5 Benefits of Reverse Mentoring

5 Benefits of Reverse Mentoring

Have you heard of reverse mentoring? Quite simply, it’s about bridging the generation gap in the workplace. It’s a concept where traditional mentorship roles are flipped, with the younger, less experienced generation mentoring more senior colleagues. According to a study by Deloitte Australia, 68% of businesses recognise the need to address generation gaps to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness. Despite this, only 22% have implemented formal reverse mentoring programs, highlighting a gap between recognition and action. So, could your workplace benefit?

What is Reverse Mentoring?

Reverse mentoring is based on the premise that senior employees, often in leadership or management roles, can learn new perspectives, skills, or knowledge from their younger counterparts. The younger generation often has much to share, including expertise in technology, social media, or new cultural trends.

It’s a powerful approach that helps bridge generational gaps in the workplace and promotes a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. Reverse mentoring can also help senior leaders understand the challenges and needs of younger employees, improving communication and inclusivity within an organisation.

Traditional vs. Reverse Mentoring

Several key distinctions exist between traditional and reverse mentoring, each with its own advantages in this professional relationship.

Traditional Mentoring

Traditional mentoring involves a more experienced senior professional helping a less experienced colleague to grow, develop, and learn new skills to achieve company goals.

  • Top-Down Knowledge Transfer: In a traditional mentoring relationship, the mentor is usually an older, more experienced person who provides guidance, advice, and knowledge to a younger or less experienced mentee. The focus is often on helping the mentee navigate their career, develop skills, and build professional networks.
  • Hierarchical Relationship: The relationship is typically hierarchical, with the mentor being seen as the authority figure who shares their collective wisdom and advice. The mentee is often more passive, receiving guidance and learning from the mentor’s extensive experience.
  • Focus on Career Development: Traditional mentoring’s primary purpose is to help the mentee achieve career goals, overcome challenges, and develop professionally. The mentor provides insights based on their years of experience in the industry or organisation.

Reverse Mentoring

Reverse mentoring is a lesser-known but increasingly popular mentoring relationship in which the more senior, experienced professional learns from the younger generation.

  • Bottom-Up Knowledge Transfer: In reverse mentoring, the roles are flipped. The mentor is often a younger, less experienced individual with specific knowledge or skills valuable to a more senior, experienced mentee. This arrangement is prevalent in digital technology, social media, and new cultural trends.
  • Collaborative Relationship: In reverse mentoring, a collaborative and non-hierarchical dynamic promotes an environment where both parties are considered equals. The senior leader learns from the younger mentor while sharing their own experiences, creating a powerful two-way knowledge exchange.
  • Focus on Innovation and Adaptation: Reverse mentoring is commonly implemented to assist senior executives in staying up to date with rapidly evolving trends, particularly in technology and digital culture. It also promotes a workplace culture that is more inclusive and adaptable, where diverse perspectives are respected and embraced for innovation.

 The shift from traditional to reverse mentoring demonstrates a significant transformation in the workplace. Knowledge is no longer restricted by age or seniority but is more fluid and dynamic. As organisations navigate rapid technological changes and evolving workforce demographics, reverse mentoring provides a valuable tool for promoting mutual learning, innovation, and inclusivity.

5 Benefits of Reverse Mentoring

  1. Bridging the Generational Gap

Reverse mentoring is a valuable practice that involves younger employees sharing their perspectives, values, and work styles with senior leaders. This allows the senior leaders to gain insight into the mindset and preferences of younger generations, fostering better understanding and collaboration in the workplace.

  1. Knowledge Transfer

Younger employees can share their understanding of digital tools, social media trends, and emerging technologies, which benefits older generations.

  1. Promoting Innovation

Innovative solutions and fresh concepts can be generated when younger employees are actively encouraged to share their unique perspectives, insights, and ideas with more experienced professionals. This collaborative exchange of viewpoints often leads to the development of progressive strategies and the exploration of creative approaches to problem-solving.

  1. Leadership Development

While younger employees often offer fresh perspectives on digital and social media, more experienced senior employees can provide valuable advice on developing leadership and communication skills.

  1. Cultural Awareness

Reverse mentoring promotes diversity and inclusion by exposing senior leaders to different cultural perspectives. When senior leaders interact and learn from younger employees, they become more culturally aware and more sensitive to the diverse needs of their workplace.

Implementing a Reverse Mentoring Program

If you’d like to suggest or implement a reverse mentoring program at your workplace, there are steps towards making this transition a success.

Identify Objectives

First, identify and define the program’s goals, such as improving digital literacy, promoting innovation, or enhancing cross-generational collaboration in the workplace.

Pairing Mentors and Mentees

Set your objectives, then match mentors with mentees. It’s important to carefully consider which relationships will be successful and productive. Consider complementary skills, shared professional interests, communication style, personality, and career development.

Setting Expectations

Establishing clear goals, roles, and boundaries in a reverse mentoring relationship is crucial to ensuring mutual respect and productivity. Setting these expectations early in the relationship leads to a more meaningful and impactful experience for both the mentor and mentee.

Measuring Success

To successfully measure the impact of a reverse mentoring program, it’s important to implement a combination of quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback mechanisms. These will help you evaluate the program’s success, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that it meets its intended goals. Metrics and feedback mechanisms could include:

  • Participation and engagement rates
  • Skills development
  • Career progression
  • Diversity and inclusion metrics
  • Surveys and questionnaires
  • Focus groups
  • One-on-one interviews
  • Case studies and success stories

Navigating Challenges and Solutions

When it comes to making changes in the workplace, you will likely encounter resistance from some employees. The following are a few challenges and solutions to help you successfully implement a reverse mentoring program.

Resistance to Change

Resistance to change is potentially the most significant challenge when implementing a reverse mentoring program. Most people struggle with change; a new mentoring program is no exception. You may encounter resistance from senior employees, so it’s crucial to emphasise the program’s benefits.

Communication Barriers

Address communication challenges directly and offer strategies to promote open and respectful dialogue between mentor and mentee. You should also establish clear communication guidelines, encourage active listening, address power imbalances directly, and provide cultural sensitivity training. It’s also helpful to promote regular check-ins and feedback loops. Remember to focus on empathy and patience to build mutual respect.

Maintaining Engagement

When the program is up and running, both mentors and mentees must remain engaged throughout the program. There are various ways to encourage adherence to the program, such as:

  • Celebrate milestones
  • Introduce professional development opportunities
  • Encourage mutual feedback
  • Provide necessary resources
  • Personalise the experience
  • Ensure organisational support and visibility
  • Periodically review participant progress to reinforce the program’s value

Law Firm Reverse Mentor Success Story

Law firm Herbert Smith Freehills was one of the first companies to explore reverse mentoring in Australia. In early 2018, it introduced a pilot scheme that has been running successfully ever since. Currently, there are 134 mentors and mentees in the program.

Andrew Pike, the firm’s executive partner for Australia, was mentored by junior lawyer Myra Beal. Pike says that the mentor/mentee relationship has given him unique insight into Beal’s mindset and that of her cohort of relatively junior lawyers who are digital natives.

“They are part of a future taking shape as we speak. They may be junior in years, but their skills are quite a bit more advanced in digital abilities than some of us who have been in the profession for longer. They have a view on how the law should be practised in the future – by using technology to create efficiencies and working in a more cost-conscious way,” Pike says.

To explore mentoring further, take a look at our professional development program, Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring. Through coaching and mentoring training, you’ll develop skills to support and sustain improved performance by others.

For advice and professional development opportunities, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants at 1300 762 221 or via Live Chat.

10 Strategies to Survive (& Thrive) Workplace Politics

Workplace politics can be tricky. It’s tempting to want to side-step them, but unfortunately, they exist in every workplace. So, whether you’re a new hire or a seasoned professional, learning to navigate them is in your best interest and crucial for career development. In this blog, we explore ten strategies to help you manage your workplace’s political culture while maintaining your professionalism and integrity. These strategies will guide you on how to handle office politics, whether they’re healthy and transparent or unethical and competitive. But first, let’s begin with a definition!

What Are Workplace Politics?

Workplace politics refers to informal power structures, relationships, and unspoken rules that govern workplace interactions. A common misconception is that office politics are negative, but that’s not always the case. When you learn to navigate politics successfully, especially if you’re new to the workplace, you can not only survive but thrive in your career.  So, here are ten strategies to survive and even thrive in workplace politics:

 

  1. Build Strong Relationships

This strategy is at the top of our list for a reason! Building strong and healthy relationships is at the heart of mastering workplace politics. When you establish genuine connections with colleagues across all levels of a company, you build trust and rapport. If you’re friendly and approachable and encourage an open-door policy, these connections will grow, creating a supportive network that improves your influence in the workplace.

 

  1. Understand Workplace Dynamics

It’s important to be mindful of your company’s culture, including its values, traditions, and attitudes. Paying close attention to power dynamics, such as hierarchy and decision-making processes, will help you understand how to work effectively within the organisation. You should also be aware of the implied rules, norms, and expectations that can guide you in navigating interactions and relationships with colleagues and supervisors.

 

  1. Maintain Professionalism and Integrity

While it might be tempting to try and fit in at work, especially if you’re new to the workplace, it’s important to avoid participating in office gossip and negative conversations. Instead, try to focus on maintaining a positive and professional attitude by engaging in constructive and meaningful discussions with your colleagues. This can contribute to a more respectful and harmonious work environment.

 

  1. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for gaining insight into how emotions shape your thoughts and actions. When you are more in tune with your own feelings, you will better regulate your responses to different situations, leading to improved decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It’s also important to demonstrate empathy and take the time to understand the viewpoints of colleagues. Self-awareness significantly enhances your ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships in the workplace.

 

  1. Communicate Effectively

Successful and transparent communication is fundamental for fostering strong and trustworthy relationships in the workplace. When you engage in active listening and consistently request feedback from your colleagues, you reduce the chance of conflicts arising and enhance your conflict resolution skills. This, in turn, will help you cultivate stronger professional relationships and communicate with influence in the workplace.

 

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  1. Stay Neutral and Objective

To successfully navigate workplace politics, it’s important to stay neutral in conflicts and avoid taking sides. When colleagues perceive that you’re impartial, you will be more effective in establishing positive and professional relationships. A neutral and objective approach can also help you earn the trust of colleagues and encourage a cooperative environment in the workplace.

 

  1. Seek Mentors (Or Volunteer to Be One)

When considering mentorship, whether as a mentee seeking guidance or as a mentor offering support, it’s important to recognise the mutual benefits it provides. If you are in search of a mentor, take the time to ensure that they possess the knowledge and experience necessary to provide valuable guidance aligned with your career goals. Similarly, if you are considering volunteering as a mentor for a colleague, make certain that your own experience and values are in line with their career aspirations. Mentorship is an ideal way to organically create allies within an organisation, which can help you navigate complex political environments, providing crucial support and insights.

 

  1. Self-Promotion

Consistently delivering high-quality work is crucial as it helps to establish a reputation based on merit and skill rather than favouritism or office politics. However, it’s equally important to ensure that your efforts don’t go unnoticed due to a reluctance to self-promote. It’s a delicate balance to strike – on the one hand, it’s essential to share your accomplishments and showcase your capabilities, while on the other, it’s important to do so in a way that exudes confidence without coming across as overly boastful. When engaging in conversations with colleagues, make sure to seamlessly weave in your achievements and contributions within the context of the discussion to highlight your capabilities.

 

  1. Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

It’s vital to address conflicts directly and seek resolution through open and respectful dialogue. When you take this approach, you will find solutions that involve compromise and understanding. If you’re interested in developing your conflict management and resolution skills, you can explore our comprehensive Conflict Management Program for in-depth guidance and strategies.

 

  1. Understand the Big Picture

When you understand the broader goals and objectives of your organisation, you can effectively navigate the complexities of workplace politics and work more collaboratively with colleagues. As a result, you can contribute to a more cohesive and successful workplace environment.

 

It’s not easy to navigate workplace politics, especially if you’re new to an organisation, but hopefully, you can implement at least a few (if not all) of these strategies to help you succeed. The reward? A positive work environment and the ability to achieve your career goals.

 

Can we help you find your new direction? If you’re interested in pursuing professional development opportunities, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today at 1300 762 221 or via Live Chat.

Tips to Embrace AI Tools in Your Career

Are you concerned that AI will take over your job? You’re not alone. A recent poll revealed that more than half of people aged 18-24 are worried about AI and their careers.

It’s a concern that’s understandable, as companies rush to replace many jobs through automation to remain competitive and viable. In fact, recent research found that a quarter of tasks that humans currently do could be automated in the coming years.

However, if you take a strategic approach to protect your career and embrace AI, you’ll soon learn how to stay relevant and thrive in your career.

Navigating AI can be challenging at first, but with a little research and a bit of practice, you’ll soon learn to love AI.

Continuous Learning

The speed at which AI and automation are advancing means your skills can fast become outdated. So, make a commitment to lifelong learning by staying updated on the latest AI technologies, tools, and trends. It’s also important to maintain your professional development through online courses, workshops, and conferences to ensure your skills stay sharp and adaptable.

Embrace AI Tools

If you can’t beat them, join them! If you learn to leverage AI, it can be a valuable tool to boost your efficiency and effectiveness. Discover how AI can complement your skills and help you solve complex workplace problems. When you collaborate with AI tools, you’ll become more productive and focused on higher-level tasks.

Cultivate Soft Skills

While AI can handle many technical tasks, soft skills like communication, creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are irreplaceable. These skills allow you to excel in jobs that require human interaction, leadership, and decision-making.

Networking and Relationship Building

Building a strong professional network remains crucial in the AI age.  Make sure you attend AI-related events, join online forums, and reach out to experts in your field. When you network, it opens up new opportunities, collaborations, and insights that keep you relevant in the AI age.

Remember, AI can help you adapt and enhance your career management. By continuously learning, embracing AI as an ally, nurturing soft skills, specialising in critical areas, and expanding your professional network, you can position yourself for success in the AI age.

Top 18 AI Tools for Work

So, you’re ready to embrace AI tools? If so, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to integrating AI tools to enhance your productivity and efficiency at work. We’ve listed a few of the most popular for different work tasks, but make sure you do your research, as AI is a dynamic technology.

Communication and Collaboration

  1. Slack: An AI-powered team communication platform that integrates various apps and helps streamline communication.
  2. Microsoft Teams: Offers chat, video conferencing, and file sharing with AI-powered features like real-time translation and transcription.
  3. Grammarly: AI-driven writing assistant that helps improve grammar, style, and tone in written communications.

Data Analysis and Decision-Making

  1. Tableau: Uses AI to analyse and visualize data, making it easier to gain insights and make informed decisions.
  2. IBM Watson Analytics: Enables data exploration and predictive analytics without requiring advanced technical skills.
  3. Power BI: Microsoft’s business analytics service that transforms data into visuals, aiding in data-driven decision-making.

Task and Project Management

  1. Trello: Organises tasks and projects with customizable boards and cards, integrating AI-driven automation and insights.
  2. Monday: AI-enhanced project management tool that assists with task allocation, scheduling, and progress tracking.

Virtual Assistants and Productivity

  1. ChatGPT: ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that helps you answer questions and assists with tasks, such as composing emails, essays and codes.
  2. Microsoft 365: Offers AI-powered tools like Outlook’s suggested replies and Cortana for productivity enhancements.

Customer Support and Engagement

  1. Zendesk: Integrates AI-powered chatbots for automated customer support and streamlined interactions.
  2. Intercom: Provides AI-driven chatbots and messaging solutions for personalised customer engagement.

Content Creation and Marketing

  1. Canva: AI-enhanced design platform for creating graphics, presentations, and visual content.
  2. HubSpot: Offers AI-powered marketing automation and analytics to optimize campaigns and lead generation.

Language Translation and Localisation

  1. Google Translate: AI-driven language translation tool for written content.
  2. DeepL: Provides high-quality language translation with AI-powered neural networks.

Sales and CRM

  1. Salesforce Einstein: AI-enhanced CRM that offers insights, predictions, and automation for sales processes.
  2. HubSpot CRM: Utilises AI to track, manage, and analyse customer interactions and relationships.

Remember, the success of these tools varies based on your specific workplace needs and industry. Always assess the tool’s features, integration capabilities, and reviews before implementing it in your workplace.

How to Fast-Track Your Career Progression

If you want to move ahead in your career, hard work and passion are a powerful pair. But if you want to motor along in your career, take the fast track! It sounds like we’re advocating a shortcut to achieve your career goals. Yes, and no. It’s not so much about cutting corners. Instead, you’ll need to be strategic and determined. So, career progression refers to learning skills, training and development, and taking charge of your career trajectory.  So, what’s the secret to fast-tracking your career progression?

What is career progression fast track?

We won’t sugar-coat it; the career progression fast track isn’t for everyone. It involves building a professional network, embracing continuous learning, creating SMART goals, seeking mentorship, developing leadership skills, building a professional brand, embracing challenges and failure, and staying positive and persistent. To top it off, you’ll need to strike a balance between working hard towards a goal and avoiding occupational burnout – no mean feat, but possible.

So, how determined are you to take the fast track? Let’s look at the steps you can take to make it a reality. But remember, patience is a virtue, and your expectations may start a bit too high. After all, the making of a successful career is a lifelong work in progress.

Build your professional network

When you start your career, your professional network will probably be small. However, if you attend industry events, join relevant associations, and connect with professionals in your field, your network will soon grow. Networking is crucial to career progression because, despite the naysayers, who you know matters. Networks can open doors to new opportunities that are closed to many. People in your network can also provide valuable insights and help you stay connected with significant industry trends.

Embrace continuous learning

Learning is a lifelong habit that’s worth the investment. Stay updated with industry trends, acquire new skills, and seek out professional development courses at every opportunity. Make a professional development plan and stick to it.  This makes you a valuable and adaptable employee. And one on a fast track to career progression and success.

Create SMART goals

Setting goals is essential to fast-track your career progression, but make sure they’re SMART. A SMART goal, which is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-sensitive, ensures you stay accountable.

Foster a growth mindset

A growth mindset means you believe that your abilities and intelligence can evolve through dedication and hard work. When you foster a growth mindset, you embrace challenges and persist despite failure, realising that it leads to learning and improvement. You’ll feel empowered to take risks, explore new opportunities, and constantly seek personal and professional growth.

Seek mentorship

Find experienced professionals in your industry who can serve as important mentors and advisors. They can provide the guidance and insights you need to navigate your career path successfully. Start by outlining your goals for professional growth and think about what you need to get there. This will help you determine who could be a good mentor for you and a good starting point for a conversation with them.

Develop leadership skills

When you develop strong leadership skills, you inspire others to achieve their career goals. As a result, you also advance your career by positioning yourself for professional and financial success in the future. If you’re looking for a fast-track career, seeking professional development courses in leadership and gaining training and development in this area is crucial. After all, leaders are made, not born.

Build a professional brand

Your professional brand defines the value you bring to your career. It represents your position in your industry and tells people about your values and beliefs. A professional brand is a powerful marketing tool that has the potential to strengthen your connections and fast-track your career. The first step in creating a personal brand is defining who you are and what strengths you bring to your industry. Once you’re clear on that, start sharing informative content on social media or create a website to grow your connections and reach those who can help fast-track your career progression.

Embrace challenge

View all challenges as opportunities for growth because stepping outside your comfort zone will accelerate your career progression like nothing else. You will get noticed if you can solve an organisation’s work problem. If you can tap into your manager’s style and help them achieve their goals, they will also have your best interests at heart. So, embrace uncertainty! What’s the worst that can happen – you’ll fail? That leads us to our next point.

Learn from failure

Finally, don’t allow failure to define you. Learn the critical lesson from it and move on to new opportunities to succeed. Employers appreciate the resilience and those who have overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.

Stay positive and be persistent

Career progression takes time, so stay positive in the face of setbacks. Maintaining your motivation when things don’t go as planned can be challenging, but persistence pays when it comes to achieving goals. Patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset can make all the difference in your career progression.

Maintain a work-life balance

Finally, work hard but make sure you’re also working smart. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re on a fast track to burnout. It isn’t easy to overcome occupational burnout, so prevention is better than cure. Ensure you have sufficient time away from work to enjoy your relationships and hobbies and get adequate exercise, nutrition, rest, and relaxation!

 

Remember, career progression is a process, so try to enjoy the journey. If you’re too focused on rushing to the finish line, you’ll miss the moments and lessons along the way. But, by employing these tips, you can fast-track your professional achievements and career goals.

If you’re looking for professional development opportunities to help fast-track your career progression, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on Live Chat or 1300 76 2221. We would love to help you find your new direction!

What is Career Cushioning?

Are you worried about the security of your job? You might be a candidate for career cushioning!

We’ve heard many buzzwords in employment over the past few years, especially during the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. There’s been remote work, hybrid work, the great resignation, quiet quitting and now, career cushioning.

So, what is career cushioning, and how do you do it?

What is career cushioning?

Career cushioning, put simply, is having a Plan B! It’s especially important as the rapidly changing employment landscape puts more jobs at risk of redundancy.

It’s certainly not a new concept, but due to our increasingly unstable employment landscape, the impact of new technologies, geopolitical struggles and a possible recession, career cushioning is crucial for many.

More people are searching for career cushioning, with Google Trends reporting a 5,000 per cent increase in the search term in the last 12 months!

Job loss and economic uncertainty

Tristan Wright, Business Coach, says career cushioning reduces the risk of job loss and economic insecurity.

“It involves developing multiple sources of income, skills, and networks to increase resilience in the job market. This can include building up a side business, investing in real estate, developing new skills and certifications, or networking with others in the industry.

“The goal of career cushioning is to have a backup plan in case of an economic downturn or job loss, allowing you to continue earning a living even if one source of income dries up.

“By having multiple income streams and a diverse skill set, you can increase your chances of finding new employment or generating income from other sources.

“Career cushioning is especially important in today’s fast-changing job market, where job security can be uncertain, and it’s wise to have a plan in case of unexpected events,” says Wright.

Career cushioning is more common when uncertainty exists in the employment and economic environment.

“People feel that career cushioning is necessary for today’s job market because of increasing uncertainty and volatility.

“With technological advancements and automation transforming many industries, jobs are becoming more transient, and there is a growing need to adapt and be prepared for changes in the job market,” explains Wright.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having a backup plan, says Wright, as many people lost their jobs or faced reduced hours and pay.

“In such an economic climate, having a career cushion can provide peace of mind and financial stability, helping individuals weather unexpected events and changes in the job market.

“Finally, having multiple sources of income and skills can increase your earning potential and provide greater flexibility in career choices.”

Inflation and tech to blame

Nicole Coggan, Employment Consultant and Professional Resume Writer, says her clients increasingly need to implement career cushioning strategies.

“Career cushioning is becoming increasingly popular amongst my clients contacting me to get their resume ready ‘just in case’.

“Previously, my clients only contacted me if they had a job in mind. However, I would estimate that around 25 per cent of the resumes I am writing now are for people who are career cushioning.

“This is so that they are ready to move in case of sudden redundancy and helps my clients feel more secure about their job prospects and ability to generate income moving forward.

“Inflation and changes to technology have many of my clients feeling less secure about their current jobs.”

6 career cushioning techniques                 

If you’re feeling the need to protect yourself from job loss, try some of the following career cushioning techniques.

  1. Stay up to date with industry news

Invest in subscriptions to online journals and magazine subscriptions in your industry to stay abreast of all the latest developments. It’s a great way to stay informed and feel more secure in your current role. You could even take it one step further and submit articles to said journals or magazines!

  1. Network like a pro

Networking is always a good idea. But it’s even more vital in times of economic and employment uncertainty. Make sure you attend any events that could put you in touch with a future employer, client or business partner.

  1. Apply for new opportunities

Why wait for redundancy? If you’re feeling uncertain in your current role, take the initiative to seek and apply for new jobs. You don’t have to accept every offer, but it’s nice to have options and a great way to explore opportunities.

  1. Start a side hustle

Do you have a hobby or a passion that could turn a profit? If so, why not start a side-line business while you’re employed? A small business will give you an income if you’re made redundant or lose your job.

  1. Hire a career coach

A career coach can help you pursue opportunities that best match your skillset and feel confident to apply for new jobs. They can also help you with mock interviews and resume help and coach you on networking like a pro! You’ll also identify self-sabotaging behaviours holding you back when achieving your career goals.

  1. Upskill to outsmart the competition

Do you have any skills gaps? If so, online professional development courses can help you fill them fast. You’ll feel more confident in your current role and be prepared if you lose your job or become redundant. The new skills will give you confidence that your education and training are up-to-date and online courses can also motivate and inspire you to change your career or apply for a promotion.

Invest in yourself to pivot

If you’re ready to pivot through career cushioning, it’s sure to break your fall should the unexpected happen. No one can completely prepare for job loss or redundancy, but career cushioning ensures you’ve got a plan B and gives you the confidence to weather unemployment should it occur.

If you’re interested in professional development, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants on 1300 76 2221, Live Chat or Enquire Online form. They can help you upskill to outsmart the competition! And who knows, you might find a career cushion or a whole new direction!

5 Steps to Achieving Your Professional Development Goals

Have you heard of career capital? That’s what you gain when you set and reach your professional development goals. There’s no limit to improving yourself, so smash your career goals and make the most of your potential.

What are professional development goals?

Professional development goals are goals you set for yourself or your team (if you’re a manager) to encourage career growth. They can be long and short-term goals that help you find your direction and lead a fulfilling professional life.

Why are professional development goals important?

There are many advantages to setting and achieving professional development goals throughout your career, including:

  • Helping you envision the big (bright) picture
  • Hones your current skillset
  • Improves your productivity
  • Increases your chance of advancement

5 Steps to Achieving Your Professional Development Goals

You don’t need to wait for your employer to present professional development opportunities. If you’re interested in a promotion or career change, you can make it happen with professional development goals.

Step 1 – Define your end goal

I’m sure you’ve heard if you don’t plan, you plan to fail. It’s so true when it comes to achieving your professional development goals. But to plan to achieve your goals, you need to fully understand what the end result looks like.

So, if you want to communicate better at work, what’s behind the motivation? Are you looking to move into a managerial role? Do you need help handling conflicts to improve your relationships in the workplace?

Make sure you clearly understand your goal and why it’s important in the landscape of your career. That way, you can work backwards to decide the direction you need to take now to get to the final destination – your dream career!

Step 2 – Look for clues in performance reviews

If your career’s stagnant and you’re stuck in a rut, go over your performance reviews. Here you’ll find clues to where you can improve to reboot or transform your career.

If your performance review is glowing, go straight to the source. Ask your manager or work colleagues where they think you can improve. Honest feedback will help direct your professional development goals and shows you’re interested in continuing to grow in your career.

Step 3 – Make your goals SMART 

If your goals aren’t SMART, you won’t have much luck achieving them. The SMART goal system ensures you make a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-sensitive plan.  

You can find out more about setting SMART goals here.

Step 4 – Break it down into manageable parts

It can be overwhelming to achieve a long-term goal, but just like climbing a mountain, one step at a time! When you break big goals into smaller, more manageable parts, you are more likely to achieve long-term goals. Set a schedule where you complete a task each day or week towards your end goal.

Step 5 – Make time to achieve your goals

Time management is vital in achieving long-term (and short-term) goals. If you lack organisation, time management and project management, consider a short professional development course to hone those skills.

Step 6 – Review (and reward) your progress

Keep yourself accountable by regularly reviewing your progress towards your goal. In doing so, you’ll realise you’re getting closer to achieving your goal, which is motivating. When you reach critical milestones, reward yourself for your efforts. Perhaps it’s a new gadget or dinner out with friends when you get to the halfway mark. Whatever motivates you, reward yourself for progress, and you’ll stay the course. 

Professional Development Goals include:

  • Industry events that facilitate networking
  • Short courses, certificates and degrees
  • Non-fiction books to enhance your career/professional relationships
  • Leadership training
  • Communication skills training
  • Membership with a professional organisation
  • Promotion and/or increased work responsibilities
  • Volunteering in an area of interest that relates to your job or dream career
  • Workshops related to your current or dream job
  • Mentoring – seek mentorship or become a mentor
  • Give and receive professional feedback
  • Manage your habits – increase energy
  • Develop a growth mindset
  • Keep up with new technology, systems and processes

Are you ready to find your new direction? Now’s an ideal time to start planning your professional development goals for next year! Browse our extensive professional development online courses today, and start next year with a plan!

How to Find a Job You Love!

Finding a job is one thing, but finding a job you love is another. This fact may contribute to the current, much-talked-about trend known as the Great Resignation, which is an anticipated higher proportion of employees quitting their jobs this year.

This trend is backed up by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which cited that 9.5 per cent (or 1.3 million people) changed jobs during the year ending February 2022. This is the highest annual job mobility rate since 2012! So whether you are a graduating student or one of the 2.1 million Australians that left or lost a job during this period, job satisfaction is critical. Here is our guide on how to find a job you love.

Think about what you value most

Prioritising what you value most in a role is a great first step towards finding a job — and a possible career — that you love. It may be salary, location, work/life balance, employee benefits or company culture (or a combination of one or more of these). Regardless, it is probably something you don’t want to compromise on, which will affect the jobs you apply for.

Find your passion

Take time to identify things in your life that make you feel excited, satisfied, fulfilled and motivated. Pay attention to what you spend your time and money on, including the topics of magazines, books and podcasts you consume. And consider what you love to teach or talk to others about. All of this can help you pinpoint the types of jobs or careers that will engage and inspire you.

Explore career paths

In terms of how to find a job you love, once you have identified a few areas of interest and passion, spend some time exploring different types of roles. Reading job descriptions on job sites may help you come to some conclusions, but also allow you to research others that are related but might be an even better fit!

Some of the best job sites in Australia, according to Workable, include:

Job sites for all industries worth perusing (in alphabetical order) include:

  • Adzuna – The Australian version of the global employment portal Adzuna is focused on expanding employers’ outreach to a broader audience.
  • Career One – A partner of Monster in Australia, it is popular with job seekers because they can not only find jobs, but get career advice and request a resume evaluation.
  • Career Jet – A global job search engine that operates in 94 countries (like to work overseas?), including Australia.
  • Gumtree – This site doesn’t just include classified ads. It is also a popular tool for promoting jobs in the services, hospitality, construction and manufacturing industries.
  • Indeed – According to their site, they have over 10 million monthly visitors. Its resume database also allows you to upload your CV for potential employers to view.
  • JobSearch – The Australian Government built this portal to increase employment rates. Sign up, and new jobs (by title and location)will be sent to your email inbox.
  • Seek– One of Australia’s biggest employment marketplaces, the site also has lots of advanced filters that can help you narrow down your search. These include searching by location, title, work type, salary and the time period in which the job ad was listed.

There are also lots of specialised job platforms that post jobs specific to particular sectors, including:

  • ArtsHub – This site focuses on the creative industry and advertises publishing, cultural events and fine arts jobs.
  • FlexCareers – Focuses on flexible job opportunities and helps organisations get established as progressive employers.
  • GradConnection – Assists students and recent graduates secure employment or internships according to their field of study or qualifications.
    Job Seeker – Now known as Pro Bono Australia, this is Australia’s job posting site for non-profit organisations.
  • Paddl – This platform connects employers with graduates and students in a modern way. Instead of only relying on resumes, employers can use scorecards to test applicants. This can help highlight your specific skills and professional interests.

Do your research

If you are keen to explore tips on how to find a job you love when evaluating vacancies — and even job offers — research is essential to help you decide what you will apply for and accept. Organisations’ websites and social media profiles often give great insights into employee benefits and company culture.

Leverage your skills

Skills typically fall under two categories: “hard” skills and “soft” skills. Hard skills cover your technical knowledge or those gained through training or life experience, including via education or previous jobs. Soft skills are personal traits that shape how you work, engage with others and solve problems. Here are the top 16 in-demand soft skills for 2022, according to LinkedIn.

Connect with those in the know

LinkedIn is an extremely valuable business platform, and Australia’s largest online professional network. According to Social Media News statistics as of June 2022, it was the fifth most popular social media platform with over 6,500,000 monthly active Australian users. If you know the sector you’d like to work in and/or potential employers, you may be able to connect with those that can help you make a more informed decision about whether to pursue a job or career path. It also offers lots of helpful advice on how to find a job you love.

Consider your ideal working environment

Part of narrowing down the type of organisation you want to work for is considering what kind of environment you will be working in. It could be as simple as them having values and a company culture you align to. But it could also involve more practical elements, such as the size of the company and its commitment to employee development.

For example, do they offer mentoring, training and/or management/leadership and personal development opportunities? Is there room for career progression, or will you have to look elsewhere to move up the career ladder?

Build a personal brand

Take the time to fine-tune the avenues where you “brand” yourself, including carefully managing your social media messages via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by changing your privacy settings and removing anything unprofessional.

It’s also vital to have a comprehensive and up-to-date resume. This is your “pitch” document, which will answer all the questions a recruiter will have about you. Here are global recruiter Hays’ tips for writing a professional resume.

Build and maintain relationships with recruiters

Another valuable resource if you’re wondering how to find a job you love is by leveraging recruiters’ professional skills and expertise. From interview tips and help with drafting a resume to finding exclusive job opportunities, they could be a critical step to landing a role you’ve always wanted. Here are some LinkedIn tips on cultivating the ideal relationship with recruiters.

8 Ways to Boost Your Focus – Part 1

There are days when concentrating feels like walking through wet cement. No matter how many times you read and re-read the material, you’re just not switched on! You’re motivated to get through the work but can’t focus. Now, before you reach for that second cup of coffee, try some of these more novel ways to switch on your brain when it wants to wander.

But first, what is concentration?

Concentration is the ability to focus your mind on one subject, object or thought at will while excluding all other unrelated stimuli (such as thoughts, ideas, feeling or sensations). Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to achieve this level of focus in a world busy distracting us – think social media, instant messenger, WhatsApp, Email and various other tech communication vying for our attention.

So, how can we focus better to achieve our goals? We’ve listed 8 online study tips that we hope will help you improve your concentration when there’s so much vying for your attention.

  1. Eliminate distractions

So, this one’s a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how many distractions are around that you might not notice. Do you have your phone on your desk? If so, how many times are you notified to check Apps, Emails or Messages from friends? You might think glancing down at your phone is harmless, after al it only takes a few seconds, but those few seconds add up and take your focus away from your study goals. Next time you sit at your desk for a study session or to complete assessments, try turning off notifications. Or, even better, if you’re able, turn your phone off altogether. We bet you’ll notice your focus improves and your productivity is boosted just with this one simple online study tips!

The same is true of studying with any other distraction in the background, whether it’s children running in and out of your office, a television on in the background or an interrupting spouse! Make sure you study when distractions are limited, and you’ll achieve much more in less time.

  1. Focus on one task at a time

Multi-tasking might seem like a good idea, but this is one of our top online study tips – don’t do it! Just like distractions, multi-tasking constantly draws your attention away from your focus. So, while you might feel like you’re being more productive, it’s sabotaging your concentration to complete top priority tasks. It can also lead to burnout and, as a result, lowers the quality of your work. So, set the priority and stick to it for a specific time.

  1. Meditation and mindfulness

A study published in Scientific Reports showed that meditating for just ten minutes a day can improve your concentration and working memory. According to researchers from Harvard University, our minds are lost in thought 47 per cent of the time! If you’re a student, these thoughts are often about dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. So, to tame the brain and remain focused on your studies, try mediation at home, join a yoga class or even Tai Chi. The few minutes you spend meditation each day will be worthwhile when it comes to increasing your productivity by enhancing both focus and memory.

  1. Sleep hygiene

Scientists have found that lack of sleep results in lower levels of alertness and concentration. If you’re missing out on vital shut-eye, so less than seven or eight hours a night for most of us, your ability to study and complete assessments requiring reasoning or complex thought is compromised. Make sure you’re getting to bed about the same time every night and waking at the same time in the morning – even on weekends (where possible), so you don’t upset your sleep schedule. You don’t want to suffer from sleepiness as it slows down your thought processes, and impairs your memory! This is one online study tip that’s pretty simple – make sure you’re getting your beauty sleep!

  1. Blueberries for brains!

Blueberries have been shown to boost concentration and memory for up to five hours! That’s almost a whole school day! Apparently, the antioxidants in blueberries stimulate the blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which keeps the mind fresh! So, why not add some blueberries to your morning smoothy or breakfast cereal?

  1. Take breaks

Research shows that taking purposeful study breaks, from 5 to 60 minutes, refreshes your brain and body. As a result, you feel more energetic, productive and focused. So, while planning your study time, make time for regular breaks to improve your ability to achieve your study goals and reduces stress!

  1. Surround yourself with nature

Do you study in a green space? This might be one of our most practical online study tips! Simply by looking into green space – through your office window – or putting indoor plants around (or on) your desk, you’ll improve your concentration. According to researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, a brief walk in the forest or just viewing green spaces can reduce brain fog, improve your focus and sharpen your thinking!

  1. Exercise daily

Exercise every day to get your body and your mind moving. A study in Harvard Men’s Health Watch revealed that chemicals released during exercise boost memory, concentration and mental sharpness. You don’t need to run a marathon, as just a few minutes is enough to boost your brain. A systematic review published in the journal Translational Sports Medicine found that as little as two minutes of exercise can temporarily boost memory. Longer periods of exercise (around 60 minutes) can improve cognitive function for up to two hours afterwards.

There’s no doubt it’s important to take care of your body to improve your brain power. If you’re planning to sit down to study session or tackle that last piece of assessment, make sure you’re heeding these online study tips to boost your success!

If you’re interested in more online study tips, look out for 8 Ways to Boost Your Focus: Part 2. Coming soon.

If you’d like to know more about our online professional development courses, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today. Whether it’s changing careers, starting a business or personal development, we can help you find your new direction.

How to Be More Creative at Work!

Creativity, a soft skill that has long been celebrated as the cornerstone of innovation and problem-solving in the workplace, is a key driver of unique ideas and a fresh perspective when tackling challenges. Unsurprisingly, this dynamic skill is ranked highly in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Future of Jobs survey, with creativity projected to be among the top five skills that companies will demand by 2025. In fact, the report’s findings reveal that creative thinking is the second most important skill in the workplace.

Fortunately, creativity is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed and enhanced over time. This self-improvement is open to anyone, whether you’re a business manager, copywriter, freelance writer, or work in any role that requires innovative thinking. We’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you enhance your creativity as an individual or a manager in the workplace, putting you in control of your creative potential.

As an Individual

Creativity is an essential skill that can help you grow both personally and professionally. When you develop your ability to think creatively, you can come up with innovative solutions that make problem-solving more successful. This skill is especially valuable in jobs that require strategic thinking and adaptability.

Connect experiences

Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things”. Creative people can connect experiences they’ve had and synthesise them into new ideas. This involves paying close attention to processes, ideas, and methods used in other areas of life, as well as asking yourself how you can find and define inspiration from outside the office and repurpose it in your role and responsibilities.

Dim the lights

Humans are visual creatures, and what we see often shapes what we think. Hence, it’s essential to cultivate a workspace that enables us to reflect. In terms of how to be more creative, according to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, dimming lights can downplay a room’s distractions, which encourages the generation of ideas and freedom of thought. A too-bright computer screen can also lead to eye strain, which is certainly not conducive to creativity!

Add some noise

According to ResearchGate, ambient noise — around 50 to 70 decibels — can enhance creative thinking. This is because a low level of noise “increases processing difficulty, inducing a higher construal level and thus promoting abstract processing, which subsequently leads to higher creativity”. High noise levels, on the other hand, can impair creativity.

Get messy

Although a tidy workspace can enhance productivity, research also shows that creativity can be increased with a little mess! An article published by the Association for Psychological Science claims that “being creative is aided by breaking away from tradition, order and convention, and a disorderly environment seems to help people do just that. Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and playing it safe”.

Disrupt your routine

In terms of how to be more creative, changing things up can help improve our brain’s neuroplasticity and help rewire its creative side, according to the book How We Learn by Benedict Carey. This is because our brains are wired to favour security and stability. Suggestions include changing your gym workout, finding an alternative way to get to work, or eating your lunch in a new location.

Get physical

According to online mental health provider Lysn, one of the most underrated benefits of exercise is what it can do for your mind. When we exercise, we release endorphins. This provides an instant mood boost and enhances forms of thinking. It can also allow us to tap into a more extensive spectrum of our imagination and generate more original ideas.

Practice mindfulness

Another element to consider if you are wondering how to be more creative is to practice mindfulness. According to Headspace, mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever you are doing, being free from judgement or distraction, and aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. A few strategies to try include breathing exercises, meditating, taking a walk outdoors, limiting social media time, and listening to calming music.

Stay open

Most problems have a solution – they just need to be discovered! Creativity often involves divergent thinking, and three great questions to ask yourself are “What if?”, “What’s a better way to …?” and “How might I …?” Putting these into practice daily can help build your creative muscle and boost your confidence in your ability to generate innovative ideas.

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Find your lightbulb moment by developing creativity at work

As a Manager

Creativity has a business return on investment (ROI) because there is a solid connection between creativity and business value. In fact, a global study by Adobe found that when companies invest in creativity:

  • 78 per cent increase their employee productivity
  • 80 per cent have satisfied customers
  • 78 per cent produce a better customer experience
  • 83 per cent fostered innovation
  • 73 per cent are financially successful

If you are a business manager, here are some ways you can cultivate a creative work environment and guide your employees to be more creative.

Try brainstorming

Flexible, pressure-free brainstorming in a relaxed setting is one of the best ways for employees to generate new ideas. Whether on a whiteboard or on good old-fashioned butcher’s paper, encourage them to scribble down ideas unprompted. It can enhance creativity and generate new ideas.  But it also shares the load of innovation and encourages employees to work together to create viable solutions to problems.

Facilitate anonymous suggestions

Sometimes, employees may feel a little intimidated by making suggestions publicly, even when encouraged. They may have general anxiety, a fear of embarrassment, or other reasons for not freely speaking their minds. One way of removing social barriers is by allowing employees to share their ideas anonymously. Whether via a suggestion box or an online survey that guarantees confidentiality, it will show them that their suggestions are valid and their creativity valued.

Act on their ideas

If employees think their ideas will be acted on and implemented, they’re more likely to offer suggestions. Once you’ve determined an idea will be a success, let your employees know how the idea came to be. This will encourage employees to be more creative at work by increasing their motivation to contribute.

Encourage individuality

It sounds simple, but let your employees know you value their thoughts and appreciate their individuality. Make it clear that you see them as unique individuals rather than simply employees. Most people will respond well and reward you with their ideas and insights.

Hire diverse talent

Diversity in the workplace contributes to an atmosphere of creative thinking, so consider hiring employees from different fields and different educational and cultural backgrounds. Encouraging multicultural diversity, in particular, is essential as we live in a multicultural society, so embracing differences and developing cultural competence is crucial.

 

We hope these tips will help you consistently practice creativity in the workplace to improve your skills, embrace opportunities and drive meaningful change. There’s also value in pursuing diverse experiences and embracing an open-minded approach to learning to significantly boost your creative abilities. This ongoing development of your creative powers can lead to improved job performance, enhanced career prospects, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing industries.

Tips for Starting a New Job

Congratulations on your new job! You are probably feeling excited but nervous, as it can also be a little overwhelming. But that’s understandable — it can be a daunting experience for even the most seasoned professionals! However, it’s important you make a good first impression and gradually settle into your role so you can relish the next phase of your career. Here are some tips for starting a new job.

Your first day will probably be one of the most challenging days as you’ll be bombarded with so much information and new experiences.

Careful planning is vital, and some things worth considering include:

  • Contact your manager and ask if they have any recommendations for how to prepare. Reading material on the company and its products or services can give you insights. These include their website, annual reports and company newsletters.
  • Where you were interviewed may not be where you’ll be working, so check where you need to go.
  • Check transport schedules and parking availability so you can arrive on time.
  • Your manager. Confirm who you need to check in with when you get there, and if you’re unsure, contact the HR team.
  • If you haven’t already supplied, take along personal information such as your bank account and super fund details and your tax file number. You might also need to sign a contract, a confidentiality agreement or other documents on the day.
  • Work hours. Know when you need to arrive and what hours you’ll be working after that.
  • Dress code. Find out what you should wear. If you need to wear a uniform, make arrangements to collect this prior to your first day if possible.
  • Confirm if your workplace has a kitchen or meal area and what facilities are available for you to buy or prepare meals. Ask for lunch recommendations if you prefer to purchase your meals.
  • Workplace policies – Find out what policies and procedures need to be adhered to in your new workplace. There are also some rights and responsibilities that apply to all employers and employees. You can find out more here.

Once you’re there, try to relax

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience new things, learn new skills and meet new people. Embrace it! You should also try to:

Have a positive attitude

As you make your morning commute, remind yourself that the company chose you for a reason, so you have what it takes to master the role. Thinking back over your qualities and skills can further boost your confidence and motivation.

Be outgoing and confident

Your first few weeks or months will involve a steady flow of new faces, introductions and learning your colleagues’ names. If you struggle to put a name to a face, ask for a reminder — you’ll soon master who’s who in your new workplace. Also, try to confidently introduce yourself to new colleagues you run into. By remaining assertive and professional yet approachable in the early days, you’ll cement your reputation as a valued team member.

Plan an introduction

Creating a professional first impression is an essential part of building strong working relationships. When introduced to your new colleagues be ready to share information about yourself. However, it’s not necessary to reveal everything about yourself — communicating your background, and a little bit about you as a person should be enough!

Stay neutral

One of the worst things you can do when starting a new job is to get involved in gossip or office politics. If a conversation with a colleague turns into gossip, politely accept or deflect their opinions without getting involved further.

Listen and learn

When starting a new job, there is often a steep learning curve. Aim to take in as much information as possible, but also be prepared to ask questions. Also, remember that you are not expected to know everything from the start, and that a thorough understanding of any expectations will help you become a valuable team member in the early stages.

Take a physical tour

Most companies will offer this straight up. Note the location of bathrooms, the kitchen, the office supply room, and privacy/conference rooms where you might be able to spend a few moments of quiet time to regroup if you need to.

Take an organisational tour

This will allow you to understand where the major departments are, such as the areas you will work with, and the key support functions, such as the finance, HR and IT departments.

Take your manager’s lead

Typically you will have an induction period that will involve you becoming familiar with how the organisation works and your role within it. You can offer to get started straight away. But be aware, undertaking work assignments may be a gradual process.

Ask how they like to communicate

Is it via email, messenger, phone call or a physical visit to their office? Don’t assume your manager communicates like other managers you may have had before. Everyone is different.

Check in with them frequently

Most managers will schedule catch-up meetings with their staff. However, being proactive about checking in will allow you to get feedback and make necessary adjustments. This will show them you are open to change and willing to improve.

Ask them for more (or less) work

Your manager probably won’t know the full extent of your knowledge and skills or how quickly you will pick things up. They may give you tasks that are too easy or too much work or deadlines that are too tight. This is why frequent check-ins are valuable. They can offer real-time feedback, and your manager can gauge how quickly and effectively you work. Your manager can then adjust the pace accordingly or give you additional training or other support.

Get to know your colleagues

Lunch with your new colleagues is a great way to get to know them in a relaxed environment. Your peers can help you assimilate and offer valuable insights into the company and its employees. It can also help you build and maintain productive relationships and enhance your emotional intelligence.

High Demand Jobs & Courses to Match!

COVID-19 has brought significant disruption to the global economy and with it, changes to the careers landscape. However, as globalisation continues and new jobs and ways of working open up, the future of work will be dynamic, transformative and exciting!

There will be abundant opportunities for those with a range of skills and experience, and a love of lifelong learning will be an essential character trait in terms of people adapting to the workforce of the future. According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise in 2021 report, here are some of the high demand jobs.

#1 – Mental Health Specialists

Several community services roles are currently some of the most in-demand in Australia. This includes the area of mental health, which was boosted by the government’s significant financial investment in the sector in 2020. The sector incorporates a range of roles and covers all stages of life, from children and adolescents to older Australians.

Mental health specialists can include practitioners, social workers, counsellors and psychologists who deal with vulnerable people who may be experiencing poverty, discrimination, addiction, illness, domestic and family violence, mental health issues or other forms of hardship.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs in the counselling sector is expected to be over 14.2 per cent by 2026.

#2 – Healthcare/Medical Support Workers

Other high demand jobs in the healthcare sector include support worker and case management roles. Workers in these jobs typically help people access a range of care, from support at home and physical therapy to delivering assistance and services to clients. Roles also cover a range of sectors from community and aged care to homelessness support services.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for aged and disabled carers is expected to be over 28 per cent by 2026.

#3- Customer Service Workers

With the advent of COVID-19, many customer service workers were asked to respond and navigate through significant disruption. From tourism to hospitality, they needed to re-purpose their communication and interpersonal skills to understand complaints and changing customer needs.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for those in the retail trade is expected to be over 4.1 per cent by 2026.

#4 – E-commerce Professionals

The retail sector is one of Australia’s largest employers. And despite the significant challenges that affected “bricks and mortar” businesses due to COVID-19, it’s not surprising that the area of E-commerce is booming.

According to an article in the Australian Financial Review in May, the growth rate of online sales was almost 30 per cent in 2018. During the 2020 lockdowns, this surged to over 60 per cent. High demand jobs are abundant for E-commerce professionals, but online business owners can also reap the benefits of this burgeoning retail platform.

Fast fact: According to Statista, while online sales accounted for 18 per cent of global retail sales in 2020, that share is projected to climb to over 21 per cent in 2024.

#5 – Digital Content Writers

Content is truly king in this digital age, and according to LinkedIn, its demand is increasingly high. In 2020, it observed a sharp increase in organisations’ posts, making bloggers, copywriters, freelance writers and podcasters some of the latest high-demand jobs.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for journalists and other writers is expected to be over 7.1 per cent by 2026.

#6 – Education Roles

Tasked with preparing children for primary school, those working in early childhood education prepare materials and equipment for children’s education and recreational activities. They also support their emotional, physical and social development, playing a crucial role in giving Australia’s youngest generation quality learning experiences.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for child carers is expected to be over 5.9 per cent by 2026.

#7 – Finance Professionals

Australia has a sophisticated financial services sector, which is one of the most significant contributors to the national economy. Another one of the high demand jobs in the current employment market is those of finance professionals, including accountants and bookkeepers.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for accountants is expected to be over 9.2 per cent by 2026.

#8 – Digital Marketing Specialists

The ability to communicate with customers using digital marketing, including social media, has become even more important in this Information Age as many brands face significant disruption to their usual customer engagement.

Fast fact: According to LinkedIn, half of the top ten jobs posted on their site are in the media or digital space. 

#9 – Recruitment Professionals  

With many companies freezing hiring the past year due to uncertainties, recruiters have had to re-evaluate their recruitment strategies. One trend that has emerged is recruitment consultants pivoting to a role as a “career development specialist”, focusing on not just recruiting but helping people find new roles and careers.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of jobs for HR professionals is expected to be over 13.1 per cent by 2026.

#10 – ICT Managers

The Information Technology sector is continuing to grow at a rapid rate and is arguably one of the most valuable future-proof industries. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Managers typically manage the acquisition, development, maintenance and use of computer and telecommunications systems within organisations.

Fast fact: According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the future growth of ICT managers’ jobs is expected to be over 17.7 per cent by 2026.

#11 – Cyber Security Specialists

The cyber security sector is growing fast, and according to the Government’s own Cyber Security Strategy, Australia is suffering from a cyber security skills shortage. People in cyber security roles offer a range of services from developing software to minimising viruses, hackers and phishing.

Fast fact: Over the 2020-21 financial year, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) received over 67,500 cybercrime reports, an increase of nearly 13 per cent from the previous financial year.

Develop Skills for Working with Vulnerable People

Working with vulnerable people in society is pivotal in the community services sector. The sector is also one of the largest in Australia, with the COVID-19 pandemic increasing demand for “care economy” workers.

The sector covers all stages of life — from childcare to aged care — and incorporates a range of roles. It can also involve working with vulnerable people experiencing domestic violence, discrimination, illness, disability or other forms of hardship.

This includes working in various sectors, including aged care, mental health, family services, child protection and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island individuals and those with specific disorders from Autism Spectrum Disorder to dementia.

According to LinkedIn’s 2021 report, Jobs on the Rise, several community services roles are currently some of the most in-demand in Australia. These include childcare workers, case managers, youth workers and social service specialists.

If you are keen to work in a sector that involves working with vulnerable people in our communities, here are some skills that might be beneficial.

  • Working with vulnerable people can be challenging. And while skills and training are paramount to maintaining high working standards, a passion for helping those in need can make a real difference.
  • Dedication to the profession is also crucial. Many people who work in community services view their job as more of a “calling” than a job. They are the people that often family and friends look to in times of need. And for many, their role is part of their identity and putting others first comes naturally.
  • Along with training, care workers bring varied life experiences to their work, enabling them to relate to clients more effectively. Simply getting through challenges or having experience in other areas of life can be wonderfully beneficial to the worker-client relationship.
  • If clients are exhibiting behavioural issues or are withdrawn, a friendly presence will often help them feel safe and happy. When working with vulnerable people, being warm and open also helps those in community services build rapport with their clients. This develops not only better working relationships but long-term friendships.
  • Because those in this sector regularly encounter individuals from a variety of backgrounds with diverse health issues, it may impair their ability to communicate. Interacting clearly with clients — who may have individual needs — will assist with effective working practices. Good communication will colleagues also ensures clients receive a standardised level of care.
  • Isolation is a situation many of those needing support face daily, and this can have a range of negative consequences. Humans are generally social by nature, so just being present can be a huge part of working in this field. In addition to physical assistance, listening and engagement are some of the most valuable support mechanisms that can be offered.
  • A sense of humour. Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. When clients suffer from health issues, making them smile — even for a short time — can make a world of difference to their physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Many of those working with vulnerable people are on the front line, facing clients’ challenges alongside them. Many will build close relationships, and it may be difficult seeing people suffer. However, if they can remain positive and strong during difficult times, it can help clients face their difficulties more effectively.
  • As a worker in community services, it is often valuable to place yourself in your client’s shoes. Questions to ask include: How would you feel in their situation? How would you react? Imagining yourself in different scenarios can help you better understand your clients’ behaviour and mindset, helping you to provide the individual support they need.
  • A desire to learn. In many professions, when you are working with vulnerable people, you will need to complete training to ensure you are safe and effective at work. However, treating every day as a learning experience can improve your skills and knowledge and contribute to your continued professional development. This learning can also be used to complete further training as you advance in your career.
  • Exceed expectations. Community care workers understand they are responsible for providing their clients with the best quality of life possible. Even in demanding or stressful situations, they go the extra mile for vulnerable individuals in society, often without expecting or receiving recognition.
  • Open-mindedness. Working with vulnerable people often involves dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, including people with cultural, behavioural and physical differences. Treating clients with respect, regardless of their situation, will ensure they receive the dignity they deserve throughout their care journey.
  • Organisational skills. Depending on their work environment, those working with vulnerable people may have to coordinate a range of activities in a working day. This can include planning and coordination with colleagues and other specialist health and wellbeing services to ensure a holistic service delivery.
  • Calmness under pressure. Working in the community services sector can be stressful. And given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, resources can be stretched. Time and budget constraints, and the desire to provide the best possible care to clients, can often be a constant balancing act.
  • For many vulnerable people, those who assist them are their lifelines, and they rely on care input for much-needed social interaction. It can also extend to the area of assisting with basic activities for daily living, so reliability is vital.
  • A calm presence is essential for putting individuals at ease, particularly when working with the elderly, including those with dementia. Those with personal care needs or mobility issues may also require extra help. Working with clients at their own pace can improve the delivery of care.
  • Critical thinking. Working in community services is complex, and a wide range of challenges may be encountered. Problem-solving, where appropriate, ensures individuals remain safe while continuing to deliver the highest quality care.

Could You Be an Adult Educator?

Learning is essential to our existence. And just like food nourishes our bodies, continuous learning nourishes our minds. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”.

And despite the studies citing that after the age of twelve we lose some of the capacity to absorb new information, all of us have neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to new challenges. This fact alone is motivation enough for you to work in the area of adult education, and a great first step is to undertake our Facilitate Adult Learning & Development course!

Whether it’s in literacy, language or numeracy, this course will teach you how to guide, advise, support and respond to the needs of those keen to step into the wonderful world of adult learning courses. Need more inspiration to get started? Let’s look at some theories around adult learning, the types of adult learners, and what makes adult learners different from younger generations.

Adult Learning Theories

There is an abundance of theories surrounding adult learning, and many are based on “andragogy”. Andragogy is the “art and science of helping adults learn”. The first recorded use of the word was in the 1830s, however, the disciplined pursuit began in the 1960s.

Within formal education including adult learning courses, the word is most often used in reference to self-directed learning. This takes into account an individual’s desire to know:

  • The reasons for learning something.
  • Broad experiences and knowledge bases.
  • Need for high levels of autonomy in their learning.
  • Inclination toward immediately relevant and useful subjects.
  • Preference for informal, problem-centred over formal, content-focused engagements.
  • Tendencies to be more internally than externally motivated.

Alexander Kapp and Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy developed theories around adult education that were later popularised by Malcolm Knowles, a theorist in adult education.

For Knowles, adult learning was premised on these principal metaphors:

  • Knowledge is … what one has learned.
  • Knowing is … using what one has learned.
  • A learner is … an adult (individual).
  • Learning is … experiencing and integrating.
  • Teaching is … facilitating.

How Adults Learn

As a result of undertaking our Facilitate Adult Learning & Development course to encourage individuals to undertake adult learning courses, you may be interested in some of the fundamental theories around how people learn. Three major theories are:

#1 – Behaviourism

Behaviourism stems from the work of B.F. Skinner and assumes the learner begins as a “clean slate”, passively receives information, and adopts behaviours through negative or positive reinforcement. Learners focus on and remember key points, and learning is a response to particular stimuli. Instruction is repetitive and reinforced. The focus of this theory is that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning.

#2 – Cognitivism

Cognitivism rejects the idea that all behaviour is merely a response to external stimuli. Instead, learners actively process information by linking old and new information together in a cumulative and meaningful way. The theory assumes that learning occurs as a result of mental or cognitive processes. Mental processes include thinking, knowing, remembering, observing, problem-solving, categorising and making generalisations. This theory focuses on the human mind and how people think and understand.

#3 – Constructivism

With constructivism, learning is a process of building one’s own subjective reality, and learning is an active, constructive process. Knowledge is developed through the process of contextualisation, and learners bring their own experiences, interpretation and cultural factors to a learning experience.

Types of Adult Learners

Those who undertake adult learning courses can be typically described in five groups:

#1 – Lifelong learners. Adults who have had positive experiences of learning and want to continually expand their knowledge, skills and interests.

#2 – Reluctant learners. Adults who have had negative learning experiences and need a lot of encouragement to give learning another go if it is in a formal environment.

#3 – Breaking barriers learners. Adults who want to learn more but have barriers to participating in adult learning such as isolation, financial concerns or lack of family support.

#4 – Community builders. Adults who want to learn with others in order to participate in their community and expand the quality of their relationships.

#5 – Foundation learners. Adults who missed out on the schooling they need and want to be able to read, speak, write and listen more effectively and improve their basic maths skills. It also includes adults whose first language is not English who want to improve their English reading, writing, listening and speaking.

What Makes Adult Learners Different?

For Knowles, adult learning was premised on the following characteristics:

The need to know

Adults want to know why they need to learn something and understand its value. They may ask, “Why is this important?” or “Why do I need to know this?” They also want their learning experiences to:

  • be relevant
  • meet their needs
  • help them achieve their goals.

Learner’s self-concept

Adult learners want to be seen as capable learners and should be offered choices and be encouraged to set their own learning goals. Adult learners:

  • are independent
  • are self-motivated and self-directed
  • can make their own decisions
  • like to find their own way
  • want to manage their own learning.

The role of the learner’s experience

Adult learners bring the diversity and richness of their lives with them. Hence, they should be given the opportunity to use their existing experience and knowledge, which they can apply to new learning experiences. They typically:

  • may have ingrained ideas about things
  • have diverse experiences and knowledge
  • apply their life experience and knowledge to new learning
  • use their reflecting, problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Readiness to learn

Adults are ready to learn when they identify something they want to know, become proficient at, or experience something that connects with their life situation. They typically:

  • are goal focused
  • want timely learning
  • seek meaningful learning experiences
  • need clear learning goals.

Orientation to learning

Adult learners want to be engaged in problem-centred or life-centred learning experiences. They typically:

  • are practical – their learning should apply to their job, lives, etc.
  • want to be involved in planning their learning
  • focus on the aspects that are most useful to them.

Motivation

Adults are responsive to external motivators such as an increased salary or a better job, however, the best motivators are internal. For example,

  • increased job satisfaction
  • heightened self-esteem
  • better quality of life
  • personal growth and development.

10 Short Courses to Get a Job Now

The job market has changed dramatically in the past decade, particularly with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting virtually every industry. However, not all sectors and occupations have been adversely affected. According to the Australian government’s Labour Market Insights here are the occupations with the most significant projected employment growth. (And our recommended short courses to get a job that you can sign up for today!)

#1 – Certificate of Aged Care Counselling

With the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has put on our healthcare system, it is not surprising that healthcare jobs are in demand. In fact, jobs in healthcare and social assistance are expected to grow by 15.8 per cent by November 2026.

Aged care in particular is a growing profession, primarily because people are tending to live longer. And along with ageing, comes specific challenges that require qualified and compassionate experts to assist.

Our Certificate of Aged Care Counselling is ideal for those looking to enter the sector or who are currently working in aged care, counselling, psychology or in a carer or health professional role. After completing this course, you will have expanded your knowledge and understanding of the ageing process and be able to devise strategies to help and support the elderly with a variety of age-related changes.

#2 – Certificate of Disability Services

The area of aged and disabled carers is one of the largest employing occupations in the health care and social assistance sector. In terms of disability services, this is partly due to the Australian Government investing over $64 million in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the 2018-2019 budget.

In terms of short courses to get a job, our Certificate of Disability Services will provide you with the essential knowledge and skillset to provide person-centred support to those with a disability, including how to facilitate the empowerment of people with disability by fostering self-determination and independence.

#3 – Certificate of Mental Health

Another one of the largest employing occupations is that of a welfare support worker, with the industry set to grow by over 25 per cent over the next five years. Mental health workers, in particular, are in high demand, mainly due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has profoundly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians.

In 2020, the Federal Government provided more than $20 million in additional funding for research to improve mental health care and reduce suicides in Australia. This is also affecting the demand for jobs in the sector.

Our Certificate of Mental Health will give you insights into the issues surrounding homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, advocacy, legal and ethical obligations and the recovery approach.

#4 – Certificate of Medical Business Administration

Along with the increase in jobs in health care and social assistance comes a demand for those with medical business administration skills, particularly in general and specialist medical services. Ideal for medical secretaries, medical practice managers and specialist medical personal assistants, our Certificate of Medical Business Administration is one of the ideal short courses to get a job and will help launch your career as a practice manager.

In this course, you will learn to use appropriate advanced medical terminology, carry out routine tasks, and communicate with a range of internal and external clients in a medical environment. You will also gain insights into how to provide advice to patients regarding process referrals and fee structures, and to prepare and process medical accounts for a range of patients.

#5 – Certificate of Information Technology

Another occupation with considerable projected employment growth is software and applications programmers. Projected employment growth is estimated to increase by 27 per cent by November 2026.

However, IT technology as a whole — including the areas of e-commerce — is a vital contributor to every industry sector, from sport and retail to sport and finance (and everything in between!) Again the COVD-19 pandemic has played a part, with many businesses forced to move online and offer work-from-home solutions for staff.

In terms of short courses to get a job, our Certificate of Information Technology will provide you with the foundational knowledge to understand the operations and components of computer systems. It will also give you the confidence to create and design HTML, and use publishing and word processing software.

#6 – Introduction to Cyber Security

Another of the occupations with the largest projected employment growth is in the area of cyber security. Projected employment for database and systems administrators and ICT security specialists is expected to increase by nearly 39 per cent by November 2026. This is mainly due to the increase in cybercrime in Australia. In 2021, a report issued by the Australian Cyber Security Centre cited an increase of 13 per cent in reports of cybercrime from July 2020 to July 2021.

In our Introduction to Cyber Security course, you will learn how to understand the concept of cyber security, the types of threats and defensive mechanisms. This will give you insights into the importance of digital literacy to improve privacy and protect businesses from potential cyber threats.

#7 – Certificate of Legal Administration Paralegal

The law sector (particularly solicitors) is set to have substantial projected employment growth of 21 per cent by November 2026. And although we don’t offer these specific qualifications, we do offer courses that will enable you to amply support your solicitor boss!

These include our Certificate of Legal Administration Paralegal, which will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as a paralegal, legal secretary or administrator in a legal office or a legal department within an organisation.

#8 – Certificate of Human Resource Management

Those working as HR managers are also in roles that have the largest project employment growth for the next five years (up by over 16 per cent). We offer a range of HR and recruitment courses, including our Certificate of Human Resource Management, which will teach you how to manage all aspects of selection, recruitment, performance management and strategic workforce planning.

#9 – Certificate of Payroll

The number of accountant jobs is also set to increase by 2026 — by nearly 18,000, which is an increase of 9.2 per cent. In terms of short courses to get a job, one speciality worth considering is in the area of payroll.

Our Certificate of Payroll will teach you how to manage the entire payroll process, from preparing payroll documentation and dealing with payroll enquiries to processing payroll in manual or computerised payroll systems. This will allow you to work in small and medium businesses, and big accounting firms or even give you the option to work for yourself in the “gig economy”.

#10 – Certificate of Business Management

Management and organisation analysts will also increase in demand over the next few years — by over 32 per cent. These roles involve assisting organisations to achieve greater efficiency and solve organisational problems by analysing organisational methods, structures, procedures and systems.

Our Certificate of Business Management will teach you how to strategically manage quality customer service, budgets and financial plans, people and performance, operational planning and team effectiveness.

How to Network (Clue, Make Friends!)

According to the Oxford dictionary, networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts”. It doesn’t always have to be business-oriented — hence, the words “social contacts” in this definition.

According to LinkedIn, it can be as simple as “making new friends”. It can be a way of getting better acquainted with others outside of seeking success or professional gain. Along the way, it can also give you insights into yourself and your future life and career goals. Here are some tips on how to network successfully.

The Life Skills That Matter website cites that meeting new people is a necessity if you want to create a lifestyle that revolves around more meaningful work on your own terms. Interacting with like-minded people can not only help you make changes in your life  but can also dramatically improve your chances of success. It cites three primary “mindsets” — the established set of attitudes someone holds — in terms of building connections.

  1. The Networking Mindset

In terms of how to network, the goal here is essentially to view other people as “transactions”. This means you want something from them — a sale, a job, money or a favour. So, often it means the connection is self-interested and not genuine. Many find networking uncomfortable as they feel like they:

  • Are always asking for something.
  • Don’t know what they want, so don’t know who they really want to connect with.
  • Are afraid of rejection.
  • Believe networking is all about meeting as many people as possible, so feel guilty about meeting an imaginary quota.

  1. The Friend Mindset

The goal of making friends is essentially about feeling a “connection” with someone and sharing mutual interests. And the best part is that you can be yourself! It’s also about “feeling” a connection rather than “making” one. And they are very different. When you meet someone, you aren’t necessarily looking for an agenda. The foundation of friendship is trust, not a transaction. When you meet someone you could consider a friend, you aren’t guiding the conversation towards a sale or hunting down a new contact. You are simply enjoying the connection.

  1. The Community Mindset

The goal of building a community is to “ feel both connected and collaborative with a group of like-minded people. You support each other to help each other succeed”. This is about building a professional community based on mutually beneficial relationships so you can help each other grow over the long term.

10 Ways to Network (But Not in the Most Obvious Sense)

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Tap into your existing network

Before searching outside your current circle of contacts, start closer to home. Let everyone know you are interested in expanding your network. Several people in your network likely know someone who knows someone who knows someone that would be a good introduction for you. Ever heard of six degrees of separation?

Don’t cling to old contacts

On the flip side, another essential part of how to network is letting go of old contacts, particularly if they aren’t giving you the type of friendship you are looking for. Finding new contacts is an investment and a slow and steady process, but it will have enormous benefits.

Be yourself

As Albert Einstein once said, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself”. People tend to give off a trustworthy and positive energy when talking about things they are interested in or passionate about. And authenticity is vital in these situations.

Be interested and not just interesting

This theory revolves around making a concerted effort to get to know the other person. You can achieve this by being fully present in the conversation and listening as much as you speak. Knowing how to network in this sense is understanding that it’s a two-way street and successful networking occurs when both parties benefit. It’s also about asking questions. Asking more questions can build emotional intelligence and lead to better soft skills, which are key to building interpersonal relationships, communicating better and connecting with others.

Focus on feeling connected

The quality of your relationships trumps quantity in terms of “making connections”. Those at the core of your relationships will serve as your advocates and vastly amplify your message by not just talking about you but your community and beyond.

Find a common interest

According to the psychologist, best-selling author and the “Godfather of influence” Robert Cialdini, the best way of making personal connections is to figure out what you have in common with them — and it doesn’t have to be work-related! It could be as simple as being dog lovers, sharing the same sports team or enjoying the same lifestyle or health pursuits. Connections are created through shared experiences, so can also build trust over the long term.

Give to receive

Another tip for how to network and potentially make new friends is to show your individuality and stand out from the crowd. Being memorable can also involve offering your help and support (kindness is king!) and then demonstrating your interest in doing so, not just talking about it.

Actively engage

For those of us who are a little more introverted, place yourself in the “path of conversation”. This can be daunting, but it is about putting yourself in positions where you will actively have to talk to people. It can include seeking out groups or associations you are interested in, volunteering for organisations aligned with your goals, and/or engaging with social media platforms with like-minded people. LinkedIn is a particularly powerful tool (being one of the world’s largest professional networks). A good tip is to search for possible contacts and then send them a personalised message with an introduction and a reason for reaching out.

Take it slow

Forming connections takes time and they aren’t typically created overnight. In fact, experts say it takes from 40 to 60 hours spent together in the first few weeks after meeting people to form a casual friendship. The transition from a casual friend to a solid friend takes even more — between 80 and 100 hours!

Think long-term

Many of us have a friend or colleague who we haven’t seen for months. But when we do connect, it’s as if we’d made contact yesterday. Sound familiar? Strong relationships can last forever, and networking can be the start of such relationships. Creating connections based on shared goals and interests can also boost positivity and productivity. Plus, you’ll enhance your personal and professional life, as everyone wants to surround themselves with people they like. Why not make that you?

How to Ask Better Questions (At Work)!

Whether you are happy in your current role or seeking alternative employment, asking questions is essential to improving as an employee, enhancing your career prospects and helping you form professional relationships. It is also vital for developing communication skills in the workplace.

Yet, unlike professionals who are taught to ask questions (for example, those in medical, media or legal professionals), many of us find it challenging to ask the right questions to the right person at the right time.

Here is our guide to the benefits of asking questions, what makes a good questioner, and how to hone and improve your question-asking skills.

Benefits of Asking Questions

Asking questions forms a large part of developing communication skills in the workplace and can help in more ways than just getting answers! Ultimately, it is a uniquely powerful tool for unlocking value in employees and mitigating business risk in organisations by uncovering unforeseen challenges. From an individual’s perspective, asking questions can also:

  • Give you new opportunities to learn. Fostering a “growth” mindset can help you think positively about questioning and using the answers to improve yourself. It can also enhance your skill set and improve your emotional intelligence and natural curiosity.
  • Create a positive work environment. Asking questions can help foster an honest workplace, build rapport and trust among team members, and encourage learning and the exchange of ideas.
  • Illustrate your drive to improve. By asking questions, you can show colleagues, supervisors and potential employers that you are focused on improving yourself, your skills and your knowledge. It can also fuel innovation and performance improvement.
  • Form new professional connections. Asking questions is also a valuable way of forming connections with mentors and other professionals in similar industries. This includes on LinkedIn, one of the world’s largest professional networks.

What Makes a Good Questioner

Regardless of the kind of question you’re asking, questions should lead to the information you need. To do that, you need to know what type of information you are looking for and who best to ask it of. A good questioner is:

  • Curiosity leads to continual growth and learning, which drives positive personal, team and organisational outcomes.
  • Choose your words with purpose, and ensure you are asking at an appropriate time and in the right environment.
  • Often people don’t ask questions because they are afraid of what others might think of them. However, asking challenging questions can often lead to valuable clarity.
  • Respectful questions are those that aren’t accusatory, judgmental or threatening. They don’t cause the questionee to recoil, feel less important or, at worst, leave the conversation!
  • Speaking neutrally can help you gauge an honest answer without bias. Avoid inserting your own opinions into your questions so you can obtain answers that are on your questionee’s terms.
  • Effective communication is an integral part of asking good questions. When asking, speak clearly so that the questionee understands what you are saying and there is no confusion. Keep questions straightforward, use simple language and keep your questions brief.

10 Tips for Asking Better Questions

Now for the nitty-gritty! We’ve covered some of the benefits of questions and some of the keys to being a good questioner, including enhancing your communication skills in the workplace. But how do you go about asking better questions?

Know what kind of answer you’re looking for.

Think about what specific information you want to know — is it an opinion, factual knowledge or are you simply looking for advice? Then think about who you need to ask to get the kind of answer you’re looking for — is it a colleague, a mentor, a supervisor or another professional source? Finally, determine what type of answer best fits the information you need in order to draft your question.

Understand the goal of your conversation.

According to an article published in the Harvard Business Review, the best approach to questioning depends on whether your discussion is cooperative (for example, accomplishing a task together or building a relationship), competitive (seeking to uncover sensitive information from each other), or a combination of both. For example, conversations between friends and colleagues are generally cooperative, and discussions about allocating resources tend to be competitive. When leaders are communicating with employers, conversations can often be a combination of the two — supportive, but also communicating expectations and providing feedback.

Do your research

It may sound simple, but knowing what you’re asking and why is vital.If your questioning is too vague or confusing, you may not get the answers you want. Research can also confirm that the answers to your questions aren’t easily accessible, making you feel validated in terms of asking in the first place!

Ask open-ended questions

These are questions that a person can’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no” — they require a longer, more detailed response. Open-ended questions can help people feel free to respond however they see fit. Questions beginning with “should”, “would”, “are”, “is”, and “do you think” will often lead to a yes or no answer. Those beginning with “who”, “what”, “where”, “when”, “how”, or “why” will typically lead to the questionee giving more thought to their answers and providing more information.

Be a good listener

In terms of communication skills in the workplace, employing active listening skills is an essential part of the process. Silence is powerful! It can help you get the information you need and fully understand the answer. It can also show the questionee you value their responses and are interested in what they are saying. Active listening can be demonstrated by displaying good body language, making eye contact, and being patient by not interrupting the questionee when they are speaking.

Go where the conversation takes you

Everybody can get “off-topic” sometimes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Conversations can flow in many different directions both before and after your question is answered. They can prompt follow-up questions, or questions you planned to ask may be answered without you even having to ask them.

Avoid “leading” questions

A leading question already assumes an answer. Questioners who ask these types of questions sometimes want to confirm they already know the answer. And while it can be harmless in some situations, it doesn’t leave room for individual responses.

Keep questions short

Long-winded questions often show a lack of self-awareness and can end up confusing questionees. Short questions won’t be overwhelming, will provide enough details to summarise what you want in a response, and will minimise the need for you to ask again!

Ask follow-up questions

After the questionee has answered your question and you’ve considered their response, ask a follow-up question. These can deepen your knowledge of the topic and show the questionee you value their answers. Valuable questions include asking, “Why do you think that?” and “What makes you say that?”

Say thank you

After the conversation, make sure you thank the questionee for their time and responses. It shows you are grateful for their help but also strengthens your communication skills in the workplace and your professional relationships, which can form valuable connections for future questions.

9 Career Advice Tips (to Succeed Anywhere)

Whether you’re working in an office, a hospital or a warehouse, some general career advice tips will see you succeed anywhere. It’s about making the most of opportunities that come your way, taking time to reflect and finding a balance between your professional and personal life. But arguably most important of all, our number one for a reason, never stop learning in life!

So, how do you stay happy and become successful at work? We think the following ten tips will see you challenge yourself while maintaining a happy and healthy personal life.

  1. Never stop learning

You’ll never know everything there is to know about your industry ­­– but you can try. If you have a passion for what you do, you’ll always find new ways of learning how to do it. Whether reading trade journals and cutting-edge research, attending workshops or enrolling in professional development courses, being a lifelong learner will help you achieve your career goals.

  1. Set SMART goals

You’ve probably heard the expression, ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’! It’s true because, without a plan, you have a wish, not a goal that will help you succeed. But how you set your goal matters, so make sure they’re SMART goals.

  1. Stay organised

Staying organised comes easily for some, but it’s a real struggle for others. But organisational skills are at the heart of productivity and success in every area of your professional (and personal) life. If you’re in the disorganisation camp, try a short professional development course in time management to gain the skills you need to stay on top of your workload while balancing your personal life.

  1. Build your network

Many people think that networking is about gaining connections to help them advance in their careers or business. But that’s not exactly right. It’s only half the story because instead of networking for professional gain, try connecting to ‘make friends.’ Friendship is the key to all genuine and mutually beneficial relationships. So, next time you’re at a workshop or conference, try shifting your focus and see what happens – you might find it takes the pressure off.

  1. Stay healthy

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial to well-being and productivity at work. Setting goals for your health is important, even if it’s just a power walk for 30 minutes daily. It’s about making it achievable and fun, so choose something you enjoy. Take time to mentally check in with yourself and employ coping strategies or seek help when struggling with mental health and wellbeing. You can find information on mental health via online resources like Beyond Blue, through your company’s human resources department or by making an appointment with your GP.

  1. Find balance

You’ll discover that there is no perfect work-life balance at some point. It’s about feeling fulfilled in work and your personal life, not so much a 50-50 split between the two. If you’re in a job that makes finding that balance impossible and impacts your physical and mental wellbeing, it might be time to consider alternatives. Check out the 6 Careers for the Best Work/Life Balance.

  1. Start your day early

If you’re not an early riser, there are plenty of reasons to set your alarm clock to wake with the birds (no, not with the night owls!). Studies indicate that students who rise earlier get better grades than those who burn the midnight oil.  You’ll also have more time for exercise (see point 5), which increases your energy levels throughout the day. It’s also easier to find calm when you give yourself enough time in the morning to prepare for the day.

  1. Challenge yourself

If you feel too comfortable in a role, shake things up with a challenge. Creating your own challenges, if they’re not provided, is an ideal way to improve your career performance and boost your confidence. Are there new skills you’d like to learn? Any skill gaps you need to fill? If so, look for a workshop or online course that allows you the flexibility to work and study.

  1. Stay calm, ask questions

Are you afraid to ask questions at work? If so, be brave because asking questions is good for your brain health. Research shows that being curious leads to higher levels of positive emotions, less anxiety, greater satisfaction with life and better overall satisfaction with life. Asking questions also encourages a more positive work environment as it promotes collaboration and trust.

 

Your success in life is limited only by the limits you set yourself. If these tips help you stay motivated and successful at work, great! But if you’re unhappy despite your best efforts to succeed in your current role, it may be time to change your career. Take a look at the hundreds of professional development courses we offer in almost all industries to discover what you’re passionate about today. It’s a great way to sample your future career of choice.

Future of Work: 5 Trends to Watch

The future of work will be transformative, exciting and dynamic, and new careers and ways of working will open up as globalisation continues, new technologies are introduced and we adjust to continual challenges like COVID-19. All of these changes will reshape the nature of work itself. Here we look at the top 5 trends to watch.

#1 – Advancing technology

Technological change is having an unprecedented impact on the future of work, particularly in the areas of AI, virtual reality and automation. When technology complements the work humans do, it can lower costs, lift the productivity of workers and increase the demand for new products and services. However, there has been some debate about the impact that automation in particular has had on jobs.

According to figures released in 2019 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

(OECD), 10.6 per cent of jobs in Australia are vulnerable to automation. However, automation, and in fact technology as a whole, has varying effects within different industries, occupations, job types and skill levels.

For example, computers have replaced labour in some jobs, but also created new tasks including programming and application and software development. Construction workers who in the past have relied on operating physical tools and measurement techniques are now relying on the use of visualisation software and drones to execute projects. And marketers are seeing a shift in the way audiences are targeted with more money now being spent on digital ads than TV ads.

Hence, there is, and will continue to be, an increase in demand for workers with particular skills to meet these opportunities in the future. And organisations will focus on sourcing and developing these skills through re-skilling, up-skilling and drawing on the wider “gig economy” of flexible workers.

#2 – An increase in job transition

Along with the future of work being centred around the need for workers to be prepared to re-skill throughout their careers to meet changing demands, the 2021 National Skills Commission report also cites that Australian workers will be likely to change their jobs 2.4 times over the next two decades.

This parallels research that shows that Australian jobs are changing by an average of 18 per cent every decade, and Australians are predicted to spend 33 per cent more time on training and education across their lifetime by 2040. This is estimated at an additional 8000 hours (or three hours per week) until retirement.

The result? Apart from workers re-skilling and retraining, organisations must be prepared to invest in workforce planning and learning and development, and education providers and policy makers must provide the necessary infrastructure and information to enable these investments.

#3 – Alternative ways of working

One of the “future of work trends” that emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was remote work. And, while it was a challenge to both monitor and manage, it showed that work can get done effectively — sometimes more effectively — away from the office! However, while productivity may have been enhanced, many leaders reported that team dynamics, culture and the depth of relationships was suffering.

Hence, and according to a report by management consultant firm Korn Ferry, not only will organisations continue to experiment with new roll-out models of work, there will be fully onsite and fully remote models and everything in between. This might also include shifting from “synchronous” to “asynchronous” work (where work doesn’t happen in meetings but independently on shared documents) or ensuring that employees on a particular task are “all remote” or all “in person”.

And according to the 2021 National Skills Commission report, there is also a rise in part-time employment, with these employees growing to represent 31 per cent of the workforce, which is double the level of the late 70s.

#4 – A change in leadership structures

COVID-19 also forced many of us to work in temporarily agile ways, including organisational leaders who were challenged to remain flexible in the face of, what was in many cases, disruptive change.

One of the future of work trends also predicted by the Korn Ferry report cites that organisations will be looking to make this permanent. This will result in flatter, non-hierarchical structures and more project-based working where teams assemble to achieve specific goals before dispersing out into the organisation again. Companies will reinvent where work gets done with “hub-and-spoke models” and remote-only teams.

There will be a shift from hierarchical leadership (rising to the top of the “pipeline” resulting in Executive Leadership) to “Enterprise Leadership”. Leaders will perform and transform by working across organisations and the wider ecosystem.

And learning agility will become more important for everyone in an organisation. With this shift, it will be critical to ensure that increased fluidity does not lead to greater fragmentation, so collaboration and connectivity will be key.

#5 – The importance of soft skills

According to the 2021 National Skills Commission report, there will also be growing importance for core competencies, otherwise known as “employability skills” as part of the future of work, which will ensure workers have continued success in the labour force. “Core competencies” are the basic building blocks that are common across most industries and occupations.

They are a set of skills — often called soft skills — that can enhance career progression, and they include teamwork, communication skills, critical thinking, self-management and problem solving and they provide a base to further develop specialties and skills.

And according to a 2019 employer survey done by the National Skills commission, they are highly valued by employers. In fact, 75 per cent of employers considered them to be as, if not more, important than technical skills. International professional services network Deloitte also estimates that two thirds of jobs will be soft-skill intensive by 2030.

5 Steps to Making the Right Career Choice

Whether you’re a school leaver, after a career change or returning to the workforce, everyone negotiates a career choice in their own unique way. Effective career decisions can help you to adapt to change, and take control of your career and opportunities that may arise. However, the process can be daunting as other factors may be involved, including how to manage yourself and/or your family, your lifestyle, your personal interests and your financial future.

There are a range of decision-making strategies and models that can help, however, one industry-recommended model is based on the CASVE Cycle, which was initially devised in 2003 by James P. Sampson and his colleagues from Florida State University. It focuses on action-oriented steps broken down into five stages — Communication, Analysis, Synthesis, Valuing and Execution. It has been recommended as a great career decision-making model, and here we look at the process behind the theory in terms of five steps that can help you make the right career choice.

#1 – Knowing when you need to make a choice

The first step on a career journey is knowing you need to make a career choice, and a good indicator is if there is a gap between your current situation and where you’d like to be.

If you are a school leaver, there are lots of exciting opportunities ahead, but it can also be difficult choosing what to do next. The Australian Government’s School Leavers Information Kit is full of lots of insightful information so you can make your next move. You may choose to jump straight into the world of work and start building your career or gain qualifications or pursue some further study.

If you are already employed, there are a range of cues that can alert you to realising it’s time for a career change. According to Seek they include if you:

  • Dread going to work
  • Envy other people’s success
  • Have stopped “thinking big”
  • Are never challenged
  • Have no work-life balance
  • Don’t feel appreciated or listened to

#2 – Understanding yourself and your options

The second step to making a career choice involves being clear about your abilities, skills and your career interests. This can include:

  • Spending some time thinking about your personal situation, what you value and what you hope to achieve from your career.
  • Creating a “mind map”of things you do and don’t enjoy doing, which can help you rule out any unsuitable career directions.
  • Thinking carefully about your short and long-term goals (and making sure they’re MA.R.T). Focus on the things you’d like to do more of and ask yourself whether you will want to keep doing these things in one, two and five years.
  • Understanding what you are best at (and not so good at) both personally and professionally.
  • Considering the way you like to work. Do you prefer to work autonomously or within a team? Where and how would you like to work? For example, is part-time work or a job in the “gig economy” an option?
  • Knowing what type of industry and company you’d like work for, including what aspects about both will be most important to you.
  • Understanding your personality type. The popular Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help you identify your strengths and attributes.
  • Using labour market information which will help you choose a career with good potential for future job earnings and security.

Tools available to assist decision-making

Regardless of whether you are a school leaver, a job-changer or returning to the workforce after a period of time, the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment also has a range of valuable tools that can help you understand and refine some of these decisions. They include:

  • Your Career website — can help you explore and make decisions about your career options. You can research more than 1000 different types of jobs, take a Career Quiz or Skills Match quiz, learn about the skills needed in different jobs, and understand what jobs are in your area. A full list of their resources is available here.
  • Job Outlook website — allows you to explore your job options, match your work style and interests to potential jobs, and learn about job prospects, tasks and pay.
  • Labour Market Insights website — will give you insights from the National Skills Commission to help you better understand your local labour market, future workforce changes, and current and emerging skills needs.
  • National Careers Institute — works to ensure Australians have access to high quality career information and support regardless of their stage of life or age.
  • My Future website — Helps secondary students explore career pathways, including providing tools that can help with career decision making.

#3 – Expanding and narrowing your options

This step in making a career choice is about expanding and then narrowing your list of options.

  • Researching your possible options including on careers pages, websites and industry/educational blogs.
  • Finding descriptions for current jobs that are available in your area of interest and cross matching any personal requirements with your own skillset.
  • Considering following companies that align with your values and interests on social media and/or LinkedIn.
  • Engaging with a careers counsellor to fine-tune and/or clarify your options further. They will be able to explain the benefits and drawbacks as you consider your career change, and help you research any options you might not have previously considered.

#4 – Choosing an option

Once you’ve solidified your career choice, whether it be a study subject, job or career, it’s time to fine-tune your options before you execute your intentions. “Implementation intention” is a valuable strategy that can help you follow through with the goals you set yourself. Introduced by psychologist Peter Gollwitzer, it is essentially an “if-then” plan that works on structuring goals around statements like, “If X happens, I will do Y in order to achieve Z”. One of its key proposals is that you will cover more contingencies and be better prepared for whatever comes your way.

Whether you are contemplating your future career for the first time or a change to your current role or industry, success involves risk. But fear of both failure and success can be debilitating. Some of the most common career fears are, fear of:

  • Failure
  • Success
  • What others think
  • Taking on too much
  • The unknown

See page 20 of our The Ultimate ‘A to Z’ Career Change Guide for more insightful detail on how to overcome career fear.

#5 – Implementing your career choice

The fifth step is all about putting your career choice into action. This involves creating a flexible plan and actioning steps to put into effect your preferred option/s. Steps to take that can help you apply for a job include:

  • Researching jobs online. Job vacancies are largely advertised online — in many cases via an internal or external recruiter. You can find out more about job search websites in Australia here. You can also access Workforce Australia, which is the new employment service delivered by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE), which will replace jobactive in July 2022. It has stated that it will, “help Australians find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own job”.
  • Researching organisations that are hiring directly. Before applying for a job, ensure you have conducted research on the company. Navigate to their “about” page for valuable insights. Running the company’s name through a search engine can also give you information about current news and employee or client reviews. Networking with people who are employed with these organisations (LinkedIn is a valuable tool), can also help you gain an overall feel for the company culture, the particular skills they value, and an overview of the staff they employ.
  • Tailor your CV for submission. This is probably the most crucial document when applying for jobs as it outlines your key strengths and experience. Here are some tips from Seek on writing your resume. Also consider whether you need to include a cover letter — prospective employers will typically inform you if they need one when you apply.
  • Once you’ve applied, follow-up if you can. If you applied via a recruiter, consider contacting them via an email regarding the status of your application …. But give them ample time to review it first!
  • Make your career choice, but don’t forget to keep a close eye on future career progression and training opportunities. The Future of Work is ever-evolving so you who knows what’s around the corner!

6 Quick Strategies for Career Progression

Everyone likes to believe that their career is heading in the right direction. And the good news is that there are a variety of strategies to shape the direction of your future. Career progression can happen due to chance, good luck and other external factors, however, more often than not, it is a result of detailed and proactive planning.

So whether you are after a specific role, company or promotion, here are six strategies that will build your assertiveness and motivation, and have you on the road to the career of your dreams before you know it!

#1 – Go above and beyond

A great way to enhance career progression and get noticed is to build a “big picture” understanding of your organisation. This will allow you to lead, be proactive, make quick decisions and share insights and advice. An important component of this is to understand your organisation’s strategic objectives and the roles your colleagues perform. Ways you can do this include:

  • Reading your organisation’s strategic plan, operational plan and annual report.
  • Gaining a thorough understanding of your organisation’s vision, mission and values.
  • Understanding your organisation’s target audiences and customer journeys.
  • Joining key industry bodies, attending networking events and enrolling in professional development.
  • Becoming a “knowledge sponge” by watching webinars and TED talks and listening to podcasts and audiobooks (to name a few).
  • Contributing to problem-solving whether it’s from a colleague, manager or company perspective.
  • Asking yourself, “How can I add value and solve problems by doing what I love?”

#2 – Mentor and be mentored

In terms of being mentored, it is extremely valuable if you can find an “executive sponsor” who believes in you. And it may be as simple as reaching out to a senior leader you resonate with, outlining your career aspirations and defining ways your connection may benefit both of you. Ideally, your sponsor will endorse you, coach you, advocate on your behalf and introduce you to the right people in the organisation at the right time.

One of the best ways to progress in your career is to also coach and mentor others. Understanding that we think, behave and communicate with others differently is the key. By adopting a “service” mindset, you can improve your connections and communication, establish trust, deepen relationships and build business.

#3 – Plan your career progression

To maximise your career progression potential, the first step is knowing when it’s time to move on. Having personal insight and understanding what makes you happy, sad, drained, motivated etc. can help you establish whether your current role is helping or hindering you. Facing fear and stepping outside of your comfort zone can also help you grow and move forward. Whether it’s asking your boss for more responsibility, leading a pitch to a new client or presenting your department’s quarterly objectives, you will begin to move beyond words to action.

Having a career plan in place is also a powerful way to work yourself up the career ladder and achieve your ambitions. It should involve career goals, and SMART goals are widely used among professionals as they are likely to result in successful outcomes. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-related:

  • Specific: Set concrete and clear goals without ambiguity based on specifics like “who”, “where”, “when”, “why” and “what”.
  • Measurable: Set goals that are measurable in terms of time. Include a quantity of “how much” and/or “how many”.
  • Achievable: Goals shouldn’t be too easy, but goals that are too difficult can be discouraging — they need to be genuinely achievable.
  • Realistic: Make the right judgement on how realistic your goals are which requires you to analyse them to determine the time, resources and expenses involved in achieving them.
  • Time-related. Have key dates, timelines and milestones in mind when you set goals. These can motivate your efforts and prioritise tasks above other distractions.

#4 – Build professional relationships 

Positive professional relationships are essential to success and career progression. Whether it’s through internal training, industry conferences, networking events or making a new contact on LinkedIn, there are an abundance of ways we can meet new people, acquire knowledge and advance our careers.

Once connections are cemented, strong communication can also enable you to build and maintain productive relationships. Intently listening, having a constructive approach to problem solving, leading with a positive attitude, showing respect and interest, and supporting colleagues and stakeholders can all deepen professional relationships even further.

#5 – Proactively job search

Keeping your finger on the pulse of career prospects is important regardless of whether you’ve found your dream job or not. It allows you to keep up with current industry trends and identify potential opportunities in the event your job situation changes.

In terms of planning a job search, it is firstly worth identifying your career goals and the skills and experience you will need to fulfil those goals. Then identify who you want to work for and with, where you want to work, how you want to work and why you want to work towards your goals. Make sure your CV is up to date and then start to plan your outreach efforts. These can include leveraging your connections — including on LinkedIn — and reaching out to HR contacts to alert them to the fact that you are job searching.

#6 – Continue to up-skill

Probably one of the most valuable strategies you can adopt that will help with career progression is following the concept of “lifelong learning”. This is particularly important in this Information Age where the automation and digital transformation of workplaces continues to increase and evolve.

Up-skilling is also not necessarily about achieving accreditation in the most up-to-date technical skills. Businesses are increasingly looking to complement automated business models with a workforce equipped to provide strategic and human insights in terms of their soft skills. These include team work, communication skills, conflict resolution, adaptability, efficiency, leadership and problem solving skills.

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