Diversity Within the Workplace

It’s always interesting to me how work clusters within Life Strategies – we seem to go through seasons of topical presentations, typically driven by external requests not intentional marketing. The theme of our current season is “diversity within the workplace.” Earlier this year we conducted research for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its government funders on challenges associated with foreign credential recognition for immigrant professionals. One of the key challenges was securing Canadian experience – perhaps a sign that workplaces may not be walking their talk in terms of embracing diversity? In March, I presented at the Career Development Conference in BC on a related theme – I called it “Where in the World? Helping Employers Understand the World Immigrants Come From.”  I’ve facilitated workshops for employers associated with the MAPLES program at ISS and, within the next couple of weeks have five more workshops on similar themes.

In an unrelated research project, career development practitioners acknowledged the importance of working with diversity but, when self-rating their competencies, recognized a significant disconnect – many didn’t believe they had the skills, knowledge, or experience to competently support their diverse clients. Many employers feel the same – they understand the importance of embracing diversity but, at a very practical level, simply don’t know how to attract, hire, retain, and fully engage workers who are in some identifiable way different from their incumbent employees.

The Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity (SEED) toolkit that we developed a few years ago in another project for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has recently been revised. Within the toolkit, two starting places for learning how to effectively welcome and engage diverse workers are the Diversity Champion’s Backgrounder and Guide and the Cultural Diversity Yearbook.

One of Stephen Covey’s famous principles is to “Begin with the end in mind.” If you’re interested in building a more diverse workplace, start by asking yourself, “Why?” What are you trying to achieve through diversity? What challenges might you face in pursuing your goal? What supports will you need to ensure diverse workers are able to fully contribute within your organization ?

6 Tips For Working Cross-Culturally

By Leslie Rollings

1. Learn ahead of time – but not too much! It’s good to take the time to learn about the country and culture that you’ll be working in, but it can also be a road block at times. It’s easy to develop expectations and opinions based on the experiences and opinions of others. Learn some, then let your own experiences help you develop your thoughts and opinions about the country and issues you are working with.

Leslie sitting amongst water filter supplies on
delivery day in the Artibonite Valley, Haiti.

2. Learn the language! Find out what language is predominantly used where you will be working, and then put a concerted effort into learning it. Western culture teaches that success is directly linked with productivity. Learning a language can be a frustrating and time consuming process that feels anything but productive. But, taking the time to do it sends a message to the people you are working with that you are invested in and respectful of their culture. Relying on translators can also put you at risk, as you have no control over what is being communicated to you or on your behalf. Expats with experience often recommend committing at least the first 3 months in a new country to exculsively learning the language and culture ("An expatriate [sometimes shortened to expat] is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing." Wikipedia).

A Bio-sand water filter installed in
someone's home in Haiti.

3. Be flexible. I want things to work in the way I’ve learned that they do, whether it’s time, methodology, or even social “rules”. But, when you work cross-culturally they don’t. Every culture is unique. None of it is wrong or bad – just different. You will need to be flexible as you learn how things work in your new culture.

4. Immersion looks different for everyone – find your balance. Living cross culturally can feel exotic and thrilling. The idea of totally immersing yourself in a new culture might be exciting. But, it can also be challenging. In the process of soaking it all in and trying to be a part of everything I have seen many expats burn out because they weren’t paying enough attention to their own needs. You might need a certain amount of privacy or personal space, but you’re living in a very communal society. It takes work, but learning what your personal needs are and finding ways to meet those needs will only help over the long term. Learn about your new culture and adopt what feels right, but don’t be afraid to maintain what you need from your home culture where you can. In the process of establishing those things you’ll have an opportunity to teach others about your home culture, expanding their world view while you expand yours.

5. Learn about the culture shock cycle. Culture shock causes normally sane people to behave as someone all together different, and we all go through it in our own way. You won’t be the exception. Learn what it looks like. Seek out other expats that have been in-country longer than you have and talk, talk, talk... The average burn out rate for cross-cultural workers is one and a half to three years, and much of that is attributed to culture shock related issues.

6. Be gracious with yourself and others. You are going to have a hard time. You will offend people. You will feel offended by others. You will get angry. You will probably want to go home at some point. You will see things in yourself and others that you will not like. You will learn about things you didn’t want to know existed. You will feel powerless. Remember that at the core, we are all human. Give yourself some grace. Then get up the next day and try again.

Leslie and Chris Rolling

Leslie Rolling has lived in Haiti for almost 8 years where her and her husband, Chris, are the in-country directors for Clean Water for Haiti, a humanitarian non-profit that helps Haitian families get access to clean water through the use of Bio-sand water filters. Leslie is also a mother to two young children, loves to cook, knit and build her own furniture. To learn more about the Rollings and Clean Water for Haiti visit the organization website at www.cleanwaterforhaiti.org and their family blog at www.rollingsinhaiti.wordpress.com.

Where in the World?

Career Development Practitioners (CDPs) understand that many of the immigrants who come to Canada are highly skilled, educated, and ready to work in their pre-immigration careers. In fact, some have been actively recruited to come here as skilled workers in identified professions with skill gaps (e.g., doctors), already having their credentials and education reviewed by the federal immigration branch. Unfortunately, many internationally trained professional (ITPs) experience multiple barriers to finding employment in the provinces they settle in. Many aren’t able to get their credentials recognized or obtain a mandatory license or certification to practice in a timely, cost-effective manner. Additionally, networking, preparing job search materials, adapting to the “Canadian” workplace, and obtaining relevant Canadian work experience can all prove challenging.

ITPs, global careerists, expatriates, repatriates, and other immigrants often encounter employers seeking Canadian work experience as a job requirement. The trouble is that, in order to get Canadian work experience, someone, somewhere has to hire you . . . but many employers won’t hire you unless you have experience working in Canada. Although some “survival jobs” in unrelated and entry-level positions can provide experience, these positions hardly meet economic needs or constitute the type of experience Canadian employers are looking for. Exasperated ITPs ask: How can I get Canadian work experience without Canadian work experience? Why does my pre-immigration experience count for nothing?

Employers may be struggling to truly understand the working world that immigrants come from. At the recent Career Development Conference (CDC) held in Vancouver each March by the BC Career Development Association (BCCCDA), Dr. Roberta Neault presented Where in the World? Helping Employers Understand the World Immigrants Come From. In it, Roberta took the audience on a virtual world tour, sharing personal experiences/photos and exploring case examples to illustrate how our traditional perception of the countries immigrants come from can impede their successful integration into the Canadian workforce and economy, or worse, tarnish their view of Canada as a whole. Yes, there is poverty, poor working conditions, and limited technology in many of the countries immigrants to Canada come from; however, not only are there segments of Canada that experience these same challenges, there are numerous examples of high-tech, cutting-edge work being done abroad. We (i.e., employers, employees, policy makers, and CDPs) must acknowledge and value the contributions ITPs and other immigrants can make in order to grow our economy and address skills gaps that are looming.

To view Roberta’s presentation, go to http://prezi.com/0xjgyljmupvf/where-in-the-world/?kw=view-0xjgyljmupvf&rc=ref-12399045

SEED Toolkit Update

The SEED Toolkit has been updated with new resources and links to help employers to better embrace diversity in the workplace.  Find the SEED Toolkit at http://embracingdiversity.ca.

Tips For Mothers Returning To Work

By Miranda Vande Kuyt

1. Warn family members.  Changes are coming; you’ll need to help your family understand how responsibilities and routines may shift.  Reassure them of what will stay the same in the process. 

2.  Abandon “mom guilt.”  Many mothers struggle with 

worry and guilt about the decision to work outside the home. Stop worrying what might happen or what others may think, consider your own priorities and make the best decision for your family.

3.  Find good childcare.  If you have small kids, leaving them with someone you don’t know can be one of the scariest things. Take time to find someone you trust and that your children will feel comfortable with. The cost of good childcare may be intimidating and may also impact your salary requirements, but the peace of mind is worth it.

4.  Visit a Career Development Practitioner (CDP).  If you’re starting a new career, some guidance
can be reassuring – find a professional who can assist you. A CDP can guide you in identifying your work values, interests, personal style, and skills; deciding on a desirable job or career path; and developing a suitable plan to achieve it.

5.  Ease your way in.  If you’re wondering how you’ll possibly find the time to work in your already full day, consider making a gradual transition back to full-time work - start with volunteering, working part-time, job sharing, or consulting work from home.

6.  Brush up on your skills and knowledge. If you’re returning to the same field from which you left, identify what has changed and work to make sure your qualifications are up to date. If you’re looking for new work, consider taking courses or learning new skills and knowledge independently.

7.  Consider volunteering.  A great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and orient yourself to the industry you’re interested in working in is by volunteering.

8.  Conduct informational interviews.  Find companies you would like to work for and ask for an
informational interview with a supervisor or employee to help you decide on a suitable career path and type of work environment.

9.  Take time to find balance. Balancing work and a family can feel like an insurmountable task but be sure to take care of yourself (e.g., eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep). Take time to relax and enjoy your family and friends.

10.  Remember, every job is temporary. Choose the best option that will work for you and your family now and in the future. If things don’t work out as planned, be flexible and make a new plan.

Miranda Vande Kuyt is a self-employed project and communications consultant raising three kids. She is also a student advisor with Life Strategies.  Find this tip sheet on the Life Strategies website at: http://lifestrategies.ca/docs/10-Tips-for-Mothers-Returning-to-the-Work-Force.pdf.

SMART Goal Setting

For many, the New Year is a time to set resolutions. However, keep in mind that although it’s great to say you want to eat better, spend more time with family, or get that promotion, these statements are merely dreams until concrete goals are set.

As you reflect on the resolutions you’ve made, or are considering making, you may find the SMART goal formula a helpful framework. Ensuring your resolutions are Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-limited is a great way to secure your success.

To set a SMART goal, ask yourself:

1. What do I specifically want to achieve? Goals need to be specific – something like, “I want to eat better” is too broad and vague. Think about what “eating better” means to you, personally – is it simply cutting out the fast food, trying a vegetarian diet, or going gluten free?

2. How will I know when I’ve reached my goal? You won’t know you’ve reached a goal unless you’ve got some way to measure it, tracking your progress along the way.

3. Is this something that I can truly do? Goals should be achievable. If there is a freeze on promotions within your organization, then setting a goal to get a promotion may not be something you can achieve, unless you’re considering moving to a different organization.

4. Is this goal relevant to my work/life? If you’re seeking to achieve something that isn’t relevant to you personally, then you’re not likely to achieve it; it won’t hold your interest or be a priority if the relevance isn’t there.

5. When will I complete my goal? A timeframe for goal attainment is absolutely necessary to ensure you’re able to set out a plan to achieve your goal.

After you’ve ensured your goal is SMART, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, and structure an action plan connecting each phase (or step). Not only does this make your goal seem less daunting, but it also allows you to celebrate small successes along the way.

Remember, setbacks are natural, so don’t punish yourself. Get yourself back on track by staying flexible, revisiting and adjusting your goal, and, if necessary, reaching out for support.

10 Career Development Tips For Trailing Spouses

I've been a trailing spouse for a long time (almost 14 years at the time of this blog).  In that time I've learned a lot about myself and what to do and not to do to support my career.  Recently I had an article published by CERIC in their new magazine "Careering" about The Plight Of The Trailing Spouse.  In response I've composed 10 career development tips to help trailing spouses build successful careers.

1. Get clear on your work values. Understanding what is really important to you when it comes to why and how you work will make it easier to identify the right work opportunities. A career professional can administer a values test or you could get started with an online self-assessment.

2. Identify your motivated skills. Although you may have a vast array of skills that have kept you adaptable and your career portable, satisfaction comes when you identify which skills you enjoy using the most (i.e., skills you are motivated to use). Visit these online self-assessment resources to get you started.

3. Document your experience. Things can easily get lost when you’re moving multiple times. Create a career portfolio – collect evidence of your experience, training, and skills (e.g., conference brochures, reference letters, certificates) and keep them organized in one place (e.g., a binder or portafile). This way you won’t have to search for things when you settle into your new city.

4. Establish your presence online. Although you’ve relocated to a new city, you don’t have to start over when it comes to your career. Platforms such as LinkedIn allow you to build your professional portfolio virtually, creating a career that transcends borders.

5. Maintain a master resume. A resume that lists ALL your experience, training, and skills isn’t ideal for employers, but comes in handy when you’re creating a new targeted resume. As trailing spouses tend to have more jobs on their resume than someone who’s lived in just one or two cities, remembering all you’ve done can be difficult. A running log, or master resume, can make your next job application a little easier.

6. Update your resume and portfolio often. Things can change quickly when you’re a trailing spouse. One week you’re feeling like you’ve finally settled and the next you’re handing in your 2-weeks notice. Make a point to update your master resume, portfolio, and online presence frequently. Once you’ve completed something noteworthy, collect evidence, reference letters, and recommendations and add them right away, you might not get a chance to do it tomorrow - you might be busy packing.

7. Stay connected with colleagues and references. Don’t leave relationships behind just because you’ve moved; job references are essential no matter where you apply. Stay in contact with your colleagues and references by using social media or a periodic email/phone call. Consider asking your colleagues to recommend you on LinkedIn.

8. Reflect on what success means. Success for the average person looks different than success for someone who moves every couple of years. Stop trying to measure your ideals by the world’s standards. Consider the life you’ve chosen as a trailing spouse and define what success means to you.

9. Continue learning. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and there will be an abundance of new experiences when you arrive in a new city. Traditional educational programs can be tough when you’re on the move; therefore, consider online learning, webinars, and conferences instead. 

10. Consider a virtual career. Consider the field you’ve chosen and look for opportunities to take your career completely virtual (i.e., 100% online). This way it doesn’t matter how often you move or where you land next—your work is just a click away. This is extremely helpful if you are unable to work locally where you’ve relocated due to visa restrictions or other reasons. 

Miranda Vande Kuyt is a self-employed project and communications consultant. She is also the facilitator of the "Look Before You Leap: Self-Employment Survival Strategies" online course through www.LifeStrategies.ca.