I only like chicken nuggets.

“I only like chicken nuggets.” Recently, I asked my toddler grandson what he wanted to eat. He replied “I only like chicken nuggets.” So I engaged him in multiple follow-up “why” questions as he often does with me. I asked him if he tried other foods and listed some. He responded with a question to me, “Why would I try them when I like chicken nuggets?” I smiled and laughed a bit.

Shortly after the exchange, I found myself puzzling over why I would laugh at his response. His response was merely honest. I thought about how I went to the same restaurants instead of trying new ones; and even how I have my favorite menu selections at the restaurant. Further, I had considered ordering something different at times but was concerned that my “new” choice would not be as good as my “usual” menu item.

This plunged me deeper into thought as I played with my grandson. It seemed so obvious to me that my grandson was missing opportunities to enjoy other foods. What other opportunities do I and others miss because we are used to taking the road most travelled? Or always travelled? In work, do I approach things the same way out of habit? When outcomes are negative, we have learned to go through a problem solving process. But what changes when the day or the process seems okay or the same as usual? The answer I gave myself is that nothing changes. And nothing is expected to change.

In my personal life, what alternate choices could I make to shake things up? Could I go to the grocery store for milk and cheese before work? Would this change give me a sense of personal accomplishment which may launch my work day more effectively? I then may come home and go for a walk with my new found time. My mind raced with possibilities. I would walk and be healthier and less stressed. My outlook would be more positive. I’d have time to problem solve during my walk. I might even lose weight. All these fabulous things could happen to me if I grocery shopped early before work. Okay, maybe all these things wouldn’t happen. But to be excited about the potential was clearly intriguing. And if I choose to do nothing different, nothing will change.

What if I apply one random change to my work habits? Perhaps I should close my email for 1 hour while I focus on improving a work process or writing a policy each week. What else can I change that may disrupt my habits and increase my potential to invite opportunities into my life? We often talk about being more creative, which sounds good, but doesn’t have clear direction. This approach seems to be creative, but simple. It is about intentionally changing a mundane habit or task in a simple way. Change the timing or suspending a task, while completing another just to see if there is a better outcome.

These deep thoughts about changes in my life are courtesy of a young mind that constantly causes me to rethink everything I believe I know or understand.

Should I stay or should I go?

There is a local Job Fair this week. I often receive questions from people seeking jobs as to the value of attending such an event. There is a great value to attending the job fair from a job seeker perspective. In person job fairs break the barrier of technology and allow casual and active job seekers the opportunity to learn more about a company and create an impression on a hiring manager or recruiter. So, applicants should stop in and talk to representatives at booths. No walk bys please.

We should flip the tables and review the employer impression. Hiring the right associate for each job is key to the success of any business. Employers always expect applicants to be prepared to make a great impression in multiple ways, including timeliness, appropriate attire, completed research on the company, and the ability to clearly explain their experience and skills. Yet, often, employers fail to present this same image.

Employer booths may be set up in multiple ways for success, but should always include friendly, approachable representatives. I personally prefer representatives on the same side and standing with applicants. But the key is for employer representatives to be inviting and interested aka buzzword “engaged”. Representatives who read, text, talk to one another, go to lunch together away from the booth, or are otherwise are not available send a clear message to job seekers and other attendees. This message screams “job seekers, keep walking!”

Another key item to keep in mind is prepping each representative to understand company and job openings. It is helpful to bring managers or associates from the area that is hiring. So, employers, prep your verbal and visual presentation from the job seeker’s perspective. Then, step up and smile!