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Change Anything – tips for success

Mary Campbell-Cree, 19 January 2012

Top-performing employees do three things well & consistently that set them apart, that can be emulated by anyone else who wants to succeed in their careers, according to a recently published book, Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success. Willpower - often held to be central to whatever changes we seek to make in our lives & careers - is not part of the equation.

Top employees put effort into the technical aspects of their jobs, contribute to work that is critical to their company's success and are known for being helpful. But what keeps it from being quite that simple are the outside influences that can reinforce bad habits at work and home.

You have to step back, acknowledge that willpower isn't going to do it, look for the influences that are in power today in your life. The strategies they present are based on psychological & medical research as well as a 5,000+ person study.

The first step is to figure out the "crucial moments" where you fall into bad habits. Those could involve certain times, places, people or when you're feeling stressed or tired. The next step is to establish rules to follow when such moments arise.

Then it's important to use what the authors call "six sources of influence" in your favour rather than let them work against you. Those are: personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation & ability (use social networks for encouragement), structural motivation (bear in mind the costs of not advancing in your career - less income, lower morale) and structural ability (make changes in your env. to make it easier to keep at better work habits).

The book emphasises that we’ve a lot less control over our behaviour than we think we do. We're overly optimistic in relying on willpower. The book is meant to give you the influence back, what is pulling against you, bring over to your side so it can work for you.

Congratulations to Ashley Mudford

Mary Campbell-Cree, 18 January 2012

Congratulations and best wishes to Ashley Mudford, who commenced at DOC this week as their new CIO.

MCC People has moved ...

Mary Campbell-Cree, 12 May 2011

MCC People's lease at Level 1, 136 The Terrace ended this week.

We are now located back at Level 7, !54 Featherston Street in the CEO Suites where we spent out first 3 years of operation.

The phone number remains the same.

IDC's Top ICT Trends Predictions for 2011

Mary Campbell-Cree, 18 January 2011

1. Chief information officer (CIO) gets strategic: Priorities will be driving the business value of technology, managing disruption and reforming IT governance

2. Everything goes mobile: The Mobile computing explosion will redefine devices, consumer behaviour, workplace practices and create a new applications battlefront

3. Behind enemy lines: Consumer passion for disruptive devices and applications in the workplace will force IT departments to adapt and optimise

4. The cloud fog dissipates: Cloud computing gains traction, but the approach will be 'best fit for purpose' with the focus on migrating, integrating, securing and consistently delivering services

5. Strange bedfellows: Disruption will force ICT players into new partnerships and roles for growth, forcing them to reshape, recreate and reconcile business models

6. The ultra-fast broadband debate: The debate over who builds the national fibre network will shift to risks of industry restructuring, regulation & how to make it work

7. The social enterprise: Social networking will mature & innovative companies will use it to create a new social business model that empowers staff & transforms business approaches

8. Government trims down to gear up: The new govt public procurement programme drives shared services, providing better frontline services with less duplication

9. Connected health services come of age: Broadband initiatives, successful telemedicine trials, rapid mobile technology adoption & consumer acceptance means e-health adoption reach a tipping point

10. Rugby World Cup 2011: The event showcases NZ innovation  stimulates revenues - but pre-match preparation & execution will be critical

Benefits of using Linkedin

Mary Campbell-Cree, 6 May 2010

LinkedIn is a fantastic business networking service.

As the economy plummeted in 2009, LinkedIn's popularity skyrocketed, not only with millions more members but also partnerships with IBM, Microsoft and Twitter. If you're on the hunt for a new job - or just looking to ramp up your activity and connections then these tips help you get more from this great service.

1. Groups. Actively participate in a handful of groups related to you. Find "Groups" on the navigation bar. From here you can search for a group to join, manage your groups or start a new one. Groups will keep you updated and as a forum for you can ask and answer questions.

2. Advanced People Search. Try using this search method instead of the basic search when looking for new connections. The "Advanced People Search" allows you to find contacts based on geographic area, company, keyword, industry and more.

3. Company Buzz. Under "More..." choose "Application Directory". This  brings you to a page with a number of applications that you can add to your homepage and profile. The "Company Buzz" tool aggregates mentions of a company from Twitter, allowing you to discover relevant trends and comments about a company. So you could use this to see what is trending from Twitter.

4. Recommendations. Getting recommendations from colleagues, managers and clients alike that are succinct and relevant help bring more credit and validity to your profile.

5. Events. Under "More..." choose "Events". Here you can view events (including webinars) that your connections are attending, search popular events and find ones to attend.  It's a great way to find and connect with new people.

CIOs don't expect IT recovery from Gartner Survey

Mary Campbell-Cree, 17 February 2010

Gartner's annual CIO survey, in its 11th year, polled 1,600 CIOs worldwide representing US$120 billion in IT spending between September and December 2009.  While many speculate economic conditions will recover, 41 percent of IT leaders globally are planning for "continued business contraction" worldwide, 53 percent expect to see stabilisation in 2010, and 6 percent expect to see growth.

Two things came out of the survey:

• 2009 was the toughest for IT on record
• 2010 would be another tough year

The economic conditions are driving CIOs to reshape their focus from cost efficiencies to productivity. As part of the economic recovery, IT leaders realise they need to produce more services, respond to the business more quickly and deliver more value with significantly less resources.

Another significant find in Gartner's survey is that IT doesn't expect to return to previous operating models following this recession.

Global study finds IT has grown in importance

Mary Campbell-Cree, 3 December 2009

Accenture's Global Survey on IT Investments Reveals Anticipated Spending Boosts in 2010

A majority (72 percent) of business and information technology (IT) executives say their organisations place greater value on the IT function today than they did before the economic crisis. What's more, they view IT as an important part of their economic recovery efforts.

Consequently, executives expect technology spending to increase in their organisation either selectively (47 percent) or across the board (10 percent) in the next 12 months. Further non-IT executives appear even more bullish than those directly responsible for IT, as 61 percent anticipate technology spending boosts.

The survey of more than 550 executives, in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, highlights that cost savings and control remain a key driver when it comes to IT investment decisions. The respondents identified three measures as most effective in reducing the cost of implementing IT projects: Ensuring the stability and business relevance of project requirements; the replacement or rationalisation of existing systems; and movement to open platforms.

The need to invest in technology notwithstanding, the study also shows that companies will keep a close eye on the returns delivered by IT. Accordingly, the vast majority (81 percent) of executives across all geographies say they are under increased pressure to deliver projects that incorporate more flexibility than was previously required.

Unsolicited Electronic Messages

Mary Campbell-Cree, 19 November 2009

I just wanted to share some information on the Unsolicited Electronic Message Act, that I was not aware of.

I just received an email that I considered to be SPAM, under the law. However, in tiny print at the bottom of the email, was this statement - "This electronic message is sent to you under deemed consent. Deemed Consent is where the electronic address is conspicuously published by the person in a business or official capacity (website, brochure or magazine etc), and the publication of the address is not accompanied by a statement to the effect that the relevant electronic address holder does not want to receive unsolicited electronic messages sent to that address. The message however, must be relevant to the business, role, functions or duties of the person in their business or official capacity."

As it happens the email did still break the Act, because there was no UNSUBSCRIBE facility.

As a heads-up, there are 3 steps to compliance:

1. Must have consent, of which there are also 3 types:
   ‘express‘ consent – direct permission such as signing up on a website to receive emails from you
   ‘inferred‘ consent – the nature of the relationship or transaction you have with the recipient infers that they will want to hear from you
   ‘deemed‘ consent – by conspicuously publishing their contact details and electronic address they have deemed to have given their consent to  receive messages from you that are relevant to their expressed interests or business
2. Must identify who you are and how you can be contacted.
3. Must have a working unsubscribe facility, which must be actioned within 5 working days.

Interview - top 10 do’s

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 13 August 2009

The signs are encouraging with shoots of optimism sprouting slowly. So now having made it to the interview, make the time to be ready!  In today’s market, there is much more competition.

Here are our top 10 must “DO’s”:

   . Research as much as you can about them; the organisation and the role
   . Be an expert on YOU! 
   . Have examples ready that match the job competencies and skills required
   . Keep your answers to the point and don’t waffle. If you’re unsure whether you gave enough evidence, ask!
   . If applicable, bring a professional portfolio or work sample
5. Check your attire before leaving home and do polish your shoes
6. Turn off your mobile
7. Pay attention to your body language
8. Look interested and be positive
9. Do not initiate the money discussion at the first interview
10. At the end of the interview, if you are keen, let them know that!

By giving adequate thought and consideration to the above points, you will take a closer step to securing the job...  Good Luck!

It’s Your Time to Shine

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 7 May 2009

Let’s get the following out of the way immediately: 

• Yes, it’s a competitive job market
• Yes, you might even have to kiss a few more frogs than usual
• Yes, you too can succeed!

How do you succeed though?  What are the magical ingredients that will make you stand out?  While there are a number of points that every candidate will want to consider when entering the job search arena, I would like to focus on one particular point: When every advertised job can now receive well in excess of 100 applicants, how do you motivate a recruiter or a potential employer to carefully consider your CV? 

The answer is remarkably simple!  Make yourself stand out with a well crafted Cover Letter or email! Think of it as the tantalising packaging for that perfect gift.   Make the recipient eager to open the package.

When writing this, consider the following points:

• Write it very well – check your grammar, check your syntax
• Do bother to personally address the letter, including company name and address
• Do target the letter to this particular employer and position – generic will not tantalise
• Draw attention to elements in your background that are relevant to this position
• Be very specific and where applicable use examples including information that may not be identifiable in your CV
• Give the reader an insight into your motivation and enthusiasm
• Keep it brief – highlight your strong communication skills by addressing all of the above in one page

In the words of Oscar Wilde:
“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.”

Get a Grip! Can Your Handshake Get You Hired?

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 11 November 2008

A new study published in the September issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology confirms what most of us have know for some time: your handshake really does matter! 

The study suggests that a firm, confident handshake will give both men and women an edge.  Your experience, CV and presentation can all be undermined by an inappropriate handshake.

The study, conducted by trained assessors, involved both handshaking and personality assessments leading to the conclusion that a person’s handshake is directly related to personality and can predict a person’s behaviour. 

The study also offers gender specific conclusions:  women with a firm handshake are more liberal, intellectual and open to new experiences.  These women made a strong and positive impression on the interviewers.  Men, who were open to new experiences however, had a less firm handshake and consequently made a poor impression on the interviewers.

So what constitutes an appropriate handshake?  The formula is very simple and applies equally to men and women: (more).

A quality handshake can open the door to that dream job. So get a firm grip and smile!

Your Personal Coach

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 17 September 2008

How do you inspire, motivate and retain talent in today’s economic climate?  It is imperative in this candidate short market for leaders to focus on smart investments, increasing productivity and talent retention.  Exceptional leaders know the importance of putting people first, of nurturing valuable employees and of taking action to retain them.

To achieve these objectives, leaders are turning to the art of Corporate Coaching. more...

Your Emage

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 1 August 2008

So you’re ready for that next step in your business career.  You’ve invested in a major CV re-write, you’ve bought the new suit, the shoes are all spiffed up and the haircut is oh, so flawless.  Your whole image screams trustworthy, intelligent and successful.  You meticulously prepare yourself for each interview, you arrive early, you ask the right questions, your answers are thoughtful, prepared and informed.  Your referees sing your praises!  So where are the job offers?  What is holding you back?  more..

Work Life Balance

Liana Lloyd-Simpson, 17 June 2008

A recent mail-out from the Department of Labour starts with the tag line: “ Work is getting flexible.  We all need a bit of balance”.  As previously reported on MCC Live! the  Employment Relations (Flexible Working Arrangements) Amendment Act 2007, comes into effect on 1st July 2008.  While some employers may already offer flexible working hours, the Act will impact on how employees and employers manage the statutory rights granted under the Act.

Flexible Working Arrangements Guidelines are available on the Department of Labour website.  The step by step guide provides relevant information for both employers and employees.  Subjects such as the “right to request” and the “duty to consider”, along with information on how to make and how to consider a request, are explained in a direct and straight forward manner. 

DOL have developed additional Resources to help you understand and manage the rights and obligations that arise from this Act.