Welcome

Leigh Johnson

Congratulations to the IPANZ New Professionals for the superb conference held last month here in Wellington.  The future of the public sector is in good hands judging by the enthusiasm and vitality displayed by the participants. 

As well as contributing to the professional development workshop programme The Johnson Group used the event to develop our own understanding of the next generation of the country's leaders. It is becoming increasingly evident that 'Generation Y' are a different breed of employee. Independent, socially conscious, technologically savvy with a strong career focus are words that are consistently used to try and summarise what makes a Generation Y employee tick. But, while academics and multinational recruitment companies can come up with generic models and characteristics, what about Wellingtonians? Do these ideas perfectly match the future leaders in our city?  

As recruitment specialists to the public sector, we need to constantly tune into your unique characteristics and create a recruitment programme tailored to your preferences. This will ensure we can fully support your own career transistions, as we help your future employers understand you.  

In the news....

Wellingtonians have NZ's heaviest wallets

Wages in Wellington are the highest in New Zealand, according to information released by Statistics New Zealand.

The survey found that Wellingtonians' quarterly earnings averaged at $11,070 - $40 ahead of Aucklanders, and $1,240 above the national average.  

Leigh believes that this is partly due to the tight labour market in Wellington. "Wellington has a pool of well qualified and experienced candidates who are really attractive to potential employers. As such, in a market where the candidate is faced with lots of opportunities, these employers are looking at ways of attracting the best talent. Naturally salaries are part of this, but in the employment market you also need to focus on factors such as career advancement and professional development. The joys of a fuller wallet will not be as great if you are in the wrong job." says Leigh.

And this is a trend that looks likely to continue to benefit Wellington's workers. The Department of Labour's new Skills in the Labour Market Report, released just last weeks, says; “recruitment conditions have improved for employers over the past year as economic growth has eased and more people entered the workforce, but the labour market is likely to remain tight for some time.”

What lost for words really means...

Civil servants are placing undue stress and pressure on themselves through not being able to read properly, says speed reading expert Jacque Aldridge.

Jacque, who has been teaching speed reading for many years, believes that in today's workplaces people are bombarded with information. For example, a recent report found that 83% of office workers indicated that they could not keep up with all the background information they must absorb.

"If you just take a look at any desk, you will find a pile of papers that need to be read, a computer with an e-mail inbox that always appears to be full and folders full of background notes and information for up and coming meetings and briefings."

"For many, there are just not enough hours in the day to read all the information, let alone absorb it all as well."

"People develop their reading habits when they are young. The problem is that as you get older you have to read in different ways to cope and manage all the information that comes your way."

The brain drain - a rude awakening or just hot air?

It is a debate that is getting the country's leaders hot under the collar. Are one way flights across the Tasman looking increasingly more attractive for New Zealanders? Are the pavements and offices of Canberra really made of low-taxed gold? 

No one can argue that there are disparities in wages. The average civil servant in Canberra earns more and is taxed less. Furtherstill, as Wellingtonians pull on winter coats while some of their Aussie counterparts show off their winter tan, a trip to Flight Centre does look appealing.

"The grass always looks greener on the other side," says Leigh. "At The Johnson Group we do see some of our contacts head off to Australia, but we also help a host of Aussies, Brits and Americans find work on this side of the Tasman. It is not so much of a brain drain as a brain exchange."

So what is it that attracts these people to New Zealand's shores? 

Simon recently arrived in Wellington from Sydney. For him the ability to directly influence Government on a national and international level was a real draw card for NZ. "Australia has more levels of government. Most civil servants answer to the State Government who only have limited responsibilities. The size and nature of the Government over here means that you feed directly into how national, and therefore international policy, is directed. The opportunities to see your work make a real difference increase no end."

There are also differences in working practices says Leigh. "In Australia there is a shortage of workers within Government. While it does mean that there is plenty of opportunity, there are also some downsides. The Community and Public Sector Union in Australia are disappointed that the Federal Government continues to cut administrative costs. This causes staff increased stress as it increases their workloads with more mundane tasks."

And while you are earning more, you may also be faced with increased expenses. Child care costs can be three times more expensive than in New Zealand, car tax is double and rent and housing costs are substanially higher.

And then of course there is Wellington itself. "Wellington is continually seen as being one of the best cities in the world to live in. Our quality of life is second to none," says Leigh.

"Ultimately any new experience, especially time overseas, will add value to your CV. But the reason for seeking these experiences should be seen in the context of your career path. We always tell our candidates to look at any decison they make in terms of how it will impact their future in the long run, and not be led by short term benefits."

Job Doctor

I am looking at new jobs at the moment as I want to take on more responsibility. But there is one area that I am nervous about, and that is having to manage people. While I am confident in my own abilities, I have never been "the boss" before. I am being hired for my knowledge and experience, but will be partially judged on something I have never done before. How can I best prepare myself for these new challenges? 

Paul, Wellington City

Taking on new responsibilities, such as managing people, is always unchartered water.

Qualifications are fundamental to any career path. You need the right training and education to show that you have much of the knowledge to do a job. However, there are areas that you can only learn through practical experience, such as being the manager.

A successful manager is someone who understands themselves. The key to developing your management style is to know your own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what makes your employee tick is great, but only by understanding how to get the best out of yourself will you be able to help others achieve their best.

And this is not necessarily a personal thing. Having external ways of testing how you act to a situation will help your more natural, rather than considered, reactions come to the fore. You will be able to see how others view you, not how you view yourself. 

"Our clients always believe that good management and leadership is the act of setting the right example. Your actions and reactions need to speak as loud as your words," says Leigh. "That is why if you can show that you are taking steps to not only build your formal qualifications, but also to develop your management style, you are adding strings to your bow when it comes to setting your career path."

And finally...

It was a wise man who said: "No one can ever know everything, but everyone can always learn something." So to help you make the most of your skills, while ensuring your career path is pointing in the right direction, The Johnson Group are proud to offer you two workshops:

Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator                6 July

Rapid Reading & Enhanced Memory Skills      7 July

Find out more by calling us here at The Johnson Group
Phone 04 473 6699 or email info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz

Full course overviews are available at www.RealisingHumanPotential.com and www.SpeedReadWrite.com