Adjusting to a new role?

”An astronaut can walk in space but can't handle standing on her own two feet.” Have you ever had trouble adjusting to a new role? That was certainly the case for Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. She is one of only 7 women who have walked in space, and was a member of the recent Atlantis crew that helped get the construction restarted on the space station.

When her team arrived back on earth, Heidemarie was given a few of hours of orientation, and was then asked to join in a post mission news conference. During the conference, she collapsed twice, and was eventually taken away by NASA officials. There was nothing really wrong, it was just that her body was adjusting to being back in a world with gravity.

Her story peaked my interest, and so I did a little research on the effect of lack of gravity on the human body: muscle mass vanishes at the rate of 5% per week, and you lose as much as 22% of your blood, which affects your heart. There is also a long term impact on bone density.

We do not tend to notice the effect of gravity until it isn’t there anymore. It’s a little like moving on to a new project, team, or a new organization. You may not have realized all the career “gravity” that was around you - that gave you structure and order and a sense of security. Once you find yourself in a new situation, you may feel you’ve gone from “Superstar Astronaut” to not being able to stand on your own two feet, as Piper said: "Boy, if that is not a little embarrassing". This is what’s called your adjustment period. It will all come back, you just need to get adjusted to the new circumstances.

Astronauts get prepared to come back to earth - they exercise both physically and mentally to make the transition. You also will need to consider this before your next move. Then, once again, you will be off to the moon!

This week’s 10 Minute WORKout:

What Career Gravity do you have around you? What can you do to be prepared for a new challenge?

Along the road with you,

Alan Kearns

Are you feeling lost?

I remember a time when I was young - it was my first time taking the bus, and I was supposed to meet my parents and some family friends at a specific time and place. I can't remember all the details, but instead of getting on the red bus, I got on the green bus (or vice versa). A few hours later, I found myself in the safe hands of the Metropolitan Police Force and was reunited with my family.

Have you ever been lost, I mean, really lost? I have noticed this theme, of feeling lost, and not being sure of the direction to follow. Your sense of fear, confidence and decision making are affected.

This past week, Martin Lake was rescued. He had been lost for 5 days near Alice Springs Australia and it was reported that "he looked like a fresh cooked lobster". He had apparently decided to take one more look at the outback, before he was to fly back to Britain. Five days later, with no water, no hat, no sun block, and no map, he was finally rescued. Now that is quite a walk!

This is not the entire story, however. The previous week he got lost in the exact same area, and was missing for 3 nights. He contacted police with his cellular phone and was found after an air and ground search. He is currently recovering in the Alice Springs Hospital. The hotel receptionist said; "I think he was a bit embarrassed about it because he realized that people just don't get lost in that area. He was also aware that he could have easily perished out there because you can't really survive in the midday heat for more than a couple of days without water."

If we could have watched him, I think we would have seen a similar pattern in both cases. To change the outcome, you need to change the pattern. If you are lost, or feel like you are getting lost again within your career, you need to change the way you are going about dealing with the problem. Get a map (a career plan), get a guide (a coach), and don't forget your hat.

This week’s 10 minute WORKout

Where are you lost? Be really honest with yourself - what different kind of action could you take?

Along the road with you,

Alan Kearns

You're fired!

I guess it’s true that headlines will get your attention! I am sure that is not something you would wish to experience, however, in this day and age, it happens on a regular basis.

This is the start of the fall TV line-up. There are all kinds of new shows trying to make it, and there remain many popular, existing programs - Survivor, NFL Football, and yes, everyone’s favourite (and longest running show), The Simpsons.

One of the most watched reality shows is Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. I find it hard to believe it’s already in its 5th season. When you hear those famous words from Donald - "You’re fired!", well, you know you didn't perform too well!

This past week there were some interesting developments in “Trumpville” - Donald called Carolyn and George into his office and fired them both. Carolyn and George worked closely with Trump on the show, watching the contestants as they worked all hours to perform the myriad of tasks assigned them.

Trump’s explanation; "Carolyn was fired for her lack of focus". With George; “there was a sense of a need for change. I feel this is a huge risk, as they were seen as key elements to the show. To me, it is like taking 2 of the 3 Stooges out of the picture. You are just left with Larry. For me, it is just a reminder that anyone can be replaced within the world of business.”

It must have been a very strange meeting, and I am wondering if he used his famous line. If you find yourself in Carolyn or George’s shoes, here are four ways you can deal with the situation:

1. Take time: you may need to take a couple of weeks to reflect and work through this tough experience. It ranks up near a divorce or family death on the stress scale.

2. Let go of the anger: over 80% of people who are fired get angry about it. It’s a normal response, but you don't want to take that anger with you into your next job interviews.

3. Get a strong support group: spend your time with positive and supportive friends and family to share this burden with you and encourage you.

4. Take positive action: anchor yourself with what HAS worked in your previous roles, and start your job search thinking about the great things you have to offer.

At the end of the day, most professionals who make it through this experience go on to do well. I wouldn't wish it on you; however, it could make you a lot stronger in the end.

This week’s 10 Minute WORKout:

Which one of the four elements would you struggle with most in a lay-off situation?

Along the road with you,

Alan Kearns

Is your career worth dying for?

This past Monday, Steve Irwin (a.k.a. The Crocodile Hunter) died. He was doing some filming for a new television series that he was working on when he received a deadly blow to his heart from a stingray (I have dived in Australia, and, having seen one myself, I can tell you that the stingray is one of the most beautiful animals to behold).

What was it about this incident that captured the world? Steve’s death was the top news story in media outlets around the globe. Australia’s national broadcaster website went down due to the amount of traffic, as was the case for many other media websites, with traffic at over 50% more than usual.

I found it both sad and ironic that the barb of the stingray went straight to his heart – we often use the “heart” as a metaphor for the center of our emotions. His passion for the work he was called into ultimately caused his death.

His wife called Steve “an environmental Tarzan, with superhero qualities.” He loved what he did. He had been around reptiles, snakes and other animals since he was a child, growing up at his parents’ zoo. The boundaries between his life and work were seamless. Steve was always incredibly passionate about his work, and yes, he was a true showman. I think it was his authentic passion that engaged audiences around the world.

You may think how sad it was that he died in the way he did. And I would agree. Yet his life was a testament of what you can do, and the impact you can have on others when you love your work. I believe he would agree that his career was worth dying for.

There is a saying I feel applies here; “Everyone dies, but not everyone lives.” Crikey Steve, we sure will miss ya!

Last week I asked people to send in their Career Tipping Point stories. We had a great response. Congratulations to Norman Haas of Toronto – this month’s winner.