by Solange Lopes | Jan 22, 2015 | Career
Open Drape Front Jacket – $82.20- Photo credit: thelimited.com
For today’s Work It pick, I selected this unconventional yet work-friendly open drape front jacket from The Limited. Loving the edgy yet feminine look of this smooth leather draped jacket in pale pink, with original oversize lapels. This jacket is on sale for $82.80 at The Limited!
Speaking of draped jackets, I also like this open layering option from Target, this luxurious wool version from Neiman Marcus, and this stylish tweed pick from Macy’s.
Would you like me to feature certain work fashion picks in particular? Please email me @ thecorporatesister@gmail.com!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 22, 2015 | Career
Photo: the writegirlblog.com
Work can be challenging enough, without the feeling someone is trying to sabotage your efforts. You know, the perennial backstabbing associate who reports every single thing you say or do to your manager. Or the over-zealous supervisor who dings you for “imperfect line alignment” on your report, points the finger at you when the project hits a hiccup, or simply enjoys belittling you on the floor when they are sure everyone can hear. Or even better, the bitter, passed-over manager, who can smell superior brains and talents a mile away and punish you for it (why can’t you just be average like everyone else). Talk about a minefield, at work…
I’ve been there, and so have many. In those air-tight situations when I was fully aware someone was trying to get me in serious professional trouble, yet I was limited in ways I could address the problem. In professional impasses when one of my only options was to quit. In working conundrums that would leave me confused, doubtful of my own talents and abilities, and in need of extra make-up coverage.
David Maxfield, co-author of Crucial Conversations, makes the case that in 2014 “96% of American employees experience bullying in the workplace”, as I read in Forbes. And among all these cases, guess who gets to keep their jobs and enjoy professional security? The bully. My point, exactly.
This “out to get you” mentality is even reflected from the get-go, at the hiring level, when companies wrongfully seek and hire candidates based on generic skills, experience, and a faulty sense of “hiring in one’s image”.
While thriving in this type of environment is certainly a challenge, there are ways to dodge the professional bullets coming from someone trying to get you at work:
1. Always, always be professional! Yes, it’s obvious this person is trying their hardest to sabotage your career. And yes, you can think of non-politically correct things to say to them by the dozen. Yet the worst thing you could do here is lose your cool. Be professional, polite and even formal.
2. Document EVERYTHING! If there’s one thing my accounting background taught me, is to document everything. Don’t allow for your words, performance or ideas to be manipulated. Keep the majority of your communications with this person in email, or other written format. Back yourself up!
3. Have THE talk! Some difficult issues are better talked through, in a non-confrontational and preferably productive manner. Initiate such conversation with this person, explaining in a professional way your concerns. Also ask what you can do to better the situation. Be prepared for the other person to be defensive, but don’t let it sway you! Be firm but professional!
How do you react to someone trying to get you at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 19, 2015 | Career
MLK Day – Photo: clutchmagonline.com
As we celebrate, today and everyday, the legacy of Dr. King, and although it is a national holiday, many (if not most) employees are at work. Indeed, many companies do not observe MLK Day, including certain tech companies, despite their commitment to change and innovation. While Google, Facebook, and Twitter close their doors to honor this holiday, others such as Microsoft and Apple, do not, which certainly seems to stir controversy, at least for Apple.
What do you think, should more companies, even all companies, observe the MLK holiday?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 19, 2015 | Career
Happy MLK Day!
Tory Burch crepe-detail tweed sheath dress- $111 – Photo: bergdorfgoodman.com
Today’s Work It pick is this regal Tory Burch crepe-detail tweed sheath dress from Bergdorf Goodman (pssst…Bergdorf Goodman is having a 25% off sale on previously reduced merchandise). I’m personally loving the artful juxtaposition of the crepe and tweed in this classic dress, that takes it from simple to uber-stylish. The cropped bodice is very contemporary, while the A-line skirt makes it an easy, flawy selection for everyday. It’s on sale for $111 at Bergdorf Goodman.
Seen a great fashion pick you’d like to share? Please email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jan 19, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: http://st1.health.india.com
How do you feel when a co-worker, a friend or family member gets a promotion? Does a twinge of envy take over you, or do you wish them well on their way to success? Does it motivate you to strive, or get you all down and out, feeling sorry for yourself?
How we treat other people’s success says a lot about us. Most importantly, it tells a whole lot about whether we’ll in turn be successful or not. Striving to feel genuine happiness for others’ successes not only helps us to let go of the destructive green-eyed monster, but also to focus on celebrating our unique talents and opportunities, not to mention our relationships in and outside of the workplace would be greatly improved. In the corporate world where jealousy reigns supreme among colleagues (and apparently, even more among women), it can be particularly challenging to celebrate others’ successes, especially when their success may mean ours may be taking a backseat for some time.
Yet, as challenging as it may seem, we can all learn to stop hating, and celebrate our colleagues, co-workers, bosses, friends and/or family’s successes:
1. Catch the green-eyed monster in its tracks! Let’s be real, we are all subject to the occasional pang of jealousy, we’re human after all. The trick is to be aware, and catch ourselves before it gets out of hand. Be honest with yourself, and learn to recognize the signs…
2. Yes, you can fake happiness…at first! Even if you’d rather visit the dentist than congratulate your colleague on their promotion, practice by faking being happy for them. Hypocritical? A bit. Effective? Certainly.
3. Be grateful! Seeing your co-worker or friend bask in their glorious success as you sulk over not making it to the project team is not exactly conducive to grateful feelings! Yet, research suggests keeping a daily gratitude list helps in warding off feelings of envy and worthlessness that may be triggered. So go on and write down all the great things you did…
Do you celebrate others’ successes?
The Corporate Sis.
