The Career Salon

Lead with Talent

Happy New Year!

At the turn of every new year, many people embrace resolutions, composing vision boards and writing down goals. Most times, a major part of those resolutions or goal planning sessions is seeking a more fulfilling, lucrative, or purposeful career change.  In recruiting, the first quarter is one of our busiest times of year. We get approval to work on brand new openings and employees vacate their positions after annual appraisal and bonus cycles, moving on to other opportunities, which leaves us looking for backfills. 

Recruiters everywhere are looking for talent! Not just talent in the sense of a technical skill set, but communication skills (written/oral), personality, engagement, etc. It is important that jobseekers know that the key to obtaining that next opportunity or advancing within their current environment, is to lead with TALENT. Here are a few tips on how to lead with well-rounded talent in 2022:

  1. Survey and write down the things you are good at – Take a look at your strengths and capitalize on them in whatever environment you find yourself in
  2. Whether you work in Corporate America or for yourself, go above and beyond your basic job description/role. To have the foundation in which to ask for a particular salary, fee, or increase you will need to demonstrate your capacity to be exceptional in your role.
  3. Make a concerted effort to improve yourself via professional and personal development. If you need to take a class, get a certification or advanced degree, engage an executive coach, or talk to a therapist, those are all things that can help.
  4. Get involved in things outside of work or business. Engaging in community service or lending your talent to other organizations is always a plus,

We hope that you have a prosperous New Year!

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Who You Gonna Call?

We should be writing a post to remind you about Open Enrollment, yet here we are crafting a message to all Employers to ask them to be proactive in protecting and showing compassion for people of color in their workplaces.

Here’s a list of things employers should be thinking about before the drastic potential changes in the world:

  1. Do you have a Civil Unrest Emergency Preparedness Plan in place for your workplace?
  2. Are you prepared to give time off for change processing?
  3. What are the potential consequences for employees harassing other employees about i.e. the results of the election, heated differences about race and/or politics
  4. Do you have a plan if there is unrest in your business area or an employee’s residential area and they are unable to be present for work
  5. Remind employees about your Employee Assistance resources if needed during this time

Employees, what can you do?

  1. Ask your employer if they have a plan?
  2. Talk to your manager about your concerns and how you can be proactive to ensure protection for your job
  3. Emotions are high these days, don’t add fuel to the fire if there is one brewing. Stay professional
  4. Do a quick review of your company’s Employee Handbook about policies, i.e. Social Media, to understand company guidelines
  5. Access counseling services through your employer if they are available i.e. Employee Assistance Programs, etc.
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The price we pay for mediocrity


We like group projects. You get to interact with people of various skillsets with diverse ideas and take on enormous tasks by collaborating. When it’s all settled, everyone has their individual pieces to contribute to the success of the team. Of course, in many group projects, there is this thing that starts to rear its head after introductions and the division of work in a project. You start to realize through your regular updates and team meetings that a few team members are not doing the work. You try to put in extra time and effort to cover the gaps. You try not to bring it to your leader’s attention for fear of being a tattletale but you have to admit you’re extremely agitated. In some cases, you do bring it to a leader’s attention but the results are still the same, nothing. Everyone sees it, they are tired of the shenanigans and yet the project is over, it was a success and those slacking team members’ reputations are still intact. What just happened?

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MEDIOCRITY ——–>>>

Is this the norm now? We accept mediocrity as above average or excellence?

It’s the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about. We’re going to let you in on a little secret, employees are not ignorant and they know what’s going on. Employees who do the work tend to notice when promotions and special opportunities have been made into a political game, a result in “who you know”, or a learn on the job leadership experiment.

Making mediocrity the norm changes the whole landscape of the work culture, causes resentment, and can lead to toxicity on teams. Organizations should play chess not checkers when it comes to strategically placing people who will foster a culture of excellence. When leaders accept mediocrity in the name of protecting people who look like them or because they were once a good individual contributor (of course they would be a good leader) or simple laziness, we literally create “work monsters”. Work monsters, who will make other employees lives a living hell. Mediocrity has the nerve to:

  • Do performance reviews/make comp decisions
  • Question others who are bringing value to the team and know what they are doing
  • Make more money than the people rowing the boat
  • Continually be given the grace to hold, keep, and move up in leadership positions

For some reason, we thought that hard work, dedication, and commitment to being strong servant leaders were some of the ultimate goals in organizations. If we look closely and ask the people working in most of these environments we will see that it’s not always the case.

When we tolerate mediocrity in our work environments we are asking our employees to pay a price. The price of not having a safe space, not having equal opportunity, suffering at the hands of a know-it-all by proxy of promotion, or favor and not being recognized for the real hard work. THAT PRICE IS TOO HIGH!

#dobetter

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Drown out the Noise and Manage YOUR Career!

We decided to write this short article because the daily perusing of LinkedIn is inundated with career coaches, personal brand builders, and content noise. We love LinkedIn for the fact that it brings so many people together to share information, network, or find job opportunities. The main goal of this article is to encourage people that may be looking for work to drown out the noise and manage YOUR career. There are so many career experts and conflicting opinions floating around on LinkedIn, which might be confusing for those who are actively trying to land an opportunity, especially in the age of COVID-19.

There are awesome people on LinkedIn that are totally qualified and knowledgeable to provide resources and guidance in your career. With that being said, in all situations there may be people who attempt to capitalize on the moment to build themselves up, increase followers, and be “popular”. The time is now, for content creators/thought leaders to be consistently authentic and original. Recycling content and posting things that tickle the ears of vulnerable job seekers is not where it’s at. Job Seekers: No one is more familiar with your background and experience than YOU. Help is a wonderful thing, but noise has got to go! Drown out that noise, focus, and be the manager of your career!

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When the Comfortable Majority is Uncomfortable in Corporate America

We have entered a period where silence for most is no longer an option. The constant trauma of seeing and experiencing black lives taken needlessly has evoked a move to cry out to the world. Black men and women have always held their emotions close. We often come to work pretending that everything is ok. We strive for success, we try to jump higher and run faster just to keep up a pace, where others are almost always given a head start. What is that head start? Not being black

Before the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others, it was a well-known secret that we couldn’t afford to talk about our true feelings and be our authentic selves. We have policed our tone, facial expressions, dress, and hair, but these terrible tragedies were the heavy cherry on top of all of that.

We are tired, thus you get TRUTH. 

We are starting to have conversations, demanding safe spaces, equality, respect, and accountability. Many people that are in the majority are uncomfortable. This is not a bad thing and we are going to give you 3 reasons why:

  1. Change happens when you are uncomfortable
  2. People are becoming more aware of the root cause of the discomfort
  3. We can call out the people, things, issues that make us uncomfortable as a result of more people seeing it and do something about it

Most black people go to work every day in uncomfortable circumstances, aside from those outside of work. It’s time for that to change. We call on allies to use their discomfort to make change. Organizational leaders and HR departments have the opportunity to be on the side of right and truly make their workplaces all-inclusive and diverse, on purpose. We urge all of you to feel empathy with your discomfort. We charge you to CLEAR THE PATH. DO BETTER. 

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The Expectation of Positivity

This was an article written for LinkedIn at the start of the year, but it’s a little reminder to stay positive in the midst of everything.

Someone asked me earlier in the year, if I subscribe to making New Year’s resolutions and my answer was, “No, I have none.” What!? Yes, of course I have goals and things I’d like to see achieved this year and every year, but I have not put the undue stress of resolutions on myself. My sole focus, no matter what happens, is to think POSITIVE! That may be cliché but I think it’s a necessary art. Being in a consistent state of positivity takes effort and maturity, especially when things don’t go the way you think they should.

Let me be the example, from a career-oriented perspective. I’ve had many great opportunities in my life and career. Some of them, at times did not make me happy, as I thought they should. It was during these times my attitude changed, I shut down, talked to my work friends daily rehashing negative thoughts, and gave the proverbial “silent treatment” to my employer so they would recognize how unhappy I was and do something about it. What I thought was keeping to myself, made me stand out as not a team player, a negative contributor, and a follower not a leader. This my friends is not the answer…

As I look back over my career, I missed out on some things because I did not have a positive outlook in the moment. I realized that sometimes in the midst of chaos and uncomfortable spots, if you have an attitude of positivity it can change the outcome for the better. It’s very hard to do that when you are dealing with challenging people and situations but positivity is a must have. It’s an intrinsic characteristic that makes you the best version of yourself.

In this year of 2020, I challenge you to lead with positivity and have the expectation of it at every turn.

-The Recruiter

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COVID-19: Advice for at work or at home

Everyone is thinking about Public Health and Safety during this time. The Coronavirus pandemic presents unique circumstances that we have not encountered during this generation. Hopefully, we are all willing to work together to communicate and find unique solutions that will help preserve the employee and the employer alike. Here are a few tips:

Employers:

1. Lead With Empathy

Everyone has a level of stress during this time. Be sensitive to that and watch your communication and tone

2. Check with all benefits vendors to see what is available for your employees

 i.e. EAP, Short Term Disability, Worker’s Compensation

3. Balance your approach with flexibility and safety

i.e. You may have to bend your attendance and work from home policies

4. Think of out the box solutions like rotational schedules 

Maybe rotating staff will reduce exposure if you have to stay open because of the nature of your business

5. Don’t Panic.

It makes things even more stressful and your employees are observing how you lead and handle stressful situations as an organization

6. Check for government assistance to employers, as bills for aid are passed

Employees:

1. Stay Calm and wash your hands (with soap and hot water, at least 20 seconds)

2. Stayed informed and read ALL information distributed by the organization during this time (and ask questions if needed)

3. Make sure you know your rights as an employee:

  • Your possible contraction of COVID-19 could be considered a worker’s compensation claim, if you believe it was contracted at work
  • If applicable, FMLA may be available to take care of you and your family
  • Your employer providing accommodations for you at work if you are concerned about contraction, such as moving your work station or providing you with Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. gloves) while doing your job
  • Filing for unemployment if your job temporarily closes and provides no financial assistance (Check state regulations)
  • Filing a short term disability claim, if you contract the virus and your job provides no financial assistance (Usually 7 day waiting period applies)

4. Take advantage of benefits provided by your employer

  • Telehealth and video doctor’s visits to check on your symptoms 
  • Employee Assistance Program for counseling services (If you are feeling a little anxiety)

5. Stay put

Your plans might have been to jump ship, but if you are with an organization that is supporting you through this time and treating you fairly, you might want to reconsider for the short-term. We are unsure on what the economy or status of certain businesses are going to be long-term. You definitely do not want to transition to something unstable.

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Job Searching is a Full-Time Job

Most job seekers we talk to feel that job searching is a full-time job and IT IS. Now most would assign a negative connotation to that sentiment but in our opinion, it’s not negative at all. Job searching should not be daunting, but well thought out, strategic, and organized to make it a positive experience. It might take some time to find that next great opportunity but being prepared eases the process immensely.

  1. Read the job description. Job descriptions sometimes contain fluff, but for the sake of applying for something that is not a fit, you should review before applying.
  2. If you don’t have the skills to do the job, find other avenues to make contact with the employer. Honestly, unless you have the qualifications the employer is seeking you will need to network. Networking will increase your chances of having a conversation with the employer to get feedback on how you fare against others for the role.
  3. Don’t hit the “one-click” mass apply via job search engines (all jobs are not created equal). Make sure your search is intentional and strategic. Look for jobs you are interested in and curate your resume for those specific positions.
  4. Don’t apply to every job you see, that you THINK you can do. Make a list of your skills and experience to figure out job types you might align with the most and then apply to the roles that fit your skillset.
  5. Last but not least, GET ON LINKEDIN. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile you are behind in the job search. LinkedIn is one of the most valuable tools in job searching. LinkedIn provides a place to house your online professional portfolio and also make contacts you wouldn’t have otherwise. 

Hope these tips help in your journey to a great opportunity!

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Misplaced

In the midst of the billions of working people in the world, there are many professions. In our experience, a lot of potential employees have a laser focus on what they would like to do in the working world. They apply and try their best to maintain jobs in their desired field. Later, some find out they are being disciplined and receiving unfavorable mentions from management. Many managers in the workplace get frustrated with poor performing employees and make decisions that are not carefully considered. To an employee that cares, this is often a point of anxiety and could worsen the situation affecting their performance even greater and sometimes even their health.

There are two things going on: 1) The employee could really be low performing or just disagreeable or 2) They are a good employee and means well, but their set of skills is not appropriate for this particular job. In our world this is called, misplaced. Here are a few signs of of misplacement:

  1. Employee is an average employee with good attendance and shows good effort consistently on everything but never gets the desired results (In the prime environment, being given clear expectations)
  2. Employee consistently has more questions than the time it takes to complete the work project i.e., the project should take one day but the employee asks questions all day and does not start the work in a timely manner (Again in the prime environment, being given clear expectations)
  3. The employee is overly confident and consistently makes major mistakes

The best thing for a leader to do is recognize that just because an employee is not performing well does not mean they are a substandard employee. If you are a thoughtful leader we would recommend the following:

  1. Have the employee take a career assessment test 
  2. Provide the necessary additional training to assist the employee in improving
  3. Provide continuous open dialogue and constructive feedback about their progress (and document document document)
  4. If the position is not a good fit for the employee seek out other possible options at your company where they could possibly use their skills (Some great leaders also assist with options external to their organizations)

Proactive Tip: Recruiters and hiring managers should do their due diligence to check references, research the applicant and their background, ask good interview questions and really lean into conversation with candidates, to see if they are a great fit for the company and the job role.

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Confidence brings it all together!

We have to admit, for us The Devil Wear Prada is in the Top Ten Movies of all time. Andy showed up to an interview “prepared”, or so she thought. She had the intellect, drive and determination to make it at one of the premier fashion magazine companies. She fought her way through a monologue of why she was the perfect candidate and eventually got the job. Andy struggled at the start, not knowing the industry or the top leaders in the company. Everyday she got more discouraged, her esteem seemed to lessen and she almost gave up. One day she got a pep talk from Nigel and an upgrade in the confidence department. She performed better and contributed more at work.  

There are many people who are talented and skillful. Where you are on the confidence scale can be deciphered just by interactions. The people who we most admire have that “it” factor, the glue that brings all of their intellect, common sense and know-how together. They own their presence and it sets them apart. Although, it is possible to have confidence with no skill or talent, but that combination is not much to be desired.

Let’s look at some things that can build confidence:

  1. The more you know about the company, your industry and the way things work can only prepare you to speak on a variety of subjects and do your job better
  2. An upgrade in the style department never hurt. When Andy felt better she did better. Nails, hair and clothing being maintained is important and you should do what makes you feel good and sure about yourself
  3. Surround yourself with people who are positive and encouraging. It doesn’t help when some of the people you spend time with are negative or try to hold you back 
  4. Take care of your mental health – Self-care is essential to you being a whole and healthy person. When you address issues that may create blockages for your progression in life, you are making room for greater self-esteem
  5. Challenges build confidence. Educating and testing yourself through training, projects and/or new experiences, assist in increasing your confidence. There is just something about accomplishing a goal or milestone you may have been afraid of or thought you could not do, but you did

Your confidence is personal and branded by you, the individual. The core work you do on yourself can only breed a stronger person. So, what things are you doing to work on your confidence in 2020? Success is waiting!

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Sorry to this Man

This video and meme of KeKe Palmer swept across the internet this past year, after she stated she did not know “This Man” referring to a global figurehead and former Vice President shown to her in a picture. It was quite funny, yet she was apologetic because she just knew he was a person that she probably should know, but she didn’t.

How many times have you been asked if you knew someone because they indicated your name on an application as “someone I know” or  asked to give a referral? Asked to pass a person’s resume along to a hiring manager/Human Resources? Professionals need to evaluate more closely who they decide to put stock into when these requests are made to them. Even on LinkedIn there are easy options to endorse individuals for various skills. People have endorsed us on LinkedIn and they’ve never worked with us or experienced our quality of work. The gesture is nice, but we would caution you to think about who you are endorsing without more information.  It may seem cruel, especially if you have a long history with a person. If you do not recognize the clear signs of someone you shouldn’t be referring, maybe consider the points below to protect your reputation:

  1. They volunteer your name in an interview process without talking to you first
  2. They have been separated (not laid off)  from several jobs in the last few years and cannot explain why or do not feel comfortable talking about it
  3. They are unpresentable 
  4. They’ve shared information with you regarding policies they have violated at previous jobs, such as stealing
  5. You’ve seen no progressive track record or work history since you last worked with them

As a quality professional, we’re sure you want your stamps of approval to have value. Remember to do your due diligence or in the words of Keke Palmer,  just say “Sorry to this Man (Woman)”.

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How The Grinch Stole Your Fire

Tips on how to get motivated again in the New Year!

Happy Holidays!!!

This is the time of the year where we usually encourage everyone to set new goals, make steps to reach new heights in your career, and seek new opportunities if needed. In all the excitement about the holidays, we do not want to forget those of us that may be in a funk about our current career status. Let’s look at some reasons (the GRINCHes) that we may feel career despair:

  1. You feel like you do not have the necessary skills to get promoted or obtain an advanced  level job
  2. Your manager says disparaging comments to you consistently that make you feel like you cannot do better
  3. Everyone around you has been promoted or received better jobs opportunities and you feel left out
  4. You are not getting any call backs from job applications you have submitted
  5. You are not making enough MONEY

Those are very real and valid reasons to feel like “The Grinch” has stolen your fire, but there is hope. The power to change your circumstances is in you. Here are some corresponding tips to the GRINCHes above:

  1. A sure thing for success is, Confidence. If you feel like you do not have the necessary skills to do an advanced job, look for educational and certification resources to hone and upgrade your skills. Take advantage of educational advancement benefits from your current job. There are also free educational resources such as webinars,  online training courses, etc. You can also get a mentor that works in the position you want to be in. 
  2. Do your current job consistently well. It makes it more difficult to refute your skillset or work when you do most things well. Continue to do this until you get your new opportunity. If you feel comfortable communicating with your manager you may want to mention how you feel.
  3. It may seem like everyone is getting what they want except you but that is just a cycle of life. Don’t let it get you down. Keep applying and reaching for your goals. As the cycle continues you will be apart of that group that is advancing and someone else is not. Your time is coming if you keep trying
  4. In this day in age sometimes just applying is not enough. You might have to do some investigative work and send an email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager. Network with someone that works at the company you want to be at and see if they can give you some insight on the job. You can search to see if any of your connections on LinkedIn have ties to the company you are interested in.
  5. Not making enough money to sustain your living or the amount worth your value could make you feel down. Continue to work on Steps 1-4. While you are going through those steps, try to seek out other resources to gain additional income such as a part-time job. Who knows, this might be the time to start doing your passion as side work and generating income from that.  

Well folks the ball is in your court! Don’t let the Grinch steal your fire. We have great hopes for you in 2020. Get out there and do it, because you are unique and you can do anything if you believe.

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Season 2: Episode 3 – A Conversation: Clarice Phelps – A Black Woman in The History Books

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with the 1st African American woman to help discover an element on the periodic table-117 Tennessine, Clarice Phelps! In our chat, Clarice tells us about her greatest life lessons, thoughts on diversity and inclusion within STEM, how it feels to be a part of history, and more!

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