Shadé Zahrai MBA LLB

When I felt stuck in my corporate career, I thought I needed to overhaul everything.

(You might have been there too.)

I kept asking, “What’s wrong with me?”

But the truth was, it wasn’t me — it was the foundation I was standing on.

I realised there are five pillars every career rests on, and if one’s shaky, it throws everything off:

1. Credibility
Are you being taken seriously?
↳ Show your expertise, consistently.

2. Visibility
Do people know what you deliver?
↳ If not, start talking about it.

3. Profitability
Are your skills earning what you deserve?
↳ If not, renegotiate or upskill.

4. Agility
Can you pivot quickly?
↳ Lean into adaptability — it’s a superpower.

5. Curiosity
Are you still hungry to learn?
↳ Growth starts with curiosity.

I looked at my own pillars, found where the cracks were, and started rebuilding one at a time.

When I did, I didn’t feel so stuck anymore — and you won’t be either.

Find the shaky pillar, focus your energy, and watch how quickly the foundation steadies.

P.S. Which pillar feels shaky for you right now? When I felt stuck, it was curiosity — I had stopped learning. What about you?

#careergrowth #professionaldevelopment

Being criticised by your manager can feel like a punch in the gut.
Here's what's worked for me (and our clients).

1. Don't Take It Personally
Separate your sense of self-worth from the feedback or criticism. 
You are NOT your work.

2. Express Gratitude
Say, “Thank you for letting me know.“
Or, “I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.“

3. Seek Clarification
“Could you please let me know which part didn't meet your expectations?“ Or,
“What could I have improved so it was more in line with what you expected?“

This way, you take charge, demonstrate you're proactive, and maintain professionalism.

P.S. Has critical feedback ever left you feeling insecure?


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✅ This is part of my highest performing Micro-learning course on LinkedIn Learning: Career Wellness (it was the first ever!). I filmed it a few years ago during lockdown (so I might look a bit younger & 'fresher'), but the guidance is just as relevant today. It’s one of the shortest courses on the platform, running about 3 minutes, but it’s loaded with practical, actionable tips. You can watch it for free on LinkedIn Learning by clicking the link in the video title below. Enjoy!

#feedback

Feeling stuck and struggling to stay focused?
Welcome to the club.

But instead of giving up and achieving nothing, try to can tap into Flow – where time slips away, and you’re at your creative best.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut the distractions
↳ Tip: Turn off notifications, find a quiet space, and let your brain breathe.

2. Choose the right challenge
↳ Tip: Match your task to your skills – engaging but not overwhelming. That balance sparks Flow.

Flow isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a performance game-changer that allows you to tap into your strengths.

Forget perfection → Focus on getting in the zone.

P.S. When was the last time you entered a state of flow?



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💪 This is part of my Nano Tips course with LinkedIn Learning, designed to help you uncover and tap into your strengths. You can watch all 10 micro-learning videos by clicking the link in the video below. Enjoy!

#strengths #flowstate

Are you a MORNING LARK or a NIGHT OWL?
All of us have a unique body clock ⏰ that determines when our most productive hours are - our ‘biological prime-time’. It’s called ‘circadian typology’ (also known as chronotype).

Your biological prime-time is when you have the greatest levels of energy (along with focus and motivation), and as a result you also have the greatest potential to be productive. ⁣
⁣
A secret of peak performers is that they understand when their mind and body are at their peak, and they schedule their tasks based on their body’s natural energy and focus rhythm.⁣

To tap into your unique energy rhythm:

1️⃣ Over the course of a week, track your energy levels each hour to determine when you have your peaks, and when you have your troughs.

2️⃣ Once you understand your rhythm make the most of it!

Here’s how 👇

📈 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PEAKS: ⁣
Whenever your ‘biological prime-time’ is, schedule your highest-leverage activities during this time, as well as any tasks or activities that require the most energy. ⁣
⁣
📉 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DIPS: ⁣
During your troughs, take breaks, do activities that require less energy and focus, go for a short walk when you notice the initial drop in energy to boost your internal body temperature and circulation. Importantly, pay attention to what you’re eating and how the food you fuel yourself with influences how you feel.⁣⁣
⁣
Work WITH your body's natural rhythm, not against it, for optimal results

Let me know in the comments:⁣
Are you a morning lark or an afternoon owl? 👇⁣
⁣




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🔔 PS- If you want to feel more confident about your career goals, sign up for my FREE Career Clarity training. Learn simple yet powerful research-based tools over 3 videos (+ 15 page workbook) for lasting behavior change. Join here: https://lnkd.in/gh6Pw5r9


#peakperformance #motivation #focus #productivity

📚 Some Research (if you’re interested):
Roenneberg T., Wirz-Justice A. & Merrow M. (2003). Life between clocks – daily temporal patterns of human chronotypes. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 18: 80–90.

A hallmark of a growth mindset is the ability to change your internal dialogue.

Whenever you notice a self-defeatist or limiting thought, shift to focus on creativity and possibility. It’s called ‘cognitive reframing’.

Often all you need is a simple reframe in the moment to open your mind.






#growthmindset #mentalreframe

When it comes to how we communicate, we so often default to habitual ways to replying, without being aware of the impact it has on others.⁣
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Something many of us use when replying to someone who tells us something we already know is, “I KNOW…”⁣
⁣
But replying with “I Know” (even though it could be entirely true) can do more harm than good.⁣
⁣
I hear it not only in professional environments, but often in personal relationships - with friends, family, husbands, wives…⁣
⁣
“I know” can block the free flow of ideas.⁣
It can restrict open communication. ⁣
It can reflect that you’re not open to the perspective of others.⁣
It can (sometimes) be taken to reflect a degree of incompetence (you ‘knew’ yet you did not ‘do’).⁣
And, it can even invalidate someone else, especially where they’re excited to share whatever they’re sharing. This one’s most common in close relationships. ⁣
⁣
A simple tip is to replace “I know” with “that’s right”. ⁣
⁣
This way, you can build on the conversation, justify your course of action (if that helps, e.g. at work) and encourage greater collaboration. It can also subtly offer validation to the person who just shared something with you, while still elevating your credibility.⁣
⁣
Of course, it doesn’t apply to every situation, but a useful addition to your communication toolkit for when it may help.⁣
⁣
Have you ever had someone reply to you with “I know”? How did it feel in the moment?👇⁣
⁣



👉Enjoy this quick tip? Follow Shadé Zahrai MBA LLB for weekly personal & professional development tips just like this one.

Consider yourself a master multitasker, thinking it boosts productivity? 🤔

🚫Sorry to burst your bubble… multitasking often hinders more than it helps.

Rather than enhancing efficiency, it can increase stress and disrupt focus.

In fact, a study found that switching tasks can cost us over 23 minutes of focus recovery time (Mark et al., 2008).

So next time you come to multitask, remind yourself that it’s like eating soup with a fork - a lot of effort with little to show for it! 🥣

How do you stay focused and avoid multitasking pitfalls? Share your best tips in the comments! 👇






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Hi 👋 I’m Shadé Zahrai MBA LLB. Follow for regular content designed to help you get unstuck, propel forward and boost your performance. 🚀


#multitasking #productivity

How do you get through to someone who just doesn’t want to listen?
The ‘I like, I like, I wonder’ technique can be highly effective in encouraging openness.

It’s especially helpful when trying to influence someone with a fixed mindset to open up their perspective to other alternatives that they might not have considered.

Based on design thinking principles, there are three parts:

1️⃣ VALIDATE – I like… I like…
Share two things you like about the idea or the approach.
E.g. “I like X”, “I appreciate Y”, “It’s great that you’ve considered Z”.

2️⃣ ALTERNATIVE – I wonder…
Share the alternative approach.
E.g. “I wonder whether/if we could consider…”

3️⃣ BENEFIT
Share the benefit to the alternative approach.
For example, “[Alternative approach] will help us in these ways..”

What happens if you disagree with the idea itself? In that case, validate something else. You could validate the person’s creativity, their passion, their determination or even their enthusiasm. Find something suitable to the situation.

Have you ever tried something like this before? 👇




#influence #growthmindset #communication #collaboration

In the professional world, we frequently make a critical mistake when setting goals. From early on, we’re encouraged to focus on a specific end point (land the promotion, lead a larger team, acquiring VC funding), often overlooking the personal growth we experience from the process itself.

The true key to success and peak performance lies not in reaching a predetermined destination, but in becoming the individual you were always destined to be.

By shifting your focus to the person you aspire to become, rather than solely on the achievements you wish to accomplish, you establish a foundation for sustained personal success and satisfaction.

Regularly reflecting on your desired future identity will help you cultivate a sense of purpose and significance that transcends any individual accomplishment, unlocking the full potential of goal-setting.

I invite you to share your thoughts: How clear are you of the person you aim to become in your professional life? 👇






📚RESEARCH:
•Verplanken, B., & Orbell, S. (2022). Attitudes, habits, and behavior change. Annual review of psychology, 73, 327-352.
•Verplanken, B., & Sui, J. (2019). Habit and identity: Behavioral, cognitive, affective, and motivational facets of an integrated self. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 1504.


#goals #habits #identity #goalsetting

Are your ingrained habits blocking your professional growth?

Let's face it—many of us have habits that don't serve us well.

Whether it's procrastinating, settling for the easy way out, or getting trapped in comfort zones, these habits can sabotage our professional growth.

It's time to be the conductor of your own journey and take control.

Sure, it may initially feel challenging to step outside your comfort zone, but that means you’re growing!

Embrace the excitement of charting a new course.

How do you cultivate positive habits in your career?




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🚀Have you downloaded my Peak Performance Guide? The free guide has 7 practical tips to take you from overwhelm to optimising your performance.

Grab it here👉 https://lnkd.in/eUfYyRsM


#habits #careergrowth

PRODUCTIVITY GUILT…⁣
That continual nagging feeling that you haven’t done enough… That you’re so far behind… That you can’t take a break because you don’t deserve it…⁣
⁣
Sound familiar? 🤷🏻‍♀️⁣
⁣
It’s quite common among high achievers, and could also a ‘symptom’ of high functioning anxiety.⁣
⁣
If this is something you experience (It is for me!) here are 3 suggestions that might help:
⁣
1️⃣ Accept You’ll Always Be Imperfect⁣
⁣
Perfection isn’t the standard you want to be aiming for… Instead, strive for ‘human’. What does that mean? Well, you can have high standards and strive for excellence, but also know that you’re only human and only have so much you can fit in your mind (‘cognitive load’) & into your life. And guess what… mistakes come with the territory!⁣
⁣
2️⃣ Don’t focus on the Gap between Current Self & Ideal Self⁣
⁣
One of the reasons why you feel this ‘guilt’ is that you’re not where you want to be. You have a vision of your ‘ideal’ self which is more disciplined, more successful, more of who you want to be… and you become fixated on the giant gap between this state and where you actually are. Instead of looking at the gap, focus on what you’re doing each day to take one small step closer to the goal state.⁣
⁣
3️⃣ Prioritize rest⁣
⁣
One big mistake you might be making if you’ve fallen into the trap of productivity guilt is that you keep pushing to the point of diminishing returns. You’re no longer ‘productive’, but you don’t stop (‘hello guilt!’). Yet, if you took the time to rest, recharge your body & replenish your ‘mental battery’, get this - you’d be even MORE productive, getting more done in less time!⁣
⁣
What about you? Have you experienced productivity guilt?⁣ 👇
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#productivity #Procrastinate #procrastination #worklifebalance

Everyone faces setbacks and stumbles, but those who excel transform these hurdles into instructive experiences.

A simple technique to help you do this every time is through what's called a post-mortem analysis (commonly used in the project management world): you dissect your defeat, identify its origins, and craft a strategy to circumvent similar pitfalls.

This way, every failure transforms into a stepping stone for learning. Yesterday's mistake paves the way for tomorrow's insight.

Here are the three steps of the post-mortem technique:

1️⃣ THE BREAKDOWN
Detail the incident, its sequence, and its repercussions.

2️⃣ IDENTIFY THE CAUSE
Analyze factors contributing to the unfavorable outcome. What happened? Why did it happen?

3️⃣ FORMULATE A FUTURE STRATEGY
Given your new understanding, devise a plan to prevent similar setbacks in the future.

And just like that, you've made your stumble meaningful!

What other tips do you have for turning your defeats into powerful learning opportunities? 👇



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▶️ Find value in this tip? Check out 9 other tips just like this one to help you think faster and make better decisions. Simply click on the video (or the link below it).



#failure #growthmindset #postmortem #linkedinlearning

5 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO QUIT YOUR JOB 🚩
Have you thought about leaving your job recently? Maybe you want to join the millions of others who have left their jobs in search of better conditions, more money and more balance?

The mass movement of The Great Resignation began two years ago as people started to re-evaluate their priorities and realized they could take their careers into their own hands. Sure, it hasn’t been that easy for some, but for others it’s been an unprecedented opportunity to avoid the inevitable burnout at the end of their previous path and instead quit!

Quitting sounds great in theory, but as some recent polls are showing, it’s not always the best solution. In fact, it's been termed 'The Great Regret' for some...

I spoke with the wonderful Lucy Dean from Yahoo Finance about my tips on how to spot the Red Flags to know whether it’s time to resign and move on to greener pastures, or whether you can make things work by reframing how you approach your career. You always have a choice.

🚩THE FIVE SIGNS IT'S TIME TO GO:

1️⃣ Chronic Micromanagement
2️⃣ Non-existent Work-Life balance
3️⃣ No recognition, or stolen credit
4️⃣ Integrity deficit  
5️⃣ It just doesn’t 'feel right' anymore

Let me know in the comments which of the Five Red Flags you’ve experienced before! 👇



🎥 Video developed & produced in conjunction with my business partner Faysal Sekkouah

Here's a link to the Yahoo article in case of interest:
https://lnkd.in/g5Ktu-9j


#career #job #careerprogression #jobhunt #greatresignation # #careers

Do you overthink? Try this:
→ Write an “I WILL...” List

When overthinking kicks in, write down your action plan. ✍️

There are 4 steps:

1. Dump all thoughts on paper.

2. Sort them by what's in your control (+ what isn’t).

3. For controllable aspects, make your 'I WILL...' action list. Start with small steps.

(This helps calm your mind and reinforces a sense of control).

4. Celebrate each completed task for a dopamine boost.

It helps you refocus on what’s within your control so you don’t become overwhelmed.

It’s simple, yes, but sometimes the most effective tools are. :)

Have you ever tried something like this?

There are seemingly harmless words you might be using that could negative influence your relationships and reputation over time.

Here are 2 examples:

▶️ “I can't“
This exudes a spirit of incapacity or unwillingness. Instead, emphasize possibilities.
❌ “I can't do Mondays.“
✅ “I am available anytime after Tuesday,“

▶️ “Unfortunately“
This word intensifies disappointment. Try to focus on improvement or what can be done.
❌ “Unfortunately, we missed the sales target.“
✅ “We didn’t meet our sales target, so let’s use what we learned to improve next month’s performance.”

These subtle adjustments can have a massive impact on how you’re perceived in your professional interactions (and work for home too!).

These are only two examples. What other words do we need to add to this list?



🚩This is the first video from my newly released collection of practical & actionable tips for Interpersonal Communication. You can watch all 10 tips by clicking the video (or the link below it).👇

#communication

Communication is like the secret sauce to career success. Yet, it's often underestimated...

It's not just about presenting yourself well or speaking up in meetings– although those are certainly important.

The truth is, there are simple communication principles (that are often overlooked) that can be game-changers when it comes to building stronger relationships, enhancing credibility, and boosting visibility.

In my latest article, I share three straightforward (yet essential) principles that can help your career take-off:

1️⃣ Make people feel valued to build trust and strengthens relationships – essential for career growth and if you want others to champion you. Use the ‘ABC Method’–Acknowledge, Be Attentive, Connect.

2️⃣ Keep management & stakeholders informed and trusting you to deliver. This means providing meaningful updates (along with a reminder of what they asked you to do– they often forget!) so they’re aware of what you’re working on and progress made.

3️⃣ To build visibility, ensure important people know what you’re working on and how you’re contributing to team. A simple approach is to send a 'Weekly Wins' email to your leader on a Friday afternoon.

❌ BONUS TIP:
Avoid the 'BGC Trap'–Backbiting, Complaining, Gossiping. Be a good human.

Check the article for specific steps you can use to put these principles into practice and fast-track your career through communication.

🚀Ready to take your career to new heights? Subscribe to #CareerCatalyst – your weekly dose of practical strategies and tips for career advancement. Join a community of 98,000+ driven professionals. Don't miss out on valuable insights and tips.

Which of the three principles do you consider to be most important for career growth? 👇



#communicatin #careergrowth #careerdevelopment

Many of the world's best TED speakers use this technique.

Instead of rushing to speak right after your introduction, take your time.

Don’t pace the stage or start talking immediately.

Instead, walk calmly to the center of the room.

Make eye contact with your audience.

Take a breath.

And when the room goes quiet and they’re waiting for what’s next–that’s when you start.

Why does this work?

Because in those first few seconds, your audience is deciding if you’re worth listening to.

When you show composure and confidence, they have more confidence in you and what you're about to say.

They pay attention.

Plus, it also gives you a chance to collect yourself, settle your nerves, and feel more in control.

It’s simple, but powerful.

P.S Have you ever noticed that many speakers do this?



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🎤 This is part of a micro learning course with LinkedIn Learning where I share 10 actionable tips for Charismatic Impressions, Presence, and Communication. Watch them all (for free) by clicking the link in the video title below. ↓  Enjoy!

“I FEEL too much…” “People say I’m way too sensitive…” “I’m too empathic…” 🥺⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Sound like you?⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Roughly 20% of the population experiences what’s called Sensory-Processing Sensitivity (Aron & Aron, 1997) and are ‘Highly Sensitive Persons’ (HSPs).⁣⁣
⁣⁣
And while many assume it’s something more common in women, that’s not what the research shows… it seems there are as many highly sensitive men as there are women– but in cultures where male sensitivity is not accepted, those men typically hide it & don’t admit it (Buss, 1989). ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
👇 Here are some distinguishing characteristics of HSPs outlined by one of the researchers that first identified & studied the trait (Aron, 2010):
⁣⁣
• You prefer to be on the sidelines & observe before getting involved. ⁣⁣
• You notice subtleties or small changes, e.g. “You’ve changed your hair!”⁣⁣
• You’re more likely to be an introvert (~70% are introverts)⁣⁣.
• You take time to consider detail & all possible outcomes before acting.⁣⁣
• You’re more aware of the thoughts and emotions of others and pick up on non-verbal cues.⁣⁣
• You’re very conscientious and have a strong work ethic because you don’t want to let anyone down.⁣⁣
• You’re deeply concerned about social justice and the environment, and become very emotionally impacted if you witness injustice.⁣⁣
• You’re likely to be gifted, artistic, or passionate about the arts. ⁣⁣
• You have a strong interest in spirituality and/or psychology.⁣⁣
• You have a faster & more intense startle response to movement or loud noises. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The important takeout is that being highly sensitive doesn’t have to be an obstacle to your career. ⁣⁣
If you change your mindset, and equip yourself with tools to help you tap into the benefits, it can really become a differentiating superpower that helps you connect, empathise and lead with heart. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Do you self-identify as a Highly Sensitive Person? And how do you see it as a superpower to be embraced instead of denied? 👇⁣



#leadership #mindset #empathy #leadwithempathy #research #emotionalintelligence #psychologicalsafety

A classic indicator of a fixed mindset? Pointing fingers at others.

The good news is that it means you can steer yourself towards a growth mindset by focussing on what YOU can do, rather than dwelling on the shortcomings of others.

This simple shift can be a total game-changer in your professional (and personal) relationships, in your teamwork and your leadership. It helps maintain a growth mindset, especially when working with difficult or challenging people.

Consider this example:

❌ Instead of: 
“Why doesn't my team ever follow my instructions? What's wrong with them?!“

✅ Ask yourself: 
“How can I improve my communication skills so my team better understands the instructions and what needs to be done?“

Simple change, big difference.




🔥This is part of my Nano Tips course on Developing a Growth Mindset – you can access the 10 tips for FREE on LinkedIn Learning by clicking the link below or the video itself. Enjoy!

Manipulators feed on your reactions.
They poke, prod, and push until you flinch - then they pounce.

But there’s a way to break the cycle and take back control.

I call it the CUT Method:

C – Control Your Emotions:
Pause. Breathe. Keep your cool. Your calm is your power.

U – Unfazed Appearance:
Stay steady. Keep your tone even. Don’t let them see a crack.

T – Turn Off Engagement:
Stop fueling the fire. Don’t explain, don’t defend—stand firm.

Make it unequivocal: you are not a pawn in their game.

P.S. How do you uphold your position when confronted with manipulation tactics in your professional sphere?

“Growth happens outside your COMFORT ZONE...“
We’re all too familiar with the cliché of having to step out of our comfort zones in order to grow.
And the truth is - you have to.

For the vast majority of us, life isn’t a free ride. 
Being accustomed to difficulty and consistently challenging yourself is the path towards excellence, growth and arguably fulfilment.

Yet, it’s as if we’re wired with contradictions…

On the one hand it feels good to be in your comfort zone. 
To relax, eat your favourite foods and enjoy your favourite entertainment.

But if you linger there for too long you can find yourself becoming increasingly impeded by the fear of taking risks, loss of self-confidence and missing out on experiences that make life worth living.

So in this video I explore with you:

💪 Why expanding your comfort zone is an absolute must,

🎯 How to identify your ‘Goldilocks’ zone of discomfort to optimize your progress in any areas of your life, AND

🚩 5 ways to help you step out of your comfort zone.


Imagine what the rest of 2022 can look like when you have the will power to consistently step into your ‘discomfort zone’ - both at work and in life.

Here’s to you living at your healthy edge!

Would you say you’re living life in your comfort zone? 
Or are you confidently and regularly venturing into your ‘discomfort zone’? Let me know in the comments! 👇


#growth #comfortzone #growthmindset #opportunites

Few things are as frustrating as vague feedback.

When someone says, “You could do better“ or “Be more proactive,“ it’s hard to know what to do it that feedback without specific examples.

So, try asking for 'observations' over 'feedback.'

Feedback is often a messy mix of opinions, but an 'observation' gets them to share specific examples they've actually seen.

This shifts the conversation from criticism to real guidance and sets a clear path for improvement.

Also, take control. Ask questions like, “How would you tackle this?“ or “Got any tips for next time?“ 🛠

This can flip the dynamic completely.

So, how do you feel when someone says “feedback“? Does your stomach tighten a little? 👇


#feedback

Picture this. You muster the courage to open up and shared a struggle with someone, only to have them reply, “be grateful - it could be so much worse….”

Doesn’t feel great does it.

In fact, it can feel dismissing and invalidating.

While the intention behind such statements might be to encourage a shift in perspective or to provide comfort, it can often come across as belittling the person's emotions and struggles.

People need empathy and understanding during difficult times, and telling them to focus on the positive right upfront can make them feel unheard and unsupported.

Instead, show genuine empathy as a first response, actively listen, and validate their experience before trying to offer any guidance or perspectives.

It can make a world of difference.

Have you ever had someone tell you to ‘just be positive’ when you’ve shared a challenge or struggle? How did it feel? 👇


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▶️ Enjoy this short tip? You can access 9 more actionable tips to elevate your interpersonal communication by clicking the video (or the link below).



#communication #empathy

A simple technique for greater influence when someone makes an unrealistic request? Try 'Opening the Door'! 🚪

Imagine this scenario: your boss has just asked you to complete a daunting task with an impossible deadline.

You can feel the stress building, and the temptation to say “NO“ is growing stronger.

But what if there was a way to turn the situation around and find a solution that works for everyone?

Introducing the ‘Open Door’ technique - a simple yet effective way influencing approach for difficult requests.

This is where you use hypothetical language to 'open the door' to different options and consequences, without committing to anything.

'Open Door' language includes:

☑️ “Just suppose...“
☑️ “What if...“
☑️ “I wonder whether...“

It also helps to diffuse tension, build trust and respect, and ultimately find a way forward.

Here's how you could respond to you boss about the unrealistic deadline:

“[Open Door] Just suppose we did take on the new project. [Consequence] It would mean I need to push back on X and. Y, so they'd both be delayed. [Alternative] What if we brought on two extra people initially to get bulk of the work done early and then delegate remaining tasks? [Benefit] That way, none of us miss other project deadlines and we always achieve a better result as a team.“

Have you ever used this technique? Let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear from you. 👇



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🔥If you enjoyed this, you might find value in my new course: Nano Tips for Effortless Influence. You can access it for FREE by clicking the link under the video. Enjoy as your Influence skyrockets!



#linkedinlearining #nanotips #influence #effortlessinfluence #negotiation

To succeed in business, is it more important to be competent or to be warm?

In business, people tend to predominantly focus on conveying their value & trustworthiness through their competence.
It’s based on the idea that if you’re perceived as being very good at what you do, then you’re trusted and accepted.

However, when it comes to being trusted, Harvard researchers learned that your competence is second in priority to your warmth.
This is because the first and most important criteria on which people base their judgements of trust, are qualities of sincerity, approachability and being genuine.

While competence is more quantifiable for companies, the ability to demonstrate warmth through values, a service-oriented culture and social corporate responsibility is what facilitates trust from a human-centric perspective.

And fundamentally, isn’t business is all about people?

(In less than 4 weeks since posting this short video to TikTok, it’s amassed 1.5M views, so clearly it’s something people find intriguing).

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
How can you leverage the quality of warmth to help you at work?


#leadership #warmth #competence #culture #womeninleadership #companyculture #leaders #womenleaders #kindness #attitude

Do you struggle with conflict? Here’s a simple 3-part strategy to help you confidently address difficult behaviour.

This approach allows you to express how the other person's behaviour is affecting you, WITHOUT attacking or blaming them, and opens up the possibility for a constructive dialogue to find a resolution.

Here are the 3 parts:

1️⃣ “WHEN YOU…”
Acknowledge the behaviour causing the conflict.
e.g., “When you raised your voice…”

2️⃣ “I…”
Use an “I” statement to express your thoughts and how you feel about the situation.
e.g., “…I felt disrespected and dismissed.”

3️⃣ “CAN YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND?”
Demonstrate a willingness to listen and understand the other person’s perspective.
e.g., “Can you help me understand what was going on for you?”

By offering a clear structure for addressing conflicts, this non-judgmental and respectful approach can help you feel more confident and better equipped to navigate tough conversations. It has the potential to de-escalate the situation and foster a more collaborative approach to finding a resolution– even in the most challenging situations.

Part 3 is based on the book 'Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High,' and it incorporate principles from Marshall Rosenberg’s approach on Nonviolent Communication.

How comfortable are you when navigating potential conflict situations? Do you have any go-to approaches that work for you? 👇





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