by Solange Lopes | Apr 12, 2015 | Career |
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Photo credit: http://www.buzz-inn.in
What are you afraid of? What keeps you up at night, tossing and turning? What’s the one thing, person or habit you’re terrified of losing? Most of us have fears, deep-seated fears, stuff we don’t necessarily admit on our social media pages or even to our closest friends and family. We hide them behind a squeaky clean outer appearance (or one pretending we don’t really care), a decent job, some kind of order in our lives, and we pretend they just don’t exist. Every now and then, when the economy hits hard, or a loved one disappears from our lives, or any of the foundations we’ve carefully (or carelessly?) built our existences on starts shaking, the fears come back alive, reminding us we’re not as good actors as we thought we were all along…
For the longest time, my academic achievements and career were my rocks. I was the “smart one”, the A student, the overachiever. I walked around with the certainty that even is all else failed, I’d always have that. So I kept marching on through life, a little woman with a big uppity attitude, high heels, and some pretty gigantic fears behind the degrees and (temporary) accolades. That’s when failure shook my foundation to the core, teaching me not to ignore my fears, but rather to embrace them, understand them, and let them do their job in my life, that’s to make me a better, tougher, bad-ass woman.
Live Will Ask You to Be Accountable to Yourself: What Are You Afraid Of?
You, yes you over there, under the glittering corporate mask of professional success, or the self-confident smile, or the influential family legacy, or even the pushy, persistent facade, what are you afraid of? Are you trying to keep up so hard you’re missing out on what’s truly important? Does the fear of losing your job keep you up at night? Are you scared to death to step out in faith and start your own business? Are you afraid of telling your boss you don’t agree with them, or that you’re actually really good at what you do? Is the thought of telling your husband, friend, family member, you want that promotion, that big salary, or that dream job, making you want to puke out of sheer nervousness? Really, what are you afraid of?
Until you can pinpoint your fears, touch them, take them to lunch and put them in their place, chances are, they may always run your life, even if behind carefully (or carelessly?) closed doors. It’s not until you talk to your fears, move your mountains, and step over the dead weight, that you will cease existing and start living…
Did you ask yourself lately: “What Are You Afraid Of?”
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 9, 2015 | Career |
Hidden Jobs app – Photo credit: blog.careercloud.com
One of our most common career fears is not finding a job well suited for us, or missing out on a great job out there that could just be the “It” job for us…Well, fear no more, there’s an app for that! Hidden Jobs is not your regular job hunting app, in that it looks for those positions hidden under company expansions and other happenings, which would not be listed on common job-hunting sites…And manages to give you a real competitive advantage! It’s available on iTunes for $0.99!
My $0.05: I like the idea of having a step over the competition, especially when it comes to job-hunting. Plus getting prime information on company expansion and/or restructuring also helps you assess the type of company you’d be working for, as well as the potential opportunities for growth. Great, original app!
Have you heard of an app you’d like us to feature? Or are you working on an app that could really make a difference in people’s careers? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 9, 2015 | Career
Geo Eyelet Skirt – Photo credit: loft.com
I love love this geo eyelet skirt from LOFT (which by the way is having a fantastic 50% Spring Styles sale)! It speaks all kinds of “Spring-esque” things to me, what with the bright color, the charming eyelet pattern, and the feminine, modern midi shape. Love, love, love…
Even better, it’s 50% off the regular $69.50 price tag, which makes us smile even wider!
Work It!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 9, 2015 | Career |
Photo credit: themuse.com
We’re all about analyzing our fears at work this week. Speaking of, we’ve been wondering about the gripping fear of losing your job, and how it impacts your life. You know, that sense you may be let go at any minute, because the culture of the company is rather “unforgiving”. Or the chest-tightening feeling you get when massive layoffs are announced at your organization. Or even the gradual and unsettling idea your job may be in jeopardy, whether through explicit or implicit warnings.
For many, it’s a crippling fear that turns otherwise productive individuals into anxiety-ridden employees. If the fear of losing your job is ruining your life (and even making you skip dessert), here are a few ways to kick the fear away:
by Solange Lopes | Apr 8, 2015 | Career |
We talked about how your possible fear of your manager may be sending you spiraling down into self-doubt land. Yet, what happens when your manager is actually worried you may outshine him/her. Could it be your boss is afraid of you?
My $0.05: A friend of mine once told me the story about being nit-picked against at work by her direct manager, after obtaining a prestigious certification (that this same manager had failed a few months earlier). She eventually left the company, after realizing her opportunities for growth were seriously impaired. She’s also found a better position elsewhere, yet recognizes the challenges of dealing with fear and intimidation when coming from a superior.
I’d personally humbly advise to recognize the situation for what it is at the onset. Also try and make your manager a part of your success, by thanking them for their leadership. Finally, even if you have to leave, make sure to do it on good terms and with class.
How would/ did you handle a manager afraid of your success?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 8, 2015 | Career |
Ruffled Gingham Blouse – Photo credit: http://www.nyandcompany.com
The gingham trend is still going strong as the “It” print for Spring (see my prior picks here and here too). Hence today’s Work It pick, this ruffled gingham blouse from NY&CO! Loving the fresh and feminine look of this easy blouse, that can be paired with anything from a pencil skirt to easy slacks, to even your favorite jeans! It’s also $22.47 at New York & Co!
Speaking of gingham, I also like this versatile pencil skirt, as well as these straight cropped pants, both perfect for Spring!
Work It!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 8, 2015 | Career |
Photo credit: nymag.com
Fear comes at us many ways in the workplace. One of them is the fear of your manager. Yeah, you know, that tightening in your chest every time you get called in the office. Or the sudden (and oh so annoying) attack of stuttering every time you have to explain your work. However you choose to call it, intimidation, lack of self-confidence, self-doubt, it’s rooted in fear.
At the beginning of my career, I reported to a manager who scared the living hell out of me. Heck, her approaching steps had me quivering, although back then I’d rather wear flats all week than admit it. Truth is, I was afraid of making mistakes and disappointing this extremely sharp, over-achieving, always-on-her-toes lady manager I wanted so bad to emulate. And sure enough, I messed up, more than once, and more because I was afraid than because I didn’t know my stuff.
If fear of the boss, or “bossophobia” as some call it, is leaving you paralyzed and performing below par, here are a few tips, gathered through embarrassing trial-and-error:
1. Cut your boss some slack! Yes, s/he may have a bigger title (and paycheck), but s/he is human! You know, the kind with emotions, bad (hair) days, and testy kids, just like you… So cut her/him some slack, stop assuming and smile!
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Preparation is key! Don’t just walk into your manager’s office with not a single idea on how to address their question/concern. Take a moment to research the issue, and have at least 2 alternatives to present. Challenging? Yes, but better than wishing you were an insect disappearing under the desk.
3. Confront! Healthy confrontation is key to quell fears at work. Address an issue heads on, tackle a project, boldly (and respectfully) initiate contact with your manager! You may be intimidated at first, yet the more you do the thing you’re scared of doing, the less scared you are (and that applies to cutting your shoe addiction too!).
4. Be good to YOU! Don’t be overly harsh on yourself. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made, walk with your head up high and trust in your abilities. Easier said than done! Well, fake it ’til you make it (or invest in a killer pair of heels)…
5. Move on! Getting stuck on your fears only helps to worsen them. Move on from your stuttering episode in the boss’s office, let go of the sting of that bad review, and move forward! Focus on new projects, new ideas, and ways you can improve yourself!
Are you afraid of your boss? How do you overcome your fear?
The Corporate Sis.
