4 Reasons to Create a Good Company Culture

4 Reasons to Create a Good Company Culture Company culture is a tough thing to get right and yet, more often than not, a business does not put any work in to developing its own internal culture. For many of today’s modern job-seekers, they are not just looking for a job that pays the rent; they are looking for careers with progression. They are looking for something more than just a desk and a computer; they are looking for an identity linked to their role. They want a company with personality. If you wanted a simple definition of company culture, then summing up your company personality is one way of looking at it. In terms of an example, think of this; is the place where you work the type of place you could go to the boss with a new, almost slightly outlandish project idea? Or is it best to ‘keep quiet’ and not ‘rock the boat’? In other words, how does the organisation embrace something new? How does it adapt and thrive in a constantly fluctuating marketplace? Why bother? If all seems simply fabulous in your organisation, then the culture is not broken, or is it? Why should you bother with the culture in your company is a question that can be best answered with another question. How are your employees motivated? Are they enthusiastic? If it always seems like the same old same old, and people squabble, fall out and the office is full of politics, then the culture of your organisation may need fixing because it is broken. However, fixing it to create a modern, vibrant and successful culture within your organisation is not easy. If it was, we would all be doing it and would all be successful, and every company across the world would be full of happy, enthused employees. But this is not the case. Thus, there are four factors (at least, possibly more) that you need to help your company culture along, making it successful and vibrant. Factor 1 Hiring people that fit: This may sound odd, discriminatory almost, but taking your time and hiring people that fit with your company ethos will ensure that your internal company culture does not take a nose dive before you have even started. However, when the pressure is on, the hiring process can lead to people being hired on a whim or in a rush. Hence, you need to ensure that your hiring process is rigorous. Some companies ask prospective employees to shadow a current employee for a day or two, to see if they have the aptitude for the organisation, as well as the skills for the job. One bad hiring decision can lead to you inadvertently introducing a toxic element into your company; choose with care! Factor 2 Why do people want to work for you? An obvious question and yet one which remains hidden in plain sight; in other words, it is not one that is often asked at interviews. When asking this at an interview, you want to see what potential employees know about the company. It’s not just about tripping off a list of products and services, or the names of the CEOs from the year 1917 to the present day â€" this is not a Mastermind competition. Whilst all these facts are useful for proving the candidate has done their research, they are not really delving into the values, mission and ethos of the company. This may mean that every employee â€" new and old â€" needs to be acutely aware of what the ethos of the company is. In other words, everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. Factor 3 Good choices can originate from anywhere: We have touched on this previously, insofar as good ideas, projects and decisions do not always need to come from the management level of the organisation. Sometimes, the best decisions and ideas can come from the people who see the picture far more clearly that the management ever can. In many organisations that are seriously successful, the employees are not people who sit at their desks from 9 till 5 and do as they are told. The culture is vibrant and lively because the employees are encouraged to be vibrant and lively. Factor 4 Team spirit: A team in your organisation functions just like a team in a competitive sport â€" working together and harnessing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In companies where culture is deemed ‘not so great’, the team is often a bunch of individuals that sit in the same room. They may not dislike each other but are they really pulling together? A good company culture is about people operating and dovetailing together, not standing alone and only asking for ‘help’ when they simply cannot manage the good fight on their own any more. A thriving company needs a good culture where people don’t feel that struggling or not coping are a weakness or a daily occurrence. If you want to grow your business you need a good, vibrant culture at the heart of your business. What does your culture say about your company? Author: James from Staffbay.

Use LinkedIn Resumes Writing Service To Successfully Write And Post Your Resume

Use LinkedIn Resumes Writing Service To Successfully Write And Post Your ResumeThere is a new LinkedIn resume writing service that you can use. These services are rapidly gaining popularity, and if you haven't yet signed up for one, then I'm sure you know someone who has. While many employers still prefer the old resume, the rise of these services is due in large part to the fact that so many people are opting to fill out their resumes on the internet.The rise of career sites and forums that encourage job-hunting has also created a demand for 'write once, get it done' opportunities. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to create a professional resume for your new job. Even if you know what you want, it is extremely difficult to choose the proper format or embellishments. This is where a good resume writing service can come in handy.A 'style letter' can be completed by filling out a form on the company's website. Alternatively, you may want to consider working with an expert to put together a sample letter. This will allow you to review the 'official' format before submitting it.An added bonus of this service is that you have to follow instructions on how to actually write the letter and the written section. This means that there are no surprises when the letter is returned to you. This should give you confidence that your resume is 'done' and ready to be reviewed.One common problem that employers encounter is hiring someone who doesn't know how to fill out the information correctly. It can be especially difficult when you're writing a short and sweet resume. As a result, this type of service provides the opportunity to get professional guidance and a 're-do' option for those who feel like they are starting from scratch. By allowing for re-writing options, a resume writing service allows you to relax and enjoy the process. An added benefit to using a resume writing service is that it allows you to use the power of the 'sharing' platform that is Reddit. You can post a link to your resume to the front page of the popular website, giving you instant access to millions of people across the world. Those who are interested in your position will see your link and be able to contact you. The thought of using the power of Reddit to your advantage should be enough for you to sign up for a LinkedIn resume writing service.Another reason to use a LinkedIn resume writing service is that it is convenient for you to follow along with the process. With a resume, you usually have to print it out and take it to a job interview. With a website, you can share it online with your friends and family, allowing them to see the letter before sending it off to your prospective employer. You will find that this can be very helpful, especially if your friends and family know more about your career than you do.Finally, the Reddit powers of sharing are becoming more important as we are all increasingly connected. Many companies are currently requiring a LinkedIn p rofile to apply for a job. Even if you haven't heard of Reddit, it has been receiving plenty of media attention lately due to celebrity scandals and political issues. If you choose to use a professional service to create your LinkedIn resume, you'll be able to share your letter to the entire world, without having to worry about your computer crashing and losing your document.

Using New Features on LinkedIn to Attract Job Opportunities

Using New Features on LinkedIn to Attract Job Opportunities When I first started my career coaching business, I honestly had no idea as to the types of clients I would attract, and I didn’t have a clue as to the level of necessity, interest, and opportunity as a paid service there would be to help people use LinkedIn to find a new job.You Don’t Know What You Don’t KnowIt took me years to truly understand and recognize I had successfully learned and developed a specialized skillset in an area that was a source of pain, frustration, and confusion for so many people.There were many reasons for this, one reason simply being, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”What I did knowwas that I wanted to help more people transition into jobs and careers they wanted by applying the many contemporary job search strategies I had learned about during the writing of my first publication, “The Job Inner-View”. I didn’t yet know the unforeseen future of just how pivotal of a role using LinkedIn would play into my mission.However, what came a s the biggest surprise to me over this time was: how many of my clients were still employed when we worked together.Adjusting to Change to Help Job SeekersFurther into this article, I identify two great additions LinkedIn added in 2017 to help this specific demographic. Feel free to immediately scroll down to view, or you can continue reading to learn more about how I came to understand and identify their specific fears, obstacles, and challenges.Initially, I wrote a book on contemporary job search strategies with the intention to primarily help all the people who were unemployed, underemployed, or working 2-3 jobs (that often had nothing to do with their given field) embrace all the tools and changes I had discovered and adapted to myself when the economy had tanked in 2008.My book also addressed adjusting to the dramatic impacts made on the job search process by rapid advances in technology, and what I learned from interviewing dozens of leaders in the recruiting and hiring space during the writing of my 1st publication. Much to my own disappointment, I’ve often found it exceptionally more difficult to inspire the level (or quality) of change to these demographics as I had hoped for.Instead, I’ve experienced a more positive impact and less resistance working with people who are currently working one full-time, “soul-sucking” job, very unhappy with their current circumstances, and ready to leave ASAP.Embracing the Needs of a Special DemographicAs I’ve slowly embraced and focused on better serving this specific demographic over the years, I’ve experienced more fulfillment, better results, and a deeper awareness of the value I had to offer them.For example, many of these people in these circumstances come to me in a lot of pain and frustration; often feeling emotionally isolated, and physically, mentally, even spiritually “bankrupt.” They are not only working in a grueling, draining, toxic workplace, but are adding on an additional 10-15 hours a week on average looking for new work coupled with raising a family, being a spouse, and having an actual life!What I’ve consistently found is that once we collaborate and put together an effective strategy tailored to fit their individual needs and strengths, we reduced their search to 2-3 hours a week in addition to our 1 on 1 calls. Equally (if not more) importantly, they quickly begin feeling more confident, optimistic, energetic and significantly less stressed.Soon, they start functioning better in all other areas of their life. I’m sure you can also imagine how much better they show up to new job interviews (and even their current job) with this renewed spirit and energy.Helping Others Optimize Linkedin While on the JobOne of the primary areas I’ve also helped this demographic with has been optimizing their LinkedIn to attract new jobs while they still work at their current job.Now, if you’re reading this, you probably understand (and can identify with yourself) some o f the complexities, apprehensions, and perceived “obstacles” many of these people have when they come to me.Below are four of the more common ones:Fear of “getting caught” looking for work on LinkedIn by their current employer. Fear of their coworkers somehow catching on that they are using LinkedIn to look for work. Unsure of using LinkedIn for professional branding or how to “present themselves” to transition into a new role, position, industry, etc. when it would likely be very risky (and confusing) to communicate that while they still work for a specific company and industry. This being the first time they’ve EVER had to navigate doing something like this, (looking for a job while still working somewhere else, particularly, attempting to do so on a public social media platform where millions of other people can see them) they often have a significant apprehension and unclear strategy of whom in their network to connect with and reach out to as they navigate this un charted territory, and often remain stuck.Worried About Nothing?I hear these same types of fears and work through these seemingly “precarious” scenarios with my clients, or other people I speak with in a similar situation, all the time. And knock on wood, but after six years, I’ve never had a client’s worst fears of getting caught come to fruition.Hopefully, that is comforting and good news for you to hear. The other good news is that over the years, LinkedIn has continued to make changes and improvements to help job seekers currently working safely and successfully use the site to find a new job. Working With New Linkedin FeaturesWhile I strongly suggest that you (particularlyExecutive and Senior professionals) work with a professional who specializes in optimizing LinkedIn, LinkedIn is designed to help you effectively stand out amidst the millions of other “all-star” executives. Below are two great additions LinkedIn has addedin 2017to help people attract new opportuni ties and stay “under the radar.”1. Switching your profile to “secret job search mode.”A few months ago, LinkedIn rolled out a feature that privately lets recruiters know you are looking for work. Not only does it remain completely private, but by using this feature, it strongly optimizes your LinkedIn profile and helps you show up higher in recruiters' search results.2. Privately adding your desired industry to your profile. More recently, you can now put your desired industry and it doesn’t display publicly. Aside from the obvious value this provides if you are looking to change industries but don’t want that information publicly displayed, it is also a very powerful search tool that recruiters use in their advanced search for candidates.One of the statistics I learned from the staff over at LinkedIn while recently working for LinkedIn as a hired contractor on a new pilot program was that “Over 300,000 people search by industry on LinkedIn every week. Members listing the right industry are more likely to be discovered.”To select your desired industry on your profile, you go into edit mode in your “Introduction section” and hover over the arrow in “Industry.”More Linkedin Tips and StrategiesAnother tip and strategy I frequently use with people in this particular situation is to begin reconnecting and adding clients, coworkers, employers throughout their career-life on LinkedIn. Because so many of my clients are often in such a state of anxiety, confusion, and just plain feeling worn out when they come to me, they forget that LinkedIn is first and foremost a professional networking site, (not a job search engine) and that adding and connecting with your professional connections is an aim that anyone on the site could be doing that doesn’t implicate looking for another job. Being reminded of (or just learning) this fact brings a huge sigh of relief to my clients.My clients and I will put together a strategy consisting of setting specifi c, time-based goals which often includes making lists of specific people in their professional network on LinkedIn to reach out and reconnect with people they feel safe sharing about their current situation, hopping on phone calls, meeting in-person, emailing, exchangingprofessional recommendations with, etc. What always amazes me, and especially amazes my clients, are the types of opportunities that can quickly begin to present themselves as they are consistent in doing this. Additionally, many of their fears subside as they start to open up and share more about their current situation with others, learn that they’re not alone, and begin receiving assistance and support in their new journey.

3 Signs You Are About to Get What You Want - Classy Career Girl

3 Signs You Are About to Get What You Want Tried everything to get unstuck in your personal and professional life? Getting impatient and frustrated from not seeing any signs or changes? No worries, you may be closer to that breakthrough than you think! Breakthroughs are easy to predict once you know where to look! Every challenging period has a breaking point and most of these obstacles weaken without showing any obvious signs of weakening. Whether you hit a wall or are starting to feel something isn’t quite working out, then pay attention to these 3 signs. 3 Signs You Are About to Get What You Want 1. Half steps Before a major breakthrough, typically aspects of what you want will start to show up. However, its typically not the complete package. For instance, if you are planning to buy a car and  car  is advertised  at the dealership  that  meets all the requirements that you want in your ideal  car but,  its just not in your price range. That is a sign that you are close but not quite there yet. Sometimes, it might ultimately be that it is the car for you, but you have to work a little harder to get closer to being able to afford it. If this is happening to you right now, maintain your focus, your energy, on your ultimate goal. Dont settle. Be ok with adjusting some of your requirements,  like giving  up that sunroof or leather seats.  Note though that  there is a difference between being flexible on your criteria and settling on a major issue. 2. Money flow changes Money is energy. When going through a major life transition, money flow will either slow down or stop coming in. When moving from one life stage to another, like being jobless to being employed, your energetic frequency changes. Its a huge lifestyle transition. When jobless, youre vibrating at a certain frequency. The version of you that is employed vibrates at a higher frequency. In between the two stages of frequency, this  is the transition stage. When in transition, money flow, which is basically energy flow, can either slow down or stop completely. It stops because the vibrational energy aligned with the old version of you is shifting gears. During the transition, that holding phase, there is a gap before money, again thats energy, aligns with the new version of you. Along the same lines, money could start to flow immediately when youre aligned with your purpose. Everything starts to flow again because energetically you are aligned when youre answering a calling.  Thus, notice for the shifts in money flow. 3. Unforeseen shifts Notice if there are unforeseen shifts in your routine. When youre transitioning into that new phase, you may unexpectedly come across new people that will help you get closer to your goal. Or at least point in your the right direction. You might start seeing things differently and even eating differently. These are all related to shifts in frequency. Big issues tend to get resolved in order to make space for what you desire. This could be credit card debts being resolved. When big solutions start to show up, it means youve shifted frequencies and youre starting to align with the desired outcome. Heres a video I recorded with more details for you about each of these signs:

Why Use a Template Creator?

Why Use a Template Creator?If you have ever wanted to create your own template for your online business, a template creator is for you. This can be used in any aspect of business, whether it is a product template or a membership website template.The internet is filled with templates for just about anything you can think of - from a blog to a website, for example. This means that you can quickly create something that will appeal to all types of people and capture their attention in a great way. This can be used in many different ways, including adding a web-logo. This makes your company stand out, without you having to spend the time and money on professional design.With a template creator, you can have something completely custom designed. This means that you can include more colours, include images, choose text colours and more. It also means that you can make your business stand out in a unique way. Some templates are very basic, while others are much more detailed.If you are start ing up a membership website, then this can be a very exciting time. By using a template, you can add a personal touch to the site that no one else has done. You will be able to create a site that people will love.If you are a web designer, then creating a custom website can be very easy with a template. There are many things you can use as templates, including template-based magazines and newspapers. This means that you can create a unique site that people will want to visit and keep coming back to.When starting up a membership website, the web hosting company will often offer templates as part of their packages. It can be a great way to get the ball rolling when creating your site, which is why a template is so popular.One of the biggest benefits of using a template creator is that it is incredibly quick and easy to use. It doesn't take too long and is perfect for anyone who wants to create their own site without having to do the legwork of learning HTML or CSS. This can also be us ed to add any type of image to your site.There are plenty of template creators available today, but they tend to be more expensive than not. However, when it comes to creating a unique site, this is exactly what you need.

Dallas, Find Jobs through Relationships - CareerEnlightenment.com

And when asked “tell me about yourself” you will tell them in simple clear terms what you do and what you are looking for.There will be an exchange of business cards. (So if you don’t have any, you should print some up today.)Let’s face it, job seeking is a skill in and of itself. And as with most skills, to become more competent, you should practice the skill as well as learn more through books and trainings. So why not grab a book about networking?Online NetworkingSince there really is a limit to how many $1 beers and cheese plates you can tolerate in a week, you can supplement your networking with social media.From a tactical point of view, this might mean having a professional-looking LinkedIn profile, and then adding the new people you meet to your LinkedIn network.From a strategic point of view, this could mean researching the companies you really want to work for, and then using social media to reach out directly to info-interview sources.Whatever you do with social m edia, keep in mind that it supplements, not replaces, networking. It’s about relationships.Keep Your Skills SharpMany hiring managers will agree that most of the skills needed to do the job they are hiring for come from on-the-job training. Did you know you can enter the State Department’s foreign service with just a high school diploma?The skills you think are important might not really be important to your next position. Don’t just grab classes at the community college because you think that’s what an employer wants. You need to really know.For example, the largest employment segment in Dallas is health care. The Obama administration has a goal of completely eliminating paperwork from health care. So hospitals and clinics are buying very elaborate and sophisticated software. Do you know what software your target company is using? If not, you should â€" and you should learn how to use it.If you live in or near Dallas and want to learn more about how to use social media to s horten your job search, meet the right hiring managers, and find the right job, I’m coming to Dallas between Jan 21-28, 2012! So be on the lookout for opportunities at your local job networking events to swing by and say HI.

How to Stop Being Undervalued at Work

How to Stop Being Undervalued at Work Do you ever feel like people at work don’t really “get” who you are and what  you’re capable of?  That’s what I call being misunderstood and undervalued, and it’s happened to me more than once. Not only does it feel frustrating, it can have some serious knock on effects to your career. Like getting passed over  when they’re handing out  cool assignments, or being  excluded from key conversations where new ideas are hatched and strategies decided. You hold the key Each time I felt misunderstood and undervalued, I remember thinking, “If only they knew the kind of person I am. Then, I’d get a fair shake”. And I saw only two options: wait for senior management to notice me, or change jobs and try again. Waiting left me feeling more frustrated and helpless, and leaving my job seemed extreme since I liked the company I worked for. So I started to read self-help books, watching what others did, and taking a hard look at myself. I also consulted my family “brain trust” (aka, Mom, Dad, my sister and my husband). Back then, I didn’t have a mastermind group, but if I did, I would have discussed the problem with them too. What I concluded was this: My own behavior held the key to my  being understood. And since I liked the organization,  it would be silly to  leave unless I had done my part to make things work but discovered there was still a problem. So if you’re like me back in the day, thinking that my boss, colleagues or senior managers should be the ones to reach out and figure out just how marvelous a contributor I could be, then the sooner you understand and take action on this, the better off you will be: It's up to you to help people understand who you are, what you’re capable of and the value you bring. Why it’s up to you First of all, it matters more to you than anyone else â€" you have the biggest upside, and also the biggest downside. No one has  nearly the incentive you have.  They’re preoccupied with their own situation, and if you don’t make it a priority, it’s not going to happen. Secondly, if you haven’t done your part to learn and grow, then your problems are likely to follow you to the next place you work. You can leave your company, but you can’t leave yourself behind. Finally, as with all aspects of succeeding in your career, you have to do the work of putting yourself in a position to succeed. It’s not like getting a massage, where you relax while  someone else does the work. As scientist Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” 5 questions to ask So when you find yourself being misunderstood and undervalued, here are five questions to ask yourself. Your answers will guide you toward the best action  steps to take. Once you start taking actions, you’ll feel much better about yourself and your situation. 1. What’s causing you to be misunderstood? There are many reasons why you might be misunderstood. Getting to the core of that will help you figure out whether it’s something worth working on. And, if so, it will give you clues as to how to address it most effectively. The solution usually starts with understanding why you’re not getting the opportunities or recognition you want. For example: They see you as an expert in whatever you currently do, and can’t envision you doing anything else Tom was a lawyer heading up our documentation group, and doing such a great job that the rest of us not only didn’t want him to move to another role, we couldn’t imagine him doing anything else. But Tom’s ambition was to move into the advisory side of our business. He needed to find situations to show his client advisory potential. They misread the extent to which you are ambitious Having turned down an opportunity to relocate a few years ago, Paul’s managers assumed that he wasn’t interested in relocating even if it came with a promotion and greater visibility. When someone else got the job, Paul realized he needed to tell his managers that his situation had changed and that he wanted to be considered for all opportunities. They see you as less capable than you really are People only see a slice of who we are and what we can do. So if you only work with someone on a specific type of project or in a narrow part of what you can do, they won’t have the full picture of what you bring to the party. Or worse yet, maybe the one time they saw you in action was when you were having a bad day. As a friend of mine likes to say, “senior managers only get one or two snapshots of your performance”. So you need to manage those situations well and create more of them if you can. Either way, it’s up to you to find ways to show others the full and accurate picture. They think you want a different degree of work/life balance than you actually do My friend Valerie’s bosses assumed she would go part-time once she had children. After all, that’s what the other two women in the department had chosen to do. But in Valerie’s case, that wasn’t true. She had to make it clear that she was the primary earner in her family and wanted to be considered for top opportunities. They still see you as the same person you were when they worked with you 5 years ago When you’ve been with one organization and in the same role for a long time, people may have an outdated view of you. Just like parents have a hard time seeing their adult children as anything but their kids. You need to update their impressions proactively through your demeanor and the capabilities you showcase. 2. Who doesn’t understand you, but needs to? This is important to figure out because it’s not equally important for everyone in the organization to know what you’re all about. You want to start with the people who have the biggest impact on your career â€" the ones who determine what you work on, the degree of autonomy you have, the resources available to you, the visibility you have and so forth. Your seniors: If it’s your boss and the more senior people in your reporting line who don’t understand your true capabilities, then you’ll struggle to get the stretch opportunities to prove yourself promotion-worthy, much less get promoted. Unless they see you for who you are now and your future potential, then it’s going to be tough to get ahead. How do your seniors see you? Your colleagues: If it’s the people you need to work closely with, then you’ll have a hard time getting your work done efficiently and effectively. Again, a career-limiting situation. How do your colleagues see you and your role, and to what extent is there an opportunity to build a collaborative, mutually beneficial relationship? Your support team: It’s not always about seniority. For example, if you’re a basketball coach, then you need to know and be known by the person who keeps the keys to the gym. That’s saved my husband and his players from standing out in the cold when the building was unexpectedly locked. Who holds the key to your ability to excel at your work, and do you “get” each other? 3. What do you want them to know about you? If you could start out with a clean slate, then what would you want your managers, colleagues and support team to know about you? It’s easiest and most effective if you have just a few key things to get across. In my experience, it’s best to choose no more than three. Otherwise, your impact gets diluted and you’re likely to be just as misunderstood as before. So, what would be the three words or phrases you want them to use to describe you? At different points in your career, your answer will likely be different. Early on in my career, I needed people to understand that I was excellent at the content of my job, resourceful in getting things done, and exceptionally hardworking. Once I nailed that perception, I needed to move on to making it obvious that I was ambitious, able to bring in business, and excellent with clients. Still later in my career, I needed others to understand that I was a leader, had presence and impact, and could be a strategic thinker. Given where you are now, what would be the three things that would correct any misunderstandings about who you are and what you’re capable of? By the way, think of these as the new things that you want people to understand about you. They aren’t the only ways that people will see you, but will build on all the other great things they’re thinking already. Or if they’re not yet thinking great things about you, then these new items will be replacements that improve upon their perceptions. 4. How and when could you show that? Next, it’s about figuring how you could demonstrate your true self to the relevant audience. The best way to do that is to look for moments in the day when you can demonstrate your capabilities. I call these “Pivotal Moments” â€" moments when what you do or don’t do, and what you say or don’t say can create a fundamental shift in the way people see you. Pivotal Moments are opportunities for key people to see you in action For example, when you bump into a key person in the hallway or in the Starbucks line. Or when you’re with your boss and colleagues in the weekly team meeting. And definitely at the big presentation you’re giving to senior management. These are all potential Pivotal Moments. How are you making use of them? And when you use those Pivotal Moments, remember that it’s an opportunity for those key people to see you in action. So any moment when you’re with those people is a potential Pivotal Moment. If you’re not around those key people very often, it can be just as good to have people who influence those people see you demonstrating your capabilities, because word gets around. 5. Who could help you with this? While it’s up to you to be proactive and take charge of helping others “get” who you are and what you’re capable of, you won’t succeed by doing it alone. Just like in the Beatles song, we all need a little help from our friends. So think about who you know (or could get to know) to help you in the following ways. Provide feedback: It’s helpful to have friends, mentors and trusted colleagues who can give you an accurate picture of how you’re currently seen, and give you feedback along the way on how you’re progressing on making changes. Who do you trust to give you an honest read on the situation? Help implement: When it comes to putting your new message out there, it helps to have people advocate for you and amplify the message. Who already understands who you are at your best, and how can they help get the message to the people you’re seeking to influence? Who do you know that’s an opinion leader who has influence with the people you’re trying to reach? Keep your spirits up: In my experience, this can feel like lonely work. So it helps to surround yourself with a few people who can cheer you on and support you when the going gets tough. Who do you know that keeps your spirits up and can help you stay motivated? Surround yourself with people who cheer you on and support you when the going gets tough What will you do? Being misunderstood and undervalued is a real drag on your career. Not only does it feel frustrating, it also holds you back from getting new opportunities and gaining recognition. It’s up to you to help people understand who you are and what you’re capable of. So start by asking yourself the five questions: What’s causing you to feel misunderstood? Who doesn’t understand you, but needs to? What do you want them to know about you? How and when could you show that? Who could help you with this? You’ll be taking an important step toward putting yourself in a position to advance in a bigger, more powerful way. So here’s your challenge: What one step will you take to help people understand who you are and what you’re capable of? And if you’re already in great shape, what can you do to  help someone else? Leave a comment and let me know.