Entries in Interviews (11)
Are you a Timex Watch in a Digital World?
Don Straits , Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 3:36PM This post continues to reaffirm how imperative it is for executives to adapt to the new career paradigm. Every day, without exception, I talk with executives who just don't get it. The net result is they are out of work, out of touch and will be left out in the cold.
Thank You Letters are Boring: Give Yourself a Competitive Edge
Don Straits , Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 11:29AM Thank-you letters are so boring. But you feel compelled to write one because the career books, career counselors, and HR managers tell you that is what you are supposed to do. If you don’t do it, then you failed to show professional courtesy. If you do send one, the recipient will appreciate it, but it is rarely the defining factor that gets you the job. Furthermore, they all sound alike. Yawn.
So here are a few thoughts on giving yourself a competitive edge by writing Thank You letters with pizzazz.
Paralysis by Analysis: The Challenge of Going from Being an Analytical to a Visionary Leader
Don Straits , Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 9:15PM Analytical thinkers represent a resource and value that is truly extraordinary to our society. They encompass a wide variety of careers from accountants to auditors to actuaries to programmers to market research statisticians to research scientists and many others. Their contributions to our society are priceless from sophisticated software programs to wonder drugs. Every day we enjoy the benefits they have created without ever realizing where they came from.
As a career strategist, I never cease to admire their intelligence and focus. When an analytical wants me to help guide their career into a leadership role, I face an enormous challenge. Sometimes their greatest strengths become a liability in their attempt to transition to a leadership role.
Expectations and Entitlements
Don Straits , Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 7:33PM We are in the worst recession since the great depression, and what amazes me is that a day doesn't go by that an executive, who is seeking a new position, doesn't tell me about what he/ she believes he/she is entitled to because of their past experience. And then they tell me of their unrealistic expectations in terms of compensation and other benefits.
"What we have Here is a Failure to Communicate."
Don Straits , Friday, February 6, 2009 at 2:12PM The title of this post comes directly from the movie "Cool Hand Luke." It is a sentence that has become ingrained in our lexicon of language. Its meaning is unfortunately pervasive throughout our society, and maybe, it is more pronounced in the fabric of our society than ever before.