I feel like LinkedIn is changing – I’m getting to know people in a more authentic way. I know some people hate this shift (because they’ve told me). And whilst I'm not a fan of the flood of ai generated content that's everywhere, I am loving the way people are sharing their “why” on LinkedIn.
This is a bit tricky of course if you see your LinkedIn profile as representing the company you work for, rather than you. I’ve had some interesting conversations about this in my coaching.
But to be frank, the chance is high that your current employer is just one of many organisations you will work for. I think you need to play a longer game and use your LinkedIn for your own brand - which should be strong, real, consistent and run through your entire career.
Of course I know that your posts can impact the organisation you work for – perhaps that’s why it is more important than ever to have real values and brand alignment between you and your organisation.
Should you be playing it safe?
Often when I ask a client, "What do you want in your future career?", the answer is some version of, "I want safe."
I get it.
You have commitments and responsibilities that can't be ignored. Maybe you've survived an organisation that felt like a war zone and you're craving some peace. Maybe you just don't like change. Most of us don't.
But here's the thing. If by "safe" you mean a secure role in an organisation where you can be confident you'll keep your job, I'm not sure that kind of safe exists anymore. We live in a world where the rules have changed.
The good news is that you can protect yourself. Just maybe not in the way you think.
Proactively manage your career. Nurture your relationships. Keep building your skills. Stay employable.
To me, that's what career security looks like today. And it's probably the closest thing to "safe" there is.
What do you think?
Confidence is an interesting thing.
Many people assume that confident people don’t have doubts but in my experience, that’s rarely true.
The leaders I work with are often thoughtful, reflective people. They question themselves. They worry about getting things right. They care deeply about the impact they’re having. To be honest, most people I coach have at least the occasional (and unwelcome) visit from 'imposter phenomenon'.
What I’ve noticed is that confidence doesn’t come from having no doubts. It comes from learning that you can still move forward even when you do.
You can still ask the question or have the conversation or take the opportunity. You can make the decision - not because you’re completely certain, but because you trust yourself enough to take the step - and to deal with the consequences (whatever they are).
Ultimately confidence isn’t the absence of doubt - it’s the willingness (and courage) to act anyway.
One good conversation can change everything.
As humans we long to connect. And yet so many people feel like they are not really seen, heard or truly known. Somewhere along the way we’ve picked up some unhelpful habits with conversations.
We text instead of talking. We skim the surface rather than really listening. We speak while distracted by phones, to-do lists or the general busyness of life.
In my coaching work I’m often reminded how powerful it is when someone finally feels properly heard and listens with genuine curiosity. Without interrupting. Without rushing to solve the problem.
Something shifts. Perspective changes. Connection deepens.
A good conversation really can do that. Sometimes it can be life changing.
I hope you have at least one conversation that matters this week.
Some musings about presence
Presence is an interesting quality.
We've all met people who seem to have it. They're not necessarily the most senior, confident or outspoken person in the room, yet people pay attention when they speak.
Over the years, I've become increasingly interested in what creates that effect.
One thing I've noticed about myself is that when I'm engaged and enthusiastic, I can sometimes contribute a little too much in a group discussion. It's something I've worked on over the years. Not because I don't have something to add, but because making space for others often leads to a better conversation.
Perhaps that's part of presence. Trusting yourself enough that you don't need to fill every silence or contribute to every discussion.
Sometimes saying less has more impact.
What do you think gives someone real presence?
If you’re interested in coaching or workshops for yourself or your team, feel free to get in touch attess@nextcoaching.com.au
#professionalcoaching #careermanagement #futureofwork #leadershipdevelopment #findingyourwhy#careertransition #facilitation
A small professional milestone this week.
I recently renewed my PCC (Professional Certified Coach) accreditation with the International Coaching Federation and, as part of the process, was selected for an audit.
It was a little nerve-wracking.
Even after years of coaching, there is something about having your records and professional development reviewed that makes you pause and wonder whether you've missed something.
What I was most grateful for was the reminder that ongoing learning has never felt like a chore to me – not in this career anyway. Actually, the bigger challenge is often resisting the temptation to sign up for every course, workshop, webinar or conference that catches my attention.
One of the things I love most about coaching is that there is always more to learn. New perspectives and research. New ways of thinking about people, leadership, careers and change.
The audit reinforced something I often encourage clients to do. Consistent small investments over time make a difference. What feels like a webinar here, a workshop there, a book, a conference, a conversation, eventually adds up.
I'm pleased to have renewed my PCC and grateful to all the clients, colleagues and fellow coaches who continue to challenge and inspire my learning.
This is what my “network” looks like
I was looking at this photo from my birthday get together with Ness and Ingrid a few months ago.
We originally met at work and started as colleagues and then, over time, Vanessa Venning and Ingrid van der Aa became my friends.
Now we catch up, celebrate, support and occasionally challenge each other!
It’s a good reminder for me, and for my clients, that the best “networking” doesn’t feel like networking at all. It’s built over time, through real conversations and a genuine care for each other.
That’s the network that lasts.
