March-Ing Into April

I spent most of last month away from my comfortable bed. As useful and important as my travels were, I prefer being in my space and not missing all the fun things happening in Lagos.

What I missed: stalking these amazing Women in Tech

I’m still super sad I wasn’t able to make it to this fantastic exhibition in Lagos celebrating diversity in tech. If you weren’t able to make it like me, you can still read the profiles of the ladies on the exhibition website.   Fun fact: I got to help select some of the gorgeous pictures for the site!

What I’m doing while I’m reading the profiles: Typing Everyone

I know I mentioned this last month, but I’m still really into personality assessments. I spent a week learning all about one of the most popular ones in the world MBTI. Commonly misused – it shouldn’t be used for recruitment, and it cannot predict job success - the MBTI is a powerful self-discovery and engagement tool. I learned so much about how my environment and previous jobs have shaped my habits and behaviors.

What you are still thinking while reading this: I do not understand what you do

It’s cool; I put together a series of posts about coaching.  You can read or listen to my thoughts about coaching and what it would be like to work with me: Listen to Parts  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Concrete application of coaching: attempting to increase employee retention and productivity

Recruiting and replacing employees is expensive (you can find all the stats online).  If you have new employees (or existing ones) and you are trying to understand how they tick before confirming them or how you can support them better, you can use this simple worksheet created to help facilitate conversations with members of a client’s team.  If you are an employee or manager, you might find it useful to reflect on the questions as well. 

Who will speak on your behalf when you are not in the room?

Not only can you have a coach, mentor, therapist or consultant, but you can also have a sponsor. A former colleague and friend shared this TED Talk with me and I think that it is a must-watch for any intra- or entrepreneur.

Listen or Share This - 15 Pieces of Advice from a New Manager

Please share this podcast with your kids, wives, friends or colleagues – honestly anyone.  I think most of the advice is spot on.

 If you know someone that is looking for additional curated career advice, send them to my free Facebook Group (trying to decide if I should move it to LinkedIn, advice welcome).  In about one month I will be opening up a few slots in my career-specific program, Career Clarity.  If you or someone you know is looking for some support finding a new opportunity or moving up where they are, have them sign up here to learn more.

 Finally, I would love to hear from you. What is the one piece of advice you have found useful in navigating your career or life?  Just me know.

I got your back.