Spring 2018: Planting the Seeds of the Future (of Your Career) View this email in your browser
Springtime is when we take care of the garden, open the cottage, wash and tune up the car. Spring is the time to shake off the stagnation of a long winter and welcome growth and a fresh perspective. Spring can be a time to prepare for the season ahead career-wise, too. We may plant flowers, herbs and veggies, but this is also a great time for the planting of our professional seeds, so to speak, like applying for new jobs, taking training to upgrade skills, or investing in career coaching. 
Change is Inevitable, But it Doesn’t Have to Hurt
We’ve heard the news and seen the headlines. Things are changing. Automation and artificial intelligence are inevitably going to have an impact on our lives sooner rather than later. The self-driving vehicle is no longer science fiction. The self-checkout at the grocery store is hardly noteworthy. What does that mean for our specific careers and livelihoods? This short article in the April 2018 issue of The Economist discusses automation and jobs. The good news is, soft skills will be the humans’ saving grace. You know what I mean — how often do we get frustrated with an automated phone system, and ask to speak to a real person? Fortunately, soft skills can help keep us relevant. That’s where I come in.
Coaching, with Other People’s Money
I don’t want to be all doom-and-gloom. There are real upsides to automation. If you’ve been meaning to try to figure out how you may be impacted, and what you can do to capitalize on what’s to come, this is the time. And, here’s some great news — if you’re in the Public Service or work for an organization that provides you with funding for professional development, career coaching counts! I can provide documentation to get your costs paid by your employer. Public servants, for example, have individual annual training allowances for career coaching/professional development and help with work-related things like preparing for structured selection processes/promotion processes, career progression, and interviews. If you work in the private sector, my services may fall within the guidelines for training that’s provided by Ontario–Canada Jobs Grants, which cover approximately 80 percent of my fees. In past years, these grants have run out part way through the year, so don’t delay. Get in touch with me sooner rather than later.
Some People Just Don’t Like Talking on the Phone. When is That a Real Problem?
Some people are introverted, but are still extremely effective on the phone, and may even enjoy talking on the phone under the right circumstances. Other people enjoy talking in person, but they don’t really enjoy talking on the phone; still, they’ll do it when necessary. 
There are others who avoid talking on the phone at any cost. Phone anxiety and the related avoidance behaviours create significant problems in their professional and social lives. They may undermine their credibility, miss out on worthwhile opportunities, and experience negative consequences like missing sales or losing customers. Phone anxiety is real. Read all about this form of social anxiety here. Fortunately, there is a solution, and it’s fairly painless. It can even be covered by training allowances. What do you have to lose? Send me an email or a private message on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter today.
I’m now an Advisor with Startup Canada
Recently, I was invited to be an Expert Advisor with Startup Canada, an organization that provides support and a voice for Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs. If you use Twitter, save the following dates, if the topics are of interest: May 23: Integrity and Kindness in Business May 30: Being the Best You Can Be July 4: Making the Start-Up Community Work for You These chats last from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is not necessary. Let’s Chat! Whether you are interested in improving your own career or strengthening your team, you’re in the right place. Get in touch via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email at helen@ioadvisory.com. I can help. 
