What does the headline say?

You may read it as:

"Opportunity is no where."

Look again, and you will see that it also says:

"Opportunity is now here."

It is appropriate that the message is disguised because opportunity itself is usually not obvious. Opportunity may be buried in an unexpected assignment, emerge from a conversation with a colleague or in a class schedule.

Opportunities for improvement are everywhere. We just have to find them by looking at each process we are involved in (and some in which we are not involved). Just like the headline, OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE, we can look at things in lots of different ways. In fact, to respond to customer needs we must not fall into the trap of doing the same tasks in the same ways that they have always been done. It's important not to accept a process or procedure as being as good as it can get - test different perspectives and approaches.

In addition to finding existing opportunities, sometimes we have to create them. Milton Berle is quoted as saying, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Start by learning more about the people you serve and consider what you can do differently to be more responsive to their needs. What are their expectations and what can you do differently to meet those expectations better?

Why go to all this trouble? To progress professionally and personally, lifelong learning must be part of our life. Work and how we do our work is continually changing, and we need to be sure that we change with it - or we will get left behind. As we begin this New Year, take the opportunity to assess your own skills and work. What new skills do you need to develop to do what you want to do and to remain an important contributor to your department?

With an open mind and seeking attitude, you'll find "opportunity" in many places.