The fall colours in Ontario were the most spectacular I have seen in many years. While it is cliché, it is a season that reminds us about the constant ebb and flow of all things. As a career and leadership coach, I work with people grappling with their own reactions to change. Some people embrace it, some go cautiously towards it, but most of us, if we’re honest, get pretty comfortable with what we already know.
In Canada this month we have been immersed in lessons of change. Whether you are a fan or not of the new government, it is impossible to ignore the wave of optimism that swept the country and gave people a sense of possibility. Sometimes an external force takes us by surprise and we too can get swept up in an unexpected change. What lessons can we draw from the public sphere to our personal change projects? How can we access a sense of optimism and hope to improve our work experiences or take the next step towards redefining our careers?
In Finding Your Own North Star, Martha Beck describes change as a “catalytic event” that can be positive, negative or neutral. In our working lives, we face change daily, and sometimes it may feel like we are helpless to do anything about it. Recognizing our own response to change is a good starting place. You may find it easier to imagine possibilities than to implement a plan. Or you may be great at responding in the moment to whatever has to be done, but challenging to connect your actions to a longer term vision. Once we know what our familiar response is, we can make a choice to try something new, even thinking about change differently.
What is your typical response to change?
What would happen if a wave of optimism and hope took over and you could make a change tomorrow? What would it be?
How can you adjust your thinking about change to move towards that desired outcome?
To find out more about how coaching can help you to embrace change in your career, contact Lianne.
News & Events
I’m excited to announce my new office in Liberty Village, effective November 1, 2015. I am joining a co-working business environment operated by Regus Business Center located at 60 Atlantic Avenue in one of Toronto’s heritage buildings.
My email and telephone number will remain the same: lianne@krakauer.ca/ 647-393-4589. I look forward to welcoming clients and friends in my new space. Drop me a note if you’d like to come by for a tour and a great cup of coffee in the Village!
Take Our Kids To Work Day: November 4th
Every November, Grade 9 students from across Canada are hosted by parents, friends, relatives and volunteers at workplaces across the country. If you know a Grade 9 student, consider inviting him or her your work. The program supports career development by helping students connect school, the world of work, and their own futures.
30 Day Coaching Challenge: Getting Ready for Change
Sign up for 30 days of coaching to clarify what you want to do about a change you are facing in your current role or a career change you are contemplating. Assess your response, develop alternatives and identify the first essential steps you can take. Package includes two one hour coaching sessions in person or by phone. Fee: $375.00 + HST. Sign up before the end of November to take advantage of the reduced fee.
Lianne Krakauer is a career and leadership coach with 20 years of experience in professional services, law, education and the public sector. She works with individuals at all levels to find ways to re-invent their careers and bring about positive sustainable change. Lianne has led workshops and presented on a wide range of topics related to career and leadership development, communication and coaching. Lianne has a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Education, both from the University of Toronto; and a Bachelor of Arts from Western. She has a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University and specialized training in Solutions Focused Coaching. She is certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, a psychological instrument that supports individual growth and team development. Lianne is a Professional Certified Coach, a designation granted by the International Coach Federation which recognizes coaches who have completed over 750 hours of individual coaching. In her free time she can be found on her yoga mat in a favourite warrior pose.
