Archive for News and Media
ExtraordinaryWomenTV Interview
Posted by: | CommentsPatricia Muir is interviewed by Shannon Skinner of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.
Living with Job Insecurity in the New Economy
Posted by: | CommentsNo doubt that tomorrow (November 4, 2008) will go down in history. The world is waiting to see if US citizens acknowledge that BIG SHIFTS are happening in the world economy that requires a BIG SHIFT in leadership. Change has been happening in front of our noses for decades and either the “leaders” have not been clued in or they have been burying their heads in the sand. The workplace and employment as we know it has been and is going through a huge transformation.
Manufacturing, as well as much of the service sector, is undergoing a transformation as profound as the one experienced by the agricultural sector at the beginning of the last century. We are still in the early stages AND clearly we are experiencing a shift from mass labor to highly skilled labor, along with increasing automation in the production of goods and delivery of services. Analysts predict that, in this century, employment as we know it is likely to be phased out in industrialized nations of the world. Human labor is being systematically eliminated from the economic process. A new generation of sophisticated information and communication technologies, together with new forms of business reorganization and management, is wiping out full-time employment for millions of blue- and white-collar workers.In a ruthless, globally competitive market, companies can no longer afford the luxury of holding on to more employees than they need. Because of technology, some jobs are being eliminated completely.The evidence is clear that we are shifting to a new economy – one that is booming for some jobs, and devastating for others.
What do these changes signify for you? Are you taking notice, taking responsibility, and investing in yourself to prepare for change or are you burying your head in the sand?
In future blogs in November, I will offer keys to the new job security.
Maestro’s Process Improvements
Posted by: | CommentsThank you to all our wonderful clients and readers for continued interest in staying connected and being a valuable reader of Maestro’s Notes e-newsletter. If you are not currently a subscriber, go to our sign up on our web site now and receive a BONUS download.
Internal and process improvement is the theme at Maestro Quality this summer. After all, process improvement is our business and I am adamant about being a model for personal quality and leadership.
Sandra (my Personal Assistant) is in the middle of intensive training and taking on more responsibility to allow me to devote more time to discovering new ways to add value for existing clients and developing new business.
One major improvement that we have implemented affects how we stay connected with and deliver more value to our clients and readers of Maestro’s Notes. To enhance our effectiveness and better serve clients and readers, we are moving our e-zine services to 1Shopping Cart effective with the next newsletter to be released this week. 1Shopping Cart is a leader in delivery of e-newsletters, e-books, and other online products.
Stay tuned for June’s issue of Maestro’s Notes – Did you look forward to going to work today? – Learn more about the 2008 list of 50 Best Workplaces in Canada. According to Great Place to Work(R) Institute, when employees of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada were asked if they look forward to coming into work, 84% said yes! By comparison, only 34% of respondents answered favorably to a related question in a national workforce survey.
Our mission is to see every one of our clients on that list by assisting them to create great places to work where people want to go to work and actually look forward to going to work.
Appreciate Your Evolution
Posted by: | CommentsWelcome to Maestro’s Blog.
Last week was amazing. I was so pleased to complete a few big projects, receive encouraging feedback, and add to my Victory Log.
I learned about the merits of a Victory Log from a fellow executive coach, Colin Holbrow (www.thriving.ca). A Victory Log is that wonderful space on paper where you can record your accomplishments, your shifts in perspective, and your insights that remind you that you are forever evolving. A Victory Log can be used as your very own source of inspirational reading.
So often, we look outside of our Self for inspiration. The need for continuous feedback from others becomes like an addiction. Give me one more hit!
In the mad pace of our lives, we complete one project and move right on to another without giving ourselves time and space to bask in our success and acknowledge how well we are doing. The rush of our lives become like the “rush”of one more addiction hit – numbing.
I have found that sitting in my Quiet Room is ideal for recalling, appreciating, and recording my big and little victories. I give myself space physically and emotionally to savour those victories as the motion of my hand blends with the paper.
I encourage you to do the same. When you need reinforcement, inspiration, or encouragement, seek it from within. Read your Victory Log. Going for a new job or a promotion? Read your Victory Log. Moving out of your comfort zone? Read your Victory Log.
Last week was amazing. I can now add the following to my Victory Log:
- New Maestro Quality web site (www.maestroquality.com) and Maestro’s Blog was launched.
- Fellow Toastmasters pulled off their first professional-level Leadership Excellence Series. I held a vision for them that surpassed mediocrity.
- My long-delayed application for ACC coaching accreditation was mailed.
- The BIG ONE? As I completed some big projects successfully, I experienced some major shifts and insights. I was inspired from within. I evolved.
To quote the Beverley Hillbillies jingle, I am now going to sit-a-spell and give myself time and space to appreciate how I have evolved.
How will you appreciate how you have evolved this week?
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