Month: February 2024

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Career Coaching Motivation

Preparing to work at a new company in a different industry

work at a new company

Starting a new job is always quite intimidating. Whether you’re straight out of college or have been in the workforce for a while, entering into a new industry can make you feel out of place. In order to succeed, both socially and professionally, you are expected to learn the lingo, follow the dress code, and pick up on acceptable social and professional behaviors. Typically, as a new employee you don’t always have constant help to figure these areas out.

Comprehensive onboarding is essential to feel comfortable in a new job. For example, the consulting firm BCG found that of the 21 human resource programs it looked at, onboarding had the second most significant business impact. 

Generally, organizations often fall short on helping new hires assimilate to their new office environments. New hire orientation programs are often too brief. In a perfect world, they should include more than the common one-off meeting. However, while it’s the company’s job to help you learn about the office culture, much of your success at a new job falls on you. Here are some tips to help you succeed at your new industry from day one.

Don’t lose your personal brand

You are representing yourself and your personal brand  from the moment you step foot into the office.

Now that you’re starting your first day as an employee, don’t downplay the importance of first impressions. Your first 90 days on the job are often treated as an extension of the interview. That means you should use every interaction to prove that you’re a respectful, professional, and diligent worker, but also that you’re someone who your colleagues will enjoy spending eight-plus hours a day with.

From a conversation with your manager to your first department meeting to your first company event with coworkers, every office task is an opportunity to learn, grow, and represent yourself in a positive light. 

Set healthy boundaries from the get-go

This career tip is one that can take some time to understand, but it’s worth noting, so you’re aware of the importance of setting healthy boundaries in regard to work. When you set healthy boundaries, you are clarifying what is acceptable and unacceptable to you in regard to how late you’re willing to work, the total number of hours you’re willing to work, how you’ll deal with saying “no” when needed, and how personal you’re willing to allow your work relationships to be. 

Once you set the example that you’re willing to do certain things, it’s hard to go back. In other words, if your manager sends you emails over the weekend, and you respond, then you may unknowingly set the expectation that you will always be willing to work on weekends. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.

Establish good time management skills at work from day one 

When starting work in a new industry, especially in a corporate setting, it does not take long for the volume of work and projects to pile up. These items, combined with the personal items you need to address on a regular basis, can become overwhelming if you don’t utilize good time management skills while at work. 

Common time management techniques include setting priorities, maintaining lists of items to be addressed daily, and scheduling blocks of time to address certain items. 

Remember, It’s also okay to say “no” if you have to. This also goes back to setting boundaries. For example, if you are asked to complete a project or do a task, you can share your current obligations and then negotiate the completion due date. What you are really saying is  “yes,” while also managing expectations. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask your manager to help you set priorities if you find the requests piling up.  

If you’re constantly being asked to perform tasks that are not within your work scope, you may need to find a way to politely decline to work on these items. Helping someone out at work is one thing, but do not allow yourself to be a doormat or be taken advantage of. You will become overwhelmed or stressed by unreasonable requests.

Avoid office politics 

More often than not, employees make themselves look bad by trying to involve themselves in work matters that are none of their business. Work environments can be quite the tangled web of  drama and gossip, all of which the wise new hire will avoid. Unless you are a supervisor, your work is the only work you’re responsible for.

However, the exception to this rule is if someone is doing something unethical, creating an unsafe work environment due to harassment or bullying, is doing something unsafe, or is negatively impacting your ability to do your job. These scenarios warrant further action on your part by bringing the concern to the attention of your supervisor or Human Resources.

Choose your work battles wisely

With the numerous people you will interact with in the work world, you likely will encounter plenty of frustrations, and concerns. To maintain your sanity and productivity at work, it will be helpful for you to discern between challenges you need to deal with versus the ones you can overlook and move on from.

Never stop asking questions

There is a learning curve as a new hire, especially if you are entering a new industry; from how to do your job effectively to how the organization works. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by all the items you will need to learn. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions from team members to gain clarity when you need it. It’s better to get the information to handle things correctly versus learning the hard way that you’re doing something incorrectly.

No one expects you to be a pro when you are new to a job and industry, and no one expects you to know everything about the organization right away, either. Chances are that others have similar questions to you, so don’t be afraid to ask.  

Finally, show initiative by doing your own research. Take time to learn about your position and the organization before you begin commenting or making suggestions that might be interpreted as not understanding your position or the organization or could be perceived as argumentative or condescending. If you’ve been provided answers to questions, be sure to listen, so you don’t have to ask the same questions over and over again.

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Career Coaching Inspiration Others

Leading the Way: Developing Strong Leadership Skills for Young Professionals in the Workforce

As the job market becomes more competitive, it’s becoming increasingly important for young professionals in the workforce to develop strong leadership skills. While it’s true that experience is an important factor in becoming a successful leader, there are many ways that young people can develop their leadership abilities and stand out in their careers.

Here are some key tips for young professionals looking to lead in the workforce:

  1. Develop strong communication skills: Communication is key to effective leadership. Young people can develop their communication skills by practicing active listening, asking questions, and expressing their ideas clearly and confidently.
  2. Build a strong work ethic: A strong work ethic is essential for leadership. Young people can demonstrate their commitment and dedication by taking on challenging tasks, meeting deadlines, and going above and beyond what is expected of them.
  3. Be proactive: Leaders are proactive and take initiative. Young people can show their leadership potential by identifying problems and proposing solutions, taking on additional responsibilities, and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
  4. Seek out mentorship: Mentorship is an excellent way for young people to develop their leadership skills. Seek out mentors who have experience in your industry and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with you.
  5. Develop emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This is an important skill for leaders, as it helps them to build strong relationships and navigate difficult situations.
  6. Lead by example: Leaders lead by example, and young people can demonstrate their leadership abilities by setting a positive example for others. This includes showing up on time, being prepared, and treating others with respect and professionalism.
  7. Be open to feedback: Feedback is an important part of personal and professional growth. Young people can demonstrate their leadership potential by being open to feedback, seeking it out from their colleagues and supervisors, and using it to improve their performance.

By following these tips, young professionals can develop their leadership skills and become effective leaders in the workforce. Remember, leadership is not just about age or experience – it’s about demonstrating the qualities and skills that inspire others to follow your lead.

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Review

Why Women Leaders Are Leaving Companies?

Why Women Leaders Are Leaving Companies
Why Women Leaders Are Leaving Companies

Women have seen immense progress regarding representation and leadership within the corporate structure in recent years. However, research shows that despite this progress, women in the United States are choosing to leave the corporate world in astounding numbers.

Research shows that the number of female CEO appointments has remained largely unchanged for over a decade.

Reports are emerging about how gender bias persists despite efforts from many businesses toward greater representation. It’s clear that organizations need to do more work to provide genuine opportunities for advancement to female talent.

According to the Women in the Workplace 2022 study, despite modest gains in representation over the past eight years, women – and especially women of color – are still drastically underrepresented in corporate America.

The Impact Of COVID-19 

Women leaders don’t want to return to business as usual. Two and a half years into the coronavirus pandemic, new research from the National Women’s Law Center shows that women have recouped all their job losses since February 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to make difficult decisions, especially women employees. From top executive to the every day working woman, the number of women leaving their posts has disproportionately risen — and it’s not hard to imagine why.

Plus, the gender pay gap has been exacerbated by the effects of the recession that have affected almost all industries. These hurdles make it harder for women leaders to stay in their posts, let alone advance their careers.

Women leaders in the workplace face a unique set of dual challenges; stay in their current roles, or leave to seek alternatives. The uncertainty of the pandemic has caused many women to choose the latter option.

The Lack of Growth Opportunities 

Another factor causing women leaders to move on is the lack of growth opportunities within the company. Many organizations fail to provide their female employees with the necessary resources, training, and support to advance their careers.

According to McKinsey & Company’s annual report on women in the workplace, women are still far less likely than men to be promoted into manager-level positions and beyond.

For every 100 men leaders who are promoted from entry-level roles to manager positions, only 87 women are promoted, and only 82 women of color are promoted.

As a result, men significantly outnumber women at the manager level, and women can never catch up. There are simply too few women to promote to senior leadership positions.

The Extra Work Women Do is ‘Going Unnoticed’

Aspiring women leaders also often find themselves in work environments where they feel unheard and unseen, or their ideas are ignored. It can lead to a feeling of alienation that causes many talented women to look elsewhere for higher-level opportunities.

It’s also affecting young women who are entering the workforce. Instead of staying with one company they choose to move on to another that provides more growth opportunities.

Although fewer women are joining the executive ranks, those who remain in their jobs often take on additional responsibilities. As a result, many are overworked and undervalued, which can create frustration and doubt about the prospects for women leaders.

The lack of recognition for the extra work women does greatly impacts female leadership retention. Women are leaving their current roles for other opportunities where leadership positions are more attainable and appreciated.

Women Want a Different Work Culture

Work culture can make or break a career. Many women are looking for workplaces prioritizing work-life balance and mental health. An atmosphere of trust and transparency can go a long way in creating an environment where women leaders can thrive.

When companies don’t create this kind of culture, it often leads to significant turnover rates amongst their female leadership. Women are looking for organizations that appreciate their contributions and provide them with the resources, flexibility, and support to succeed.

Women are also more likely to leave companies if they don’t feel a sense of belonging or purpose in their roles. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They will look elsewhere when they don’t feel valued or supported by their organization.

Flexible Workplace

After the Covid pandemic, most companies have offered women to work from home. And women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ women feel safer and more valued when working remotely.

It has led to more women choosing flexible workplace options, which allows them to better balance their work and personal commitments.

However, not all companies are providing equal opportunities for teleworking and this could be another factor of losing young women talent.

Moreover, some employees find that remote work can be isolating and lead to feelings of disconnect if they don’t have an effective support system.

Pay Inequity 

The gender pay gap is alive and well even today, and it’s one of the primary reasons so many women are leaving their positions as leaders.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2019, women earned 71% less than men. It’s no wonder that so many women have decided they will no longer put up with this type of inequality.

The Impact of Women Leaving Companies 

When women leave their positions at companies, there can be serious repercussions for the individual and the organization.

On an individual level, leaving a company can lead to decreased job security, reduced earning potential, and decreased job satisfaction overall.

For organizations, losing key personnel can mean missing out on valuable insights from women leaders—insights which could help them stay competitive in today’s ever-changing business landscape. Additionally, hiring young women to fill vacated positions requires time and money that could otherwise be spent on other initiatives or investments.

What Can Be Done To Encourage Women To Stay?

For decades, gender inequality has been a problem in the workplace. For organizations to create an inclusive environment and retain female employees, it’s important to understand the available solutions. Let’s explore how companies can encourage women to stay in their roles.

Flexible Work Schedules 

The traditional nine-to-five workday is no longer the norm for many modern workplaces. Offering flexible working hours or remote options can be an effective way for companies to accommodate employees with family or other duties outside work.

Flexible work schedules allow employees more control over their time. They can help them better manage their workloads while still meeting deadlines.

Additionally, this arrangement may give female employees more freedom to pursue leadership opportunities without sacrificing other aspects of their lives.

Leadership Opportunities 

Leadership positions are essential for retaining top talent within an organization, particularly when it comes to female employees.

Companies should strive to provide equal representation across all levels of management by recruiting qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds and encouraging them with meaningful career growth opportunities.

Creating an inclusive culture that promotes equal access for all can make women feel valued and appreciated in their roles, making them more likely to stay long-term with their organizations.

Investing In Professional Development 

Companies should also invest in professional development for their female employees. This could mean offering leadership training or classes on communication or negotiation skills.

Women must also have access to mentors who can offer guidance and support as they navigate their careers.

By investing in professional development opportunities for women, companies can ensure that they remain competitive and attractive places for female employees to work.

Promoting Gender Equality 

Finally, companies need to promote gender equality throughout all levels of their organization. This includes ensuring parity among pay scales and job titles and creating policies that protect against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Companies should also encourage open dialogue about issues related to diversity so that everyone feels comfortable speaking up when they encounter potential problems or discrepancies within the workplace.

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Keeping women at a company requires more than just offering competitive salaries; it requires creating an environment where women feel respected and empowered.

Companies should improve workplace culture by offering flexible work schedules, investing in professional development opportunities, and promoting gender equality throughout the organization.

Doing these things will help keep women leaders in a company and make it a better place for everyone who works there.

Categories
Inspiration

Things Gen-Z Wants from Their Next Job

Things Gen-Z Wants from Their Next Job
Things Gen-Z Wants from Their Next Job

Gen-Z is the generation of the future. They are tech-savvy, ambitious, and determined to make a difference. With their unique perspective from growing up in an ever-changing digital world, they bring something special to the workplace.

But like other generations in return they expect more than a paycheck. They want something meaningful, stimulating, and enjoyable that they can invest in.

Gen-Z has some serious expectations regarding finding their dream job, from social media presence to autonomy to the right compensation plan and everything in between.

Youngest workers may be just starting their career journeys but won’t settle for anything less than what they feel is worth all that hard work.

So, if you are an employer ready to make your next hire, or a member of Gen-Z starting your career journey – get ready to learn how you can move forward together toward success.

Understanding Gen-Z in the Workplace

Understanding Gen-Z in the Workplace
Understanding Workplace

According to research, Gen-Z makes up 26% of the global workforce which means around two billion people. As the next generation, they are looking for a job that offers them a sense of purpose and allows them to make an impact.

Gen-Z is transforming the traditional workplace. Millennial workers focus more on job satisfaction, but Gen-Z wants to see results. They challenge the status quo and demand that companies think outside the box regarding how they do business.

For them, work-life balance is sacrosanct and they expect respectable flexible hours. It means having flexible schedules that allow for adequate hours of rest and leisure.

Gen-Z employees want to do something they are passionate about and create a life that will benefit them in the long term.

Things Youngest Generation Wants From Their New Job

There’s a good chance that Gen-Z will enter the job market with unique expectations set. From an employer’s perspective, understanding what Gen-Z wants is key to attracting and retaining the most diverse workforce.

Let’s see what else Gen- Z is looking for in their next job.

Compensation For Work Life Balance
Compensation For Work Life Balance

70% of Gen-Z workers say compensation is the most important factor when considering a job opportunity.

Gen-Z workers are looking for a job that allows them to have a good work-life balance. They want to enjoy life outside their career but still feel well compensated for their hard work.

And it’s natural to ask because they want to make a life for themselves, and they need to know that their job will provide them with the financial stability they need.

Clarity into Career Paths

Gen-Z is the most optimistic and purpose driven generation. While Millennials are looking for job satisfaction, Gen-Z wants to make an impact.

They value transparency and expect a clear career path from the get-go. They want to know what their future may hold regarding promotions and leadership opportunities, so they can plan accordingly.

Younger workers expect to be promoted between 6 months to 1.5 years because they want to see tangible results from their professional development. And they have a right to expect it – after all, they’re motivated, hardworking, and results-oriented.

Purpose-Driven Work 

Gen-Zers don’t just want to make money. They’re looking for jobs that align with their values and purpose. That means employers need to be transparent about their company culture, mission, and goals.

When Gen-Z feels connected to their work personally, it increases their satisfaction and loyalty toward the company. Their dream job allows them to make a difference in the world and impact their community.

As more companies become socially responsible, Gen-Z workers will be looking for employers who align with their values and are committed to making a positive change in the world.

Mentorship & Skill Development

Mentorship & Skill Development
Mentorship

Gen-Z greatly values mentorship and ongoing skill development opportunities within the workplace. While many know how to use modern technology like social media platforms, coding languages, etc.

Most are still new graduates who need guidance throughout the job search process and learn how to navigate corporate cultures and expectations once hired into a role.

Having mentorships available helps provide structure while giving Gen-Zers space to grow professionally without feeling micromanaged or overwhelmed by expectations from above them.

Because one wants to sit still and stagnate their career, Gen-Z has high expectations for growth. They’re looking to build their knowledge by taking advantage of educational opportunities like workshops, seminars and e-learning courses.

Gen-Z wants an innovative, forward-thinking employer committed to social responsibility. They value work-life balance and crave learning and growth opportunities.

As well as being authentic and genuine, they want clarity into their career paths and mentorship programs that help them develop professionally.

Opportunity for Growth 

Gen-Zers are looking for positions that will give them room to grow within the company and learn new skills along the way. They want a job that will challenge them intellectually and provide growth opportunities both professionally and personally.

It means giving them innovative projects that allow them to flex their creative muscles and gain valuable experience that can be used later down the road when exploring other job opportunities or starting their business venture.

Young employees understand how competitive today’s job market is. Hence, they are eager to find organizations that offer training programs or educational resources that enable employees to stay ahead of industry trends and build on existing skillsets.

A Sense of Purpose 

Gen-Z wants a job where they feel like their efforts are impacting something bigger than themselves. They value working towards something meaningful with companies that share similar values, such as sustainability or social justice causes.

Having purposeful work gives this generation an emotional connection with employers because it allows them to feel like they have found something larger than themselves – a sense of belonging within an organization that truly cares about its employees, customers, and community.

Workplace Flexibility

Gen-Z is less likely than any previous generation to say that having a good work/life balance is extremely important—but that doesn’t mean they don’t want it. Gen-Z prioritize being able to work flexibly and balance their professional commitments with their personal lives.

It includes remote work when necessary or taking advantage of flexible scheduling options like compressed work weeks or flexible hours.

Employers should be open-minded about offering these options, so Gen-Z employees can succeed professionally and personally without sacrificing one over the other.

Collaborative Workplace Culture 

The social nature of this generation means that team collaboration is key when it comes to making sure Gen-Z feel comfortable in the workplace. Gen-Z talent thrive when allowed to collaborate with colleagues on projects and solve problems as a team.

They also value working with people who share similar values including diversity and inclusion. And employers should be aware of this when creating workplace culture initiatives designed to engage with this demographic specifically.

Expect Privacy

Some young workers have grown up in an era of oversharing and constant connectivity, but that doesn’t mean they want their entire lives broadcasted to the world. Gen-Zers are keenly aware of their digital footprints and take steps to protect their privacy when possible.

Employers should be respectful of this by having clear policies regarding data security and showing a commitment to protecting employee’s personal information.

How to Attract and Retain Gen-Z Employees?

How to Attract and Retain Gen-Z Employees?
Attract Gen Z Employees

Capturing the attention of Gen-Z isn’t as tough as it may seem. To attract and retain the new generation, businesses should consider the following things.

  • Create an environment that encourages professional development and allows for ongoing learning.
  • Encourage employees to innovate and contribute their ideas; don’t simply relegate them to clerical tasks.
  • Be sure to provide ample opportunities for collaboration and working with team members from all departments, too, which will ensure a sense of connection and community.
  • Additionally, give young talent a chance to lead projects and create ways they can get hands-on experience with different problem-solving skill sets.
  • Offer benefits like flexible hours and remote working options, allowing employees to balance work with their personal lives.
  • Finally, be sure to emphasize your company’s commitment to social responsibility—this is something that Gen- Zers value immensely.

Doing so can help foster initiative and ownership among Gen-Z workers while building meaningful relationships with their peers.

Ultimately, if you foster a passion for learning, innovation, and growth among your workforce – professionally and personally – you will naturally attract the best Gen-Z employees for your team.

Meet the Needs of the New Workforce

Gen-Z is looking for more than just any old job; they want something that will personally and professionally fulfill them. Flexibility, learning opportunities, and meaningful work are all important factors in finding a job that satisfies these needs.

Employers willing to provide these benefits will be attractive to potential hires from this generation. They will likely find success in recruiting top talent from this demographic group.

By understanding what Gen-Z expects from the workplace, employers can create roles that appeal directly to members of this generation – ensuring everyone wins.

Categories
Motivation

What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why It’s Important?

What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why It's Important
What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why It's Important

Have you ever wondered what sets some people apart from the rest? What allows them to easily navigate complex social situations and be more successful in their personal and professional lives? The answer may lie in emotional intelligence.

It’s no secret that emotions impact every aspect of life. But many of us don’t realize how powerful our emotions can be. EI is crucial for human success and happiness, affecting personal and professional life. It’s a powerful tool that can help you become more successful.

Let’s take a look at what emotional intelligence is, how it works, and why it matters.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, understand, and manage our emotions and other people’s. It includes the capability to recognize your feelings and those of others and use that information when making decisions. 

EI involves self-awareness, empathy, impulse control, stress management, motivation, and social skills such as communication and conflict resolution. Good EI enables us to stay aware of our emotions and those of others in any situation. So we are better able to respond compassionately or effectively. 

Emotional intelligence is a key component for success in many aspects of life. From navigating complex relationships at work or home, advancing career prospects through effective communication with colleagues, or simply staying calm under pressure when faced with challenging situations.

The concept of emotional intelligence originated at Yale and the University of New Hampshire. Peter Salovey and John Mayer developed the idea of emotional intelligence in the early 1990s and later expanded on it in their book, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.”

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important?

In our life, happiness is usually not just the result of good luck or perfect circumstances. It’s often the result of our ability to manage emotions and interact successfully with others. And that’s where emotional intelligence comes into play. Having a high level of EI can help us in many ways. Following are a few aspects of our life that can benefit from having good EI:

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important?

In our life, happiness is usually not just the result of good luck or perfect circumstances. It’s often the result of our ability to manage emotions and interact successfully with others. And that’s where emotional intelligence comes into play. Having a high level of EI can help us in many ways. Following are a few aspects of our life that can benefit from having good EI:

Improved Relationships

People with high EI are better at building and maintaining relationships with others. They can understand the emotions and perspectives of others. Which helps them to respond in a supportive and empathetic way. This leads to stronger and more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Better Communication:

EI helps individuals effectively communicate their own feelings and thoughts, as well as understand and respond to the emotions of others. This leads to more productive and respectful interactions and improved conflict resolution.

Increased Self-Awareness:

Emotional intelligence is closely tied to self-awareness. As individuals with high emotional intelligence can better recognize and understand their emotions. This self-awareness helps them to make more informed decisions about their personal and professional lives and to identify areas where they need to improve.

Improved Decision Making:

People with high EI are better at managing stress and avoiding impulsive behavior. They can make decisions based on logic and reason rather than just emotions. Which leads to more effective and successful outcomes. This can be particularly important in high-pressure situations where clear and rational thinking is necessary.

Enhanced Leadership Skills:

Emotional intelligence is a key factor in effective leadership. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can inspire and motivate their teams, create a positive work environment, and make decisions that benefit the organization and its employees. They can understand and respond to the emotions of their team members, which helps to build trust and improve overall performance.

These are the main aspects of our life; without good EI, our lives can become challenging. Developing EI is an important part of personal growth and can lead to a more successful and healthier life.

How To Develop Emotional Intelligence?

Some people believe that EI is natural and that you either have it or don’t, but this is not true. Just like any other skill, emotional intelligence can be developed and improved with the right strategies and techniques. Here are a few ways you can start developing your emotional intelligence today:

  • Be Patient with Yourself: The first step to developing emotional intelligence is being patient. It takes time to develop new skills and habits. So don’t expect to see overnight results. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Be Aware of Your Emotions: Start by paying attention to your emotions. Notice when you feel happy, sad, angry, anxious, or scared. Don’t judge your emotions or try to change them. Just observe them.
  • Identify Your Triggers: Once you’re aware of your emotions, start to notice what triggers them. What situations, people, or thoughts make you feel a certain way? If you can identify your triggers, you can start to manage them better.
  • Communicate Openly and Honestly: One of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence is communicating openly and honestly with others. This means being able to express your needs and feelings in a way that is respectful and clear. It also means being open to hearing about others’ needs and feelings.
  • Listen Mindfully: To communicate effectively, you must be a good listener. This means giving the person your full attention and hearing what they’re saying. It also means being open-minded and non-judgmental. Try not to interrupt or offer advice unless asked for it.
  • Practice Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. When communicating with someone, try to put yourself in their shoes and see things from their perspective. This can help you to better understand their needs and feelings.
  • Manage Stress Effectively: Stress is a normal part of life, but it can be detrimental if it’s not managed effectively. When you’re feeling stressed, take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to help calm your mind and body.
  • Develop a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset means believing you can always learn and improve. This helps to create an attitude of resilience and optimism, which are important for emotional intelligence. Remember that mistakes are part of the learning process and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Ending Thoughts

I’m sure you can also develop EI. As you continue to practice these skills, you’ll find that they become easier and more natural. With time and effort, you can learn to manage your emotions. So don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The rewards are worth it.

Categories
Inspiration Others

Managing Up: Strategies for Effectively Communicating with Your Boss

Managing up refers to the art of effectively communicating with your boss or manager to build a positive working relationship and achieve common goals. This skill is crucial for career advancement and success, as a positive relationship with your boss can lead to increased trust, respect, and opportunities for growth. Here are some strategies for managing up:

  1. Understand your boss’s communication style: Understanding how your boss prefers to communicate (e.g., in-person, email, phone) and adapting your communication style accordingly can help you build a positive working relationship. Some bosses prefer to communicate in a concise and direct manner, while others may appreciate more detailed updates.
  2. Be proactive: Anticipating your boss’s needs and taking the initiative to communicate updates or ask questions can demonstrate your commitment to the job and build trust. However, be mindful of your boss’s workload and schedule and avoid bombarding them with unnecessary information.
  3. Be a problem solver: Instead of bringing problems to your boss, come up with potential solutions and present them along with the problem. This shows that you are proactive and solution-oriented, and can help build trust and respect.
  4. Build a relationship: Building a positive working relationship with your boss can help improve communication and make it easier to manage up. Take the time to get to know your boss on a personal level and find common interests.
  5. Be clear and concise: When communicating with your boss, be clear and concise in your messages. Avoid rambling or going off-topic, and focus on the key points you want to convey.
  6. Be open to feedback: Being open to feedback and constructive criticism from your boss can help you improve and grow in your role. Accept feedback graciously and take it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  7. Take ownership: Taking ownership of your work and being accountable for your actions can help build trust with your boss. Be proactive in communicating progress, challenges, and accomplishments, and take responsibility for any mistakes.

By effectively managing up, you can build a positive working relationship with your boss and achieve common goals. Remember to be proactive, clear, solution-oriented, and open to feedback, and you will be on your way to success.

Categories
Career Coaching

Tips and tricks for work-related travel

Work Related Travel Tips

Business travel is a love-hate dynamic. While many people see it as a perk, especially when they get to combine business and leisure, frequent business travelers often find it inconvenient, even uncomfortable. 

Traveling for business can be challenging. However, experienced travelers know that they can have a much better experience when they follow certain rules that are guaranteed to work. Here is my complete list of top travel tips and tricks to help you navigate your next business trip with ease. 

Stick to carry-on bags only

This is one of those packing tips that can easily help you save lots of extra time. If you want to avoid losing an average 30 minutes at the baggage claim, or even having to go through the hassle of your suitcase being lost, then keep it simple, pack light, and stick to carry-on luggage.

Make comfort a priority

Whether it’s your bags, your clothes, your meals, or your sleep and skincare routine, make sure you have all the basics you need in order to feel comfortable during your trip. Consider a neck-pillow, earbuds for music (make sure they’re charged!), or an eye mask to get a few extra Z’s during your flight. 

Pack both business and casual attire

Even if the dress code at your meetings is always business attire, there might be occasions when you’ll have to dress casually. Even consider bringing clothes that you can put on for a 30-minute session in the hotel gym. It’s important to be prepared for all types of events. 

Use a suit bag

If you don’t have time or you don’t know if you’ll be able to get your suit ironed before your business meetings, then bring it with you on the plane in a suit bag to make sure it arrives wrinkle-free. Check your cabin allowance beforehand to make sure you can bring it on board. Another popular option is wearing it during your flight to avoid getting too many wrinkles on it.

Another tip is to invest in a hand steamer. They run about $50 to $100, but they will save you tons of time. Ironing can be tedious, but steaming is quick and efficient. 

International travel

First time business travel can make you nervous, and you might forget important details. International travelers need a current passport with at least six months until expiry. Do you need a visa or other authorizations? Do you have the right type of visa for business travel? There are many potential paperwork disasters lying in wait at immigration. 

Keep security checks in mind when you pack

Security checks can be very strict, with all liquids, electronics, and even chargers often being required to be taken out of your suitcase. To ensure you make your way through security checks as quickly as possible, keep all items to be checked at security ready to unpack when the time comes.

Also, make sure you wear socks. It can be more comfortable wearing flip flops or slides at the airport, but you’ll need to walk through security without your shoes. 

Review travel insurance 

Before you take to the skies, check travel insurance off your list of to do’s. Whether it’s a short trip or a long one, on a first business trip, make sure you’re covered. 

Money may not buy happiness, but it can get you an annual policy – saving you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the road – it’s also tax deductible  Also, don’t forget to scope out the risk landscape of your destination to make sure it’s in policy.  

Do your research on foreign business etiquette

Depending on where you’re traveling, business etiquette can be very different from your own country. Make sure to check the basic rules beforehand, so you will be able to go into a client meeting with confidence. 

Take advantage of lounges 

Airline lounges can reduce the stress of flying and lift you out of the chaos and noise of the main concourse. Walk into peace and quiet, showers, decent food, and drinks for free. Business Class fares generally include lounge access, but some are available for a fee. There is no better place to be if you’re dealing with delays. Once again, this is a business write-off. 

Use a firewall when using public internet

Especially when you use your work computer and access work-related information, make sure your antivirus is up to date and you have a firewall to protect you from anyone accessing your data.

If you’re traveling to a different time zone, try to sleep in the night-time of that zone prior to take-off. Body clocks are hard to reset and it’s better if you can do this on the flight. While sleeping in Economy Class can be a challenge, earplugs and noise-canceling headphones may help. If your business meeting is crucial, paying for a Business Class fare could be the game changer you need. 

Yoga (in your seat)

There are yoga and exercise workouts you can do in your seat. At least get up and walk around and stretch every so often. And be aware that it is not easy to work in Economy Class. If you plan to prepare for your business meeting on the plane, know that you will be cramped and regularly interrupted. Most important of all, stay hydrated preferably with water, not alcohol.

Review company expense policies 

Make sure to check with your boss before you travel on what you can charge, rather than return to a frosty reception and a bill you have to pay. Retain all your receipts and make a note on them. For every trip I take, I keep a separate envelope to quickly stash away my receipts. Then, at the end of each day, I track my expenses, so they do not build up at the end of the week and I have to rush to get everything over to accounting. 

Get some movement in 

It’s important you keep a check on your mental and physical health while you travel. Find time to sweat in the gym, do some laps in the hotel pool or walk to a local attraction. Your mind will be clearer, and you’ll look and feel fresher. 

Bring travel size toiletries

You want to look your best at that important business meeting. Even if your hotel offers many quality toiletries, there’s nothing like your own products, which are the best match for your needs so bring them along.

 Pack healthy snacks

For many business travelers, a work trip often means irregular meal times and unhealthy snacks. Pack enough healthy, balanced snacks to keep with you not only on the plane but also whenever you’re on the go.

Be self-aware 

When you travel, you’re either representing your company or yourself. And your country. Know the local laws, be courteous, and tip when needed. Remember to watch what you eat. Although it may be a good idea to grab food from a local vendor and try new food, this can affect your health. Stick to distilled water and stay hydrated as much as possible.