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| Kimberly A. Ferguson and Jacque Howard of Trenton 365 |
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Books, Chat and Chew Event
Monday, February 23, 2015
Don't Just Stand There: Personality Type Is a Journey
SO MANY POSSIBILITIES
As I walked into the ISTJs Anonymous Group, I very strategically scanned the room for an empty seat away from the others. The problem was that everyone in the group had probably done the same because people were seated in every other seat or every two seats. As life would have it, I would have to sit right next to someone. . . I tossed and turned in my bed to awake myself from the nightmare.
Okay, so there’s no ISTJs Anonymous (at least that I’m aware of), but perhaps there should be. We ISTJs get a bum rap. With ISTJs making up about 13% of the population, it would be awesome to fellowship with fellow ISTJs, as long as we did not have to hug or touch each other, of course!
As a certified practitioner for one of the most widely used personality assessment tools in the world, I have developed a love for understanding type. I gained my certification to help others delve into type for career and professional development, but the reality is, it has helped me to realize that type truly is a journey. . . my journey.
The beautiful thing about our personality type is that once we understand the different dichotomies and the many beautiful combinations, it is (or should be) our goal to develop ways to navigate the possibilities in ourselves and others. What am I saying? Type does not box us in. . . although others may try to. Instead type opens up a world of possibilities!
ONE TO GROW ON
Let me give you an example: Based on my type, I have a preference for Sensing (I=Introversion, S=Sensing, T=Thinking, J=Judging). As an introverted sensing person, other people (those associated with the type community included) often assume that I cannot pick up on hidden meanings or interpret them (which is a characteristic of my inferior Jungian functional preference of Extraverted Intuition… in case you were wondering). As such, when people are attempting to be sly or clever, internally I am interpreting the behavior, then analyzing the behavior). This happened to me just the other day. I had someone asking me a number of questions about myself under the guise of genuine interest, when she very clearly had an ulterior motive. I played along, strategically responding with a forced smile, and quickly removed myself from the situation. By the way, the smile wasn’t phony; it was deliberate.
I was insulted. Yes, ISTJs do have Feelings, contrary to popular belief; however, like the stereotypical ISTJ, I put the experience in my “one to grow on” stack, tucked it in the corner of my mind for future use (when necessary), and moved on.
THE LANGUAGE OF TYPE
In my personality type classes, I teach type basics, focusing on the dichotomies. Then we focus on communication; speaking and delivering based on the preferences of others. I never encourage people to manipulate each other, but I do encourage folks to communicate with language that speaks to the other person’s preferences. Speak the language of type.
NAVIGATING TYPE
I have a clear preference for introversion; I draw my energy from within. However, when I am standing in front of a group for a speaking engagement or training class, extraversion grabs the wheel – and in that moment, I am energized.
The key to navigating type is to avoid adhering to one category and tap into its true power, which I am working on daily. My preference for introversion, sensing, thinking, and judging doesn't define me.
Type is about growth. It’s about extraversion and introversion; sensing and intuition; thinking and feeling; and judging and perceiving. It’s about replacing the 'OR' with an 'AND'; and being able to effectively use each side depending on the need.
About Kimberly A. Ferguson
Kimberly A. Ferguson is a professional development trainer, speaker, coach, and the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC". For more information about Kimberly,
- Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kfergspeaks
- Like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kfergspeaks
- Visit her online at: http://www.kferg.com
- Join her free network: http://www.kferg.com/#!join-our-network/c18rr
Friday, February 20, 2015
Pull It Together. . .Who's Going to Hire You If You're Frazzled?
Uh-oh! Just when you thought you were about to hit a home run, the interviewer throws a curve ball. Instead of knocking the ball out of the park, you miss it completely. The question has you frazzled. You pause for 5 seconds but it feels like eternity. And as you blurt out a less than stellar response, you can tell that he is not impressed. As he begins to ask the next question, you begin to obsess over the mistake you have made.
If this (or a similar) scenario has ever happened to you, you are not alone. Sometimes we make mistakes during job interviews. The good news is that it is not the end of the world, and it does not have to be the end of the interview (in most cases)! There are several steps that we can take to ensure interview success, even in the face of an error. Check out my Your Career Matters Video. In it, I respond to a question by giving 3 tips that you can begin using immediately:
Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!
- Prepare for Challenges. Think about your last interview. Where did the problem occur? What was the mistake that you made? What would you have said or done differently? Prepare a new response.
- Self-Assess: Take an honest look at your resume. Prepare for any possible de-railers concerning your qualifications. Are there any areas that may raise red flags for employers? Gaps in employment? A decrease in responsibility? A short stint at a company? Determine what those de-railers may be. Then, craft and practice an effective, meaningful can-do response.
Assess the mistake. If you make a mistake, evaluate it. Was it an enormous, noticeable error? Was it something minor that only you caught?
Stay in Control. Mistakes happen. We’re human. Breathe and get over it! You can go back and rephrase the answer. Just stay in control. You want to appear confident and sure of yourself.
And remember: Concise is the key. When recovering from a mistake, if you have to backtrack, make your recovery concise. Don’t spend a lot of time on the recovery. Recover and move on! Get right to the point, and keep it positive.
About Kimberly A. Ferguson
Kimberly A. Ferguson is a professional development trainer, speaker, coach, and the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC". For more information about Kimberly,
- Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kfergspeaks
- Like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kfergspeaks
- Visit her online at: http://www.kfergspeaks.com
- Join her free network: http://www.kferg.com/#!join-our-network/c18rr
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Perception Matters: Is Perception Reality?
I perceive; therefore, it is. Ok, so I’m not exactly René Descartes. I know. But it is an important argument, especially in the world of work. Does perception matter? Does the way that my team, clients, supervisor, and management perceive me impact reality?
Perception Matters.
As much as I try to convince my 9-year-old that what her peers think is meaningless and that the 3rd grade Mean Girls are irrelevant, the truth is that once she hits the world of work, the way that others perceive the value she brings, may indeed have an impact. Before you fall out of your chair in disbelief that I’d make such an assertion, read on . . .
“Perception is reality.” This quote is sure to yield grunts, eye-rolls, and sighs from an audience. And while I am sure there are many that agree with the idea that perception is reality, there are many others who would be willing to argue that it is not. In fact, just last week, I was facilitating a team-building workshop around the theme of the “Power of Your Attitude”, and I stirred up quite a discussion. I projected a quote on the screen:
“It’s not what you do, nor the way that you do it, but how your team perceives what you do and how you do it that determines the value you bring to the team”.
And the crowd went wild. We had such a wonderfully engaging debate around the power and value of perception. Both sides made valid arguments. There were folks who were adamant about the idea that perception does not impact that which is real. And perhaps they are right. Perception may not match truth and reality. It does; however, have an impact on what is real in the eyes of the person/people doing the perceiving. Here’s an example:
Sally perceives that John brings very little value to the team. Sally has her own supporting examples to back up this perception. Even if her examples are flawed, the belief is still true and real to Sally. Reality.
The Good News!
“All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.” ―Friedrich Nietzsche
The good news is that we have the power to manage perceptions, and it doesn’t take much to get started. Here are two quick-start tips to begin the process of managing perceptions!
1. Be Self-Aware
Pay attention. Try to consider the impact you are having on others. How do others view you? What types of responses do you elicit from your words and actions? If anyone has ever read one of my blog posts, read my book, or attended one of my sessions, you know that I am a big fan of self-assessment. Take some time out to examine yourself, your contributions, your impact.
2. Be the Brand!
Whatever your brand is, live it! We hear the term “Personal Branding” thrown about all the time, but what it is about? Personal Branding is the method through which we market ourselves in order to manage others’ perception or emotions related to our value. It is the method through which we shape, market, and manage our reputation.
While I could go on and on talking about personal branding and power of marketing oneself (and I could shamelessly plug my book, “Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC”), I will instead give two quick nuggets:
- Association: Network and connect with people who have a positive, valued reputation and who bring value to you.
- Communication:
- Be very purposeful, deliberate, intentional with your words and actions.
- Plan your communication. If you want to control perceptions, think about the message that you wish to send, and then chose the messaging wisely.
It’s Your Turn
So, I ask you, my readers, two questions:
- Do you subscribe to the notion that Perception is reality?
- What steps do you take to control to manage others’ perceptions of you?
Share your thoughts!
(Image sources: Microsoft Clip Art Gallery, WikiMedia Commons)
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Friday, November 7, 2014
You Made a Mistake, Now What? You Can Recover
So, it happened. You made a pretty major mistake on the job, and now all eyes are on you. Perhaps you missed an important meeting, published incorrect data, or angered a major client. Or maybe it’s a Julia Braverman-Graham level mistake, in which you’ve dropped the ball on a multi-million dollar deal. (This reference will only make sense to my Parenthood fans!)
The good news is that for the majority of us, TMZ won’t broadcast our mistake to the world. And the reality is: You can recover, no matter the size of the mistake.
We’ve seen it countless times. Look at former President Bill Clinton, Michael Vick, and many other examples of human beings who have made catastrophic mistakes that could have potentially destroyed their careers, but instead, they were able to get on the road to recovery.
Bill Clinton. According to an article in USA Today, Clinton is among the top 10 all-time wealthiest presidents! I was 23 and I still remember his address to the nation . C’mon, you remember it too. It went something like “I did not have sexual relations with that woman. . . “. And I’m sure you remember the day he had to eat those very words, humble himself before the nation, and tell the truth!
And remarkably, he recovered from that.
And what about Vick? We all remember 2007 and the charges of dog fighting that ended in his conviction. But, no matter how you may feel about Vick, one thing is for certain: his story shows that people can recover professionally from big mistakes! Many people have not forgiven his actions (and possibly never will), and he is still traveling that road to redemption, but there is no denying that he got a second chance in his profession to make millions doing something he loves. In fact, in 2011, he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Recovery!
How do they do it? How do people recover after such devastating and public blows to their careers? We can use countless examples of celebrities, politicians, or people that we know personally to demonstrate that recovery is possible. The recipe for recovery certainly includes accountability, effective communication, and action.
As you know, I am a professional development trainer with K-Ferg Training, and the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC". When clients ask me about righting a wrong in the workplace, I share my 5 tips to recover in the face of a major mistake. Check out my tips below!
Get In Front of It
- Never hide behind what you have done or failed to do. We all make mistakes. Accountability is always key. Take responsibility for your mistake. That might be painful and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll increase your respect-factor tenfold by just being honest. People may discover that in the face of a challenging situation, you are honest, reliable, and dedicated to the cause.
Nobody is perfect, but try to avoid redirecting the blame to someone else. If it is your mistake, own the issue. Rather than comparing your mistake to the mistakes that other colleagues have made, just be available. Let people know that you are ready to take responsibility to work toward resolution.
Prevention
– It’s more than just coming up with a solution for this mistake. It is about creating strategies to prevent the mistake from occurring again. Key employees don’t simply react; they respond proactively. If all you ever do is react, someone can replace you.
This is an opportunity to learn from your error, and demonstrate that new-found knowledge by creating and recommending solutions.
Intentional, Strategic Communication
– Think about politicians or celebrities in the face of scandal. Many face the public with a skillfully crafted acknowledgement of wrong-doing coupled with language that evokes human emotion. While I certainly do not have a public relations professional at my beck and call to address responses to my missteps, I believe in the power of sending the right message with my words and tones. So tip number three is simple: Be very intentional and careful with your words. This is paramount. It’s about branding. It’s about communicating strategically and deliberately. You want to position yourself as trustworthy and dependable.
If you respond to the error with a lie, empty promises, or insincere words, it will be two-times as hard for you to recover and rebuild trust, when the truth is discovered.
Get Your Network Behind You
– So, you’re no Beyonce or Katy Perry. You don’t have an paid entourage that can get behind you and boost your confidence a bit. You are, however, a business professional with an extended network of power behind you. Sincerely communicate with your department, colleagues, and those within your network who may be impacted by the error. Lean on your inner circle for support. And align yourself with people that others trust. This will help you re-position yourself.
Get Over It!
Let’s keep it 100% honest. Every one of us has made mistakes. Once we have done what we feel is necessary to begin the recovery process, we have to forgive ourselves, and let it go. I have seen colleagues beat themselves up for weeks, months (sometimes years) over one mistake. What seems like a big deal today, may not seem as bad tomorrow. And if it does seem as bad tomorrow, continue to work to rebuild the trust that may have been damaged as a result of the error, but don’t allow the error to consume you.
Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop. Recovery is not always easy. It’s not always instant, but if managed appropriately, recovering from a mistake is a reality!
(Top Image Source: Philly.com, Other image sources: Microsoft Clip Art Gallery, WikiMedia Commons)
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Kimberly A. Ferguson is a Learning & Development trainer and coach, a MBTI Certified Practitioner, the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC", and the owner of Excel Service Consulting, LLC.
For more information about Kimberly,
- Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kfergspeaks
- Like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kfergspeaks
- Visit her online at: http://www.kferg.com
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Make Your Job Work: It Starts With YOU
It was like a match made in heaven. Exciting and new; you saw endless possibilities, and the sky was the limit. "A Pro-Mantic Relationship", you loved your profession and your profession loved you --- a roomy office, great professional connections, autonomy, and flexibility. But after just a few short months (or maybe years), you are realizing that perhaps all that glitters may not be gold, and that the grass is undoubtedly just as brown on the other side. The dream job that you were so enthusiastic about is not as dreamy after all. No matter the reason (financial, job responsibilities, interpersonal relationships, unclear advancement path, etc.), you may not want to throw in the towel yet ... because you may very well be at the root of your unhappiness!
Below are the 6 C’s --- my tips guaranteed to add the spark and rekindle the pro-mance.
Check Yourself.
That’s right. It’s time for some good, old-fashion self-assessment. Sometimes it is so much easier to find fault with others. “My boss is a poor communicator.” “My team is not effective.” “My co-worker is not pulling his weight.” But let’s take some responsibility for ourselves. Whenever I deliver a professional development workshop or a coaching session for clients, I start with self-assessment, because I believe it is so, very important. In my book, “Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC”, I outline some self-assessment strategies. The key point is that In order to determine what we need to do, we have to figure out where we are.
Where are you falling short? What actions have you taken or failed to take that have absolutely contributed to the breakdown of the pro-mance?
Correct Yourself.
Okay, in assessing yourself, you’ve identified some personal hindrances -- those challenges that get in the way of success for you. It’s great to be aware, but it is more important to take action. Be the example. Your personal accountability and the action you take can motivate others to effectiveness. And honestly, action is empowerment. If I take action to correct myself, not only am I more effective, I feel better about myself and the situation.
Change Your Attitude.
We have all heard it said in one form or another that our attitude has a direct impact on our altitude. Our view of situations and how we respond to those situations can accelerate or impede our progress. And our attitude can have a direct impact on how others perceive us. So, my advice is simple. Fix your attitude. If you dislike your current situation, ask yourself “why?” What is it that you dislike? And instead of focusing on that which you do not like, redirect your energy on finding the positive. Instead of obsessing on the things that you do not like about your co-workers, boss, workplace, etc.; reach deep within to identify the positive qualities, and direct your focus there.
I am certainly aware that this is easier said than done, but I am living proof that it can be done and is quite effective.
Communicate Effectively.
It’s a known fact that poor communication is a relationship killer. It leads to frustration, disappointment, resentment. . . But what do you do, if your boss or co-workers are not effective communicators? It’s simple, take control of the communication. How?
When you need information or need others to take action, make sure that you are asking direct, specific questions and clearly setting expectations regarding how and when you want the response delivered. Also, make sure when you are requesting something from a boss, co-worker, etc., that they understand the relevance of the request. That’s right, explain why you need the information and the benefit to them in providing the information. Whether folks admit it or not, people always want to know “What’s in it for me.”
When sharing information, take into consideration the recipient’s communication style. What type of information does he/she trust? What type of information do they need in order to get the job done? In answering these simple questions, you can provide a relevant, succinct message that meets the recipient’s needs and makes you a trusted source of information.
Communicate in positive terms. No matter the situation, never speak negatively about people or systems. If a system is flawed, speak in terms of solutions. “This is the flaw, and this is the solution”. No one wants to hear someone whine about problems; instead, decision-makers want to hear from people who are pro-actively, preventatively creating solutions!
The bottom line to effective communication is to say what you mean, mean what you say, and make sure that meaning is understood. Become a trusted source of accurate, honest information.
Catch Opportunities.
“That’s not in my job description” “ It’s not my responsibility.” How many times have we heard these phrases? The perceptions that these phrases can create are damaging to our overall personal brand. I always encourage my clients to take advantage of relevant opportunities. If you are presented with the opportunity to work on a task or project --- even if the opportunity isn't directly connected to one’s current responsibilities, employees should consider the connection to future roles/responsibilities before turning away an opportunity. If there is a connection to a future job or if the opportunity will put you in front of important people, then catch the opportunity being thrown your way. Always consider the requester and the request.
Connect. Connect. Connect.
In addition to catching opportunities to work on relevant projects, we must take advantage of opportunities to connect with relevant people. Who is relevant to your career advancement? Network and create connections that create win-win situations. What can you bring to the relationship; and what value does your new connection bring?
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Not every uncomfortable situation is meant to send us packing and headed for the hills! Many of us find power, relevance, and growth in work situations that are not ideal, because these situations push us to be resourceful, innovative, and unconventional in our approach. We must use our judgement, along with the 6 C’s to create the optimal situation for our professional lives.
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Acknowledgements: Images courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net; Marcolm at FreeDigitalPhotos.net; and Franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
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Monday, July 21, 2014
You’re Not Special: EVERYBODY Is Replaceable
We have all heard it said at some point in our professional careers: “Everybody is replaceable.” It may be a short sentence --- only eight syllables --- and just three words in length, but this phrase can be heavy. It can carry so much weight – that it makes it difficult for any truly dedicated, conscientious worker to swallow and digest.
Why? Well, because: those three words tell an employee that no matter what value he/she brings to the table, someone else can be hired to do the same job and have the same impact.
Are You Irreplaceable?
Beyonce sings songs about it. Stephen Covey wrote chapters on it. We have always thought of ourselves as “irreplaceable”. As children, we were brought up to believe that we bring our own distinct value. . . . that we are special.
Then we entered the workforce to learn that we were not the only special employees. That old adage, “one monkey don’t stop no show” was proven to be true. While we have seen employees try to “stop the show” with their “I QUIT” announcement, the show inevitably, undoubtedly, manages to go on!
While I agree that the show can and will go on without you, I’ve seen the evidence time and time again that the individual value a worker brings sets his/her replace-ability factor. In other words, the more perceived value you have, the more likely that an employer will want to keep you around.
How does one increase his/her perceived value?
Strengthening your value does not necessary make you “irreplaceable”, but it certainly provides yet another reason why an employer might not want to lose you. There are several ways that employees can increase their value in the workplace. Below I have identified 3 tips that readers can start implementing today. They are my ABC’s of Building Your Value:
Align Yourself: Do you know the mission and vision of your organization? Do you know your department’s strategic initiatives? How about your boss’s expectations for you? If not, get in the know. And it is not just about knowing them; it is about your ability to walk in alignment with the mission, vision, and goals every day. It is about your ability to live the mission and vision, and to live up to (if not surpass) your employer’s expectations.
Making sure that you are living the mission and vision, and working in direct alignment with these three areas (organization, department, and management) will immediately increase your value. Alignment demonstrates your willingness to commit to the overall strategy.
How do you Align Yourself?
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization’s goals.
- Work in concert with those people and teams who are working towards those goals.
- Develop your own personal vision that directly supports the organizational and departmental goals
- Be able to clearly communicate the value that you bring through alignment
- Document! Document! Document! Keep track of your daily activities, decision-making, and performance. Compare your tasks to management’s expectations of you. Are you meeting expectations?
Make a commitment to “align yourself”. If you help catapult your boss, department, and organization to the next level, your elevation should naturally follow
.
Build Your Network: Of course, you have heard the saying, “it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know”. While I don’t subscribe to this belief entirely ( afterall, who you know will only get you so far), I do believe that developing a strong network of like-minded individuals and influential professionals can help in building value.
With tools like LinkedIn, building your value through networking has never been easier.
What should you consider as you Build Your Network?
As you build your network, surround yourself with people who have a similar vision. But also be sure to connect with people who motivate and inspire you -- perhaps someone in a position in which you’d like to be some day, or someone whose work ethic you admire.
- Identify like-minded individuals
- Schmooze! Join groups/networks in your industry of interest
- Widen your network with influential, thought-leaders
- Network both internally and externally: Build your network within the four walls of your organization; but also make contacts outside of the company.
Create Your Brand: So, I always tell my 8-year-old daughter not to concern herself with what others think of her. Well, this advice goes right out the window when I am talking to business professionals about increasing professional value.
In most cases in our professional lives, it does matter what others think. Remember, your employer’s perception of you is reality . . . at least to them. If they see you as a go-getter, then that is what you are.
But what if I told you that you have the power to direct and possibly control that perception? Would you believe that that power lies in the development of your personal brand?
I’m not encouraging you to be something you’re not. In fact, what I’m suggesting is the opposite. I'm suggesting that you use your personal brand to advertise your best professional qualities.Your personal brand is how you communicate the unique value that you consistently bring. It is the way that you market yourself and drive the message to shape perceptions!
So, how does one build his/ her brand? Building one’s brand is an ongoing process, but here are few steps to get you started:
- Self-Assess and Act: Identify your strengths and be able to effectively and confidently communicate them. Recognize your weaknesses and challenges, and determine what steps you are going to take to address them!
- Define Your Value: Do you know why you are valuable to your team and to the organization? What do you do that no one else does? What processes have you implemented or improved? Being able to effectively communicate why you are valuable is crucial.
- Demonstrate your value: Give your all! A key aspect of building your brand is showing how valuable you are. Don’t just talk about it! Demonstrate it!
- Let Your Personality Shine Through: What are the best aspects of your personality? Share the best part of you by letting that personality shine! When you allow this to happen, it is easier to personally connect with clients, colleagues, and management, and establish a rapport.
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So, what’s the point? The point is simple. It’s time to start thinking “next level”. Status quo is not enough --- especially in this job market. Value is the keyword, and in order to increase employability, we must be able to strengthen our perceived value, and effectively communicate to others the value we bring. Yes, an employer may be able to bring someone in to fill a position, but if you are creating and adding value, it is more likely that an employers will want to keep you around.
You are special. And if the right steps are taken, you can be IRREPLACEABLE!
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