Career Growth Archives - Page 2 of 3

Leadership vs. Management: What’s the Difference and Why it Matters

October 20, 2021October 14, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Every manager isn’t a leader, and every leader isn’t necessarily a manager. It’s easy to assume that the two positions are one-in-the-same, but they’re actually not mutually exclusive. And if that’s true, then the concept of leadership and management must be vastly different. So, what is the difference between leadership and management, and why does it matter? Let’s dive in.

What is Management?

Indeed.com defines management as “the coordination and administration of tasks to achieve a goal. Such administration activities include setting the organization’s strategy and coordinating the efforts of staff to accomplish these objectives through the application of available resources.” All that to say that a manager is the person responsible for administering and guiding the tasks. Common skills of a manager include critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, goal setting, and execution. They’re the tactical person on the team that sets expectations, plans, performs, and manages the team along the way.

What is Leadership?

Leadership is the act of leading. It’s when an individual, group of individuals, or organization is in a position to influence or guide others. Leaders motivate employees to accomplish a common goal and lead by example. They’re innovative, empathic, communicative, and have a vision. Leaders are self-aware employees who focus on developing others for the common good of the individual and the organization.

Key Differences Between Being a Leader and Being a Manager

The key difference between managers and leaders is that managers define goals and instruct employees to achieve them while leaders inspire employees to achieve those goals. Leaders earn the respect of others and foster a respectful team environment. Their actions speak louder than words, and they make the right decision even when it’s not the easiest decision.

Why it Matters & How You Can Become a Leader

Great managers are also great leaders, but great leaders can come from any level in an organization. A manager, by definition, is in a position of authority at a business to manage a team. But leaders, on the other hand, can exist at any level of a business no matter where the individual is in their career. From individual contributors to managers to executives, everyone has the ability to lead others.

So, what steps can you take today to position yourself as a leader in your organization? Try these:

Lead By Example

Be the type of leader you want to work with by leading by example. You never know who is watching and who may become inspired by your actions because everyone can inspire.

Develop and Foster Relationships

Connect with individuals across your organization. From interns to directors, everyone matters, and everyone plays an integral part in a company’s success. Make it a point to foster the working relationships you have and reach out to those you don’t know.

Be Equitable and Inclusive

Leaders are thoughtful. They take everyone into consideration when making decisions, and they’re equitable. From their views on gender parity and race to remembering to pick up a special treat for the employee with a food allergy during a birthday celebration, they’re inclusive and recognize every individual’s efforts and contributions.

Communicate Effectively

Regardless of your position, communication is vital. Every employee needs to be able to communicate their aspirations and needs. Great leaders communicate often and effectively.

Have a Positive Attitude

Carrying around a negative attitude isn’t going to inspire or motivate anyone. There’s always a silver lining to be found, even in the toughest of situations. Be kind and have a positive attitude. It’s more contagious than you think.

8 Books That Will Take Your Career to the Next Level

November 9, 2021September 20, 2021 by Danielle Doolen

There’s nothing like a good book to provide you with a few words of wisdom, especially as it relates to your work life. No matter what phase of your career you’re in, here are eight books that are guaranteed to help you level up your career.

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job

by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

If you need to identify and break the habits that are holding you back, look no further than How Women Rise by author, speaker, and leadership coach, Sally Helgesen, and American leadership coach, Marshall Goldsmith. Through their years of expertise, they’ve helped women reach greater heights in their careers by knowing their unique strengths and identifying common behaviors that prevent them from rising to the next level, like reluctance to claim achievements, building rather than leveraging relationships, the desire to be perfect, and more. This book will give you the clear path forward you’ve been looking for.

You’re Worth It: Navigating Your Career in Corporate America

by Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq

This new release will help you figure it all out. Ha-Keem Abdel-Khaliq is an accomplished speaker, author, and Associate Vice President in Human Resources. In his debut book, he explores the fundamental truths about working in corporate America and uncovers the critical insights that will position you for success across your career.

The Politics of Promotion: How High-Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead

by Bonnie Marcus

When you’re trying to understand and navigate office politics to score that promotion you deserve, author, executive coach, and international speaker, Bonnie Marcus, will tell you everything you need to know in her book The Politics of Promotion. Bonnie will teach you why excellence and achievement are not enough to get ahead and how networking with power and intention can make all the difference. This book provides you with a proven method to become a bigger player in the workplace so you can avoid mishaps that can add years to your climb up the ladder.

What Next? Your Five-Year Plan for Life after College

by Elana Lyn Gross

If you’re just starting out in your career and need a plan for your future, this is the book for you. Journalist, Elana Lyn Gross, breaks down everything you need to know about how to navigate your career and life after college, including how to write your resume, interview tips, and more. She also dives into finances, wellness, and relationships, because we all know how important mental and financial health are to our work and life. Even if you’ve been out of college for a few years, this book is the survival guide you’ll wish you had when you graduated.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self Assurance – What Women Should Know

by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Journalists, Katty Kay, and Claire Shipman, dive into science to help us answer the question, “Does confidence come from our genes, or can we learn it?” They visit research from leading psychologists who explain how we can become more confident by taking action and courting risk. The book dives into interviews with women leaders as they examine how they have tapped into their confidence and how a lack of confidence impacts our leadership, success, and fulfillment at work. Becoming confident requires a choice, and this inspiring and insightful book will show you how to harness the power of confidence to become your best self.

Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose

by Lauren McGoodwin

As CEO and Founder of Career Contessa, a career site built for women, Lauren McGoodwin teaches you how to harness power moves to actively guide the direction of your career. With real-life examples from successful women, a handbook filled with practical information and advice, and a foundational tool kit organized into four critical sections: self-care, relationships, career, and money, you’ll be able to develop a daily power moves habit to help you make big moves today.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

by Elizabeth Gilbert

If you need to tap into your creativity to take your career to the next level, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a must-read. Gilbert offers insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration and asks us to embrace our curiosity. By discussing the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives, she gives us the wisdom we need to tap into our own creativity to conquer our next venture.

The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You

by Julie Zhuo

This book is the everything-you-need-to-know field guide to becoming an awesome manager, even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Julie Zhou is the Co-Founder of Inspirit and a former vice president of product design at Facebook. In her book, The Making of a Manager, she gives you the advice you need to know to gain your confidence as a manager and lead your team to new horizons.

What’s the Difference: Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Firms, and Angel Investors

September 23, 2021September 9, 2021 by Danielle Doolen

There’s a lot of business terminology out there, and it can get confusing to keep it all straight. For example, what’s the difference between venture capitalists and angel investors? If you need a straightforward explanation, so you don’t feel like a deer in the headlights the next time it’s brought up in conversation, look no further.

Who are Venture Capitalists?

Venture capitalists, also known as VCs, are private equity investors or firms who provide capital to high-growth potential companies, like start-ups, early-stage companies, or small businesses that wish to expand. Since venture capitalists seek high growth potential companies, there is often high risk associated with investing.

What is Private Equity?

Private equity is investments made from high net-worth individuals or companies in businesses that are not publicly traded. Private equity investments are often pursued to obtain a high return on investment (ROI). Private equity differs from venture capitalists because they buy and invest in different companies in different amounts of capital. Private equity firms usually invest in more established companies as opposed to venture capitalists who invest in companies in their early stages of growth.

Who are Angel Investors?

Angel investors are individuals who provide capital for businesses, usually in exchange for ownership equity. The funds are often a one-time investment to get the company off the ground or support the company during the early stages of business. Angel investors are typically individuals with high net worth who invest their own money.

How to Find an Investor?

As with most big decisions, do your research. Get clear on what type of investor you’re looking for, what you need, and what you’re asking of your investors. There are excellent resources online to help you search for angel investors or give you an idea of the best venture capitalists.

Want to join a community of women you can brainstorm ideas with and connect about topics like this? Join the Females in Food Community today!

How to Network Virtually

September 23, 2021September 6, 2021 by Danielle Doolen

Networking is an essential business skill. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying it’s important. Amid the current Coronavirus pandemic, you’ve likely traded in your high heels for slippers and may have even breathed a sigh of relief thinking you’re off the hook from networking. But, not so fast.

What if we told you that you could network from home. Yes, even in your sweatpants, if you want to. Forging valuable connections and having honest conversations aren’t canceled just because you’re working remotely. Here are five ways you can connect with the outside world, even when you’re stuck at home.

Reach out to Existing Connections

If networking gives you the cold sweats, this is the most comfortable place to start. Whether you’ve worked hard to grow your network or you can count your connections on one hand, everyone has someone they can reach out to. Think of a person you haven’t caught up within a while, like an old coworker or mentor. Shoot them an email, send them a text, or even pick up the phone and give them a call. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Facetime, make virtual networking a breeze. Use this time at home to nurture the relationships you have so they’ll be even stronger the next time you can meet up in person.

Grab a Virtual Coffee

Is there someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to? Maybe you met at a previous event and never followed up, or you’re a part of the same organization and haven’t had a chance to chat yet. Reach out and offer to grab a coffee, at home that is. Schedule a time for a virtual coffee date to finally get that touch base on the calendar.

Connect on Social Media

We all have those people that we admire from afar on social media. Whether they’re the top in their field, they share great advice, or they’re a fun account to follow, reach out! If the thought of contacting your social media idol sounds intimidating, think again. While the internet can be full of trolls, most people on social media are nicer than you think. Comment on a post, slide into their DMs, reply to a tweet, or if you can find an email address, send them a quick note. Tell them how much you admire their work and their social presence. Even if the exchange is brief, it’ll feel good to put yourself out there, and they’re sure to appreciate your kind words. And who knows, maybe you’ll spark up a conversation that can lead to a great friendship.

Send a Cold Email

Brainstorm thought leaders in your organization and potential mentors that you haven’t had a chance to connect with face to face. Send them an email from your work address, asking if they want to connect. More often than not, people are open and willing to help others, especially those they work with. Set up a time for a phone or video call to chat. If you work at the same company, chances are you’ll have more to talk about than you think. Want to think bigger? Send an email to someone in your community or industry that inspires you. Tell them how much you admire their work and ask if they’d be willing to virtually meet for a 15-minute call.

Online Communities

Even before the time of COVID-19, the internet was full of online communities. From Facebook groups to webinars to organization forums, find a community related to your industry or line of work, and get connecting! These conversations should come easily because you already have a common interest. Post in a group or send an email to a speaker or panelist of a recent webinar you attended. Having a jumping-off point makes networking seem a lot less scary.

Imposter Syndrome – How to Quiet Your Inner Critic

August 30, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Do you ever hear a little voice in your head saying, “You’re not ready. It’s already been done. I just got lucky. What will everyone think? Do I know enough to be here?” If you’re nodding your head right now, then you have been impacted by imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome has been everywhere in the last few years. Michelle Obama talked about it in her book, Becoming. There are articles on imposter syndrome in every kind of publication, from Harvard Business Review to Elle magazine. You can find quote after quote from successful people that have suffered from imposter syndrome. But what is it, exactly? And more importantly – what can you do about it? That’s where we’re headed now!

To a certain degree imposter syndrome is self-explanatory. It’s feeling like an imposter or a fraud or questioning if you really belong – even though you are successful. The crux of imposter syndrome is thinking of your skills, qualifications, and experiences as lower or worse than they actually are. We all know people who overinflate their skills and abilities. Imposter syndrome is the opposite.

Imposter syndrome is also something you experience, not something you have. Even though it’s called a “syndrome,” it’s not an actual diagnosis. You will also hear it referred to as the imposter complex or imposter phenomenon, which are probably more accurate terms, but imposter syndrome just rolls off the tongue more easily, doesn’t it?

There is a huge spectrum of how people experience imposter syndrome. It’s a daily companion for many. I’ve had multiple individuals tell me that every day they feel like today’s going to be the day their company finally realizes they have no idea what they’re doing and someone is going to come tap them on the shoulder and escort them out of the building.

For most people imposter syndrome is more situational. You might feel completely confident most of the time and then you have to present to a group of senior leaders and you suddenly feel like you have no business even being in the room, let alone presenting. Or you’re great in your current role, but the moment you start to think about a job change, you wonder if your success is just because of the company, team, or boss and not because of YOU. Or you go after a big new client and after they sign on the dotted line you feel like you won’t be able to pull it off, that you’ve just gotten lucky and have been fooling them.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. At least 70% of people experience imposter syndrome. It shows up in all the places you don’t want it – around executives, negotiating your salary, sharing ideas, speaking up in a meeting, applying for new jobs, thinking about starting a business, going after bigger clients, sharing on social media, public speaking – the list goes on and on. Imposter syndrome is more likely to make an appearance anytime you’re outside of your comfort zone.

The good news is you can do something about it! While you can’t make imposter syndrome go away entirely, you can learn to quiet the inner critic and take action even when imposter syndrome is raging. Here are two simple actions you can start using today to combat imposter syndrome the next time it makes an unwanted appearance.

Call Out Your Inner Critic:

When you hear that negative, ruminating voice in your head saying that you’re not good enough, don’t know enough, and just WHO ARE YOU to think you can go do that big thing, stop and take a breath. Hear the inner critic talking and notice that it’s not you. It’s just a voice in your head. And you don’t have to pay attention to it.

For example, my imposter syndrome pops up most often when I’m called an expert (on imposter syndrome, of all things. Is there anything more ironic than getting imposter syndrome about being called an expert on imposter syndrome?) and when I’m sharing in public, particularly if I’m giving advice. My inner critic jumps right in telling me I don’t have a PhD in Psychology, I’m not really an expert, who are you to put yourself out there and think people will listen? Isn’t that arrogant and conceited of you!

I hear the inner critic. I feel the anxiety start to rumble up in my belly. And then I stop. I tell myself that I’m just taking up a bigger space than I’m used to and that’s why imposter syndrome has shown up. It’s different and weird and uncomfortable – and also completely fine. Naming the inner critic doesn’t make it go away immediately, but it does make the inner critic lose power. It’s kryptonite for imposter syndrome.

Recover Fast When Doubt Strikes:

Imposter syndrome is going to happen. That’s inevitable. The goal is to shorten the time you spend circling in doubt and get back to a place where you can take action quickly. To do that, create a personalized doubt recovery toolkit. This isn’t anything fancy – just 3-5 activities that make you feel good and confident and grounded and ready to take on whatever is coming at you, no matter how much imposter syndrome wants to drag you down.

Hiking, cross-country skiing, listening to any podcast with Brené Brown, dancing and painting are all in my doubt recovery toolkit. They work wonders for me. If I’m feeling nervous before a big client call, all I have to do is turn on Lizzo’s Good As Hell and three minutes later I’m good to go. The imposter syndrome is gone.

Try these steps. Call out your inner critic. Know what’s in your doubt recovery toolkit and pull out one of the actions the next time imposter syndrome shows up. Most importantly, however, is giving yourself grace. Imposter syndrome is normal. Don’t beat yourself up if you call out your inner critic and it’s back again two minutes later. Call it out again. And again. As many times as it takes. This is all a practice. Be kind to yourself.

Heather Whelpley is a speaker, coach, and writer that works with overachievers, perfectionists, and people pleasers to let go of expectations and create their own rules for life. You can dig deeper into imposter syndrome through her online course, The Five Steps To Overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Digitally Upskilling Your Way to a Promotion

November 9, 2021August 16, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Online and in the personal development world, ‘upskilling’ seems to be the word of the moment. The dictionary defines it as the “process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills”. Key to what we’ll be delving into in this post is the word ‘skills’ – not qualifications, not certificates but skills. Upskilling isn’t going back to college or even attending evening classes, necessarily. The thing about upskilling is that it’s a flexible way to learn and is usually undertaken digitally, in your own time. High potential employees who are stagnated, bored, clamoring for a promotion or itching to career-jump are the ideal poster kids for upskilling their way up the ladder.

But what else can you do to help increase your chances of promotion?

1. Work out what it is you really want

Before you start looking to 2020 with big aspirations and goals, take some time to work out what those are in detail. Do you want an entirely new role? Are you looking for new challenges in your current role? Or are you aiming high and setting your sights on a promotion?

Once you’ve nailed down exactly what it is you’re aiming for, you can start to examine the gap between your goal and your current position.

2. Work out why you’re not getting it

Examine your resume: where could you bolster your skills-base or previous experience to put you on the right track? Perhaps your experience and previous job roles have perfectly prepared you for the next step, but you’re lacking in confidence. Maybe your interview skills need some brushing up on, or you haven’t been getting the right training from your current company. Don’t be too critical of yourself, but do some industry research to help focus your efforts.

3. Start by positioning yourself better

A lot of the promotion game is about confidence and executive presence. From how you hold yourself and how you dress, to how effectively you communicate and deliver presentations. Your educational background isn’t the be all and end all – progression often comes down to negotiation, tenacity and grit! Develop a ‘don’t ask, don’t get’ attitude – could it be possible that no one even knows you’re on the hunt for a promotion?

4. Show initiative

One of the most underrated personality traits is that old resume cliche: the ‘self-starter’. But, it’s still a surefire way to stand out. The World Economic Forum estimates that more than half of all employees will require significant reskilling by 2022 – so what if you were appropriately reskilled by the end of 2020? What’s more, what if you did it on your own time. Companies value employees that focus on what they can offer their job role – not what the company can offer them. If you’re not relying on company time to upskill yourself, that personal development will not go to waste. Like a gift that keeps on giving, improving your executive skills is for life – skills take you from job role to job role, and even permeate your personal life. I mean, who doesn’t want to be better at communicating what they want?

5. Package yourself up!

Now you know what you want, why you don’t have it and where you need to improve, it’s time to build the final product – YOU! You can’t change your life overnight, but you can start making strides towards the future you desire… right now. Start searching for digital courses you can take from home, specifically targeted to your focus areas.

Asking for Help at Work – How You Can and Why You Should

August 2, 2021 by Angela Dodd

It’s OK to ask for help. Actually, it’s encouraged. If you want to be successful and accomplish your goals, you need to ask for what you need. Whether that’s a pay raise, more responsibility, or help on a project. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help.

Why Ask for Help

Since when did asking for help at work become a bad thing? You may not want to come across as annoying or unintelligent, but speaking up is likely to have the opposite effect. At the end of the day, your company is a team, and everyone on the team needs to succeed so the company can flourish. Asking for help, when warranted, can increase the quality of your work product, overall operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. When you’re performing your job well, you’re one step closer to achieving your goals.

So, when should you ask for help, and why should you? Let us explain.

When to Ask for Help

Asking for help does not mean you’re admitting weakness or failure. When done correctly, you’ll likely be praised for your efficiency because you’re not stuck spinning your wheels. You’re not expected to know everything. But you also don’t want to be bothering your boss and coworkers with your questions all the time. So it’s key to find a delicate balance between asking for help and figuring it out on your own.

First, try your best to figure out your question or problem on your own. As a rule of thumb, if you can easily Google it, don’t interrupt someone else’s workday to ask for help. Do what you can to solve your problem using the resources available to you before you seek help from others.

If you spend a reasonable amount of time researching an answer to your question but still come up short, then it’s time to ask for help. Remember, helping out a two-way street. Offer your advice and input when you can, and others are more likely to return the favor.

Here are a few scenarios where it makes sense to ask for help.

When you’re new to a company or a role. It’s expected that you don’t know what you’re doing. Instead of acting like you know it all, ask for help. You already have the job, so make sure you set yourself up for success to do it well.

When you have too much on your plate. If you’re overloaded and overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to say so. Approach your manager with what you’re working on and ask how to best prioritize the tasks or see what deadlines can be pushed back. They’ll appreciate your honesty and transparency.

When you made a mistake. If you made a mistake, big or small, and need help figuring out how to fix it or handle the situation, ask. It’s OK not to know how to navigate a tricky situation.

When you need advice. If you’re seeking mentorship or input on a project, chances are there’s someone who’s done it before or at least something similar. Ask for a few minutes of their time to get your wheels turning and to get the ball rolling.

When you have no idea what you’re doing. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you just don’t know what you’re doing. That’s OK. We’re human. Ask for help.

How to Ask for Help

Get Clear on Your Ask

Once you’ve exhausted all the resources you have available to you, get clear on your ask. What is it that you need help with? Is it a question answered, assistance with a project, or guidance on your responsibilities? Knowing exactly what you need will help you be direct in your request to ensure you walk away from the conversation with the information you need.

Find the Right Person

Once you’re clear on what you need help with, determine the right person to ask. Don’t always assume the best person to ask is your manager or their boss. Sometimes your peer or a coworker in a different department can assist you. Reach out to this person and ask for a few minutes of their time. Provide them with enough background information about what you need help with so they don’t walk into the discussion blind.

Get Prepared

You have time scheduled on their calendar, now brainstorm any and all questions you want to ask them pertaining to your situation. The goal is to walk into the conversation prepared so you can walk away feeling confident about how to tackle your project, issue, or question. Taking the time to plan upfront will make sure you get the most out of the meeting.

Be Authentic

When you’re in the meeting asking for help, be genuine in your ask. Explain your situation, how you tried to approach it yourself, and how you think the person can help. Ask them your questions and really listen. Most people are more willing to help than you may think. They’re taking time out of their day to help you, so be appreciative of their input and advice. When a company culture is created where asking for help is encouraged, everyone wins.

Admitting you need help can be difficult, but to advance your work and your career, it’s essential. Once you get in the habit of helping others and asking for help in return, you’ll find that your team, your career, and your work will thrive.

How to Build Your Confidence at Work

July 20, 2021 by Angela Dodd

At its core, confidence is a feeling that you are sure of yourself. It’s that quiet inner knowledge that you’re capable of your abilities. It means you have the courage to show up, without doubt, even in the presence of discomfort. Believing in yourself and knowing your worth is crucial to professional growth and success.

When you lack confidence, you set the bar too low, therefore resulting in weak goals and mediocre results. When you exude confidence, you’re going to have higher expectations, achieve more success, and feel happier at work. But how does one build confidence in the workplace when it feels like there are people in every political corner trying to pull you down? Here are seven tips to get you started.

Fake It ‘til You Make It

You’ve probably heard this before, but that’s because it works. When you act confident, even when you don’t feel like it, your confidence becomes reinforcing. For example, if you walk into a job interview with negative thoughts and low expectations that you’ll get the job, you’ll likely be right. The interviewer will sense your lack of self-worth and may pass on hiring you. But if you walk into an interview with a positive attitude, trusting your abilities, and knowing you’re the best fit for the role, even if you feel a bit like an imposter, your positive thinking translates into positive behaviors and actions that the interviewer is sure to notice.

Always Be Learning

Sometimes lack of confidence comes from simply not knowing. When you think about it, this is the easiest thing to fix because if you don’t know something, you can learn it. Gaining new skills is a sure way to boost your confidence. You can’t let what you don’t know stop you from progressing in your career. With online resources, training, and the wealth of knowledge that lies within the people at your company, there’s no reason that you can’t find the answer you’re looking for. Identify any knowledge gaps, ask a lot of questions, and work on expanding your area of expertise. Keep an open mind and always be willing to learn something new.

Stay Informed

Maybe what you don’t know isn’t a skill that you can easily learn, maybe it’s the information you need to do your job. Do you feel left out from important conversations that are vital for you to perform your best? Do you lack confidence because you don’t know what’s going on at your company? Speak up. Talk to your manager about your concerns. Let them know you’re finding it hard to do your job because you’re left out of the loop. Being aware of your surroundings and company happenings is essential to your success. If your company wants you, and therefore them, to thrive, they’ll make sure you’re a part of the right meetings and email threads.

Think and Talk Positively

Throw that negative self-talk right out the door. It’s all about positivity. Positive self-talk, essentially your internal dialogue, can reduce stress and anxiety and provide encouragement and optimism. When you utilize positive self-talk, you can solve problems and think differently, enabling you to cope more efficiently with challenges. How we speak to ourselves and about ourselves can make all the difference between feeling confident in our abilities and lacking the self-worth to get the job done.

Focus on Your Strengths

Everyone has strengths. You’ve gotten this far in your life and career because you’re good at something. Even if some days you doubt yourself, there is something that you can do better than anyone else. Focus on those strengths and achievements. What are you great at? What compliments have you received in your professional career? What have you done really well? Focusing on the good will give you the courage and confidence to tackle whatever is in front of you. Additionally, practicing gratitude is a powerful tool to promote positive thinking and appreciate what you have to help you get where you’re going.

Build Strong Relationships

Having people in your corner throughout life that can help pick you up when you’re feeling down or provide that tough love when you need it can be just the thing to build your confidence. It can be hard to see our strengths and accomplishments when we’re too close to them. When someone else can provide you with perspective and insight, it can be a game-changer. Find friends, coworkers, mentors, or sponsors and build and nurture relationships with them throughout your professional career for the times when you feel like you can’t do it alone.

Change Your Body Language

When all else fails or when you can’t seem to get your mind right, change your body. Not the way you look (you’re perfect just the way you are), but your stance. Physically change your body language to change your mindset. If you haven’t seen American Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, stop what you’re doing and go watch it. In it, she suggests that power posing changes our body chemistry and that those people who adopt high-power poses demonstrate an increase in testosterone and a decrease in cortisol. These hormonal effects, therefore, increase our feelings of power. The next time you need a little confidence boost, put your hands on your hips like Wonder Woman and get ready to conquer your day.

Four Ways to Ensure Your Hiring Process is Equitable

October 15, 2021June 30, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that women feel they need to meet 100% of the criteria when applying for a job, while men apply after only meeting about 60% of the criteria. This statistic is backed up by LinkedIn behavioral data that shows that women apply to 20% fewer jobs than men because they screen themselves out of the conversation before it even has a chance to start.

So, how can you ensure the next time you’re bringing on a new team member that you’re doing your best to be fair and impartial and mitigate the disparity in these statistics.? Here are four ways.

Write an Inclusive Job Description

How a job description is written says a lot about the company and the job seekers that are likely to apply. It’s the candidate’s initial exposure to the position and the company’s culture and values. Writing your job description can be the difference between attracting a diverse pool of candidates and deterring candidates from applying.

Try focusing on what success looks like in the role and company values and beliefs, instead of a list of job requirements. Use inclusive and gender-neutral language and avoid kitschy jargon like rockstar, guru, or ninja.

Recruit a Diverse Pool of Candidates

Think about where your company is recruiting candidates. If you’re using external means to market your position, consider your partnerships with job boards and local organizations. Are they known to attract diverse candidates? Would a woman be just as likely to see the job posting as a man? Would a member of the LGBTQ community be as attracted to the position as a member of the black community? Dig deeper into the tools you’re using to find your candidates to ensure diversity before you hire.

Remove Bias When Reviewing Applications

Unconscious bias is when a person has unsupported judgments for or against something or someone. This implicit bias reinforces stereotypes even when our conscious mind considers the behavior counter to our own values and beliefs. Unconscious bias is common, especially when reviewing job applications. Ageism, racism, and sexism, amongst other things, come into play.

To remove bias from your hiring process, acknowledge it exists, and actively combat it. Avoid selecting candidates based on name, gender, or age. All qualified candidates should be given a chance to interview for the position without forces outside of their control inhibiting them.

Ensure a Fair Interview Process

The interview process is another crucial time to put your implicit biases aside. Give all candidates a fair and equal chance to showcase their abilities and why they’re qualified for the position. If you’re the hiring manager and you had a part in selecting the candidates, this is hopefully a no-brainer. But if you’re interviewing candidates selected by human resources or you’re not the hiring manager, make sure you’re treating all candidates equally.

Ask similar questions to gauge experience and skill set, and allot the same time and style of interview for everyone. If you’re in a position to influence the interview process, make sure there is a diverse selection of employee representatives conducting the interview. This not only shows the candidate the company practices what they preach, but it also provides the company with diverse feedback on the candidate.

Effective Communication in a Digital Age

April 27, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Between email, texting, social media, and good old-fashioned phone calls, we’re constantly connected. Friends are a ping away, you can slide into a celebrity’s DMs, and your boss who lives thousands of miles away can be right at your desk with the help of Zoom.

According to Pew Research Center, 85% of Americans own a smartphone, and 72% of the public uses some type of social media. When they began tracking American’s internet usage, about half of adults were internet users in the early 2000s. Today, that number has skyrocketed to 93%.

We’re constantly connected, and thus, constantly communicating. With Zoom fatigue at an all-time high and employees feeling burnout like they’ve never experienced before, how can we ensure we’re making the best use of the time we spend on technology? It all comes down to communication.

Even at the times where we don’t think we’re saying anything, we’re speaking volumes. When you’re Slack says you’re available, coworkers see that as an opportunity to reach out. When you’re out of office reply is on, you’re letting people know you won’t be responding in a timely manner.

In today’s digital age, communicating is easy, but effective communication in the workplace can be a bit more challenging. Communication is a key skill at work, and it’s even more important for leaders. Relaying timely messages to your team, communicating how to work together, and providing feedback are critical skills. While technology can assist with these communications, it also contributes to the noise, especially this past year when the state of the world forced companies to go digital. So how can we effectively communicate and not get our wires crossed? Here are a few ways.

Give your full attention.

While it’s tempting to pick up your phone and scroll while on a Zoom call or check your email when talking to your partner, don’t, put the phone down and give whoever you’re talking to your full attention. It’s impossible to be present when you have your phone in your hand. If you want to communicate effectively, you need to devote yourself to the conversation at hand. If you have to, try putting your phone in a different room so you won’t be tempted to look at it.

Listen.

Once you give your full attention to the conversation, the most important thing you can do to communicate is listen. It’s easy to misinterpret messages, leading to communication breakdowns and frustration, especially today when the same message can be received via multiple platforms but interrupted differently based on the reader. Listening demonstrates we’re paying attention to thoughts and feelings and is the most crucial component of a productive conversation and relationship.

Listening also demonstrates that you care about the person you’re conversing with, which can then establish trust in the relationship. If there’s ever any confusion about a message, repeating back what you heard to the speaker can help alleviate any possible misunderstandings.

Be intentional.

Zoom fatigue is at an all-time high. But think back to pre-pandemic times, was every meeting a video meeting? Absolutely not. So there’s no reason every meeting has to be face-to-face now. Be intentional about your platform for communication. You’ll never be able to please everyone, but choose the medium that works best for most.

Show up authentically.

Authentic employees and leaders inspire others. Authenticity helps us establish connections with others, and therefore, build trust. When people trust you, they want to communicate with you and listen to you. Bringing your most authentic self to the workplace can ensure effective communication because people won’t hesitate to reach out to you to share good news or fill you in on an upcoming project.

Work at it.

We don’t become effective communicators overnight. It takes time and experience. But the only way to improve is to try. Challenge yourself to bring your full attention to one meeting today. Push everything else out of mind and be present in that moment. Then next week, propose a medium you think would work best for your team meeting. The good thing is we’re constantly communicating, so there’s plenty of time for practice.