Welcome

Another end of financial year passes, marking the close of the first half of a surprising and difficult year.

While Australian economic indicators would suggest that the recessionary lull we are experiencing is about to turn upwards - and we hope that they are correct - now is a great time to take stock of what has occurred during the year and to really assess the impact from a business perspective and personally. This economic slowdown has unfortunately affected individuals deeply and while the economy may rebound, people - a most precious resource - are often not as elastic or robust.

This month we look at two important issues in this area, firstly how to deal with downsizing and secondly some exclusive insights from international expert Evelyn Lundstrom into how to maintain a professional, attention grabbing presence whether seeking a new job, going for a promotion or projecting an air of indispensability in rocky times.

Remember change, whether through redundancy or necessity can be both creative and the best adventure you've ever had. Some of the best tools to help you navigate that change are the professional support networks you surround yourself in and engage with. So no matter what situation you are in, now is the best time to extend your network and get connected or re-connected with as many of your peers and contacts that you can and swap ideas, experiences or just exchange support. Cameron Recruitment has set up a Linked In discussion group to facilitate that very sort of discourse. We would be delighted if you could join us on Linked In at "The Hills Human Resources Discussion Group" and help enrich the conversation.

Kindest regards,
Diane Humphries, CPA
Director | Cameron Recruitment

Are you defined by your job?

"You are not your job. You are not how much money you have in the bank. You are not the car you drive. You are not the contents of your wallet."
- Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk

The statistics are grim, economic pressure is forcing corporations of all sizes and hues to succumb to rationalisation. Redundancies happen all the time yet when they occur on mass scale across the economy - there can be a tendency for employers to treat the situation in a less than nurturing way. Tough decisions like these have a greater impact on the affected employees than on the decision makers. It is easier for management to de-sensitise themselves to the human element of their economic rationalisation and as a consequence a difficult situation instantly becomes more traumatic then necessary.
Whether it's you, a loved one, or your colleagues that are affected by a restructure - it is crucial to acknowledge that it is a traumatic experience and one that should be handled in stages.

The stages of job loss are similar to those experienced during bereavement:
Namely - Shock, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. Understanding these processes helps you handle the situation more effectively and allows you to move through the set back more rapidly.

Despite the anger and hurt often involved in a separation from an employer - exiting gracefully is something to aim for. Make sure your severance agreement is in writing and review it thoroughly. Many big corporates such as Fairfax, KPMG and government agencies also ensure that terminated employees have outplacement assistance or ongoing counselling. Even if your employer doesn't offer it, and many don't, try to negotiate for outplacement assistance.

While being suddenly unemployed in a dire job market can seem overwhelming, it may turn out to of the best things that ever happened to you. It is a time of harsh but vital truths and re-evaluation. Professional jolts like this force you to assess where you are going with your career and if you are on the right track. Personally you'll soon learn who your true friends and allies are.

Here is a quick guide to making it through redundancy:

Leave your ego in the bottom draw. This is NOT personal. It is not based on your performance but rather that of your company or entire industry.
Get over it. Yes, it is a kick in the guts, even if it is voluntary and even if you hated your job! Modern living has re-wired us to the point that we define ourselves by our jobs and our careers - any deviation from that is hard to rationalise. But what needs to be remembered is that we are not our jobs and as such we can leave that experience behind. Be vocal about your emotions; seek help from family, colleagues and experts. Get online and join like minded groups and share your challenges. You may just end up helping someone else with your personal experience. Exhale, Express and Process... then move on.
Utilise outplacement services and referrals. The longer you stay in a state of anger or depression, the more you miss golden new opportunities. You may not 'feel' ready to take on the world but the role that you have been waiting for may be ready for you. Don't let it slip.
Don't take the next best thing. Use your time wisely. While money may be a pressure, don't rush into the next available job out of fear or desperation. Be flexible and open minded and listen to your intuition not your fears.

When style really means substance

Evelyn Lundstrom is a woman who knows labels.

A born fashionista, Evelyn started an up-town op-shop in the 1980's which specialised in recycling the designer offerings of the well heeled ladies that lunch in Sydney's Eastern suburbs. While the opportunity to get Dior at fabulously discounted prices was an overwhelming success, the experience led Evelyn to launch an image consultancy which remains the pre-eminent corporate consultancy in Australia after 20 years of operation. The agency First Impressions educates individuals for personal or corporate growth on how to use the basic elements of style to create an image which projects success.

"We give people the tools to create an image of themselves that allows them to step into whatever role they are aiming for," she says. Through her career, Evelyn has helped thousands of style - challenged executives move up the corporate ladder. But she says this is not a task based on heavy investment in designer garb, it is simply about being able to create a flattering image that empowers you to perform. Women returning to the workforce after maternity leave, individuals changing career and industry or those stepping up for a promotion are the principle candidates for a style boot camp. Many corporates retain First Impressions to help their executives perfect their image if they are doing presentations or in media facing roles. Evelyn stresses however, that it is not all about surface or labels, it is about building an individual’s self esteem and self worth and in a time of job uncertainty paying attention to the image that you project to colleagues, and the market is all important.

Here are First Impressions 5 essential keys
to presenting credibility:

Be your brand.
Think carefully about what image you want to project to people around you and encapsulate that visually. "People assess you in 8 second visual grabs - what do you want that 8 seconds to mean to them?"
Personal grooming
Aside from the grooming basics, be aware of what you are projecting with you hair style or general daily presentation. People allow their hair style or image to date or get lazy if the corporate culture is 'casual'. "Perception is everything." If you want to get ahead - look the part, dress better than your manager and you just might become your manager.
Currency.
Similar to 4, make sure you keep up with the times. "If you look up to date, people will believe you are cutting edge."
Personality.
Never sacrifice personal expression for the sake of style. Do not become a slave to the latest fashion, particularly if it's unflattering. Go with what makes you feel comfortable and stylish and uniquely you. "We all have individual talents that make us stand out from the crowd, let them shine."
Quality.
Yes, high quality fashion costs money but it does not need to comprise your daily wardrobe. Invest in essential pieces, like a great well cut suit and day jacket. Always go for quality not quantity - a Zen like wardrobe of beautifully made pieces that will last through the vagaries of fashion changes is the best investment you can make.

As a style coach Evelyn recognises how much politics in business and rough economic times can take the polish off even the most unflappable of executives. In such times she recommends that you keep your cool and no matter what is happening in a corporate sense, "set boundaries and respect yourself."

"Unfortunately if you appear unhappy or like a rudderless ship in the corporate environment, co-workers will abuse that weakness. Always maintain an image of strength and quiet confidence no matter how gruelling the work environment and you will sail through the worst of the storms."

Evelyn Lundstrom was the special guest speaker at the Cameron Recruitment breakfast series on June 18th. You can find her at www.firstimpressions.com.au

EVENTS

Our next breakfast session will be "Corporate Collapses - HR practices and Executive Fraud" on Thursday 20th August featuring guest Dr Philip Ross - Head of School of Accounting, University of Western Sydney.

Please contact us for further details.

Best Wishes for the new financial year.

Please contact us for further details or click here to register