I love how a conversation can be so delightfully unexpected and lead to true connection - it's so important (in this hybrid world) to be intentional about seeking them out. My cup is full - thank you Julie Donnell PCC
That was fun!
A big thank you to The Tax Institute's Emma Vujasinovic for the invitation to join her and wonderful producer Sara Simpson on the podcast "How to say what you really mean at work".
It would be fair to say the conversation flowed! From how to be honest (but still sensitive) to having boundaries and managing those tricky conversations - we covered it all.
I’ve been doing a lot of work with organisations to enhance conversation and connection – an area where so many people need to lift their level of skill.
Because in every conversation, you’re unknowingly making a myriad of decisions that can impact the connection, impact and ultimately the outcome of that interaction. It’s critical to become more conscious of those decisions and hone this most important of life and professional skills.
If you’re interested in exploring how a workshop and coaching can raise your team’s skill level in conversations and connection – reach out for a chat to tess@nextcoaching.com.au
Have you ever noticed how people who volunteer often seem happier and more purposeful?
This week is National Volunteer Week in Australia. Hopefully you know this already - as a country we’re up there in terms of how much volunteering we do.
I volunteer at Dress for Success Sydney and this week attended their volunteer’s conference in Sydney. It was such a great event – amazing speakers and so wonderful to catch up with so many of the great women that also volunteer with this incredible organisation.
I feel like they’re my people. My tribe. Where’s yours?
I know life is busy and of course not everyone has the option of taking time out of work. And it can be tricky finding time after hours.
But here’s the thing – giving back will give to you. Your life will improve. People who volunteer are happier. Purpose makes you live longer. Your life could be immeasurably richer. Research backs this up although I’m hoping you’ll take my word for it.
For me there is one caveat though – you should enjoy it.
Find something you care about and do something you love. Whether that’s bush regeneration, coaching the kids soccer team, volunteering abroad or being on a board. When it comes to volunteering, no one wants a martyr. They want you if you want to be there.
Where do you volunteer? And why do you do it? Feel free to share in comments.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I love facilitating a great workshop...
And powerful conversations is one of my absolute favourites. It really delivers in terms of the content – conversational strategies and skills are valuable for all teams from C-Suite to all functions and levels. And it’s has never been a more critical skill than right now.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting a half day workshop at Mirvac – I’m delighted it was so well received with some beautiful comments in the evaluations including:
“Tess is engaging, energetic, relatable, and knowledgeable. Fantastic facilitator.”
“Amazing! Very well structured and engaging.
“Very informative and engaging! Great tasks and challenges to uplift your confidence in handling hard conversations.”
“Tess delivered a fantastic session with insights to better conversations in the workplace.”
“Insightful, taught me to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable. Plenty of tips I want to implement.”
“She makes you feel comfortable, uplifting, and interactive.”
“Very empowering and insightful”
If you’re interesting in discussing a workshop for your team, feel free to reach out to me at tess@nextcoaching.com.au
What’s your verb?
I was loving my stint in front of the microphone during my recent guest spot in a podcast with the divine Cathy Francis and Rochelle Munro @personalbrandproject. See the link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-courage-to-be-real-tess-everingham/id1769969616?i=1000675529239
The subject is one that is close to my heart – why and how you can go about building a strong personal brand. And the question ‘What’s your verb?’ is a great question to ask yourself when you’re trying to strengthen your own brand.
If Dyson innovates, Apple thinks differently, IBM solves, and Nike exhorts (just do it!) …what’s your verb?
I’ve worked with lots of people on this aspect of their personal brand – Marisa cares, Sam gets sh*t done, Phadke simplifies, Tess inspires (well hopefully anyway…).
It’s a great way to get to the heart of what you really want to represent. What value you really deliver.
Building a strong personal brand in today’s environment is just as important for you as it is for Oprah or Taylor or Usher. It’s all about actively managing your career. And with a strong personal brand you become the hunted not the hunter when it comes to career opportunities.
It's a dilemma
I’ve recently updated my website with more recent testimonials from coaching clients and workshop participants. I am hugely grateful for their positive feedback. I love my work and I’m so happy that it has a positive impact.
But…
It feels awkward and kind of self-serving to post it myself on LinkedIn. It’s a dilemma that many small businesses face – how do you sell yourself without it being seen as showing off. Honesty, I don’t have the answer. So, I’ll take a risk and choose brave. Here are some recent testimonials:
Coaching testimonials
“Tess has been great to work with. She creates a supportive environment that encourages open communication and self-reflection. She has provided insightful guidance and practical strategies tailored to my professional goals. Highly recommend her coaching guidance.” December 2024
“The coaching journey proved to be exceptional. Your professionalism and empathy shone through as you grasped my requirements.” June 2024
“The sessions went beyond the future employment piece and provided incredible support and guidance on broader issues such as leadership, conflict resolution and business development.” October 2024
“Coaching with Tess was great. Tess is flexible, thoughtful and challenges my thinking.” November 2024
“Loved Tess' demeanour, communication style, the questioning, her active listening, calling bullshit when appropriate and helping me to move forward in my journey.” November 2024
“I would highly recommend Tess to anyone senior professional looking for a coach and to be challenged.” October 2024
“Tess is warm, insightful, and funny. I was able to build rapport quickly with her and I felt understood and heard. She will forever be a voice in my head (in a good way).”
August 2024
“I felt that I could build a really good rapport with Tess and there was trust and respect there which made me confident to open up about the real me. Doing that allowed me to gain a lot from the coaching sessions as the discussions were so open and honest.” July 2024
Workshop testimonials
“Tess was a very inspirational speaker. I really enjoyed her presentation and her expertise in encouraging the group to think about their personal brand and how to work on this.”
May 2024
“Tess is genuine, passionate about what she does, and highly skilled in unlocking potential.” October 2024
“Great presenter and empathetic! Session went really quickly.” August 2024
“Very engaging and thought provoking.” August 2024
“Amazing informative creative knowledgeable.” May 2024
“Tess is awesome. So clear and enthusiastic.” October 2024
To those who wrote these kind words, my heartfelt thanks. I truly appreciate the kind feedback.
Here we go again...
I’m in training for the 2025 1km ocean swim fundraiser for cancer research with Can Too.
I did this last summer and (for me) it was tough. I cried (a lot).I was anxious. I doubted myself (often). But I persevered. I turned up every week. And I received so much support (thank you Can Too and fellow swimmers). Although I’m sure I seriously tested their patience they were kind, optimistic and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
As a coach, I’m all about stretch and growth. It was time to walk the talk.
I’m so glad I did the challenge last year – it enhanced my life which became bigger. It brought new relationships and laughter and fun.
And so here I am again. Still shaky, still nervous, but so much better than this time last year. And now giving the occasional hug to other newbies who are finding the challenge challenging.
As a coach, I consistently work with clients to embrace the discomfort that comes with growth.
What I know for sure is that when you do something that you never thought you could, you change the way you see yourself. And that is powerful. And wholly worthwhile. Even if it’s hard.
It's inevitable really....
A lack of confidence (and skill) in managing conflict leads to other strategies that are ultimately harmful to themselves and their organisations. They avoid. Or dictate. Or concede just to keep the peace
Recently a friend told me that he never saw his parents argue when he was growing up. Or at any time. Never. And whilst he was okay with this, I thought it was a little sad. And kind of unhealthy.
Whenever you have people spending significant time together, there is bound to be some conflict. In friendship groups, in families and in the workplace. That is, if we’re honest about our views, desires, and priorities.
It’s natural. We’re not all the same. And conflict is healthy – status quos need to be challenged. Behaviours sometimes needs to be addressed.
And let’s be clear, environments where it is not safe to have conflict are not about growth, they’re about control.
Often in my coaching and workshop facilitation, clients express their discomfort (and a surprising lack of confidence) in navigating conflict.
It’s always fascinating to explore what lies at the heart of that discomfort. It can be the potential damage to a relationship. Or triggering an emotional response they can’t shut down. Or just not knowing how to manage a conflict without it turning into a fight.
Disagreement is fine. Disrespect is not. And the way you handle a conflict needs careful attention. Mastering conversations – especially difficult conversations – is a key skill in the workplace. For everyone and especially for leaders.
