by Solange Lopes | Sep 5, 2018 | Career, Find Your Purpose
Faith and religion are some of the few topics that are considered taboo at work, along with politics. In general, we simply avoid talking about faith at work. In most, if not many instances, we also don’t see how faith can integrated with our work, or how it could impact it in any way. We tend to separate our faith with our careers, believing that they are two entirely different areas of our lives.
I used to do the same, until I realized that if my faith is an integral part of who I am, then it also impacts my career and the work I do. Whatever is part of your experience, mindset or worldview, does influence your career as well.
It took me a long time to find a way to accept and integrate my faith and career in a way that didn’t deny either. If you’re wondering how you can also do it for yourself, here are 5 lessons I learnt:
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Acknowledge where you stand
One of the most important aspects of integrating your faith and your work is to acknowledge where you stand. Being realistic about where you’re at in terms of your personal and professional growth, as well as in your career, will help you assess the best ways to integrate your faith and work.
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Use your faith as motivation to excel
My faith has always been behind my motivation to genuinely and authentically succeed. It’s also been the substance of my hope and resilience, even as I faced professional obstacles and roadblocks. Having faith allowed me to believe in a higher purpose for my existence, which in turn translated into doing the best work I could in whatever capacity I was in.
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It’s less about religion than about how you do your work and live your life
When we talk about faith and work, many people often think that it’s about religious expression, which can be perceived negatively in the workplace. However, I’ve found that it’s more about how you choose to live your life than about your actual beliefs. Your ethical values, as well as the way you treat your work and the people around you, say more about what you believe in than any religious symbol would.
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Preserve your authenticity
In my instances, I’ve found myself considering whether I should wear a mask at work when it came to my faith. However, I realized that what we believe in is nothing we can really, or should, hide. Part of being authentic, in and outside of the workplace, is preserving who we truly are by not denying our beliefs. This doesn’t equate imposing our beliefs on others. However, it also doesn’t require being inauthentic in that aspect.
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Take advantage of what your organization offers
Many organizations and businesses offer places of worship catering to various faiths and beliefs, which is a wonderful sign of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I have taken advantage of these, and have found that it’s brought a certain level of peace and serenity in my day. It’s ok to integrate your work and your faith in this way as well, and honoring your organization’s efforts and commitment to the diversity of their employees.
All in all, integrating your faith and work is not as complex as it may seem. It can actually help you bring more motivation, peace and serenity in your work, while keeping your authenticity intact.
Now your turn: How do you integrate your faith and work?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Sep 4, 2018 | Career
Projecting authority as a working woman, especially as a woman of color, can be a challenge in the workplace. Due to the many stereotypes associated with being a woman at work, it can be difficult to get the respect and consideration you deserve as a working woman. This is largely due to the fact that women are still the minority at work, in number and representation. Additionally, many organizations still adhere to a patriarchal, and mostly masculine professional mentality, which only reinforces this. While this can be a sad reality in many professional environments, there are thankfully some powerful ways in which you can establish your authority as a working woman in any capacity and professional setting.
As a woman of color at work, I, like so many others, have found myself in situations when projecting the authority associated with my work responsibilities was a challenge. While I was tempted to blame others at first, I quickly understood that stereotypes and general perception bias embedded in centuries of past history were much more to blame. I decided then, rather, to focus on how to bypass these biases and establish authority in a constructive and healthy manner.
Related: Is the Angry Black Woman Stereotype Keeping You From Career Success?
As I learnt through this process and from other working women, here are some of the ways I realized can be used to project authority as a working woman:
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Dress Formally
Appearance is key. Most people will form an impression (and opinion) of you in the first five minutes they meet you. While initial impressions may be misleading, they are still relied on by many, if not most, people as they decide whether or not to attribute a certain level authority to someone else.
Just as you’d show up to an interview well-dressed in a professional suit or attire, consider presenting yourself in a formal dress to establish your authority. There is something about a professionally dressed person that commands respect, and projects their authority.
Related: 10 wardrobe tips you must consider when transitioning careers
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Display your competence
Establishing your authority is also a matter of proving that you can be trusted when it comes to your professional competence. Unfortunately, there are a number of negative stereotypes and biases directed as minority groups such as women and people of color that tend to suggest otherwise.
Don’t hesitate to display your competence, not as a way to brag or boast; but to show that you know what you’re talking about. This may mean positively contributing to meetings, or being a reliable source of information and guidance. Overall, it’s about showing a spirit of excellence in the work you do.
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Be ethical
As mentioned earlier, establishing your authority is also about laying a foundation of trust between yourself and your colleagues or higher-ups. It also means showing high levels of integrity and ethics in everything you do, from your dealings with peers and management to your business decisions.
It starts with considering the impact of your decisions and how they may affect those around you. By taking others into consideration, you’re also sending a positive message of trust and authority.
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Make use of formal titles
Along with a formal dress, formal titles are also part of the trappings of authority. While they may not always be necessary, they can help in establishing you as a respected professional figure. Whether you’re a professor at a university or a manager at an accounting firm, making use of your title is less about boasting than it is about projecting your authority.
The only caveat here is that it’s important to determine the cases in which making excessive use of formal titles could be perceived negatively. As always, use your judgment to assess the situations you’re in.
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Build positive rapport with others
While it’s important to use formal trappings of authority such as titles and professional dress, it’s also crucial to build a positive rapport with others at work. Authority is better cemented with respect, consideration and positive relationships with others.
Positive rapport with others also involves setting the appropriate boundaries, while being as firm and assertive as needed, when needed. This is not about being the office doormat, but rather installing respect in others through a positive, yet firm attitude.
As a working woman, especially as a woman of color, it can be challenging to establish and maintain your authority in the workplace. Yet, keeping in mind these few useful and practical tips, and applying them as you deem necessary, can certainly help.
Now your turn: How do you establish your authority as a working woman?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister
by Solange Lopes | Sep 3, 2018 | Career
Transitioning careers is a big change in your life. From the nature of your work to your new environment, there will be numerous modifications to the way you’re accustomed to working. One of these will even affect the way you dress. This also means that you may have to change your wardrobe as you transition to your new career.
I believed starting a new career would only impact my work. However, to my surprise, I also realized that the way I would present myself would also change. For some career transitioners, the change will be almost imperceptible. For others, it will be a drastic departure from what their usual professional wardrobe.
When acclimating to a new career, there are a few wardrobe changes to consider. Here are 10 wardrobe tips you must consider when transitioning careers:
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Ask about the dress code
One of the questions that often gets overlooked when transitioning careers is around the dress code. While some careers have pretty flexible dress codes, others are more rigid in terms of professional wardrobe. I used to work on the audit team of a very conservative insurance company, which required its female employees to wear stockings in all seasons and avoid open-toe shoes. I made the mistake of not following the rules during my first few days for the simple reason that I wasn’t aware of them.
This is why it’s crucial to ask about the dress code as you start a new career. If feasible, consider asking this question during your interview process. If not, consult with the recruiter you may be working with, or your colleagues during your first few days at work.
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Consult current policies and procedures
Most organizations have policies and procedures which refer to their dress codes. Some even send frequent reminders around these. Consulting these is a safe place to begin understanding the wardrobe expectations of your new career. In the absence of these, don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues or recruiters.
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Observe your environment
Your new environment will tell you a lot about the expectations and requirements of your new career. Observe how those around you dress, at all levels of the organization. Take a cue from the leadership and those in position of authority, as they may be most accurately reflecting the expected dress code.
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Re-purpose your current wardrobe
Vince Camuto high-neck sheath dress – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
The point here is not to go invest in a brand-new wardrobe that will cost you more money than you can, and should, afford. Most likely, you already have most, if not many, of the wardrobe pieces you will need to dress appropriately in your new careers.
Off5th Contrast Trim Blouse – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
When starting a new career, I conducted an audit of my current wardrobe at the time. By doing this, I was able to pick out core pieces such as white button-down shirts such as this Off 5th Contrast trim Blouse and sheath dresses such as this Vince Camuto high-neck sheath dress, that I could re-use in my new career. I was also able to set aside those I may not use often or at all.
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Create your own style
Adhering to a pre-defined dress code for your new career doesn’t mean letting go of your own sense of style. Instead, you can incorporate your originality into your wardrobe, while still being mindful of your new environment’s expectations.
As a self-proclaimed “fashionista”, it’s important to me to always have my own style. It could be as simple as adding colors to traditional business suits, such as this LeSuit three-button pantsuit. It could also be adding fun accessories such as this Kendra Scott Betsy Long Pendant necklace and these Lilly Pulitzer Waterside earrings.
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But be practical
When switching careers, it’s important to take into account the practical aspect. This is something I had to learn the hard way, as I would painfully wobble in my high heels and at times overly sophisticated, and weather-inappropriate, work outfits.
However, I learnt over time to put comfort first, while still maintaining a professional look and allowing for my own personality to come through. What this means for me is opting for more practical shoes such as these Karl Lagerfeld Paris scarlet pumps with quilted block heels or these ALDO unbuckle heeled pumps. It was also a matter of picking breathable, comfortable fabrics like cotton, such as in these Lee Platinum Madelyn straight-leg trousers or this Draper James peony pencil skirt.
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Be open to experimenting
A new career will also require you to experiment with the way you approach your professional wardrobe. Don’t hesitate to try your own looks, and wearing pieces that reflect who you truly are.
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Mind your budget
As you transition careers, be mindful of your finances as well. There is no need to over-spend and put yourself in a financial bind simply to “look the part”. Instead, consider more frugal options such as high-end vintage or thrift stores, or lower-priced department stores. As mentioned earlier, focus on re-purposing your prior professional wardrobe as well.
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Dress for the position you want
This piece of advice is as old as time; however, it still applies. As you aspire to advance in your new career, observe the way your leaders dress to inspire your own wardrobe. Yet, you should be mindful of managing egos and office politics as you do so. For instance, donning a wardrobe more expensive than that of your higher-ups may be perceived negatively. All in all, it’s a matter of striking the right balance.
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Enjoy your professional wardrobe
While you may be concerned about dressing for your new career, you should also enjoy the process. Have fun with your wardrobe, enjoy the comfort and versatility of what you wear, as it will inspire to work more joyfully and on purpose.
Now your turn: How do you change your wardrobe when switching careers?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 29, 2018 | Career
I still remember my first day starting a new career in education, in my late thirties. It felt surreal. Growing up in a conservative household where my mother held the same job for decades, I was terrified at the prospect of starting over, possibly at the bottom of this particular professional food chain. I was so nervous at the prospect of beginning anew. As the newbie, I still had to earn the trust and respect of my colleagues. I had left a career I was familiar with, and was now entering a field in which I had to begin again.After accumulating degrees, a certification and a network in another career, having to learn and re-learn new ways of working seemed daunting.
Starting a new career is very much like changing schools. You integrate a brand-new environment, with its own set of rules, new people and a whole new mindset. It can be quite intimidating. As a matter of fact, it may feel like an insurmountable challenge for you. This is the reason why so many hesitate to tread new professional paths. You may feel like you have already invested so much in your education and current career. You may also be fearful that you may be wasting all the knowledge, credential and abilities you’ve gathered over time. You may even be scared of failing publicly and monumentally. At times, our pride can also prevent us from starting at the bottom. We may be too concerned with what others may think of us, how a new start may impact our finances, or if we will even succeed at all.
I experienced every single one of these feelings, repeatedly wondering if I was making the right decision. Yet, as I learned you don’t really find out until you actually take the leap. Here are a few of the truths and mistakes I uncovered when starting a new career:
Act as if you’re starting at the bottom
Every time I drop off my kids at the beginning of a new school year, it feels like the very first time, for both myself and them. There’s still the anticipation, anxiety, and excitement of new beginnings. There’s still the trepidation of meeting new teachers, reuniting with old students, making new friends, and using freshly bought, overpriced school supplies. Starting a new career is pretty much the same.
No matter how much experience you already have, how many credentials you have following your name, or how much of a network you’ve already managed to build for yourself, you’re still the newbie. You’re still on brand-new, unchartered territory. You still have to learn, re-learn, and unlearn the many principles, rules, and concepts that are specific to your new field. There are still some rites of passage that are particular to your new career that you have to go through. In a way, you’re kinda starting at the bottom again even if you’re transitioning careers after accumulating a lot of experience and credentials.
Even so, act as if you’re starting at the bottom! This is not to reduce what you have already accomplished to nothing. Neither is it to discredit your past journey. The point is to begin with a fresh sense of newness, which comes with the anticipation of having the opportunity to succeed even more wildly than you could’ve ever thought or imagined. It’s also to afford you the humility and the hunger to go after this new career with as much energy and rigor or more, than you did your old one.
I found myself absorbing every ounce of information, content and learning that I could, not just in the first few weeks of starting a new career, but throughout the length of it. The sense that I was starting at the bottom gave me a thirst for knowledge and an excitement I didn’t anticipate. Did I doubt myself in the process? Did I feel frustrated at the prospect of beginning again? Did I worry about whether or not I had wasted time in my prior life? I certainly did. I believe everyone does. However garnering the strength and commitment to start at the bottom will help you learn as much as you can, show a dedication and a commitment to your new path, while still enjoying the journey.
Use and re-purpose what you already know.
Starting at the bottom in your new career doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting about all the knowledge and experience you’ve accumulated over the years. As a matter-of-fact, a new career should emphasize and make use of everything you’re bringing to the table of your work. This includes not just your professional credentials, knowledge and experience; but also your personal history, your personality as well as everything that makes you truly unique. Think of it as recycling yourself and not wasting an ounce of what you have gained in your prior life.
The trick here, is to repurpose what you already possess. Was your prior life spent in an audit capacity? Why not re-purpose all of the accounting, investigative and procedural skills you have developed before into the arsenal you need to make it as a marketing executive? Was your prior experience in human resource management? Then you are in a perfect position to start a consulting firm or become a professor at a university. Did you dabble in psychology before? Why not repurpose everything you know in a book, a consulting business or as a marketing executive with a knack for human psychology?
As I switched careers, whether in the corporate, business or educational world, I found myself making an inventory of the skills, talents and abilities I had acquired in prior lives and connecting them with what I was doing at the moment. What I realized, to my happy surprise, was that I had more in my hand than I ever thought I would. You may be more equipped than you think you are. As a stay-at-home mom, how many organizational, educational and pedagogical skills have you already acquired? Countless. This makes you a perfect candidate for any enterpreneurial venture, the education world or as a brilliant executive. Think about all the skills that you already have and can easily repurpose as your switching careers.
Show up as you are
One of the biggest obstacles many if not most of us face in our careers is showing up as authentically and genuinely as we are. This is even more acute when starting a new career. We tend to be so anxious and apprehensive about new professional beginnings that we end up blending into the background, adopting unauthentic masks, and ultimately not being our true, authentic selves. I have done it. You may have as well. The truth is, most of us have because it is truly challenging to start fresh at work.
However, I found that the earlier you can set up the foundation of your authentic self in your professional journey, the better it is for you. As you’re starting on a new professional path, commit to understanding and being your true self. Whether it’s in your own unique style, your personality, or the way you work and deliver results. Don’t be ashamed of being who you really. While you may face some obstacles and roadblocks, especially if you are in a position of minority, whether as a woman or person of color, think of presenting yourself as your true authentic self in your new career as an investment in your future. It is also setting the basis for a competitive advantage that is uniquely yours.” No one is you and that is your power“, as Dr. Seuss says it so well.
Take an entrepreneurial approach to your career
Starting a new career is also a wonderful opportunity to correct the mistakes you have made in prior lives and begin fresh. This is why it’s so important that you take an entrepreneurial approach to your new professional path in a way that is uniquely yours. I had made the mistake in prior lives to allow others, whether my family and well-meaning friends, bosses, coworkers, or peers to dictate the direction of my career. I’ve taken jobs to make my family happy. I’ve made career choices to accommodate those around me. I’ve also taken or missed opportunities based on the recommendations of well-meaning bosses and coworkers. While some of these were welcome and served me well, many detracted me from my goals.
One of the best lessons I learnt from being an entrepreneur is to own your career. As you switch paths or transition to a new career, make it uniquely yours. Set your own goals, processes, and challenge yourself to overcome the obstacles in your way. Commit to constantly re-inventing yourself, and to be flexible and adaptable in your journey.
Seek Guidance
When starting on brand-new, unchartered territory, taking the counsel and advice of those who have already been in your shoes is key. Although you may already have garnered significant knowledge and credentials in your prior careers, consider seeking the wisdom of others in the new field you’re entering. There’s something about tapping into others’ experiences and journeys that will allow you to avoid costly mistakes and have more leverage as you begin.
Don’t limit yourself to higher-ups and management in your new field either. Instead, seek to gather as many perspectives as possible to widen your knowledge and insights. It takes humility to begin again and ask for advice. Don’t be the person who missed out on great opportunities for lack of seeking support.
Join the tribe.
You may already know how critical networking is to any career. As you start a new career, identify the new tribe you’re entering, or the new networks you may be called to be part of. These are the circles that will empower, guide and help you on your new professional path.
As intimidated as you may feel, don’t shy away from joining these tribes or networks. It can be as simple as talking to new colleagues and learning more about them, your new field and their respective experiences. It’s also about joining networking associations and circles which will add to your experience and knowledge. Whatever you choose to do, refrain from isolating yourself. Instead, expand and widen your network and offer your good will to serve.
Enjoy the journey.
The point of it all, in my humble opinion, is to enjoy the journey. New beginnings are exciting and challenging. I had to remind myself of this many times, as I was tempted to cave in under the pressure or shy away from making new connections. Experiencing new environments and dynamics, meeting new people, exercising various parts of your abilities, all this is part of constructing a rich and powerful life and legacy! Enjoy it!
Now your turn: Have you ever started a new career? How did you manage beginning fresh?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 27, 2018 | Career
Disclaimer: Please note this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you decide to purchase the products linked to this post.
Have you ever lost so much control of your time you found yourself rushing from one thing to the next ? I certainly have. Besides, I come from a long family tradition of running on adrenaline. As a child, I watched my mother run from one task to the other, as she strived to be both mom and dad for all four of us. Growing up, I thought it was normal to be constantly on the run, until showing up at the wrong address too many times was no longer cool. While my mom was particularly skilled at multi-tasking, I realized I was simply suffering from chronical disorganization, along with creating my own sense of time. And also that it was time to reclaim my time, as Auntie Maxine Waters says it so well…
via GIPHY
After a few particularly rough months of missing all my appointments, barely making it on time to pick up the kids, and burning dinner quite a few times in a row, I realized it was time to regain control of my time. No pun intended. As a busy working mom like so many others, there are so many competing priorities in my schedule that it’s easy to lose control.
When dealing with the demands of work and life, the biggest obstacle we may run into, especially as working women, is lack of time. There is never enough time to do it all. Yet, we can’t seem to take anything away from our schedules. On the very contrary, we keep adding to our list of to-do’s, praying the gods of efficiency and productivity to help us cram it all in while still looking and hopefully feeling the part.
There were times when losing control of my time didn’t just mean incurring late fees, missing client appointments, or having to explain to my kids what the meaning of “chronic lateness” really is. It also meant more stress than necessary, and not being fully present as a mom, spouse, and friend.
Ultimately, it meant having to take a good hard look at my schedule and committing to reclaiming my time, whatever it took. In my quest to regain control of the hours in my day, here are a few steps I took, which saved my sanity, edges and dark under-eye circles:
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Assess how you use your time
Have you ever had a particularly busy day and been so exhausted at the end of it, only to ask yourself where all your time went? We face so many demands at work and in life that we often lose track of where our time goes. My quest at reclaiming my time started out with honestly assessing where my time went. This also meant sitting down with a blank piece of paper and my favorite “Girl Power” pen at the beginning and end of each day and take a serious inventory of my schedule.
As an auditor by trade, I was accustomed to filling out time sheets as related to my work. However, my personal life and time was a different story. What I found out, to my planning horror, was that how I envisioned my time, had very little to do with how I actually spent it. While I saw myself as being very effective at multi-tasking, what I was doing was actually delaying important tasks, over-committing and not being as productive as I thought. Can you say reality check?
To keep myself on track, I still assess the use of my time regularly. I do this by taking a “big picture” look at my monthly schedule and goals using the Erin Condren collection, especially the metallic monthly deskpad planner. It helps me take an honest look at how I had organized my schedule, and whether or not I’ve met my goals. The best part about this 17-month deskpad is that it holds enough room to take notes, make lists and keep track of multiple schedules and appointments, all in one place. I love having it on-hand wherever I need it, from my kitchen counter to my office desk. Being able to accessorize it with the 387 platinum stickers included with each pad is also a wonderful bonus!
Erin Condren Metallic Monthly Deskpad
Erin Condren Monthly Deskpad Planner
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Commit to planning better
Once I faced the reality of my scheduling snafus, it was time to make a conscious commitment to planning and using my time better. It all begins with mindset. Eradicating the belief that one must rush and hustle at all times, and instead commit to being fully present and effective in everything we do, is key.
Erin Condren Life Planner
Erin Condren Life Planner
One of the best ways to committing to doing something is by writing it down first. There’s something about putting pen to paper that cements your decision and makes it real for you. As you write it down, you can also visualize it.
One of my favorite tools to keep myself on track is the Erin Condren Life Planner. More than a planner, it’s actually an experience personalized for your individual needs and schedule! I used to be frustrated at traditional planners because of their rigid format that didn’t reflect my life as a working mom! With the signature Life Planner, I can add my name and favorite quotes, plan for months ahead, list and follow up on my goals, while having control over the layouts that work best for me.
Erin Condren Life Planner
Erin Condren Life Planner
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Use the power of technology
While I’m nowhere close to being a technology pro, I’ve learnt to use it as a powerful tool to get organized. This is why I literally take my phone with me everywhere I go, so I can access my favorite and most efficient apps, calendars and email. From apps to help me with directions to mobile banking, I have access to the tools I need to tackle the tasks on my to-do list.
It helps that I can protect my technology tools with practical and beautiful tools such as the Erin Condren phone wallets. These help me protect my phone in style, while allowing me the room and ability to store smaller important documents such as my license and credit cards. A great perk is the ability to customize it, add your favorite inspirational quote, as well as your name. This way, I’m efficient on the go without having to carry too many things, while still enjoying beautiful and motivating accessories.
Erin Condren Phone Wallet
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Make organization fun again!
I used to think of planning and organization as one of the most boring activity, right next to dentists’ appointments and watching paint dry. However, I realized it takes the right mindset and tools to make organization fun again! The prospect of accomplishing your goals and objectives is exciting, and the process to get there should be too!
This is why I enjoy Erin Condren’s organizational tools so much. Some of my favorites include this stylish planner folio to carry your planner, as well a journal or notebook, business or compliment cards, and your favorite pen! If you’re often on-the-go, you know how important it is to have your essential planning tools in one spot. The best part for me is that it is customized with your name and favorite quote to keep you motivated and inspired! It helps when you can combine the useful with the stylish and fun too!
Erin Condren Planner Folio
Erin Condren Planner Folio
How are you reclaiming your time?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 21, 2018 | Career
I was at work, in my zone, checking box after box of deliverables when my cell phone rang. It was home. I couldn’t pick up; besides, I was in the flow and didn’t want to stop just yet. The phone kept ringing, over and over again. “It must be important”, I thought. I needed to take a biological break anyways, so I picked up, walking towards the ladies’ room by the corridor. The rest was a blur, as the news I received dealt me a physical blow so hard I had to sit on the carpeted floor for a few minutes.My grand-mother had just passed away, and I was hearing the news all the way from West Africa. Saying that I was devastated was an understatement. Memories kept flooding my mind, as I desperately fought to find a way to get it together in the office.
Like me, you may have faced a personal crisis at work. It may have been the loss of a loved one. Or the crushing end of a marriage. Or a friendship imploding. Whatever it may have been, a personal crisis can be amplified and made almost impossible to manage when you have to handle being at work throughout part or the entirety of the process.
Besides, personal challenges and crisis affect the way you see and think about work. When you experience loss, your career suddenly takes a backseat, and rightfully so. In Bridget Jones, Bridget leaves her job after finding out her boyfriend cheats on her (it also didn’t help that he was his boss). There are many scenarios, some of them in our favorite movies, when people change their whole careers after a personal crisis.
When personal crisis hits and everything seems to fall apart as the monthly report is due and the boss is breathing down your neck, you don’t have to fall apart. Here are a few ways to keep standing when the world is crashing down around you:
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Take a time-out
Dealing with your emotions and feelings when you’re going through a personal crisis is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! Whether you take a personal day or use your vacation or bereavement time, make sure to observe some time to grieve over whatever you may be experiencing!
Related: 3 ways to manage your emotions at work as a working woman
It may be time to mourn over the loss of a dear one, to get over a marriage crisis, or simply to absorb some delicate financial or health-related news. Whatever it may be, not taking the time to do so will end up having repercussions on your life and work in the short and long-term.
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Communicate!
As an introvert, I always find it challenging to communicate when facing a personal crisis, especially at work. However, we must understand that our relationships, whether personal or professional, do not necessarily understand what we may be going through.
This is why it’s so important to open the communication gates and allow those around you, to understand what you are facing. This is not about telling everyone your personal business, but rather opening lines of communication to facilitate a process that is already challenging for you.
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Consider your options
When facing a personal crisis at work, you must consider your available options. You may be able to take some time off, use bereavement time, or even access some mental health resources offered by your organization. However, if you don’t know about these or fail to consider them, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage.
While it may be challenging to do so, consider consulting with your Human Resources department. You can also talk to co-workers and friends to evaluate your options.
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Focus on healing
As important as work may be to you, your healing and health, both physical and mental, takes precedence. Focus on your well-being, and recovering from whatever crisis you may be facing. If it requires taking some time off, then so be it.
Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs during this process. The more you can work at emerging from the crisis you may be facing, the better you can be in life and at work.
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Make a plan
Facing a personal crisis at work takes a toll on you. The longer the crisis remains unsolved, the more it affects you personally and professionally. As difficult as it may be, make a plan to deal with this crisis. This may mean having a plan to take some time off, using some of the resources offered by your organization, taking a loan out of your savings, or any other type of plan.
Committing to a few steps to turn the crisis you may be facing can go a long way towards healing and actually learning from the experience. If you can trust your co-workers and management, you may consider asking them to help you through your plan and keep you accountable.
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Stand up for yourself…
There are times when you may have to face a personal crisis at work alone. Your co-workers or management may not necessarily understand or empathize with what you may be going through. You may also be hesitant to share your process and experience with them. You may even face opposition or flat-out resentment from those you work with. This may be the case when you need to take some time off, go on a leave, or be more flexible in your schedule, as it may also impose additional demands on your team or department.
In these cases, as challenging as it may be, you may want to stand up for yourself and exercise your rights. Make sure to collaborate with your team as much as possible in the process. However, you must take care of yourself first, even if that means standing up to your team or organization for the sake of your well-being.
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But be kind to you!
Facing a personal crisis at work is painful. As much as you may want others to show compassion and kindness to you, you must be kind to yourself first. This also means assessing your needs as honestly as you can, and allowing yourself the time and space to heal.
All in all, we may all at some point or another, face a personal crisis at work. Life just happens, and sometimes everything falls apart. In these cases, the most important thing to remember is that at the end of the day, our health, sanity and well-being comes first.
Now your turn: Have you faced a personal crisis at work? How did you deal with it?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Aug 17, 2018 | Career
Welcome to our career, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and fashion weekly news roundup! Think of it as your online watercooler/work gossip station/coffee break spot for now…Want to add anything to our list? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
- This week, we mourn the loss of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Essence remembers her in this article;
- Are you an introvert? US News tips you off on how to improve your interview game as an introvert;
- Glassdoor shares 5 free resume templates you never knew you had;
- Business Insider shares the full list of the 25 women CEOs in the Fortune 500;
- Should you be worried about your replacement taking your job after maternity leave? Working Mother has the answer;
- Ellevate Network shares how your diet can affect your work performance;
- The Muse lists the 9 highest-rated career books of 2018;
- Ellevate Network lists seven (7) things to consider before ditching your corporate job;
- Corporette shares how to get your style groove back.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
