Step Up Your Game, Develop a Personal Brand

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Great branding doesn’t just apply to businesses. In fact, you can develop your own personal brand and jumpstart your career in any industry. But your personal brand isn’t about a good color scheme and font; rather, it involves identifying your strengths, values, and passions and using these attributes to build your professional presence. Here’s how you can create your own personal brand and give your career the boost it needs.

Identify strengths & weaknesses

During interviews, you’re likely asked about your strengths and weaknesses as an employee. But when you’re building your personal brand, you’re digging much deeper than these questions suggest. Identify a few things that you do particularly well. To get yourself started, you can ask yourself the following:

  • During your past successes, what was it that made you so successful?
  • What skill do you find yourself using the most in challenging situations?
  • What are some strengths others have identified in you?

Once you’ve created a list, narrow it down by deciding which skills you would enjoy using on a daily basis. This will help you identify a long-term brand path that will be both successful and enjoyable.

Network

Climbing any career ladder requires a little help. Fortunately, you have a built-in support system with your coworkers and upper management. Start by establishing a mentorship with senior staff, or by helping others around the office with small projects.

You never know who might lend a helping hand, so make connections in unexpected places to build potential in your professional network. If you make a habit of adding value to your work relationships, this will become something you’re known for and word travels fast of helpful, enthusiastic professionals.

Blend personal & professional

A great way to build your personal brand is by getting more involved with extracurricular activities around the office. Is there a party planning committee? Ask to join. You can also create your own social groups, whether you’d like to organize a monthly company outing or a book club among coworkers. This pro-activity and positive attitude will add a richness to your personal brand that will help keep you at the top of your game.

Get noticed

Finding ways to stand out can be difficult, but if you’re charismatic, open-minded, and willing to take advantage of new opportunities, you’ll find yourself getting noticed by your superiors and your coworkers alike. Be careful that you don’t have any traits that can negatively impact your personal brand, whether that’s tardiness, lack of professionalism, or unreliability.

Changes won’t happen overnight, but if you maintain these good habits over a period of years, you’ll successfully build your own personal brand and establish yourself as a person worth working with. Plan for the future with a well-developed, carefully designed personal brand.

Are You a Servant Leader?

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Is your organization built for servant leadership? This business philosophy can change the way you do business from the top down, allowing you to create a stronger company and a more inclusive work environment. Here’s how you can recognize if your organization will support servant leadership, and how you can establish this innovative system.

What is servant leadership?

Servant leadership is a set of business practices that allows leaders to establish meaningful connection with their staff, improving their morale, productivity, and engagement. To accomplish this, servant leaders set aside their own ambition and adopt a “serve first” mentality.

They ensure that the needs of their staff are met, whether that’s a more comfortable work environment, personal and professional development opportunities, and well-being exercises. Servant leaders share their power and promote the spread of ideas and the inclusion of every voice in the organization.

Is your organization ready?

One of the big things that can get in the way of servant leadership is your company’s culture. Does your organization prioritize a corporate structure or performance-based recognition? In these structures, it can be difficult for leaders to elevate others to a shared leadership position, or encourage development for traditionally overlooked staff members.

Another area that can be examined is how your company identifies and encourages leadership candidates. Do they target aggressively ambitious candidates or those who are more inclined to help others before themselves? This can be a strong indicator of whether or not your organization will be accepting of this philosophy.

How to become a servant leader

If your company is open to servant leadership, you can work to develop some of the best practices of this modern philosophy. Larry C. Spears, former president of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, wrote the 10 most important characteristics of servant leaders, including:

  1. Listening
  2. Empathy
  3. Healing
  4. Awareness
  5. Persuasion
  6. Conceptualization
  7. Foresight
  8. Stewardship
  9. Commitment to the growth of people
  10. Building community

An individual with the drive to become a servant leader can adapt these capabilities if they don’t come naturally. For instance, leaders can make a conscious effort to listen and empathize with others in the workplace. Hold training sessions and establish mentorships to encourage the development of a “serve-first” mentality among upper management.

Servant leadership isn’t right for every organization. Determine if it’s right for yours by examining your corporate culture and existing leadership structures. If it is, work on developing leadership qualities among your managers and adopting the philosophies of servant leadership throughout ever level of your organization.

The Unexpected Path to Great Leadership

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A lot of thought has gone into what makes a great leader, but it isn’t always traits like ambition and creativity that come into consideration. In fact, the way leaders view the goals and aspirations of their employees can be as telling as their personal characteristics.

Managers who honor the aspirations of their staff—even if those aspirations may be unrealistic or impossible—have what it takes to become a great leader. Here is why you should care about the dreams and ideas of your staff, and how this can impact your potential as a leader.

Managers as Role Models

As a manager, you hold a lot of influence over your staff, both in what they do and how they think.  If an employee expresses a career goal or an idea they have, how you react has the potential to affect their optimism and their long-term plans.  So instead of shooting down an idea, take the time to get to know your employee and understand the motivations that are driving this idea.

The better you know your staff, the more able you are to provide insight and advice when it comes to their aspirations.  They’ll trust your opinion and show more respect for your leadership if you take the time to discuss their plans.  As a result, you’ll be more able to inspire action and innovation and will be a more effective leader over all.

Finding Value in Aspirations

When your staff members have ambitious and long-term goals, these can benefit your company as well as the employee.  In pursuit of their ambitions, they likely want to develop or improve their skills and branch out into new areas of expertise.  If you offer training or professional development incentives, you’ll have a more talented, productive team and a more competitive organization as a whole.

Even if you don’t have the budget for training or development courses, you can honor your employees’ aspirations by offering them the opportunity to take on new roles within the organization.  Do you have a customer service rep who has an interest in IT? Give them the chance to shadow your IT staff or try their hand at small tasks.  Similarly, if some of your employees have the goal of becoming managers, you can slowly increase their responsibilities and allow them to learn managerial skills on the job.

Honoring the career goals of your employees can allow you to grow your skills as a leader, and it can also greatly benefit your company in the long run. You’ll develop a talented, motivated staff that values your role as a leader and looks forward to their future with your company.

 

The Era of Millennial Multi-Tasking

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Known as “digital natives,” millennials are known for being tech-savvy both in their personal and their professional lives. While this may come as a benefit in many situations, some employers worry that this dependence on technology can impair a candidate’s ability to prioritize their work and effectively multi-task without becoming distracted or side-tracked. Is this concern warranted, or does the millennial connection to technology make them better multi-taskers?

The Effect of Technology

Unlike previous generations, millennials grew up with a heavy emphasis on technology, both in school and as a source of entertainment. As a result, they developed a habit of doing several things at once—whether that’s IMing their friends, responding to emails, or browsing the web.

Given the ubiquity of technology in their lives, this comes as no surprise. Many millennials listen to music while they work, or leave a television on in the background. Even more have multiple browsers open and several programs demanding their attention as they work.

However, this practice doesn’t seem to affect their ability to concentrate. In fact, studies show that younger generations are more comfortable with multi-tasking than their older counterparts. They can perform complex tasks with a variety of ambient distractions, including music and nearby conversations, and can bounce back and forth between different activities without feeling distracted or overwhelmed.

As a result, millennials are particularly adept at careers in IT, communications, or marketing roles. They’re able to manage heavy workloads, fast-paced environments, and energetic workplaces that might distract non-tech focused employees.

The Harm of Multi-Tasking

Millennial candidates do need to keep in mind that there is a right time and a wrong time for multi-tasking. For instance, during assignments that require a high level of concentration, accuracy, or attention to detail, it’s best to eliminate other distractions and focus on the task at hand. In other instances, multi-tasking may involve social media or personal conversations with friends or family that can derail your focus and result in poor work performance.

Effective multi-tasking demands a balance between periods of intense concentration and periods of responsiveness to the demands of different tasks. To control your attention span, know when to close out of instant messengers or put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” You can always take a temporary break from technology if you feel that it is becoming too much of a distraction during your work day.

Multi-tasking is a skill that many millennials possess, and it allows them to dedicate their attention to a variety of tasks at any given moment. However, if you find yourself facing distractions, take the time to step away from technology and focus on the task at hand. If you can identify your biggest distraction, you’ll be a more effective multi-tasker and a more productive employee.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know

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Never underestimate the effect networking can have on your career. It isn’t about schmoozing your way into promotions; it’s about learning from others and sharing your value in return. This can improve your leadership abilities and a variety of other skills that can be invaluable to your professional growth and development.

The benefits of networking include:

  • New opportunities. By broadening your professional circle, you’ll find more opportunities come your way– from new positions to client referrals to unique experiences that can inspire and motivate you.
  • Shared knowledge and skills. Exposure to new ideas and new knowledge can be one of the most beneficial effects of networking. You’ll be better at what you do and more able to contribute to your company and industry in a meaningful way.
  • Long-lasting connections. As you continue to grow your network, you’ll find yourself forming lasting relationships with your peers and mentors that can transform the future of your career. As these connections develop, you’ll have a long list of friends to call on if you ever need anything.

Let the Networking Begin

With launchbox’s EXCELERATOR peer groups, you can give your millennial employees what they want and need… NETWORKING and business skills, PEER support and personalized COACHING.

The pay back? You get employees with expanded professional networks that can deliver more opportunities and revenue for your business.

Send your employees as our guests to our upcoming EXCELERATOR meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. They can check it out and report back on the value EXCELERATOR can deliver to them and to your organization.

Email Ann@launchbox365.com to register your guests today.

 

4 Reasons to Get a Coach

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As a talented, experienced professional, there’s a lot that you can do on your own. From overcoming challenges and obstacles to expanding your skills, you have a lot to offer your company, your coworkers and your team. However, growing on your own can only take you so far. You probably don’t push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, or you may not ask some of the tough questions that need to be asked.

That’s where a professional coach comes in. An experienced coach can challenge you to improve yourself in ways you didn’t think were possible. From practical skills to real world wisdom, a coach can accelerate your personal and professional development and allow you to reach your true potential.

Here are 4 reasons why you should get a professional coach:

1. A coach can help you tackle the BIG goals.

Maybe you want to go for a big promotion or start your own business, but you get stuck thinking about how to make it happen. A professional coach can help you break down your BIG goals into smaller, bite-sized steps so that they don’t seem so daunting. A coach can help you create an action plan and then will push you and hold you accountable to help you accomplish those larger goals now.

2. A coach can help you figure out what’s working.

We don’t often take the time to figure out if our careers are on track, or more importantly, if we are living the life we want. Coaching provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of what’s working for you and what isn’t. A coach will help you figure out what you really want, determine if you are headed in the right direction and help you take any necessary actions to get you back on track.

3. A coach can help you recognize and leverage your strengths.

A big part of our coaching at launchbox is understanding your strengths and how to leverage them to add value to others. A coach can help you identify what you’re good at and give you the opportunity to push your limits to determine the areas in which you truly shine. You’ll also gain an understanding of which areas may need further development, and with a little work, could be transformed into one of your most valuable skills.

4. A coach can help you shift to a positive mindset.

We all have fears, insecurities and “rock issues” that get in our way from achieving our potential. More than anything else, a coach will help you maintain a positive attitude, push through the obstacles and give you the confidence and support to achieve your dreams.

So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of our holiday special and sign up for a free 30-minute one-on-one session with one of our experienced coaches. Let’s launch you into the New Year!

15 Ways to Know if You’re on the Right Career Path

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Whether you’ve been in your position for years or you’re just starting out, you may find yourself questioning whether you’ve made the right decision. It often goes much deeper than whether or not your company is right for you—you may wonder if your career path is the right choice for your personality, background, and skillset. Here’s how to know if you’re on the right path.

1. You look forward to going to work. The “Sunday blues” don’t apply to you, and you never dread heading into the office. This is a surefire sign that you love your job.

2. You enjoy what you do. When you finally do get into the office, you enjoy your day to day tasks and missions. Your work is meaningful to you and doesn’t create unnecessary stress in your life.

3. You have the opportunity for creativity. Even if you get to challenge yourself in small ways, the ideal career path will test your skill and your creativity with each passing day.

4. You don’t mind putting in more time or effort. The boss asks you to stay late? Not a problem. Do you have to work hard to meet your goals? All in a day’s work.

5. You recommend your company to others. If a friend is looking for work and you’re quick to recommend your company, you can rest assured that you’re in the right place.

6. You identify with your company and/or its mission. It’s important that your goals, morals, and ambitions align with your company. This will keep you loving what you do, and help you stick with it long term.

7. Work isn’t keeping you up at night. If work concerns have you lying awake and worrying, it might be time for a change. At the end of the night, you should feel rested and accomplished.

8. The money is right. Money should never be your main priority, but with the right career path, the salary meets your financial needs.

9. You have fun at work. Whether it’s what you do or who you do it with, work should be fun. After all, you spend a good chunk of your time there.

10. You talk about your job at home. And we don’t mean you rant to your friends or family. If you can’t wait to tell your pals or your significant other about your day at work, that’s a good sign.

11. You like the people you work with. Who you work with is just as important as the work itself. Do you enjoy being around them? Do you have similar goals? Do you want to spend time with them outside of work?

12. You feel accomplished at work. No one likes to feel as if their skills are being wasted. If you feel that your talents are being put to good use, you’re in the right place.

13. You’re excited about your future. Whether you’d like to stay with the same company or branch out in your field, you’re excited to see where your career path will take you.

14. You’re proud to tell people what you do. Introducing yourself with your job title just feels right. You’re proud of what you do and the company you work for.

15. You can’t imagine following another career path. If there’s nothing you’d rather be doing, that’s the clearest sign of all. You’ve found the right career, so stick with it.

So what do you think? Are you on the right career path?

4 Tips You Can Learn from Mindful Leaders

Practitioners of mindfulness are more aware, more perceptive, and perhaps even healthier than their non-practicing counterparts. There are a variety of skills you can pick up from mindful leaders to improve your leadership abilities and your overall work performance. Read on for tips on what you can learn from mindful leaders to become healthier and happier in the workplace.

Unplug

Anyone who practices mindfulness understands the impact technology can have on the human body. Not only can constant computer or phone use affect your posture, eyesight, and ability to concentrate, but it can also cause you to become disconnected from the world around you.

To stay present, take active breaks between meetings and work sessions. Leave your cell phone at your desk and find a peaceful place to walk alone or with your colleagues. This will improve your physical comfort, concentration, and attentiveness. A mindful leader may also use this as an opportunity to get to know and connect with their staff.

Practice Breathing

Practicing your breathing  throughout the day can lower your stress level, sharpen your focus, and get you more in tune with your body. Mindful leaders will use their breathing to calm themselves when they’re upset and enhance their ability to interact with their staff in a thoughtful, considerate manner.

While sitting at your desk, take a slow, deep breath in and then release the breath slowly, repeating as many times as needed. As you expand your mindfulness practice, experiment with more advanced breathing techniques to increase the positive effects.

Listen More, Talk Less

How well you listen can impact not only your ability to be an effective leader, but also the quality of your relationships. By practicing active listening, you’ll create a deeper connection with your colleagues and improve your ability to recall important details and facts discussed during the conversation.

To practice, be conscious of what’s going on in your mind when someone else is speaking. Are you thinking about what you’re going to say, or simply waiting for a break in their narration so you can say something about yourself? Make an effort to listen closely and ask questions to truly understand and learn about them.

Watch What You Say

As with listening, it’s vital for mindful leaders to be careful about what they say. Not only could you unintentionally offend someone if you aren’t paying attention, but you could also provide them with misinformation that impacts their ability to perform their job. By being mindful of your speech, you’re practicing a deep attentiveness to how your words affect others.

Many people respond to situations without taking the time to carefully think about what they want to say. Pause for a moment before speaking, allowing time to carefully phrase your response. Also pay close attention to your tone, body language, and facial expression, as these are also important parts of your communication.

 

Tell us about your experience with mindful leaders. What do they do or say that you admire?

Replace a Sitting Meeting With a Walking Meeting

When we are in the office, we often spend our entire day sitting. This is not only harmful on the body, but it can also dull your concentration and creativity. When you go from your computer to the conference room to your couch at home, this leaves little room for exercise in your daily routine. Luckily, there’s a rising trend in business meetings that may address these problems: walking meetings.

The Research

Studies have shown that taking walks increases blood flow to your brain, resulting in sharper concentration and higher cognitive function. It’s also a stress reliever that can allow you to think more clearly and focus on the tasks at hand. And the benefits don’t stop there. Our bodies are not meant to spend long periods of time sitting, and this has a myriad of negative health effects. For instance, our spines curve after several hours in our office chairs, limiting our lung capacity and placing undue strain on our spinal cord.

The Benefits of Walking Meetings

Walking not only corrects these physical and mental side effects, but can actually make your meetings more productive. Walking with someone, for instance, reduces the amount of eye contact, which allows us to let our guard down and significantly increases our comfort level. Studies have actually shown that brainstorming sessions conducted while walking result in more unique, creative solutions.

In addition to producing better results, walking meetings can also promote wellness and a healthy, engaged company culture. It gives you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues better, as people are more likely to open up while walking.

When to Sit Down

Of course, it can be difficult to conduct a walking meeting if there are papers or files you need to look at. Similarly, the aforementioned study found that in situations where there is only one solution to a problem, it’s actually more productive to sit down and focus on the problem. So walking meetings should maybe be reserved for brainstorming, interpersonal conversations or planning meetings.

However you choose to implement walking meetings in your company, you’ll likely find that your staff (and yourself) are more productive both during and after the walk. The physical and mental benefits of walking, in addition to the more casual feel of standing shoulder to shoulder with a colleague, can encourage creativity, increase camaraderie, and promote productivity in the workplace.

Don’t wait – schedule your walking meeting now, and let us know how it goes.

Eat to Nourish Your Brain (at Work)

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No matter how hard we try to convince ourselves otherwise, eating a bag of chips at our desk does not count as lunch. Unfortunately, professionals often find themselves struggling with a heavy workload, and lunchtime can be the first thing to go. As a culture, we need to stop seeing a solid, well-balanced lunch as a luxury, and see it as more of a necessity. After all, food has a direct impact on our cognitive function, and eating the wrong meal—or failing to eat at all—can derail our work performance. So what can we do?

Plan Your Lunches

Plan for a lunch that will actually recharge you during your workday. Salads, wraps, and sandwiches are simple main courses, and you can supplement with small, nourishing snacks such as fruit, nuts and vegetables. Try planning out your lunches for the week (and doing the shopping) on Sunday, so you’re not scrambling the morning-of for something to bring to work.

Eat the Right Foods

Research has shown that certain foods can actually improve your cognitive function, so if you find that you feel a little foggy as the day goes on or even want a nap, try to work a few of these food items into your daily lunch. Brain-friendly foods include:

• Wild Salmon
• Blueberries
• Nuts and Seeds
• Avocadoes
• Whole Grains
• Beans
• Pomegranate Juice
• Freshly Brewed Tea
• Dark Chocolate

Salmon and nuts can easily be added to a salad for a delicious, healthy lunch, while blueberries, dark chocolate (in small amounts), and guacamole can be enjoyed as a light snack at your desk.

Eat the Right Portions

It can be difficult to strike a balance when it comes to your lunch portions. It’s important not to overeat, but it’s just as important that you get the right number of calories to fuel you throughout the day. Read a nutrition guide, and instead of guessing, be sure to measure each portion of your lunch. This will not only help you avoid overeating, but it will ensure that you’re eating the correct amount of protein, vegetables, and other foods on a daily basis.

If you aren’t getting enough calories—or you’re eating the wrong calories—your work performance can suffer. Help your brain keep up with your busy schedule by eating healthy, nourishing foods, and you’ll see your productivity and overall health improve.

What foods fuel your brain at lunch? We want to know.