For many this is a great time of year.  Time to be with family.  Time to be thankful.  Time to get cool presents.  But for many others, your struggle to find work continues as unemployment stays high and employers remain reluctant to make hiring decisions.

Here’s hoping that 2011 brings more positive news.  While the trends have been going in the right direction for a while, the numbers aren’t where we’d like or we’ll need them to be.

So as I make my toast to 2011 (and give my pups a kiss) I’ll be:

• Thankful for my great job,
• Wishing for economic prosperity, and
• Hoping that all of you currently looking for work find your place.

Everyone out there — please join me!

If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’ve taken a break for the past several months.  I have no good excuse.  It wasn’t my health issues that got in the way.  It isn’t that I’m so busy at work that I don’t have time to talk with you.  I’m not out of ideas and opinions regarding the world of work.  So I guess I really have no good reason for the break.  But, the reason for this post is to tell you that I’m back.

Starting in 2011 I’ll make every effort to comment on the changing world of work on a weekly basis — at the least.  In the meantime, I’ll update you on what’s been happening with me…

You know that in July 0f 2009, I learned that my breast cancer (originally treated in 1999) had metastasized to my bones.  I started weekly chemo on August 9, 2009, and it will continue indefinitely.  But the extremely good news is the treatment is working: 

• My quarterly PET scans are clear.
• I actually like getting the treatments because the facility is pleasant, the nurses are fabulous and I’m actively doing something to stay healthy. 
• I feel great. 
• I think I look pretty good (if I do say so myself).
• I’m happy.
• I’m particularly excited about what’s going on at Manpower and the role I’m playing here.

I’m one of the very lucky ones!

So I’d really appreciate it if you’d stay tuned.  I’d also appreciate your comments on my posts.  And, finally, I’ll appreciate your continued support.

Have you ever dreamed of ditching that desk job for your dream?  I have!  I’d try to figure out something to do with dogs — a dog day care, go back to school to be a vet tech, a serious dog walker and sitter… whatever works. 

Read Ditching the Office for the Outdoors in U.S. News & World Report about someone who has done just that.  He didn’t ditch the suit for dogs, but he did develop a successful second career that takes him outdoors and keeps him active.

What is your dream?

These are my favorite two days of the year, but this time there were conflicts.  Olympic figure skating?  Or Westminster Dog Show?  Tough decision — thank goodness for DVR so I got to see both.  But I had two late nights in a row!

About Westminster… gorgeous, fabulous, beautiful and exciting as usual (although the female commentator on USA got on my nerves).  This year there were three new breeds:  Irish Red and White Setter, Pyrenean Shepherd and Norwegian Buhund.  See pictures at the Westminster site.  Way cool dogs but they didn’t advance.  I wonder how the veterans accept these newbies.  My hunch is they are accepted with grace — we could learn a few things from our canine friends.

The best in show line-up was fabulous.  I was cheering for Bru the terrific French bulldog, but the winner was the number one dog in the country — Sadie the Scottish Terrier.  I loved her reaction — sincere, unbridled excitement at being recognized.

Congratulations, Sadie!

If any of you feel virtual meetings are not as good as face to face, please read on.

For the past ten years, Manpower has held Global Leadership Team meetings in various places around the world.  Approximately 100 top managers from the company gather at the beginning of the year to discuss strategy and tactics for the year ahead.  It was always a highlight to travel to a cool place to hear from top management and to get together with colleagues.

But this recession changed our approach.  Last year, for the first time, we held the meeting virtually.  Many were skeptical and felt that the value of the meeting would be diminished to the point that it wouldn’t be worth the savings.  Well, were we wrong!

I felt — and I know many of my colleagues felt — that last year’s meeting was the best ever… because:

• No one was jet-lagged or had, had too much to drink the night before.
• We weren’t sitting in a huge, darkened, crowded room listening to talking heads and watching powerpoint slides — trying to stay awake.
• Every voice was heard during our discussion threads.
• Accents did not get in the way of understanding — we could understand those who didn’t speak English very well and they had the opportunity to read rather than hear the very fast, idiom-filled comments from the Americans.

The consensus was we all were more engaged and learned much more than in past years.  And the commitments we made were seen by all so the accountability during the past year was at an all-time high.

This year’s meeting starts today.  I can’t wait!

Yes.  Even though I’m a baby boomer, I do know what LOL means — laugh out loud.  And that’s what my Wilson makes me do every single day.

• He has goofy eyes that look at me from different angles.  I call them his ‘goo-goo-googly’ eyes.
• His legs can’t get traction on my hardwood floors so he’ll start out sitting very smartly and end up flat on the floor with his back legs splayed out behind him. 
• When his big sister Hannah has a rawhide, he doesn’t bark or growl — he sits in front of her and talks.  I can almost understand him whining, “It’s not fair that you get the rawhide.  I know you’re older, wiser and much bigger, but I want something to chew on, too.”
• When I walk toward the treat jar, he follows me doing 360 degree twirls until he gets his treat.
• And when he settles down in my lap after a long day of play, he sighs with utter contentment.
• I could go on and on…

…but my point is I’m lucky to have the opportunity for a healthy belly laugh every day.  Never underestimate the power of laughter and humor — whether you’re at home or at work.

And if you don’t have a dog (or cat) to laugh at, try laughing at yourself every once in a while.

BTW:  Wilson laughs at me sometimes, too!

What makes you laugh?

… when you grow up?

My answer is, “Just like my Hannah.”  No, I don’t want to be a dog, but she has qualities I admire:

• She is gorgeous!
• She is serene.
• She is fit.
• She is independent, yet
• She is obedient.
• She is very happy ‘in her skin.’
• She loves unconditionally.
• She accepts everyone (even the postal carrier) without judgment.

If I keep working at it… maybe someday!

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This post may look familiar to you — it’s one of my very favorites from 2007.  And I think it’s a good way to lead into the holiday season.

You know how I feel about my pups and I found out today that my little Wilson is Doggy Day Care’s December Dog of the Month — big title for a little guy.  Please click on the link to see his picture and read about how he spends his days.

While I’m on the subject, I’d like to tell you how both of my dogs (Hannah is Wilson’s sister) have handled my “new normal.”  It doesn’t seem fair that their lives should be changed because I’m sick, but the fact is I haven’t always felt perfect, my energy is less than usual and I’ve had house guests in and out for the past five months.  They’ve handled all this disruption with nearly perfect composure.

I am one of those who believe dogs can pick up on what’s going on with their human parents — so I believe they have been a bit more gentle, more patient and a lot more loving since I learned of my metastasis.  What great dogs!

But back to Wilson’s honor — it makes me feel good that the guys at Day Care really care about him.  And it might sound very silly, but I really am proud.  And how cute is he?

P.S.  His honor has gone to his head a bit!

Today’s guest blogger is Mark Toth, Chief Legal Officer of Manpower North America.  Read more about Mark and his many talents, and be sure to visit his blawg.

Mark has a question for all of you . . . _____________________________________________________________

According to studies conducted by big-brained business researchers, what is the absolute #1 most important trait a leader must have to be successful? Here are your choices:

1. Charisma
2. Intelligence
3. Proactivity
4. Results-orientation
5. Communication skills
6. Smooth dance moves
7. Coordinating accessories
8. Humility

Tune in tomorrow for the answer.

I’ve hired a twelve-year-old neighbor to walk my dogs for me several days a week.  Benny is adorable, articulate and empathetic way beyond his years.

When he saw me bald for the first time a few days ago his instant response was, “You look good, but this doesn’t change you as a person.  You’re still who you are.”

Good answer, Benny.  What a guy!