Where are all the Jobs?: blogging4jobs

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

blogging4jobs

Posted: 12 Sep 2011 04:30 AM PDT

I flew yesterday…, and all was well.
I thanked the personnel who helped me through security and I let them know -without fear- that I was glad they were there to provide me with the service of keeping all flights safe.
I am attending a conference for Healthcare Human Resources in Phoenix- The ASSHRA Conference. In an attempt to fully understand and gain a grasp how this conference might benefit my business, I have walked the aisles, speaking with vendors that support the Healthcare HR Industry. There are good things to learn, as we want to benefit clients, as well as make sure we are presenting ourselves in areas that will most benefit from what my company offers.
Years ago, I used to work for a healthcare-specific search firm as an executive recruiter – it is where I cut my teeth in recruiting, in human resources. It was strange to be back at a conference that felt like “home”. BUT, interestingly enough, so much has changed in the recruiting industry over the last five years, that it was, indeed, a strange homecoming. I know that I will forever be connected to healthcare human resources. I left the industry abruptly, which - of course – adds to the tie, as well as the strangeness.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run into a former boss? Someone you never expected to see, ever again? Well, I NEVER wondered about that – because I never expected it to happen.
Yesterday, I saw my former boss, of five years ago. His company was exhibiting at the conference I was scoping out, I didn’t know for sure they would be, but they were. And when I recognized him from afar, I smiled- nothing. I waved – nothing. Life changes. Life goes on and thank God for that. Sometimes, we are faced with “what if’s” and “could of been’s” – it is when we see clearly, when we know the choices that were initially painful to make, when we see them through the lenses of today, that we know the choices we made were the right ones.
They are not necessarily pain-free, but they are right, correct, the best, the way it should be. I am happy where I am now. I love my job and I am thrilled to be working with a company and multiple partners that embrace technology and what lies ahead.
So it goes and so it is that life goes on. Change is inevitable and usually for the better.

Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology. She is also a proud mother of four residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a contributor for Blogging4Jobs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Multi-Tasking, Managing & Leading the Multi-Tasker.

Posted: 12 Sep 2011 02:17 AM PDT

multi-tasking, multitasking, multi-task, multitasking, managing others, employee engagement, leading others, leadership, leadership qualities

Multi-tasking these days means juggling your email, conference call, kids, and the two mobile smart phones you have on hand. It's about balancing your work responsibilities and life responsibilities. The sheer amount of technology and information because of tools like the iPad, laptop computer, and iPhone does not always make our job easier. And for an organizational leader therein lies the challenge of managing, developing, and engaging your team of multi-taskers.
A recent study by Middletown Media Studies at Ball State University found that consumers squeeze 12 hours of media consumption into a 9 hour day. And Google search patterns during the 2010 Olympics found that broadcast viewers used commercials as an opportunity to learn more about what they saw during commercials.
The multi-tasker doesn't impact just our workforce. Literally, it touches everything we do. Leaders like President Barrack Obama successfully used muti-tasking tactics during the 2008 Presidential campaign. Often found with his blackberry in hand, President Obama was seen regularly checking emails and taking calls during his children's events.
Time management and productivity expert, Tony Schwartz has studied work flows and productivity throughout his career. He believes that while time is infinite, energy is resource that is inside us in contrast to time. We have ability to expand and renew. Schwartz, also a best selling author of The Way We're Working Is't Working says that multi-tasking doesn't really exist. Human beings aren't designed to do two cognitive tasks. Productivity on some level will suffer.
Instead Schwartz recommends using work flows letting your body guide your work schedule. If you're tired, you take a break. If you are sleepy, you take a nap, and the all important technology break. That means unhinging your team members (and maybe yourself) from the smart phone and technology devices to focus on accomplishing one task. This way the project has one hundred percent of your full attention. Encourage your employees to take frequent breaks and leave the office often. These mental vacations help you rejuvenate and reconnect with the outside world. Employees and team members cannot sustain 80 hours weeks and remain productive without down time. Encourage your employees to rest and relax.
Because bigger and faster is not always better.
As a Multi-Tasker myself, I’ve written a great deal about juggling family, life, and work. Here are a couple additional blog posts to get you going: