Networking Exercise

Several years ago I attended a workshop where I picked up the following idea for an exercise. It recently occured to me that this may be a helpful brainstorming activity for a future job club, workshop, or client homework assignment. Not only does it get clients thinking about their own skills and how people we know have different areas of expertise, but it also serves as a way for people to see that others are more approachable than we realize. Versions of the following questions can be prepared on individual slips of paper or all on one sheet. Small group sharing would also add to the experience.

1) My assets or areas of strength are:

2) Who could benefit from these strengths?

3) I would like to connect with individuals that have strengths in the following areas:

4) Some individuals in my region who could fit that description include:

5) What is something that I can do outside of my normal routine that would help broaden my skills in these areas?

6) People who may have influence in an organization or industry that I would like to enter.

What would you add to the list?

Homework Assignments for Clients

When working with motivated adult clients, I find that they actually really enjoy it when I assign homework between sessions. This may seem strange until you think about it. First, it makes clients feel like they are doing something productive towards their goal of becoming gainfully employed. Second, the process of soul searching is one that few people have been given the tools to do in life and it can be very enjoyable and satisfying.

One of the homework assignments that I recently put together and am just starting to use is the Randomly Acquired Knowledge (RAK) assignment. I am finding this assignment particularly helpful when clients do not have a clear direction. It is also one to help build confidence. Here are the basic directions in the handout.

“What do you know about? What knowledge have you accumulated? What information do your family and friends come to you for? Even if you don’t think something is relevant, a big deal or useful to know, write it down.”

The other standby homework assignment is the good old Brainstorming List exercise. Most of Carla's and my clients get this in their first session or at a workshop. It gives them space to start listing careers to explore with a pro and con column.

Both of the above assignments could easily be used in Job Clubs and provide great sharing and networking opportunities. What homework assignments have you found helpful?

Workforce Development is Crucial

Your GCDF credential has NEVER been more important than now.   As the government is likely to cut budgets by severe magnitudes, it is critical for you to maintain your professional competencies and show the tangible benefit you bring to the table.

In the past WIA funding has been branded as a source of training.  Anyone that walked through the doors of a one stop, would likely think something like this:

"My friend Bill got some money from you all and I heard this is the place to get trained."
 Thus, the services provided to the client centered on ITA funds.

This is no more.  The government is seeing to that.

What workforce development must do to survive is a simple equation: do more with less. 

This means a focus on partnerships with other agencies and and not duplicate services.  There also must be a bent on helping everyone become a qualified worker for a quality job regardless of their socio economic status. 

In the future, your office will be the "go to place" for:

The best companies that are hiring

The best place for a resume

The best place for preparing for a job interview

The best place for great service and help.

In the end, what matters most is helping the clients you serve have a better life.