March 2016 Newsletter

Happy Spring!
 
Navigating Transitions is off to a strong start in 2016! This is our second newsletter, after the first edition at holiday time. A lot has happened, and awareness of “our” issues – meaningful career success for introverts and professionals who want to make a big difference – continues to grow.
 
Since the end of last year, my client list has tripled, including clients who work with me through several progressive phases, including career exploration, building a bridge to a new, rewarding career, and successfully tackling inner blocks and job search strategies with my help. There’s still room for growth, but the changes so far are thrilling.
 
I also see more and more valuable information about successes and challenges for introverts in the workplace. The New Yorker had a wonderful article recently, “The Open-Office Trap”. Open offices are all the rage, as we all know, but they can hurt the “attention spans, productivity, creative thinking, and satisfaction” of employees. Not only that, “But the most problematic aspect of the open office may be physical rather than psychological: simple noise… noise has been repeatedly tied to reduced cognitive performance.” And introverts are more easily disrupted by noise, which interferes with their ability to reach optimum flow state in their work.
 
Here are a few more articles and resources of value:

• 6 Steps Introverts Can Take Now… Focuses on the holidays, but useful to manage any particularly busy time of year. Huffington Post, 11/17/2015.
• 7 Totally Practical Career Tips For Office Introverts. Reminder to “Just be yourself,” and that “Facts are an introvert’s friend!” among other helpful tips. 1/11/2016.
• Will an Open Office Work Environment Help Your Employees Succeed? Answer: It depends. Content Standard, 2/5/2016.

 
And I can never stop recommending Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain, from Broadway Books, January 2013. This wildly popular book has changed and continues to change public perception of introversion and is so encouraging to all of us who are introverts in the working world.
 
One of my favorite activities is the East Bay Career Transition Success Meetup group, which I lead. We share coffee, tea, or a glass of wine; do a quick career assessment or exercise; discuss successes and challenges; and identify next steps in our career growth. I’m able to demonstrate, in real time, what an introvert-friendly meeting feels like. We have a lot of fun and make meaningful connections. Please visit!
 
I also attended my fourth weekend intensive with the dynamic duo of Jesse Koren and Sharla Jacobs at Thrive Academy, which helps businesses like Navigating Transitions to help more people and to grow. It was a lot of fun to once again experience the supportive community with other thriving entrepreneurs. Not only do I use what I learn at Thrive directly; I translate the lessons learned for introverts and professionals in my career counseling sessions, as well!














Kristina with Lesley at Thrive Academy in February
 
Lastly, I'm extending an invitation for you, a friend, family member, or colleague to try a free, half-hour “Into Your Dream Career” strategy session during the month of March. Please call or email me today to schedule your session!
 
To Your Success and Happiness,
 
Kristina

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