CDA Insights

Jan 16
2 min

Coaching and Performance: A Relationship Centered Approach

Clever sayings can guide a coach's approach to their work. The coach may aim to be a “guide on the side, not a sage on the stage.” Or a coach could follow a model, such as the SPIRO model (Specificity, Performance, Involvement, Realism, Observability). A coach may even employ several theories, from CIP to RIASEC. Whatever guidance the coach selects, it should be regularly reviewed, and possibly updated, so as to not limit their ability to serve clients. If the relationship is

Dec 19, 2022
3 min

Future Waves: Unlocking Relevant Development

Readers of CDA Insights can look at published issues and see all the topics covered over the years. In fact, the 10th anniversary of this publication will occur in February 2023! The issues of the past two Decembers have provided thoughts on “Letting Go of the Past” and staying focused on “The Present." Naturally, the future is this month's spotlight. It could be argued that every issue is about the future – and published topics such as “Dreams” or “Optimism” concur – because

Oct 17, 2022
3 min

Minds at Work: The Role of Social-Emotional Skills in the World of Work

Can all skills be taught? Who is the better teacher of soft skills: parents, schools, employers, friends? Which jobs require the most skills, including non-technical and soft skills? Answers to these questions are as numerous as any Google search (i.e., hundreds of results). While we may be able to easily name skills that employers want, such as critical thinking or resourcefulness, we may not readily define them as social-emotional skills or give them high priority at all st

Jul 18, 2022
3 min

Creative Tools: Interventions that Aid Goal Attainment

After acknowledging the value of tradition, the 21st century career counselor focuses attention on creativity so as to serve clients effectively. This means terms like new, shift, renovated, flexibility, dynamic, imagination, innovation, and non-linear thinking... are constantly in the mind of the career counselor. More research could help with understanding and implementing creativity in the counseling relationship. In the meantime, bringing attention to the importance of cr

Jun 20, 2022
3 min

Weighty Decisions: Multiple Factors and Choices

One client shares a worry over when to get a degree while family responsibilities and health care are significant time-drains. Another client is unsure about applying for an opportunity that is a long-shot, when a recent work review was less than stellar. A group career session shows consensus over the financial concerns of changing jobs in the current economic conditions. While none of these issues is new to the career development professional, the frequency and intensity of

Aug 16, 2021
2 min

Dysfunctional Thoughts: Hindrances to Successful Career Problem Solving

Because life isn't always rosy, we may need to take time to look at what is interfering with the chance of a positive outcome to a career decision, change, or aspiration. Career practitioners have said it is better to move toward something than run away from something, and this applies to case of dysfunctional thoughts. Facing them, examining their source, and implementing interventions may remove the hindrance. Sure, you'd rather stop and smell the roses. Just remember that

Mar 15, 2021
2 min

Team Work: Factors that Lead to a Better World

The more distanced the world became in 2020, the more the desire for connectedness increased. Workers knew intuitively that they needed to get their work done safely and remotely while staying on top of the needs of the team, department and organization. Even as individuals were pulled from their focus on the work of the team due to personal care at home, especially school-aged or ill loved ones, the team spirit stayed strong or supported arising weaknesses. If career profes

Dec 21, 2020
2 min

The Present: Focusing on What Is Needed Right Now

No one wants to spend the last few days of 2020 looking back at a year that was fraught with fear, change and challenges. Looking to 2021 may not be better because the future is too uncertain. Let's just focus on the present! Do you have what you need right now to be effective at serving your clients and taking care of yourself? ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by freestocks on Unsplash FOCUS ON: Today and Only Today Appreciating what w

Aug 17, 2020
2 min

Wisdom: Knowledge Increases Effective Decision Making

Most people know the quote “With age comes wisdom” but few know the five words that actually follow: “...sometimes age comes alone.” Perhaps Oscar Wilde doesn't want to sound too smug or too optimistic. With this in mind, it is probably best to encourage all career development professionals to assist their clients in gaining wisdom, especially about themselves. Don't forget, Wilde also said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@c

Jul 20, 2020
2 min

Enhancing the Job Search: Successful Tricks when Facing a Tricky Search

Of course the all-important word “LinkedIn” is going to be included somewhere on this page about enhancing the job search. There is no such thing as a successful job search without it. But what else can a job seeker do and what else can a career coach say when faced with trying times and unprecedented challenges? There are always more ways to enhance a job search! ~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com Photo by Sheri Hooley on Unsplash FOCUS ON: O

May 18, 2020
2 min

Supervision: More Effective Management Improves Relationships

Sometimes it seems like supervisors are constantly looking over the shoulder of workers and other times supervisors are at too great a distance (literally, when working remotely). Workers may want or need more or less supervision but are unsure how to ask for it or make use of it. Not being in the same building does not erase the need for effective management of the supervisor-worker relationship. Career counselors can help both navigate the distance gap, prepare for importan

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