man". They all want to scream, cry, and wail like a little schoolgirl, saying I'm being "mean" ...More@Edward, most of them don't want to "take it like a man". They all want to scream, cry, and wail like a little schoolgirl, saying I'm being "mean" "unfair", "not supportive" and other drivel.
And I've said, "Fine, if you think I'm being mean/unfair/not supportive, apparently this job and this place isn't working out for you. Why don't you clean out your desk now, and begin your search for that perfect place of employment for you, today?"
35 weeks ago
And I've said, "Fine, if you think I'm being mean/unfair/not supportive, apparently this job and this place isn't working out for you. Why don't you clean out your desk now, and begin your search for that perfect place of employment for you, today?"
35 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
Mental toughness separates those who reach their goals from those who fall short. How do you assess your own mental toughness? What steps do you take to toughen up? Here's a brief self-assessment if you're interested. http://wp.me/pJhPc-pr
36 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Inspiring Leadership2 more
JRandom42:
What steps did I take to toughen up? The ultimate ones, a year as an infantryman in Vietnam and coming home alive and well.
36 weeks ago
36 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon:
@JRandom No question...that experience would do it and then some. So glad for your outcome. Thanks for serving. That was one tough time.
36 weeks ago
36 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
Of all the strengths that we can develop to enhance our careers, innovativeness is likely to do the most for us. Too often we think innovation is something big when most often it's simply a problem-solved that had a real impact. Do you have a innovation to share or a question to raise? I wrote about this innovator who saved my basement. http://wp.me/JhPc
37 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Inspiring Leadership1 more
Dawn Lennon
Transferable skills are career currency. They are, in great measure, what gets us hired or promoted. Can you list your top ten most marketable transferable skills? If not take an event in your life and look at how you handle it. I did...here.>http://wp.me/pJhPc-p7
37 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Inspiring Leadership and Entry-Level Young Professionals1 more
jdeltin:
Finance professional- analysis, organization, leadership skills, Excel
Finance professor- Power Point, lesson plans, interpersonal skills, ...MoreFinance professional- analysis, organization, leadership skills, Excel
Finance professor- Power Point, lesson plans, interpersonal skills, training
Finance Consultant- IT skills, process development, troubleshooting, change management
37 weeks ago
Finance professor- Power Point, lesson plans, interpersonal skills, ...MoreFinance professional- analysis, organization, leadership skills, Excel
Finance professor- Power Point, lesson plans, interpersonal skills, training
Finance Consultant- IT skills, process development, troubleshooting, change management
37 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon:
@jdeltin Well done! It's a real asset to have a clear view of your transferable skills and the language to declare them. So many people don't, ...More@jdeltin Well done! It's a real asset to have a clear view of your transferable skills and the language to declare them. So many people don't, unfortunately. It looks like you've been putting them to good and varied use. Best, ~Dawn
37 weeks ago
37 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
Too often we forget that superstars aren't just famous people; they are also certain people we work with, hopefully even us. It takes commitment, desire, and belief to become one, all of which are needed for the work it takes to achieve. Who are the career superstars who inspire you? Are you becoming one? If so, how? http://wp.me/pJhPc-oR
38 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Inspiring Leadership and Entry-Level Young Professionals2 more
Noel Rozny:
This reminds me of a study I saw once that asked people if they could 1.) name the last 5 academy award winners for best actress and 2.) name 5 ...MoreThis reminds me of a study I saw once that asked people if they could 1.) name the last 5 academy award winners for best actress and 2.) name 5 people who had changed their lives forever. Guess which was easier to complete? :)
38 weeks ago
38 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
We're either in jobs or between them. Being out of work for a time gives us the resume heebie jeebies. There are companies who don't want to hire people long between jobs. There's a strong upside for a solo business that we keep as our ace in the hole. I wrote this post: Out of Work?Hire Yourself with a some how tos. Maybe it'll strike a chord for you. http://wp.me/pJhPc-ow
38 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Entry-Level Young Professionals1 more
Dawn Lennon
It's often easier to criticize our bosses than to be one. We'd like to believe we'd be better at the job, but are we always sure we would be? We don't really know what the boss's job is until we're in it. There are lot of suprises and challenges s/he may not have been ready for. What do you think it takes be a good boss? What are you willing to put on the line to be one? Here are my thoughts: http://wp.me/pJhPc-oq
39 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more
Edward Antrobus
What is your biggest career-related disappointment?
I don't have giant ambitions. I don't want to be rich or famous. I just want to be the first person in my family to escape blue collar work. The most depressing thing about getting a job as a construction flagger is the fact that my family is excited about it.
40 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk! and Entry-Level Young Professionals
Dawn Lennon and Kareem Johnson recommended this
JRandom42:
Interesting, Karan. When I hear the word "renegade" in terms of employment, I remember a "renegade" software engineer that I worked with. There ...MoreInteresting, Karan. When I hear the word "renegade" in terms of employment, I remember a "renegade" software engineer that I worked with. There was no question about his brilliance, but he just couldn't mesh well with the team, because he "always knew he could do better than anyone else."
On his final project with this company, he "supercharged his own initiatives" "thought outside the box", and "quit asking for permission", by reverse-engineering a competitor's product, stealing the code, and planting it as his own in a product we were ready to release to market. This really "wowed others when they least expected it", when the Justice Department, and the competitor's lawyers showed up with proof of his theft of intellectual property and copyright infringement. The company had to pay up millions in fines and damages and was driven out of business. The offending software engineer is due to be released next year, after serving his 20 year sentence with no possibility of parole.
39 weeks ago
On his final project with this company, he "supercharged his own initiatives" "thought outside the box", and "quit asking for permission", by reverse-engineering a competitor's product, stealing the code, and planting it as his own in a product we were ready to release to market. This really "wowed others when they least expected it", when the Justice Department, and the competitor's lawyers showed up with proof of his theft of intellectual property and copyright infringement. The company had to pay up millions in fines and damages and was driven out of business. The offending software engineer is due to be released next year, after serving his 20 year sentence with no possibility of parole.
39 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus:
@JRandom, How about march to the beat of a different drummer? I work best in situations where I can perform individually because 1) I get ...More@JRandom, How about march to the beat of a different drummer? I work best in situations where I can perform individually because 1) I get distracted by having people around me and 2) it's easier not having to explain the intuitive leaps and side paths I take when I'm not satisfied with the present process.
Stealing code? That's just lazy. It's not taking initiative; it's taking a short-cut.
39 weeks ago
Stealing code? That's just lazy. It's not taking initiative; it's taking a short-cut.
39 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
If you saw the movie, Horrible Bosses, (ugh) you got an idea of how bad bosses can use their knowledge of our career aspirations as a way to manipulate. There are plenty of employees who kiss up to get ahead, Have you seen this? What's been the result? Any insights to share? Here are some of my perspectives. http://wp.me/pJhPc-nW
41 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more
Dawn Lennon:
@Edward Great comment! I sure agree with you that those who kiss up and then get misused generally have themselves to blame. What I talk about in ...More@Edward Great comment! I sure agree with you that those who kiss up and then get misused generally have themselves to blame. What I talk about in my post is that we give bosses leverage they can use for good or ill when we let them know what we want from them (i.e., that VP sales job or being environmental responsible and fair to people like in the movie.) That said, companies that tolerate bullying by bosses need to get them fixed. In the end, there's generally a big cost. Love hearing from you.
41 weeks ago
41 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon
Maintaining self-confidence as our career challenges shift and change can be a struggle no matter how many past successes we've achieved. Every successful person experiences times of low self-confidence. When that happens to you, what do you do? Here are a few steps that have worked for me. http://wp.me/pJhPc-oj
39 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Dawn Lennon
Managing our career expectations is one way to deal with those inevitable disappointments along the way. What do you do to keep your career expectations realistic? Here are some suggestions. http://wp.me/pJhPc-oc BTW, thanks to Edward Antrobus for his recent Brazen idea thread that looked at the issue of disappointment. He inspired my post.
40 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Kareem Johnson recommended this
Dawn Lennon
Unpaid internships are the rage for college kids preparing for careers after graduation. They are also in the line of sight for the current unemployed. There's a need to be strategic when we work for free, making sure the experience delivers real value. What advice would you give? Here's my take. http://wp.me/pJhPc-o6
40 weeks ago from Career Changers and Entry-Level Young Professionals
Dawn Lennon:
@Ben Well said. An internships unique benefit is to your network, but that means making an effort to meet and engage with coworkers, management, ...More@Ben Well said. An internships unique benefit is to your network, but that means making an effort to meet and engage with coworkers, management, customers, vendors, and others. Some interns often for get to do that...and then to keep in touch. Thanks for this helpful comment. ~Dawn
40 weeks ago
40 weeks ago
Jason H. Parker:
We wrote advice on this matter, as well. Check it out here: MoreWe wrote advice on this matter, as well. Check it out here: http://www.brazencareerist.com/2011/04/05/how-to-make-bank-in-your-unpai...
40 weeks ago
40 weeks ago
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