I have an MBA in Finance with a minor in Economics, but just as proudly a B.A. in Theater and a minor in Psychology. For the last 10+ years, I’ve been an organizational consultant specializing in business process improvement and project management, as well as some workplace and private coaching.
I’ve had an array of real-world experience in all kinds of jobs at various levels in the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors. I helped start a transitional residence for formerly incarcerated women, led the start-up of an environmental demonstration project, helped design human-centered IT business processes, and worked on the Chrysler loan workout. I’ve also worked as an extra on All My Children (loved it) and, when I was young, waitressed, ran an elevator, laced skates, built shelves for a community center, and handed out keys in a locker room. And I’ve rounded up cattle. (I just like telling people about that.)
About Work Coach Cafe
Work Coach Cafe is dedicated to the world of work – something that has driven me crazy more times than I care to admit…and yet also never failed to fascinate. All too often workplaces I saw reminded me of beehives that get shaken on a whim. And I found myself looking for chances to help people make sense of the madness. That’s one of the reasons I started this blog.
The advice you find here is almost entirely based on things I’ve learned first hand. (While I do have had some formal training in career planning and development, I try not to let that get in the way.) I’ve been in your shoes – and I remember what it felt like. And I’ve been in “their ” shoes. I’ve applied for jobs – lots and lots of jobs. And I’ve helped hire people.
Hopefully, I can use what I’ve learned in the trenches to help my readers. While I don’t in any way claim to be an expert – lord knows! – I think I’ve come up with some useful tips and a work philosophy that people (including me) find helpful.
Please feel free to start browsing and add to the conversation. Your stories and ideas help make this blog a resource for others.
About Experts
Just a word or two about experts. I mention above that I don’t consider myself an “expert”. That’s because I don’t believe anyone knows everything – even about their chosen field. Although many will claim to have every answer and tell you exactly how to act or what to say, if you meet someone like that, my suggestion is to avoid them like the plague.
On this topic, there’s a wonderful zen koan (Buddhist teaching riddle) that asks: “What do you do if you meet the Buddha on the road?” The answer is: “Kill him.” Now please understand that’s NOT a literal suggestion by any means. OK? But the meaning behind the words is well taken.
Anyone who claims to have all the answers while making little room for you to come up with your own ideas or make your own decisions is probably not someone you want to follow. Good coaches guide and support – they don’t take control of your decisions or your life. Even if we’re offered advice, we still need to use our powers of reasoning to decide if the advice makes sense for us. We always have choice.
Contact Info
While I’m no longer answering each and every question (sorry but it became overwhelming), if you’d like to reach me for any other reason, I can be reached at RonnieAnn2007 at aol.com.
When will you finish your book? I like what I see so far!
Thanks Eleanor! Expect to be working on it over the next few months. Hope to done by June. Appreciate your feedback.
Ronnie Ann
Nice blog, and it’s very helpful too. Will add it to my blogroll
Take the irk out of work? I would TOTALLY read that.
Thanks Mel. Take the Irk Out of Work is partially written in rough draft form and still needs a lot of rework, but maybe one day you will get to read it. Of course first I need to figure out how to take the irk out of writing a book! (-;
Wow. I did not read your bio prior to blogging with you. Have you read “The Art of Happiness at Work”?
I also have a site that looks good for organizing books. I’ll get back to you with that.
Thanks SurfaceEarth. Please feel free to use my e-mail address in the sidebar. And, no I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading The Art of Happiness at Work. I imagine the Dalai Lama’s book has marvelous things to offer. Gee. Hate to think he’s my competition. But at least I can take SOME comfort in knowing we probably have very different life experiences to draw on – unless of course he was a fountain girl at Howard Johnson’s or a skate lacer at a Catskill Hotel – or worked on the Chrysler Loan Workout! (-; (And if he did ANY of that, please let me know.)
Congrats on the new gig.
Nice to see someone else who is passionate about the world of work…I’m definitely going to put you on the “job resources” part of my blog. I hope you’ll come see me there and get involved!
Thanks jimsmuse! Nice to know I’m not alone.
Just checked out your blog and love that you’re going to be telling us about cool jobs. Great idea! Good luck with your new blog and, in reference to one of your posts, thanks much for the vote for the best. Ahem. 
Congrats on the whole new look Ronnie.
And – regardless of the fab style – it’s always the substance of your writing that engages and supports people.
Well done.
Liz
Thanks Liz! Your support and friendship mean a lot to me. One of the best things I ever got from Work Coach!
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Being caught between two worlds is a fascinating challenge – but I know you’re no stranger to that!
Cheers!
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann, I just read about your new cafe on Liz’s blog so thought I’d drop in and take a look around. I really like the resistors as in “resistant to change”. I printed out the Buddha poem – need to save that one. Great blog -I’ll be back to look around some more.
Lindy
Oh Lindy! How nice to see you here. What a treat. My worlds colliding – but in the nicest of ways. Smiling that you grok the meaning behind the images I use. A lovely treat for me. And so nice to know you’ll be wandering around my new cafe. See you soon, Turtlewoman!
Oh…and I’m waiting to see what May has brought to replace those lovely April flowers where you are.
I come across your site looking for blog sites envolving Information Technology and breaking into IT. I have graduated with my IT degree about 2 years ago and have been trying to break in since I was in school. All I want to do is start from the bottom, yet the bottom won’t take me. I need help because I really want to get started and grow and just getting the Help Desk or Desktop support is hard and I’m getting to the point where my situation is calling me to make a choice to go back to retail. I’m working in a mailroom and I’m there as a vendor, outsourced, and the chances to get into the IT departments here are also not in reach. I need help. Ask me anything because I’m just giving you the bare basics at this time.
Hi EC!
I just responded in a post:
How Do I Get My First Information Technology Job?
Let’s see if we can help!
Ronnie Ann
Just need to know how to approach in updating my resume and sending to a prospective employer who’s already given me a 2nd interview. I failed to include add’l assignments and duties that I know will get me the job and I also need to update the date of employment from currently employed to an ending date..
I was just laid off. Thanks Evelyn
Hi Evelyn!
Sorry about your being laid off. Hope this job comes through.
You don’t have to change the end date on your resume since it happened after you started the interview process. You can correct that if and when you’re hired and need to fill out employment forms. Not a problem.
As for adding additional assignments and duties to a resume they already have…not sure that’s the best approach. I think you’ll get more benefit from writing this in a short letter to the main person/people you interviewed with. A short sentence or two saying you are still very interested and just wanted to let them know a few more things that relate directly to this job; and then mention these items using bullet points.
Keep it short. Professional. And make your points.
Good luck, Evelyn! Please let us know how it goes.
Ronnie Ann
I’m soooo delighted to have found your site. There is a lot of helpful information and insight here.
Bravo! And thank you!
Liz
Thanks Liz (the second)!
I’m also glad you found Work Coach Cafe. We kindred spirits have to stick together.
Hope what I said on the other post helps. Please keep in touch!
Ronnie Ann
Eeeeeeeeh! I just noticed my comments were turned off. So sorry. C0mments very welcome!
Ronnie Ann
Ronnie Ann –
I have been looking for a questionnaire/survey that I can send to an employer that did not hire me after two excellent interviews. I’d like to know what their decision-making process was as well as how they rated my performance so that I can do better in any upcoming interviews. That is how I ended up on your site, which has now been bookmarked!
I think the tool would be of great benefit to many job seekers, and am hoping you can help.
Thanks! Jenny
Great question, Jenny. I honestly don’t know of any, but put the word out to see if anyone can help.
Hmmm…my initial instinct is that most employers might be reluctant to commit to anything on paper. But maybe someone knows a good guide for what to ask & how to approach these questions for those employers willing to talk to you?
All help welcome!
Hi Jenny and Ronnie Ann,
I was asked that question recently, and the consensus among the HR professionals I knew were that they will not answer the question directly because of liability issues.
The department managers in most cases refer the question to their HR department.
The answer was, “Your skill set was great, but we found someone was a great fit”. However, it never hurts to try, just don’t respond like a scorned lover chasing after unrequited love.
Thank you so much, Mark Anthony Dyson! Your wisdom and generosity of spirit are very much appreciated. Much luck in the work you do!
- Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann,
I was directed to your site through a LinkedIn article today and I’m so pleased! As a person who worked in HR in a corporate environment, I think your advice is very relevant in today’s market. I am currently unemployed (ok, I quit – crazy boss), and plan to share your insight with everyone I know. I’ll be checking in daily.
Thank you!
Hi Jean!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Much appreciated.
I hope you’ll also share your own insights since this blog is as much about what my readers have to say as what anyone learns from me. As for quitting because of a crazy boss…been there, done that!
I wish you much luck in your search, Jean. Meanwhile, please feel free to add to the conversation any time!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi, Ronnie Ann:
What’s the status of your book?!?!? Curious folks/readers want to know. LOL
Ah D…the book became this blog. But it may one day rise up again.
Thanks for asking. Who wouldn’t be flattered? Meanwhile…still have my fingers. etc. crossed for you.
~ Ronnie Ann