Identity & Values
Since my late teens, I have found Eric Ericson’s 8 Psychosocial Life Stages a very useful guide as to what needs to be addressed at each life stage if one is to become and remain psychologically healthy. See Ericson Life Stages.
Here are some of the basics. It is appropriate to have a mini crisis at each significant stage of one’s life. Resolving each stage successfully, places one in a good position to navigate the next one.
e.g. If one does not establish their identity by their early 20’s one has difficulty in managing the next crises, Intimacy v’s Isolation. It is challenging being in a deep and enduring relationship with someone who does not know who they are.
When one gets to around 65 to 75, one has another crisis to be managed, Ego Integrity vs Despair. Research shows that most older people are more satisfied and happier than at any time of their lives (there are those that are never happy!!!).
One of the challenges during this transition from work life is to remould ones’ identity.
e.g. If one has a strong professional identity as say a surgeon, but cannot practice any longer, one feels lost and of less worth. This is especially the case if one’s life has had a narrow focus, a problem more common with men, hence the despair for many at retirement.
The best ways to address these transitions is firstly to recognise these are challenges one must have, as only then is the crisis able to be resolved. Our core values do not change much over our lives and I believe being clear on one’s values leads to better choices and greater adaptability. The kid that builds ramps to jump bikes over, who then climbs mountains, then starts a business, is putting values such as achievement and adventure into practice. When they “retire” they do not stop living these values, they go on things such as volunteering, adventurous holidays, going on challenging hikes with their grandchildren. They live out their values in a different way by remoulding their identity.
e.g. From, say businessperson to fun grandparent.
We in the HR field can help employees be happier and more productive if we support them in clarifying their values. They will be able to make better career decisions, and make decisions post formal work with more confidence.
BlessingWhite has outstanding expertise in programs that foster productivity and satisfaction. (I no longer have a financial interest in the BW or GP Strategies)
Contact Ben Keher <bkeher@gpstrategies.com> +61 2 8226 8586 for more information
Save Over 80% on Foreign Currency Exchange
We are currently doing some work in Japan and South Africa. I hate the fact that a large part of our margin is lost on money transfers. I have come across an organisation, Airwallex that does money transfers for about 10% of what a bank would charge.
This is how they describe their service:
“Airwallex is rapidly growing Australian fintech specialising in international payments. Through our platform, customers can realize the following benefits:
Send international payments at scale using local clearing systems. Payments arrive the next day and fees are minimal.
Save significant cost on foreign exchange (FX). Our FX engine provides direct access to interbank FX rates regardless of volume and size.
Collect funds overseas from customers or your website via collection accounts. Control how you manage and convert these funds with our FX and payment engines.
All of our solutions are accessible through our robust APIs or user-friendly Web App. We are expanding our products and soon launching a prepaid multi-currency card and payment gateway.”
I know many HR people are not that interested in financial matters, but if you do have business overseas, you will be doing your organization a favour by letting them know about this service.
For information contact Dave Stein <dave.stein@airwallex.com> (+61 428 499 651)
Coaching Consulting Assignment Jakarta
Our sophisticated client needs to provide coaching services for their client in Jakarta. Our top choice, Ina, may not available. We seek to give our client 3 options, so would like to hear from leadership consultants living in Jakarta, who are fluent in English and Bahasa.
reg@polson.com.au
Software Consultant/Trainers Assignments Bangalore, Shanghai & Sydney
Reactor Learning Trainer Qualifications:
5+ years of combined software development experience and/or professional training in software development, specifically in:
Cloud computing fundamentals (concepts, benefits, compliance, scale, deployment models, types of services & their applications)
Development of cloud-based applications (app services, database, data & analytics, virtual machines & their application)
Microsoft Azure (administration, service offerings, set-up / free trial offers, Portal, CLI). Trainers that have obtained Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals, and/or Microsoft Certified Associate role-based equivalents are a definite plus but not required.
This is an urgent assignment, so if you know of any people located in these 3 cities, please send me their details by Oct 21st if possible, or 22nd latest. reg@polson.com.au
Texting: YouTube
As a HR professional I am committed to promoting safety messages. As someone who dislikes people walking and texting, schadenfreude is experienced in the first and humorous part of this clip. But the safety message at the end is sobering.
Thanks to Winston Marsh for sharing this.
Careful Where You Walk - Click here
Quote
Growing old is inevitable; maturing is optional.
Reg Polson