by Solange Lopes | May 1, 2015 | Career |
Ankle Pants – Photo credit: oldnavy.com
I love these polka dots ankle pants from Old Navy. They add a classic yet relaxed twist to regular slacks, and are a perfect alternative to your favorite (and a bit tired) jeans. Polka dots are coming back this Spring, and we love them on contemporary, cool pieces like these ankle pants. They are (drum roll please) $27 at Old Navy!
For a week-end vibe, I’d pair them with these adorable, and oh so versatile, color-block pointed toe flats, also from Old Navy!
Psstt….Old Navy is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale, yes you heard right, 50% off EVERYTHING!
Happy Friday everyone!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | May 1, 2015 | Career
I’m an introvert, and a proud one at that! So are many of the most prominent leaders out there, including the Bill Gates and Marissa Mayers of this world. They are the “quiet leaders” of a professional world that has falsely advertised tooting your horn and bragging about your not-so-accomplished accomplishments as signs of success for the longest time. They are exceptional leaders not in spite of their introversion, but because of it. Meanwhile, many an introvert at work is actually being punished for their introversion, while extroverts seem to thrive even more in the workplace.
The reality is, introverts make up one-third to one-half of the U.S. population. They are hailed as lacking confidence, mostly among the women group, which appears to be plagued with a blatant, and harmful, ” confidence gap“. Yet, it’s more and more apparent, especially as online, service-based businesses are becoming the way of the future, that introverts not only make outstanding leaders, but that their style of leadership is paving the way of the future economy.
Here are 7 powerful ways in which introverts lead successfully (and quietly) at work:
1. They shut up, and actually lead! If you’ve ever spent your day going from one boring, ineffective meeting to another, you know what leadership does not feel like. Introverts may not be as outspoken, but actually put in the work, ideas to produce results than can be implemented on a large scale.
2. They’re not actually afraid of speaking publicly! There’s a false myth around introverts fearing public speaking, and living in their heads most of the time. If you ever want to hear the power of an introvert in words, replay one of Steve Jobs’ speeches, or listen to Bill Gates! Introverts are great at speaking in public, because their ideas have been thought about and mulled over many times over! It may take us some practice, but once we’re on a roll, we’re unstoppable…
3. They manage their energy effectively! One of the quiet strengths of introverts is smart energy management! I need time alone to wind down and recharge, away from people’s constant energy. And no, it doesn’t make me anti-social, it only allows me time to replenish my reserves to come back stronger, more inspired, and less prone to make errors of judgment! Did that sound a bit like bragging, because it kinda was…
4. They are amazing listeners! Introverts know how to listen, not just to reply, but to understand their counterparts’ needs and motivations. In a business and virtual world where we we have to be more and more in tune with the customer, this is an invaluable resource!
5.They are innovators! Eureka! The most famous introverts were also idea machines. All this time spent reflecting and contemplating is not in vain. In a world that can’t stop talking, introverts are devising new plans, ideas and approaches.
6.They Take Time to Gain Perspective! The recent financial instability and crisis was largely created by the greed of leaders who took rash decisions on behalf of others. How things would be different in our economy if the leadership had taken time to gain perspective, and considered the best alternatives!
7. They Have Empathy! In a professional world that seems to favor extroverts, introverts have had to develop empathy, if only as a reflection of the bias they themselves can be victims of. It’s been proven empathy is one of the most important leadership qualities, one that is sorely missing from a large part of our profit-centered economy. “Quiet leaders” are also leaders who can tap into their empathy reserves to create businesses that serve the greater good (instead of depleting it).
How do you lead as an introvert at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 30, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: brooks brothers.com
Loving the sale at Brooks Brothers, as well as their amazing initiative to offer 10% of your purchase price to the Make a Wish Foundation! So today my Work It pick is this non-iron (can you say that again?) floral printed shirtdress, on sale for $99! The floral pattern is elegant, the fabric breathable and comfortable, and the style perfect for days at the office or relaxing on the week-end!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 30, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: susanliddy.com
Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being the boss. Sitting in a cubicle as an individual contributor, not having direct reports, or the title that says we can lead, ought not to keep us from displaying leadership at work.
Here are 10 ways you can be a leader at work, all the way from your cubicle corner:
by Solange Lopes | Apr 28, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: forbes.com
Displaying leadership at work, especially when you’re not the boss, can be a challenge. So can you enlist some help from your colleagues or even managers to help you be more of a leader at work? Or is leadership like your favorite pair of jeans, you can’t quite share it and have it fit the same?
My $0.05: I think just like assertiveness, or emotional intelligence, leadership skills can definitely be acquired. Some of us are born with it, while others may have to put in the work to develop it. Yet all in all, it’s out there for the taking.
So if you’re thinking of approaching your boss, or a trusted colleague about leadership opportunities at work, you definitely should! Just thinking of it and doing it already makes you a leader…
Are you comfortable asking for leadership opportunities at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 28, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: macys.com
Macy’s is having its Friends & Family event until May 4th! And since I love good sales and beautiful work fashion, today’s pick is this Nine West open-front blazer in blush! The color is perfect for Spring and Summer, the stretch fabric keeps your lunch under wraps (literally), and the versatile shawl collar adds an extra dose of oomph! It’s on sale for $69.99 (with an extra 25% off is you use the code FRIEND online).
I would pump up the color factor of this elegant blazer with a pair of floral pumps like this Carolinna Espinosa Socialite pair (here’s a more frugal, and just as schnazzy alternative, also from Macy’s).
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 28, 2015 | Career
The other day when I picked up my little two-foot nothing kindergartner, I caught her cute self in the midst of a group of much taller, older first-graders, explaining to them why they should absolutely take a trip to the Boston Children museum, lest their whole life would be nothing short of wasted. Or should I say, I heard her, since you could only make out her already authoritative voice in the midst of utter, awe-struck silence…I wouldn’t be surprised if any of these kids were actually taking down my baby’s emphatic words about “the magic bubble room” or the “ball roller coaster”…
That’s the thing with leadership, it really has no age, height or hairstyle requirement. You have to live it and project it onto others.
Yet, let’s face it, it’s easier to lead when your title, height, age or experience, says you have the authority to do so. But when the whole world seems to have you confined between three and two-quarters cubicle walls in an individual contributor role, leading becomes elusive. So how do you prove yourself worth of leadership responsibilities when you ain’t the boss, don’t look like the boss, and definitely don’t carry the boss’s latest Birkin bag?
1. Lead with your attitude! Attitude is everything, and as cliche as it may sound, it never fails! Your attitude even precedes your work in most cases, as you interact with colleagues and management, and learn to manage the subtle work politics.
What you deliver at work is important, yet how you deliver it is crucial. Not only does it help establish your professional brand, but it also builds your credibility and trustworthiness even beyond the workplace.
2. Lead with your work! What does the quality of your work say about you? How does your work product measure up? People are watching you, and more so at work than anywhere else. Whether for competitive, evaluation or even inspirational purposes, your results are impacting how you are perceived, and ultimately, the career progress you make.
Remember, excellence is one of the most compelling signs of leadership. By going above and beyond, paying careful attention to detail, and being receptive to feedback, you’re setting yourself for success! And that’s leadership!
3. Lead with Innovation! When you’re confined to an individual contributor role, it can be challenging to bring something new to the table. And even when you do, the chances of your idea or proposal being actually considered or implemented can be limited, depending on the professional environment you’re in.
That’s when your leadership skills come in! Keep bringing new ideas to the forefront, however structure them in a compelling, organized and documented way! Show how a new approach or idea can benefit everyone, and start by implementing it yourself! Be prepared for resistance, yet be sure to consider it and diplomatically stand your ground!
How do you lead at work, even when you’re not the boss?
The Corporate Sis.
