Like the seasons, the times are changing. View this email in your browser September … Already?  We’re not those kids in the school hallways nervously looking for our classroom, nor are we trying to remember a locker combination. However, we are probably feeling like it’s time to get back to the reality of work and the goals that we set for ourselves for 2017. It’s probably also a time to confront some lingering issues now that the distraction of summer is behind us. Since you’ve had a chance to relax and catch your breath, it’s a terrific time to focus on your career or make those improvements you’ve had on your mind for a while. If you’re sensing a shift within your current role or workplace, you’re most likely contemplating your options. I encourage you to be mindful of what is likely to be happening within the next few years. In the May newsletter, I told you that I’d be attending the APEX conference for Public Service Executives and that I’d share what I learned. I kept my word. In this blog post, I explain some of the hidden HR and career-related implications of the technological changes that are anticipated in the next coming years.   Read more about the hidden implications of technology on careers and HR matters.  TIME TO TAKE STOCK  I don’t know about you, but when fall comes to mind, I think of the beautiful harvest of crisp local apples and the fresh autumn air paired with the changing colours all around us. It’s also a season of transition and a time during which many of us want to reap what we’ve already sown. In other words, it’s the perfect moment to make sure that you benefit from the efforts you’ve already made to acquire work experience, training, and possibly credentials, designations, or diplomas/degrees.   Part of this stock-taking includes your work environment and work role: Are you content in your workplace? Are there problems that you’ve been avoiding at work? Do you feel ready to move on or take on different tasks or responsibilities? Are you feeling like things are changing somehow in ways that might not suit you? Choose the best possible opportunities for yourself. This article about Professional Derailment may help you with your decisions. “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” – Anonymous Just like autumn leaves, sometimes we need to shed old work habits or take the time to rake in some extra income by improving our existing career or business. Workplaces are changing. Lately, I’ve branched out and explored some new topics because of what I’m seeing.   For instance, many of us believe that it’s considered impolite to discuss religion or politics at work. Our news feeds are dominated by stories that feel very political, so while it’s often tempting, it is wise to avoid those topics. With that said, to say nothing about the elephant in the room can injure your corporate culture. In most workplaces, there’s someone who is or is connected to an immigrant, a Jewish person, a Muslim person, someone from the LGBTQ community, a person with disabilities, a person of colour, or a First Nations person. These people may feel vulnerable and/or under attack as a direct result of what’s seen in the news. Here are some ideas about how to discuss values without mentioning politics or religion at work.   You’ve probably heard the terms Coded Language and Dog Whistle Expressions being thrown around. Curious to know more? Here’s a lesson. NEWS AND UPDATES This fall, instead of participating in some of the same events that I attended last year, I’m writing a magazine article about the desperate need to minimize the risks of cyber and other insider threats. This article will serve as a wakeup call about the importance of improving organizations’ resilience to digital and analog insider threats. You’ll also see that I’m keeping busy with my volunteer efforts through the Zonta eClub of Canada. Copyright © *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*