How real should you be on LinkedIn?

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). But I’m 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 employer.

Should you be playing it safe?

Often when I ask a client “What do you want in your future career?’, the answer will be a version of “I want safe”.

I get it. Perhaps there are commitments or responsibilities. Sometimes they’ve survived an organisation that felt like a war-zone and they need some peace. Maybe you just don’t like change (humans generally don’t).

But here’s the thing… if by ‘safe’ they mean a secure role in an organisation where they can be sure they’ll keep their job - well I’ve got some bad news. Because I don’t think that sort of safe exists in a world where all the rules have changed.

The good news is that you can protect yourself - but maybe not the way you think.

So, my truths for being “safe”?

1.   Absolutely prioritise your well-being – both mental and physical (that will positively impact everything else). Have boundaries.

2.   Nurture relationships – both personal and professional (make time, be generous, be authentic – this will rock your world)

3.   Know you (what are you good at? What lights you up?)

4.   Know what you want (what is your ideal next role? Where are you heading after that?). Your goal can change but it’s good to have a plan!

5.   Survey the landscape (what’s happening out there? What’s the future of your industry? What impact will technology have?).

6.   Make sure your resume, LinkedIn and (verbal) pitch are up to date and truly compelling

7.   Invest in your own development – lean into new knowledge, follow your curiosity, have a growth mindset.

8.   Accept that change is constant, and your role is never guaranteed. Stay employable and be prepared to embrace (and even relish) change.

9.   Have courage (it is the most underrated of strengths). And be prudent. It’s possible to be both.

I’m sure there will be a number 10 I’ve missed out on!

What has served you well in managing your career in turbulent times?

You do you

I think we’re experiencing a great shift – one where who we are professionally and who we are personally are merging.

It’s showing up in all sorts of ways – we can work at work or work at home. And we can do personal stuff at work.

Corporate dress is looking ‘wrong’. Even smart casual is evolving into just casual - where what we wear at home and work are the same.

LinkedIn is becoming increasingly authentic as more people share their personal “why”.

It’s all just life - there is no artificial divide.

And bringing your whole self to work means all of you – your pink hair, your experiences, your tattoos, your style, your strengths, your purpose, your whatever.

Organisations with a strong culture of Inclusivity and acceptance will adapt to this change rather well I think…

Here come those tears again

I used to believe that it was unprofessional to cry. This caused me some problems because I cry often and sometimes that happens at work. It can be triggered by disappointment, exhaustion, feeling misused, frustration – a whole lot of things really.

And once I start, I can’t stop – on command that is.

But I began to really look at my shame.

Why is anger and aggression at work more acceptable than tears?

How much has a masculine work culture contributed to my feelings of shame?

Why do I feel this rush of humiliation afterwards?

Where does that shame come from?

And something has shifted. I’m tired of apologising when I cry. I’m embracing it. I’m even on the way to being proud of it. It’s who I am. Go me!

When tears well up in my coaching conversations – from men and women – I’m so totally comfortable with it (sometimes I’ll even join you!).

I’m interested in your thoughts on this. How comfortable are you with tears (your own and others)?

‘Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life’

If I were ever to get a tattoo (it’s not going to happen!) it would read memento mori – Latin for “remember death”. You may think I’m morbid but, for me, it’s a life affirming message.

A reminder that our life will end can focus the mind on what is truly important – to savour experiences, enjoy your work, practise kindness, love and live with generosity. 

Coaching conversations about career often lead to bigger questions - what do I value? Who do I want to be? Am I living life on my terms?

Steve Jobs said “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life”.  His words became particularly poignant with his early death 6 years later.  It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that our life will end – but it will. I hope you feel inspired to make the most of the time you have.

PS Check out Steve Jobs’ Stanford University 2005 Commencement address – link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_ptbiPoXM

Stay or leave?

Honestly, I’ve sometime stayed in jobs too long myself. It can seem too risky to leave.

Yet many of the career conversations I have reveal that staying in a role that is wrong is a risk too.

There are plenty of downsides to hanging in there too long including a paralysing lack of confidence that can make it increasingly difficult to leave.

Other risks? Lack of development can make you a less attractive employee. Stress and burnout. Anger and attitude.

It takes courage and resolve to embark on career transition – especially if you are still in the role. You will need to carve out time to discover what’s next, work on your collateral, apply for roles, network and prepare for interviews.

Prioritising career transition when you’ve already got a busy role can be hard – getting some support can help. That can be an “accountability partner” or a career coach. Just don’t stay too long.

Beyoncé and the great resignation

As a career coach I don’t need convincing that ‘the great resignation’ is real – the dramatic surge in people reaching out to me for support in career change has been compelling enough.

But with the release of Break My Soul, Queen Bey herself is declaring it a “thing” and plugging into the zeitgeist with lyrics that could be an anthem for employee burnout and quitting a job.

Why are people leaving? The conversations I’m having suggest feeling unseen, under-appreciated and seeking both good work and a good life.

When I truly listen for what is unsaid (it’s a coaching thing) what I hear is…

I want my work to have meaning and I’m yearning for connection

…to a leader

…to a community

…to a purpose

Perhaps the pandemic was the catalyst for a collective existential crisis – what do you think?