Engineer Your Success in Canada

Become a Change-Master!

2012-03-01T12:02:00.002-05:00

If you remember, one of the qualities of the IEPs is that they are Change-Masters; The Sixth Quality: They Are Change-Masters

Herewith McGhee Productivity Solutions is sharing this productivity tip that will help you overcome the most common of your limiting beliefs and become more efficient and productive.

Back to Basics: 10 BeliefsThat Limit Productivity

Whenclients start to make positive changes toward improving their productivity,they often bump up against their unconscious limiting beliefs and find makingthe changes hard. Therefore, it is a good idea to acknowledge thelimiting beliefs ahead of time so that you can begin the process of turningthem around (moving them from the ‘unconscious’ to the ‘conscious’). Limiting beliefs, unconscious by nature, are usually buried beneath statementswith which most of us are familiar. We want to help you clarify yours byoffering 10 of the most common statements we hear from our clients and thelimiting beliefs that also accompany them. Then we will look under eachstatement at a new belief and general solution to help you create and fosterincreased productivity:

There’s too muchinformation coming at me too fast, and I can’t keep up.
LIMITING BELIEF: I should be able to handle all the information that is comingat me
NEW BELIEF: There is a way to be in control of my email, and I canregularly have an empty Inbox
SOLUTIONS: The volume of email isn’t really the issue; how you processand organize the volume is. Learning how to use the “Four D’s forDecision Making” can transform this belief.

I get too manyinterruptions
LIMITING BELIEF: Interruptions are a necessary part of my day-to-day experience
NEW BELIEF: I create boundaries that allow me to manage interruptionssuccessfully
SOLUTIONS: You can reduce the number of interruptions you receive and getyour “real work” done during the day by implementing personal boundaries thatallow you and your staff to create scheduled uninterrupted work time.

I don’t have thediscipline to be organized
LIMITING BELIEF: I am an easygoing person – I’m not a disciplined person
NEW BELIEF: Discipline is a decision, not a personality trait, andtherefore I can be organized and use a system effectively.
SOLUTIONS: Discipline is a skill that you already possess; youdemonstrate it every day. The key to discipline is creating theappropriate motivation to make the specific changes you want. Thisenthusiasm then drives you to be disciplined.

I have to keepeverything
LIMITING BELIEF: As soon as I get rid of it, you just know I’m going to need it
NEW BELIEF: I don’t need most of what I keep, and so I am letting go andtrusting my new system in which the Delete key is my friend.
SOLUTIONS: OK, prepare yourself. On average, the clients we weorkwith throw away 50% of their stored information, and they feel lighter,happier, and have more time.

It takes too much timeto get productive
LIMITING BELIEF: My job is more important than the effort it takes to implementa new system
NEW BELIEF: I’m happily investing in my system, and my productivity isincreasing
SOLUTIONS: You can save one to two hours a day using an Integrated ManagementSystem. This fact alone more than justifies the upfront investmentrequired to set it up.

I can’t find what Ineed when I need it
LIMITING BELIEF: My system doesn’t work and so I rely on my memory
NEW BELIEF: Reference systems are easy to set up and they save me time.
SOLUTIONS: Setting up a Reference System is a skill that anyone canlearn, and it’s a skill that can save you 50 minutes a day.

Organization cramps myfreedom and creativity
LIMITING BELIEF: It’s not possible to be creative and organized at the sametime
NEW BELIEF: It is possible to be organized and spontaneous; in fact,organization promotes my experience of freedom and creativity.
SOLUTIONS: Organization actually fosters and supports creativity andspontaneity

I’m no good withtechnology
LIMITING BELIEF: Technology is hard to learn, and I’m not a technical person
NEW BELIEF: I can learn to use technology and it supports me in beingproductive and effective
SOLUTIONS: Using technology is a skill anyone can learn with the righteducation. You’ll be surprised at the personal satisfaction that comesfrom using technology more effectively.

There is not enoughtime in the day!
LIMITING BELIEF: I should be able to do everything I want to do in a day
NEW BELIEF: I can’t do everything, but by working effectively with mycalendar, I can get the most important things done
SOLUTIONS: Lack of time is seldom the issue. The real issue isworking in cooperation with your calendar and deciding on what you can do giventhe amount of time you have

I’m not organized bynature
LIMITING BELIEF: Organization is a gene that’s passed down the family line, butI didn’t get it!
NEW BELIEF: I can learn to be organized and have fun with it
SOLUTIONS: Organization is an exceptionally simple skill that you canlearn just like any other. In fact, it’s a skill that’s easier to pick upthan are most of the skills you learned in your current career!

Take some time to review areas where you are being productive and areas whereyou are encountering obstacles. Look at which one of these 10 Beliefs aremost aligned with the problems you are encountering, and really practiceletting go and taking on a new belief that supports your productivity. Sometimes, the basics are the easiest part of the system to forget, so refreshyourself regularly and maintain control and organization around yourproductivity.

There is always a way out; you just have to find it.

2012-02-01T00:24:00.000-05:00

Just came across this story and because of its moral, I thought it is an inspiring tale to remind ourselves that when we think we used all the resources and don't see another solution, then look again...

Tale of Two Pebbles

http://thewisdomwarrior.com/2012/01/18/the-tale-of-two-pebbles/

"No way is the way. No limitation is the limitation" - Bruce Lee

Do you feel stuck in your career?

2012-01-20T09:42:00.002-05:00

Do you feel stuck in your career? Why can’t it be a Freedom 35 plan? This week's podcast is with New York Times best-selling author Timothy Ferriss. His book, The 4 Hour Work Week, has been a runaway success. He shares his insight on how to define your own career path and live a balanced and successful life. In Timothy's book, he lays out in a very clear and practical way, some of the major workplace myths. The essence of the book is to distribute success and retirement throughout your life. I call this the “freedom now” plan. Sit back, relax and learn! 28 mins

Leading, along the road with you!

Alan Kearns

Friday LeadershipReport|CareerJoy

Canada's Career & Leadership Coaching Company

Contact Information
__________________________________________________________________
e-mail: Alan@CareerJoy.com
phone: 1-877-256-2569
web: http://www.CareerJoy.com
__________________________________________________________________

The Choice Map and You

2012-01-04T15:52:00.002-05:00

Recently I came across the Choice Map developed by Marilee Adams, the author of the Change Your Questions, Change Your Life book. If you remember one of the questions asked in the exercise for The Second Quality: They are Optimistic, (if not, please read the post!), then you realize that the way you react in the face of the setbacks will define the output of your life.

The Choice Map is a powerful tool for getting better results and it is simple to use. Use it and it will help you in solving a problem or making a decision. Get the mindset of the Highly Successful Internationally Experienced Professionals and be happy!

"You really can change your questions and change your life." - http://inquiryinstitute.com/

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and A Fantastic Time in 2012!

2011-12-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

As 2011 draws to a close, we want to wish YOU, the reader of this blog, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and 2012 may bring a lot of happiness, prosperity and the realization of everything that is a longing desire of yours! May you receive the help you need just when you need it the most, and may you give help at the moment in which it is most needed.

We look forward to 2012 to share even more tips to prepare YOU to become highly successful, to network, connect and inspire others to become the same!

Wishing you a peaceful new year,
Daniel

P.S. Use this formula for The Chemistry of Success shared by Mike Lipkin and become a Personal Alchemist.

"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." - Don Williams, Jr.

News You Can Use - Personal networks and the economic adjustment of immigrants by Derrick Thomas

2011-12-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

In searching for explanations as to why recent immigrants are having more difficulty adjusting to the Canadian economy than did their predecessors, researchers have looked at aspects of human capital such as language ability, literacy, education and work experience. A factor that has not often been considered is the social capital of immigrants—that is, the personal networks that they are able to mobilize in their economic interests. Read more.

Personal Branding Secrets Revealed by David Perry

2011-12-11T23:06:00.001-05:00

Audio CD: “Personal Branding Secrets Revealed“

From David Perry - Co-author, Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0

Co-Creator, “The Guerrilla Job Search System”
- the content was designed to help job hunters but you'll benefit from the marketing concepts if you're looking for new clients, or just want to change areas of your life you're not a 100% happy with. Here's the link to the download: http://www.gm4jh.com/free/gift-personal-branding-secrets-revealed-audio-cd/

"Don't network. Focus on building..."

2011-12-05T09:04:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share with you one of the messages that Alan Kearns shared in his "The Monday Morning Motivator" email.

__________________________________________________________________

The Monday Morning Motivator | CareerJoy

Canada's Career & Leadership Coaching Company
Dec 04, 2011

__________________________________________________________________

Good Monday morning,

It is that time of the year, my first clue was something I saw on LinkedIn "Office Party Harassment? - Affordable 3rd party investigator available, discretion assured. Call now!" There are some unfortunate issues that can occur, when you bring together alcohol and a offsite party atmosphere. In December, companies take time to acknowledge & reward the good work of their employees, fortunately, most people handle themselves professionally at their holiday parties. There are some terrific door prizes as well at the most holiday parties. (Don't forget about our CareerJoy contest, $2600 of coaching programs. "Like" our Facebook page, to enter your name into the draw.)

I was speaking with a client, we were discussing how to maximize this time of year to establish new opportunites for 2012. He was going to a number of holiday parties. It is a terrific time for him to reconnect with old colleagues & to establish new connections & raise his profile. The answer was quite simple.

WWBD? What Would Billionaires Do? Barbara Walters interviewed 4 billionaires to determine the successful habits they have. What do they do this time of the year? How do billionaires view networking?

"Don't network. Focus on building real relationships and friendships where the relationship itself is its own reward, instead of trying to get something out of the relationship to benefit your business or yourself."

Barbara shared common sense wisdom. Whatever your financial status, people want to genuinely connect with others. Most people are uncomfortable with the idea of networking, as often, when they have been on the receiving end, it felt fake & full of false expectations.

One of the best examples of someone that practices WWBD? is John Stanton. founder of The Running Room. You can listen to my podcast with him here. Or download on iTunes.

This holiday season as you meet with others, focus on the WWBD? Be yourself, & be genuinely interested in the ideas your friends are exploring & what their hopes & goals are for 2012. That itself will be a good outcome. Trust this, good things will happen if you genuinely connect with people this holiday season. You can take that to the bank.

CareerClass | Free Webinar- Get the Right Career Right Now! Invest 1 hour of your time to help identify the right work situation. Join me Thursday Dec 8, 12-1 P.M. ET. This complimentary 1-hour workshop is based on my book, The Canadian Job Search Kit. Take control of your career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk. Limited to 50 participants. Click to register.

Looking for help with your personal brand? Who's your career coach? Need help with a professional resume, job search, and interview preparation? Invest in yourself & get the edge in this competitive job market. Take a small step and book an initial coaching session with me.

Building real relationships, along the road with you!

Alan

P.S. Looking to find the right career? Join our 1-1 Career Identity Program. Our certified coaching team, can provide the tools, coaching & practical experience to help you identify & land in the right career.

P.P.S. Do you have CareerJoy? Don't forget to "like" our Facebook page to enter our contest for a prize package of $2,600 worth of coaching services.

As well, if you didn't have chance yet to read this post The Ninth Quality: They are Natural Networkers, please do it now! Network and build relationships to your success!!

"You will be the same person in five years from now as you are today, except for two things, the people you meet and the books you read." ~ Charlie "Tremendous" Jones.

News You Can Use - IEP Conference, Feb 10, 2012

2011-12-05T09:01:00.001-05:00

A Unique Forum For Internationally Educated Professionals

Now in its 9th successful year, the IEP Conference is regarded as one of the most innovative and respectful events for Internationally Educated Professional newcomers seeking practical, effective career advice.

The next conference will be held on February 10th, 2012 at Lower Level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Free online registration for this IEP Conference is now open.

Visit http://www.iep.ca/ for details.

Nominations are now open for Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2012

2011-11-28T21:08:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again!

Canadian Immigrant Magazine, in association with RBC Royal Bank, is proud to announce the nominations for the 2012 Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards.

Please visit our website today to nominate an immigrant you know who has motivated or inspired other people. It only takes a few minutes of your time.

This national people's choice award is unique in that it allows Canadians to nominate and vote directly for individuals from all walks of life who have made a difference since their arrival in Canada. Over 400 individuals were nominated from across Canada in the 2011 awards program. So, we want to hear from you today! We believe that new Canadians are making a difference in their newly adopted country and it is important that they are recognized.

Questions about the program? Please click here for FAQ's and for nominee criteria.

Can't find the information you're looking for in our FAQ? Email Madelaine Gileadi at mgileadi@starmediagroup.ca for answers to all your questions regarding this program.

Interested in seeing who the Top 25 of 2011 are? Click here to see last year's winners.

Gala Dinner AREC 2011 was a great success

2011-11-04T16:07:00.001-04:00

Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada

is thanking all the members, participants and all the sponsors for their support for a successful Gala Dinner 2011

For images and testimonials visit Photo gallery AREC - Gala Dinner 2011

TheStar Strong GDP gains put to rest fears of recession

2011-10-31T13:09:00.000-04:00

TheStar Strong GDP gains put to rest fears of recession

Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters

2011-09-25T22:10:00.000-04:00

"Time isn't money. Time is everything." - Dr. Bernie Siegel

Want to find a job faster?

You can, if you use your time better.

You and I each get 24 hours in a day.

How you use this precious resource largely determines your success in finding a job ... and anything else you do.

If you're unhappy with how you manage your time, why not try a different approach and manage your energy instead?

Let me explain ...

While we all get an equal amount of hours in a day, not all hours have equal value.

Some of us are morning people and perform at our peak before noon. Others are afternoon or evening people, and have more energy at those times of day.

Why not take advantage of your natural tendencies and schedule your important tasks for when you'll have the most energy?

This is like riding a horse in the direction it wants to go.

If you don't know when your hours of peak performance are, find out. Carry a small notebook or voice recorder (a smart phone has both) and record those times when you feel energized, as well as times when you feel sluggish.

Then, schedule next week's job search activities during your peak-performance times.

You will likely find that when you manage your energy effectively, the hours will take care of themselves -- you'll get more done and find work faster as a result.

Sincerely,

Kevin Donlin
Guerrilla Job Search International
http://www.gm4jh.com/
http://www.gjobsearch.com/

Learn Tony's methodology for defining success for yourself

2011-09-12T23:25:00.001-04:00

I am a big fan of Tony Robbins. His programs "Personal Power", "Get the Edge", and his books "Unlimited Power" and "Awaken The Giant Within" are always close to my heart. I've learned so much about myself and I will recommend to anyone who wants to achieve his dreams and be happy.

In this film, Tony is sharing a step-by-step process for:

clarifying your values
prioritizing what matter most
making sure that your actions are driven by a greater purpose.

Do the exercises and enjoy! Be happy!

http://robbinsmadanescoachtraining.com/?p=1089

"We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish." - Anthony Robbins

Career Guide for Newcomers

2011-09-08T16:18:00.003-04:00

The second edition of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants is now available. Career Coach and Author, Daisy Wright, whose work has been published in several career books, first published the book in 2007. At the time, it was the first-of-its-kind career guide that addressed the job search plight of internationally educated professionals and new immigrants. One publisher remarked that he was “pleasantly surprised to see so much valuable information for a segment of the population that was largely ignored in regards to the job search.”

While the book addresses job search basics such as résumé and cover letter design, and how to prepare and master the interview, how to build professional networks, access the hidden job market, and engage in small talk, Wright invited 16 top career experts, (13 from Canada and 3 from the United States) to contribute their individual expertise to enhance the value of this edition. New topic areas include personal branding, social media, on-boarding, green careers, leadership, practice firms, stress management, career assessments, self-employment as a career option, consulting and time management.

For more details check http://www.nceinstitute.com/category/news-views

News You Can Use - Self Marketing Tools for Professionals event

2011-09-05T19:45:00.004-04:00

The Canadian Colombian Professional Association would like to invite all Internationally Trained Professionals to it's next workshop and networking event "Self Marketing Tools for Professsionals".

Self Marketing is a skill that can be developed.It requires learning the tools that are available in the market and utilizing the to your benefit using a style that works for you.The key element is to be confident and to "believe" in what you are "selling" or negotiating.

Guest speaker: Dolores Montavez Rus - Trainer, Coach and Career Advisor

See more details here: Self Marketing Tools for Professionals ccpassociation.com

Do you have a career sponsor?

2011-08-10T22:39:00.002-04:00

Do you know the difference between a career sponsor and a career mentor? Do you want to advance in your career? You are the project manager of your career, and the below articles will give you the tips on how to find a sponsor and how he/she will help you accelerate your professional growth and advancement.

News You Can Use - Citizenship Study Guide

2011-07-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

Discover Canada was updated on March 14, 2011. The citizenship test is based on the information in Discover Canada, but you do not need the updated version to prepare for the citizenship test. The test does not contain questions on the new material. To prepare for the citizenship test, you can study any copy of Discover Canada issued by the Government of Canada since November 12, 2009.

Study Guide - Discover Canada The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Free Online Canadian Citizenship Practice Test (Discover Canada)

Discover Canada: Sample study questions

2011 Canadian Citizenship Test Passing Guide

How do you value your time?

2011-07-21T20:47:00.003-04:00

Lately, I feel that I am operating in a perpetual fire-fighting mode because I devote more time to putting out fires than preventing them. Unfortunately, I can't control what I can't control, and I try to calm down myself and get the things I can control, done. Anyway, I remembered this story I like and I thought I'll share with you here. Even if you know it, maybe you can get another meaning to its interpretation. Then, ask yourself "What is the best use of my time right now?"

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course! Each of us has such a bank. It's name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.

It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you.

Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours.

There is no going back. There is no drawing against the “tomorrow”.

You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success!

The clock is running.

Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a pre-mature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

And remember that time waits for no one.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is mystery.

Today is a gift.

That’s why it’s called the present!!

Author unknown

Source: http://starteasy.com/ggalore/time/

"Transformation happens right now, not yesterday and not tomorrow - in this very present moment, which is all you really have." - Jillian Michaels

News You Can Use - Self-Study Guide for Skilled Immigrants

2011-07-18T09:09:00.003-04:00

Finding Talent is a training video developed by TRIEC. It uses a storytelling approach to present the business case for hiring skilled immigrants and to demonstrate techniques which will allow companies to leverage the talents of skilled immigrants.

The Finding Talent video and self-study guide will provide you with valuable information on

finding a job.

You will benefit from this video most if you:
- watch the whole video from beginning to end first
- replay segments that are most interesting to you
- talk about the video with a friend or family member
- do at least some of the optional activities included in this guide
- consult the resources to further your learning
- seek employment-support services as you need them
- are open to seeing things from a different point of view

Use this self-study guide to learn about the topics covered in the video. It provides an
overview of each video scene, identifies key learning objectives, and offers optional activities for
you to reinforce your learning.

self-study guide for skilled immigrants who are employed or looking for work

THEY'RE DIFFERENT - AND THE SAME

2011-07-12T12:44:00.000-04:00

Being myself a parent of two "Millennial generation" sons, I can say that it is not easy to "manage" them. But, is FUN! Now, for those of you who are really managing these young employees, I think you will find the below article helpful on how to get the most out of working and training with them.

"Twenty-somethings are better educated, more diverse in their background, less religious, more accepting
of differences, more in need of nurturing yet more optimistic and more confident than those who are
older. They're more trusting of their elders than were the baby boomers, whose mantra was not to trust
anyone over 30.

But despite these differences they're also conventional: They believe that successful marriages, good parenting
and helping others are far more important than career and financial success. Researchers have
concluded they're more comfortable with their parents' values than any previous generation was and they
have fewer spats with their parents than those parents had with theirs. More than six in ten say families
have a responsibility to take in an elderly parent.

Computers aren't “technology” to these young people. They're a way of life. Work isn't work. It's an
extension of life. Are you listening, all you managers from previous generations and especially those in
global businesses? Half the world's population is under 30. Get in step with them or get left behind." - read more here.

Putting safety first with language training

2011-06-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

The ABCs of safety

Clear and effective communication is critical for employees in safety-sensitive jobs, says Lesley MacDonald, Manager of Diversity and Top Employer Strategy at BC Hydro. With more and more skilled talent coming from outside Canada, BC Hydro offers occupation-specific language training for employees who have identified their language skills as a barrier to communicating effectively with team members.

To make language training as successful as possible, MacDonald has the following tips:

Provide employees with opportunities to practise what they have learned in language classes to maintain and build their new skills.
Integrate language and cross-cultural communication training into the organization’s larger strategic context.

Learn more about BC Hydro’s language and cross-cultural communication training programs in this Success Story.

www.hireimmigrants.ca

Top 10 Ways to Get Canadian Experience

2011-06-08T23:26:00.000-04:00

Came across this article through a LinkedIn group post, and even if it was posted in 2007, I find it full of good advice. Check it here. As well, Start Here, and don't forget... "If you keep trying, good things will come. You can do it and you will do it."

Get the most out of your profile with some more useful LI features!

2011-05-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

1. Share links on and watch them show up on LinkedIn Today

2. Search status updates with LinkedIn Signal

3. Keep your company's page up to date

4. Optimize your URL

5. Join groups related to your industry

6. Take advantage of Google search results

7. Make sure your profile is complete and up to date

8. Looking for a promotion? Search the next position you want and look at the skills you'll need

9. Looking to hire?

10. Need a resumé in a hurry?

- Check this: How To Save An Hour By Building Your Resume With LinkedIn

11. How else can you manage your image?

New research shows skilled immigrants help companies grow globally and locally | CanadianBusiness.com

2011-05-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

New research shows skilled immigrants help companies grow globally and locally | CanadianBusiness.com

7 Success Secrets for Canadian Immigrants

2011-05-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

Nick Noorani, founding publisher of Canadian Immigrant magazine and bestselling author of Arrival Survival Canada, will be hosting a FREE SEMINAR.

Nick's message is one of positive thinking, embracing Canada as your new home, and creating opportunities through risk-taking and community participation.

His frank and humorous presentations draw on his immigrant journey and on success tories from the many newcomers he has met along the way.

Nick’s speeches have had a profound effect on his audience. Now it's your turn! Join Nick and learn the secrets to successful immigration in Canada.

Admission is free by pre-registration only. Seating is limited, so register today!

Fabricating our Future

2011-05-15T22:57:00.000-04:00

Marie Laird, Chair, SME Toronto

There's a connection between the decline in manufacturing and the decline in the middle class. If we don't reverse the trend, we can look forward to careers in the service sector.

"Industry classification systems used by the government commonly divide industry into three sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The primary sector of industry is agriculture, mining and raw material extraction. The secondary sector of industry is manufacturing. The tertiary sector of industry is service production." (Wikipedia)

It's no secret that our country has progressed through the various stages of industry described above similar to most developed nations. We started as farmers, fishermen, lumberjacks and miners - and progressed to the production of manufactured goods during the Industrial Revolution.

We have now moved into the tertiary sectors as evidenced by the fact that the service sector has grown to account for 71.3% GDP and 76% of the labour force (2009 stats). Higher commodity prices have helped revitalize certain primary industries, but manufacturing has continued to decline from a high of 29% of GDP in 1944 to only 13% of GDP and 13% of the labour force in 2010.

What do these statistics mean? Has our standard of living continually increased - in line with our progression through each of these stages?

When did Canada have the greatest sense of prosperity? When did people in Canada and people coming to Canada, on average, have the most positive outlook for themselves and their children?

The answer is, "Not now."

I'm not suggesting that life in Canada hasn't improved in many ways since we were primarily hewers of wood and drawers of water, or even when we were heavily focused on manufacturing.

However a high standard of living is more than just owning material goods once considered luxuries. The opportunity for all members of society to make a contribution, earn a good wage, and live a healthy life in a clean and safe environment plays a much larger role than often credited. A critical indicator of a high standard of living is a shared sense of hope for a better future.

For some people the good times continue. Unfortunately for increasing numbers, such as those formerly employed in manufacturing, the future is quite bleak and the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen as opportunities for the middle class disappear.

Our collective hope for a better future is in decline and we no longer have confidence that life, in general, will continue to improve.

I looked at some average weekly wages by industry for 2010. Mining and oil and gas extraction had the highest average -$1700 per week (no surprise with commodity prices soaring). Forestry averaged $950 and manufacturing $960.

In the service sector, public administration (government jobs) averaged $1094 per week and finance and insurance industries came in at $1049. However, there were other service sector positions which were much lower. Those in accommodation and food services, for example, earned an average of $354 per week and those in retail earned an average of $500 per week.

I couldn't find the answer, but I'd like to know the average wage in the service sector. I would bet that as we move more and more toward a service sector economy that our average wage as a nation will decrease...and that we will be more harshly divided between the upper class and the lower class with little in between.

Historically manufacturing played a strong role in the development and maintenance of the middle class. As manufacturing has declined, so too has the middle class. Jobs in oil and gas, finance, insurance have not filled the gap. That's not to say those industries and jobs don't have a place...it's just a question of balance.

The service sector cannot revive the middle class.

So why are we still letting manufacturing decline?

All the best!

Marie Laird
Chair
Society of Manufacturing Engineers Toronto
e: marie.laird@smetoronto.ca
w: http://www.smetoronto.ca
Advancing Manufacturing in Ontario

Canadian Diaspora

2011-04-30T12:35:00.001-04:00

A Somalian arrives in Vancouver as a new immigrant to Canada. He stops the first person he sees walking down the street and says, ”Thank you Mr. Canadian for letting me in this country, giving me housing, money for food, free medical care, free education and no taxes!”

The passerby says, ” You are mistaken, I am Mexican.”

The man goes on and encounters another passerby. ”Thank you for having such a beautiful country here in Canada!”

The person says, ”I not Canadian, I am Vietnamese.”

The new arrival walks further, and the next person he sees he stops, shakes his hand and says, ”Thank you for the wonderful Canada!”

That person puts up his hand and says, ”I am from Middle East, I am not Canadian!”

He finally sees a nice lady and asks, ”Are you a Canadian?”

She says, ”No, I am from Africa!”

Puzzled, he asks her, ”Where are all the Canadians?”

The African lady checks her watch and says …”Probably at work!”

Check "Panacea" - dr. Suneel Sethi's Blog for more humorous and interesting posts.

News You Can Use - How Recruiters Read Resumes In 10 Seconds or Less

2011-04-28T10:34:00.001-04:00

With 30 years experience as a recruiter, Brad Remillard is summarizing in the below article the resume's "must haves" or you're out!

Check it here.

Download a sample cover letter proven to work with recruiters and get your resume noticed. CLICK HERE to download yours. Over 2,000 people have done this.

Check also these FREE Resources

9 Seconds or Less ... to fascinate

2011-04-27T16:11:00.002-04:00

In today's world of 9-second attention spans, our introductions mean more-than-ever before. Sally Hogshead reveals the seven triggers of fascination and how to get others to fall in love with your ideas, instantly.

Check it out: Radical Careering.

News You Can Use - Engineering job outlook through to 2018

2011-04-26T10:33:00.000-04:00

Ottawa, ON. -- Engineers Canada has released a labour market study that shows the current and future market conditions in engineering. The study tracked current national labour supply and demand and includes a projection from 2010 to 2018, providing engineering students, universities, employers and governments with insight into labour market forecasts.

Included in the study is information on qualifications and attribute requirements, along with career opportunities for those considering immigrating to Canada. For instance, while levels of immigration and Canadian graduation established in 2008-2009 are likely sufficient to balance markets across the coming decade, issues such as replacement demands related to retirements in many occupations will add to current challenges in recruiting experienced engineers.

The Engineering Labour Market Conditions 2009-2018 report is available online as a pdf document here. [http://www.engineerscanada.ca/files/engineering_labour_market_conditions_report_2010.pdf]

For additional information, visit www.engineerscanada.ca or www.randstadengineering.ca.

News You Can Use - Keep a tidy desk!

2011-04-01T15:49:00.000-04:00

Canadian HR Reporter - Article - Messy desk affects professional reputation: Survey

How to make work-life balance work by Nigel Marsh

2011-03-27T17:50:00.000-04:00

Work-life balance, says Nigel Marsh, is too important to be left in the hands of your employer. At TEDxSydney, Marsh lays out an ideal day balanced between family time, personal time and productivity -- and offers some stirring encouragement to make it happen.

Nigel Marsh is the author of "Fat, Forty and Fired" and "Overworked and Underlaid." Full bio and more links

News You Can Use - New Canadians must self-promote more

2011-03-27T14:18:00.001-04:00

Hello again,

I just read the below article and the topic is my preferred one. In my experience, networking success has never been based on who you know but, rather, who knows you.

Because, NETWORK is surrounding yourself with people who support you! What propels your career success whether you are self-employed or working for others? "Networking with as many as possible."

A commonly known phrase says: "What you know is important; who you know is even more important."

Furthermore, a more appropriate phrase would be: "It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."

As noted above, your relationships matter - your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets. Who you know and more importantly who knows you can help your credibility.

In this article you will find a road-map to become a master networker:

Getting Connected: IN SOME CULTURES TALKING ABOUT YOUR SKILLS IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE BUT IN THE JOB MARKET, IT'S A MUST

By ALLISON GRAHAM, SPECIAL TO QMI AGENCY

Internationally trained professionals come to Canada with the intention of building a full and prosperous life. Unfortunately, many find themselves underemployed and struggling to get connected to industry leaders and find worthwhile job opportunities.

At a recent conference dedicated to sharing strategies with new Canadians on how to connect in the job market, the overwhelming theme was encouraging them to "network." The question is "how?"

Successful networking is the same regardless of where you were born. There are four pillars -- the concept, the strategy, the Business of YOU and the fundamentals -- to become a master networker:

The concept: In Canada, the networking approach that works best is more subtle than in other parts of the world. A person who has just met you is not likely to open up his or her network to you to help you find a job until the relationship has had time to develop. It could take meeting someone six to eight times at networking functions before you start to click. Showing up once or twice is not enough. Asking a person at the time of introduction to give you a job or introduce you to someone who could won't likely happen.
The strategy: You'll need to figure out where you should go to network that will give you the best opportunity to connect with people in your industry. Research online can help you pinpoint the movers and shakers in your field. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, but if you only network within current circles, you won't meet people who can lead to the job you desire.
The Business of YOU: This is the networking pillar that addresses your image and employability. Your personal brand or reputation will have a huge effect on your ability to get and keep a job. The question for a potential employer is not only if you can do the work, it's whether you can function and get along in the workplace. For people to hire or recommend you, they need to like you, trust you and believe you are competent so every time you go to a networking event you want to keep these goals in mind. Ask yourself "What would it be like to meet me?" The answer may tell you a lot about how well you connect with people. One barrier for internationally trained professionals can be language. Even if you are fluent in English, a thick accent can make it difficult to connect at loud networking events. Practise and perfect your English or French. Knowing a second language can benefit you in your work, but getting connected to the right people will require conversations most often in English.
The fundamentals: Knowing the how-tos of networking in Canada is essential to landing a job in the professional realm.

Allison Graham is a business networking expert, conference speaker and the author of Business Cards to Business Relationships: How to Build the Ultimate Network. To submit a question, comment on this article or contact Allison, visit her blog at http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected or her website, http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected

As well, check these Free Networking Tips.

"It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know." ~ Anonymus

How to Apply an Engineering Method to Solve Ethical Problems (3)

2011-02-26T15:16:00.000-05:00

An Engineering Strategy for Solving Complex Ethical Problems

Everyday life ethical issues are clear and simple and solved by intuitive use of ethical theories. Complex ethical problems can be more challenging.

Various types of professionals, including engineers, often express significant differences of opinion when faced with cases requiring an ethical solution. Engineers should have an advantage in resolving ethical dilemmas, since problem-solving and decision making techniques are a routine part of engineering.

Being an engineer, I’d like to provide a framework for reconciling differences of opinion as we address the question, “what is the right thing to do?” in circumstances involving ethical issues in the engineering profession.

The problem solving method developed here is from the book What Every Engineer Should Know About Ethics, by Kenneth K. Humphreys (4)

The problem solving model developed here involves five steps. It is a systematic approach to moral deliberation that is designed for groups of individuals, but can be used by individuals with some minor adjustments. This figure illustrates the steps of this model.

1. State the Problem

Clearly define exact nature of ethical problem or dilemma.
Need to be clear so that we can anticipate the kind of solution that is required.
Want to provide an answer that is relevant to the interests at stake.

2. Get the Facts

Want to make an informed decision.
Must possess and understand the relevant facts.
Must make clear any interpretations of factual matters or the values than underlie conflicting moral viewpoints.

3. Identify & Defend Competing Moral Viewpoints

Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of competing moral viewpoints.
Begin by identifying what we believe to be the most compelling reason for the course of action.
We must be able to justify the course of action.

4. Formulate Opinions

As engineers we do not have the luxury of postponing questions or leaving a question unresolved.
Decide which of the compelling viewpoints is the most compelling.
The committee approach (voting) is advantageous because the decision is representative of the general public.

5. Qualify Recommendations

Committees must qualify the recommendations they make by describing the level of consensus that was received.
Should include the voting distribution and any dissenting opinions.

The strategy described above is rather a formal process that would be followed in detail only for very complex cases. However, this strategy may be useful when a professional is stuck for a solution to a simpler problem.

In these circumstances, it is reassuring to know that many of the well-known methods of engineering – problem solving, generation of creative ideas, and decision making – can be applied to solve ethical problems as well.

References:
(1) “Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers” - Written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Copyright 1997-2008.
(2) http://www.ethicsweb.ca/
(3) Moral Leadership
(4) “What Every Engineer Should Know About Ethics” Witten by Kenneth K. Humphreys
(5) http://www.ethicscasediscussions.org/

How to Apply an Engineering Method to Solve Ethical Problems (2)

2011-02-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

What is ethics?

Some people will say "Ethics is simply to do what's right" or saying just “do good”. This myth was explained to me by one of the founder members of the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada and during the last years I had to discuss and exemplify it with many newcomer engineers from Romania.

Ethics involves learning what is right or wrong, and then doing the right thing -- but "the right thing" is not nearly as straightforward as conveyed.

Some times many engineers may believe ethics is irrelevant because in business we cannot talk of ethics and training in ethics may avoid the real-to-life complexities in leading organizations.

We may consider ethics to be the "Science of Conduct.” Ethics includes the fundamental ground rules by which we live our lives. Philosophers such as Socrates and Plato have given guidelines for ethical behaviour.

Definition of Ethics

Ethics – the study of right and wrong, good and evil, obligations and rights, justice, and social and political ideas – is one of the four branches of philosophy, according to The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus.

The concept has come to mean various things to various people, but generally in the context of organizations coming to know what is right or wrong in the workplace and doing what's right -- this is in regard to effects of products/services and in relationships with stakeholders.

Leaders help to set the tone, develop the vision, and shape the behaviour of all those involved in organizational life.

“The critical point to understand here is that, like it or not, business and politics serve as the metronome for our society. And the meter and behavior established by leaders set the patterns and establish the models for our behavior as individuals and as a group. Although the terms "business ethics" and "moral leadership" are technically distinguishable, in fact, they are inseparable components in the life of every organization.” (1)

As a student of business ethics, I am convinced that without the continuous commitment, enforcement, and modeling of leadership, standards of business ethics cannot be achieved in any organization.

How to Apply an Engineering Method to Solve Ethical Problems (1)

2011-02-18T11:10:00.001-05:00

If you've read this blog for a while, you already know that I like to use my engineering background to point your attention to general concepts. Even if you're not an engineer, i am confident you will benefit from it.

Today, I will start a series of postings demonstrating the use of one of the well-known methods of engineering, which can be applied to solve ethical problems as well.

Introduction

Coming to Canada as an immigrant engineer educated and trained in another country, I was faced to many career choices. I could choose to join a small firm or a multinational organization, to be an entrepreneur or even to change the path of my career for another domain. Each of these opportunities operates in business environment that is totally different from the place I was coming from.

However, first of most I had to understand the new culture and the ethics of the business. Soon I understood that organizations have no more stable environment, and I had to answer many dilemmas.

A simple example is should I leave present employer and go for better salary and benefits. If I stay here, what is the guarantee that I will be offered continued employment? The course on ethics in faculty didn't provide any yes or no answers to these questions. It helped me to understand my inside compass on guiding me to take appropriate decisions.

If we examine the current literature on ethics, the focus is on guidelines given by philosophers, academics and social critics. However, leaders, managers and engineers require more practical information about managing ethics.

"Managing ethics in the workplace holds tremendous benefit to all including engineers, managers, organization and society. This is particularly true today when it is critical to understand and manage highly diverse groups, with different values in the workplace and operating in globalized economic conditions." (1)

What is ethics?
(will follow)

References:
(1) "Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers" - written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC., Copyright 1997-2008.

The Ten Winning People-Trends Of 2011 & What They Mean To You by Mike Lipkin

2011-02-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

We're almost at the fifty-day mark of 2011. In dog years, an entire year has already passed. It’s been epic. The climate is changing dramatically, both physically and metaphysically. As Elisabeth Rosenthal asks in the February 13 issue of the New York Times: "What happens when 100 year storms are seen every 10 years, and 10 year storms become regular events? How many structures will reach their limits?"...

The Bold Guide to a Fast Track Career

2011-02-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

I just read the above post, which I thought I will share with you. The recipe is a 3-steps, easy to put you up to speed if you want a fast track career.

Read here.

News You Can Use - "Welcome to Ontario" goes mobile

2011-02-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration of the Government of Ontario launched the mobile version of the popular “Welcome to Ontario” newcomer guide for smartphones. You can check it out at ontario.ca/welcomeguide

The mobile version includes a link to “Settlement.Org. The original “Welcome to Ontario” booklet is available in PDF in 17 languages on our main website.

Additional Information:

http://ontario.ca/welcomeguide

"Toronto's Many Faces" 5th edition - a sourcebook for newcomers

2011-01-28T10:09:00.000-05:00

Toronto is truly a city of communities. Designed for tourists and for residents, "Toronto's Many Faces" is the one and only guide to the multicultural character of the city, featuring profiles of more than 60 ethnic communities, including local histories, festivals, food, and art. The book identifies each community - where its people come from, why, when, and where they settled in Toronto. The contribution of each community is also traced, with biographical notes on prominent people whose achievements have been extraordinary. Monuments, memorials, theatres, museums, cultural centres, and restaurants are identified, while detailed maps and photographs of festival events help bring the city's varied communities to life.

"Toronto's Many Faces is a guide for tourists, a sourcebook for newcomers, a directory for businesses and "organizations, and a passport for Torontonians to the many cultures that exist at their doorsteps.

For more details about the author Tony Ruprecht, MPP-Davenport click here.

News You Can Use - Immigrants need Canadian style social skills

2011-01-18T23:57:00.005-05:00

Finish to Start!

2011-01-10T21:23:00.004-05:00

A new year... a new start. You have some new/old goals, and everything depends on what YOU want! Recently, I've got this inspiration message from Joe Nunziata, which I'm sharing with you below:

"Many people are great starters and poor finishers. Why do so many people get excited in the beginning of their quest only to run out of steam in short period of time?

There are a number of reasons for the fade out. The main one is a lot external excitement and not enough intestinal fortitude. Talk is cheap and we love to talk about what we are going to do.

To finish you must have the internal energy, desire, belief and patience. When you have all of these attributes your chances of making it to the finish line are greatly improved. We all start things and fail to reach our goal. When you begin your next quest be sure you intent to finish what you start."

Here's Your START to FINISH roadmap. Take it and enjoy the journey!

Engineer Your Success In Canada

"The Journey. I've heard the saying: There's only two big decisions in life, where you're going, and who you're going to take with you. I know where I am going. I know who I am taking. I hope you do, too." ~ Jeffrey Gitomer - Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

News You Can Use - IEP Conference

2010-12-21T16:18:00.001-05:00

Now in its 8th successful year, the IEP Conference is regarded as one of the most innovative and respectful events for skilled newcomers seeking practical, effective career advice.

The next conference will be held on January 14th, 2011 at Lower Level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Online registration for this conference is open, and is free for IEP delegates. This event traditionally attracts over 1200 delegates, so avoid disappointment by registering early.

Click here to REGISTER at no cost to IEP delegates!

The Sector Focus for the 2011 IEP Conference is as follows:
Healthcare
Engineering
Business Services
Information Technologies & Communications
Finance and Accounting

Guest speakers:
Mike Williams, General Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Division (EDCT), City of Toronto
Ratna Omidvar - President, Maytree Foundation
Sherali Najak, Executive Producer, CBC's Hockey Night in Canada
Rahul K. Bhardwaj - President & CEO, Toronto Community Foundation

For more information visit the conference website at: www.iep.ca

Twelve Priorities For 2011

2010-12-15T10:09:00.000-05:00

TWELVE PRIORITIES FOR 2011
By Daniel Stamp dstamp@prioritymanagement.com

If you really want to do something different next year to enhance your career and life satisfaction, look first at the actions and beliefs that impact your own behavior and then at those of the people around you. Here is my wish list for what each and every one of us as individuals can do to make 2011 the best year ever!

Design your work life to support what you really want. You can only find ‘passion’, ‘work/life balance’ and ‘meaning’ by looking within yourself first.
Make the tough decisions to pursue work and out-of-office activities that reflect what you care about most deeply. Open your arms to change but don’t give up on your deeply held values.
Live this year within your means. Ask yourself whether you really need to buy as much stuff as you do? Do you know how much money you really need to have a satisfying and fulfilling life?
Make improved relationships a goal at work and at home. Remember that the best relationship is the one in which your love and respect for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Ask yourself if ‘staying busy’ is really an escape from your current reality. If your ‘busyness’ is self imposed, think about what you may be using it to escape from. Now act on your conclusions!
This year when you make a mistake, take immediate action to correct it. If you feel like you’ve lost... don’t lose the lesson.
When you have a disagreement at work or with a loved one at home, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past and don’t ever let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
Make ‘listening’ an essential skill to develop next year. Don’t speed listen - because you can’t reduce every message to a caption. Many message require several pieces of information to be understood, and when you respond only to the first piece, you simply create more misunderstanding. Listen to what is really being communicated and absorb the whole message before you start to respond.
Keep ALL your commitments. Don’t make commitments (to a meeting, a lunch, completing a piece of work) and then not follow through or cancel at the last minute. Remember that you might be busy - but so is everyone else. Recognize that when you fail to honor your commitments, you are saying two things to the other person: “My time is more important than yours” and “You are not important”.
Keep score in 2011! You’ll never know if you are winning or losing if you don’t keep score. Start building a portfolio of your ‘wins’ - a ‘star-file’ if you like. In it you can keep good performance reviews, e-mails or notes of thanks from colleagues or customers, learning certificates and the like. Don’t be shy - you can pull it out when you are having a bad day or use it for career enhancement. Just one positive a day will give you a fat ‘star-file’ by year’s end.
Learn something new this year. There is a huge scope for improving your mental capacity. Learning has a direct and beneficial effect on your mental health and well being - whatever your age. It’s fun to learn - a good way to meet and make new friends. Remember to share your new knowledge - it’s a way to achieve immortality!
To be truly happy and fulfilled in 2011 means establishing a loving atmosphere in your home and a deep and caring respect for people at work. Love, respect and responsibility are the foundations of your life. Make them a priority today and every day of your life.

Click here to learn more about Priority Management

Practical lessons

2010-12-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

Just came across the "20 Business Truisms That Can Change Your Life" by Steve Tobak, which I'd like to share with you.
They are all wise-universal teachings and some of them I have included in my personal "checklist"... You might add more, too.

"So, while you will find elements of Taoism, Freudian theory, Ayn Rand, and What They Don’t Teach You At Harvard Business School, make no mistake: they’re all practical lessons that can help your career … or even change your life:

If you don’t know, say so. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, stop talking.
Whether negotiation is strong or weak depends entirely on your goals.
Don’t jump ship before you hit the iceberg.
Anger is never about what you think you’re angry about.
Confidence comes from success, knowledge comes from failure.
A**hole is a subjective noun.
If you’re miserable, quit and do something else. If you’re still miserable, it’s you.
Success is based on current behavior, not past performance.
If you protect your domain or CYA, that’s all you’ll accomplish.
Thin-skinned people are actually thick-headed.
People won’t perform for those they don’t respect.
If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, you won’t be successful at it.
When you have problems with others, look inside yourself for answers.
The workplace is about business, not you.
Conflict is healthy; anger is not. Get some help for that.
No matter how smart you are, wisdom only comes from experience.
Whine and complain all you want; nobody gives a crap.
You can BS others but you really can’t BS yourself.
The boss isn’t always right, but she’s still the boss.
The customer isn’t always right, but he’s still the customer.

If any of this comes across as sort of preachy, just so you know, that’s not my intent. I’m not interested in indoctrinating anyone, just helping you to navigate a complex and challenging working world."

'Tis the Season for Holiday Networking - And Here's Your Guide by Keith Ferrazzi

2010-12-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

I just received this Holiday Networking tip from Keith and wanted to share it with you, too! Go thru these content "to deepen the relationships around you". Enjoy!

News You Can Use - Mentoring online

2010-11-30T15:03:00.001-05:00

The target group for this program is Internationally Educated Professionals who are in the process of relocating to Canada. These mentees are matched with Canadian professionals in their field for a four-month mentoring relationship. Apart from the mentoring forum, visitors to this website also have access to links to a range of resources in the areas of settlement, employment and education across Canada. These links are conveniently organized according to these three areas and also according to geographic area of interest to the user. Other resources include a ‘Newsroom' where you may find articles of interest, FAQs and a discussion board where newcomers and other visitors to the site can have discussions and network. Access to the latter two resources requires a basic registration and creation of a user name and password.

To find out more about Canada InfoNet, click here.

News You Can Use - Canada 2011 immigration plan

2010-11-26T11:05:00.000-05:00

The Government of Canada will maintain high immigration levels to help sustain the economic recovery, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today upon tabling the annual immigration plan in Parliament. It is estimated that Canada will welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents in 2011. Sixty percent of these immigrants will come through economic streams. "Canada's post-recession economy demands a high level of legal immigration to keep our work force strong," he said. "At the same time, we are maintaining our commitment to family reunification and refugees."

Read the news release.

Networking can solve job puzzle

2010-11-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

News You Can Use - A story...like your story...

2010-11-01T22:24:00.002-04:00

Listen the story of a judge who is performing citizenship ceremonies. A story very similar to everyone else...
What are you taking from his story? Network and get out!

Find out more about Citizenship and Immigration Canada

"Do not wait: the time will never be 'just right'. Start where you stand, and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along." ~ Napoleon Hill

News You Can Use - Mike Lipkin's Top 50 Insights

2010-10-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

Read and listen to Mike Lipkin's Top 50 Insights from the PowerWithin Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders Conference on September 23, 2010:

Read Insights and Listen to Insights

How can you use these insights?

News You Can Use - IWES program

2010-10-07T21:42:00.001-04:00

The Integrated Work Experience Strategy (IWES) is a new bridge-to-work program being piloted in the Greater Toronto Area under the Information and Communications Technology Council's (ICTC) Immigration Initiatives, in partnership with JVS Toronto.

It prepares internationally educated professionals (IEPs) for employment in Canada's information and communications technology (ICT) sector. IWES is funded by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. We are currently accepting applications for INTAKE 4 in Markham, Ontario.

Only 16 participants will be accepted into the program in this cycle.

Don't delay -- apply by December 2, 2010!

How to apply: Online at www.ictc-ctic.ca.

Click on Immigration Initiatives, scroll down to Integrated Work Experience Strategy Program and choose "About IWES". Click on the "How to Apply as an IEP" button and complete the online form.

Click here for flyer.

Communication X 3!

2010-10-03T15:47:00.005-04:00

Last week I participated at a presentation organized by the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada. The topic was "Understanding Project Management", and the presenter Mr. Rishi Kumar. P.Eng., PMP, CMC was very eloquent in pointing out that the most important factor in the success or failure of a project is Communication. Based on his experience, the interpersonal skills, contracting and negotiation skills are playing the biggest role.

Communication, communication and more communication! Is communication used only in project management? Of course, not! However, everything is project management, as well as everything is... negotiation, as well as we all are in sales! Even if you think you're not :).
We are first and foremost social beings. And most on the conversations in the workplace are social. Hi, how are you? How was your weekend? How was in vacation? How is your son? etc.
Great social interaction prepares the platform on which work is built.
So, how we can get better?

Here are a few initial steps ideas:
1. Before coming to Canada improve your English speaking skills.
- Test Your English
- Learn Business English
- 11 RULES OF WRITING
2. Once you're here, join a Toastmasters International club.
- Why to join? Read this and then go Find Meeting Locations near to your area.
3. Use different resources like these:
- FREE Communispond Podcast Library
- Communication skills

...and be prepared for more.
Enjoy and be happy now!

"The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution." ~ Albert Einstein

Play well

2010-09-26T18:42:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Being a kid, I didn’t have computer and the internet; I’ve got a LEGO brick game as present. I was amazed about the unlimited possibilities to combine the blocks, and quickly realized that if I put them together using two knobs I get a stronger connection than using one knob and one hole. Using more knobs it allows building a very strong structure.

It’s starting with some simple forms, and then only your imagination can limit it. Everything you need you already have. It’s simple. Great toys!

The name LEGO is formed from the Danish words "LEgGOdt" ("play well"). In Latin the word means "I study", "I put together".

For some years I was using the LEGO logo for my journey in life;

LEGO = Learn with Enthusiasm and GO!

To achieve something, I had to learn first about the subject, but only when I put enthusiasm in learning I had great results. After that, when I choose to start and do it right away, the results were exactly as in my imagination. During the process I realized that somehow the things started to work in my favour.

How do you achieve your outcomes?

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

News You Can Use - "Growing Pains"

2010-09-16T14:32:00.001-04:00

After navigating through the global recession in relatively good shape and enjoying a strong bounceback in the early stages of recovery, Canada’s economy appears to be transitioning to a relatively subdued rate of expansion of about 2%.
Read more here.

Today is Gateway Day by Mike Lipkin

2010-09-08T16:54:00.001-04:00

Welcome back, it’s time to get working. July and August are just distant memories but September is here and it’s now. So are you recharged? Are you regenerated? Are you ready to rock your world? Because that’s what it’s going to take...
» Watch the video
» Listen to the podcast
» Read Mike’s new insights

What you focusing on?

2010-09-06T19:46:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned before, the intention of these posts is to create a conversation between us and to support you in being successfully accommodated to the Canadian workplace and society. Primarily, to support you in becoming a highly successful IEP.

Each week I will select one or more topics related to the exercises proposed under each main quality of our topic and share with you some experiences about the way that my friends or myself went through something like this.

Just goggle "achieve balance" and you will get millions of hits. We hear a lot about the need of balance in our lives, between work and personal life, etc. On many sites you will get recipes about how to achieve it. Personally, I believe that maintaining balance in our daily life is impossible. I can agree with the concept of ecological balance in nature - as a whole, however I like to see it from the perspective of energy. Energy is always moving based on our focus. So, where are you moving your energy? It is your work? It is your family? By changing your focus, you enable an instant change in how you feel, you can change your emotional state. Are you stressed? If you are stressed, then this is a result of where you're putting your focus.

Remember: Whatever you focus on becomes your reality! (Believe it or not!) In fact, everything you do is a reflection of what you are focusing on... in your career, in your personal life and relationships or in your health. What you focus on determines how you'll feel!

Now, write down why you must Engineer Your Success in Canada, even if you are not an engineer. As my friend Salvador put it, "These top ten qualities to be successful are fundamental for any professional trying to succeed in this new interconnected world."
Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific. One step at a time...

What are your reasons?
What will it give you, your family, and your friends?
What will it eliminate?
What kind of stress would disappear if you had a guide like this?
Write down what it will cost you if you don't take the time to master all these qualities.

Be happy, now!

P.S. Do you notice any strange wording? (hint: see title)

"Quality questions create a quality life." ~ Anthony Robbins
"Always I will take another step. If that is of no avail I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult.” ~ Og Mandino

News You Can Use - The power of a simple ‘thank you’

2010-08-31T11:34:00.000-04:00

"Think about this: When was the last time you wrote or received a handwritten note of thanks or even a thank-you e-mail?" read more...

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.” ~ Ralph Marston

Five Simple Rules by Mircea Mihaescu

2010-08-24T23:32:00.004-04:00

One of the "advantages" of working for a number of years is that you develop a small set of rules you apply to many (if not most...) of the situations you encounter. The way you have those guidelines applied varies from project to project, however you need a way to make them known to the people you work with in a simple way. I try to make mine "memorable" as well... here are five of them, that many of my colleagues have heard me repeating often:

1. If things seem under control, you are not driving fast enough (from Mario Andretti, race car driver)

This is my all-time favorite, as it describes a philosophy of pushing to your (or your team's) limits. If you don't try, you'll never know what you are capable of...

2. If it's too steep, you are too old (from a T-shirt in Banff, a ski town in Western Canada)
A corollary of the previous one, it is emphasizing the need to stay young at heart, to search for new ideas and and new ground, to "boldly go..." (you know the rest).

3. How many years does it take to get 15 years of experience? (from me)

My point is that in many professional domains it just takes time and effort to achieve the required level of proficiency. The answer is, of course, "approximately 15 years", and it should not be considered a "put down" message, rather as encouraging people to set goals and work hard to achieve them. No one wants to be operated on by a surgeon working for a clinic that advertises hiring with "no experience required"... Recently, Malcolm Gladwell has written extensively about this in his book "Outliers".

4. I've never heard such a stupid idea in my whole life! (one of my former managers)

The point here is to think and try to understand new ideas thoroughly, be constructive and tactful with your feedback. The manager in the story made that comment when hearing a suggestion from the company's CEO ( I was there as a techie). He was fired that evening. And the idea did fail spectacularly...

5. You need to repeat something seven times for an adult to remember (from personal experience)

One of my friends is a kindergarten teacher. She told me she doesn't stop from being amazed how quickly kids pick things up and remember them days after the initial discussion. It looks like after so many years of school, we adults have developed a certain level of resistance to other people speaking. So now I do not get frustrated, I just say it again, and again, and again...

Read more of Mircea at Thoughts on entrepreneurship, innovation and software development.

"The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." ~ Alvin Toffler

News You Can Use - Foreign professionals need 'soft skills' to find success

2010-08-22T14:16:00.004-04:00

Foreign professionals need 'soft skills' to find success
Engineering a brighter future; Association trying to help immigrants
By Shaun Polczer, Calgary Herald

"Engineers like to think of mathematics as a universal language.

So the biggest challenge for skilled engineers immigrating to Canada isn't the ability to run calculations, it's often the 'soft skills' that go with finding a job on top of adjusting to a new culture and a new way of life."

Read more here.

The Tenth Quality: They are Generous

2010-08-21T15:28:00.004-04:00

They are committed to the IEP community.
They've succeeded because of others, that’s why they want to help others succeed.
They understand that all success is a function of reciprocation.
They give to get.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

What’s your philanthropic focus?
To help, encourage and inspire others to succeed in any undertaking, showing my appreciation for the help and support the community have given me. What about you?
How can you develop a reputation for helping others?
I am involved with the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada (www.arec.ca) as well as with different groups on LinkedIn, where I learn and share experiences, striving to build long-term relationships. What about you?
What percentage of your time and resources have you committed to helping others?
At least 10%. What about you?
How can you turn generosity into opportunity?

"If you always give, you will always have." ~ Chinese proverb

News You Can Use - What You Need to Know About Harassment in Ontario

2010-08-19T18:15:00.003-04:00

What You Need to Know About Harassment in Ontario
By: Renée Cormier

June 15, 2010 marked the official start date for employers to have complied with Bill 168 amendments to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The changes to the legislation require employers to have policies in place to protect employees from workplace violence and harassment.

While most companies have little trouble with workplace violence among staff, harassment between employees remains mostly unnoticed.

Canada Safety Council refers to workplace harassment as psychological violence and has received reports of workplace bullying leading victims to commit suicide.

Ontario’s new legislation defines workplace harassment as, “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.” It also defines forms of harassment such as “bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes or innuendos, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidat-ing phone calls”.

According to British website www.bullyonline.org, 68% of managers are bullies. Can-ada Safety Council reports that 72% of bullies are bosses and are equally male or female. American studies report that 1 in 5 employees are bullied at work. In light of these statistics, we can assume that bullying or psychological violence is preva-lent and even tolerated in Canadian workplaces. Ontario employers should know that while Bill 168 does not directly address manager/employee relations with respect to workplace harassment, it does leave the door open for judges to award compensation to em-ployees who have been bullied by managers and co workers.

Canadian judges have been taking a dim view of employers that turn a blind eye to bullying in the workplace and organizations of all sizes have had to pay compensation to employees who com-plained of being bullied at work. Organizations such as the Toronto Transit Commission, Honda Canada, RCMP, Subway and Sobeys have all had to pay compensation to former employees due to complaints of bullying at work. These are just a few employers who have been penalized and the message judges are sending should not be ignored. Bullies are a liability to your business and any company that does not take steps to prevent workplace harassment of all kinds is asking for trouble.

Renée Cormier is a specialist in the area of Employee and Customer Engagement. She has been a training and development professional since 1997 and has driven results for many companies throughout her career. Most recently she has published a book called, Engaged for Growth which is currently being distributed throughout Canada, the United States, and UK. Through her company, Powerhouse Conferences, Renée offers an array of corporate education services including Leadership development, Customer Service, AntiHarassment training, Communication skills and ESL classes.

Her passion for business and bringing out the best in people allows her to achieve favorable results for her clients. Renée’s learning sessions are lively, engaging and guaranteed to produce results!

PowerHouse Conferences
Phone: 905-593-2778
E-mail: renee@powerconferences.ca
http://reneecormier.wordpress.com/

The Ninth Quality: They are Natural Networkers

2010-08-17T20:12:00.004-04:00

They constantly reach out to others.

They identify the influencers and they contact them - over and over again.

They love people and it shows.

They attend the meetings and they make the calls.

They know what to say and they say what they know.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

Do you know who you need to contact?

Who are your Power Sources, Role Models, Challengers, Mentors?

Networking really works when you become a problem solver. If you have a large enough network, you can have access to just about anything you need by leveraging ideas, contacts, everything.

Do you know how to communicate with them?

It's all about them - not YOU!

"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel” ~ Carl W. Buechner

How can you trade benefits with them?

How do you prepare yourself for a meeting? As you prep for the meeting, answer the questions below - in writing:

What do I want from the other person to know?
What do I want them to believe?
What do I want them to feel?
What do I want them to do?

Are you allocating the time to attend the right meetings?

What %?

Do you know how to network online?

Are you getting the best out of LinkedIn?

Know what you want to get out of LinkedIn. Use LinkedIn as the tool that it is.
How can you use this tool to execute your career management strategy? Do you have one?
How are you going to enhance your personal brand?

"Knowledgeable people know facts. Successful people and prosperous people know people" ~ John Demartini
"Your network is your net worth... Add to your personal bottom line with better networking and bigger relationships" ~ Tim Sanders

News You Can Use - A path to acceptance for immigrant professionals

2010-08-16T23:14:00.001-04:00

“Obviously I want to find something more permanent that uses my skills,” he says, such as a job as project co-ordinator or sales or technology manager. But to do that he’s realized he has to reinvent himself for the realities of the Canadian workplace. - THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Read the article here.

The Eighth Quality: They are Excellent Communicators

2010-08-15T10:57:00.013-04:00

They get their message across – even though they may not always speak perfect English.
They are fully involved in the conversation.
They listen.
They demonstrate their commitment.
They show their enthusiasm.
They engage the people around them.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

How are you improving your communication skills – speaking, writing, listening?

Identify what you need to do to become a great communicator.

What’s your communication style... and how can you improve?

Decide what it is your style.
Do you know the four phases of the communication process?

1. Verbal or Non-verbal
2. Meaning or Perception
3. Clarifying
4. Shared Meaning & Understanding

Are you practicing it?

Are you demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment effectively?

Remember... "It's not what you say or do, but HOW you say it."

How can you motivate people to want to speak with you?

Are you a good listener? What steps do you need to take to improve your listening skills?

“Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view." ~ Dale Carnegie

Think of LADDER to be a good listener

Look at the other person.
Ask questions.
Don't interrupt.
Don't change the subject.
Express emotion with control.
Respond appropriately.

What are your keys to success?

Hear & Understand - Focus on what is being said!
Expect the Best When Communicating - Be Optimistic!
Act with Integrity in All Your Interactions - Be Honest & Fair!
Respect Diversity and Recognize Differences - Build Rapport!

Are you web-smart?

Are you on LinkedIn? Connect to get the opportunity! Help others!!

"Communication is defined as consisting of 7-10% words, 35% tone and 55% non verbal." ~ Albert Mehrabian
"Debunking the 55%, 38%, 7% Rule" ~ Judith E. Pearson

The Seventh Quality: They are Courageous

2010-08-10T22:31:00.001-04:00

They believe in themselves.
They take on big challenges.
They operate with confidence.
They are not intimidated by others.
They may feel the fear, but they don’t let it stop them.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

Are you taking on ambitious challenges?
How are you building and expressing your confidence?
What obstacles or people do you need to confront and overcome?
How are you using your fear?
What relationships are you building to help master your fear?

"I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed. And the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep trying." ~ Tom Hopkins' The Champion Creed

"The opposite of courage is conformity and there is little compensation in conformity." ~ Earl Nightingale

Benjamin Zander on music and passion

2010-08-03T16:43:00.003-04:00

I had to share with you this great life lesson, which actually touches on many of our topics we're discussing on our blog... on success, on leadership, on how to present your passion, on new experiences, on new challenges, on music, on attitude and belief in others, on teaching and learning, on inspiration, etc., and I hope you'll have shining eyes like me, too. Enjoy!

Are you passionate or familiar with any topic discussed here? Please collaborate and share your thoughts with us.

"The difficult in life is the choice." ~ George Moore

The Sixth Quality: They Are Change-Masters

2010-07-31T14:24:00.008-04:00

They don’t just accept their new environment, they embrace it.
They learn everything they can about the system and what’s required to succeed. Then they constantly adapt, even faster than their local counterparts.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

Do you fully understand your industry and work environment?

What are you doing to be up-to-date with the changes in your industry?

Can you talk knowledgeably about your industry?

How are you preparing yourself?

Do you empathize with your employers’ challenges?

Are you approaching the job search in the traditional/old way, or you are oriented to the needs and wants of YOUR customer, which is your prospective employer? What you must be is a solution to the needs and problems which that organization is facing. Be creative and look for the opportunity to position yourself as a solution to some need that an organization faces. Stop and relax.... breathe and imagine yourself in the realities of the company you want to work for. Creatively find ways of talking and learning from the company's employees and managers about the culture and norms of their organization - talk with their suppliers, customers and even competitors. You will be able to describe their challenges and needs as well as or better than themselves. Now, you can position yourself - your unique background, skills, education, experience and talents - in the context of their needs.

Are you proactive and think of all you can do to shift your career or your business life forward?

Did you conduct a targeted research to identify industries and positions of interest?
Do you have a list of companies to focus on?
How are you going to network your way into those companies?
How are you going to learn about "hidden" job openings?
Are you happy with your brand presence? Are you showing how valuable you are for decision makers?

How are you adapting to change?

As a newcomer, you know "change"! How will you react to that change? Do you understand that change is opportunity? How will you take advantage of that opportunity?

How are you showing others how to manage change?

You want to be a model of what's possible.

"You can't change things in THE world, but you can change things in YOUR world." ~ Jeffrey Gitomer
"Change how you see yourself and create an opportunity for others to see you differently." ~Roger Ellerton
"NLP may well be the most important vehicle for change in existence" ~ Modern Psychology Magazine

Canada's Job Market Through Recessions and Recoveries - Why This Time is Different

2010-07-27T22:11:00.001-04:00

HIGHLIGHTS by Diana Petramala, Economist, Canada

• The hit to Canadian employment during the recession was not as large as could have been the case given the severity of the downturn, and the recovery thus far has outperformed that following the last two major recessions.
• Job growth has become more reliant on industries linked to domestic demand, and thus the labour market as benefited from the resilience of domestic spending.
• Moving into the second half of 2010, we anticipate slower than normal job creation, as the pace of economic recovery ratchets down.
• Growth in domestic demand is expected to cool to a modest pace of 1.5-2% over the next year and a half, significantly down from the robust 4.5-5% pace experienced over the last three quarters. As such, employment in industries tied to domestic spending will likely moderate in the coming months. In addition, a diminishing rate of U.S. growth will likely weigh on hiring in export-oriented industries.
• We anticipate average monthly job creation in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 over the second half of 2010, with a gradual decline in the unemployment rate to 7.7% by year end.

You can read more of this TD Economics report here.

The Fifth Quality: They Like to Work Hard

2010-07-25T15:34:00.009-04:00

They do whatever it takes to succeed. And they do it willingly.
They have a capacity for work that would exhaust others.
They never give up. And they never feel sorry for themselves.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

What is you capacity for work?
How are you increasing your focus?
What is your attitude towards work?
Are you getting things done? What system do you have in place to manage your workload?
How can you increase your stamina?
It's not about who's right; it's about who's left.
What are you doing to sustain your enthusiasm?
Remind yourself how much you love what you're doing.
How are you communicating your work ethic?
What are you doing to communicate your enthusiasm?
“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives” ~ William James

Mike Lipkin: How To Become a One-Percenter so you can inspire the other 99%

2010-07-22T16:30:00.000-04:00

Since January 1 2010, I've worked with almost 50 000 people from over 100 companies around the world. The top one percent of them are literally amazing. I call them "One-Percenters". They do things others believe are impossible and that's how they inspire others to do more. I've discovered that they have ten traits in common...
Listen to the podcast
Read Mike's new insights

The Fourth Quality: They are the Best at What They Do

2010-07-20T20:25:00.010-04:00

They are highly skilled.
They know their strength and they play from it.
They also constantly upgrade their skills.
They love to learn and grow.
They are the standards of excellence.

Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific.

How can you become the best in your field?

What's important to you in your work/career/job?

What are the expects you need to focus on? Remember... You Get What You Focus On

What’s your “Personal Genius”?

I invite you to awaken your genius potential. Discover it!

How are you developing it?

Practice, practice and practice. Use it!

"Practice so much they think you are lucky" ~ Kit Grant. Getting good at anything seldom occurs until you make the decision to get better. The old saying "practice makes perfect" is a bit misleading and should actually say, "Perfect practice makes perfect." The more you do something correctly, the better your skill level. In order to get much better, you'll usually discover it takes a bit of work — not an overbearing amount, but just doing it.

How are you turning your Personal Genius into a unique “Personal Value Proposition”?

What is your brand? How you position yourself?

How are you benchmarking yourself as a standard of excellence?

You have to be able to compare with other people.

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said." ~ Tony Robbins

Top Ten Qualities to be Successful

2010-07-18T12:56:00.005-04:00

The qualities that are being highlighted in this blog are extremely relevant not only for internationally trained professionals trying to make their way in Canada. These traits are fundamental for any professional trying to succeed in this new interconnected world. Technology and globalization have changed the landscape of competitiveness and mastering Lipkin's qualities posted by Danny will help us differentiate ourselves and take a privileged position in the workplace.