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EMPLOYMENT BRIEFS: Communication skills; followers and leaders; proactive apporach

Source: Tribune Media Services

Communicator-in-chief: Suzanne Bates, author of “Motivate Like a CEO: Communicate Your Strategic Vision and Inspire People to Act” (McGraw-Hill, $22.95) says we can learn a lot from President Obama’s keen ability to communicate by becoming our own communicator-in-chief. “Shepherding your organization through the turmoil of our economic meltdown requires you to put yourself at the center of the communication universe,” she explains. “You cannot view the communication function as something other people can manage and execute. You have to stand right there and make sure it happens [and] position yourself in the middle of the loop.”

Quitters get bossed around: Is your boss the reason you quit your job? That’s what a recent Robert Half International survey suggests. Thirty-five percent of executives said they believe unhappiness with management is the most likely reason good employees quit their jobs. Limited opportunities for advancement was next on the list at 33 percent, while 13 percent said lack of recognition is a top reason employees resign. “In today’s business environment where many companies have reduced staff levels, managers need to be extra attentive to the needs of their teams or they risk losing their most valuable employees,” says Max Messner, author of “Human Resources Kit for Dummies” (Wiley, $29.99).

Being proactive pays: When times get tough, there’s nothing companies need more than a problem solver. Problem solvers are seen as self-starters who are both dependable and creative. They think strategically and help alleviate trouble situations within an organization. Your boss and co-workers will immediately recognize the solution-seeking qualities you bring to the table and your ability to take challenges head-on.

Networking adds value: When the pink slip arrives or necessity calls for a job change, most professionals reluctantly start networking, but those who network consistently earn more and are better protected, finds a Pepperdine University study. Professionals earning more than $200,000 a year cited networking as important to their careers, and they leverage their network more, use job sites less, and consider networking a lifestyle rather than a tool to be used when needed, the study showed. “The study reinforces the value of networking to career advancement and the demand from professionals for better skill development and tools as part of their education,” says Linda A. Livingstone, dean of the Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business Management.

Wanting new work: Even with slower hiring predicted for this year, 19 percent of workers plan to search for and find a new job by the end of the year, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 8,800 workers. Additionally, six-in-ten workers say the economy and the tightening job market are not making them hold off on their plans to change jobs. Workers cited a variety of reasons for wanting to leave their jobs in the new year, such as: better pay; better career advancement opportunities; looking to feel more appreciated; career change; seeking more flexibility.

Career without classwork: As the availability of student loans shrink, job seekers may want to consider an apprenticeship instead of a college degree as an entry route to their career. An apprenticeship provides job training in which you can become a highly skilled worker through a combination of worksite learning and minimal class time. Here are some of the top jobs available through apprenticeships and their projected growth percentage through 2016, according to the book “200 Best Jobs Through Apprenticeships” (Jist, $24.95): Paralegals and legal assistants (22.2); computer support specialists (12.9); construction and building inspectors (18.2); radiologic technologists (15.1); police patrol officers (10.8); correctional officers and jailers (16.9); licensed practical and vocational nurses (14); pipe fitters and steamfitters (10.6); plumbers (10.6); surgical technologists (24.5).

© 2009, Tribune Media Services