Dear Colleague:

Happy Spring! I find myself surprised to believe it is already March of 2008 and time for my semi-annual Spring newsletter.  The flowers will start blossoming and it’s a wonderful time to look ahead as we have begun to execute the goals that we have established for the year and feel the weeks flying by!  This seems reflective of our times – everyone continues to be swamped with work and unable to lift their heads up for air as we hear mixed messages of prosperity and economic uncertainty.  As always, I’d like to share some brief updates on the market, our field as well as myself.  There are many good things to celebrate! 

Celebration #1 – Many active industries ►The good news is there is a lot of activity in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, high technology/software, academia and healthcare.  I have heard many executives in these industries say there is a “war for talent” contrary to what the news media is reporting.  We are seeing the complexities of our economy - the financial services industry is facing considerable challenges and we are in the thick of a very interesting political year! More than ever, strong leadership is an essential core competency for any organization!

Celebration #2 – Continued focus on Talent and Leadership Development ►We all know that past history has a track record of sacrificing talent and development during difficult and uncertain times.  That is not the case today.  There is continued and, in many cases, heightened focus on talent acquisition, talent management, learning, and leadership development.  Strategic, proactive and progressive recruitment and retention initiatives are critical for success.  I’d like to share a specific example of this with one of my biotech clients.  Last year their top priority was to put their middle management and senior management teams through a leadership development program for which they engaged my services to design, develop and deliver a series of customized workshops.  After doing so, the Vice President of Human Resources reported a significant and sustainable impact on the roles of this diverse scientific group by providing a total package of leadership skills and creating an effective team oriented environment resulting in a competitive advantage for their organization.  In fact, a recent study conducted by Equation Research and sponsored by Birkman International & Stanton Chase International indicated that their organization’s top needs for facing the future include:  Identifying potential leaders and developing them 67%; Employee retention 54%; Career management 51%; Attracting new leadership or management 48%; Executive coaching 47%; Team Building 46%; and Hiring and selection decisions 45%.

Celebration #3 – Generational and Demographic trends in the workforce are creating a variety of opportunities ►This is the first time we have ever had four generations in the workplace at the same time!  This has created many challenges but I’d like to emphasize the opportunities.  People must approach work in a different way developing a more creative spirit, openness and willingness to think outside of the box resulting in exploration, innovation, and diversity!  There is an intense need for collaboration, mentoring, global awareness and effective team-oriented behaviors.  New work models are being created every day and we are being forced to stimulate strategic initiatives that go beyond the obvious.

Celebration #4 - Programs offered by Rita B. Allen Associates ► My practice has grown very nicely in the two market segments I service – individuals and organizations.  The career coaching services I provide for individuals covers all disciplines and professions and most recently even within the world of professional athletics. My corporate clients also vary across all industries and include a variety of career management consulting and coaching services with content areas specifically around career development, career planning, talent management, management development and leadership development.  Although all of my services are customized to meet each clients’ needs, I offer a variety of programs not limited to the following:

Celebration #5 – Last but not least, on a personal note, I am excited to say I celebrate my third anniversary in business this month!  I remain grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way as I start my fourth year!  It has been an incredible journey being able to fulfill my passion and enjoy every minute of my work!  Another milestone I will achieve this May will be earning a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University where I still remain on staff as an adjunct faculty member as well.  I am looking forward to graduating and highly recommend this program at Northeastern – it has been an enriching and rewarding experience personally and professionally!

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement, your business and your referrals!  It is with extreme pleasure and excitement I move forward as a provider of career management services.  Our field is growing with increased demand and the focus on leadership development remains a common theme in all organizations.   I welcome the opportunity to be of assistance providing career planning/development/coaching, management and executive coaching, as well as human resources consulting services.  Please take a moment to visit my website at www.ritaballenassociates.com if you have not done so in a while to see some recent updates.  I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about  your celebrations!

Best Regards,

Rita