Category Archives: Self Improvement

How to Successfully Submit a USA JOBs Application

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Step 1: Create a USAJOBS Account

  • Action Items:
    • Visit USAJOBS.gov and create a free account.
    • Complete your profile, including contact information, citizenship status, and veteran preference if applicable.
    • Upload necessary documentation, such as your resume, transcripts, and certifications.
  • Tips:
    • Use the Resume Builder tool within USAJOBS to create a federal-style resume that adheres to government application standards.
    • Ensure all uploaded files are in the correct format (e.g., PDF or Word).

Step 2: Search for Jobs

  • Action Items:
    • Use the search function to find positions by keyword, location, or agency.
    • Filter results based on pay grade, work schedule (e.g., full-time or part-time), and hiring paths (e.g., open to the public, federal employees, or veterans).
  • Tips:
    • Save your searches to receive automatic updates on new job postings.
    • Review the job announcements thoroughly to understand qualifications, duties, and required documents.

Step 3: Tailor Your Resume

  • Action Items:
    • Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments.
    • Use keywords from the job announcement, especially those listed under “Qualifications” and “Duties.”
  • Tips:
    • Include specific achievements with measurable results (e.g., “Increased efficiency by 20% by implementing a new filing system”).
    • Follow the federal resume format: include detailed work experience with dates, hours per week, and job duties.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

  • Action Items:
    • Gather and upload all required documents listed in the job announcement, such as transcripts, veteran preference documents, or a cover letter.
    • Double-check that all documents are legible and correctly formatted.
  • Tips:
    • Use the “Required Documents” section of the job announcement as a checklist.
    • Upload documents early to avoid technical issues close to the deadline.

Step 5: Answer Assessment Questions

  • Action Items:
    • Complete the online questionnaire included in the application process.
    • Answer honestly but strategically, ensuring your responses align with your resume and qualifications.
  • Tips:
    • Use strong, affirmative language to showcase your expertise.
    • Avoid underestimating your skills or qualifications.

Step 6: Submit the Application

  • Action Items:
    • Review your application thoroughly to ensure all fields are completed and all documents are attached.
    • Click “Submit Application” before the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.
  • Tips:
    • Print or save a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
    • Note the job announcement number for future reference.

Step 7: Monitor Your Application Status

  • Action Items:
    • Log into USAJOBS regularly to check the status of your application under the “Applications” section.
    • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.
  • Tips:
    • Understand the USAJOBS application status codes (e.g., “Received,” “Reviewed,” “Referred”) to track your progress.
    • Be patient; federal hiring can take several weeks or months.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Missing Deadlines: Submit your application well before the deadline to account for technical issues.
  2. Incomplete Applications: Double-check that all required documents and information are included.
  3. Generic Resumes: Tailor your resume to match the specific job announcement.
  4. Not Following Instructions: Carefully read the entire job announcement to meet all requirements.

Conclusion

Submitting a successful application through USAJOBS requires preparation, attention to detail, and persistence. By carefully tailoring your resume, completing all required steps, and meeting deadlines, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for federal employment. With patience and diligence, you’ll increase your chances of landing a rewarding career in public service.

Resources for Assistance

Learn More About Oneself

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How much do you know about yourself? I can tell you right now that there is a lot about yourself that you may not know. There are things, abilities, weaknesses, and tons of outstanding qualities you may not know about yourself. What are these things you speak of Jenice? Well, I can tell you that in order to grow and be successful in life, you must learn more about yourself. When you learn more about yourself, you give yourself permission to extend your ability to experience gratitude, understanding, wisdom, flexibility, and overall personal professional growth. There are several ways you can do this.

You can grow and learn more about yourself by spending time with yourself, writing in a journal, meditating or communicating with friends and love ones. The point is, you are able to grow and learn more about yourself in anyway that suits and fits your needs. I have used several different tools to grow and develop self- awareness of myself. The Myers-Briggs personality exam is one tool I have often referred back to when looking for opportunities for growth in my personal or professional life. When I was honorably discharged from the military and started my academic career, I had no idea what the SWOT analysis of my personality was. The SWOT analysis are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of your own personality. This is important to understand in order to learn ways of handling difficult and challenging times. Using your SWOT, you may reflect back on your strengths to improve upon your weaknesses.

I vividly recall an interview for a position from my early years. I was sure that I was selected for the position. During the beginning, there were several interview panels that included my peers to be in the room, along side of me. We had to discuss why we were the best candidate(s) for the position(s). Then, there was a sit down exam. Normally, I am not good at exams – which most of us sometimes are not, when dealing with a stressful interview situation. I looked up, and heard the prompter instruct us all to “take the test quickly”, those were important instructions in that moment for me. Those of you that know me, know that I’m extremely competitive when it comes to ALL things. I have a tendency to be known as a bit of a “Rachel” from friends.

When I finished my exam the proctor informed me that I would be called up to discuss my results. When I was called up, I sat down nervously and took a deep breath. The first interviewer said the most incredibly off putting words, “this is not the position for you Ms. Armstead.“ As I sat their baffled, I decided to respond promptly, “why is that exactly sir?” The prompter than continued , “you seem to a lack of empathy.“ Again, stunned by the words that he was saying, I replied, “I absolutely have empathy, empathy for people going through things and empathy for understanding difficulties, I have plenty of empathy, thank you.“ He looked up at me, slightly smiling and responded “well the reason why we say you like empathy is because of your score on the personality exam. “Do you know what personality type you are?” He asked, obviously knowing that answer. “Your traits are that of an ESTJ on the Myers and Briggs personality exam.“ I had no idea what he was talking about. He then continued on to let me know that based on my personality trait, I would be better suited for other positions such as: business management, a political office, federal work, teaching or being a executive supervisor.

Needless to say, this happened over 15 years ago, I am thankful for that experience. That was some of the best professional advice I would ever receive. Since then, I have gone on to have a success career in higher education, the federal sector and starting/owning my own business. I was empowered with self knowledge. I learned more about myself in that interview than from any professional interaction. This allowed for a deeper understanding of my personality traits, and how they align with my professional and personal life. From then on, I’ve taken the Myers-Briggs personality exam every each year and have scored the same exact personality type every single year. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about my personality and how it relates to different situations, as well as how to improve upon my weaknesses.

The moral to the experience, you have the ability to learn, grow, and know more about yourself than ever before. I hope I have empowered you, inspired you, and provided grow and develop for you as well. You deserve to learn more about yourself, that is how you will gain your true success. Learn how to improve upon your weaknesses, it is worth it. You are awesome just the way you are, and in order to be more awesome all you have to do is be willing to be open enough to learn more about yourself.

Happy self discovey,
Dr. Jaye

MBTI Personality Test. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://publicdocs.adler.edu/LMS/interactives/data/MBTIPersonalityTypeTest/story_content/external_files/MBTI%20Personality%20Type%20Test.pdf

Understanding USAJOBs – Career Success

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We are back at it … USAJOBs tips and tricks … looking for new employment or deciding to change careers is always a job in itself. I decided to share some information on USAJOBs (Free Job Site), for all to benefit from. USAJOBs is easy to use, but understanding what jobs to apply to, how to apply and how to get follow up information can be a bit tricky. In this video I go over some career success tips and information to better prepare you for understanding the USAJOBs process. Remember, I am here if you have any questions/concerns.

All the best,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Find a Job using O*net

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O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker. One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research open positions for particular position you are looking for.

In this video I discuss research tactics for researching open positions for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions comments or concerns. Happy job hunting 🙂

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Compensation

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIkd6y3lHo

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This super helpful platform provides specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net offers is the ability to research compensation for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for learning more about compensation and salaries to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Happy Researching,

Dr. Jaye

O*net Tips and Tricks – How to Research Training Programs

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Team Work

There are many questions and concerns when it comes to using O*net www.onetonline.org. This is a super helpful platform that provides some specific information for job seekers and those looking to gain additional career information. O*net has a plethora of information and ways of obtaining job search information for any job seeker.

One of the fantastic tools that O*net has to offer is the ability to research training programs for the particular position you are looking for. In the below video, I discuss research tactics for researching training programs to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities for your next career move. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Happy job hunting,

Dr. Jaye

Get Your Goals On

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You know I had to write about it … your life goals! We all have goals in life. Some goals are easily attainable, and others will take a ton of time, effort, and focus. The significant part about having goals is you can adjust your goals based on your needs. Your hierarchy of needs will change as you grow. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve particular needs and that some needs take precedence over others. Maslow’s theory works like this:

• If you have food – hunger need is satisfied
• If you have a viable home – shelter need is satisfied
• If you have friends/family to support – relationship/social need is satisfied
• If you have money to support yourself – financial need is satisfied

How do you know completing your smart goals is satisfying your hierarch of professional needs? You can start by asking yourself a few questions and gauging your happiness based on your truthful answers. When we decide to accomplish a goal, a series of things must happen to make completing the goal a reality.

• Get clarity of the goal – Write it down
• Make a list of steps to accomplish the goal – Write it down
• Inform a trusted friend/family member of your goal – Talk about it
• Make the steps toward the goal a daily reminder – Think about it
• Put the steps into action and find resources for achieving your goal – Act on it

It is that simple. Say it, believe it, and achieve it. I have included some resources to better prepare to for success toward creating and achieving your goals. Remember, allow yourself to let your goals change as you grow. Change is good and constant.

Happy goal achieving,
Jenice

Resources

OfficeArrow.com. (2008). Smart Goals Worksheet. Retrieved from https://www.mcckc.edu/counseling/goal-setting/docs/SMARTGoalWorksheet.pdf

Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved 2021, from https://canadacollege.edu/dreamers/docs/Maslows-Hierarchy-of-Needs.pdf

SMART Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.baylor.edu/hr/doc.php/308719.pdf

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Worksheet. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.smartsheet.com/sites/default/files/IC-SMART-Goals-Worksheet-9237-PDF.pdf

Your Job of Choice

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We are living in interesting times.  The COVID-19 virus has brought about several changes to our everyday lives.  For the vaccinated, it means remaining diligent about potentially not spreading the virus to the unvaccinated.  For the unvaccinated, it means ensuring to wear a mask and take the precautions needed to stay healthy and safe.  Overall, this whole “thing” is not entirely over.  Teleworking has become a common term used during interviews.  Organizations realize the old hiring processes require an overdue refresh based on new candidate requirements. 

The wild part about this time in our history, you have your choice of job options.  “Really!?” you ask.  With which I would confidently reply, “YESSSSS!”  Most candidates have their choice of job options.  If you have been trying to get into teaching, you can research adjunct positions.  If you want to try your skills at being a realtor, go for it since the housing market is hot.  If you have a business idea, you can start a small business.  The best part is that this is the first time in history where every job modality is open and available to apply.  You want to telework; you got it!  You want a compressed schedule, okay!  You want to work remotely while the regional office is in another state, it is possible!  

cheerful black man having video call and waving hand
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

The key to choosing the best job option for you is to think hard about what your actual needs and wants are from your new job option.  Are you a new mom?  Are you a new graduate?  Do you have student debt?  Do you have accessibility requirements?  Are you a disabled veteran?  Can you only work during the day/night?  Are you not available on the weekends?  Are you flexible?  No matter what your needs or wants are, there is a job option in the market for you.  Now, it is merely a matter of taking the time to create or update your cover letter and CV/resume.  The choice is up to you, now is as good a time to look and seek out employment opportunities as there has ever been before.  

Happy job option seeking,

Jenice

Resources

Jobs in Higher Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.higheredjobs.com/

Robert Half. (2021, July 07). 25 Best Job Search Websites in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/job-market/10-best-job-search-websites

USA JOBS Shape America’s Future. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://www.usajobs.gov/

Simple Success Steps

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We all have several ideas and aspirations for our future.  Sometimes our dreams come from thoughts, ideas, or experiences that we may have gone through.  We may have had several different types of careers and jobs that never aligned with who we thought we were to be. That is one of the main reasons why it’s important to remain practical, positive, and purposeful in your success journey.

There were a few common aspects that all successful people have. First, successful people don’t wallow in their failures. They use their failures as a tool for their next success. Second, successful people do not blame others for their inability to be successful. We all understand that there are things beyond our reach when it comes to being successful in certain professional arenas, but the good thing is we all still have a choice to choose what arena we want to play the game in. Finally, third; successful people get up each day physically or emotionally from whatever failure they’ve had and realize the blessing of the failure in disguise.

Success is more than just the ability to get what you want when you want it. Success has a lot to do with self-control and being able to understand the difference between what you want right now and what you need to do to get what you want later.

I wish all the success in the world for you and I,

Dr. Jaye

Resources:

Canfield, J. (2005). The Success Principles. Retrieved from https://www.jackcanfield.com/images/stories/the-success-principles-2-chapters.pdf

Edwards, V. (n.d.). Life Design Workbook. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.scienceofpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Life-Design-Workbook-.pdf

Seligman. (2015). Workbook for Goal Setting. Retrieved from https://wholebeinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/MC-Goal-setting-Workbook-Complete.pdf

Effective Collaboration

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“I would like you to all effectively collaborate on this project.” Said anyone in a leadership position. What they don’t tell you is how to collaborate. Collaboration takes professional finesse to meet common organizational goals, the team goals, and the individuals goals. I have to admit, collaboration can be complex, and during this time of 100% telework for most of the workforce, collaboration can offer its challenges with actually completing a task. It can be difficult and one of the most rewarding aspects of a career.

There are some Important attributes of collaboration—the first being communication. Good communication will take you far in your professional career as long as you can effectively present yourself professionally. There are two significant forms of communication that most people are not aware of, there is communication itself, and then there is active communication. Just like listening, there is listening per se, and then there is active listening. The difference is establishing enough self-control in any situation to hear or present clearly, efficiently, and effectively. In collaborative workgroups, communication is vital.

One of the essential second attributes of collaboration is the common goal. Effectively present a common goal to better prepare your workgroup for the task at hand. Transparency is a part of sharing the common goal for your workgroup to understand why they are doing what they are doing. Keeping in mind some workgroup members may require additional details, whereas other workgroup members may not. Either way, it’s essential to share the goal overall to ensure all workgroup members feel their contributions are applicable.

And the third most crucial attribute of collaboration is establishing roles within the workgroup. Workgroup members must understand the roles they play to bring the appropriate talents, knowledge, and skills to the final collaborative project. Roles also provide clarification for a professional road map towards the end goal. Often the workgroup member assigning the roles usually is the leader, but that is not always the case. The critical aspect of role establishing within a workgroup, ensure the role fits the workgroup member.

Collaboration does not have to be complicated, nor does it have to be arduous. With the tools and technology that we have at our finger tips, it should be more accessible than ever to collaborate in an online setting than it was to do so in a physical environment. The important Takeaways in creating collaborative groups, keep your communication positive, practical, and purposeful. Be sure to establish a common goal for the workgroup to move towards and establish appropriate roles within the workgroup.

Happy collaborations,
Jenice

Resources
Callahan, Schenk and White (n.d.) Building a Collaborative Workplace. Full Circle Associates. https://www.anecdote.com/pdfs/papers/AnecdoteCollaborativeWorkplace_v1s.pdf

Stress Management Tools

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Asking for help takes guts. In this day and age, it hasn’t always been popular to take a “Mental Health” day or call a time-out to gather your composure. The time has come for people of all walks of life, professional careers, and backgrounds to realize the importance of mental health management. Several of us struggle with different levels of mental health management. Those struggles can range from requiring additional medications (if needed) to learn how to cope with a barking dog. Mental health management is nothing to make light of; it is a serious topic that has become a more common conversation in recent days.

Usually, when you decide to help somebody else, you also wind up helping yourself. Recently, I started researching stress management and mental health theories to help me understand how to manage my stress levels. You’ll be surprised what you find when you use keywords such as stress management, mental health, understanding how to cope with stress, and the like. Upon my research, I found a term of stress management research that I’ve never heard/seen before. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT. I was surprised to learn that CBT has been around for years. I found some valuable tools that I thought would help me gauge my stress, anxiety, worry, and other lower moods. Not only has it helped, but I worked. I am truly overjoyed to have found these tools and share them with anyone interested in better stress management tools.

I do not claim to be nor am I a mental health management therapist; my specialty is business management. The tools provided are ones that I have found helpful for better understanding how to manage my stress levels. Transparency is vital in my writings to ensure that all readers understand that the resources provided may enhance the stress management techniques you choose for your life. From my understanding, CBT allows individuals to understand, manage, and practice stress management tools that work best for their stress management. I have found that CBT has increased my understanding and positive outlook on life as a whole. I hope you find the topics interesting and valuable. We all could use a reset now and then.

Be well,

Jenice

References

Gregory. (n.d.). CBT Skills Workbook: Practical Exercises and Worksheets to Promote Change. Retrieved 2021, from https://www.readpbn.com/pdf/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Skills-Workbook-Sample-Pages.pdf

Hendricks, Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger. (n.d.). YOUR VERY OWN TF-CBT WORKBOOK. Retrieved 2021, from https://tfcbt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Your-Very-Own-TF-CBT-Workbook-Final.pdf

Hofmann. (2020). The Anxiety Skills Workbook. Retrieved from https://mshoop.org/wp-lib/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Anxiety-Skills-Workbook.pdf

University NHS Foundation Trust. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills Workbook. (2016, March). Retrieved from https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/media/1655/wellbeing-team-cbt-workshop-booklet-2016.pdf 

Getting Down to the Budget

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There is no doubt about it; 2020 and halfway into 2021 have been rough on all of us. We are all still grappling with the aftereffects of 2020 and the Corona Virus. It has been a tumultuous time for everyone. We need to focus here seriously; we need to realize that creating a budget is more critical than ever. Inflation is insane, grocery prices are outrageous, gas is triple the cost it was a year ago, and kids are getting ready to go back to school. Everyone is stretching their dollars to the limit.

Let’s do it … it’s budget time. I know budgets are intimidating. If you are like me, I always felt like having a budget was like being on timeout with everything fun I wanted to do. But that is the exact opposite. A budget can provide you more freedom, joy, and transparency than you have ever felt before. A budget can strengthen your relationships and give you a sense of clarity about where & what your money is doing. “I need to know what my money is doing?” YES! You deserve and should demand to know what your money is doing at all times. I have found that when I know what my money is doing, I can eat better, sleep better, and be better. It is that serious; money has been said to be one of the main causations of divorce. According to Ramsey (2018), “The number one issue couples fight about is also a topic many couples avoid discussing — money.” The question is, why would married couples allow money to be the cause of their ultimate marital demise? Simple, people want to buy what they want, and when they can’t, they have a full-on adult temper tantrum.

We are better than this; we can master the management of our money. If you can do that, you can master anything. How do you start to create a budget? Simple, you need to know where your money is going and how much you have to spend. Once you gather this information, create a short and long-term financial goal plan. How do you plan on paying off your debt? How do you plan on making a savings plan? Or an emergency plan? Get specific. Once you have all this down on paper, have a conversation with your spouse or family/friends. You may ruffle a few feathers; people don’t like talking about finances. I don’t know why? Everyone has them … get a financial plan and make sure to discuss your financial plan with those you love and live with. I have included some tools for your financial success.

Happy budgeting,
Jenice

Reference:

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Make a Budget Worksheet. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet.pdf

Financial Wellness Program. (n.d.). Five Steps to Creating a Budget. Retrieved from https://www.umcu.org/umcu/media/Documents/FiveStepstoCreatingaBudget_January2019.pdf

Ramsey, D. (n.d.). Ramsey Budget Useful Forms. Retrieved from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/useful-forms

Ramsey, D. (n.d.). Money Ruining Marriages in America: A Ramsey Solutions study. Retrieved from https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/newsroom/releases/money-ruining-marriages-in-america

Choose Self-Care

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Waking up in the morning starts with random thoughts of important to-do list items to get completed for the day. All goes well until your feet hit the ground. A flood of thoughts saturate your mind when you realize that you still have your toothbrush in your hand as you grab the last bit of toilet tissue. Once again, your spouse has left you stranded on the throne. You may as well add this to your list of to-do “purchase more toilet tissue.” Why and how does your day become consumed with other people’s to-do items? You remember when it happened … when you stopped journaling, when you stopped paying attention to your happiness in the simple things … it is time to reclaim your time, your sense of self, and your to-do list!

I became fascinated with “Self-Care” when I overheard my spouse chatting on the phone about how much she had to do, when in fact … her list of to-do lists was my to-do list. I realized I missed doing special things for myself. I started down a rabbit hole of information and found some pretty useful items. To be clear, as stated by Lawler (2021), “Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.” Self-care does not mean to be selfish or acting selfishly, a huge difference. We all need to do some level of self-care.

How do we start to self-care for ourselves? We can start by not feeling like we have to do everything for everyone all the time. We can establish healthy boundaries and ensure that we communicate how and why overstepping our boundaries is inappropriate when people overstep those boundaries. We can express our needs and wants effectively with proactive discussions about complex topics. But what I found to be the most helpful way to start self-care is to wake up with an attitude of gratitude and continue checking in with myself throughout the day.

Self-care may be a new term for you but rest assured that this practice has been around for years. I am encouraging you to choose self-care for a better way of living and interacting with all in your life. I have included some resources for you to utilize for your self-care journey. Remember, we can only live one day, one moment, and one minute at a time; make sure to live it the way you choose to.

Be well,
Jenice

References:

Hardy, J. (2017). Self Care Project. Retrieved from https://www.blurtitout.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/The-Self-Care-Project-worksheets.pdf

Lawler, M., Phillips, Q., Revelant, J., Millard, E., Landau, M. D., & Russell, T. (2021). What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Critical for Your Health?: Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/

Self Care Challenge. (n.d.). Retrieved 2021, from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/575cf8c120c647c0a0062afa/t/5a1f4308e4966bb1ff15b754/1511998216344/self care workbook.pdf

Organizational Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans

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Photo by: Nicolas Swatz

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a must. In light of the recent and past events, I would challenge all organizations to create an action plan for diversity and inclusion. An action plan should include creating real, actual, tangible, active strategic plans for addressing and implementing diversity and inclusion policies and updated training for new and current employees. These actions should include the history of the organization’s workforce and an analysis of the organization’s actual issues of a lack of diversity and inclusion. This is the perfect time to put all the words that have been spoken into action.

The good news is organizations don’t have to make this a large budgetary line item. Implementing diversity and inclusion is super simple. First, create an on-going survey using an online internal or external tool to gather information about specific items that are pressing to employees. This survey can include fill-in-the-blank sections to allow for thorough feedback to be received. Once the survey is completed, organize the data and share the information with the entire organization. This is a fantastic way to ensure everyone has a say, and all are able to share and offer solutions. Keep in mind; there will be a mixed bag of feedback. All feedback is not going to positive. That is the whole point of finding out what employees are thinking, feeling, and suffering with. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

Create signage stating “No Discrimination” to post on buildings and outside areas for all to have a visual that your organization will not tolerate discrimination. If we can post “No Smoking/Vaping” signage, a “No Discrimination” signage should be just as simple. Using a visual will provide those that feel the need to be inappropriate reminders of the organization’s new culture. This action is of little cost to the organization.

Assign human resource departments (or other qualified employees) the task of conducting individual as well as mass “No Discrimination” training and webinars. We have all been through the traditional diversity and inclusion training (normally completed in an online setting). This is too important of a topic for material to simply be sent out for employees to click through PowerPoint slides mindlessly. That is not effective enough anymore. We need human-to-human contact to grasp the full understanding for real change to happen. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

Lastly, assign employees the responsibility of holding their peers accountable when inappropriate behavior is seen/heard. Employee evaluations should include any discrimination action taken by the employee to show the severity of the “No Discrimination” policy and standards of the organization. Most onboarding processes include a series of questions. Situational interview questions should also include discrimination for candidates better to understand the organizations culture of “No Discrimination”. This action is of little to no cost to the organization.

With the use of tools and technology, there are ways of quickly gaining an overview of the intrinsic disparities and cultural indifferences within an organization. For organizations to address discrimination in the workplace, real change is needed ASAP. There is no time like the present; this phrase is more than true right now.

If you don’t know where to start, you are welcome to start by utilizing my Prezi Presentation on “Diversity and Inclusion” as a first start.

Reference:  Dr. Jenice Armstead – Prezi Diversity and Inclusion

Just Saying …

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One Light in a Dark Place
Let’s start by saying, there is a lot is going on in the world, in society, and everywhere.  I have come to realize that regardless of whether you want to admit it, race is a factor of systematic discrimination. Period. I am sure you have stories, I have stories, and there are plenty of stories in the news to be outraged about.  There comes a time when talking just isn’t enough. Talking is an outstanding motivatng factor for initiating strategic change. But, real change comes with direct actions.  Action is the true synchronized mobility for change.

Too often as a black woman, I’ve been asked by people that don’t look like me how it is that I’m able to stay motivated, positive, and successful. Truth be told, it’s hard. It’s hard waking up and remembering that my natural hair has to be tailored to a customized fashion in order to appease people that don’t understand my hair texture. It’s hard to ensure that I find the right cosmetic foundation that matches my skin tone. It’s hard to ensure not to slip up and accidentally use an urban phrase or term in a meeting for fear of being labeled “ghetto.” It’s even harder to go to the grocery store and pick up a vegan or gluten-free item without receiving unsolicited and passive aggressive opinions about how “good it is” that eat well. Overall, it’s hard being black.

Although, I would not change my culture and my background for anything. What I would change is how people see it as a great divider. Statistically, I should not have college degree, be married, own a business, own home, speak “well” or be a vegan – just to name a few of my attibutes.  I often speak in motivational settings about success and staying focused.  As a segway several speaking topics, I talk about academic disparities I faced.  In tha same thought I speak about how I “blew it out of the water” and earned a Doctorate in my early 30’s.  I realized early on, that I had to mindfuly use approachablity tactics when speaking to predominantly non-black audiances to reduce my intimidation factor.  Yes, black women have to think about things like this – along with everything else.

Way too often, when I’m approached by peers and executive leadership to engage in “small talk” about myself.  I find myself having to explain my cultural background, academic career and how I was able to do it.  The conversation is almost always passive-aggressive. During a diversity meeting at one of the organizations I previously worked for, we had an open forum about “Race in the Classroom.” I knew how it was gonna go, I knew what was gonna be said, and I knew that there was gonna be no change put in place after the dawnting three-hour conversation was over.

At the end of the meeting, nothing was resolved, and nothing was written down toward strategic actions for ensuring the organization had more cultural sensitivity in the classroom. What did happen was myself and a co-worker we’re casually discussing the overall conversation.  I was asked specifically what it was like to be black? I gathered all of the strength from my black ancestors and started to regurgitate a default answer from memory, but instead stopped myself.  I decided to anwer honestly, instead of using my rehearshed template.  I specifically said “it’s hard being black, especially a black woman knowing that each and every day I have to prepare myself for the world mentally. The world does not see me as an educated woman. The world sees me as a black woman. The world does not see any of my accomplishments, accolades, dreams, or fears. The world does not see what I’ve done for my community, what I do for my students, or my motivational drive to ensure to be a good role model to little black girls and boys everywhere I go.”   I remember realizing that it was more than my co-worker could handle.  And decided to stop speaking.  She finally removed her hand from her mouth. I will never forget the look on her face. She simply replied with “That must be exhausting, I don’t see how you do it.” I replied, “I have no choice, it’s just the way it is – for now.”

Unfortunatly, the primitive factor of the color of your skin matters – it shouldn’t, but it does. But I’ve decided that the color of my skin is not a hindrance or a burden, it’s a gift.  I love being black, and I am a strong, educated, outspoken, sponky, lesbian, black woman.  Regardless of what the world throws at black folks, we always regroup, dust ourselves off and try again. It is literally in our DNA. We have a right to be happy, to be upset, to be angry, to be successful, to voice my opinion, to choose who to love, to do anything that brings happiness, positivity, and light to this world. That is where we stand, that is where we are coming from, and that is what we deserve.

Jenice

Take Care of Yourself

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People often say as a closing or departing phrase, “Take care of yourself.” One smiles and replies with the same or adding an additional pleasantry. When you think of taking care of yourself, you may think of eating healthy, exercising, or keeping mentally upbeat. When in fact, “Take care of yourself” as a statement is one of the most beautiful phrases one can say to another. Bear with me, simple but true – “Take Care” implies that you should pay attention to how you are taking care of yourself. When you think negative thoughts, you are not taking care of yourself. When you decide on grabbing fast food for convenience, you are not taking care of yourself. Even negative mental “chatter” about how far off from a goal you are, is not taking care of yourself. Deciding not to live out your purpose, is not taking care of yourself. Can you think of ways you can honor the proclaimed statement, “Take care of yourself?”

Let’s start with our thoughts, whether we believe it or not, thoughts become things. They may become negative or positive things that affect our lives in different ways. Today, make it practice to focus on not only taking care of yourself but paying attention to ways that no longer serve you in positive ways. It can be something as simple as waking up and starting a new practice of saying aloud, “I am awake, and for that, I am grateful.” Those that start their day with an “attitude of gratitude,” tend to take better care of themselves and those around them.

Be well,

Jenice

Resources: Gratitude and Hope. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.winona.edu/resilience/Media/Gratitude-Journal-Worksheet.pdf


Don’t Get Mad … Get Motivated

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We all have talents. We have strengthens. Do not be afraid of your own motivation and success. We know we have accelerated knowledge in our skill-sets, even when others try to emulate our work. The infringing part of impersonation is, it is never as good as the original. The original is just that, one of a kind, not able to be duplicated with slight or extreme differences. The best part about “the original” is there is and will always be, only one – of a kind. You are one of a kind.

What You Do Matters

Photo: Luke Webb

In this uncertain time, it is not the time to get mad. Instead, get motivated. Get motivated to be the very best you, you can be. There is always a way to look at the brighter side of things, even when all seems far off. You can do this. What have you wanted to do that you didn’t have the time to do? Do you want to get healthier? Come up with a plan. You don’t need a gym to work out and feel great. Have you wanted to start a blog about your favorite hobby? Do it, and there are a ton of free resources for you to get started. You don’t need an elaborate fancy website to share your ideas. Is there a new career venture you have been putting off? Why? The only way to know is to go for it and truly put your whole self into it.

We all have the time to think and seriously ponder on what makes us intrinsically happy. I am sure you have chatted with friends and family about all the things you love to do, that you are currently not able to do. The great part is you will have a chance to do those things you love to do – just in different ways. What will emerge from this significant time in our history? Some of the best ideas came from great disasters (natural and human-made). It is time to get motivated and stay focused. We are all important and have greatness to contribute to this beautiful world. Don’t get mad; get motivated.

Be well,
Jenice

Resources:

Self-Motivation Explained 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself. (2020, April 22). Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/self-motivation/

Boosting Motivation Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://thiswayup.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/This-Way-Up-Boosting-motivation-guide.pdf

How to Write a Business Plan

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Two Woman in Black Sits on Chair Near Table

Hey hey hey … it’s Dr. Jaye,

Are you in need of a business plan, yet don’t know where to start? Are you a business owner (large or small), and never needed a business plan and now find yourself having to gather all of your business information and put it in one place (i.e., a business plan)? Do you need a business plan to submit to the Small Business Administration for a loan? What to do? Well, I got you. Let’s jump into this super simple method for getting your business organized and set up for success!

Creating a business plan can be frustrating and confusing. Why do you need a business plan? What do you need to have in a business plan? What are some business plan options?  What can a business plan be used for? Well, I have answered all of these questions and more in my quick video “How to Write a Business Plan,” and I have also provided the template reviewed in the video. The best part about this transparent business plan template is it provides prompts and questions to better allow for successful completion of a clear and concise developed business plan.

Remember, writing a business plan does not have to be an overwhelming task. Take it one section at a time and do your research. There are tons of free resources to help you develop an amazing business plan. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have. As always, I am here for you and your success!

Dr. Jaye

YouTube Video:  How to Write a Business Plan by Dr. Jaye

Reference: Writing a Business Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved April 29, 2020, from https://www.va.gov/osdbu/docs/vepBusinessPlanOutline.pdf

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.