Make some noise, Howler Monkeys!

If you’re another Howler Monkey (and even if you’re a simple human) there is no mistaking what these arboreal primates are saying, “Stay out of my territory!”  Do yourself a favor in your job search, be clear. The simple, direct, well-worded message will come across. Luckily you have many vehicles for your message, the resume, cover letter, and thank you to name a few. I’m going to spend most of this blog discussing what’s most important, the message. The message is your story.

I feel rather fortunate to have seen this particular species, and on our last day in the field, too. Typically, their calls are heard for miles, but seldom do they descend low enough for a clear view. To see and hear them is spectacular, check it out.

Mind control!  Parasitic flies and leafcutter ants.

Here’s the bottom line, ants are smarter in teams, so are humans. Make your search more enjoyable and effective by calling on friends with positive energy and encouragement or hiring a coach. Even ants who focus solely on the task of carrying leaves, without asking for help, risk losing their minds. No, I’m not kidding. It’s a fascinating story. Check out the video.

Of penguins and personality.

It’s my first time around a penguin colony. Luckily, I had just met Dyan deNapoli, The Penguin Lady. Dyan explained that penguins personalities are similar to cats. After a morning around this colony, I still can’t keep track of a single penguin without confusing it with the others. Yet, I know they are not alike.

I remember working  in “cube land”. At times, it felt like I was just another indistinct ID number. Now one of the things I most enjoy is helping clients clearly define the qualities and experiences that make them both unique and desirable employees. Defining what makes you different is how you will stand out, get the interview, and land the job. What that requires is knowing who you are, or to use the cliche, “what you bring to the table”, and putting it into direct language. What’s the simplest way you can state it?

“Glacial change” is a misnomer: glaciers are anything but slow. This one is alive…

I am interested in questions of identity and transformation. This glacier is a good metaphor for both. Seeing it in person changed how I think about glaciers. For example, to stay balanced the glacier sheds large chunks of itself weighing several tons. This shedding sounds like thunder or an approaching earthquake.  So the glacier is not slow to change, as we think.

I think we often use the word “balance”, for example “work life balance”, and think the word “peaceful”. When in fact, staying balanced requires the ability to make difficult decisions and the willingness to rid our lives and homes of the thoughts, behaviors and possessions that keep us from pursuing that which gives us pleasure.

Click here to view the embedded video.