It hardly seems possible but it was 1981 when I started my consulting practice. Can it really be the 25th anniversary? Although my practice is not the same as it was 25 years ago, the mission has not changed…to assist individuals and organizations to achieve their goals through effective relationships honoring the value of the individual’s gifts and talents.

When I began the practice in 1981, I was serving businesses as their “outsourced personnel department” preparing compensation and performance plans, employee handbooks and more as well as assisting individuals with their job search. In 1994, I opened my office outside my home to better serve individuals through career coaching and transition services. As I was making the change, I was introduced to the Birkman Method®. When my Birkman report was shared with me, it changed my life. It was through this instrument I realized that I was changing the nature of my work to meet my needs. My needs were spelled out in the report, including time in small groups, an opportunity to serve others, flexibility and independence in my work role.

After working with the Birkman Method®, I was able to develop the Work Relationship Template© that is used in the Career Assessment and Appraisal program. When the template is developed, our clients can use this for their entire careers to better measure their job satisfaction, fit and make important career decisions including retirement options.

The Birkman Method® is also a key component in our Key Employee Selection Program, Team Integration, Communication Training and Coaching for Performance Improvement. Our newest program, Future Focus incorporated the method in assisting high school and college-aged students in helping them determine career direction. In 2001, Trisha Manning began working with me. Her expertise in counseling has been a great asset to our clients.

In my 25th year, I am also pleased to announce a new team member. Richard Needles has joined our team effective October 1. Richard brings over 28 years of executive Human Resources experience to his work in Human Resources consulting, career coaching and leadership development. Richard is certified in the Birk-man Method® and has used the Birkman tools for group workshops and one-on-one performance coaching His complete bio can be seen on our website at http://www.crosworks.com/about_us/richard_needles.

None of this would have happened without clients! Those of you who have worked with us through our individual or organization-sponsored programs are the key to our success. When I’m asked about how successful my work has been the answer is, “I work with successful people who invest in their careers and businesses, and who value each individual’s gifts and talents. Thank you for your success and letting me be a part of it for 25 years.