There is no doubt about it we are in for some challenging times and the theme in this article is that this should not be daunting! I think Calgarians are quite adept at handling the ups and downs of a changing economy and while organizations have put projects on hold, and trimmed budgets, it does not mean that things are all doom and gloom. In fact, it is during times such as these that we can become more reflective and creative in finding ways to manage our careers.

A Dozen Things You Can Do To Manage Your Career

1. Increase your network by joining or volunteering with a non-profit organization.
2. Identify someone in your organization you feel you have something to learn with regard to the business and approach this person with questions.
3. Attend as many networking events as your organization provides so you can meet new people outside your department or work group.
4. Dust off your resume and polish it up by reviewing your career highlights - what would you add?
5. Take a course - University of Calgary & Mount Royal College offer a ton of continuing education courses and then after the course, share what you learned with your team.
6. During tough times, organizations look to everyone in the organization to be a leader. Work with a coach to polish your leadership skills (I know a good one!)
7. Tap into your network outside your organization - nurture existing relationships. It takes twice as long to establish a new relationship, so focus first on your existing relationships. Pick up the phone and invite someone to meet you for coffee.
8. Do an outstanding job at work. Make sure you understand your boss's expectations - and go above and beyond.
9. Volunteer to contribute to the company in ways outside your regular job - the social committee, the United Way committee, etc. If nothing like this exists in your organization - start one.
10. Gain greater visibility by offering to do a lunch and learn session in your organization on an area of expertise that is unique to you.
11. Stay on top of technical advancements in your job.
12. Read a good book on personal leadership. Thanks to a colleague, Judy Fairburn, of EnCana, who suggested I read the following book: "Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way: Timeless Strategies from the First Lady of Courage" by Robin Gerber. Click on the title of the book link and scroll down to access a video clip about this great book.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

MENTORS, MAVENS & MAGI: Gaining Wisdom Through Others

This was an amazing event thanks to a number of factors. First my thanks to Patty Bourgeois for acting as Moderator on the panel and for working with me on this event. It goes without saying that without our panel members, we would not have access to the insights and experiences offered by our panel, so my thanks to Sue Riddell Rose, Lorraine Mitchelmore, Steve Laut and Keith MacPhail and of course, it was wonderful to have a solid foundation for understanding mentoring, thanks to the presentation made by Shona Welsh. In addition to all of this, the event just would not be structured the way it was without the support of our sponsors - please know that these organizations support the advancement of women in leadership:

Executive Level Sponsors: Agrium & Long View Systems

Table Sponsors: Canadian Natural Resources Limited, EnCana & TransCanada Pipelines

Career Management Coaching

Have you carved your career path? How does your career fit in with your overall goals in life? Are you achieving everything that you want to achieve in your career? In these coaching sessions, you'll take a close look at what's important to you in your career, where you want to go in your work life, and how it fits with your overall goals in life. Four individual coaching sessions are scheduled. Fees for the career coaching sessions have been adjusted in response to the downturn in the economy. Contact me if you would like more information.

2009 LEADERSHIP SERIES

Common Decision Traps and How to Avoid Them

I recently spoke with colleague Wilma Slenders, Founder of Executive Forum Alberta and Transcend Management Advisors, who is in the throes of completing her PhD in Leadership. In addition to working on her dissertation, she has partnered with Murray Low of LeadershipSmarts to provide quality learning opportunities in a most unique way. "Executive Forum alberta" has a vision to bring world class leadership experts to Calgary that is focused on challenging your thinking about leadership. The program targets mid to senior management and what makes the program unique is the opportunity for immediate application of concepts during the program followed by a session 10 days after the presentation. The second part of the series is scheduled for March 17, 2009 at the TELUS Convention Centre. Dr. Roch Parayre will be speaking on "Common Decision Traps and How to Avoid Them." For more information and to register for any of the Leadership Series programs, click on the Executive Forum Alberta Logo or contact Wilma directly at 403-547-7900

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE LEADING WOMEN

Angela Champ has been promoted to VP Human Resource Services with Focus Corporation.

Juliana Uto has moved into the role of Business Manager for Western Canada with Air Liquide Canada. This announcement was made in the last newsletter, however, for some reason, I mistakenly put the Juliana had moved from Enmax. Don't ask, I can't explain myself sometimes!!! My apologies to Juliana who had been with TransAlta for some time before moving to ALC.

Do you know someone who has moved? Or perhaps your own role has changed - please drop me a line at leibham.and.company@shaw.ca so we can announce it.