Inspired careers...                   Newsletter    Issue 2

Hello and welcome back!  This monthly missive from Career Wisdom aims to inform and provoke thought, inspiration and hopefully, action!  It is dedicated to you and your career satisfaction.  Please let me know if there is something you would like to see addressed in future issues.

Feature Article – Are we having fun yet?

This month, the focus is on enjoying your work.  In fact, even more than that, actually having some fun.  Yes, fun.  Some of us may have lost touch with it, in the serious business of making a living and saving for the future.  When you think of your work, does it have elements of fun in it?  Or is it nose to the grindstone without a smile ever passing your lips?  Even if your work is in a challenging or difficult field, do you allow yourself the chance to have a laugh with colleagues or even, dare I say it, even be a bit silly sometimes?

Even those who have found their true vocation and love what they do, sometimes forget the important ingredient of fun - to inspire and uplift themselves and others.

If you work alone, a "lone ranger", you may find that things can get a bit grim occasionally. Especially if you are doing long solitary hours and having to complete your least favourite jobs eg. chasing up money from clients or preparing to visit your accountant (!).  Have on your "call list" a few uplifting people that you can phone for a quick chat and a giggle.  My husband Ed, an internet marketer (www.adwordsmarketing.com.au) hops on Skype to talk to his buddies around Australia and the world and I often overhear him exchanging banter and having a laugh.   Of course, in business, people like to do business with people who are both professionals at what they do and don't take themselves too seriously.

If all of this seems preposterous, perhaps your work, or your work environment, is getting you down.  Resolve to tackle this situation, whilst building fun activities into your life and getting around people whose company you enjoy.

By the way, if you think that your organisation needs to "lighten up", I can recommend a great presenter  - Dave Koutsoukis - "The Fun Man".  Dave goes into organisations and helps put fun back on the agenda. He has also published some fantastic books, including the series "Daily Dose of Fun" and the Fun Ideas at Work (free) e-book available at www.funman.com.au

Challenge – this month, make "more fun" part of your working day.  Feel free to let me know what creative ideas you came up with. 

Riveting Resources:

"The Elephant and the Flea", Charles Handy.  Charles Handy, the management guru, is a favourite author of mine.  He has written a number of books on the new world of work.  This book, subtitled "New Thinking for a New World" relates how individuals (the fleas) relate to multi-national companies (the elephants).  I just love this analogy, as it demonstrates how small individuals / "one-man'bands" can quickly manouevre and take advantage of niches in the marketplace.  Charles Handy has long been a proponent of the portfolio career and follows this example himself, with a blend of teaching, writing, consulting and travelling with his wife who is a photographer.   A very smart man with a voice of clarity, conviction and common sense.  Thoroughly recommended for those who like to understand the bigger picture of the world of work, or who are considering "going out on their own."

Facts and Stats:

Hudson has released a report following research on the most important criteria used by companies when hiring new staff.  Whilst competence / skills for the job naturally rates highly 54%, Cultural and motivational fit is a whopping 37%, with potential to progress in the organisation being 9%.  http://au.hudson.com/documents/emp_au_Hudson_Report_HR_Insights_octdec05.pdf

And I quote:

"At our heart, in our core, resides all the power we need to bring about any change we may dream or hope for."  Richard Chang

Until next time, I wish you all the best.  Remember...have some fun!

Lois