by Solange Lopes | Oct 20, 2016 | Career
We’re about three weeks away from one of the most charged and tense elections we’ve seen in the US. Which also means as neutral as we may want to be, it can be a bit of a challenge to spend over eight hours plus at work day in and day out, without thinking or uttering a single word about politics. I mean, there are only so much office gossip and shoe sales you can discuss during coffee breaks…
I have to admit, while I tried as hard as possible to zip it at the office about anything remotely politics-related, it hasn’t always been effective. Especially when your next cubicle’s co-worker’s political rants have you beating your own typing record. Or when someone says something about last night’s debate that reminds you you haven’t had your daily dose of caffeine (or chocolate, or whatever it takes to balance your blood sugar)…
Yes, experts widely recommend the “zip-it” approach when it comes to talking politics at work. And yes, grating people’s world views and most intimate opinions can seriously create divisiveness in the office. Not to mention generate more work for HR…
If you’re going to talk about politics at work, which unless you’re made of steel or are getting ready to move to Canada (oops), you might as well check a few do’s on your list of “things to do to keep your job“:
DO Check Yourself.
As in: be aware of what sets you off when it comes to discussing politics. Personal topics, such as women’s rights, or immigration, can hit close to home, and evoke strong emotions. Except the workplace is just not that place where you can let those strong emotions loose…
So know what sets you off before even starting, or reacting, to a sensitive conversation at work. Use this to control your own emotions and response. And if you can’t, recognize the emotional signs of upset in you, and be willing to walk away…fast!
DO check in with the other person.
It’s easy to assume that the other person, or the rest of the group, wants to launch into a touchy political subject. Or that we’re close enough to them to lay our personal views bare for all to see and hear. But that could also be a damaging assumption that could wreak havoc on your work relationships…
So if you must crack the political joke of the century, or express your concern over the looming immigration reform, make sure to check in first. As in, asking the other person if they’re open to such a discussion. A simple ” I’m open to discussing this issue, and am not trying to impose my views. Would it be ok if I explained how I view this situation, so I can better understand where you stand as well?” Yes, it’s called “diplomacy”, and it’s good for you too…
Do Check Your Facts.
There’s a lot of information available out there. Every time you scroll Facebook, log into your Instagram, or get ready to tweet something. And a lot of that information is not exactly accurate…
So before you launch into a sensitive conversation about politics at work, please consider checking your facts. If you’re not sure of the supporting figures backing up your argument, it’s ok to ask for a time-out until you can actually do some fact-checking of your own. Just politely stop the conversation, and say something to the effect of: ” I would like the opportunity to research this a bit further. Can we table this for now, and pick it up later when I can bring some more insight into the conversation?”
Are you checking for these three things before talking about politics at work? What has been your experience?
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 19, 2016 | Career
Joie Dalton suede booties – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Our Wear to Work feature presents selected pieces of professional attire for women at work.
‘Tis the season to get your booties out (ahem…the shoes that is)! Fall is perfect for sporting your favorite bootie styles to work! They’re easy to throw on to any work outfit, pairing them with your favorite work slacks, a pencil skirt, or even a dress!
Here are some of my favorite picks, roundup style:
Suede booties
Joie Dalton suede booties – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
There’s something about suede booties that just speaks elegance and refinement, and says “Ah! Fall is here!” Loving the easy, chic vibe of these elegant Joie Dalton suede booties from Shopbop, classic booties you can pretty much wear anywhere. They’re perfect paired with work slacks, or even a sleek pencil skirt and tights for a modern look.
I also like these Sam Edelman Taye booties in a luxe suede, in a nude hue that will complement any work outfit.
Stacked heel booties
I love the comfortable versatility of this stacked heel number that can go from the office to the week-end.The luggage color is perfect and can also match any color you’re wearing.
If the weather permits, this edgy, double-zipper Via Spiga pair from Bloomingdale’s is also a great option.
Flat Booties
Flat booties can be challenging to pull (especially for petites like myself), but there are a few options you can sport to work into the week-end. I like this polished Tory Burch Gemini pair, perfect with a pencil skirt or trousers.
These Hayes flat booties are also a great alternative. I like the short faux wood block heel and almond-shaped toe box on this easy pair you can slip on and off for work, after-hours or the week-end.
Wedge booties.
Wedge booties are great options to get height and comfort all in the same bootie. I like this Fendi number from The Real Real for its flattering tonal stitching and covered heels. On a more classic tone, this Rebecca Minkoff Bianca pair from Bloomingdale’s is sophisticated enough for the Boardroom, but will look great with your favorite boyfriend jeans.
Which ones are you favorites?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 19, 2016 | Career
Back in the days, the word hustle may have had a bit of a bad rap. You know, hustling may have invoked in our minds the pictures of questionable businesses being conducted on street corners…Or the idea of “something” being obtained from almost nothing…
Fast forward a few years, and the reality today is that we actually live in a true “hustle economy”. Yes it’s a more glamorous reality where street corners are replaced with social media pages, somewhere between Snapchat and Instagram. Where millenials are more obsessed with making meaning through their side hustles than having a regular, steady job. And where renowned car companies like Chevy urge you to #fuelyourhustle. Hustling has not only become socially acceptable, it’s become cool, innovative, avant-garde…
Just listen to Jay-Z recount how he literally “graduated” from hustling on the streets to being one of the highest-paid, most influential rappers in the music industry…Or watch the new wave of entrepreneurs online pushing you to hustle your way to the dream. As you eat lunch at your cubicle desk, dreaming of yachts in Monte Carlo and hanging out with Beyonce.
But for the rest of the semi-regular people who still swipe in every day, and clock in to get a steady paycheck, is there room for any hustle? Does it even make sense to do the “hustle” thing in your crisp white shirt and medium-length heels, across cold offices and stuffy meeting rooms?
The question is: Can you hustle at work, and if so, where do you even start? Is there a “hustling code” embedded somewhere under the thick veil of corporate policies and procedures that we somehow must uncover? And what’s the right way to do it, high heels and all?
If you ask me, the answer is a definite, resounding yes! Especially in today’s professional world, where it seems credit is more given to those who speak loudest and appear to display the most confidence. Just sit in a meeting room in any office, and observe the dynamics. You’ll notice those who take every opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and stand out in the crowd, and those who well…don’t.
While that’s not necessarily what I believe to be the most viable indicator of professional success and ability, it still shows that those who take decisive and swift action often enjoy massive success. And in my book, it’s right in line with what I would call the “hustle mindset”.
On this note, here are 4 principles taken from the books of successful corporate “hustlers” that you can apply in your own careers:
Treat Your Career Like a Business.
If you had a business in which you were making and selling your own products, how would you go about growing it? Would you just sit on the sidelines hoping and wishing someone would magically appear and buy your stuff? Or would you go out there and promote it to attract people? The answer’s quite obvious.
Now picture yourself, your abilities, your credentials and your personality as THE product. Not that you should engage in shameless self-promotion, but being able to step out and display what you know and are capable of doing in as many capacities as possible, that’s hustling!
Seek Out Opportunities.
Hustling in your business and career also means not only making yourself available for great opportunities, but actually seeking them out. You can’t just wait for the right opportunity to fall into your lap, with a nice red bow and your name engraved in golden letters.
It may mean asking for that raise or promotion during your performance review, instead of quietly listening to your manager. Or going for that international assignment. Or even volunteering for that challenging team rotation everyone else is avoiding. Or just saying “I want more”…
Put In the Extra Work.
Entrepreneur and media success Gary Vaynerchuk is the ultimate hustler in my book. According to him, “hustling is putting every minute and all your effort into achieving the goal at hand”. If your goal is be successful in your career, then are you really putting your time and effort into making sure you can achieve it? Or are you coasting along hoping the winds of corporate favor will blow in your direction some day?
That may mean showing up early and/or leaving the office late. Or handling extra projects to learn more about a particular topic. Or finally buckling down and going for that certification. Whatever the “extra” effort and time mean for you (and it can be totally different from individual to individual), consider investing it into your career to reap the results you want.
Be A Resource
The best way to build a sustainable career and business is to become a resource people can go to. Not just someone who can talk their way out of anything, manipulate and coerce others, but someone who actually has something tangible to offer.
What do you have to offer at work that others can come to you for? Do you have skills that need honing and that you could actually turn into a valuable resource for your team or department?
What are other suggestions you would make to develop a hustle mindset at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 18, 2016 | Career
When I read about Tamika Cross, the African-American ob-gyn who says the Delta crew wouldn’t believe she was a doctor during an emergency, an all-too familiar bell rang in my mind. Later in her viral Facebook post, Tamika Cross calls out to her “fellow young, corporate America working women of color”, as she recounts the incident. A few days later, a second Black female doctor came forward with similar allegations against Delta. More fuel to the fire…
Since then, the #whatadoctorlookslike hashtag has taken over social media, as countless women of color are showing support for Tamika Cross by sharing their selfies and stories online.
As a woman of color in Corporate America, this story may also ring a bell (or two) for you. I know it certainly does for me… Like when the bank clerk does a double take when you deposit a large check (it actually happened to this Black woman architect).Or when your name is followed by a professional designation, and you’re asked for your license to prove it, twice, in a row….
Like Cross, many of us are desensitized to these types of situations because we’ve experienced them one time too many. It’s the kind of “implicit bias” that’s sometimes hard to pinpoint, but hurts just as much, if not deeper, than the overt kind. The kind that leaves you perplexed, and wondering how as people, we’ve come to unconsciously and arbitrarily categorize and define certain types of people.
The disturbing reality behind this implicit bias is that many are not even aware they have it. They tend to have pre-conceived ideas about certain groups of people, ideas which may come from their upbringing or what they have been exposed to.
At the end of the day, it may come down to asking ourselves what we believe in, and why we believe what we believe in. To open this Pandora box and start an honest inner conversation to better understand who we are and why we think or do what we do…
The sad reality is that women, especially women of color, have to constantly defend themselves against these stereotypes and implicit biases. Having to prove our worth, competence and qualifications over and over again, whether during an emergency on a plane like Dr. Tamika Cross, in an office, in the street, at the bank or on the sports field.
And it’s exactly why incidents like the one involving Dr. Tamika Cross aboard a Delta flight, which has given rise to a whole awareness movement, are important to help us start the conversation. To help us change the perceptions around not just #whatadoctorlookslike, but what any working woman, regardless of race or cultural affiliation, is capable of achieving….
Have you experienced this implicit bias as a professional woman of color?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 14, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news update, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
- Regardless of your political affiliation, if you’re a woman (or a man), you’ll remember Michelle Obama’s speech this week on what it feels like to be a victim of gender inequality and fear. Bustle tells you more about why this speech that will go down in history;
- In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, All the Pretty Birds has a great list of beauty products and companies donating some of their profits to the fight;
- You know how you’re supposed to ask at least one smart question at the end of an interview? Business Insider lists 29 brilliants ones you can actually pick from;
- Forbes Woman gives us a few precious tips on getting more African-American women into STEM;
- Ever had to deliver bad news at work? Ellevate Network provides you with 5 tips to ease the blow (and be more effective in the process);
- Are you a professional woman suffering from insomnia? Corporette tips you off on some great health habits to adopt now;
- If you’ve ever suffered professional discrimination as a woman, you must read this Washington Post report of a woman on a flight saying the flight attendant didn’t believe she was a doctor;
- Have you been recently promoted but you’re still unhappy? Ellevate Network suggest 7 important questions to ask yourself;
- Refinery 29 tips us off on the drugstore makeup the pros love…all under $15 (oh, and here are The Corporate Sister-approved top picks as well);
- Last but not least, I’m so excited to be featured once more on Ellevate Network and the Huffington Post! Read more on how to stop taking things personally at work.
Happy Friday,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 13, 2016 | Career, Working Mom & Woman Tips
Work, work, work! Sometimes all there seems to be for working women is a whole lot of work. Work at work, work at home, work in our relationships, work in our businesses! And while a lot of credit should go to all these working women warriors who get so much done in so little time, there’s something to say about working smarter instead of working harder. That’s where technology, and more specifically, apps come in. Because you know, if it exists, there’s got to be an app for it…
I have to say, as moderately technology-savvy (which is an improvement in my book) as I am, I love my apps. Especially when they can help make work, life and everything around, easier to manage, track and enjoy too…
And since I’m always on the lookout for new apps to take something or another off my plate, here are 7 of my latest favorite, mom-approved, working-woman-vouched, apps to add the “easy” factor to work, life and everything in between:
This one app is a staple in my list of absolute must-have apps. If you like lists, and remembering things, and storing articles, this app will be your go-to. This is where you can save quick notes, images, audios, and sync them across all your devices at once. You can also make use of references, and its strong search feature, which allows you to retrieve information you need in record time! It’s perfect if you run a business on the side or full-time, or if you just like to keep your information in one safe place right at your fingertips.
ShopSavvy
You know the feeling of buying an item full price from store A, and seeing it in store B at…half the price (after the return period at Store A of course). Well, this app will save you some of that price comparison struggle, by allowing you to track sales at your favorite stores. Its uniques barcode feature will also let you scan whatever item you want to buy, and find out if you can snag it somewhere else at a bargain! And voila….
So you and BFF went for tapas, and now she kinda owes you 30 bucks, but asking for it would be kinda awkward…Well, now you can split the check, and avoid all the confusion (especially if the tapas were accompanied by some pretty colorful margaritas) with this app.
I have to say, after becoming a mama, my good ol’ times of grabbing a book and lounging on the couch are far and few in between. If you don’t have as much time to browse through your literature favorites, but still want to enjoy a book or two on the go, Audible is for you! You can listen while driving, running errands or cleaning the house (now who says you can’t do chores and get smarter at the same time?)….
Listen, you gotta keep your mind on your money, and your money on your mind! That’s where Mint comes in, for busy working women who still want to keep track of their money! You can use it to organize your finances, pull your bank accounts, credit card bills, expenses and investments, all onto one easy to navigate platform.
This female-focused app offers more than 100 workouts designed by Nike master trainers themselves. And if like me, you’re ready to use any excuse not to work out, this app is for you! All you need is your smartphone, sneakers and a picture of that dress you’ve been saving since last year….
I’m not a big fan of unclean public bathrooms (who is?), and unfortunately, after babies, your bladder isn’t as tolerant as it used to be. Hence the need to find suitable bathrooms in unfamiliar areas! Which is exactly where this funny, but oh so useful app, comes in! SitorSquat not only shows you bathrooms in the area, but also rates them by order of ahem…cleanliness!
What other apps have made your life easier?
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 11, 2016 | Career
Wear to Work: Ribbed Turtleneck – Photo credit: Shopstyle.com
Our Wear to Work feature presents a selected piece of professional attire and other alternatives and complements for women at work.
Ok, I have a thing for turtlenecks…I cannot wait for the Fall to start sporting my favorite pieces. There’s just something about the sleek, classic, and impossibly chic look of a turtleneck (not to mention that you don’t have to freeze to death for style’s sake). Hence today’s WTW pick, this easy, simple but oh so distinctive merino ribbed turtleneck sweater from Uniqlo.
Love, love, love the elegant, slightly shiny texture of this super comfortable sweater that you can literally pair with anything. The slender cut is extremely flattering, hugging you in all the right places (and leaving the wrong ones alone). It’s a great option for that in-between season when Fall’s settling in, but is also perfect for the cold weather. And it’s $29.90 at Uniqlo to boot!
I also love the fact that it’s available in beige, black, blue, brown, dark grey, mustard, navy, off-white, olive, red and wine. As far as I’m concerned, I’d get all of them!
Other alternatives include this Splendid charcoal number from Nordstrom, or this Vince cropped cashmere version from Neiman Marcus.
Plus-sizes.
In plus-sizes, I’m frankly smitten with this Ralph Lauren slim fitting piece from Macy’s, great as an everyday essential or layering piece for the winter. I also like this Land’s End classic and inexpensive, but very chic turtleneck.
But all bets are off with this Neiman Marcus Cashmere Collection beauty in a selection of great colors, like aubergine, navy, sand and white.
Petites.
In petites, this Style & Co number from Macy’s is one of my favorites. Otherwise, I would get every single color of this perfect turtleneck from Talbots (it’s that good!).
So turtleneck or no turtleneck?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
