PHR Course in Seattle

The Close Group offers a PHR/SPHR certification prep course twice in 2010. Both offered in Seattle, Washington. http://www.closegroup.org/

• The Winter/Spring offering will start February 15th and continue each Monday evening from 6-9 pm for eleven weeks.
• The Fall course offering will start September 13th and continue each Monday evening from 6-9pm for eleven weeks.

I will be the instructor for both of these offerings. Here is the link for the course and enrollment information. http://www.closegroup.org/

Come join the fun and get the test out of the way before the 2011 certification requirements change! Still time to enroll for the February 15th course.

Cheers,
Amanda

2010 Trends:

I was reading the January 5th, 2010 Journal and ran across some 2010 trends as predicted by Glen Hiemstra http://www.futurist.com/. and thought I would make mention since it jibes with what I have been seeing as well.

In a nutshell:

1. The economic recovery is underway due in large part to high levels of entrepreneurial activity. "Once the economy starts moving again we will see an uptick in jobs", says Mr. Hiemstra.
2. Entrepreneurial activity is trending towards "new green economy".
3. "Retail sales will come back, but we may have entered into a prolonged trend toward more frugal lifestyles" he feels.
4. States that rely on sales tax and property tax revenue based upon "housing peak projections" may likely see long term structural difficulties.
5. Professions/education/services that support an aging population is a good bet.
6. Shortage of disigners and scientists. We need to encourage kids towards education in science, technology and engineering. We need designers and scientists to remain internationally competitive.

To take advantage of these trends, Hiemstra recommends "deciding what you want to happen, then figure out what to do to make it happen."

• Don't ignore your entrepreneurial ideas. If you really think it will make this world a better place, work to make it happen.
• Never stop learning and look for ways to contribute, look for ways to make a difference.
• Create your own strategic plan! Strategic Coaching

The Close Group offers courses, coaching, team facilitation and strategic planning that helps individuals and organizations leverage trends. http://www.closegroup.org/

SPHR/PHR Prep Course through the Close Group starts February 15, 2010

Registration now open!
Visit Close Group website for details

Strategic Coaching: Become a Goal Expert

In the Seattle Sunday Times Parade (January 3, 2010) there was an article about understanding how your mind works to make changes that last. In the article they used the analogy of an elephant and the rider. The elephant represents the emotional side of our brain and the rider the rational side. Together they make an amazing team, but change can be difficult. The elephant is the drive and the power is also the emotional instant gratification that dislikes missing out on short term gratification. The rider is rational and sets the direction and pace and can be easily overwhelmed by the elephants need for instant gratification. In a nutshell, for lasting change to occur, both sides of the brain must be engaged. Enter Strategic Coaching. A method for getting that elephant and rider working together to achieve long term change.

For more information: visit the Close Group website. Strategic Coaching is a 15-hour online course that has been approved for 15 "strategic" SPHR recertification hours.