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.
Do something (because doing nothing is a decision too)
Often people come to me for coaching after years of not doing much at all.
They haven't been able to move forward. It can be fear, or lack of clarity, or perpetual busyness. That uncertainty can lead to a stagnation that will drain energy, motivation and joy.
This quote resonates with me. And whilst I have mixed feelings about Churchill’s decisions and how they impacted Australia (especially his involvement in the Gallipoli campaign in WWI), his words carry wisdom. For me it’s a thought-provoking reminder that even in moments of indecision or hesitation, we are still making a choice.
Every decision, every small action, every step forward can have a huge impact. In my experience, when you’re unsure (and have been for a while) trying something new– even if it’s not the perfect move – will get you ‘unstuck’ and give you some clarity and a fresh perspective.
So - choose wisely and with intention but choose something (not nothing).
Staying small and being big
This is Brett Whitely’s “Lipstick” – a particular favourite of mine
Like a lot of unusual and bold women, not everyone likes her. Actually, I think very few people like her. Maybe they don’t know what to make of her. That’s okay – it’s not her job to make you feel comfortable.
I’ve a huge soft spot for her. She’s squashed into that awkward shape, to fit into the small space she’s been given by the artist. I look at her - with those extraordinary long limbs. I see – if she could stand – what a mighty and magnificent woman she would be.
She reminds me of how I keep myself small and makes me ask myself what “big” looks like for me. What am I not doing because I’m trying to fit in? Or because I’m afraid? What does fearless look like for me?
I often feel like she’s saying (with a touch of exasperation!) “I’m stuck in this frame forever, but you can stretch out and stride and be bold – what are you waiting for?”
We are all capable of so much more than we think – what holds us back do you think?
Wait...haven't we been here before?
Often when I'm in a coaching relationship, I see patterns of behaviour. Some of these recurring behaviours are great and some ... not so much.
As a coach, part of my job is to reflect back what I'm observing.
Sometimes that's tough - it takes courage for me to say and can certainly be challenging to hear. There needs to be genuine and mutual trust for radical candour. But it can be the start of an incredibly powerful conversation when I say 'Are you seeing what I'm seeing?'.
I believe that life teaches you the same lessons over and over until you learn them. And when there are consistent themes or situations that keep reoccurring in your work and life, there can be something you aren't seeing. But I can.
If you are interested in coaching, reach out for a complimentary chemistry session tess@nextcoaching.com.au
memento mori
Do you trust your gut?
It's a work in progress for me but increasingly I do trust my gut. I check how I physically feel when making an important decision. I consider how much energy a certain course of action generates. I say no if I'm just not feeling it.
Sometimes my body knows what my conscious mind is still coming to terms with.
I love this quote from Steve Jobs – such a formidable intellect and yet a believer in following your heart.
So often the solution is not in our head but in our gut. Interested in your thoughts on this?
Dancing with doubt – feeling like a fake in a world of winners.
Over the past few years of coaching and conversations, I’ve explored imposter phenomenon frequently. It’s a topic that comes up quite regularly with leaders – and also with clients at all levels, and genders.
Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Sheryl Sandberg – all these people have shared that they regularly feel like an ‘imposter’.
We all know the symptoms – doubting yourself, that you’ve just been ‘lucky’ or that the fraud police will come knocking because you’ve been found out and don’t know what you’re doing.
But here’s the thing. Imposter syndrome works in two ways. The second aspect of imposter syndrome is overestimating others.
We can assume stuff about the 'awesome others’ to whom we compare ourselves. That they’re full of confidence. They know what they’re doing and certainly more than us. And they have genuine talent or skill. They are fully competent in ways we are not.
The truth is that other people are often just bumbling along, doing the best they can, going on instinct. Everyone is a bit scared and winging it some of the time. Just like you.
I don’t have a magic panacea for imposter syndrome – but I’m hoping this perspective helps a little. Don’t underestimate yourself but importantly, don’t overestimate others.
Easter musings about boundaries and moments of joy
I’m very intentional about what I wear
Sure, I have fun with it, but I definitely think about it. I know what I wear has an impact. It leaves an impression that is powerful.
When there is a lack of synchronicity between how you look, what you say and what you do … it’s just confusing. And it compromises your professional brand.
Times are tough right now and budgets vary. I’m sensitive to that reality. What I’m not on board with is the view that it doesn’t matter. Maybe it shouldn’t – but that is a very long, complex rabbit hole to go down right now.
This absolutely does not mean having a rigid dress code. Sneakers are my ‘go to’ for work wear. I’m all for authenticity not bland, uninspiring outfits. You do you. Dress to conquer not conform. Vive la révolution!
What you wear is sending a message about who you are – authentically. And the power of that message shouldn’t be underestimated.
memento vivere
