How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

How To Overcome Your Job Search Fears Just In Time For Halloween

The thought of conducting a job search right now is probably very intimidating for most professionals—and a little frightening. While there are many things that could be scaring you about your job search, you can’t let those fears impact your career, especially when you can easily overcome them with the right tools, tips, and strategies.

If the phrase “looking for a job” strikes fear into your heart, don’t worry. Here’s how to overcome your job search fears this fall, just in time for Halloween!

Fear #1: Employers Won’t Call You Back

You’re putting so much time and effort into your job search, but what if employers never call you back? This is a common fear for many professionals, and for good reason.

A lot of job seekers do spend hours a day applying for jobs only to never hear back from employers. There are a few reasons why this might be happening: your resume didn’t make it past the ATS, your cover letter didn’t stand out to hiring managers, and/or you didn’t adequately market your skills and experience to employers or demonstrate your value as a business-of-one.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #2: You’ll Bomb The Job Interview

Woman is stressed as she waits for her job interview

This is a fear that probably keeps you up at night. You’ve finally found a job you like and landed an interview with the company. But what if you bomb the job interview? What if you ruin your chances of getting a job offer?

Confidence is key in a job interview, and you can’t be confident without proper interview preparation.

How To Overcome This Fear:

Fear #3: You’ll Accept The Wrong Job Offer

Job seeker on laptop dealing with job search fears

If you’ve been looking for a job for a while, you might feel desperate. This puts you in a vulnerable spot, but you should avoid settling for a job if you can.

On the flip side, you might have multiple job offers and need to decide which one is right for you. Do you feel empowered to make the right decision?

How To Overcome This Fear:

By following the tips above, you’ll successfully overcome any job search fears you may have, and you’ll realize the job search isn’t as scary as it seems!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How to Use LinkedIn Effectively During Your Job Search (From the pros)

How to Use LinkedIn Effectively During Your Job Search (From the pros)

Your LinkedIn profile and how you use LinkedIn will have a large impact on your job search. That’s why it’s important to make informed and strategic decisions before you make changes to your profile. This is a collection of articles from job search experts, resume writers, and career coaches that address many of the common […]

The post How to Use LinkedIn Effectively During Your Job Search (From the pros) appeared first on Career Sherpa.

The Lean Startup Marketing Formula

The Lean Startup Marketing Formula

According to data, 95% of startups fail. That’s a staggering number. As an entrepreneur, our most valuable asset is time and resources. For those navigating the challenges of a startup environment, the primary objective is to accomplish more with less—to drive value and growth despite limited manpower, modest budgets, and scarce resources. Startups inherently have an element of chaos, yet within this chaos, only a handful of actions at any given time can have a significant impact. That’s where the Lean Startup Marketing Formula approach comes in. It’s less risky, directing your attention to the right actions at the right time while emphasizing rapid experimentation, solving problems that truly matter to customers, and minimizing waste.

Let’s look into the Lean Startup approach, its significance compared to the traditional approach, the core marketing principles, the role of a Minimum Viable Brand (MVB), the process of integrating these principles into your marketing campaign, the essential tools and technologies for its implementation, and the potential challenges to address.

What Is A Lean Startup Approach?

The Lean Startup approach can be distilled as follows: Imagine you’re constructing a boat while already navigating treacherous waters. It’s like embarking on a journey with a makeshift raft with the goal of evolving it into a seaworthy ship that can carry you to your destination. In essence, it’s a structured methodology. It’s all about maintaining business agility, prioritizing swift execution, and fundamentally streamlining operations to make them more cost-effective and efficient.

Why A Lean Startup Approach vs. A Traditional Approach?

The Lean Startup method takes the principles of agile project management and extends them to every facet of your business. Notably, Lean Startups often reach the market much faster. Unlike the conventional startup approach, which might spend years attempting to attain perfection and make a grand debut, the Lean Startup thrives on a “build, release, learn, and adapt” philosophy. In essence, it can be boiled down to three essential actions: test, analyze, and decide, which are continually repeated from day one. This approach dramatically reduces the time, effort, expenditure, and resources required before obtaining valuable market feedback. Ultimately, it shifts the focus from perfecting a strategy to swiftly learning from the market, a pivotal aspect for many startups.

The Core Marketing Principles Of The Lean Startup Approach

The core marketing principles of the Lean Startup approach include:

  • Entrepreneurship: Lean startups are driven by individuals who are self-starters and free thinkers. They take the initiative to explore new ideas and markets without waiting for approvals or check-ins. This principle emphasizes the need for an entrepreneurial spirit across the organization, not just in marketing.
  • Scientific Testing Approach: Testing is a fundamental aspect of the Lean Startup methodology. It involves a cycle of testing, analyzing the results, making decisions based on the data, and either iterating, adjusting, or eliminating strategies. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.
  • Efficiency: Efficiency is a core principle across the entire organization. Lean startups constantly seek ways to operate more efficiently, reducing waste and maximizing productivity. This principle is not exclusive to marketing but applies company-wide.
  • Branding: Building a strong brand is essential for a Lean Startup. A solid brand helps in creating long-term loyalty and sustainable success. Effective branding can set a startup apart from the competition and attract a loyal customer base.
  • Speed: Speed is crucial in the Lean Startup approach. Getting products and strategies to market quickly allows startups to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments swiftly. Speed is a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business environment.

These principles collectively contribute to the Lean Startup’s success in developing innovative products, scaling efficiently, and responding rapidly to market feedback. They are not limited to marketing alone but guide a Lean Startup’s overall approach and mindset.

What Is A Minimum Viable Brand?

A Minimum Viable Brand is a fundamental and essential branding framework every business should establish when entering the market. While it may not encompass the full depth of a comprehensive brand strategy, it provides a foundation for a company to make a meaningful entry into the market and start generating revenue. The key components of a Minimum Viable Brand typically include:

  • Brand Strategy: This involves identifying and defining the fundamental aspects of the brand, such as brand archetypes (which represent the brand’s personality), promise, mission, and vision. The promise is what the brand offers to its customers, the mission is the reason behind what it does, and the vision outlines the long-term impact the brand aims to achieve.
  • Positioning: Creating a concise and formulaic paragraph that outlines the brand’s target audience, its intended impact, and how it fits into the market. This positioning statement helps clarify the brand’s unique selling proposition and differentiation from competitors.
  • Visual Branding: Emphasizing the importance of the visual elements of branding. Visual aspects include the logo, color scheme, typography, and overall design elements that communicate the brand’s identity and make a strong first impression. Visual branding is critical to creating brand recognition and attracting the target audience.

The idea behind a Minimum Viable Brand is to establish a foundational brand identity that allows the business to start marketing and generating revenue. While it may not be the final, comprehensive brand strategy, having these essential elements in place enables the company to differentiate itself from competitors and make a genuine market entry. The intent is to refine the brand strategy further as the business evolves. These initial branding components make it easier to market the business and succeed in the market authentically.

Integrating Core Principles Into A Marketing Campaign

A strategic approach is essential to effectively integrate core principles into a marketing campaign. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

  1. Research Extensively: Initiate your marketing campaign by dedicating time to research. There’s nothing more crucial than understanding your target audience. Dive deep into market research, competitor analysis, and customer profiling. This foundational step forms the bedrock of your campaign.
  2. Prioritize Brand Development: Branding is a fundamental pillar of a Lean Startup approach. While you might move units without a robust brand, creating lasting customer loyalty and building a long-term presence in the market hinges on a solid brand foundation. Ensure that your marketing campaign actively contributes to brand identity, recognition, and trust, as it’s integral to achieving sustainable success.
  3. Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Once you’ve gathered comprehensive insights from your research, start developing your minimum viable product (MVP). This might not just refer to the product or service but also to your marketing assets, such as landing pages, ad creatives, and messaging. Create a version that represents the core offering and aligns with the needs and preferences of your audience.
  4. Lightweight Marketing Strategies: Skip the traditional approach of crafting lengthy marketing strategies, especially if you’re a startup entering a new market. Instead, focus on keeping your marketing strategies lean and action-oriented. Concentrate on your action plan, which outlines the steps to connect with your target audience effectively. A one-page plan can keep your team aligned and focused on the essentials, improving the chances of successful execution.
  5. Leverage Industry Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from peers in related industries. Analyze your competitors thoroughly, diving into their target audience, distinguishing factors, messaging strategies, and the tactics they employ. By understanding their successes and shortcomings, you can make well-informed decisions to strengthen your position in the market.
  6. Quick Execution: Speed is of the essence, particularly for startups. Get your MVP and initial marketing campaigns out to your audience as quickly as possible. Don’t wait for perfection; aim for rapid iteration and improvements based on real-time feedback.
  7. Automation Tools: As your campaign progresses, consider incorporating marketing automation tools to streamline and expedite your processes. Email marketing platforms, social media scheduling tools, and analytics software can help you efficiently manage and optimize your marketing efforts.
  8. Focus on a Single Marketing Channel: Concentrate your initial efforts on a single marketing channel when your research indicates your target audience is most active. This allows you to achieve a strong presence and effectiveness in that specific channel rather than spreading your resources too thin.
  9. Implement a Strong Follow-Up System: A well-thought-out follow-up strategy is crucial. Use email sequences, retargeting ads, and personalized communication to maintain engagement with potential customers and nurture leads through the sales funnel.
  10. Quality MVP Development: Continually improve and refine your MVP based on customer feedback. Address pain points, iterate on your offering, and make it as appealing and useful as possible to your target audience.

Integrating these core principles into your marketing campaign can create a solid foundation for success. Remember that agility, adaptability, and a focus on delivering value to your audience are paramount in the ever-evolving world of marketing.

Tools & Technology For Implementing Lean Startup Approach

When implementing the Lean Startup approach, having the right tools and technology can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Here’s a selection of tech tools to consider:

  • HubSpot (CRM): HubSpot is a top choice for managing customer relationships and marketing efforts. It offers a feature-rich free platform with excellent functionality. It seamlessly integrates with a wide array of other tools, making it an ideal starting point for cost-effective and efficient communication and customer management. As your business grows, HubSpot scales with you, offering more advanced features for a higher price.
  • Klaviyo (Email & Text Marketing): Klaviyo is an excellent email and text marketing tool. It’s user-friendly and intuitive, making designing and executing email and text campaigns easy. Klaviyo is also known for its scalability and affordability, which is particularly valuable for startups looking to engage with their audience through personalized messaging.
  • Zapier (Integration & Automation): Zapier is a game-changer for businesses, allowing you to connect tools and apps that might not naturally integrate. It’s a valuable resource for creating automated workflows that save time and money. You can link various software solutions without the need for coding or technical expertise, making it cost-effective and highly efficient. Zapier is particularly valuable for streamlining processes and achieving seamless operations.
  • Advertising Platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok): Consider leveraging advertising platforms to generate awareness and attract new prospects. The choice of platform depends on your target audience. Meta (including Facebook and Instagram) and Google Ads are effective for a broad audience. If your target demographic is younger, such as the 16 to 27 age range, TikTok ads can be a powerful tool for reaching them. Effective advertising will help you get in front of new audiences while the rest of your tech stack focuses on nurturing, conversion, and building brand advocates.

These tools provide a foundation for nurturing and converting leads, automating processes, and efficiently managing customer relationships. They allow you to maximize your resources and maintain a Lean approach while rapidly growing your startup. Each tool can scale with you, so if you need additional functionality, these programs provide everything you need as you grow.

Addressing Challenges In Implementing The Lean Startup Approach

The Lean Startup approach in marketing presents a world of possibilities but comes with its unique set of challenges. Here are three ways to navigate these challenges effectively:

  • Maintain Laser Focus: One of the most critical elements in Lean Startup marketing is unwavering focus. When you discover a strategy or tactic that resonates with your audience and delivers results, resist the temptation to chase every new trend or marketing buzzword. Avoid pursuing every shiny object that catches your eye on YouTube or LinkedIn. Instead, focus your efforts on what’s proven to work. For instance, if you’re a product-based company targeting a younger audience, start with TikTok ads and build a comprehensive marketing strategy around that channel. Gather insights before diversifying. Dominating a single channel with a perfectly executed strategy can be all you need to reach seven figures in revenue.
  • Embrace Specialization: Specialization is key to success. Concentrate on serving a specific product to a well-defined audience through one or two effective marketing channels. Trying to be too broad in your approach dilutes your impact. Focus on solving a particular problem for your customers, and once you’ve mastered that, you can consider branching out. It’s about becoming exceptional at one thing before expanding your horizons.
  • Continuous Testing and Adaption: Lean Startup is all about agility. When you realize that your assumptions and strategies don’t align with customer feedback, don’t be afraid to pivot. Adapt and iterate your approach based on real-time insights. This flexibility is what sets Lean Startups apart from traditional methods. If something isn’t working as expected, it’s a signal to change course and refine your tactics until you achieve the desired results.
  • Managing Ego and Handling Failure: It’s easy to develop a strong attachment to strategies and campaigns and to feel crushed when one fails. The crucial skill here is to become self-aware and practice non-attachment. It’s important to remember that marketing is about solving problems for your customers and meeting their needs, not yours. When a campaign isn’t working as expected, the ability to set aside personal feelings and ego and say, “This isn’t about me; it’s about the customer,” is immensely valuable. Being open to cutting your losses.

The Lean Startup approach encourages a dynamic and iterative mindset. It’s about finding the right balance between focus and flexibility, staying attuned to customer feedback, and continually refining your strategies to align with your target audience’s needs and preferences.

In conclusion, the Lean Startup Marketing Formula approach is a game-changer in the ever-evolving world of marketing. It’s about doing more with less, staying agile, and focusing on what truly matters. With a strong foundation, a commitment to continuous learning, and the right tools, startups can navigate the challenges of the market effectively. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about your customers and their needs. Stay agile, stay focused, and keep learning.

For more brand marketing insights, follow Cain Castor and Lisa Perry. For a step-by-step guide on developing a brand strategy, check out How to Develop a Brand Strategy by Lisa Perry.

This article was written by Lisa Perry and Cain Castor.

This 1 Mistake Could Make Your Job Search Last 6+ Months

This 1 Mistake Could Make Your Job Search Last 6+ Months

The most common mistake I see people make after a few weeks or a month of job search is they turn inward. What do I mean by that? Well, the job search already feels really stressful to people, so you muster up the energy, you take time out of your schedule to do something you’re not really excited about, and you start putting yourself out there…only to get nothing back.

You apply for jobs. You don’t hear back. You’re not seeing the traction. So you turn inward. You go, “What’s wrong with me? What am I doing wrong? How can I fix this?”

If you could fix this yourself, you would—and you know that.

There’s this internal struggle that go on. There’s a fear. There’s a confusion. We turn inward. It is literally the worst thing you can do. And let me tell you why…

Turning Inward Will Make Your Job Search Longer

You’re going to keep turning inward, and you’re probably going to do that for another five months. I know this because the natural mark (we have studied this at Work It DAILY) where people finally break down and reach out for help is six months.

It’ll probably take you six months of job search failure before you’ll stop turning inward and having this internal struggle and say to yourself, “I need some help.”

Now, the sad part about this is a lot of people swing completely in the other direction because, for those six months, you were doing it by yourself, so now you think the answer is to have it done for you. Therefore, you might overpay to have your resume or LinkedIn profile written, only for that to not work either.

You see, in order for you to really solve your problem, you’re going to need to learn a few things to get the results you want in your job search, and they’re going to need to be slightly customized for your situation. The better solution is to get some help from a career coach who will do it with you.

A career coach is going to teach you what you need to do in order to land that job. You don’t learn these things in school, so you’re going to want that help. And this is knowledge no one can ever take away from you. As you learn these things, it’ll just make you a better job seeker. And every job is temporary, so you’re probably going have to do this at least one or two more times in your life, so why not learn it now?

Stop turning inward. It’s time to get some help so you don’t waste six months of your life not getting the results you’re looking for.

The number one thing people say to me when they join Work It DAILY is, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” So don’t be one of those people, okay? Get some help. You don’t have to go it alone.

Check out my affordable career coaching options here.

Good luck, and go get ’em!

Passion Meets Profession: Crafting Your Legal Career

Passion Meets Profession: Crafting Your Legal Career

“A lawyer’s duty is to read the law well himself, then tell the people what it is, and let them act upon it.” — Brigham Young. Legal careers can offer an individual a wide range of possibilities for personal success and professional growth. There are different areas in which one can specialize, from Cybersecurity and […]

The post <strong>Passion Meets Profession: Crafting Your Legal Career</strong> appeared first on Jobacle.com.

5 Tips For Celebrating Halloween At Work

5 Tips For Celebrating Halloween At Work

Halloween is here! The chill is in the air. The leaves are turning on the trees. Bags of candy of every description practically fall off the shelves into your basket as you wind your way through the grocery store. And everyone—especially the kids—has their Halloween costumes picked out.

Halloween isn’t just for children, though.

Many adults enjoy having the opportunity to dress up in costume and celebrate “All Hallows’ Eve.” Many businesses feel obligated—or enjoy, as the case may be—decorating for Halloween the same way they decorate for Christmas.

A dilemma a working professional could face as Halloween approaches is what sort of activity and what type of “costume” to consider wearing to work. While you want to have fun, you also need to display good judgment.

So, when it comes to celebrating Halloween at work, remember to keep these five rules of thumb in mind:

Check The Policy

via GIPHY

If you are new to the company, check out what the policy is around celebrating Halloween at work. It may not even be allowed, and you don’t want to show up as the only one in costume looking foolish (or worse, having to go home to change!).

Make Sure Your Costume Is Tasteful

via GIPHY

If costumes are allowed or even encouraged, use good taste. Be clever, but not ghoulish. Be original. Think of something you can put together from things you have at home. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a clever costume.

Decorate Your Office

via GIPHY

If you can add to the festivities by decorating your office (or your desk) with something that is seasonally appropriate, do that as long as it falls within your workplace policy. This gets your office more into the holiday spirit, and it gives you the chance to show off your personality!

Don’t Go Crazy With The Celebration

via GIPHY

Make sure you aren’t the one who goes “too far” in celebrating Halloween. Use good judgment around everything you say and do around the holiday.

Put Candy Out For Your Co-Workers

via GIPHY

If you are in a position to have candy on your desk or in an area where people can help themselves, it might be appreciated. Make sure the candy is the type that is individually wrapped, though. Also, make sure you’re cautious of any food allergies in the office.

Putting candy out helps you celebrate Halloween, but it could also help you get to know your co-workers better. They could stop by your desk, have a piece of candy, and chat for a minute or two.

At the end of the day, Halloween is one of those holidays that some people enjoy and appreciate, and others do not. Do your homework ahead of time to make sure you’re celebrating within the company’s guidelines. The last thing you need is to be called to the boss’s office because you used poor judgment or displayed poor taste over a holiday.

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

How To Handle Curveball Interview Questions

What’s the one piece of advice given over and over to interviewees? Prepare. Research the company, research the role, take time to analyze what’s going to be required of you, and take time to assess your own abilities.

That’s the advice that Direct Line Group Careers gives to its applicants on their insurance jobs site. So, what do you do when you take this sound advice, but mid-way through a promising interview situation you’re thrown a question that you couldn’t possibly have prepared for?

Tough interview questions are becoming more popular for interviewers to gauge how adept a candidate is at thinking on their feet. Without their prepared answers to fall back on, how an interviewee reacts to a question that seems utterly random can be revealing.

The good news? If you’re applying for a role that you have a lot of passion for, in an area where you’re naturally talented or well-practiced (without necessarily having direct working experience), these questions are a great way to show off your abilities. The bad news? There’s not much you can do to practice for a question that’s deliberately obscure. But that’s not to say it’s completely impossible—after all, the purpose of any interview is to see how good a fit you are for the role and the company.

So, however wacky the question is, the recruiter will probably be hoping for you to consider the context in which it’s being asked when it comes to your answer. That means if you’ve researched the role you’re applying for and know what is going to be expected of you, chances are you’ll have a good idea of the type of logic and thought process they’re looking for when you make your reply.

Below are a few genuine curveball questions that have been asked in interview situations; while none of them have a necessarily right or wrong response, they’ll often fit into fields of purpose. One way to prepare for curveball interview questions is to get used to looking for what the intention is behind the weirdness!

Curveball Interview Questions

  • “Name five uses of a stapler without staples.”
  • “What do you think of garden gnomes?”

What they’re really asking: Are you creative? Can you see the bigger picture, or are you focused on the detail? Are you happy to improvise, and are you a good communicator?

  • “Given 20 light bulbs (which break at a certain height), and a building with 100 floors, how do you determine the height at which the bulb breaks?”
  • “Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest three horses. In each race, only five horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required?”

What they’re really asking: Are you logical? Do you have a good knowledge of probability and equations? Can you figure out an effective method for solving problems and assess its viability?

  • “How would you weigh an elephant?”
  • “If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?”

What they’re really asking: How creative are you when it comes to problem-solving? Do you have an eye for important details? How do you improvise under pressure?

What Are All The Questions Really Asking?

Job candidate interviews for an open position

They’re all challenges: challenges to normal interview structure, challenges to your ability to think on your feet, and logical challenges that reveal your thought process. Most importantly, don’t see a curveball question as an attempt to trip you up: see it as an opportunity to show that you relish a challenge.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Non-Medical Healthcare Jobs That Need Your Help

Non-Medical Healthcare Jobs That Need Your Help

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. healthcare industry was experiencing a shortage of workers at every level, and since the pandemic, the demand for trained healthcare workers is louder and even more desperate. Hospitals, clinics, hospices, long-term care facilities, private practices and more need help, and if you are looking to pivot your career, […]

The post Non-Medical Healthcare Jobs That Need Your Help appeared first on Jobacle.com.

How To Start A Conversation With A LinkedIn Connection

How To Start A Conversation With A LinkedIn Connection

You just got a new LinkedIn connection—woo-hoo! Okay, now what? How can you start building your professional relationship with this person so you add value to each other’s network?

Here are some tips for getting a dialogue started with new LinkedIn connections…

1. Start With Your Subject Line

If you’re having trouble thinking of what to say in your initial message to your new LinkedIn connection, start with your subject line and then elaborate.

You can say something as simple as “Thanks for connecting!” or even “It’s great to meet you!” If you enjoyed an article they wrote or shared, you can say something like, “Loved your article!” or “Thanks for sharing your insight!”

If you met your new LinkedIn connection in person at a networking event, mention something specific like, “It was great to meet you yesterday at the ABC Event!” or “Wanted to continue our conversation from yesterday.”

2. Introduce (Or Reintroduce) Yourself

via GIPHY

Send your new connections a brief message to introduce yourself, or reintroduce yourself if you’ve previously met. This will give them a refresher and will help jog their memory from when you last spoke.

3. Mention Things You Have In Common

via GIPHY

Take a look at your new LinkedIn connection’s profile and see what you have in common. Do you share a similar skill set? Do you volunteer for the same organization?

Find something you share and start a conversation around it. It will make it easier for you to break into a real dialogue. Plus, it will help build a stronger personal connection between the two of you.

4. Offer Your Support

via GIPHY

In order to have a strong network, you need to constantly offer value to it. When you meet a new connection, make it clear that you’ll be a valuable contributor to his or her network.

You can say something like, “Please let me know how I can help you achieve your goals,” or “I’d be happy to support you in any way I can.”

5. Don’t Ask For Favors Just Yet

via GIPHY

Don’t ask for anything right off the bat. It makes you look greedy.

It’s important to build a relationship with this person before you ask for any favors. They’ll be more likely to help you out once they know who you are and that you’ll return the favor.

Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with a LinkedIn connection ever again. Use these tips, and you’ll successfully grow your professional network.

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Executive Spotlight: How To Be A Better Boss

Executive Spotlight: How To Be A Better Boss

Whether you’re a seasoned manager looking to hone your leadership skills or an aspiring leader focused on developing a strong foundation, the journey to becoming a more effective and empathetic boss is a continuous process of self-improvement. Being a better boss is not only about increasing productivity and profitability; it’s about fostering a positive and productive work environment, nurturing the growth of your team, and, ultimately, achieving success collectively. So what strategies can help you become the kind of boss your team looks up to and respects?

We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips on how to be a better boss.

Here are their responses…

Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist

Being a better boss isn’t just about holding a position of authority; it’s about inspiring and guiding your team towards success. Effective leadership is a skill that can be developed over time, and it’s essential for creating a positive work environment and achieving outstanding results. If you want to become a better boss, consider implementing these 10 strategies:

1. Lead by Example:

Great leaders set the standard for their team. Demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, and behavior you expect from your employees. If you want your team to be punctual, dedicated, and collaborative, show them that you are all those things and more.

2. Communicate Effectively:

Open, honest, and clear communication is at the heart of good leadership. Be approachable and listen actively to your employees. Share your expectations, provide feedback, and keep your team informed about company goals and progress.

3. Empower Your Team:

Trust your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Encourage creativity and problem-solving. When employees feel empowered, they become more engaged and committed to their tasks.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback:

Offer both praise and constructive criticism. Acknowledge your employees’ achievements and, when necessary, offer guidance for improvement. A balance of positive and negative feedback fosters growth and development.

5. Set Clear Expectations:

Ensure that your team understands their roles and responsibilities. Clearly define goals, objectives, and performance metrics. Clarity in expectations reduces confusion and enhances productivity.

6. Foster a Positive Work Environment:

Create a workplace culture that values respect, inclusivity, and teamwork. Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.

7. Lead with Empathy:

Understand your employees’ needs and challenges. Be empathetic to their personal and professional situations. This will build trust and strengthen your relationships.

8. Develop Your Team:

Invest in your employees’ professional development. Offer training opportunities, mentorship, and guidance to help them grow and advance in their careers. When your team thrives, your organization does too.

9. Manage Conflict Effectively:

Conflict is a natural part of any workplace. A better boss can manage conflict by addressing issues promptly, remaining neutral, and facilitating constructive resolutions.

10. Be Adaptable:

In today’s ever-changing world, adaptability is a vital trait for leaders. Be open to new ideas, technologies, and approaches. Embrace change and guide your team through transitions with confidence.

Being a better boss is an ongoing journey that involves continuous self-improvement and a commitment to creating a positive and productive work environment. By leading by example, communicating effectively, empowering your team, and fostering a positive culture, you can become a leader that inspires and motivates others to reach their full potential.

Remember, leadership is not just about the title you hold; it’s about the impact you have on the people you lead. By applying these strategies, you can become the kind of boss that people respect, admire, and are eager to follow.

Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the “red thread.”

Michael Willis, Sports Business Operations Executive

Coworkers listen to their boss

Here are some ways to embrace being a better boss.

1. Lead by Example: The most effective leaders are those who don’t just talk but walk the walk. Be the change you want to see in your team. Demonstrate the qualities you expect from your employees, such as dedication, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. Your actions will inspire others to follow suit.

2. Effective Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Make an effort to be a better communicator. Listen actively to your team members, provide clear instructions, and offer constructive feedback. When your team feels heard and understood, they’ll be more motivated to perform at their best.

3. Empower Your Team: Great bosses empower their employees. Trust your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Provide opportunities for growth and development and encourage them to take on new challenges. When your team feels valued and trusted, they’ll be more engaged and motivated.

4. Recognition and Appreciation: Never underestimate the power of appreciation. Recognize and celebrate the achievements and efforts of your team members. A simple “thank you” or a public acknowledgment can significantly boost morale and motivation.

5. Continuous Learning: A better boss is one who never stops learning. Stay updated on industry trends, leadership best practices, and management techniques. Invest in your personal development, and your commitment to growth will inspire others to do the same.

6. Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. As a better boss, learn to handle conflicts with tact and empathy. Encourage open and respectful communication among your team members. Use conflicts as opportunities for growth and improvement.

7. Work-Life Balance: Show that you care about your team’s well-being by promoting work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation days, and maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium. When your team is well-rested and happy, they’ll be more productive and motivated.

8. Set Clear Goals: Ensure your team understands their roles and responsibilities by setting achievable goals. When your team knows what’s expected of them and sees a clear path forward, they’ll be more motivated to work towards those goals.

9. Lead with Empathy: Understand that your team members have their own needs, ambitions, and challenges. Show empathy and compassion towards their personal and professional struggles. Your empathy will foster a supportive and motivating work environment.

10. Inspire a Shared Vision: Paint a compelling picture of the future for your team. Share your vision and goals, and rally your team around a common purpose. When your team believes in the mission and sees how they contribute, their motivation and dedication will soar.

In conclusion, becoming a better boss is not just about managing people; it’s about inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential. Committing to being a better boss creates a positive and empowering work environment where everyone can thrive. Remember, leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about caring for those in your account.

Michael Willis has 18+ years of experience working with accounting & sports organizations and has managed P&Ls of $10M – $125M+ with budgets of $3M-$50M+. He worked for the NFL for 22 1/2 years, mainly with the game officials working on the financial/accounting side of the business.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

Leader/executive/manager/boss talks to her employees during a work meeting

I worked for a company where, upon joining, I swiftly realized that my direct reports were experiencing profound frustration. They expressed a strong sense of being undervalued, not only by the previous boss but also throughout the marketing organization and with senior leadership. To be an effective leader and align efforts with business objectives, I recognized the need to identify and rectify the underlying issues swiftly. Here are five key strategies I used to enhance my leadership and become a better boss for my team:

  • Foster Effective Communication: Create open channels for communication and actively encourage attentive listening. Cultivate a culture of transparency where team members are at ease sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback, even if they differ from your perspective. Establishing trust may require time, especially if there has been a history of mistrust. Building trust with your team involves assuring them that it is acceptable and welcome to hold differing viewpoints. Emphasize that diverse perspectives and ideas are valued, even when passionately presented. It is essential to establish this environment swiftly to provide a safe space for driving ideas and achieving business objectives without fear.
  • Don’t Be a Know-It-All: As a boss, it’s not about being an expert and knowing all the answers. It’s quite the opposite. When managers must provide all the answers, they stifle their employees’ opportunities for critical thinking and growth. When faced with a situation beyond your expertise, ask questions that spark a dialogue and creativity. This strengthens the team’s trust but also sets a valuable example of humility.
  • Be Generous: It is about how you interact and treat people. A good boss focuses on:
    • Proactive Problem Solving: Fixing issues before they become significant problems.
    • Celebrating Wins: Recognizing employee achievements.
    • Taking Responsibility: Accepting accountability when things go wrong.

Employees value bosses who are generous with information, time, praise, and coaching to help them excel at their jobs. It’s about fostering a supportive and motivating work environment.

  • Don’t Talk, Listen: Your team comprises talented individuals with unique perspectives. Actively listening and offering your undivided attention is how you foster trust and teamwork and gain an understanding of their needs and expectations. Through attentive listening, you comprehend their messages and ideas effectively and show that you value their input and respect their voices.
  • Create a Positive Work Environment: Alleviate workplace stress by allowing your team to have fun and embrace a positive, inclusive team culture. Motivate with positivity, valuing diversity, respecting individual contributions, and celebrating achievements to promote employee happiness and productivity.
Being a better boss is not about holding a position of authority; it’s about leading with empathy, effectiveness, and inspiration. If you found this helpful, I invite you to explore my book How to Develop a Brand Strategy and insightful brand marketing articles.

Lisa Perry helps companies drive revenue by using consumer trends, insights, and data analytics to innovate their approach to marketing.

What are your best tips for being a better boss? Join the conversation inside Work It DAILY’s Elite Program.
5 Steps To A Powerful Personal Brand On Your Executive Resume

5 Steps To A Powerful Personal Brand On Your Executive Resume

You’ve certainly heard that using a powerful personal brand message will make your executive resume a compelling read—and help you gain traction in your job search. But how do you go about defining and capturing your brand?

Intensive processes, such as the 360 Reach Personal Branding exercise, can often help pinpoint your brand elements and strengths. However, you can conduct your own research and analysis to create a compelling message suitable for your executive resume.

While pinpointing your own personal brand (and writing a compelling executive resume from it) may seem daunting, you can break the process into these manageable steps:

1. Reflect On Your Leadership Value-Add

One of the easiest ways to encapsulate your message of ROI is by taking stock of how you solve problems and deal with obstacles at an executive level. If you’re having difficulty expressing your value proposition, try creating a list of your top 10 career achievements—the ones that have become your signature accomplishments over the years. (Think of it as your top 10 hits—the ones you’ve always thought of as defining your career and its trajectory.)

Any of the following can make your top 10 hits:

  • Turnarounds (at a team, division, or company level)
  • New sources of revenue
  • Cost-cutting methods
  • Additional sales and distribution channels
  • New products or markets
  • Speed and agility in delivering results

Next, write STAR (Situation or Task, Action, Result) stories for each top achievement, remembering to set the stage for each story by looking at the situation first, then your actions, and lastly, the outcome. J.T. O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It DAILY, also recommends the “Experience + Learn + Grow” model to formulate stories for employers. While tedious work, you’ll benefit from having this collection of powerful anecdotes in your job search.

2. Analyze And Leverage Feedback From Throughout Your Executive Career

Executive leveraging feedback from coworkers for resume and personal brand

Consider your reputation at work, influence on others, and leadership style (all critical components of an effective executive resume). Are you known as the go-to leader who builds consensus when negotiations are at a standstill? Have you become a turnaround leader capable of righting the ship? Chances are that you’ve carved out a unique niche—and prospective employers need to know this about you!

Take the time to gather information from those affected by your work:

  • Analyze your impact on subordinates. Do you often mentor your teams into company or industry leaders?
  • Look at those you’ve influenced, such as vendors or colleagues. Have they adopted your methods or commended you on your effectiveness?
  • Assess your impact on the executive team and board. Do you build the business case and buy-in that lead your CEO to issue changes in strategy?

Now, assemble testimonials and feedback from credible sources, such as performance reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, letters of reference, or other kudos (even informal email messages). Create STAR stories from this data, and consider including a snippet or quote in your executive resume for additional reinforcement.

3. Include Tactical Details And Scope

Job seeker on laptop creating a detailed executive resume

Executive resumes aren’t just high-level lists of achievements. To be truly compelling, the scope and reference points from your work need to be included as supporting details.

Consider pulling in specifics from among the following components of each job:

  • Size of budgets managed—both department and project-level
  • Cost-saving figures that show the result of new processes or negotiations
  • Numbers of employees managed, both directly and in matrixed organizations
  • Comparisons that show progression (such as year-over-year increases in market share)

What these details will do for your executive resume is help round out your story, showing how your authority and impact have increased at each progressive step of your career. It’s all about the numbers!

4. Look To Others For Comparison

Woman talks to her coworker for help with building her personal brand on her resume

You may have started to look at the data for your executive resume with a critical eye. What if it isn’t good enough to vault you to the next level in your career? How will employers know you’ve led significant change if there are minimal cost or profit results to report?

One of the best ways to distinguish yourself from the competition is to look precisely at them and gauge the difference based on context.

Here’s how to weigh your competitive differentiators:

  • Analyze what would have happened at previous employers if you hadn’t worked there. Would the company or division have floundered? Is it possible employees stayed only because of your influence?
  • Look at what took place against the backdrop of the economy or industry challenges. For example, did your efforts keep the company afloat—even if they didn’t realize the same level of profits—because of actions that counteracted the downturn?
  • Take note of what occurred at competing companies. Were you maintaining operations while your competitors went out of business?

These sure signs of effectiveness will help add a twist to your STAR stories—emphasizing your ability to take on and overcome challenges that others failed to achieve.

5. Build Brand And Achievement Statements To Use Throughout Your Resume

Hiring manager on laptop reads an executive resume

Now that you’ve collected all this data, what’s the next step? Pulling it together into a cohesive story, of course.

Here’s where the stories you’ve built will serve as key components of your brand message and can be used in various places within your executive resume:

  • Ensure your STAR stories are in manageable form, using bullet points that take up two lines or less for use on your executive resume.
  • Distill your most prominent STAR stories into a simple message. As an example, an EVP of marketing who launched new products could note “carving a profitable new industry niche” as a statement of brand value.
  • Look at executive resume examples for inspiration.
Undertaking these steps is, of course, a time-consuming exercise in exploring your achievements and examining your brand. However, it will pay off in a cohesive message of value to employers—and help them see the value in bringing you in for a choice executive role.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.