FranklinCovey Blog | Economy

Landing a New Job in a Tough Economy

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 | From the Desk of Stephen R. Covey | 2 Comments

In these unpredictable times it is likely that you or someone you know is looking for a job. I have had several people approach me for advice and insight on matters concerning professional development, whether looking for a new position or looking to advance in their current role. I have seen the tremendous need for direction and guidance on this topic. As a result, this August I will be hosting a professional development webinar series. The topics I will cover are Employability, Resilience, and Contribution. But until then I would like to share a couple thoughts to help you or someone else find new work.

Times have changed. One of the things I often tell people is that you can’t do a job-search the way you used to. Most people have relied heavily on a job application form and a resume. Typically, that just doesn’t work anymore, although those are useful things and most times necessary. In today’s world you have to adopt a new mindset for finding and securing a job-and not just a job but work that you would find meaningful. › Continue reading

Tags: Advice, Applications, Career Development, Direction, Economy, Event, Few Minutes, Guidance, Hosting, Insight, Job Application Form, Job Resume, Job Search, Looking For A Job, Mindset, Networking, New Economy, New Job, New Position, People, Professional Development, Prospective Employer, Resilience, Resume, Resumes, Stephen R Covey, Unpredictable Times, Webinar, Workshop

____ In a Crisis (you fill in the blank)

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 | Leadership | 1 Comment

One of the great opportunities this downturn has created is the selling of how to do something in a crisis.  I get many emails a week offering to educate me on how to do something I thought I knew how to do, but no apparently do not because we are in a crisis and everything is different.  ‘How to lead in a crisis’, how to project manage in a crisis’, ‘how to sell in a crisis’, ‘how to buy a car in a crisis’, ‘how to make French onion soup in a crisis’ (well, that one wasn’t real).    While everyone is on the bandwagon, they are with good cause.  The crisis demands at times new actions for new challenges.  However, at other times, what it demands is a recommitment to what has always worked, but was less understood in good times.  This is the case with leadership.

Given that our job as leaders is ultimately to get results through our teams, and given that declining results are one of the big problems in this economy, then our problem to solve is results.  And, given that we need to achieve results through people, our challenge is to help a group of people who are bombarded daily both in the workplace and the press with dour forecasts for the future, feel motivated, energized and engaged. 

The good news is not only is it possible, it is probable if the leader does the right things.  A crisis sets the stage for the leverage and changing of the most powerful force over behavior in an organization – culture. › Continue reading

Tags: Bandwagon, Challenges, Crisis, Culture, Downturn, Economy, French Onion Soup, Good Times, How To Buy A Car, How To Make French Onion Soup, Job, Lead, Leadership, Leadership Training, Leverage, Organization Culture, Purpose, Trust