Workforce development is an important initiative for local governments and businesses that want to cultivate a robust, interconnected and community-based workforce and employer network. The goal of workforce development is to create a career path for individuals, while enhancing economic opportunities for businesses and communities. Workforce development benefits individuals by investing in personal and professional growth leading to a successful career, advancement and job satisfaction. Benefits for employers include: • Consistent pipeline of talent • Lower turnover rate • Improved…...
Meaningful Dialogue is More Than Active Listening
In his bestselling book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey encourages us to “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” To understand what is really going on today requires active listening and a willingness to embrace the uncomfortable. There has never been a more important time for your organization to participate in meaningful dialogue than today. Not many of us alive today can remember the civil rights movement. There are certainly not many in the workforce that participated in this…...
I AM NOT OKAY.
A few weeks ago, I shared thoughts and reflections in a Tampa Bay Times Op-ed on being a Black Man in America. I have received hundreds if not thousands of unsolicited responses, with many apologizing and many asking if I am ok. Well, I am not ok. Allow me to explain. I appreciate those reaching out to ask what they can do; I am not ok with people reaching out just to say I am sorry. I know many feel…...
Maintaining Your Routine During COVID-19
For some time now, the transition to teleworking seemed like a no-brainer for so many occupations. Then, a global pandemic struck that changed everything and forced us to work remotely. None of us has any personal point of reference on how to run a business or perform our jobs in a pandemic world. Seemingly overnight, an immediate paradigm shift in how we work and what we need to do to sustain our businesses was upon us. Here's what we’ve learned:…...
Old School Ways in a Telework World
With the outbreak of a global pandemic, now more than ever, companies are transitioning to teleworking. And advances in technology have made it possible. The undeniable reality though is that our younger generation and the generations to follow will continue to progress toward a more remote, offsite, telework world. Those of us who have been in the workforce for decades have had to evolve and adapt to these inevitable advances in the ways in which we perform our jobs. Blending the…...
3 Valuable Insights Your Brand Likely Needs Right Now
Around the world, all of us are settling into this idea of a new normal. This new consumer and business lifestyle is demanding a new playbook for brand marketing. The messaging, tone, and communication channels are fluid. Here are 3 insights that all brands should be considering: Acknowledge the situation. As the world looks for a new way forward through this challenging time, brands need to remain relevant and show their human side. A compassionate approach will result in long-term…...
Virtual Go-To-Assist
IT Changes. The world of IT support changed one morning with the advent of COVID-19. We used to be able to visit our customers in person and put our hands on the technology. We are now 100% remote support. Virtually, we're on-call around the clock to be there when needed. Cyber Threats Everywhere. We have remained focused on keeping our systems and processes secure from identity and data theft and we ask you all to help us keep security on…...
Social Distance Relationships CAN Telework
Communication – It’s key to any successful relationship…AND being informed. Contact by email and meetings by phone or videoconference are critical tools to allow us to remain in contact and be responsive to requests for information. Laptops are vital tools to successfully access all the necessary programs and sites we use on a regular basis. Microsoft Teams enables us to share desktops and collaborate on projects -- keeping us productive, the workflow smooth, creating fewer disruptions to our new normal.…...
How a Pandemic Brought Us Closer to Our Clients
In the world of marketing and communications, in-person meetings ending with firm handshakes are vital. Due to the spread of COVID-19, those days are cancelled until further notice. As more and more companies pivoted to work-from-home models that include virtual meeting options, the initial belief was this would be devastating for marketing and communications professionals. However, what we’ve found at Vistra is that despite communications challenges, we’re building even stronger bonds with our clients. Here are three ways to form…...
Gratitude, Even in a Pandemic
How thankful are we for technology right now? Very thankful. Technology lets Vistra get our work done remotely. We’re in communication more now than when we were together under one roof! This situation is challenging us to hone our communication skills. Video conferencing lets us maintain a human connection. And since the daily distractions that come with an office environment aren’t present, we have an opportunity to leverage productivity. Nonetheless, we know socialization is workplace glue. It bonds people. It…...