Moving from Panic to Purpose

Mind Your Own Hula Hoop When Change Is Rampant

Amy C. Waninger · 2020-02-11 ·

What’s a hula hoop got to do with change? Whenever I speak on resilience and responding to change, I invite the audience to go on an adventure with me. We stand up. We imagine ourselves running across the shire. Together, we shout, “I’m going on an adventure!”

This proclamation is far more exciting than moping about, mumbling incessantly about things you can’t control. Try it now, if you can. (The proclamation, not the moping.) See? It’s exhilarating!

Where so many of us get tripped up is that we think about all the hazards, obstacles, and unknowns. We get overwhelmed with worry. We’re exhausted before we begin. That’s when it’s important to think about the space immediately around us.

Focus on Your Hula Hoop

This is when I get out my hula hoop. Yes, really. I step inside it and gently remind myself that everything I can control fits within that plastic circle. There’s no need to worry about what might be discussed in the boardroom tomorrow. No reason to predict decisions being made about spreadsheets or org charts. No sense wasting time gossiping with Steve from Accounting. Just focus on what’s inside a 19-inch radius.

When I’m on stage, I bring my hula hoop with me. (There’s a snap-together version that fits in a carry-on.) It’s a great prop! For one thing, people can’t wait to see if I’m really going to use it. (I totally do.) But it’s also a great visual to reinforce the limits of our control. The message hits home.

Not only do I step inside my hoop on stage, I also invite my audience to imagine they each have one as well. After that exhilarating “run across the shire,” we hula hoop together.

This activity is usually a bright spot in a long conference day. Silliness and laughter also break tension. But, more importantly, each person remembers that the only way to positively influence others is to first manage what’s within their own hula hoop.

If you’re working through a rough transition at work, try this activity.

Draw a large circle on a piece of paper. This circle represents your hula hoop.
Write down everything that’s concerning you. If it’s something you can control, put it inside the circle. Otherwise, put it outside the circle.
Accept that you can’t control the stuff outside the circle.
Pick one thing inside the circle that you can do something about. Then do it! If you need some inside-the-hula-hoop ideas, check out my post about self-care.

Be a Yeti to Survive Change

Amy C. Waninger · 2019-11-26 ·

Changes, especially at work, can be stressful. The come in a variety of forms: new computer systems, reorganizations, shifts in responsibilities, personnel turnover. We are very rarely the ones initiating the change. Rather, we are more likely to find ourselves constantly responding to a wide variety of changes, all at the same time! Therefore, it makes sense for us to spend time developing strategies to deal with this barrage.

Surviving Change Requires a Change in Mindset

Our reality is defined by our perceptions. Change creates a shift in our reality. We must be prepared to manage our own perceptions, or mindset, if we hope to survive — or even thrive in — change.

Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset: The new psychology of success: How we can learn to fulfill our potential lays out a brilliant distinction between opposing mindsets. Dweck tells us that a fixed mindset says “I am.” A growth mindset, on the other hand, says “I can.” When we adopt a growth mindset, we step away from a static notion of “what has been.” Instead, we move toward an ever-evolving concept of “what could be.” Having a growth mindset, then, allows us to continue accumulating skills and knowledge, pushing ourselves toward infinite possible futures.

I frequently cite Dweck’s work in my own talks on responding to change and creating a learning culture. Then I take my audiences one step further by asking each person to “Be a Yeti.”

What Do We Know about the Yeti?

No one’s captured him …yet.

For that matter, no one has even proven his existence… yet.

The Yeti is a great unknown. So is an ever-changing future. Can we harness the power of the Yeti to create our own change-friendly mindset? I believe we can.

Be a Yeti

We can be more like a Yeti by learning to say “yet.” For example:

“I don’t know how to use the new computer system … yet.”
“Our new reporting structure hasn’t been announced … yet.”
“I haven’t learned about my new responsibilities … yet.”
“I don’t have my degree … yet.”
Or even, “I haven’t found another job … yet.”

What Being a Yeti Does for Us

The word “yet” says — to ourselves and to others — that it’s not too late for us. “Yet” says there is a possibility of the future being better than the present. It empowers us to take action and to regain a little bit of control.

In a recent article, I explored the need for learning to get comfortable with change. The article cites a Deloitte report about CEOs’ views on change in their organizations. Specifically, the article states that “only 30% of CEOs believe their organizations have the skills to adapt.”

How would a Yeti rephrase this statement? The Yeti would say, “Seventy percent of CEOs don’t think their organizations have the skills to adapt … yet.” This distinction is important.

We need to be clear with our employers and each other that we can grow and learn and change and meet these challenges, even as things shift around us.

Even if we aren’t experts at dealing with change … yet.

Learn to Get Comfortable with Change

Amy C. Waninger · 2019-11-12 ·

Your world is changing more rapidly than ever before, bringing a barrage of industry discussions about disruption, agility, and resilience. Professionals who adapt quickly can seize new opportunities and manage their careers. It’s time for each of us to get comfortable with change.

What Keeps CEOs Up at Night?

Deloitte tells us that 90 percent of CEOs believe their organizations are facing disruptive changes. This is true in your industry, and in every other one, too.

As a professional speaker, I attend conferences in a variety of industries. I hear leaders in every sector of the economy discussing the impacts of blockchain, bitcoin, big data, climate change, future of work, power of robotics, changing demographics, increasing urbanization, technological advancement, and moving regulatory targets.

Taken collectively, these phenomena conspire to change our businesses, our jobs, and our lives in profound ways.

And yet, only 30% of CEOs believe their organizations have the skills to adapt. Make no mistake: CEOs are worried about this. Senior executives live in the future. It’s their job to prepare for coming challenges. And the metrics show a significant confidence gap.

Whatever your role in a company, stand out by showing a willingness to learn. Demonstrate that you are adaptable and responsive to change. Better yet, learn to anticipate or even predict change by getting out in front of trends.

Change Is Here to Stay

The pace of change is increasing. Put another way, the rate of change you’re seeing today is the slowest it will ever be.

We can’t stop it. So, we must embrace it. The only way to do so is to learn what’s new and what’s coming, or to create the future ourselves.

Change Is Complicated

Why is this so difficult? For starters, the problems of tomorrow aren’t apparent yet. Think about it. The jobs of today weren’t foreseen a few years ago: Data Scientists, SEO Specialists, Digital Marketers, App Developers. Can you imagine traveling back in time to try to explain “cloud security” to the executives at Blockbuster? For that matter, who would have predicted that someday people would be paid to deliver Taco Bell in the suburbs?

Now, time travel to the future. What jobs and problems will exist in 2040? More importantly, how do we start preparing today to solve them?

The Importance of a Learning Culture

Many people equate learning with going to school, obtaining certifications, or taking tests. Certainly, there are advanced programs that stretch students to innovate. But most of our formal education system is still tied to the needs of a manufacturing economy. Rote memorization, applying known rules, and multiple choice exams will only get us so far. In each these cases, the problems are contrived, and the answer is known. Someone asking a question to elicit a particular (correct) response.

We don’t know the answers to challenging business problems yet. In many cases, we don’t even know the questions! So we need to continue to learn and collaborate across disciplines to build flexible and unique solutions for myriad contingencies.

Learning cultures allow us to prepare for the unexpected. Inclusive leadership that celebrates diverse talent will identify needed perspectives we might otherwise overlook. And capitalizing on each person’s unique strengths will allow us to go further, faster, together.

Tell me, what changes are you facing? How are you preparing to address them?

Insurance Certification Options for Data Analytics

Amy C. Waninger · 2019-04-16 · 2 Comments

Are you an insurance professional looking to boost your résumé with new credentials? Consider a new insurance certification in data analytics.

Why Data Analytics?

You’ve probably heard a lot lately about big data, predictive modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. These concepts are all possible because of the enormous amounts of data being produced every day. The data come from consumers’ browser history, smart devices, and data in the public domain.

At the same time, computing power has continued to scale at an astonishing rate. New hardware, software, and cloud computing technologies are evolving rapidly.

As a result, a new discipline has emerged: data science. Jobs that didn’t exist five years ago are now changing the business of insurance. You won’t want to be behind the curve on these new concepts. Now is the time to start learning about insurance data analytics!

The Institutes’ new AIDA insurance certification

The Institutes offers an introductory-level Associate in Insurance Data Analytics (AIDA) designation. This program provides an overview of statistical concepts, loss triangles, and other fundamentals.

The courses are:

Big Data Analytics for Risk and Insurance
Risk and Insurance Analysis Techniques

Recently, I earned the AIDA designation from The Institutes. I found it valuable in understanding the work of the data science, actuarial, and modeling teams I support. One of those data scientists is now pursuing this designation as well. She believes it will help her tie her analytics experience to the work she is expected to do within the insurance industry.

Insurance Data Management Association (IDMA)’s insurance certifications

The Insurance Data Management Association (IDMA) offers an introductory course and two levels of certification for insurance professionals.

IDMA offers a standalone introductory course, Data Management for Insurance Professionals. This course offers an overview of the data issues insurance companies face. The course is an inexpensive, low-commitment option to help you get started. It does not, however, apply as credit toward the certification program.

If you want to learn more — and add an insurance certification to your résumé — consider their four-course designation path. The courses are:

Insurance Data Collection and Reporting
Insurance Data Quality
Systems Development and Project Management (waived if you have the Associate in Technology (AIT) designation from The Institutes)
Data Management, Administration, and Warehousing

Students can earn the Associate Insurance Data Manager (AIDM) designation with no prior coursework. The Certified Insurance Data Manager (CIDM) designation is available for students who have completed additional coursework from other institutions.

I recently completed the CIDM certification. Thanks to the AIT waiver, I only needed to complete two more courses to add CIDM to my credential list. Full disclosure: I did fail one of the exams on the first try. Nobody’s perfect!

New insurance certification options from Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS)

Finally, Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) now offers a Certified Specialist in Predictive Analytics (CSPA) designation and will soon launch a Catastrophe Modeling certification.

While I listed them here, I’ve not yet explored these insurance certification options personally. My colleagues in the actuarial discipline, however, were very interested in learning more.

Additional Reading on Data Analytics

If you don’t want to commit to a certification, consider picking up one of these books to learn more. In particular, I recommend Predictive Analytics by Eric Siegel.

Résumé Tips for Entry-Level Jobs

Amy C. Waninger · 2017-07-03 · 1 Comment

Almost everyone dreads compiling a résumé and searching for a job. If you have work experience in your field, you need strategies to stand out from other applicants. Those who are shifting focus mid-career need to focus on transferable skills and past records of success (stay tuned for a future post on this topic). And if you’re new to the workforce, you may have no idea how to market yourself as a professional.

As a manager, I have hired interns and entry-level hires many times. There are definitely ways to catch a hiring manager’s eye, even if you have no work experience. All it takes is a little creative thinking.

Why do I need a résumé for an entry-level job?

Every employer wants to hire the best candidates possible. For entry-level positions, work experience requirements are usually flexible. The recruiter or hiring manager probably doesn’t expect you to have relevant experience. Instead, he or she is looking for indicators that you will be a good employee. This definitely includes:

dependability, responsibility, and integrity
ability to manage your own time and tasks
experience contributing to team goals
communication skills appropriate to the position
willingness to learn

A hiring manager may also want you to list references, or people who will say that you are reliable and honest.

What if I don’t have work experience?

If you are a student or recent student, you can probably demonstrate these characteristics through activities other than work experience.

Unpaid and “odd jobs” are still jobs

Have you done yard work, housework, babysitting, or odd jobs for neighbors or family friends? Guess what! You have work experience. Ask these friends and neighbors if you can list them as references.
Do you have family responsibilities that demonstrate responsibility? Taking care of younger siblings, an ailing family member, or significant household chores can be work experience. Be aware, however, that references from family members may not carry much weight. Instead, you may wish to rely on family friends who can speak to your work ethic and character.
If you have volunteered within the community, say so. Volunteering shows that you have taken initiative and are willing to learn. In this case, your volunteer coordinator or a community contact (such as a librarian or church leader) might serve as a reference.

School activities count for a lot

Involvement in organized sports, school clubs, and other extracurricular activities shows that you can fulfill your commitments. And if you’ve been in a leadership role, such as team captain, be sure to include that in your resume or job application. List your coach or club sponsor as a reference.
Think about significant projects you’ve completed during your coursework. If you’ve contributed to a successful group project, list that experience. Did you ace a solo research paper or “business simulation” project? If so, you can list self-direction and time management among your strengths. Get creative, and always be honest.

Hobbies can count, too!

Generally, you should avoid listing your hobbies on your résumé. I suggest a slightly different approach. If you build websites, produce podcasts, or build spreadsheets to manage a household budget, you have marketable skills. List these under the Skills & Expertise section in your résumé, but only if they are appropriate for your target position.

Yeah, but…

If you’re still unsure how best to market yourself, consider asking for help.

You can use sites like Fiverr to find résumé writing services on the cheap.
If you are a student, your school may offer free assistance. Find out if your guidance department, job placement services office, or academic adviser can point you in the right direction.
If there are no formal programs at your school, consider asking an instructor or Marketing major for some pointers.
Check your local library. Libraries frequently have staff members or access to community resources who can assist you in your job search.
Consider engaging a mentor. A mentor can help you far beyond your résumé. He or she can help you prepare for interviews, guide you through the hiring process, and keep you motivated during your search.

Wherever you are in your job search, remember this: Everyone had to start somewhere. Where you go from here is anyone’s guess!

Best wishes, and let me know how you’re doing.