It's exciting and invigorating to be an entrepreneur in control of one's own destiny. However, we all know it's lonely at the top. After all, there are so few people, including family, who really understand the broader aspects of running a business and who can provide helpful, confidential and insightful advice.

There has certainly been a flurry of activity in the job market these past few months. We've heard announcements of new job-growth opportunities juxtaposed with announcements of significant budget cuts and employee layoffs.

While the history of several professions such as the legal and medical fields is well known and documented, the history of the administrative assistants and/or secretarial profession is much more obscure.

As the month of April rolls around, the buds of the leaves are starting to show and so we can say for certain that spring has finally arrived. Yet, along with spring comes university wrap-up, graduation and a whole flock of students seeking both first-career roles as well as summer jobs. And of course, not far behind are those high school seniors who will flood into the June market looking for their share of the summer jobs.

Why is it that when conflict erupts in the workplace, some managers immediately think about training or counselling? They organize a team-building session, send individuals to communication skills training or offer coaching on how to manage interpersonal conflicts.

As a woman reader, can you imagine not being able to vote?

Can you imagine not being considered a "person" by law? Can you imagine not being allowed to attend a college of medicine to become a doctor or to earn a degree of your choice? Can you imagine a married woman not being allowed to have her own bank account, but instead having to lump all of her resources under her husband's name? Can you envision a situation where you are not being promoted because you are a woman?

Q. I have accepted a new job; however, after only six months, I know this is not the right fit for me. Should I stick it out, or simply resign immediately?

As March arrives, I am always reminded of the term, Ides of March, which refers to the death of Julius Caesar. In case you don't recall this little bit of history, it's a story of how Caesar had been warned by a fortune teller that he would be harmed no later than March 15. Caesar scoffed at the prophecy but sure enough, he was killed by a group of conspirators on that specific day.

Although time has passed quickly, I'm sure you'll recall that Manitoba recently celebrated Louis Riel Day. For most people, Louis Riel Day is simply another statutory holiday while for others, it is recognition that the Métis people were the driving force behind Manitoba becoming Canada's fifth province.

When was the last time your human resource policy manual was reviewed?

Well, if you're like many organizations, I'll bet your HR policy manuals are out of date. For instance, have you updated the manual to include the new Manitoba flextime rules? Do you have a policy for armed forces reservist leave? Has an employee inquired about and/or requested use of the compassionate care leave provisions? These are just a few of the changes made over the past few years.

Have you ever been accused of not listening?

I suspect that most people have received that type of criticism, yet I'm not sure most people realize just how important listening is to our daily life. Listening is a communication tool; in fact, it can be considered the foundation of all of our communication. For instance, if you compare the elements of communication such as reading, talking, writing and listening, you'll find that listening takes up the greatest amount of your time -- anywhere from 40 to 50 per cent.

According to recent news, Winnipeg has scored No. 15 in the list of most romantic cities. This so-called accomplishment is based on an analysis of retail sales for romance novels, romantic comedy DVDs and CDs, as well as sex and relationship books.

Although February is the shortest month of the year, there are several days set aside to celebrate special events. For instance, we celebrate Black History Month, Louis Riel Day, Valentine's Day and Festival du Voyageur. As well, I recently learned that February has also been declared National Parent Leadership Month.

We've all heard the word alignment. It's a concept that is quite common we think about sports or dance. In this case, alignment refers to the synchronized movement of our body so that we are fast or graceful. If there is misalignment, people will try new strategies and practise, practise, practise. On the other hand, if the concept of alignment is applied to a car, it generally refers to the importance of the wheels and the suspension angles. If this is out of alignment it creates a safety issue that needs to be rectified right away.

Although as Canadians we sit on the sidelines of the U.S. presidential election primaries, it is interesting nonetheless to see how things unfold. One of the dynamics occurring is how contenders and news leaders alike are continually exposing the personal frailties of Newt Gingrich by raising the issue of his personal ethics and reputation for off the job behaviour. While the question recently posed by CNN threw Gingrich a little off balance, he quickly lashed back by saying his personal life is no one else's business. And now that the North Carolina primaries have put Gingrich in the lead, some voters might suggest this proves ethics indeed don't matter.

The 2011 employee satisfaction survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in the United States found that only 54 per cent of employees were concerned about their compensation. Although I haven't seen a 2012 survey, I am predicting this number will rise.

To be honest, I'm usually up on the various news in the business world, but it seems I may have been asleep at the switch. I didn't realize and don't ever recall learning that 2011 had been declared the year of the entrepreneur. Perhaps I was too busy working in and on my own business. However, I certainly agree that entrepreneurship is the backbone of our economy, especially in Manitoba.

Many of us have spent the traditional Christmas and New Year holiday season celebrating the accomplishments of our 2011 goals and looking forward to the many successes anticipated for 2012.

January is always considered a time for setting new personal and/or career goals. While some folks are more determined than others, more often than not, these goals quickly fall by the wayside. Perhaps its because the goals were really nothing more than wish lists. Or, perhaps an individuals expectations were simply unrealistic because they did not understand their real-world environment and the influence this may have on goal accomplishment.

Holidays a good time to take stock of career, skills, goals

The 99th Grey Cup game is over and another football season is at an end. During the game, coaches, media and fans alike were busy analyzing the game.

I don't mean to speak disparagingly about the concept of "Freedom 55", but the dream of working hard, sacrificing and saving for early retirement seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Without proper focus, planning events become worthless time-wasters

Anyone who regularly chairs a meeting has certainly heard about the well-known video called Meetings, Meetings, Bloody Meetings, starring the famous John Cleese.

Choosing the right career and being successful in it requires research, continuing education

Q: I have moved around a lot in my hospitality career and in an effort to be truthful, I list all of the jobs on my resume. However, during some recent interview feedback, the potential employer made a comment that suggested I was a "job hopper." What can I do to overcome this impression and create a more positive impression?

Congratulations, you've been promoted!

Questions and answers with Barbara Bowes.

While many loved ones celebrated Valentine's Day with a specially worded card and perhaps a delightful dining out experience followed by warm hugs and kisses, there are others who did not.

February has always been known as the month to celebrate relationships. Friends, family and loved ones share cards and various celebrations. Spouses and partners kiss, hug and enjoy the touch and feel of a warm, loving relationship. Yet Valentine's Day, for some reason, also reminds me of all of the progress women have made in the workplace as well as the dangers that still lurk.

In today's environment, you often hear the term connected. Typically, this refers to living and working in a 24/7 global world and being connected through Internet technology.

Much has been written in the past few years about the need for a psychologically healthy workplace, and I am thankful this issue is finally gaining recognition for its importance and value.

While many business leaders have that well-known graduate degree called the MBA (master of business administration), there aren't many leaders that I know of who have achieved the degree called the MPM (master of people management).

Negativity stunts your career growth, but the good news is that you can fix things.

Great news! The recent November 2010 Labour Market bulletin was full of good news for Manitobans. So, if you are feeling a bit depressed as a result of all the snow and cold weather; think again.

As the festive Christmas season moves along this week, families are basking in the joy of gift-giving, feasting on their favourite foods and enjoying their closest friends.

I know, I know. Your parents taught you that bragging about yourself was impolite.

Canada is still reeling from the recent news that Danny Williams, premier of Newfoundland, is quitting. That's right, he's quitting and with a lot less working notice than I would have expected for a premier.

Q: For the first time in many years, I’ll have time for myself over the coming holiday season.

What happens at the office party stays with you for a long, long time.

Internal strategy tells employees there's place for them.

Many occupational groups are regulated by associations that don't have the legislative teeth to properly protect the public