“Everything comes to those who hustle while they wait.” A creative career management programme that starts with the individual

Overview The new world of work Implications - for employers - for individuals Creative approach to Life Work Planning The Work Sharp™ Programme

The new world of work “The job as we know it is disappearing.” William Bridges, Jobshift

Old rules no longer apply Lifelong Employment? What we are seeing now – Massive job losses – Existing jobs becoming less secure – New jobs, occupations and fields emerging

Implications for the Workplace Individuals, Organisations & State must develop a new vision of work Despite job insecurity … Despite job losses … There is still work out there

Traditional approaches to work are becoming less and less useful

Some Challenging Thoughts... Unemployed individuals shouldn’t be idle while organisations & institutions integrate their job creation efforts Skills training and entrepreneurial initiatives that don’t honour the individual are doomed to fail Most people fail to communicate well regarding career needs and skills they offer First build self-esteem - opportunities follow

Work Sharp  as a Creative Approach New vision of Work as Art (A creative expression of the self) –Exercises encourage self-discovery –Enhances self-esteem / honours diversity Individual responsible for own career mngt –Personal insights used to establish career plan Equips indivs & orgs for the new world of work –Explores alternative and creative ways to work

Origins of Work Sharp™ GSP&DM - Wits University - Faculty of Mgmt –Internship Programme –Graduate Temporary Placement Programme 1996 Corporate Retrenchment Programmes 1999 Wilgespruit Fellowship Centre / Sowetan –Nation Building & Job Creation initiatives Richard Bolles “Parachute Workshop” USA 1999

Work Sharp™ Outcomes  Identify skills, hidden abilities, talents  Express what motivates them  Use creative career management techniques  Communicate career needs  Gather career-relevant information  Prepare for a variety of interviews  Develop a strategic career plan Successful delegates will be able to:

Work Sharp™ Methodology Highly interactive sessions comprise:  Facilitator input  General discussion  Exercises for individuals, pairs, groups  Learning review / reflection / presentation  Tasks on organisational practices, procedures and culture.  Continuous action plan development

Aims of Exercises and Activities To discover: –personal knowledge + skills + values and preferences + the value of diversity To build: –self-esteem + communication + networks To practice: –information-gathering + interviewing + personal branding + drafting and implementing an action plan

Applications Designed for use in: –Progressive HR programmes –Retrenchment interventions –Job creation initiatives –Start-up entrepreneur programmes –Career counselling

Establish a Support Group Operates as a “Job Club” Meets regularly Provides ongoing support –motivational talks and activities –information sharing –“how to” sessions ( CV writing / interviewing skills / setting up a consultancy / going freelance / setting up own business)

Closing thought “Work is more than a matter of keeping busy all day. It must feed the soul as well.” Richard N. Bolles - author of What Color is your Parachute?