Kevin O'Bryan

Category: professional growth

  • Who are you without your job?

    Who are you without your job?

    I recently read an article titled 5 things you must do to treat yourself with kindness after a layoff. It detailed things to consider for self-care during period right after losing your job. But one of the tips struck me as something that is worth consideration well before we find ourselves in that position.

    The fourth recommendation was ‘Figure out who you are without your former job’ and I immediately identified it as something that we all must do while we are employed. Why wait until we’ve been laid off to have a clear understanding of who we are without a job?

    Boundaries

    For one, having this understanding will help you to set clear boundaries that will guide you while doing your job. Things such as your core principles, do’s and don’ts as well as non-negotiables all help to solidify our sense of identity outside of work but play a part in your decision making during work.

    In the article, it was noted that many people have “their sense of self wrapped up in what they do”, imagine then being able to clearly define your identity without the trappings of what you do, and instead focus on how you do it as well as who you are?

    The first step to unravel this identity crisis is to visit and establish the boundaries that you have set for your own wellbeing. Those self-preserving standards are the first sign of what makes you, you and provide a gauge of what holds you intact.
    job
    The thought that I could be somebody else underneath all of what I currently believe I am, is exciting. Because, that means that everything I ever told myself about the things that limit me and the justifications for those limitations, are completely false. Sometimes we get sucked into believing that all that we are is the value that we bring to our jobs, when the bigger picture and world beyond that wall says so much more.

    Discover what makes you special

    Whether you believe so or not, you bring something unique to every position and role you work in. Now may be the time for you to take stock of those skills, talents, or idiosyncrasies which make you an asset in your role. They may be the key to your future next steps, whatever those are. In evaluating my own gifts and what I bring to the table, I realized that in one of my former roles, the skillsets that I brought to the table allowed me to bring something unique to the job that could not be easily replicated if my replacement were to be hired, simply based on my job description.

    I brought that to the table and that is what I provided to the role, not the other way around. Too often we work in jobs over long (or even short) periods and think that the work in all its sameness has moulded us when in fact it’s our own dynamism that makes it liveable and allows us to add value. So we are not just filling a slot, we bring something to the table that in many ways cannot be copied.

    Outside of the daily job

    job

    Figuring out your identity outside of a job is a perfect opportunity to consider what the possibilities and next steps could be for your life, both professionally and otherwise.

    When you consider things liked – what else could I do? What would I be doing if not this?

    It all comes down to the basics of who you believe you are and what you feel you have to give to the world. It may mean grabbing opportunities that lead you into a completely new direction outside of that box that you were living in.

    Many people have discovered certain skills and talents in the process of doing their job and suddenly something that has laid dormant, provided new energy for something else.

    I don’t know who you are but I hope you find out and nurture that person in all the ways that they matter.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

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  • Surviving Work from Home

    Surviving Work from Home

    It’s been just over 2 years since my employer decided to permanently make a portion of the staff work remotely on a permanent basis. And while this was prompted by the pandemic, this seemingly revolutionary act in the context of most Jamaican corporate entities has benefits that I am sure the organisation continues to enjoy.

    And even while some companies have reversed their remote work policies, for those of us who are still operating within this new paradigm, it can still take some learning and adapting to get it right.

    Discipline

    Discipline is an important factor when it comes to being productive while working remotely and keeping distractions at a minimum.

    There are a few strategies I use to stay productive and keep distractions at bay while remaining as productive and efficient as possible.

    Disclaimer
    Before I get into sharing these strategies, I should note that some of the links within this article are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

    Dedicate Space

    An enabling physical environment is important when working from home as it is where you will end up spending the majority of your time while working. Whatever your home space looks like, find a section that is dedicated just for work and where possible, aim for some separation.

    work

    There are numerous benefits to doing this including the promotion of work life balance and reduced distractions. And while a dedicated workspace is possibly a luxury for some persons just mentally preparing a space can be beneficial. In creating this space, ensure proper seating, and lighting, such as this nifty LED Desk Lamp that attaches to your desk.

    Isolate meeting times for deep work

    I block out periods on my calendar to get deep work  done. Persons tend not to schedule meetings when you are already in a meeting. High priority meetings will always happen regardless, however this is particularly useful for those inexplicable meetings that could’ve probably been a well written email.

    work

    In the hustle and bustle of getting things done we tend to forget that some of the most meaningful things we accomplish are through the time we spend doing deep work. That sweet spot where you are able to get important work done, without distraction or answering someone’s call for a brainstorm session. These periods are necessary if you are going to produce your best and it is possible to make them part of your most productive hours.

    Prioritize deliverables dependent on others

    If I have to contribute to an activity that will be executed by someone else, I give that priority so that the overall project doesn’t get side-lined. While this applies beyond just the work-from-home scenario, it comes into sharper relief when you have to determine what to do with every minute of your work time and successfully execute to achieve your goals.

    For example, I work with a number of creatives such as graphic designers and videographers and typically, I ensure that whatever guidance they need to get their deliverables done, I work to provide that for them to ensure that the project rolls on. In this way, it’s as if you are getting more done at the same time, because while they are completing their tasks, you can do much more.

    Set and defend boundaries

    Aggressively defend your boundaries to ensure that extraneous requests don’t sabotage your daily work goals. This can be extremely difficult if, similar to my own experience, you are a point person in a subject area. There are multiple calls, emails and meeting requests, every single one of them an emergency, however it is up to you to determine which needs to be treated as a priority.

    Boundaries can look like: choosing not to participate in meetings set during your designated lunch hour, streamlining how you structure your day and how other people use up your time or simply saying no to requests that fall outside of your purview.

    Some of your colleagues will not be deferential to your effort to establish and maintain boundaries in the beginning, however communicating these in a respectful way, consistently, will bear some positive fruit.

    Be conscious of prolonged isolation

    One of the best parts of working remotely is being able to work within your own space, with your own rules and at your personal comfort level. For the introverted, working from home is a dream because the talkative co-workers are absent, so less interruptions and just more productive time.

    work

    However too much of a good thing can be bad and long periods of isolation can also affect your mental health. The ease of simply working through a computer screen, hopping from meeting to meeting and communicating via whatsapp and email, makes becoming isolated very easy.

    Therefore be deliberate about getting a change of scenery every few days even if it means just changing rooms or location. And while work-from-home is convenient, consider a hybrid approach by splitting time in the office. Sometimes it feels good to be in a room full of my colleagues, while working and nowadays I’m actually able to enjoy the company sometimes.

    Make it work

    We all have different working styles that become even clearer once we are left to craft our own daily routines while working from home. Ultimately what it comes down to is finding what works best for your needs. This could mean working in sprints throughout the day and taking regular breaks, to keep your interest or maybe your style is doing long stretches of work, uninterrupted. For some persons, they prefer to work from coffee shops, in public and surprisingly, that also works. Whatever is your preference, make it work as there is no specific way to work remotely.

    These are just some of the ways I’m ensuring that remote work remains doable for me.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Subscribe to the blog here  and share your content suggestions here.

    Kevin

  • Important Lessons I’ve learned being a Manager

    Important Lessons I’ve learned being a Manager

    I recently completed a course at work titled 10 Steps to Becoming a Successful Manager. I feel that it was timely because, so often we are thrust into these roles without much guidance therefore I entered the experience with openness and a willingness to learn.
    For just over 5 years I have been charged with managing people, one of the single most difficult assignments I have ever had to take on in my professional career. Prior to this, the only person I had to regulate and be responsible for was myself, so imagine a world where I had to now manage expectations both internal and external to my team and most importantly, myself.
    Every time I dared forget that each member of my team was now, in some way a representation of my own work ethic and reputation, I was violently reminded, even if, technically, this was not absolutely accurate.
    Critiques, judgement and the gaze of those on the outside never tend to fall on the side of nuance or understanding minor details or even the truth. They usually play to a more general sentiment. And so as a leader you learn that what is unseen and unsaid, is often summed up by your stewardship.

    Getting Situated as a Manager

    I have observed that over the years, that through personal growth and maturity, my people-pleasing tendencies, have decreased significantly. However there is a certain level of proselytising  that is assumed of anyone who becomes a new boss to a team, that is seemingly sizing you up and deciding if you are worthy of respect.
    For my part I have learned to set boundaries for myself and model my own style of management on best practice I have experienced of leaders in my own life. But regardless of how you begin the journey, at some point you will have to decide if you are willing to sacrifice likeability for follow through. It’s not always an easy balance because, being authentic and choosing to do the right thing, as a leader, will not always be popular.
    With that said, here are some of the most invaluable lessons I have learned so far about managing people.

    It can be Thankless but Rewarding

    One of the first things that you recognise about this role of leading others is that for the most part it is a thankless job. This is in part due to the typical structure of professional relationships where one person is placed ‘in charge’ and now has to navigate and mediate the needs of both upper leadership, and those who report to you.
    This doesn’t even have to describe a contentious or fractious environment. The sooner you are able to recognise that accolades may not be quick to come from either side, the better.

    Despite this glum outlook, the rewards of hard work and persistence will come. Whether through small changes in the output of those you lead or cohesive teamwork when it counts, these are the positive sparks that make it worth it! Finally, patience is an important trait in this regard.

    Empathy flows in one direction (Kinda)

    During the second chapter of my aforementioned training course, we focused on working well with others. A segment of that session featured this interview with Simon Sinek which touched on empathy. As a manager of people, I am often called upon to look within and empathise with those I work with. It helps to understand their perspectives, motivations, challenges and thought processes, even in post mortem. The most important skill I have honed and practiced on this journey is communication, because most if not all breakdowns begin with a lack of communication. So through that process, I am better able to empathise but more importantly, manage expectations.
    Unfortunately, under most circumstances, empathy is only expected to flow in one direction and let’s be real – Who is out here trying to be in their boss’s shoes?
    It can be a vindication when it does happen, however fleeting those moments are. The reality is some people remain willfully blind to the pressures and demands that drive you, to drive them. And more often than not, it’s a case of see no evil, hear no evil.

    You’re a Manager not a Parent

    If as a people manager you feel as though you are being positioned as a parent figure by your subordinates, then you should definitely interrogate how you approach your stewardship.

    Because, while there is some amount of palpable parental instinct that may come into play when dealing with your charges, it should never extend to the more toxic aspects of the role that often results in breakdowns and detrimental challenges.

    So, there will be an instinct to protect your team but perish the thought if you ever think you should shield them from every challenge that may roll around. That is out of your control and not your job, because it’s simply not doable. I’m personally of the view that some people model their behaviour towards leadership in the working world, on their relationships with their parents, in some cases. This is somewhat related to the phenomenon of transference but goes a bit beyond it.

    Persons will feel the need to utilize tactics often reserved for their parents in dealing with challenges that arise with the person they report to. Think, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, rudeness, duplicitousness and other such indignities.

    Consistency is vital

    Adapting to changing circumstances is of course expected, especially in the fast paced world we live in. But while being flexible with change is pretty standard, commitment to being consistent with your words actions and principles is also important.
    I am proud of the fact that whether impressions of me are bad, fair or fine, they will at least reveal a level of consistency that grounds how I navigate my professional space. When you are consistent, being held accountable is never a problem because there is no contradiction of your actions or even motivations.
    Having consistent principles also provides some amount of guidance to those you lead because they will at least have a sense of your baseline and what makes you tick.

    A community for support is a Lifeline

    The most enduring element of my experience has been the support from my community of colleagues, friends and allies who have been a source of strength as I continue to grow in my leadership role and as a person.
    You will need folks who will keep it 100 with you while providing a listening ear when you have to process some of the more difficult moments that often roll around because of ‘the work’.
    Community also helps to provide perspective, a bit of mentorship and even coaching when needed. It is a vital support system that will help to keep you centred when everything around you seems out of balance.

    Do the Work!

    By do the work, I’m not referring to just the day job, but the internal work needed to maintain your mental health and your fortitude to deal with the busy (ness) of work life and managing others.
    Additionally, your physical health cannot be the weakest link because everything it is the foundation of every other aspect of your life. For me that has been running and going to the gym, but lately that also includes therapy to better understand ‘me’. We can’t give to the world from an empty cup so it is acutely important to safeguard our source.
    But even as I unpack explore the self-work required to be better and more grounded to deal with the job, I also want to highlight the fact that it goes hand in hand with striving for excellence in the work you do day-to-day. Being that exemplar of the standard you want to see in your team never hurts because your energy and work ethic can also set the pace for them.

    These are my takeaways, my insights about an aspect of my life in leadership that I continue to learn about.

    Let me know in the comments if you have any learnings of your own.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Subscribe to the blog here  and share your content suggestions here.

    Kevin

  • Navigating the new normal: Burnout at work

    Navigating the new normal: Burnout at work

    The best time of year for me, other than vacation, is the last week of December and the first week of January. It’s normal for me to work during these two weeks because they are a gift in disguise.

    This is usually a sweet spot in the work year, when because of the holiday period, vacations and the general transition from old year projects to new year projects, it’s typically a quieter time. This slower pace allows me to get previously forsaken projects done, paperwork sorted and honestly, gives me a moment to simply refocus and recalibrate as I get ready for the upcoming year of activities.

    The flip side to this sweet spot is literally every other day of the year when it is go, go, GO!

    Let me begin by saying that I do not have the unrealistic expectation for the pace to always be slow, because work is nuanced. There will be busy periods, with some busier than most, however an insidious aspect of this new, pandemic driven world is the need for us to be operating at 110%, all the time, non-stop.

     The Great Resignation: New normal?

    If you’ve been paying any attention to current affairs over the past 4 months at least, you would’ve probably heard about the Great Resignation which describes the large swathes of workers in the US who are resigning their jobs for various reasons, foremost of which is a need to recalibrate their lives for the post pandemic future.

    Workers are leaving their jobs because some have come to the realization that they can get new jobs with better pay, better working conditions, and most importantly, more control over how they balance their work and life.

    This article actually explores in even more detail some of the considerations driving persons to leave, formerly ‘ok’ occupations.

    They are trading jobs and work place cultures that tell them ‘you have to work yourself to the point of burnout as a matter of course’ and that that is normal, for more favourable opportunities. In 2022 and beyond, people will be seeking jobs that allow them the dignity of making an honest living but also occupations that allow them to have a full life that prioritizes other things, except work.

    Free to BE

    And guess what? Employees do not what to be made to feel selfish or guilty because they choose their mental health and wellbeing over the constant strain of sometimes, thankless jobs.

    It is normal and OK to want a job that pays a decent salary with a fair amount of work as opposed to an all-consuming grind that is perpetually in emergency mode and that you are expected to be ‘grateful’ for, just because it exists.

    While some people have chosen to leave, there are millions of others who are still plodding along and being productive in their current roles. They continue to weather the changing ebbs and flow of hard deadlines and evolving challenges to their work life, brought on by the pandemic and other emerging factors

    There is in fact a mentality that would rather people shut up, work and be thankful for a job, regardless of the conditions. Now, with more options and a plethora of opportunities, people will be more willing to walk away. Meanwhile, the disengagement and attrition will continue.

    Hard work, More work

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    The unfortunate and oft used statement that the “reward for good work is more work” is coming back to bite many who previously uttered both as a compliment and warning. Workers now see it for what it truly is: the makings of an unhealthy cycle that traps some of the best employees into a never-ending loop of overwork that can seldom be assuaged by monetary reward.

    And to be clear, persons who choose not to work to the point of burnout are no less dedicated, efficient or ambitious than anyone else and therefore shouldn’t be demonized because of it.

    Not everyone will choose to become entrepreneurs so there will always be a segment of our population that is willing to be employed. It’s therefore only fair that this work life provides adequate space for life beyond but also life within the job.

     At a Cross Roadsnormal

    The pandemic has forced many of us to reconsider what is important and the time may come in the not too distant future for us to assess the toll being taken on our minds and bodies, in order to make a living.

    While we ponder, we need to identify cycles and triggers in our work life which could be contributing to potential burnout.

    Knowing is half the battle, addressing it head on will help to make a difference.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Subscribe to the blog here  and share your content suggestions here.

    Kevin

  • Conquering your Fear of Public Speaking

    Conquering your Fear of Public Speaking

    If you’ve been a reader of this blog for some time, or if you know me, you would have picked up that I am a Toastmaster and a fan of public speaking.

    Working in communications, specifically radio, gave me practice using my voice, but joining the professional organisation known as Toastmasters International helped me to refine my presentation skills, even more.

    I recently had the opportunity to share some of my personal insights on public speaking on the Creatives on Fire podcast with Nadine Tomlinson – you can listen here.

    We had a fun conversation about public speaking, and I sought to address how persons can better embrace instead of fear these opportunities whenever they arise.

    Listening back to the conversation I realized that there are a few takeaways that have helped me immensely over the years.

    Where it all Began

    I can distinctly remember the first time I realized that just because I am articulate on the radio it didn’t automatically make me a good public speaker.

    It was during a public speaking workshop no less, where participants were being taken through the paces of sharing stories at the lectern. We were all tasked with preparing a brief speech about something of interest to us (if memory serves). I prepared something on paper and was mostly clear on how I was going to present it, however before we presented, our trainers provided insight on public speaking best practice.

    I had my draft speech all wrong and wanted to make changes to ‘improve it’.

    Well, I made my changes as best I could, however I had little to no time to really familiarize myself with the narrative.

    I went up to the lectern and I was completely stumped!

    What made this even worse was the fact that those who went before me were just about flawless in their presentations and even received commendations but I sunk like a deflated balloon.

    Nightmare!

    I experienced the deadliest cocktail of dread any person who fears public speaking could ever undergo:

    • Standing at a microphone facing a large group of people
    • I wasn’t sure of my material
    • Followed speakers who were really good
    • Embarrassed and blubbering

    That feeling of standing before an expectant audience, knowing that you are doomed but looking back at the blank faces because you know that they do not want to be in your position and they cannot offer any help.

    It was a public speaking disaster.  I took it in stride and promised to learn from that experience.

    When I was invited to join Toastmasters I was mentally prepared for the journey because I had experienced the worst public speaking fail and lived through it. No way was I going to shrink from an opportunity to do better and be great.

    On the journey as a Toastmaster I’ve learned three important things that I touched on in the podcast that I can speak about more here.

    Fear public speaking? You are not Alone

    If you’re like me, there was a time when the thought of getting up and addressing an audience of more than one person scared you to death. There’s a name for that -Glossophobia or fear of public speaking and it is more common than most of us believe. Appreciating that other people share this fear, I think, is the first step in getting over it. In fact, it may be an opportunity to laugh at yourself and truly come to terms with the experience.

    Think about public speaking from the micro level – every time you utter a word to someone else, it is a form of public speaking. You measure your progression by the growing size of audiences you are comfortably able to address over time. The only way you will be able to do this, is to get practice. Start small, start with family, at family gatherings, at church, in class, in your office but don’t take for granted the valuable experience you gain by simply doing it more often. Not only will you get used to public speaking over time, but there’s a high chance that you will learn and also grow.

    Power of the Pause

    I spoke a bit about this during the podcast, how pauses, strategically placed during a speech can elevate your oratorical skills. The next time you happen to hear a well known speaker address an audience, note how many times they make short pauses within the speech.

    Not only does it help them to catch a breath, the pause also engages the audience by allowing them time to think about some of what the speaker is saying. It is not a bad thing, it isn’t awkward when done correctly and as a speaker it also gives you a bit of time to gather your thoughts.

    Be Prepared 

    Finally, one of the most important aspects of public speaking we all seem to forget at some point is the ‘why’ of it all. Why are you standing before your audience and speaking? Of course the nightmare scenario of a request for impromptu speaking is always possible but even then, there is an expectation that you know something.

    In every other instance, the speaker must prepare. Read, memorise, write down, study, whatever you must do to ensure that you are familiar with your subject matter. Preparation helps you to be familiar with the topic, or even the written copy of your speech, but it’s plain common sense.

    Unfortunately, many people get intimidated because they want to be a great impromptu speaker without any experience at all. It really doesn’t work like that and only through doing, practicing, failing and learning will we ever get better at it. I really hope these insights can be useful if you are struggling with public speaking.  Let me know in the comments how you cope with public speaking jitters.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

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  • Corporate work life: How to Thrive and Survive

    Corporate work life: How to Thrive and Survive

    Corporate Russian Roulette

    There are days when I go to work and before 10 am, I am fully ready to hand in my resignation and just say ‘Screw it All!’

    Yes, this is real life.

    It’s the life some of us live.

    We are not supposed to verbalise these feelings, in fact, you’re not supposed to talk about how much you hate certain aspects of corporate work life until you become one of those stories of people who have quit and hopefully able to brag that you’re ‘living your best life’

    So, what do you do instead?

    You remain, grateful, continue to do your best work, take care of your mental health and survive. There are a slew of things that we can all do to ensure that we survive and make the most of what working in a large organisation has to offer.

    After all, it’s not all doom and gloom and in fairness, the good days far outweigh the dark clouds of a bad day.

    There are some strategies that I have learned to employ to help me make the best of every moment and keep focused on being productive, accountable, alive and thriving.

    Walk with me.

     Reading is a gift that will keep on giving

                     

    If you are a reader, know that it is a gift that will serve you well in the corporate world, why? Because many people, working at whatever level of the corporate ladder, simply refuse to contend with anything that requires reading. They simply consider it bothersome and you see the results of this in email arguments that take place daily in companies everywhere. Now, with everyone else not reading, being able to spot details is something that adds value, because with less people reading, it means, more folks missing nuance and important details.

    Email follow-ups are key

    Sometime ago I wrote about email etiquette for the workplace here and it was an opportunity for me to delve into email habits that can serve us well.

    If it’s one thing James Comey’s book –  taught me, it was the importance of contemporaneous notes following meetings. What Comey did was brilliant. As a practice, he would routinely prepare memos following meetings to ensure a record of whatever the exchange was, existed. If you are familiar with his story, you know how well those memos served him, when it became necessary to sharing his story.

    In the corporate world, it’s no different, just a bit less intense. What I have found to work is preparing an email immediately following any meeting and sharing it with all participants, documenting the specific discussions and action points. I refuse to call this email meeting minutes, as I have learned that ‘meeting minutes’ – imbued with all the formality and need to record every small detail – often takes at least two days to be prepared and dispatched. This is the heights of inefficiency and is simply a time waster.

    The key thing about this practice is that it prevents others from changing the narrative of the meeting to fit what they need. Plus it keeps you and everybody else in the meeting accountable and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Reality is, some of your co-workers don’t respond well to tasks that aren’t written down, even if you’ve met about it.

    Observe patterns of behaviour

    We all have that co-worker who is so caught up doing their ‘work’ and they have no clue what is going on around them. Don’t be that guy.

    Make it your business to know how every move adds up, or not.

    While this is not a call for you to become the village voice for your place of work, it does you no good if you are unaware of what is happening in your company. Observing the corporate culture is key to helping you order your own steps.

    Then there is the just being aware of how your fellow employees relate to you and each other. It helps if you are able to mentally profile your team members in order to better navigate the working relationship. Not only does it prevent crossed wires, but in general it allows you to focus on being productive and getting the job done.

    This is why unpredictability upsets the apple cart so much. When people either take things personally or people get too personal with what they say and how they say it, it throws the workplace into chaos.

    The more you know.

    Choose your Battles

    It takes a certain level of mental fortitude to withstand the temptation of email warriors in the workplace who are always ready to tempt you into a back and forth. Worse still, are the potentially messy phone calls that can devolve into an argument.

    I remember the first and last time I got angry enough to shout at and hang up the phone on a colleague, primarily because I felt that the person in question was being extremely rude and disrespectful. The fact that I had to apologise, wholeheartedly afterwards, annoyed me to the core. It was a waste of time getting into a tiff, over work, in the first place. I vowed to never again get so that angry that I felt the need to lose my cool and behave like that.

    Restraint is the name of the game and I have learned that the long game is the best game when it comes to certain work relationships.

    It may be cute to recount your behaviour on Twitter, but in real life, it isn’t cute or quite as fulfilling.

    Smile, wave, breath, vent as needed and carry on, because you never know who wants you to lose your cool and jump off a cliff.

    When you do have to fight, use all the tools the corporate world provides: Well worded emails and no BS telephone conversations that can call out colleagues while still keeping it 100% respectful.

    Never share your childhood nickname with your co workers

    Learn from my mistake.

    A term of endearment needn’t be scandalized by people you work with.

    So caught up was in a moment of vulnerability (read food… I was eating food) during one of those team building gatherings, to get us to open up to each other.

    I was relaxed, enjoying my meal and ready to endear myself to my team members by sharing something they didn’t know. Never occurred to me that, them not knowing was the gift, but alas.

    I revealed my childhood nickname.

    Who would’ve thought that the revelation would come back to haunt me? I felt a dread previously unknown, when co-workers started parroting this name as if it was appropriate or their place.

    How dare you so casually throw a name about that was my dearly beloved, Great Grandma’s favourite name to call me by?

    You don’t know the history, you don’t know what it means? But you think it’s cool?

    Ha.

    It get’s worse

    To add insult to injury, a particular individual, who I wasn’t fond of decided that it was their prerogative to drop my nickname in at the most inappropriate and unnecessary times, At WORK.

    A term of endearment needn’t be scandalized by people you work with. It’s one thing if my co-worker, who I’m close with, uses it. I’m good with that. What pisses me is the assumed kinship some people have by referring to me by a name that’s not for their use.

    So, aside from my own sensitivity to being called by anything but my given name, it is clear that some ‘co-workers’ have no boundaries.

    Take my advice and don’t give them a chance to ‘Run wid it’.

    What are some of things that you are doing to make it in this Corporate Life? Let me know in the comments.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

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  • Seven ways to improve your email etiquette at work

    Seven ways to improve your email etiquette at work

     

    Email writing etiquette in the professional environment is very important. It could mean the difference between making a lifelong work friend or making an enemy forever that could realistically, lead to your dismissal. Many people completely misconstrue the purpose of emails that are sent in the corporate setting and I believe this causes confusion.

    Growing up I remember specifically when I was in primary school or maybe High School I went through different classes where I was taught how to write a business letter and one of the most significant things I can recall is that a business letter is always to the point and completely factual. No overly saccharine greetings and pleasantries necessary, you just get to the point and say what you needed to say.

    However it seems that nowadays there is no middle ground between being polite and businesslike on one end of the spectrum and being completely rude on the other.

    It’s as if it is less about business and more about personalities.

    So, if I write an email that is to the point I’m considered rude, without even trying. I am not saying that writing an email for work has to be cold and austere however there should be a clear balance between cordial and informative, after all, that is the point, right?

    All that said, I want to share with you all some pointers on how not to rattle the apple cart at work, when it comes to communicating via email.

    Don’t Take it personal (all the time)

    One of the things that I definitely think I may need to tell myself is not to read too much into what people write in work emails.  Why? Because sometimes the writers are completely oblivious to the fact that the way they have expressed themselves in an email is rude and condescending.

     

     

    These are usually the worst offenders because they are also the most confident. That said, it doesn’t mean that you should not call people out on their bad emails, especially if there is a pattern. Just because there are people who do not know that their method is flawed, doesn’t mean there aren’t those who deliberately write and share problematic messages. Know the difference and respond accordingly.

     

    Miss me with the ‘Kindly’

    Adding kindly to an email does not make it kinder, more pleasant or friendly!

    I remember years ago reading an eye opening tip from my respected colleague and friend, Marie Berbick, about using the word kindly and the fact that it can be misconstrued as being rude and condescending and ever since I’ve been sensitive about using the word. In fact I judge people who use kindly as much as, if not more than I judge persons who have a weak handshake (don’t judge me).

     

    Try not to use the word kindly in fact you don’t need to use it at all in your email. When making a request, adding ‘kindly’ won’t actually make it easier to swallow. Sadly, most people when sending requests for action, add the word, not realizing how demanding they appear, instead of nice as they intended.

    Bad idea: ‘As per my last email…’

    The famous ‘as per my last email’ is not only unnecessary but it’s very aggressive. Now I understand if you’re writing to a lender, someone who owes you money or even someone who is holding up your business and stressing you out but is it really necessary for an email to a colleague?

     

    The milder version of this, ‘as per our discussion’ is a bit more palatable because it is actually factual. It acknowledges that “a discussion was had and we’re just bringing it to the email world”  thereby providing context and there’s an understanding that we are communicating on this subject. Somehow it feels a bit less agreesive than ‘as per my last email’, for some reason.

    But reminding me that you had sent an email previously is not absolutely necessary, and for the most part is an aggravation.

    Cc me Not!

    In many work environments it is considered the highest form of aggression when you copy not only a person’s manager but every other person in their department on an email. Why? because you are saying “hey I’m escalating this but I still want you to be a part of it” or “I’m trying to shame you because this is my opportunity to show you up.”

     

    Now, it is sometimes necessary to copy additional people on an email, but must it be done in an attempt to speed up a process? Does it usually work?  It can be an effective ‘tool’ but you must know when and how to use it in getting your job done.

    The ‘Reply All’ Queens

    This one personally ticks me off all the time and it goes beyond the professional world. Imagine, there are 30 people who have been copied on an email. The message doesn’t require every member of the group to respond to confirm anything it really was just an FYI. However there is always that one person who chooses to respond with something like “thank you” or “noted” and not only do they respond like that to the person who sent it they ‘reply all’. The ‘reply all’ button is your enemy use it sparingly, if ever.

    (Don’t) Call Me

    Unless it’s an extremely important emergency, then calling me to confirm that I received your email is not absolutely necessary or cute.  It’s actually super annoying and there is a level of control that you’re trying exert over me because you expect that your email deserves immediate attention. I mean, of course I have nothing else to do so why wouldn’t I just action your request a few seconds after you sent your email?

     

    Many of the issues around email etiquette can be solved with one simple solution: READING!
    The reality is many of us don’t actually read and comprehend the messages that we receive and therefore we don’t adequately equip ourselves to properly respond. It’s not easy because not everyone is confident in expressing themselves in writing, but it comes with the territory.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

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  • Make it Count: 2018

    Make it Count: 2018

    As 2016 drew to a close, I made a promise to myself that I was going to make 2017 memorable.

    I was going to make myself so proud!

    At that point, in December last year, it wasn’t fully clear to me what my mission was but I knew that I had to fill the year with moments I could be proud of.

    With just a few days  left in the 2017, I am pumped! There is so much I was able to tick off and accomplish during this year. Even more important, was the foundation I was able to lay for things to come.

    I’m at a place in 2017 where I have already started to assemble some of the pieces that I hope will help me to make the most of 2018 and the opportunities that will arise.

    Let me share some of the strategies that I have developed to make my new year planning strategic and with achievable goals.

    Personal Retreat

    Companies, large and small, as well as business units all have one thing in common. They usually host a strategic annual retreat to figure out their plans for the new year. This retreat also gives the organisation the opportunity to look back at the year that was, to review what worked, what didn’t and how to improve in the future.

    I’ve been to a number of different types of retreats in my professional life and it’s always interesting how ideas and insights flow when participants are able to take a break from the mundanity of everyday ‘work’ and just do something different.

    So, why not stage a retreat for your personal life?

    2018 is ahead of you, and you have plans and goals, therefore, why not hold your own retreat and make strategic plans? After all you are the CEO of your life and the most important shareholder, bar none.

    I thought about this in 2016 and decided to do it.

    I took a day, went to a convenient place, with my laptop and strategised how I was going to make 2017 my year. During my own personal retreat I was conducting research, finding out costs, looking at different goals, setting deadlines and most importantly putting it all in writing.

    Throughout the year, I would occasionally go back into that document to keep track of my goals and identify things I’d achieved as opposed to things I hadn’t yet accomplished.

    You can enhance this by creating a vision board, based on the results of your personal retreat (if that works for you). Not only is this a deliberate approach to identifying and achieving your goals, but it helps to keep you accountable.

    Be Flexible

    In outlining the desires of your heart for the new year, be flexible, especially with your route to achieving those goals you have set. Note flexible is not a byword for lackluster or stagnant, instead consider it permission to be gentle with yourself.

    Acknowledge and count every move that gets you closer to the final goal. Every bit counts and preparing your mind to be flexible throughout the process, will be important.

    Be Realistic

    While being flexible, be realistic about your goals. Are all the elements in place to enable you to achieve them? What are you doing now or have done that will bring you a step closer to making that goal possible?

    Sometimes the route to the goal may not be immediately clear, but that doesn’t mean the goal is unrealistic. For example, if you plan to start selling baked goods on the side to make extra money during 2018, some of the realistic questions you need to ask are:

    1.      Do I have enough baking equipment?

    2.      Have I factored in the cost for ingredients?

    These are specific questions that are at the heart of a realistic plan to achieve that goal.

    Speak it into being

    You may hear self-help gurus say “Declare it!” as they encourage you to speak into the being the dreams and goals you want to accomplish.

    Guess what? It actually works!

    The simple act of vocalising the dream, the vision, the end goal is not only a powerful inducement to get it done, but also allows you to put it out their into the universe.

    I never realized how rewarding this was until earlier in 2017, when I was in the development stages of this blog.  I had given myself a deadline, one that I had to meet. While having a conversation with my older brother, Pete and discussing it, I felt so much more confident and ready to achieve the goal.

    Putting it in very simple terms, saying it out loud, made the whole thing REAL!

    Get Excited

    What are plans if you are not excited about them!

    Get over-the-top excited about everything you have coming in 2018. Be they small or large goals, they are yours!

    Let your excitement and enthusiasm be the propellant that pushes you forward, even during those dull moments when the effort seems pointless.

    Share some of the things you are doing to make the new year a go from the jump!

     

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

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  • Speaking Life: My Toastmasters Journey… so far

    Speaking Life: My Toastmasters Journey… so far

    People say the darndest things.

    So there I was, in Vancouver, Canada stepping into a taxi, as I headed to a session of the 2017 Toastmasters International Convention.

    When I sat down and got settled, the affable driver asked: “What brings you to Vancouver, brother?”

    I replied: “I’m here for the Toastmasters International Convention” to which he responds…

    “Toastmasters? Are you guys like, cooks who are really good at making toast or something?

    I had a hearty laugh and so should you. I never fail to be surprised by the number of people who simply have no idea what Toastmasters is.

    Ya gonna learn today!

    I Got Skills…

    I always thought I was a good communicator and I always figured I was quite articulate. That was, until I was introduced to and later became a Toastmaster.

    Now, when I heard about Toastmasters Clubs, I was weary as I had already spent some years as a member of a service club.

    Nevertheless, as my department at work was the epi-centre of Toastmasters activities I decided to join.

    That was 5 years ago and today I am truly grateful for the experience and opportunities that have blossomed from me becoming a member of this international organisation.

    The Programme

    Toastmasters International was founded in the United States in 1924 by Ralph Smedley and has since grown into a global community of professionals.

    public speaking

    The Toastmasters Educational programme is based on projects that help members to practice and sharpen their public speaking and leadership competencies.

    I’ve done just over 30 prepared speeches in my Toastmasters journey so far, ranging from the basics of introducing myself to full interpretive readings of plays.

    And the further I go, the more latitude I get to choose projects that are tailored to my personal and professional needs.

    Probably the greatest aspect of Toastmasters is the evaluation process which sees, fellow members providing friendly and pointed evaluations of my presentations. These evaluations are guided by outlines that accompany each speech project. Each evaluation is usually delivered in the sandwich technique where positive feedback is given, followed by suggestions, then with positive feedback.

    Aside from prepared speeches, I have also benefitted from impromptu speaking opportunities through Table Topics. These sessions are a formal part of all toastmasters meetings and allows any member to complete a two minute speech on the fly.

    On the leadership track I have blossomed tremendously over the years. I have served in many different roles within my club and at the District level. Those stints have enabled me to put my teambuilding and leadership skills to the test. Today, the experiences are bearing fruit in my professional life.

    Unique Value Proposition

    Toastmaster International has probably one of the greatest unique value propositions of any programme you will encounter.

    Imagine, leadership and public speaking training that is set at your own pace and at a fraction of the cost of more formalized instruction. Thankfully, Jamaica has a network of Toastmasters clubs, most of which are community based and meet almost every day of the week.

    One of the most exciting aspects of the Toastmasters experience is the speech contests, which are held twice a year, at every level. The international speech contest, extends from club competitions, all the way to the global level. The semi-final and final rounds are held at the annual Toastmasters International Convention.

    Public speakinh
    Here I am sharing a moment with Ryan Avery, the 2012 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking at the 2013 TI Convention in Cincinnati.

    Speech contests are an opportunity to either participate or just watch competitive speakers, battle it out on the stage.

    This past summer was my second time attending a Toastmasters International Convention, having  attended the 2013 edition, held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    toastmasters
    Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia

    As always, the convention floor is a melting pot of members from all over the world! I have networked with numerous people from various regions across the world. Through our common interests and the shared Toastmasters programme there were never ending conversations.

    public speaking
    Had the pleasure of meeting with the team of Toastmasters from Sri Lanka.

    The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, provided the perfect backdrop to this year’s event. The city matched the eclectic mix of people and cultures present at the event.

    Speak Easy

    Today, I credit my improved speech flow, recall and vocal dexterity to my time as a Toastmaster!

    When I speak, I am clear that I will be heard and I know how to command an audience’s attention. I can confidently say that I have no fear of public speaking. My ability to articulate off the cuff, has also gotten better.

    public speaking

    As a lifelong learner, every toastmasters meeting and project I prepare for, teaches me something new.

    Probably the greatest transformations I have seen are in some of my fellow toastmasters. Members who have joined clubs and blossomed into confident speakers and leaders. Persons, who before joining were afraid to address a small group of people, have gone on to enter speech contests.

    The Toastmasters experience really works and watching others grow and flourish with their personal goals is truly inspiring.

    public speaking

    Leave a comment and let me know more about the outlets you use to fulfill your life-long learning needs.

    And remember, if you have post suggestions, let me know here

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin