Every year, I look forward to summer to refresh and reboot my entire life and work. One, I’m a summer baby, so entering into a new birthday cycle is always a source of joy and gratitude (plus the occasional “grey hair” panic). Second, like for many, it’s a time to pause mid-year, wind down, and observe a bit of a break, whether we do it through some well-deserved vacation time, a welcome staycation, or just weekends at the beach. These past few summers, I’ve made it a point to really stop, reflect and use this time as an effective life and work reboot system.
Reflecting on the first half of the year can bring major positive insights into the direction you’re taking going forward. One of the biggest misconceptions so many have is that we, along with our circumstances and the environments around us, do not change. Once we begin to realize that we’re in constant flux, down to our very beliefs and thought processes, it becomes crucial to observe a much-needed pause and evaluate where we stand, especially mid-year. It’s when we fail to do this that we tend to find ourselves stagnant, lagging behind, and ultimately frustrated at our lack of progress.
If you’ve been considering your progress so far, and have been looking to refresh yourself over the summer, literally and figuratively, there are a few ways to get started, even as you’re sipping a margarita on the beach or lounging poolside:
Re-visit your why
You’re not the same person you were when you began this year, or even this week. You’re constantly evolving and growing. Your perspective is changing, and so are your motives, and rightfully so. No one stays the same, it’s called growth!
Has the why behind your life and work changed? Maybe you were motivated by the thought of starting your own business, and have realized it’s no longer for you. You may have experienced some drastic changes in your personal life, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, which may make you reconsider your entire life goals. Whatever it may be and at whatever stage of growth you may find yourself, stopping to re-visit your why can help you refresh and reboot your life and work.
Re-evaluate your goals
If you’ve set goals or intentions at the beginning of the year, you may want to re-evaluate them again. Have you progressed towards getting that degree or certification? Are you any closer to getting the promotion? Have you started writing the book, or setting up the business?
Re-evaluating your goals allows you to measure your progress, and adjust your target for the remainder of the year. It can also help you assess if your goals still make sense for you. Maybe the promotion is no longer in the cards now that you’ve decided to quit the job and start your own firm. You may need to adjust your expectations when it comes to some of the intentions you set, so you don’t have to sacrifice your sanity at the expense of achievement. Or you may just need a reminder that you still have work to do for the rest of the year.
Refresh your skills
Take some time this summer to assess where you are in terms of your skills. You may have to complete a Skills Gap Analysis, whereby you evaluate whether the skills you have are still the skills that employers and businesses are requiring. Technology and ideas are advancing at a mind-numbingly rapid pace, which also means that what you may have learnt in school and at the start of your career may be seriously outdated.
Schedule a meeting with your manager as part of your performance review or just on an informal basis to get some feedback. This is also a good way to update the powers that be of any new courses, certifications or experiences you may have had and get the credit you deserve. Look up some current work descriptions in your field to compare the skills required to yours. Study successful entrepreneurs in your area of business and learn from them. There are many ways to reboot your skills, and they don’t necessarily require you to exhaust yourself.
Learn something new and practice it
Summers are a great time to invest in your learning. You don’t have to sit in an air-conditioned classroom to do so either. Grabbing a self-help book, listening to an informative podcast or an audible book on-the-go, attending a couple of outside networking events, or visiting a new place are great ways to increase your learning capital. Invest in mentorship resources by asking someone to be your mentor, or mentoring someone else.
Yet, you don’t just want to accumulate knowledge without the hands-on practice part. Try and put at least one thing you learn this summer in practice. It could be a new mindfulness practice, some great networking tips, or a new recipe from that new place you checked out last week. The point is to dust up your knowledge bank and refresh it as much as you can.
Take care of your body
We get so busy most of the time, especially as working women and working moms, that taking care of our bodies tends to fall by the wayside. Observing a pause in the summer to refresh our self-care routine makes a world of difference.
This is not so much about getting the proverbial “beach body”, but more so about re-connecting with ourselves and our sense of self-love and self-esteem. It’s also a great way to set the tone for the rest of the year when it comes to our health.
Welcome to the Let It Be Friday!, where I say hello (and TGIF), and round up the lifestyle, career and business news that inspired, excited, made me smile (or laugh out loud).
Hi there (and Happy Friday!)!
Happy Summer Solstice Day! This week has literally flown by, it’s the first week of summer vacation for my kiddos, which means my whole schedule needs to be reshuffled, again! How many of you working moms can relate?
Well, in the middle of running out of cereals for breakfast, finding ideas of creative activities (because of course it rained all week!), and stealing some hours of productivity here and there, here are a few items that you may want to read about, use, or you know, procrastinate on…
In “women crushing it” news, CBS reports the U.S. women’s team beat Sweden this week, and is taking names! Yet, despite generating more revenue than men’s, Business Insider reveals they’re still making $100,000 less than men!
Inspiration alert! The Glassdoor Blog lists 14 women who won the 2019 Best CEO awards;
On the hunt for a new job? US News lists the best job search sites at the moment;
Business Insider reveals that 1 in 3 professional women admit to being harassed at work, but don’t report it;
Have you seen director Ava DuVernay’s new series “When they see us” on Netflix? According to Black Enterprise, watching it is an act of social justice;
Want to make the modern tech workplace more welcoming to women? Entrepreneur has a few suggestions as to how.
Not sure if you can sport leggings at work? Working Mother lists the 5 best leggings with pockets for women to wear at work;
Throwing a summer cookout these days? Food52 shares their 13 favorite tips to throw the chillest cookout ever;
Hello parents! We know you love your kids, but Lifehacker has a few tips on how to get a break from them over the summer (you know, for sanity’s sake!);
Are you a sensitive person? The Corporate Sister reveals that it’s actually a superpower (plus some tips on how to work it at work)!
If you read the title of this post while vigorously nodding your head, then you may already have dealt with what it means to be a sensitive person in the world, and more specifically at work. You may have been labeled as “too nice”, “introverted”, or even as a “pushover”. You may have had to deal with your emotions running haywire when faced with challenging situations such as confrontational relationships, less-than-stellar performance reviews, or toxic office environments. While your generosity, dedication and attention to detail may have earned you the sympathy of some of your colleagues, you may have been at the end of some serious pet peeves from others.
Dr. Elaine Aron, a clinical and research psychologist and expert on high-sensitivity since 1990, has authored five books on the topic, among which one of my favorites, The Highly Sensitive Person. In her books, she defines high sensitivity’s characteristics as a more elaborate depth of processing, easy overstimulation, emotional responsiveness, acute awareness of stimulations, and empathy. Her research, among others, associates these characteristics with the personality trait known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS). Individuals born with the SPS trait have been proven to be more likely to be bullied at work and suffer from psychological injury. Often, these injuries are inflicted by managers and colleagues with low Emotional Quotient (EQ), and poor self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
In a world, and a workplace at large, that tends to favor those who speak the loudest and the most, often mistaking free speech with assertiveness or smarts, sensitivity can easily be mistaken for weakness. As a sensitive person, I’ve experienced this multiple times, and have had to learn to reframe my own sensitivity from an undesirable attribute to what it really is: a strong, unique, competitive advantage. Here’s why and how your high sensitivity can actually work for your benefit at work:
With the rise in technology, leaders like you, with empathy, intuition and creativity are needed more than ever!
In one of my fields of expertise, which is accounting, tasks of all sorts are being taken over by bots and computers. Similarly, the traditional role of many professions is rapidly evolving towards almost complete automation. The good news is that the more professional tasks are automated, the more need there is for those qualities and attributes that machines do not possess, such as intuition, creativity, and empathy. These qualities are the trademarks of sensitive people, which makes them incredibly gifted and attuned leaders.
As a sensitive person, you are already equipped for exceptional leadership, which is now in high need and even higher demand in our modern career landscape. Have confidence in your leadership abilities and do not be afraid to display the qualities that make you YOU!
You have incredible communication skills: use them!
One of the biggest misconceptions around sensitive individuals is that they are poor communicators. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of the hallmarks of high sensitivity is the ability to “read people”. It’s not just about perceiving others’ actions and reactions, but rather catching on to their intrinsic feelings, emotions and motivations. This in turn allows sensitive individuals to tailor their communication style, content and delivery to their specific audience.
This means you can actually understand and address the needs of your team members, superiors, and management. If you’re an entrepreneur, you are in a perfect position to identify and attune to your ideal audience and market. Now how is that for a superpower?
Harness your unique attention to detail!
As a sensitive person, getting easily over-stimulated also lets me pick up on the tiniest of details. While this can create perfectionist tendencies, which can be harmful, the upside is that I can also pick up on what may have been overlooked. I also notice this trait in most of the sensitive people I know.
In fast-paced professional environments where change is the new normal, this attention to detail is an invaluable asset! Don’t hesitate to use it and let your voice be heard about it as well!
You are so creative you can solve pretty much any problem!
Repeat after me: I’m an idea magnet! Great ideas just come to you, because you’re so in tune with your inner world and experience amazing clarity breakthroughs. As a sensitive person, your intuition is the gateway to the most innovative solutions and experiments that exist.
Don’t be afraid to share your incredible creativity with the world and be noticed for it! You also may want to consider downloading a note-taking app like Evernote, or just carrying a notebook around just in case the next million-dollar idea hits you! Just sayin’…
Now do you see how what you may have been told from an early age on, was more of a weakness and a disability, can actually propel your career and life forward! When I finally realized what a super power sensitivity really is, when harnessed and used in a productive way, I began truly and authentically thriving in my work and life. However, since sensitive people get easily stimulated, even by subtleties in their environments, the key is to learn to manage your emotions and be as prepared as possible. For me, understanding what triggers me and training myself to either confront it or avoid it, as needed, makes a world of difference. Similarly, preparing for new circumstances, learning to be more flexible, and anticipating changes helps me give my best without the stress of overstimulation.
Are you a sensitive person? How can you start using these tips to reframe your sensitivity as a superpower instead of a burden?
Please note this is a sponsored post for which I may be compensated.
Did you know that 85% of businesses fail because of poor cash flow? If you’re an entrepreneur, this figure may be making you shudder. After all, your business depends on a healthy and consistent cash flow. However, the sad reality is that many entrepreneurs are subjected to poor billing methods that hurt their cash flow. As a Certified Public Accounting (CPA), keeping track of billing is my least favorite business activity. This is where Freshbooks Retainers, the new option for Freshbooks customers on Premium or Plus plans, comes in.
If you’re not familiar with Freshbooks, it’s an invoice software that helps you add simplicity to your small business invoicing and billing. Not only does it allow you to create professional ooking invoices in seconds, it also lets you accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards and ACH. As a result, you can automate your business’ invoicing.
Basically, with the new Freshbooks Retainers option, you’ll be able to bill clients upfront. You’ll also have the ability to track your time and adjust it based on the actual work completed.
Ensuring your biling is done accurately and on-time
Consolidating your invoicing process without having to use multiple systems and apps
Focus on doing what you love and providing your clients with quality work
Most importantly, Freshbooks Retainers help you set clear guidelines and expectations with your clients. The amount, details and overtime billing are already set in the system, which will clarify the conditions for delivery. It’s also a great way to look professional and on top of your business.
The new Retainers option also gives you valuable insight into your business’ time tracking, trends, and future forecasts through efficient summary reports. This is a precious source of information that you can leverage to grow your business and achieve more profitability.
If you’re not familiar with Freshbooks, it’s an invoice software that helps you add simplicity to your small business invoicing and billing. Not only does it allow you to create professional ooking invoices in seconds, it also lets you accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards and ACH. As a result, you can automate your business’ invoicing.
Basically, with the new Freshbooks Retainers option, you’ll be able to bill clients upfront. You’ll also have the ability to track your time and adjust it based on the actual work completed.
Ensuring your biling is done accurately and on-time
Consolidating your invoicing process without having to use multiple systems and apps
Focus on doing what you love and providing your clients with quality work
Most importantly, Freshbooks Retainers help you set clear guidelines and expectations with your clients. The amount, details and overtime billing are already set in the system, which will clarify the conditions for delivery. It’s also a great way to look professional and on top of your business.
The new Retainers option also gives you valuable insight into your business’ time tracking, trends, and future forecasts through efficient summary reports. This is a precious source of information that you can leverage to grow your business and achieve more profitability.
Start by creating your Retainer by clicking on “New Retainer”Next, continue by setting your retainer terms and invoice schedule.Your new retainer is now set up.
What struggles are you facing with your small business’ cash flow?
Have you ever felt like despite all the noise around diversity and inclusion, your own diversity at work feels like an obstacle? From the way you wear your hair, to the accent in your voice, or your sexuality, you may have felt like your “difference” made you an outcast. That maybe it was best to wear a mask, and conceal the “extra” diversity that could impair your ability to climb the corporate ladder, get the business loan, make the right contacts, or simply be respected as a valuable colleague.
Don’t get me wrong, most of us wear masks, especially in a professional and/or corporate setting. Just try and compare your boisterous voice at the family cookout last weekend, with your “prim and proper” intonation at the Board meeting. I’ll leave some of the other choice words out….And there’s no shame about it, either. Different contexts sometimes require different parts of our personality. The problem, especially for working women and minorities, occurs when the “mask” becomes a semi-permanent (or permanent) fixture of our careers and lives. When it becomes too hard to be who we truly are and remain authentic. When at times, we’ve even lost sight of who we are, what matters to us, what makes us us, happy, fulfilled, and all the way together…
I remember times at the beginning of my corporate career when I would feel so intimidated that the pitch of my voice would go up several octaves every time I had to speak up. I can also recall the times when sharing that I was born and raised in Senegal was followed by a loud silence in the room, after which I questioned if I should ever reveal this at work again.
There are times when corporate pressure and the fear to lose a paycheck can really make you get out of your true character. Many succumb to this pressure daily, compromising, changing who they are, from the pitch of their voices to the decisions they make on the job. No judgment here, the reality is more complex than we see on the surface, especially when your mortgage payment, kids’ tuition and car note hang in the balance. All of this can make it challenging to take off our corporate and/or professional masks, and really show up authentically in the workplace. This is especially true for working women and minorities, who may stand close to the edge of privilege.
Yet, there is a cost to not honoring your diversity in the workplace. It may be the silent cost of self-betrayal and the resulting lack of fulfillment that ensues. It may also be the lack of confidence from yourself and others. However, as terrifying as it may be, there are ways to honoring your diversity at work and enjoying a more fulfilling career:
Show up as you are
I was recently listening to a podcast during which an African-American executive woman revealed that wearing her hair in braids at work also gave permission to other women like her to do the same. I remember struggling with my decision to wear my hair natural when I first transitioned to my natural curls. Would “they” be taken aback by my appearance? Would this have a negative impact on my career? Years later, I realize going natural was not just the best decision for me, but it was the best decision for my career. Any place that I would not fit in because of the way I looked was not for me…
So show up as you are. Don’t be afraid to wear your true hair, origin, accent or anything else that makes you you. It’s the best way to figure out where you fit in, and what environments are the most mutually beneficially to you.
When in doubt, do not hide
One of the most damaging pieces of advice I was ever given, especially as a woman of color, is: “Keep your head down and work hard.” You may also have received the same piece of advice. Over the years, I realized that as working women, and especially as women of color, we’re encouraged to hide behind our performance. We’re tacitly prompted to deny our uniqueness behind longer hours, more masculine attitudes, and the appearance of perfection. Or we’re warned to be cautious and make ourselves invisible.
When in doubt, refrain from hiding who you are. Refrain from shrinking and becoming invisible. Put your head up and make your presence be felt. Don’t just work hard, speak up for yourself too. Allow yourself to take space.
Be the example of diversity you need
I mentioned earlier the example of the African-American executive who by wearing braids, implicitly gave other Black women in her company permission to do the same. I’ve learnt that honoring your diversity also means putting it to work at the service of a cause greater than yourself. You may be the only image of diversity that some people will see, or one of a few.
You may be the reason why your fellow Latina sister may feel empowered to speak up at the meeting. Your very presence in the room may inspire a young Black girl to start her own business or go for the career of her dreams. You may just be the example of diversity you need yourself. And that is honoring your own diversity…
Be willing to walk
Sometimes, honoring your diversity also means walking away from environments and places that stifle it. It’s understanding that you can better honor the truth of who you are somewhere else. It’s a painful, but liberating realization.
In all cases, take the lessons you’ve learned with you, let go of any bitterness and resentment and continue on your own journey.
Are you committed to taking off the mask and honoring your own diversity?
Welcome to the TCS News Roundup, where I round up the lifestyle, career and business news that inspired, excited, made me smile (or laugh out loud). Take a read…
In feel-good (and life-changing) news, Fortuneshares the generous act of billionaire Robert F. Smith who forgave the student loans’ debt for more than 400 Morehouse graduates
Business Insider reveals that while women earn 60% of bachelor’s degrees, they graduate owing $2,700 more student debt than their male counterparts
Interning this summer? The Daily Museoffers 5 steps to writing the perfect internship resume
I got stuck at these words uttered by keynote speaker France Winddance Twine, Professor of Sociology at the University of California Santa Barbara during the 2019 Women of Color in the Academy conference. Through her personal stories, she taught us as attendees that especially as women of color, we cannot necessarily expect other women of color to be our allies in the workplace. It was at once a shocking and expected revelation for me. I know all too well of the “Queen Bee Syndrome”, and the erroneous yet popular mindset that there is only one (or at best a rare few) spots for women of color at the top. What I expected less, was the blatant truth that allyship does not always come from where we expect it to.
But first, let’s clear up what an ally is. An ally is any individual involved in the promotion and advancement of an inclusive culture through positive and intentional action. The most effective allies:
Learn to recognize systematic injustice and instances of micro-aggressions
Advocate for other more marginalized individuals and/or groups of people
Actively share opportunities, and
Listen and support underrepresented individuals’ experiences.
Often, we see allies in people who look like us, especially when we’re part of under-represented or marginalized groups. While this may very well be true, it’s also important to recognize that allyship can come in the form of someone who does not look or behave like us. As a matter of fact, there have been many experiences, forged by insecurity and a preponderance of the “Queen Been Syndrome”, of minorities acting as the very opposite of allies to other minorities.
In my own experience, I have learnt that unlike the realities of systematic inequality and lack of diversity, allyship can come in many shapes, forms, and yes, race, color, gender and sexual orientation. I think of the professors who advocated for me and shared incredible educational and career opportunities that changed the direction of my life. I think of the formal and informal mentors who believed in me more than I believed in myself. The point is to pay attention to the actions of those who are positioned as potential or actual allies, more than what they look like or what flattering or temporarily encouraging words they may utter.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to recognize and build relationships with allies in the workplace as a woman of color:
Are they supporting an inclusive culture?
If there is a push to promote and advance inclusiveness, whether through diverse hiring practices, employee resource groups and/other resources, it is a god indicator of a potential ally.
Are they mentoring other women of color?
Mentoring women of color or other diverse individuals is also a great indicator of allyship and inclusiveness.
Are they educated about under-represented and/or minority groups at work?
Asking questions and learning about minority cultures, backgrounds and religions is crucial when it comes to being an effective ally. Someone who takes the time to get educated on what it means to be a black woman or a minority at work is also someone who may serve as a powerful ally.
All in all, allyship is one of the most powerful keys to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. However, it is paramout to learn to apply, recognize and accept it so as to unlock its true power.
Do you have allies in the workplace? Who are your allies?
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