Your authentic self

When we are thinking about how to present ourselves, we sometimes try to build a work persona. This can be highlighted when we have to present ourselves to people we’ve never met before, for example in an in-person job interview situation, or when working as part of a team. One thing you should not forget is the importance of authenticity and being genuine. Should you create a ‘work persona’ or should you simply be yourself?

Behavioural changes

I’ve written a lot about how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Looking in from the outside, it’s easy to presume that everyone is genuine. However, is honing a ‘work persona’ being disingenuous, deceptive even? Many people can be different between their work selves and the private selves. Everyone’s behaviour changes slightly when they are being seen by others – of that much we are all aware. But to have an entirely different personality at work might start alarm bells ringing, in that someone might be deliberately trying to conceal aspects of their personality.

Social media has made everyone have to look at how they communicate with people in public forums. People often feel more comfortable ‘being themselves’ online and express opinions that would never be aired in the ‘real world’. Workplace analysis such as DISC profiling and other methods can reveal the ‘real person’ – the perceived discrepancy between how we think we see ourselves and how others do. As an employer or manager, it’s interesting to look at the results of such data, and of behaviour online, which can reveal personal aspects that may not otherwise be apparent.

An inclusive workplace

Likeability and authenticity are crucial in relationship building. It’s one of the most important aspects of the workplace. Not everyone in a team has to get on, but it helps if they do. Sometimes a bit of competitiveness, tension even, can make for greater creativity. But in the main you want genuinely likeable people who are personable, knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. Being open at work and talking about aspects of your life beyond the workplace can make you more approachable. It can help to establish common ground and common interests, which can lead to a shared empathy that can spill over into the workplace. People enjoy working with like-minded people and they will naturally be more productive and relaxed. This is a key aspect of relationship building and will help cement a workplace as an inclusive space with an atmosphere conducive to success.

Being likeable and genuine isn’t something a coach or mentor can teach you. However, it can often be a confidence thing – and confidence can be built up. By identifying areas where you feel confident about yourself – say, your communication skills or aptitude for organisational tasks – you can use these as building blocks to become a stronger, more defined personality. But most importantly, one that is still genuine and authentic.

What’s in a name?

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Many people put a lot of stock into job titles and descriptions, and over the years we have seen the introduction of some interesting – and sometimes surprising – new job titles, from Metaverse Storyteller, through to Adventure Coach and Chief Disruption Officer. The list of new and fascinating job titles is endless and limited only by imagination or a need for the particular role.

A rose by any other name?

As an outplacement Consultant, my role is fundamentally to help you find a new job. But it’s not just about writing or rewriting your CV, the relationship between Client and Consultant is critical to the success of the endeavour. Working with people, who are often faced with a situation they haven’t chosen, can sometimes be difficult. It is important that we take the time to get to know each other, and that they trust me. That way, I am able to challenge them, to really understand what they have achieved and what they want to do next.

Over the years, I’ve been called a number of names in my role, some more favourable than others! My favourites, which I feel sum up the part I play, are Critical Colleague, Thought Friend, My Guru, and possibly my all-time favourite, the Career Whisperer.

Getting to the heart of it

While being challenged can sometimes be uncomfortable, the ultimate outcome is usually impressive – and sometimes unexpected – and enables my clients to identify, find and secure their next position. It’s always been a delight to get positive feedback that recognises the benefits of removing the staccato mechanics of job search, to concentrate on ‘people liking people’, making good connections and getting great results.

If you would like to find out more about corporate outplacement, visit www.career-evolution.org.

All together now

Working as part of a team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of employment. Whether you’re part of a senior management team, or an integral member of staff in a group of creatives, the interaction and inventiveness you experience can bring about real success and a sense of achievement.

But how can you ensure that you are getting the best out of a team? A good manager will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses present in a team. They may well assemble the group with these aspects in mind, to make an interesting mix that becomes a catalyst for creativity and results. However, no one is infallible and there will always be areas that can be improved. How do you go about improvement, when dealing with a wider group?

Working together

People often think of coaching as a solitary activity. It’s for individuals to engage with coaches or mentors, and the one-to-one aspect is often cited as being a major strength. But the parameters of coaching don’t end there. Group coaching can be very rewarding too and a good coach will be able to look at the individuals and see how they will gel as a team. Their personal development will become part of the group’s development, and the two things can be seen to be mutually beneficial.

A team member that becomes more self-aware will be able to identify various aspects of themselves that they can then bring to the group. In this way, a group working together successfully will enhance every member of the group. Sharing knowledge and experience is an aspect of group working that can bolster what begins as a group of individuals, to transform them into a formidable team. A coach can help to identify who are the most experienced members of the team and how they can act as mentors to their fellow team members.

Common goals

One of the ways a coach can assess an individual’s strengths is by asking them about achievements. It’s important not to make any individual feel less worthy if their achievements do not match their colleagues – and do not demean their achievements in front to the team. Every individual’s achievement should be equally valid, as what is an everyday occurrence to one person can be like climbing Everest to another. For example, people who achieve industry qualifications and academic accreditations are not automatically better team members and more valued than those who don’t. Intuition and imagination cannot be taught. Often the most talented team members can be those whose thought processes and work practices are more natural and intuitive than structured.

The key to a successful team is bringing together the right mix of individuals. A small group of people will need to get along on a basic communication level and there is no room for passengers. But when a group really crystallises to its best abilities, the results can be formidable. If you think your team would benefit from group coaching, then why not get in touch today?

 

Changing direction: identifying transferable skills for a new career

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A change of career direction does not always have to mean a new job in the same industry – or even a better job, but still in the same industry. If you are looking for a whole new career, then it’s worth looking to see if your skill set is easily transferable across sectors. There are many job roles which can easily transfer to a totally different sector, and while there will be new terminology and processes to learn, your core skills will still stand you in good stead to find your feet in this new environment.

Why change sector?

If a change of career comes off the back of redundancy, a Career Consultant can work with you and help you recognise that maybe you are ready for a change. They say that ‘a change is as good as a rest’, and changing industries might be all you need to reignite your love of your job. There are lots of fascinating industries out there, and you might find it more fulfilling to be doing the accounts for a charity than for a manufacturing company. Or it might be more exciting to be doing the marketing for a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company than a risk management business. Whatever sector interests you, you should be able to position yourself for the move.

Focus on your skills

If a change of sector appeals, then it is important that your CV reflects your core skills and achievements, rather than anything too specific to the industry you currently work in. Many of the skills learned from working in one industry can easily be transported over across multiple industries, and recognising these areas and identifying your skills allows you the flexibility to look outside the sector you are currently working in and apply for allied roles.

A sideways switch

Remember, most importantly, make your skills work for you to ensure the best outcome. A sideways switch to an allied sector may not always be obvious, but as part of outplacement, a Career Consultant can help you identify areas for diversification and transfer. They will help you see where connecting lines can be established and where sectors and skills can be drawn together.

 

WELCOME TO OUR LATEST VLOG

Welcome to the latest vlog from Career Evolution!

We are continuing to share weekly advice and updates from the industry on outplacement, career management, and coaching.

In our latest vlog, our director, Sue Thomas, rounds up some of our posts from May, including talking about redundancy and how it isn’t the end but the start of something new, self-awareness and boundaries around your time. There’s so much more to this platform than job searching.

Watch the video below: