Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

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  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #4: Build Your Transferable Skills

    In uncertain economic times, it can seem like we are at the mercy of the decisions of others. Supervisors making staffing cuts, politicians making tax, spending and policy changes, economic trends beyond our influence.

    Over the past several weeks, Claudia and I have been discussing where we do have choices. Listen in as we talk about the power of expanding and honing our transferable skills.

    When we can view ourselves in terms of the transferable skills we possess instead of in terms of our current job description and its responsibilities, we open up a world of professional opportunities to which we were previously blind.

    Listen in.

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    Catch up on the entire series on Uncertainty & Stress.

  • Question of the Week

    What is the difference between having a distinct working style and not being a team player?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #3: Knowing Where Your Money is Going

    Keeping our focus on the things that we can control, our attention shifts this week to our personal finances.

    Many people feel they have no choices when it comes to money. It’s all gone before the next pay check even arrives. The bills pile up, and the thought of losing your job keeps you up at night.

    Do we really have no choices? Or could it be that there are some choices available that we do not see?

    In this week’s podcast conversation, we suggest taking a look at where you spend your money. Try breaking down your expenses into three categories: fixed commitments, flexible values, and discretionary extras.

    You’ll be surprised at what you find. Just knowing where you have choices will take an enormous weight off your shoulders.

    Listen in.

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  • Question of the Week

    How do you affirm and encourage risk-taking without reducing your demand for results?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • Adding Value Idea: Be a Team Player

    One area of work that is always in your own control is whether or not you choose to be a team player.

    One thing you can do to shape how others perceive your contribution to the organization is find ways to make the entire team more successful.

    This could be as simple as helping an overwhelmed co-worker finish a task. You could compliment someone in front of their supervisor, making them look good. You could add a level of extra coordination to your efforts, so that more of the people affected know what’s going on.

    What you’re looking for are opportunities to take the initiative and engage beyond the strict limits of your job description with an emphasis on making the entire team function better.

    In light of our podcast conversation topic this week, when uncertainty inserts its unwelcome head, you will already be perceived as a team player… key, if not indispensable, to the organization. One more thing in your own control. One less thing to stress about!

    Where have you found opportunities to engage as a team player?

  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #2: Add Value to Your Current Job

    Always in our own control is how we choose to show up at work.

    Fully engaged? Detached? Withholding? Resistant?

    In this week’s podcast conversation, Claudia and I look at the practice of adding value to whatever you do at work. Not only is full engagement a more rewarding personal experience, in times of uncertainty such consistent contributions can make the difference between being perceived as an indispensable asset or not.

    Listen in.

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  • In~Verse: Rilke’s Book of Hours

    I am, you anxious one.

    Don’t you sense me, ready to break
    into being at your touch?
    My murmurings surround you like shadowy wings.
    Can’t you see me standing before you
    cloaked in stillness?
    Hasn’t my longing ripened in you
    from the beginning
    as fruit ripens on a branch?

    I am the dream you are dreaming.
    When you want to awaken, I am that wanting:
    I grow strong in the beauty you behold.
    And with the silence of stars I enfold
    your cities made by time.

    Book of HoursRainer Maria Rilke
    Book of Hours: Love Poems to God
    Riverhead Books, New York, 2005
    (I, 19; p. 81)

  • Question of the Week

    What attitude expectations do you have for your team, and how do you communicate and model these?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • 25 Words of Work / Life Wisdom

    Who will give my gift if I don’t?
    In vain do I blame others
    for not yet seeing
    what has been given me to create.

    Thank you, Liz Strauss, for initiating this writing project, 25 Words of Work/Life Wisdom.

    Be sure to visit her site, not only to read the other insightful entries, but to add your own!

    On your side,

    – Karl

  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #1: Taking the Stress Out of Uncertainty

    We are surrounded by uncertainty. Economists can’t agree whether or not we’re in a recession. Large corporations in the news are cutting back on staff and closing factories and storefronts. The government is mailing out stimulus checks to spark some spending.

    This week we begin a new podcast series entitled Taking the Stress Out of Uncertainty.

    Instead of losing sleep over the things we cannot control, listen in over the next five weeks as Claudia and I discuss what is in our control.

    • Week #1: Taking the Stress Out of Uncertainty
    • Week #2: Add Value to Your Current Job
    • Week #3: Know Where Your Money is Going
    • Week #4: Build Your Transferable Skills
    • Week #5: Stay Connected to Your Relationship Network

    Listen in.

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