Carla D.’s Post

L̳e̳a̳r̳n̳i̳n̳g̳ ̳t̳h̳e̳ ̳m̳o̳s̳t̳ �� ̳i̳m̳p̳o̳r̳t̳a̳n̳t̳ ̳s̳k̳i̳l̳l̳s̳ ̳n̳e̳e̳d̳e̳d̳ ̳t̳o̳ ̳b̳e̳ ̳s̳u̳c̳c̳e̳s̳s̳f̳u̳l̳ ̳i̳n̳ ̳l̳i̳f̳e̳.̳.̳.̳ I am Learning About 1. Emotions (EI, Mimesis, Sales & Marketing), 2. Communication, and 3. People Management. Those of you who read my posts 🤩 know that I am passionate about 3 things: 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆. After learning how to balance humility, confidence and self-belief in the last couple of years, I am currently focusing on Emotion, Communication, and People Management. I hope as my silent readers you will enjoy this learning adventure as we grow together. This is a high value piece by 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓿𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓑𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 that I highly recommend: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 (Link in the comment section) The top learning points from the article are: 1. Solving from the top level of conflict instead of the basement (i.e., using one’s prefrontal cortex instead of the emotion-driven limbic system), as noted by Harvard faculty Leonard Marcus is a skill in and of itself. 2. Another aspect of conflict management is helping the other person stay at the top level, too. 3. Negotiation is known as interest-based bargaining, it is a mindset that involves getting away from a “mine” mentality and towards an “ours” mentality, even in scenarios where money, responsibility or other critical issues may be at stake. link in comment..⤵️

🚀 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Manager: A 5-Step Guide for Success 🚀 As a leadership coach with years of experience guiding professionals to overcome communication challenges, I understand the importance of addressing difficult topics with your manager. Steven Rogelberg uncovered this proven process for his upcoming book "Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings," - which I can't wait to start reading - to ensure productive and positive outcomes when addressing sensitive topics with your manager. Follow his 5-step process to establish your goals and keep your conversation on target: 🎯 Step 1: PICK CAREFULLY Choose your battles wisely. Assess the underlying issues, potential resolutions, and your manager's communication style. Consider the impact on work, project timelines, and the long-term relationship. 🎯 Step 2: READY YOURSELF Prepare talking points in advance, visualize possible responses, and reduce anxiety through rehearsal. Positive body language and expressions of gratitude set the stage for a constructive dialogue. 🎯 Step 3: START WELL Initiate the conversation positively. Confirm your manager's willingness to listen and express gratitude for their time. These gestures of deference enhance receptiveness to your concerns. 🎯 Step 4: DEMONSTRATE Composure, Curiosity, and a Willingness to Adapt Maintain composure during the conversation, clearly present your needs, and specify if you seek help or raise awareness. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and be prepared with potential solutions. Research has shown that autonomy in problem-solving positively impacts job performance. Step 5: WRAP UP While Maintaining Momentum End the meeting by summarizing action items and clarifying the next steps. Whether seeking assistance or sharing feedback, express gratitude for your manager's time and receptiveness. ☞ Embarking on challenging conversations is an art, and these steps will not only help you navigate such situations successfully but also empower you to advocate for yourself throughout your career journey. Ready to take charge of your professional growth? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's empower each other to succeed. 💼✨ Ready to level up in your career? Connect with me for more insights and discussions! ✨ #CareerDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #SelfAdvocacy #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #OneOnOneMeetings #SuccessStrategies

This is how I would write the INSEAD "Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned. (400 words, maximum)" "In the context of my professional journey, a pivotal chapter materialized last year, vigorously testing my adaptability and dexterity in communication. An ongoing project boasted an initial lineup comprising a manager, a senior consultant, and a consultant. However, the mission's narrative took an unexpected turn, orchestrated by the senior echelon—a partner and principal. This maneuver led to my induction into the project's scenario a mere fortnight after its inauguration. A significant juncture materialized on the fourth day—a confidential tête-à-tête with the principal. Commending my rapid acclimatization and professional demeanor, she proposed that I shoulder the mantle of a junior manager. This role encompassed overseeing fellow consultants and furnishing progress reports directly to her. Implicit in her proposal was the prospect of interpersonal friction—the more seasoned senior consultant might find the shift disconcerting. Amid accolades and newfound obligations, complexities veiled in secrecy surfaced. Concealing my managerial capacity from the team introduced a convoluted dynamic, akin to an unrevealed subplot. The consequence reverberated as confusion and misinterpretation. In retrospect, I acknowledge my lapse, a failure to assume responsibilities, and timely alert the principal. From this professional episode, a paradigm emerged—project intricacies intertwine with effective communication. Embarking on a new trajectory, I initiated the "Way We Work" (WWW) sessions. Here, the spotlight illuminated expectations, responsibilities attained clarity, and dialogue streamed unhindered. The narrative underwent a transformation, wherein setbacks germinated into catalysts for profound change. My latent aptitude for orchestrating coherent dialogue claimed a central role. In the crescendo of an annual review, recognition resounded. The WWW sessions emerged as my signature—an instrumental guide steering projects while nurturing a culture of positivity. A chapter characterized by discord transitioned into harmonious comprehension. Armed with lessons, I advance with purpose. Guided by the rudder of communication, I navigate uncharted waters, forging connections and fostering amity in each subsequent venture...." Let me write your best stories... Estelle Libri, Paola Lopez, Virginie Fougea, Perrine Chantôme (Rolland)

A single image can convey what a thousand words might struggle to express, and yet, its resonance can sometimes surprise us. This powerful impact often stems from the profound disparity between formulating a strategy and successfully implementing it—a gap that is frequently underestimated. Here's a closer look at why bridging this gap is so challenging: **Defining an Effective Strategy is Complex:** According to Sidney Yoshida’s pyramid of ignorance, top management only understands about 4% of the frontline problems within their organizations. This underscores the difficulty in grasping the challenges that may arise when different parts of an organization attempt to implement a new strategy. Achieving true alignment requires a dynamic strategy formulation process that involves a diverse group of stakeholders from all organizational levels. **Ownership of the Strategy:** Strategies that are handed down in the form of elaborate presentations often get forgotten quickly. It’s far more effective to set a clear organizational direction and then allow every segment of the organization to determine how they will contribute to achieving these goals. This inclusive approach ensures the strategy becomes a collective endeavor, not just the vision of those at the top. **Underestimating Emotional Impacts:** A leader of a multibillion-dollar company once shared with me, "We often underestimate the emotional attachment people have to the status quo." This emotional bond can make changes uncomfortable, affecting not just operational procedures but also interpersonal relationships at work. Such changes can evoke a sense of loss, leading to natural resistance to new strategies. **Engagement and Connection:** The success of a strategy ultimately hinges on individuals understanding how they can contribute to it at their level, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. This connection allows for the transformation of strategic vision into tangible results. **Assessing Strategy Through Outcomes:** Often, the evaluation of a strategy’s effectiveness is like looking in the rear-view mirror—if we’re only looking at past outcomes (lag metrics), we’re already too late. It is crucial to have real-time visibility into progress, allowing for timely adjustments to ensure the strategy’s successful execution. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on overcoming these strategic challenges!

Honesty != Clarity. The biggest mistake most managers make is this simple assumption. Establishing principle #1: Clarity is the most valuable mineable resource you can get as a manager. Establishing principle #2: Clarity is not determinable by simple observation from an impartial third party, but instead is the successful transfer of information, such that uncertainty is reduced. Establishing principle #3: just because a messenger hears their own message clearly does not have direct bearing on whether the receiver hears the message clearly. How many meetings have you been in where your superiors throw their hands up in confusion - "I don't understand why they aren't getting it. What are they thinking? We've said it a million times." And, on the other side, how many times have your reports said something like "we honestly just want to know what's happening. We need clarity on X, Y, and Z... and that thing Leader A said sounded confusing." This is because we are not approaching communication for what it is: a full system of transfer, not a broadcast! Invest in clarity. Even if it seems expensive, change your mindset from "broadcast" to "successfully validated transfer of information." I have yet to meet someone who doesn't benefit from this mindset shift.

Top 10 Visual summaries 2023 Nr. 8: 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀? ➡️ According to Paul J Zak, who has conducted extensive research on the science of trust and its effects on business teams. Trust is rooted in the release of the hormone 𝘰𝘹𝘺𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘯, triggered when people feel safe and secure. Oxytocin promotes feelings of empathy, generosity, and cooperation. ✔️ Teams with high levels of #trust are 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙. They are more likely to 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮. ❌ Teams with low levels of trust are often plagued by 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙨, 𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 🚧 People may resist change because it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar, or because they fear failure or loss. 🚧 Lack of effective planning and preparation, poor communication and leadership, and inadequate resources can also impede personal change efforts. 🚧 Individual attitudes and beliefs, such as a fixed mindset or a lack of self-efficacy, can make it difficult to sustain behavior change over time. 🚧 Psychological safety can help mitigate the stress response that can occur during change initiatives. 🚧 Having a #leadership that supports and empowers employees to share their thoughts and ideas, they may experience positive emotions like excitement, curiosity, and inspiration, which can increase engagement, creativity, and resilience. Successful personal change often requires a combination of motivation, skill-building, social support, and a willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 #𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸? Skechnote: Maria Luisa Engels. Get the book: https://buff.ly/3OLP0X0

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀? Teams with high levels of #trust are 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙. They are more likely to 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨, 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙮. Teams with low levels of trust are often plagued by 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙨, 𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 Having a #leadership that supports and empowers employees to share their thoughts and ideas, they may experience positive emotions like excitement, curiosity, and inspiration, which can increase engagement, creativity, and resilience. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 #𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸? Skechnote: Maria Luisa Engels. Get the book: https://buff.ly/3OLP0X0

💡  After almost two years since the large-scale war in Ukraine started and I’m living between two countries, I noticed that my productivity requires additional focus and energy. Sometimes, it has been challenging to concentrate and find meaning in my work when safety concerns and worries about friends and relatives linger. Therefore, I started working on optimizing my productivity by reading and reflective sessions. The goal was to understand what makes me more productive and how to influence the productivity flow during projects. A dose of inspiration to improve productivity came from a recently absorbed book, "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking'' by Prof. Michael Watkins (https://lnkd.in/d8_GgEWY), I adopted a beneficial practice aimed at improving cognitive skills, including systems analysis, mental agility, structured problem-solving, visioning, and trend recognition. Here are some of the most useful tips: 🌅 1. Morning business news analysis (10 minutes) Activity – Read or listen to the latest business news. Goal – To stay informed about current events and trends. Approach – Focus on identifying patterns and potential implications for your organization. 🧘♀️ 2. Mindful reflection (5 minutes) Activity – Practice mindfulness or meditative breathing. Goal – To clear your mind and improve focus. Approach – Concentrate on the present moment, setting a calm foundation for strategic thought. 👩💻 3. Scenario visualization (10 minutes) Activity – Imagine a future scenario related to your business. Goal – To enhance proactive and creative thinking. Approach – Think about how different trends could impact this future and visualize various outcomes. 🧠 4. Problem-solving puzzles (5 minutes) Activity – Solve a puzzle or brain teaser Goal – To stimulate analytical and creative problem-solving skills. Approach – Choose puzzles that challenge different aspects of your thinking. ✍ 5. Strategic journaling (7 minutes) Activity – Write a brief journal entry about a strategic idea or insight. Goal – To develop the habit of articulating strategic thoughts. Approach – Reflect on a strategic topic or idea and write down your insights or potential strategies. 🗣 6. Short connection session (7 minutes) Activity – Talk quickly with a colleague or mentor about a strategic issue or concern. Goal – To gain diverse perspectives. Approach – Discuss a strategic topic, ask for feedback, or share insights. Let me know how you keep your mental abilities on top with daily routines, please share your examples. 🌟 #leadershipdevelopment #buisnessinsights #productivityboost

💼 Assertiveness in Leadership: Balancing Firmness & Care Assertiveness is all about standing up for yourself while respecting others. Think of it as striking a sweet balance between being firm and caring. The goal? Achieving a win-win in every work relationship. It's the cornerstone of non-violent communication and is super handy when making requests and delegating tasks. Remember, clarity and specificity are key. 🗝️ One neat trick is to distinguish between facts, feelings, and opinions. - Facts are the verifiable truths we all agree on - "It's 30° outside today." 🌡️ - Feelings express emotions or impressions - "Summertime makes me happy." 😄 - Opinions are judgments or viewpoints that can lead to debates - "It's warm outside." ☀️ So, want to nail assertiveness in your communications? Here are 2 steps to guide you. --> Step 1: Prep Work 📚 Before any convo, make sure: - You know your objective. 👍 - You're emotionally neutral. 🧘♂️ Quick mindfulness practices can help to maintain that neutrality. Ever tried box breathing? It's used by athletes and emergency response teams to reduce stress. Check out the technique! --> Step 2: Take Action 🎬 As a leader, assertive communication is crucial for managing your team. The DESC framework can make this easier. - Describe: Use facts to set the context. - Effects: Explain why you're asking and the impact. - Share & Find Solutions: Encourage team members to propose solutions. - Commit: Agree on a deadline and next steps. If you want to gain a better understanding of the tactics and approaches top management use in the context of their role and get actionable actions to help you grow as as manager, you can download this Management Guide here (Free! 🤗): https://lnkd.in/dsw_cX8A #management #communication #Assertiveness

……You know what, you probably should because it's a game changer in your business and any business that has people that are being led to great success. So, get this, empathy is not just some other buzzword but it's a soft skill that is vital to not only your growth as the CEO, but it makes a great impact on your business and the team you lead (or your future team) Therefore, empathy is something you should get on board with so you can build those relationships, build, grow and sustain your team. This is all part of mindful management! What are you doing to practice mindful management? Let me know down 👇 _____ Hey, I’m Sara Lowell. Founder of You Are Rembert. I am here to give you information on how to run the backend of your business, what is business management, how it can help you run your business while also teaching you how to manage a team and humanize the workplace. Oh, and don't forget those awesome soft skills! DM me with any questions. P.S. Like this post and share with your professional friends.