January isn’t waiting and neither should you. View this email in your browser

Portrait businessman sitting outside with laptop

“The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie Now it’s time to blow out the candles of a New Year, along with Canada’s 150th birthday, and make that wish for positive change in our personal and professional lives. 2016 may have been difficult for many, but 2017 can be that much needed new start.  Five to do’s for the demoralized and downsized Ages have stages, and unfortunately, some are not as predictable as you’d think. Gone are the times when job security is parallel with your approaching retirement. You could be at risk of losing your career without merit or perhaps, already you have due to age discrimination disguised as downsizing. Here’s what you need to know: Life in the Time of Ageism

Five things you need to do right now if you’re worried about becoming a corporate scapegoat.

Dwight Eisenhower once said, “The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions.” What isn’t easy is how the scapegoat is supposed to recover personally and professionally. The impact can be life changing, it affects more than emotions, and it can leave a person financially ruined.   So how does one come back from being the scapegoat, especially in the workplace, or better yet how can they avoid becoming one? Corporate Scapegoat: How will I ever get another job?

It’s not me … it’s you. How to break it off with a toxic boss.

What if I told you that you could be caught in an abusive relationship outside of the domestic or romantic realm? Often the media portrays abuse with overtly stereotypical depictions, and so it is common to not realize how you may be in a damaging relationship in other contexts. One example of other harmful relationships could be the one you have with your employer. This is a serious topic that is often overlooked yet it needs to be discussed and resolved.   Guidance is key to getting out. Toxic Workplace – Should I stay or should I go?

News and Notes: What’s new?

I’m pleased to report that I won a “standing offer” with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada. The PSC is the federal government department that hires people to or from within the public service. This means that for the next 2 – 5 years, I’ll be providing leadership assessments to help determine who is promoted to the executive levels of the federal government. I’ll also be conducting other types of evaluations that are based on the principles and practices of Industrial and Organizational (I/O) psychology.

Upcoming Event I’m excited to be speaking to a group of employees at Shared Services Canada about “Ideas for Managing Your Career” during their retreat on January 23rd, 2017. The Director who is arranging this retreat wants to support his staff’s ongoing career development. The goal of my talk and the Q&A session is to encourage these employees to take a more proactive approach to their career progression and networking. I/O Advisory Services is gaining stride! There are now agreements in place for I/O Advisory Services to work as a pre-qualified supplier of HR and Coaching services to the federal government.

It is now fairly easy for federal government departments and agencies to hire me to provide various services including: Career coaching for government employees Assistance with government hiring/selection processes Leadership assessments and development Using HR and psychology as part of the risk management process to help prevent cyber-crimes and threats Various other HR consulting projects Let’s Chat! Whether you are interested in improving your own career or strengthening your team, you’re in the right place. Please feel free to get in touch via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email  I’d love to be able to help!