by Solange Lopes | Jan 21, 2016 | Career |
Despite all the advice out there about controlling, picking or changing your career, do you ever feel that at the end of the day you may not have much control over it? That the pressure to gain a paycheck, advance in rank and find your professional place keeps blowing you left and right on the winds of Chance, your boss’ s moods or what is needed today?
Take my friend S. for instance. She was taken off a project she had worked so hard on for three months. She was needed to finish another project on behalf of another colleague who was not available to complete it. The other assignment was in an area S. had very little interest in, while the one she had been taken off of was a high-profile assignment in an area she was hoping to specialize in. At the end of the day, she felt she had no control over which assignments she was put on, and over the direction of her career altogether. Which in turn made her disengage at work and feel less motivated and driven.
According to this January 2015 Gallup poll, the majority of US employees are disengaged at work. That means less than 1/3 of all US workers were engaged in their jobs in 2014. Let’s not even talk about what that translates into in terms of dips in productivity and spikes in chocolate-covered strawberries…But I digress…
Typical? Yes.
Usual? Heck yes.
Unavoidable? No.
Take Beyonce for instance. Yes, the Queen Bey, that one! The woman has built a steely career while still “running the world” and staying up “all night”, but we won’t go there…But what’s even more impressive is that unlike many artists in the business, she controls her musical career from the way she sounds to the way she looks, to the type of public and private presentations she wants to make…
And unlike my friend S. she has a pretty strong say in the path she wants to chart for herself, even as said path is pretty crowded and not as fair as we may all want it to be…
I know what you’re thinking: Could we compare apples with apples here? Beyonce’s probably somewhere tanning on her yacht across the Mediterranean, while some of us are trying to close this month’s books and refrain from spitting bad words to the computer screen. Ok, I get it…
Even if some of us are not exactly sailing across the Mediterranean right now or planning their next mega-million album deal, for most of us, taking back control of our careers and reclaiming our own professional power is much needed. Why spend so much time at work if we feel lost, disengaged and frankly over our last bag of chocolate-covered strawberries?
And since there’s no harm in “faking it ‘til we make it”, here are 7 power tips taken straight from the Queen’s career book into our careers:
- If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it! The Queen’s Team knew to ask for Facebook support to release her much-acclaimed 2013 self-titled album. Likewise, taking your career to the top also requires you to make the ask! Whether it’s volunteering for a new assignment, requesting to become part of a work group, or simply asking for more time to better complete a project, you won’t get it unless you ask!
- Know and speak your value! The only reason Beyonce will close a deal, is if it’s beneficial to… her! Case in point, her deal with Pepsi included an agreement from the company to promote her Superbowl half-time show and reserve money she could use on her own creative endeavors. How’s that for a good deal? In your career as well, make decisions and agree to contracts, offers and arrangements that benefit you!
- Set and share goals! Her 2013 mega-album release was done to accomplish three clear goals: no leak was allowed, every song would have a video, and both fans and critics would have access to it at the same. In the same way, your career goals, whether short or long-term, should have specific, measurable, and realistic goals as well.
- Don’t let others walk all over you. Not everyone is going to like, or support your career’s direction. Although big name retailers like Amazon and Target refused to carry her album back in 2013, the Queen still chose to upheld her own plan. In other words, get ready for some serious opposition as you climb the corporate ladder. However, realize and understand that in order for your career plans to materialize, you will have to stand your ground!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and diversify, but always know your strengths! From movie roles to endorsements and various other projects, Beyonce know how to experiment with diverse areas of the business. Likewise, nothing prevents you from expanding your scope of knowledge and involvement career-wise. However, remember to take with you and apply your strengths to any project you may be involved in. That’s your brand!
- Stay humble! What an inspiring moment at the 2009 VMA Awards when the Queen was up against Taylor Swift, who ended up winning! Despite Kanye Wests’ rumbling and public disapproval, Beyonce remained gracious and even offered Taylor Swift the opportunity to give the acceptance speech she wasn’t able to complete due to Kanye’s interruption. In your career as well, always remain humble and poised, and show graciousness to others no matter what.
- Be competent and work hard! As cliché as it may sound, there really is no substitute for hard word. The Queen has shown us over and over her dedication to a flawless end product, whether it’s a video, song, or movie. In your career, cultivate excelling competence and also only offer your best product!
Which one of these tips have you been applying in your own career book? Which ones would you like to add?
Love,
The corporate sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 15, 2016 | Career |
Me: “But why?”
Co-worker/friend: ” She just doesn’t like you. I’m sorry.”
That was the beginning of a conversation that would end in S. quitting her job a few months later. The woman she was working with at the time did not like her. As simple as that. And because the same woman was close to her manager, her life would become hell.From private remarks on the quality of her work, to furtive accusatory glances in the cafeteria, not to mention the public disparaging comments, work had become a “no-woman” zone for her. And since it was more important for her to be mentally healthy and happy, she left.
Such is the story of countless women who end up jumping from one job to another because of unhealthy work relationships preventing them from unlocking their best at work, or combining their personal and professional life effectively.
After all, you’ve heard it before: “It’s not what you know, but who you know..” Ok, although you need a minimum of knowledge and qualifications not to mess up the monthly financial reporting, your relationships at work do play a huge role in your career as well. After all, you do spend upwards of 8 hours with the same people who may play a part in your career advancement…or in your career taking a few steps back…
In my career, I’ve worked with the most encouraging, positive and upbeat people who have managed to motivate me and make me want to go further, faster and higher in my career. And just like everyone else, I’ve had the not so pleasurable experience of working alongside some of the most interesting (and not in a good way) professional characters. From backstabbing co-workers to unsupportive managers, you name it. And at the end of it all, it’s obvious how much relationships can shape, in some way or another, one’s career and life perspective.
Hindsight being 20/20 (even for half-blind glasses wearers like myself), we’ve all been at the receiving end of some pretty disastrous, or at least not as satisfying work relationships. Here are some tips I’ve dug deep into the sea of my career relationships to improve connections at work and make them work for you:
- Connect More: This may sound counter-intuitive, especially if you’ve been involved in not-so positive work relationships. Yet the best way to improve work relationships is to connect more with co-workers and superiors. A team member of mine used to organize “connect sessions” at the beginning of each year to reconnect with his team, as well as other teams, and share goals. How about making it a point to connect more regularly with yours and other teams at work? It may be in organizing individual sessions with mentors, yours or other teams. Or you may choose to have a periodic meet-and-greet out of the office with your colleagues? It may also be as simple as having more open, genuine exchanges with people at work extending beyond just work…
- Model the behavior you would expect: We often expect to be treated in a certain way, while not noticing that others may never have been actually exposed to what a healthy and supportive workplace looks like. How about modeling the behavior you would like displayed in your team or work environment? Show attention and respect to your colleagues, by being more punctual, answering to texts and emails within 24 hours, complimenting them on a job well done or simply curbing the gossip.
- Get more personal: Let your co-workers see another side of you, a more personal, deeper side of you that allows you to connect with them better.
How do you improve your work relationships?
Love,
Solange.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 14, 2016 | Career |
Photo credit: Shopstyle.com
You’ve heard the phrase: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”, right? In theory, it sounds great, if you ask me. Who wouldn’t want to pull the Louboutins, crisp Louis Vuitton and other Tory Burch shenanigans to show up to work in style like the best of them…
Rewind…Ahem, in reality, considering the hike in interest rates, the fact we may be working until after retirement, and that Starbucks still hasn’t dropped the White Chocolate Mocha prices, we may have a bit of a challenge keeping up with the pricy side of professional style.
But who said power dressing has to come at a hefty price tag?
Here are 3 basic rules (because we have much to think about, what with the report due at the end of the month, our teething toddler and that zit right above your upper lip) to know about power dressing for work when you have limited funds, time and energy:
- Invest in classics! The surefire way not to have to browse the stores for something to wear to that next executive meeting is to invest and stock up on your classics. A crisp power dress, clean-cut suit, haute handbag, sophisticated shoes, and impeccable button-downs must-haves in your professional wardrobe. I like this Stella McCartney classic suiting jacket from Nordstrom, or this Tahari peplum skirt suit from Macy’s for an updated take on the classic suit. As for head-turning power dresses, this AnnTaylor tropical wool sheath dress is perfect!
- Mix highs and lows! Investing in classics is a great start to building your power work wardrobe. However, to get enough bank for your money, you’d need to spend quite a bit on classics that would last you a long time. Hence the need to mix highs and lows, by combining these classics with lower-end, yet professional-looking and stylish pieces. For instance, elegant yet reasonably-priced blouses like this bow-front long sleeve number from Neiman Marcus are great staples. Or these Theory ponte pants that you can take virtually anywhere…
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Last but not least, power wardrobes that stand the test of time and style are those that show originality and flair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with uniques pieces that will make you stand out in a sea of black and dark navy suits. Pick distinctive accessories like this Steve Madden Obi belt, perfect on a classic sheath dress. Or these crystal encrusted studs from Baublebar, which would make a great addition to any look.
How do you power dress for work?
Love,
The Corporate Sis
Disclaimer: Please note that the purchase of any of the linked items in these posts would result in a commission to the author.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 11, 2016 | Career
I am in love with turtlenecks this year! Everything about how they elongate your neck, slim down your frame, and just give you that Audrey-Hepburn-meets-naomi-Campbell look, make it a winner, especially on those days when you feel like you “have nothing to wear” (even with a closet ready to burst, you know who you are…)
Hence today’s Corporate Catwalk pick, this oh-so-elegant Brunello Cucinelli chiffon sleeveless turtleneck top from Neiman Marcus! The semi-sheer chiffon sleeves add a romantic (and surprising) touch to this otherwise beautifully-fitted, slightly slouchy top. It’s $398 at Neiman Marcus.
Other alternatives include this Eileen Fisher scrunch-neck long-sleeve top also from Neiman Marcus, or this more price-friendly cashmere version from Macy’s.
Turtleneck much?
Which one is your favorite?Would you sport a turtleneck to work with slacks or a skirt?
Chime in in the comments…
Fashionably yours,
The Corporate Sis.
Disclaimer: Please note I do earn a commission if you decide to purchase any of the items in this post.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 11, 2016 | Career
Let me ask you a simple question (and no, it doesn’t involve chocolate or coffee, people).
Given the opportunity to reach your ultimate career destination, the one that was really meant for you, vs. following the path most traveled, which would you pick?
The exhausting, hamster-wheel-like, depressing, albeit more vertical, hustle and bustle of traditional corporate ladder climbing? Or the not so straight, not so vertical, path through career experimentation that may take you through professional back roads but ultimately gets you where you were always supposed to be? Or you could just win the Powerball, but since you didn’t, please keep reading…
You may not know this about me, but I have a terrible sense of orientation. I mean, it took me two months to get home straight from work after we moved into our new home without stopping by some totally random stranger’s house that kinda looked like mine. And forget about trying shortcuts and back roads…Then I would really end up in Timbuktu somewhere.
As a result, I’ve taken as a habit to experiment with destinations. And yes, it is the excuse I use to justify the Chronic Lateness Syndrome affecting me. But what it also has helped me with over time, is to let my orientation-challenged brain ease into the path it would end up being the most comfortable recognizing and following. Which would allow for free-flow experimentation (and more Chronic Lateness Syndrome), but ultimately would get me to where I’m going the best and most comfortable way I could muster.
Let’s face it.
This whole climbing the corporate ladder, making professional allies along the way while kicking potential career enemies on our way up, is no walk in the park either. Especially considering how slippery the ladder can be for women at work, and we all know how slippery and a fresh manicure do not go well together…
How much of this career ladder is subject to rules set in stone by institutions and people entirely different from the rest of us? And how much of it is dedicated to letting future leaders experiment and try their own hands at their definition of success?
How many times did you hear that you should get this certificate, go into this field, or stick with this career, when you knew deep inside it wasn’t for you? And how many times did you really question if it were the only way to move forward?
Instead of struggling to climb the proverbial corporate ladder, which for many women (and men) has turned into an exercise in self-afflicted disappointment, why not instead look into more of a multi-dimensional career lattice. One that would allow advancement through experimenting with new skills, a new network, or a new intellectual challenge.
While there is nothing wrong with vertical movements upward if you wish to remain with your current company and gain more responsibility, there are significant advantages to gaining more exposure, skills and an expanded network through career lattice moves.
Consider my girl Emma. We started in Big Accounting together, yet Emma was always more passionate about marketing. She had some contacts in the Marketing department, and decided to take a lower-level marketing position. Her move was considered like a step-down by most. Yet after only 6 months in the role, she showed such impressive leadership skills, that she made up for her move by gaining broader exposure and greater recognition. She is now the VP of Marketing in her division.
Like Emma, you may want to consider getting off that “slippery” career ladder before you fall off entirely, and instead hop onto more of a career lattice, especially if:
- You know that you don’t want to hit the ceiling in your profession. In many field, you can only go so high. And that is especially true of highly specialized areas. Why not start networking and looking around for opportunities to combine your current knowledge with other professional interests you may have?
- You want a role that promotes better work-life integration. If you know your current role is only going to evolve into work that will leave you less time to have a life outside of work, then maybe slipping into a lateral role is the answer.
- You’re interested in leadership, not subject-matter expertise. You like your job, but you’re more interested in becoming a well-rounder leader who knows about the entire company/industry. Start setting yourself for lateral, lattice-style moves that allow you to learn as much as possible while honing your current skills.
What do you think? Are you more in favor of the career ladder or the career lattice?
Which ones of the three reasons above would push you towards more of a lattice-style career?
Chime in in the comments.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
