“Even if you are on
the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” ; Will Rogers
Develop Your Expertise
In
today’s competitive career market it is essential for each of us to develop an
expertise, and to share that expertise with others. The more knowledgeable you are in your chosen
niche, the more value you bring to the table.
People want to associate and do business with “experts.” Does that mean you must know everything about
your field –NO- but it does mean that you are open to learning, daily.
Become aware of when and where you can demonstrate your
expertise My favorite ways of sharing
and developing my expertise is to give a speech or seminar or write an
article.In order to do them
effectively, I have to go into the learning mode each time. Giving seminars and workshops will quickly
establish you as an expert.They will
help you hone your skills as well as provide a service to your potential
clientele.
Many employers today
are hiring independent contractors to do things such as book keeping and
accounting, training in the areas of human resources, customer service
etc. The contractors are hired for their
specific expertise to work on specific projects or to fill narrowly defined
roles, normally at a significantly higher rate than if they were salaried
employees.
Develop your expertise from the inside out. Call for your complimentary coaching session
with Desley Parker, PCC; 651-8197.
The best place to succeed is where you are. with, what you are.” Charles Schwab
Develop Your Passion; Delegate Your “Shoulds”
As you consider either entering or transitioning into the work force I challenge you to identify your talents, gifts and passions and to then honor all of them in your job considerations.
I once read a story about a rabbit and a fish. The rabbit was the best hopper in the forest; won every race. His all-knowing, sponsor insisted that the rabbit learn to swim—to become the best swimmer in the land. As he was struggling, on the verge of drowning he pleaded: “Why must I learn to swim…I am the best hopper in the land? That is my talent: that is my passion.” The all-knowing, sponsor simply stated, “Well you already know how to hop, you should learn to swim.” Frustration and exhaustion overtook the rabbit. He learned to swim in order to survive, but he lost his joy and could barely remember how to hop. The fish, the fastest in the stream, was told by his all-knowing; sponsor that he should learn to hop. I think you can figure out what happened to the fish! Examine your talents, gifts and passions. Develop them with abandon. Recognize the “shoulds” in your life and whenever possible delegate them to those who possess those talents and gifts. This concept is as appropriate in your career as it is in your personal life.
My passion is coaching others, helping them develop their passions and lives; but I am a really lousy book keeper. I coach (my passion) and I delegate my bookkeeping (my should/must).
My challenge to you is to examine your life, both personally and professionally. Where do your passions lie? What brings you joy? Those are your strengths—develop them with abandon; delegate or dump your “shoulds” whenever possible. We are all given unique talents, and strengths. Within those strengths and talents lies your unique contribution to the whole.
Become the master of your fate—if you’re a rabbit: hop. If you’re a fish: swim!
Call for your complimentary coaching session, live your Passion!
Desley Parker
Professional Certified Coach
It is that time of year again. Time to think about the Christmas letter. This is a time to reflect on all of the happenings of the year, both happy and sometimes sad. 2007 was a wonderful year in many ways but it was also somewhat sad. The sadness provided lots of growth opportunity.
The sadness centered around the passing of my brother Thomas, Tommy. Tommy and I were incredibly close as children. Yet, as we entered adulthood we grew apart, to the point of being estranged. I cannot remember an incident or a reason for our drift apart, but it happened. When Tommy was diagnosed with cancer, he reached out to bridge the divide we were experiencing. During his remaining months we communicated on a regular basis. Tommy gave me one of the most beautiful gifts in the world. While I am a person of faith and believe in the spirit of forgiveness, I do not think I really understood the power of giving and receiving forgiveness. I was able to be with him during his last days and I can say that those 16 years that passed since we had last truly communicated were erased in an instant. The love that we shared as children was multiplied. Tommy forgave me for my stubbornness and I forgave Tommy for what ever he felt he did that offended me. (There was no reason to forgive him, but I gave it willingly.) My only regret is that it took a major illness to make us realize that we were very important to each other and that our love can and should supersede our false pride.
Do you have anyone you would like to renew that love or friendship with? If so do it now, not at the deathbed. Rejoice in the feelings of freedom and gratitude that forgiveness can bring you. Thank you Tommy, for your special gift and all the gifts of love and friendship you gave me through the years.