Author: Skills Team

Are “Ideal” candidates even a thing? Would an EMPLOYER even recognize this “Ideal” if it hit em in the face? Is there a test for Idealism and company fit? Flip it to the Job Seeker… Like how do you know you’re IDEAL? Is a feeling or a hunch?    Do people call you up and say… “Hey … you’re Ideal” or “Seriously… DUDE you’re IDEAL”! I think the term Employers are looking for is ROCK STAR!

Listen we get it… Workplace Culture is a BIG DEAL!  Employers are hungrier NOW more than ever to fill their staff room with “ROCK STARS”!   They have a rapidly changing world of goods and services to deliver to and require a team of emotionally intelligent, bright, curious, problem solving ROCK STARS!  Here is the hard part… they have to keep these ROCK STARS… or RETAIN them.  It’s a competitive world out there and ALL STAR companies know how to poach this talent.  Employers need to keep ROCK STARS well paid and satiated, mentored, challenged and ohh soo sharp!  For what ever reason… there is always a shift in the labour market and ROCK STARS leave… the employer is faced with the big challenge of filling those Goliath shoes. Enter the unrealistic “IDEAL” or “ROCK STAR” or “SUPER STAR” term!

Employers have labour needs all the time! They result from predicted and un-predicted growth and production opportunities ( temporary problems) to solve everyday!  These problems usually create a shift in work load and job creation is born, resulting in the need for new problem solvers (AKA employee’s).   So the employer puts the “CASTING CALL” out.  First; to their most famous ROCK-STARS on their existing team…. they know talent hangs with talent… so they ask… “HEY… if you know of anyone…” second, they do their best to put the call out via job posting…  traditional, boring, time consuming and not an  “IDEAL” to attract Talent. 

So let us all agree that a Job postings is simply a Wish List for a ROCK STAR…  and the IDEAL candidate may be a ROCK STAR waiting to be discovered.   Interviewing candidates is a skill and a talent very few people have, and we are not evce sure its the best way to attract or invite this elusive talent pool. It can be a case of  the right(ish) person, right time, sometimes showy smooth talking person not right time, and sometimes you get the  over selling and under delivering MILLI-  VANILLI version of a ROCK STAR. Our favorite… when employers are looking for a 4 headed Unicorn dressed as the Jolly Green Giant in a field of Lucky Charms while Repairing their NASA flight ship!

We are really just asking for Employers and Job Seekers… to have authentic and realistic conversations about the workload ,workplace culture, organizational fit, their skills and needs for both remuneration and performance.  Let the deliverables of both the Employer and Employee be of Value and Above & Beyond All Expectations! May Employers find their own ROCK STAR qualities… perhaps these people will form a memorable union!

People are designed for improvement… like a fine wine they say!  Don’t we all want to start this new year with some goals and aspirations for a healthier and happier life?  What actions are  you willing to take to make sure 2018 is the best yet?  Who is on your team? What conversations have you had with your inner circle about improving yourself?  We know that Self Awareness is at the heart of Emotional Intelligence, Personal Growth and Leadership… but why is it so hard to ask the questions that could unlock a few truths to your success?  It’s because its Prickly… its unlocking Vulnerability, and looking Perfectly Un-perfect.  Do you want in on a Big… big… big… truth???  We humans like stories of vulnerability, loss, growth, success and improvement; its a sign of strength they say if you can share your “Screw-Ups” and share your goals without risking judgement.  So if Success was the only option… What would your One Career Goal be?

We have a few ideas to get those juices flowing and so does the Muse… Check out their tips here: Big Career Goal? 7 Steps That Will Get You Closer 

Periods of unemployment are challenging and stressful.  In our labour market, we can experience seasonal downturns that can last a few months.  Job searching is important, however experience tells us there may be a wait as well.  Why not use the wait to your advantage.  This article from The Muse tells us of people who used the time of unemployment to accomplish other things.  Life is not just work, and we are not just what we work at.  We have multi dimensions to our interests and abilities.  Use the time to develop these.  A top priority of the unemployment period is to take care of your health, build your strength and endurance.  Find wellness before employment thrusts you back into the pressures of schedules, deadlines and work priorities.

Have a read from the Muse.  Happy Friday everyone!

That’s right!   We  are giving you permission to be a Fun Seed!  Listen up Peeps~~~ Up to 80% of your life is at WORK… so… it is up to You to define how you look at your daily tasks. Sooo… go ahead and infuse humor whenever possible!

If you need some insight on this topic; check out what Liz Ryan has to say about Fun at work.  For all of you managers and leaders get ahead on the workplace VIBE and listen to how she speaks about “Culture Meters” and the natural “Human Power Source”.  We know work can be Fun, if you are using your passion and skills to create a project you all care about! Tap into the mission, vision and “brand” in your company and learn how to spot the “WoW” in what you do. 

FUN FACT: If you work 40 hours a week from age 20-65 you will work just over 90,000 hours in your lifetime… That is a whole bunch of Precious Time… and its on You to make it count. Come on… Get your SMILE 🙂 on!