Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: careers

  • Recession as Change Opportunity?

    Well it seems to be a toss-up among the economists whether or not the U.S. is in a recession. Of course, the semantics are lost on anyone who has already lost their job.

    I hope you are not struggling with the fear and anxiety of job loss. If you are, then let’s get together and talk.

    Sometimes it takes something difficult to force us to take action on something good. I want to suggest that a tight job market may actually be a opportune time to rethink your career direction.

    Instead of passively hoping against hope that you don’t lose your job, take control and use the opportunity to reimagine your professional possibilities. It’s the difference between a posture of worry and paralysis versus a posture of composure and choices. Same ambiguous situation, completely different experiences of it!

    Passion FinderIf you don’t have a copy of our Passion Finder yet, it is an excellent tool for times such as these. Take a look at it now. Get a copy for a struggling friend.

    And, of course, I am available to help you take a more intentional look at your job and yourself.

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Education for What?

    EducationI’ve been thinking about the value of formal education since returning from a college tour with my daughter.

    Granted there’s an expectation in the culture that necessitates degree work for appropriate professional credentialing. But in addition to that, there is the importance of being able to think clearly, comprehensively and complexly in order to meet the challenges of 21st century planet Earth.

    I’m not a big fan of the job-focused approach to education. While being able to secure a job is vital in this money-based world, we need more than the capacity to impress to result from our education.

    Try asking yourself, “Whose world is this?”

    If your answer is, “Theirs” then your focus becomes figuring out what “they” expect and making sure you have it. Once you learn their rules, your education becomes a means to comply and compete. To get the job and to keep the job.

    If your answer is, “Mine” then your focus becomes figuring out what “you” want and making sure you are taking steps to make it happen. You become a participator in making the rules, and your education becomes a means to think and act more creatively, more systematically, more resourcefully. To show up fully and make a difference.

    If you have teens like I do, whose world are you preparing them to inhabit?

  • Mixed Feelings About Monday Morning

    As the weekend winds down, I’m thinking about the variety of feelings we’re all having about going back to work.

    Mixed feelings for me this week. I love the approaching people encounters—some I’ve known for years and a few others I’ll be meeting for the first time. I have certain tasks and deadlines hanging over my head that I’m experiencing as heavy weights for some reason.

    Some projects draw me forward, and my energy increases as I get increasingly involved. Some projects nag and accuse, and I resist with childish dread.

    How are you feeling about getting back to work this week?

  • Tired of Watching From the Sidelines?

    Hands DrawingThe extent to which we show up is the extent to which we can contribute.

    If we wait at the edge of the room for someone to invite us to the proverbial table, we have only ourselves to blame when no one seems to notice all our talent standing there unused.

    We don’t ask if there is a seat for us. We take a seat… our seat. We wear ourselves comfortably and without second thoughts. And in the process of participating, we become co-authors of the unfolding story.

    If you’re tired of the picture others seem to have of you, then draw one yourself. Don’t leave either the artwork or the interpretation to others without finding a way to participate yourself.

    I think you’d be surprised by how much you will accomplish my merely choosing to show up yourself.

  • Inspiration Fix

    Looking for a pithy pick-me-up this morning?

    Check out 10 Inspiring Thoughts on Leadership. Anna Farmery has a down to earth style and sound approach I think you’ll enjoy.

    For those of you who have been working with me on either career or leadership style adjustments, Inspiring Thought #7 is particularly powerful.

    When you learn how to stick to your vision and values but evolve the journey you take – then you increase the chance of success.

    On your side,

    – Karl