career Archives - Females In Food

Get Ahead of the Curve – How to stand out at work during times of crisis

March 7, 2022January 3, 2022 by Angela Dodd

It’s no secret. The world, as we know it, is undergoing a time of crisis. No country or continent is a stranger to change, but perhaps we’re not used to such a unified sense of confusion.

However, rather than feeling helpless or like a sense of impending doom is hanging over you, we encourage you to take this time to work on yourself, continue to flourish and endeavor to find new ways to stand out in the crowd. For many of us, our jobs are in a state of flux. Whether you were working towards a promotion before now, or you were actively hunting down that next role, here are a few things that you can start doing to keep pushing your career forward.

… Because we will come out of the other side of this – and you can come out stronger than you might have thought possible…

Networking in isolation

It sounds kind of counter-intuitive/impossible… but it really isn’t.

Just as you jump on Houseparty or Facebook to call your family, you could be sipping a virtual (or real) latte over a chat with your colleagues. You could be organizing catch-ups with your seniors, showing initiative and going out of your way to ‘see what you can do to help’. Those that reach out are remembered! Get yourself on Zoom and start networking in isolation! (Hey, no one needs to know you’re only wearing a pantsuit on your top half…)

Stay present in your industry by catching up with others in the same field. For us, that’s our Females In Food community. Together, we discuss the challenges we’re facing in our relative roles, discuss where we’re going next, and mastermind the moves we need to make to keep on growing – all whilst supporting each other in our individual journeys.

Be a social butterfly

Sure, you can’t gossip over the water-cooler or grab an after-work cocktail with your colleagues, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have lighthearted, inspiring, or insightful conversations…

Use your social presence to boost your professional brand. On LinkedIn, reach out to people and start conversations. Keeping your network small does nothing for you – you might think that it keeps you safe or protects your professional presence, but it actually renders your profile ineffective. Don’t be afraid to comment on relevant threads, jump into debates (with an air of impartiality) and post your own thought-provoking insights.

As with networking, no one remembers the person who said nothing. Add something constructive to the conversations around you and get your name out there in a professional and targeted way. Think about what your future employer or promotion-deciding-seniors would want to see from you…

Be an initiative taker

There are so many ways in which you can take initiative in your role, especially if you’re currently working from home. Operate under the premise of doing things before they are asked of you… for example:

Send update emails or reports to your boss on a regular basis, before they ask for them.
If you’re customer-facing, do the same thing. Update customers and get in touch with them before they start asking you questions.
If you’re currently out of work, take the initiative within your own schedule. Work on your social profiles, spruce up your CV, take some classes or undertake industry research.
Don’t stop applying if you’re looking for a new position. Industries such as the food industry are still hiring – because these industries must remain stable, no matter the global or economic climate.

Within specific industries, the initiative might look different.

In supply chain, that might involve preparing for a shortage of drivers or forecasting demand ahead of time.
In foodservice, you might want to consider the rerouting of your product offering. If people can’t enter your premises, how can you go out to them? Have you created a re-opening plan? What strategies can you use to encourage people back through the door?
In marketing, how can you futureproof the image of your business? What pivots or initiatives could you introduce to protect the current business’ goals? How could you console and pacify your customers?
In food science, stay sensitive to the short term demands of this crisis, but don’t neglect your edge of innovation. Stay current and stay curious.

Future proof yourself

If you’re finding that you have a little more time on your hands than normal, excellent! Now is the perfect time to do all those ‘better-myself’ tasks that were on your pipedream list.

Whether you’d like to take on a secondary qualification or start a project on the side, use this time to bolster yourself in your industry. Like we’ve said before, the action takers, talkers, and do-ers are the ones that are remembered. How could you make yourself indispensable when this all blows over?

Overwhelmed with it all

Now, while there are a lot of tips in this article, it’s important to avoid analysis paralysis.

This is a stressful time. You’re entitled to feeling overwhelmed – in fact, you’re entitled to a few days under the covers, pretending it’s not happening. But don’t let that become the norm – don’t let overwhelm rob you of these opportunities.

Create a plan of the things that you want to achieve and just hit one thing at a time. Lists that are as long as your arm, that never get ticked off, are just going make you feel like an instant failure. Pace yourself, prioritize, and take the breaks you need.

The Impact Of Motherhood In The Workforce

October 4, 2021 by Angela Dodd

55% of U.S. mothers with children younger than 18 at home are employed full time.

The modern-day woman is still living with an age-old concept. That which is based on the belief that women belong in the kitchen and raising babies while the men are the breadwinners. Except in today’s world, it often takes two paychecks just to live an average lifestyle. Women not only can use the power of motherhood to further their careers in their chosen industries, but they can also use it to change the current working environment that Mothers deal with.

The Working Mother Environment

The environment that the working mother is subjected to is not one of their own making. It is one that the working world has created by what their perception of the working mother is. It is automatically assumed that the mother that is transitioning back into her work environment is not in a position to be an asset to a company.

No Such Thing As Flexibility

In general, there is no thought given to allowing for flexibility for the working Mom. There is no desire for making adjustments to accommodate her new role even if it would have no impact on the company itself, or even if it might be a betterment for the company.

Moms Are Caregivers

Not too many would argue that Mothers, by nature, are caregivers. The skills for this come partly from their maternal instincts as well as skills they have developed during their own experiences in the world. As babies go through their growing stages, the care that Mothers have to provide changes.

What Does Leadership and Motherhood Have In Common?

Women in management can clearly identify what they have learned from being a Mother that has helped them be successful in their leadership roles. Some examples are:

When to Stay Involved and When To Stand Aside

Mothers have to know when to push their kids to achieve certain goals in their lives. They also need to know when to stand back and let the kids take on the responsibilities that they are capable of. For example, a Mom may have to push to get their kids out of bed on time on a school day. But they are the ones that are responsible for dressing appropriately and making sure their backpack has everything they need for the day.

The leader in a company has to know when their employees need direction and also know when to stand back and let them complete what is expected of them. Employees have to reach a point where they can think on their own make decisions, and yet their leader has to be there in the event they are going in the wrong direction.

Flexibility

Motherhood requires flexibility. When one thing does not work with a child, then it means changing to plan B.

A leader has to be able to be flexible in the workplace. If a concept is not working well, then changes have to be made, and the leader has to be able to accept this without being set in their ways.

Balancing Personalization With Professionalism

Mothers of more than one child soon learn that each of their children has distinct personalities. As such, they have different ways of handling their kids.

This same concept applies to the leader of a company and the employees they are responsible for. Each worker is different, and the leader has to recognize their personality. Being able to do this allows the leader to use different approaches with each employee to reach the same goals.

Additional commonalities between the Motherhood role and the leadership role are:
- Being prepared for the unknown
- Resolving conflicts
- Recognizing that workers have a life besides the work environment.
- Empathy
- Balance
- Prioritizing
- Time Management

When looking at the skills set of a Mother the similarities between these and the requirements for leadership are parallel.

Being Penalized For Being A Mother

First-time mothers who return to the workforce are often shocked when they realize they are being penalized for their new role in life. The penalties include:

A cut in pay while their male counterparts receive an increase in pay
No consideration for many meaningful job positions

The bottom line is Mothers in the workforce are discriminated against.

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.

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.

7 Things to Do in Your First 90 Days as a New Manager

April 12, 2021 by Danielle Doolen

What to Do in the First 90 Days on a New Job

Any time you step into a new role or start at a new company, you want to put your best foot forward. This is especially true when you get promoted from an individual contributor to manager. Those first 90 days are a chance to prove yourself and show the company they made the right decision selecting you for the job.

The first 90 days in a new role are a time of learning and growth. Some people are natural-born leaders, but for others, it may not come as naturally. If you want to set yourself up for success in your new role, here are seven things to do in your first 90 days as a manager.

Get to know your team.

Whether you’re a brand new manager at the company or you’ve been promoted after years of hard work, get to know your new team. Your team’s success is a direct reflection of you and your leadership, so it’s essential to spend time learning about them. How do they work best? What are their career goals? What’s important to them outside of work? Set up one-on-ones to get acquainted with each team member.

In addition to forming a relationship with individuals, it’s also essential to establish a team bond. Unless you’re tasked with building your team, chances are they’ve been working together for years and have an established culture. How can your team work together to achieve the company’s goals? Spend time learning about your team dynamics. Schedule a team meeting for a more formal approach or have a team lunch (in person or virtually) if you want to keep it more casual.

Build your network.

Networking internally is just as important, if not more important, than networking externally. As a new manager, you’ll need people to lean on for advice and support as you get acquainted with your new responsibilities. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll need to collaborate with other departments to accomplish your team’s and company’s goals. Make it a point to reconnect with existing colleagues and reach out to unfamiliar colleagues to establish a connection in your first 90 days.

Understand what’s working and what’s not.

To be effective in your role, you need to understand what’s working well and what needs improvement. From a team perspective and a process perspective, take the time to evaluate how you can improve in your new role. As a leader, you have the opportunity to impact how your team works, what gets accomplished, and how your team adds value to the organization.

Communicate expectations.

Now more than ever, you have the responsibility to grow and develop team members, achieve goals, and show how valuable your expertise is to your company. As a manager, you’ll have personal goals and team goals, and to accomplish these goals, you must communicate your expectations for achieving them. Set up time with your team to lay the groundwork and meet with your manager to understand what they expect from you.

Set realistic goals.

Think about how you can immediately add value and what you can accomplish once you get acclimated to your new responsibilities. Align your goals with your company’s company goals and their expectations for you. We all want to change the world, but what can you actually accomplish both in your first 90 days and beyond. Setting unrealistic goals will set you up for failure, so set realistic goals to keep you motivated.

Delegate.

A major difference between your previous role and your new role as a manager is you now have the ability to delegate. You don’t have to do it all yourself, and most likely, you won’t have the time to do it all yourself. Consider what tasks and projects you can offload. This not only frees up your time for new responsibilities but it gives team members the opportunity to expand their expertise. Being a leader is as much about developing your team as it is about achieving your goals, and delegating can help you do both.

Allow yourself to be new.

You are a new manager, so allow yourself to be new. You’re not expected to have all the answers or get everything 100% right. It’s human nature to make mistakes and stumble from time to time. Try to relax and be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned and know when to ask for help. Your new role will get easier over time as you gain more confidence in your managing abilities. Until then, give yourself grace because, well, you’re new at this.

45 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

April 5, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Hiring is a big decision. It impacts your team dynamic, effectiveness, and ability to achieve your goals. Make the wrong choice, and you’ve lost time and money. It can be daunting. So before you bring in a candidate or make a final decision, it’s helpful to reflect on what you want and need. Taking time to ask the important questions before you hire can be the difference between finding the right person vs. the right for now person you’ll second guess later.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Hire

Self-reflection before hiring a new teammate is a great place to start. Take five to ten minutes before posting a job description or interviewing a potential candidate to ask yourself what you’re really looking for in a new team member. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

What will make your life easier?

What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?

What problems keep you up at night, and how can this person alleviate them?

What do you value most: experience or education?

What would make you not hire someone?

What are your deal breakers?

What is a must-have skill that is non-negotiable?

What is your budget, and are you willing to be flexible for the right person?

What would make this person successful in their first 30, 60, 90 days on the job?

Is there anyone you know of that would be a good fit for the role?

Questions to Ask Your Team Before You Hire

Making a hiring decision impacts not only you but your team as well. Your team will benefit from thinking and talking through how a new hire will change how your team operates and socializes. Consider the following:

What are you looking for in a coworker?

What do you think is missing from our team?

How do you work best with others?

What skills and expertise will elevate our team?

Do you know anyone in your network that would be a good fit for this role?

Questions to Ask Your Network Before You Hire

Seeking input from others and how they’ve approached hiring can influence your decisions for the better. Ask for guidance from your network to know what mistakes to avoid and what helpful insight they can offer.

What’s the biggest hiring mistake you’ve made?

What do you look for in your ideal candidate?

What kind of talent do you think would benefit our company?

Where do you seek your talent?

What does your interview process look like?

Do you know anyone who would be interested in this opportunity?

Questions to Ask Your Candidate Before You Hire

Arguably the most important questions you ask in the hiring process are the ones you ask your candidate. In addition to the tried and true questions like what your strengths and what are your weaknesses, try a few of these.

What value can you add to our team?

What are you passionate about outside of work?

What’s something you can tell me about yourself that’s not on your resume?

What’s a project you’ve worked on that’s challenged you?

What’s a project you’ve worked on that you absolutely crushed?

Why do you want to work here?

What would your current manager say about you?

How would your colleagues describe you?

What are you looking for in a team?

How do you do your best work?

What skills can you bring to our team that are an immediate asset?

How do you respond under pressure?

What makes you an indispensable team member?

If you were given a task or project and you did not know what to do, how would you proceed?

What do you believe this position would offer that your current employer does not?

How do you define success?

What are you learning right now?

What are you excited about?

What are you looking for in a manager?

Do you have experience working remotely?

What’s something you’re learning right now?

What’s important to you in a company’s culture?

What’s the best job you’ve ever had?

What’s an achievement, personal or professional, that you’re most proud of?

How to Set Yourself Up For Success When Making a Change

February 7, 2021 by Angela Dodd

Change is hard. Whether you’re trying to make a lifestyle or career change or quit a bad habit, it can be difficult to make the necessary changes to achieve your desired result. Take your health, for example. Say your doctor recommends that you lose a few pounds for optimal health, and you both decide that means losing ten pounds. So you choose to eat healthier and exercise, which you do for a few days before you fall back into old habits and decide it’s too hard, so you’ll live with the extra weight.

So why is it that we struggle to make changes even when we know they’ll contribute to our success? A big reason is that we often see change as a single result. We think we make one change today, and that’s it, but that’s rarely the cause. Changing our behavior is a gradual process that requires our continuous attention. Our perception of change significantly affects how successful we are in achieving our goals.

There are a few ways we can set ourselves up to make changes successfully. The next time you’re confronted with making a change, try these tips.

Know Your Why

As with many things in life, knowing why you’re doing something can propel you in the right direction. Keeping your good intentions and purpose front of mind will help you to refocus when you stray off track (because it’s bound to happen) and when you want to quit. Remember your reason for wanting to make the change and revisit it often.

Stay Positive

When we associate change with negative emotions, like difficult or expensive, we’re setting ourselves up to fail. Reframe your way of thinking and consider the change as rewarding or as an investment instead. Keeping a positive mindset will help you take on the challenge with excitement instead of dread.

Start Small

When making changes, like in the health example above, we’ve been known to bite off more than we can chew, which sets us up for failure. Starting with small actionable steps helps us make progress toward change and makes us more likely to stick with it. Instead of saying you’re going to overhaul your diet and workout daily, try saying you’re going to eat three servings of vegetables today and go for a 15-minute walk. Once you’ve mastered those changes, make a few more small ones, and before you know it, you’ll have made more progress than you think.

Accept Failure

Failure is a part of the journey. The sooner we accept it, the sooner we can overcome it. Get accustomed to failing, readjusting, refocusing, and moving forward. Don’t let one failure or setback keep you from making a change to better yourself or your career. Reframe your thinking to see failure as a learning opportunity.

Stick to It

No matter how big or small, change is difficult, and more importantly, it’s a process. Remember to stick to it. Change won’t happen overnight. Often, it won’t even happen in a week or even a month. Keep your why in mind and keep moving forward. It may seem hard today, but every day you work toward your goal, it’ll get a little easier until it feels second nature.

Change is uncomfortable. It’s challenging and messy, and it takes a lot of work. But if you really want it and commit to it, we promise it’s worth it.