I talk a lot about change … about the need to embrace change, about the fact that it happens whether you like it or not, about the fact that those who fight it will lose.

I have not, to date, talked about WHY the world has changed and why it won’t be going back to “the way it was”.

I am just another guy running a business here in Canada … but my business is in the supply of talent, and my clients include the major banks, the telecommunication companies, the oil and gas sector, three levels of government, utilities companies and retail clients.  I deal with system integrators, management consulting companies and am active in our industry association.   So … I think I know a little bit about jobs in Canada.

To be as simplistic as possible I divide my changed world into pre and post recesssion, and throw in that period of recession that was a catalyst for change.

The following are some of the drivers of the changed world that we live in:

1.  Team Dynamics. 

Prior to the recession (the “normal” world people like to talk about) companies had been on a steady course of success and growth.  Their teams had been built over years, and comprised of a percentage of “A” players, some larger percentage of “B” players and a majority of journeymen.  (Think of a sports team, comprised of the superstar or two, the up and comers and the rest … still a pretty effective team).   During the recession the best companies used the time to increase their “A” players at the expense of some journeymen. 

What does that mean? 

It means the gap between the best companies and the rest grew; it means that the people who are available in the marketplace today are highly unlikely to be A players; it means that some companies lost!  The strong teams got stronger and the other teams got weaker.

2.  The “Lean” Factor.

During the recession companies learned to operate at maximum efficiency, they trimmed “fat” and lived within their means in order to survive. 

What does that mean? 

It means that companies will be that much more reluctant to get “fat” again.  Hiring will be slower, more thoughtful and with a view to staying lean … ie. less jobs.

3.  The Outsource/Offshore Phenomena.

Prior to the recession many clients I talked with would not think about outsourcing, and the thought of offshoring was even further from their mind.  During the recession all companies needed to look at their alternatives to conserve costs, as a result outsourcing and even offshoring got a lot more attention.  Companies have been exploring these solutions much more aggressively than previously and where the ROI is clear there is now an appetite to make it happen.

What does that mean?

Outsourcing shifts the workforce from an end-client to a service provider and will result in less jobs because of economies of scale offered by the supplier and other efficiencies that they can bring (10 end-client jobs does NOT = 10 outsourced jobs).  Offshore outsourcing moves those jobs to another country and many regular outsourcing solutions have some component of offshoring as part of the solution.  The result is less jobs in the local markets.

4.  The Nature of Work.

Canada, like many “industrialised” nations is moving more from a “blue collar” workforce to a knowledge economy.  The manufacturing base of Ontario has been in steady decline ever since the dollar rose above 80c US.  A reluctance by the unskilled workforce to accept less (money & benefits) makes the offshore solutions just that more attractive. 

What does this mean?

It means that knowledge based companies will be more important for the creation of jobs as we move forward than in the past.  These type of companies generally tend to employ less people than manfacturing plants etc.  Less jobs.  Better paid jobs.  More skills needed to get a job. 

5.  Changing Attitudes.

In previous generations people enjoyed jobs for life … that ceased to exist some time ago.  In fact a recent UK study found that one in three workers  remain in a job for less than two years.  The recession meant that many experienced workers were laid off and the loyalty to those employers was further eroded. 

What does that mean?

It means that companies will have trouble attracting and keeping the best talent, because their focus will be more on protecting their self-interest rather than investing in what is unlikely to be a long career.  More self employment.  More turnover.  More focus by companies on retention … or more reliance on outsourcing!

6.  The Global Economy & Demographics.

The boomers are/will be retiring leaving that big gap behind them.  This means that talent will be in short supply the world over and countries will be competing to attract that talent.  Within those countries, provinces/states and cities will be competing for that talent.

What does that mean?

It means governments and municipalities need to think about attracting talent to their locations.  It means that there will be less A and B players and the teams will be more mediocre.  It means that competition will be fierce.  It means that people with good skills and experience will be able to go anywhere.  It changes how companies recruit and puts a huge emphasis on the HR function … with a special focus on attracting and retaining talent.

This blog entry is not meant to be a comprehensive study of this subject, but a teaser to get the conversation going … to get people thinking about these issues.  This whole subject will mean that the importance of the HR function will rise, that companies will need to be more flexible in how they meet their strategic goals, that governments need to address this pressing agenda.  It is particularly interesting to see the US starting to push back against immigration when we are on the cusp of a GLOBAL war for talent … a little short sighted I would suggest, particularly for a country built on the backs of immigrants over the last 200 years.

Food for thought?

It is not necessary to change.  Survival is not mandatory.  … W. Edwards Deming  

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
Want to know where Canada’s hot jobs are?   Visit the Eagle Job Centre!

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I have written many blog entries on the subject of time management, or personal productivity.  If you want one place to read a bunch of time management tips then I would suggest this blog entry … Ten Blog Entries for Personal Productivity.

Because I write about this stuff there is sometimes an expectation that I am able to avoid the same traps as others … well I hate to admit it, but my experience is that this is a constant battle!

Yesterday was one of those points you reach every now and then … I have been running with so many projects for a long period of time, juggling priorities and often driven by deadlines and all of a sudden I felt that I had lost control!  I was having trouble finding some of my materials, my filing was behind, my papers were mixed up, there was older activity data mixed in my my current work … it was time to press the reset button!

When you start the process of getting control back there are a number of things that happen …

I gathered all of my various files and papers into one big pile … and my first reaction was a thought that this was going to take forever!

Then I started to wade through the pile … I honed in on completed projects and data related to those projects. 

Some of it was working files used through the process and those could go in the recycling (or shredding).  This is a good process because it quickly reduced teh pile by a significant amount … which give a feeling of achievement. 

Then some of it was the result of the projects .. a presentation, a set of messages for the industry association etc. and could be put into the appropriate files until needed next.  This reduced the pile again, and brought some more order to my life … I was feeling more positive.

Next I had various “versions” of working papers for some projects, so I just sorted all of the different project work into their own piles … which meant that things were getting organised.

As I went though this process I found those dreaded bits of paper … the note that I did not transcribe to my notebook asking me to call someone at the United way; the reminder to schedule a dentist appointment; those little “to dos” that go away from me.  Luckily there were not that many, there were no “biggies” and I quickly got them back under control.

Now i was on a roll … I sorted through my working papers, reducing them to the minimum amount necessary to do my work and created my “On the Go” file … which i carry with me, allowing me to move all of my various little project ahead whenever I have a spare moment.

Having gotten the paper mountain tamed there were a last couple of tasks before I could feel that I was ACTUALLY under control.

1.  I revisited my Projects list … to ensure that I had included everything I needed.  This sometimes reveals a deadline approaching and I need to dig out papers to ensure i have that project on my “current” list.

2.  I will then try to plan my calendar out a few months … making sure that my electronic calendar is up to date, any commitments are well represented and I can quickly see what city i am supposed to be in, when!

Thats’ my “reset’ … and today i am feeling much more in control of my destiny.  I am confident that my project are under control and I know what my rpiorities are . 

It always amazes me how calming it is to bring order back to my chaos!  When running a company it doesn’t take long to let the chaos take over again, if you are not prepared to keep some order … but even with best intentions a “reset” is needed every now and then.

I would recommend a “reset’ for every busy professional … it is a great way to ensure you are under control, which reduces stress and allows you to focus on the task that need to get done! 

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
Want to know where Canada’s hot jobs are?   Visit the Eagle Job Centre!

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Since arriving in Canada 29 years ago I have called Ottawa home … it is our Nation’s Capital, a “government town” in the same way that Washington  is for the USA.   While our “high tech” sector has grown and then shrunk,  it has always been the Canadian Federal Government that is far and away the biggest employer. 

 It is impossible to live here in Ottawa and not have some (many?) connections to the government, whether it is family or friends who work there, or it could be through business dealings with the various departments.  I certainly have many connections … relatives, friends and clients.

Last night I helped a good friend (and former client, from many years ago) to celebrate 30 years as a government employee.   i will resist the urge to name him … but might provide a clue for those that know him. 

 Afterwards I had a number of thoughts, particularly as it relates to preconceptions people have about “government workers”.

I don’t remember how many people he has working for him … but I seem to remember it was more than 2,000!  How many private sector executives get to manage that many people?  And how many of them would accept that responsibility for the kind of income a government executive gets?

He has travelled extensively in his job … interacting with executives from around the  world on issues important to countries.  How many private sector executives get to discuss policy that might affect millions?

His technology department has a budget that exceeds all but the largest private sector companies.

With thirty years of tenure, coupled with his age he could retire today and his pension would provide him with an income very close to what he takes home today … and he wouldn’t have the costs associated with a high powered role.  Yet … he chooses to remain working, because he enjoys a challenge, he also accepts the accountability and responsibility of his position so much so that he won’t leave until he can do so with a clear conscience.

This is a man who can talk to heads of state and the most junior worker, and they all know he is genuinely interested in them.

This is a man who copes with the stresses associated with his role … the scrutiny of public sector auditors, the rules of governance associated with the public sector, the pressures of huge budget reductions in a tough economy, the pressure of a unionised employee base and both bureaucratic and political masters.  He does it with humour and class.

This is a man who knows who pays the bills … the taxpayers of Canada.  He is focused on serving Canada and is proud to do so.

Over his thirty years he has enjoyed a varied, challenging and interesting career … with opportunities that would have been very rare in the private sector.  Sometimes we have preconceived notions about a career in government, when you see a career like his you understand the possibilities!

The next time you get the urge to knock our civil servants think about my friend … because he embodies our civil service. 

I am proud of my friend … and may the next thirty be just as much fun for him!

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)

Subscribe to News from the Nest for updates about job market trends, industry news, and more.

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I am always astounded by the amazing memory that people have. 

A sales person will sit with a client for an hour, build rapport, and hopefully learn about the client’s needs … without taking a note.  Then they go back to their office, possibly via several other meetings, and are able to capture everything the client told them.

Industry professionals sit in an industry association meeting that has eight agenda items, plus the “other business” category and are able to retain all of the information imparted over the 90 minutes … without taking a note.  Then when they get back to the office, they will tell their boss what is going on that might be of interest to the company.

I will give a presentation to a group of employees, or maybe industry people and talk for an hour on a subject … and they retain the essence of my presentation, without the need to take notes.

Maybe its just me that has a memory that is a little flawed, but over my professional life I have found notes to incredibly useful (a) to capture ALL of the salient points; (b) to help clarify later if Ihave misinterpreted something and (c) to ensure that when I propose a solution to meet my clients needs I am not mixing it up with someone else’s details!

For me taking notes has been influential in my success, helped me to manage multiple activities, and improved my productivity.  Taking n0tes has helped me to establish credibility because I can always go back to “whoever” to clarify points of detail and there have also been occasions when the mere fact that I took notes was able to “prove” a detail that I had discussed, which might otherwise have been in dispute.  (You never asked me to to do that?  Well according to my notes we met on Tuesday August 2nd and I addressed that subject … look here!)

I wrote a blog entry some time ago called Taking Notes , it is worth a read … unless of course you are one of those many people with a perfect memory!

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)

Have you tried Eagle’s (very cost effective) VirtualRecruiter service?

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Having sat on numerous boards and committees over the years, I am always conscious of the need to strike the right balance between personal self interest and the needs of the greater good.  Certainly my own experiences are what qualify me to be able to understand the issues, to provide intelligent input and to represent stakeholders … but if I put my own needs first then I undermine that position of representing the “greater good”, and quickly lose credibility.

If I am a board member on a condo board and use that position to make sure my specific issues are dealt with, then I am NOT representing the needs of my constituents, and hence not fulfilling my role as a board member.

This applies to any kind of volunteer board … charities, industry associations, boards of trade etc.  I am there to represent the “greater good” and if I can’t separate my issues with the board’s agenda then I shouldn’t be there.

The same might be said of board members at public companies … if I am “feathering my nest” with the decisions that I make, then I am not representing the needs of all shareholders.   In addition to being morally wrong, it is possible this would be illegal!

I wrote a blog entry suggesting that Credibility is something that is EARNED … through actions.  I think its equally true that credibility is also easily LOST through actions … and once lost it is that much more difficult to re-establish! 

If you purport to represent the “greater good” but actually look after yourself, then it doesn’t take long for people to see that … and then goodbye credibility! 

“A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s” … Richard Whately

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
Want to know where Canada’s hot jobs are?   Visit the Eagle Job Centre!

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General Observations: 

The Summer months generally result in a slowdown in the job market.  Decision makers and hiring managers take time off, getting approvals is a little tougher and often everything just takes longer.  That is reflected in the unemployment numbers, with July and August being relatively flat after three months of growth.  Canada’s unemployment rate in August was up very marginally 7.3% from 7.2% in July.  Overall Canada has added 223,000 jobs in the last twelve months.

At time of writing, the Canadian Dollar remains strong against the US dollar, and is still above par at close to $1.01 US … although the markets continue to be very volatile.  While Canada’s economy continues to perform better than most, it is not immune to events around the world.  Europe in particular continues to struggle with sovereign debt issues, particularly with the PIIGS.  The US unveiled another stimulus package to try and keep interest rates low, and stimulate some spending.  The results can be seen in the stock markets where the TSX is down about 100 points from last month, currently at 12,131.  The oil patch continues to be somewhat strong, but certainly lower than the highs of just a few months ago … current price per barrel sits at about $86.90, up almost $3 from last month. 

Here at Eagle, the August volumes were very similar to July volumes, but we have seen increases beginning late August and early September.  Judging from that, we would expect September to reflect a moderate uptick in demand for labour, continuing to improve as we hit October … barring the effect of any world catastrophes.

More Specifically:

Anecdotally, when speaking to my peers in the staffing industry, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) remains the hottest job market in Canada.  We have our fingers crossed that world events will not adversely affect this, and look forward to a robust labour market through the Fall.  The buzz in the city may have heated up during the film festival (TIFF) but the job market buzz has been pretty constant for some months now.   We are definitely moving to a market where more and more candidates are getting multiple job offers, increasing the demand for clients to move quickly when making hiring decisions.  The Ontario election campaign is in full swing with voting early October, following which the Ontario government will likely be more decisive in its mandate, and thus hiring plans. 

Calgary is still very much the engine of growth in Western Canada and is almost as busy as the GTA.  A reasonably strong price per barrel of oil plays a large factor in the demand, and that sector affects many other ancillary industries too … all of which create their own demand for labour.  That would include industries serving the oil and gas companies, system integrators and even government … which creates demand in Edmonton and other Western capitals. 

In Eagle’s Eastern Canada region, comprised of Ottawa, Montreal and the Maritimes it is still Montreal that is the busiest market.  In recent years Ottawa has become much more dependent upon government business due to a shrinking high tech sector, particularly with the demise of Nortel.  So, word of major downsizing in the ranks of the federal government, and the pending large shared services initiative has created an air of uncertainty, resulting in a slow-down in demand for labour in Ottawa.  The Maritimes is typically a smaller and more diverse market, and we do not ever see big demand among those provinces.  Our expectation is that Ottawa will get busier as the Fall unfolds, bringing more certainty about what the future holds for the public service.

 The following are some facts/indicators we are watching as of time of writing:

 > the price of oil was up about $3 from last month at close to $87.

> The TSX lost a whopping another 100 points this month, following 1,000 points lost last month, and currently sits at 12,131.

> The Canadian dollar is about the same as last month at close to $1.01 US.

> Prime remains at 3% and is expected to remain steady until the markets stabilise.

> Canada’s unemployment rate dropped a little to 7.3%, from 7.2%.

> Eagle continues to be busy in its largest markets Toronto and Calgary with steady business in most other markets.  August saw a slight increase in volumes over July and early signs in September would suggest that trend is continuing.
 

 Summary:

Canada’s economy is strong in comparison to most of the world, but we operate in a global community and get caught up in the issues affecting the EU and the US.  Stock markets remain volatile and the price of oil is affected by world events, so adverse conditions will affect employment here in Canada.  Our economy remains vulnerable to the sovereign debt issues of the EU, the political & economic instability of the US, plus the risk of natural disasters that might occur (hurricanes come to mind this time of year).  The willingness of some unions to threaten action during this fragile time could also hurt our ability to create jobs.

At face value, looking at the demand from our clients I expect a continued increase in demand for skilled labour over the coming months.  As mentioned earlier, the hottest markets are even experiencing some skills shortages, therefore hiring managers need to keep this in mind, despite the doom and gloom around the world!

As has become my recent practice, I will end this write-up with my “standing advice” to ANY company needing people:

(a) Start the process now with a strong PLANNING phase;

(b) Develop very clean processes to find, screen, choose, hire and onboard these new resources;

(c) Know that you will have a lot of competition and therefore speed in decision making will be critical;

(d) The job doesn’t stop there … retention becomes the next challenge! 

That was my monthly look at the Canadian job market and some of its influences.

Winners don’t quit … they battle to the end.

I am not a fervent soccer fan, however I have followed my team (Everton) since I was 5 years old … which is a long time.

This evening the played a cup game in England and were losing 1-0 until the last minute of the game, when the equalised.  They went on to win in overtime.  This is something i have seen many times with this team … and while they are one of the poorer of the teams in England’s Premier division they always play with that kind of heart.

It is a great life lesson … don’t EVER give up in this game of life.  the “final whistle” will blow one day but until that happens you can always learn, grow, succeed, improve or otherwise bring something positive to your life.

I have re-told this story before … but this is the story of a man who never gave up!

- There once was a young boy aged 7, who was forced to go to work because his family lost their house.

- The little boy’s mother passed away when he was 9 years old.

- The boy grew to become a young man and lost his job as a store clerk at age 20 years.

- He went into debt at age 23 years to become a partner in a small store, and at age 26 years his partner died leaving him with a debt it took years to repay.

- At 28 years he proposed to the love of his life … she turned him down!

- He made three tries to get elected to Congress before finally making it at age 37 years.

- His own son died at age 4 years.

- At age 45 years he ran for senate … and lost.

- He ran for vice-presidency at age 47 years … and lost.

You might think by now that this man would say enough is enough, but Abraham Lincoln believed in himself and at age 51 years was elected to be the President of the United States. 

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
Want to know where Canada’s hot jobs are?   Visit the Eagle Job Centre!

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Yesterday’s blog entry had a title that Words Are Easy … and in the context of THAT blog entry it made sense.   The basic message was that it is people’s actions that define them, not their words. 

However … in a different context I find that words are not as easy as I might have assumed.  There are an amazing number of people who can’t string two sentences together to save their lives.  When you compound their lack of writing skills with a propensity for “text speak”, our future ability to communicate effectively is in question.  Will future CEOs only read shortened sentences, gleaning context from the shorthand of the instant message world?

Communication is complex, and the use of the written word is one of the key ways in which we deliver our ideas, describe our offerings, our feelings and thoughts.  If people are unable to write effectively, and hence communicate effectively, it will create real problems.

Perhaps a good command of your language, and the ability to use it effectively, will be a great differentiator for the future employee.

Here are a few thoughts for anyone who wants to get serious about improving their written skills, and hence their employability.

1.  Read more … and it should be “meaty”, “wordy”, “thought provoking” content, not just “trashy novels”.

2.  Practice your writing … compose messages that are more than just a couple of sentences.  Decide what your are trying to communicate; create an opening that leads the reader into your message; then create a body that explains your message; and finally finish with a conclusion that ties it all together.

3.  Always use spellcheck.

4.  Add to your vocabulary … do crossword puzzles, read books that use a varied vocabulary (and understand them).

5.  Always re-read your message before sending … ensuring that your words will be read the way that you intend them to be read.

6.  Understand and learn the rules of your language … in English do you know when to use their, there and they’re?

7.  Subscribe to a newsletter from someone who writes … I get Ron Jette’s very informative newsletter which gives some great tips for the prospective writer.

8.  Read blogs of people who write well.  Seth Godin is able to communicate interesting and intricate ideas, effectively and in a few words!

There is a real opportunity for people early in their career to leap ahead of their peers, merely by improving their use of the written word!

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” … George Bernard Shaw

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)

Have you tried Eagle’s (very cost effective) VirtualRecruiter service?

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If I tell you that I can be trusted does that make it so?

If I tell you “it” will work does that make it so?

If I tell you I have a certain experience does that make it so?

Personally I tend to err on the side of naiivety, preferring to believe what people tell me … until I find out different.  However when I am dealing with salespeople I expect them to demonstrate credibility to me.

I think that is the same with any buyer, so if you are a salesperson you MUST establish credibility, and that can ONLY be done through ACTION!

It is likely that any salesperson will be reasonably good with words, and may have a pleasant character … but ultimately the “pretender” will be found out!

A salesperson can build credibility over time by:

 (a) repeatedly making promises (no matter how small) and delivering (their own action);

(b) through references from trusted sources with whom they have ALREADY established credibility (again their own action, but elsewhere);

(c) to a certain degree, on the back of colleagues who have established credibility (someone else’s action).

A salesperson is anyone trying to sell you something (including an idea) … no matter what their title, sales person,CEO or Premier!

I meet smooth talking, seemingly capable people all the time … not ALL live up to their self professed billing! 

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
Want to know where Canada’s hot jobs are?   Visit the Eagle Job Centre!

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I talk about change often … and while many people welcome change and some crave change, most people find it uncomfortable.

Here are a few thoughts to consider when you find yourself uncertain about change …

1.  Truly understand the details … ask lots of questions.

2.  Try to get in the mind of the people implementing the change to understand what value they see in this change.

3.  Take time to map out Pros and Cons (there can be a tendency to focus on the negative).

4.  When asking questions be VERY careful to ask your questions with an open mind … if you already have a bias in your mind it will come out in how you ask the questions.

5.  You do NOT want to be seen as opposing change … rather you should be viewed as open to change; willing to give things a REAL try; and willing to do what it takes to make the new situation work.

6.  You should know that someone has put effort into the scenario … and that should not be discounted.

7.  You should know that in most situations honest feedback, based on FACTS and real hands-on experience, will be welcome.

8.  This same advice aplies to individuals, associations, unions, companies … anyone facing a changed situation!

9.  In a nutshell … expect the change to be a positive thing, and support it as such. 

Not ALL change works out … but if your organization does not change it WILL be left behind.  View the scenario as an opportunity to make things better and if you are a part of making the new situation a success you will benefit.  Even if it doesn’t work out, but you are seen as someone who really worked at its success it will go well for you.

Eldridge Cleaver … You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.

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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)

Have you tried Eagle’s (very cost effective) VirtualRecruiter service?

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