Step-by-Step = Goal Achieved

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When we think of a goal, we are often in a state of motivation. A conversation sparked an idea, a movie prompted an inspiring thought, or perhaps a song brought forth a vision to embark. No matter the prompt, there are a few things that need to happen before you get to “happy slappy” about how great it is going to be once you accomplish “that” goal. The idea, vision, and thought are the easy part … the hard part is the work put into achieving the goal. I once heard a motto that I will never forget, “The work between an idea and a goal is the arduous steps that are required toward completion.” That statement has driven each and every goal I have set out to accomplish. You have to remember, there will be hard work involved to attain any goal that is worth your while.

It is in the middle, the hard part, the work, the sweat, and tears … that is where the goals start to come to fruition. That is where you discover who you are and what you are made of. Too often, when things get hard, we simply stop. But, it is in the “step-by-step” brainstorming and mulling over the tasks over and over where the motivation kicks us into high gear. Motivation is not something that you get from a PodCast, YouTube Video, or phone call from a supporter. Motivation is the still and small voice that reminds you of why you started on your “Goal Journey” in the first place. You are welcome to use that phrase to remind you of the hard work you will put in.

I have worked in the private, public, and federal sections. It was in the midst of one of the greatest opportunities that I found my passion for education. I recently found an old photo of myself. I was sitting at a Play School desk, and if you are a Gen-Xer you know the one I am talking about, heck you probably had one too. I actually remember the moment when I fell in love with learning … it was that moment. Fast forward a few years, I was in one of the darkest places in my professional career and reconnected with my love of learning. But, I had to allow something new to emerge. It was from a candid conversation with my supervisor that I realized my life purpose was to work in education. I researched and found the perfect Doctoral Business Management program for my needs, and started out on my goal toward earning a terminal degree in business management, with the goal of working in higher education.

Was the goal hard and far off? Yes. Did it take longer than I thought it would? Of course. But the point is I started. Just start. Start now, you cannot worry about the details if you have not made a decision to start. Start where you are and start now. Stop comparing yourself, your situation or your life to others. Truth be told, there are probably others comparing their lives to yours. Instead of all of the reincarnations of iterations of what we think we should be doing, let’s break the cycle and set an example for “Doing It Your Way” … oh … I think I feel a book birthing out of that last statement. Be the best you, you can be … unapologetically.

Patel, Deep. “16 Actions to Take to Achieve Any Goal.” Entrepreneur, 27 Aug. 2018, www.entrepreneur.com/article/318347.

Getting Positive, Purposeful and Productive …

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Let’s keep this good, highly positive energy going. I have to say; it has been a while since I have written two articles in a row. Normally, I try to post at least 1 article a month. I found my time slipping through my fingers minute by minute. People always say, “We all have 24hours in a day – it is up to you to make the most of it.” Let’s digest the “24 hours” we all have:

  • 6 – 8 Hours – People normally spend sleeping
  • 2 Hours – Getting ready for work, school, date or other events, which can take up to (start to finish – bathing, dressing, make-up, getting kids up and ready, etc.)
  • 3 Hours – We seem to take up several hours to eat (in totality)
  • 2 – 3 Hours – Then there is the “Waiting” on something or someone, all together (depending on how fast traffic takes, public transportation, elevators, walking dogs, etc.)

What are we up to now? 16 hours

Okay, 24 Hours – 16 Hours = 8 hours (Purposeful Time Left)

And you guessed it, most of us work at a minimum of 8 hours a day – that is the rest of it. That is what most people’s 24 hours may look like, give or take some adjustments in tasks and responsibilities. That is how one can find time slipping through one’s fingers.

How is this positive, purposeful, or productive information, Jenice?!? You may be asking with learning this frustration realization. I am glad you asked. The key to taking back your time is realizing that you have more than enough of it … simple, but true. Now that most of us are finding ourselves teleworking, on a compressed or flex-schedule, we literally are being the gift of time. Each and every day, you get to choose (hopefully), how you spend your time now. 

Getting positive – if you still are employed in a safe working environment, be thankful. Getting purposeful – If you are working, then what you are doing is purposeful, and thank you for all you do, every day that you do it. Focused on Production – Production is not everything; poor quality is worst than producing nothing. Production is nothing without quality time spent ensuring the product is of good value. Instead of listening to all of the negative jargon all the time, do yourself a favor and find something to be positive, purposeful, and productive about. You will find you have more time than you could have ever scheduled on your calendar. 

Be well,

Jenice

Daum, K. (2014, November 3). 9 Ways to Save More Time. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/9-ways-to-save-more-time.html

Getting to Know Yourself Better with MBTI Test

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How often have you wondered why you respond to situations or events as you do? Have you tried to change your behaviors for the better? How successful have you been? The link may be in your intrinsic personality traits.

I have often implemented real-life assignments into my class lectures for students to grow both academically and personally. The Myers and Briggs Personality (MBTI) Test is a consistent tool that is used by several academics for student success. This is a fantastic way to get to know your students and for you to better gauge your behaviors and personality traits. There are plenty of ways to utilize this for everyday situations. I have used the MBTI Test as a for-credit assignment on several topics to include: accounting, business management, organizational behavior, human resources, financial management, and many others.

I often have found that peers enjoy completing the MBTI Test as a way of expressing their strengths. It has been used in leadership training across organizations looking for employees to gain a better understanding of their professional relationships for collaborations.  I find it to be incredibly insightful. Since you have all of this time on your hands, you may want to dive in and get to know yourself a little better.
Be well,
Jenice

Reference: Friedman. (n.d.). MBTI Personality Test. Retrieved 2020, from https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/spokaLTFBEADL9JnMd7njgJd96nyp7YNgICG2tlJWifcI7GP.pdf

COVID 19 Personal Reflection – Thanks and Appreciation

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We are all doing what we can to stay safe and stay healthy. There are those whose career it is to be on the frontline in this arduous time in our history. It makes me think of my own family and friends, those who are currently working in hospitals, mortuaries, grocery stores, restaurants, security, groundskeepers, janitorial services and etc. While there is plenty of negative chatter and sights, there are just as many positive sights in view.

Grandma Charlene

Grandma Charlene at ABC Market in Los Angeles, Ca

My Grandmother, Charlene Armstead, worked for ABC Food and Market in Los Angeles, CA for over 30 years. It was a grocery store that was community-based. Everyone knew everyone and always lent a helping hand when a member was in need. I can recall being as young as 2 years old, my mother bringing me to see my Grandmother (who often worked overtime), and everyone in her line knowing that I was her firstborn grandbaby, “There goes my grandbaby, yall are going to have to just wait a few minutes! This is MY GRANDBABY.” Grandma Charlene would yell, at least I know where I get my “loud whisper” from … but do you think those customers minded? No, because they had great respect for my Grandma Charlene, as she also had them as well.

We need to show one another more respect than some of us have displayed.  They say you find out who someone really is during hard times, it is easy to be nice and thankful when all is well – but, what about when it really matters?  Thank you to all of you who go out each and every day during this treacherous time in our history of COVID-19. Thank you for putting your lives on the line, so all of us are able to stay as safe and healthy as possible. I appreciate you going to work while I stay home – you are very much appreciated.

Be well,
Jenice

Career and Success Tips: How to Use O*Net

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It is true; we are living in unprecedented times. The unemployment rate has sky rocked beyond anything any of us could have imagined … but wait – maybe this is just the opportunity we needed to pursue the careers we are meant to be in. Stick with me for a second … I promise I will get there. Life has a way of making us believe that we need to settle for whatever job/career we need to pay the bills. Paying down and getting out debt is essential, but your professional happiness is just as important.

Like many, I have been detoured from doing many of the professional items that provided substantial motivation to “keep going” – and maintaining my professional happiness. The other day, I received a message from a LinkedIn networker. She mentioned she viewed one of my Youtube videos I published at the height of my “Job Classification” research. This contact mentioned that she was looking to learn more about the topic and was open to any advice I could provide. “That’s right! I am a subject matter expert in job classification,” I thought as I pondered my response to her.
I remembered that I purchased a “pop-up” backdrop for future videos. After figuring out how to the contraption up, adjusting the stand, and sitting down at my kitchen table … I began to record a video to better show her, instead of merely telling her about job classification. And why not take it a step further, there were several websites I could include which would also assist her with updating her resume and gaining information about job classification. At the end of the short video, I realized I had forgotten that I thoroughly enjoyed creating videos about business topics to assist others with their professional goals. That being said, I decided and made a promise that I would write up a quick blurb about the entire experience and share it with you as well.

Long story, longer – we should take this time to reevaluate what truly makes us happy. If this entire experience has taught me anything (thus far), it’s that we need to be grateful for our health, our friends and family and our lives. We are social beings, always have been and always will be. Instead of spreading fear and anguish to one another, let’s spread love, life, and encouragement.  I am encouraging you to revamp your job skills, take a hard look at your resume, or start working on or revisit that degree you never finished up. I hope the video I created on “Career Success” assists you with getting the clarification needed to pursue your dreams. If you have any questions – I am here. Believe me … I am here, and you are there … and we might be where we are for a while.

Be well,
Jenice

Dr. Jaye YouTube Link:  How to Use O*Net – Career Success

Dr. Jaye YouTube Link:  Understanding USAJOBs – Career Success

Online Development Success Tools and Advice

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Online Learning

We all need to do our part during this difficult time in world history. COVID-19 has organizations rethinking strategic plans and innovative initiative plans that may have been stagnant in implementation or development. In education, millions of students/faculty are finding it imperative to convert courses to online modalities. I want to offer my knowledge, skills, and abilities to those who are finding it difficult to start/convert courses to online modalities. If you need assistance, advice or direction on how to utilize/convert to online – please contact me directly. I do not claim to know everything about every discipline, but I am willing to lend a helping “digital” hand to anyone that may be feeling overwhelmed with tackling the arduous tasks associated with converting a course to online. I have provided my credentials as a reference in the disciplines I have successfully created and implemented into online modalities. 

Be safe and healthy,

Jenice aka Dr. Jaye

 

Curriculum Program/Course Development Experience

Hillsborough Community College – 2019

Researched, Developed and implemented 1 open educational resource course for Hillsborough Community College

  • AS Program Student On-Boarding (Recruitment/Retention) course

Valencia College – Jan 2018 – Feb 2019

Researched, developed and implemented 13 Core Courses for Valencia College Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Business and Organizational Leadership

  • GEB 3213    Business Writing & Communications
  • MAR 3023    Marketing Management
  • MAN 3240    Principles of Organizational Behavior
  • AGG 3024    Accounting for non-Finance Majors
  • MAN 3343    Management Theory and Practices
  • MAN 4301    Human Resources Management
  • FIN 3402    Financial Analysis and Planning
  • MAN 4120    Leadership Challenges and Supervision
  • MAN 4165    Customer Relations for Managers
  • CIS 4304C Management Information Systems
  • MAN 4504    Operational Decision Making
  • GEB 4891    Strategic Planning and Decision Planning
  • MAN 4720    Strategic Management Capstone

Saint Petersburg College – Jul 2015 – Mar 2017

Researched, development, collaborated and implemented 2 open educational resources courses for Business Program, for Saint Petersburg College

  • GEB 1011 Introduction to Business
  • GEB 2490 Business Management Internship

Saint Leo University – Jul 2015 – Feb 2017

Researched, development, collaborated and implemented 7 courses, for MBA Program, for Saint Leo University

  • HRA 330 Basic Occupational Safety
  • HRA 335 Recruitment Selection & Placement
  • HRA 340 Organizational Training & Development
  • HRA 360 Total Compensation
  • HRA 425 Human Resource Internship
  • HRA 498 Human Resource Capstone for Graduation
  • MGT 331 Management of Human Resource

 OER References & Speaking Engagements

Saint Leo University, Leaders in Industry Presents: New Year, New Career Webinar with Dr. Jenice Armstead

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Thank you to Laura Cheek, Associate Director of Career Services for Saint Leo University for inviting me to be the January 2020 “Leaders in Industry” speaker for Saint Leo University Career Services Department. The webinar featured vital information on “Tips and Tricks” to prepare for job interviews. I am honored to give back to my alma mater “Lion Pride.”

Interview “Pep Talk” Featuring: Dr. Jenice Armstead, ’06 ’09

Click here to watch/listen to the entire webinar session

Establishing and Exercising Boundaries

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Establishing Boundaries are Important for Everyone

Happy New Year, it is time to “Marie Kondo” a few things.  We all have a few things we need to clean up, throw out or condense.  The New Year means setting new goals, removing old goals and reflecting on accomplishments.  Let’s start off small, boundaries.  Don’t click off of the page just yet … boundaries are good.  They help us to conduct a self “check-in” and ensure things are as they should be for our mental health.  Establishing boundaries assist with stress management, self-value, and creativity.  Whether we want to admit it or not, boundaries are healthy. 

Boundaries do not have to be long and drawn out.  If you have never thought about boundaries, they are pretty simple to implement – be swift and simple, i.e. “I will not accept friend requests from people I do not know on social media.”  Simple and moderate.  It is necessary to be specific, “I will not accept a position for a lower salary than my asking baseline.” Super simple, yet specific.  Make sure your boundaries are also positive and represent your values, “If I am approached by a random person who has little respect for my person, I will choose to remove myself from the situation – I deserve to be respected at all times because I respect others.”  Consequences are a must if a boundary is crossed – give yourself permission to speak up and say something.  Address it, and make sure to state how and when the boundary was crossed.  Consistency and communication are keys to boundaries.  Communicate your boundaries clearly and ensure you are understood by the person(s) involved.  Ensure you inform the person(s) how their lack of respect for your boundaries have caused you to invoke consequences.  This assures there is no negotiations for your boundaries and your expectations are clear.  Make sure to be open if they would like to discuss their boundaries.  You may learn something about their character.  Remember, you have a right to establish and exercise your healthy, positive and affirmative boundaries.  Have a great year, and remember – you have a right to happiness, health, and wholeness.

Reflect and keep these simple boundary indicators as a reference to establish and exercise your own boundaries in your professional and personal endeavors.  Happy New Year.    

1. Be Moderate

2. Be specific

3. Be positive – Virtues-based

4. Have specific, relevant consequences

5. Make consequences educative

6. Be consistent

7. Communicate rules clearly

8. Be sure consequences are understood 

9. Make bottom line rules non-negotiable 1

10. Make expectations clear

Reference: Guidelines for Establishing Clear Boundaries. (2007). Retrieved from https://www.virtuesproject.com/Pdf/ClearBoundaries.pdf

Dr. Jenice Armstead

She Leads Podcast Ft. Dr. Jenice Armstead

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Hey Hey Hey … It’s Dr. Jaye,

I want to extend a huge thanks to Nicole Walker, Host of “She Leads” PodCast.  Recently I met Nicole at an academic event in my local area.  I was able to collaborate on her fantastic PodCast “She Leads” as one of her many insightful professional guests.  Nicole grabs her audiences attention with professional advice and insight to better prepare the listener for a wide range of business situations.  It was with honor to accept the professional invitation from Nicole to answer a series of wonderful professional and personal questions related to business success, failure, leadership, motivation, and many other questions.  Nicole is a vibrant young woman that is doing “Big Thangs” and I mean it.  Thank you again and make sure to listen and subscribe to Nicole Walk’s many social media platforms.

To listen to the entire interview, check out Nicole Walk, “She Leads” PodCast Ft. Dr. Jenice Armstead

All the best to you in all of your endeavors,

Dr. Jaye

She Leads ft Jenice Armstead.jpg

How to Answer Key Interview Questions: Future Plans

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When you are interviewing you will be asked about your future and what your plans are. This is a tool that selecting officials use to see where you plan on “being” in a determined amount of time.

You may be asked: What are your long-term goals? What are your long-term career objectives? This is not an opportunity for you to “spill your guts” keep it professional and stay focused. Think about this question before you interview, you shouldn’t take more than 5 – 7 minutes. Talk about your professional goals and what educational aspirations you have. DON’T talk about your personal life or what personal projects you are working on.
Selecting officials want to know: How you plan to achieve your career goals? They don’t want details, this question is meant for them to see if you know how to lay out and achieve goals. This is also a tactic to see how well you focus on objectives and how you plan to achieve objectives. Again, keep it professional not personal – stay focused.

You may be asked: What do you see yourself doing in five years from now? What plans do you have for continuing your education? These questions help selecting officials to determine what kind of professional “drive” and motivation you actually have. It is my personal advice to answer all appropriate interview questions, keep in mind you can “respectfully” decline to answer any interview questions that you don’t feel comfortable answering. If you don’t plan on continuing your education or haven’t thought about what your goals are for the next five years, it’s okay – use your imagination and stay focused on the professional conversation.

Reference:  Armstead, J. (2013). Pep Talks: Answering Training Questions. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Pep-Talks-Answering-Training-Questions/dp/1492834203/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1546981419&sr=8-5&keywords=jenice armstead pep talks

Practice Makes Perfect,
Dr. Jaye