IntHERrupt

Do you ever feel lonely as a leader? One consequence of being a leader in any profession is overcoming the difficulty of handling many responsibilities yourself. 

In this episode of Int-HER-rupt, host Linda Yates welcomes special guest Shatanese Reese, a leadership development coach, to discuss combating loneliness as a leader. While it may seem surprising that leaders can experience feelings of loneliness, Shatanese emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue and finding ways to overcome it. She shares her journey and provides insights into why leaders may feel lonely and how they can navigate this challenge.

Shatanese’s Background

• Shatanese begins by sharing her background as an HR professional with over 25 years of experience. 
• She describes her career progression, including talent acquisition, HR generalist, and diversity consultant roles. However, a life-altering event prompted her to reassess her calling and pursue an executive coach and facilitator career. 
• With her expertise in emotional intelligence and personality assessment, Shatanese provides valuable support to leaders who navigate the complexities of their roles.

The Difference Between Being Alone and Feeling Lonely

• Shatanese clarifies the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. 
• Being alone is a choice, a deliberate act of setting oneself apart for a period of time to recalibrate. On the other hand, feeling lonely is a longing for connection and support.
• Leaders often experience loneliness due to the weighty responsibilities they carry and their awareness of the organization's challenges. Finding trusted individuals with whom to share their feelings and burdens becomes difficult. 
• Factors such as unique identity and lack of representation can further intensify the feeling of loneliness.

Understanding the Loneliness of Leadership

• Shatanese explores the reasons why leaders may feel lonely. Their level of responsibility and fear of vulnerability can hinder their ability to express their true emotions. 
• Leaders may feel lonely when they lack a coach, internal champion, or sponsor who can guide them and offer support.
•  The loneliness of leadership is not confined to personal isolation but also a lack of clarity on the path forward. 
• Shatanese encourages leaders to identify their specific feelings associated with loneliness to address their unique challenges.

Tips for Combatting Loneliness

• To combat loneliness, Shatanese suggests several strategies for leaders. 
• First, she emphasizes the importance of finding a trusted confidant or mentor who can provide guidance and support. This person should be someone with whom leaders can be vulnerable and share their struggles openly. 
• Secondly, Shatanese highlights the value of building a network of fellow leaders who can relate to their experiences. This network can offer understanding, empathy, and a sense of camaraderie. 
• Lastly, she recommends participating in leadership development programs or coaching sessions that provide a safe space for leaders to discuss their experiences and gain insights from others.

In this episode of Int-HER-rupt podcast, Linda Yates and Shatanese Reese shed light on the often overlooked aspect of loneliness among leaders. Through their discussion, it becomes evident that leaders are not immune to feelings of isolation and longing for connection. 

Leaders can take proactive steps to combat loneliness by acknowledging and addressing these feelings. Whether it's finding a trusted confidant, building a network of like-minded individuals, or seeking professional support, leaders can navigate the challenges of their role more effectively. Shatanese's insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for leaders seeking to overcome this common yet rarely discussed issue.

"Whenever a leader expresses this is really, truly lonely work, I often like to unpack, what does that mean for you? What is it that you're actually feeling?" - Shatanese Reese

Resources

Shatanese Reese on LinkedIn

Shatanese Reese on Facebook

Shatanese Reese on Instagram

www.shatanesereese.com

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt Podcast, host Linda Yates and guest speaker Kristen Brabble delve into the crucial aspects of effective communication. Kristen, a talented and experienced banking industry professional, shares her struggles and valuable insights into the art of communication. 

Join us as we explore the importance of clear, concise, and consistent communication, the challenges of virtual meetings, and the power of effective messaging in various scenarios.

The Personal Journey of Kristen Brabble

• Kristen shares her passion in her current role within the banking sector, where they have a strategy development mindset and a drive to grow the bank and its franchise. 
• She is a mother of two little ones and expresses her excitement about becoming a new parent. 
• Additionally, she highlights her commitment to giving back to the community and the positive impact she strives to make with her organization.

The Impact of Effective Communication 

• Clear communication is paramount to a successful organization, and Kristen emphasizes the importance of being clear, concise, and consistent in messaging. 
• She stresses the need to repeat important messages throughout a conversation, avoiding fluff or unnecessary details.
• Keeping messages focused and to the point ensures our audience understands and retains the information we share.

The Pitfalls of Virtual Communication

• The pandemic has brought about both positive and negative impacts on technology and connecting people. 
• While virtual meetings have become the norm, Kristen expresses concerns about their detrimental effect on the business world. 
• Without in-person interaction, gauging emotions and gathering participant input becomes more challenging. 
• She emphasizes the significance of in-person meetings, which allow for a better understanding of body language and immediate verbal communication.

Kristen's Experience with Overcoming Communication Challenges 

• She shares her personal struggles with communication and the lessons she has learned along the way. 
• Kristen highlights the tendency for leaders and teams to make assumptions and stresses the importance of not assuming that people know the direction or plan. 
• Communicating directly and without sugarcoating minimizes breakdowns in communication and allows for a more direct and productive exchange.

Communication Strategies 

• Kristen details various strategies employed in their professional life to improve communication within the organization. 
• These include sending personalized, motivational handwritten notes to all employees, conducting employee stay surveys, and implementing employee conference calls.
• One of the key takeaways is the need for executive management to actively listen and understand employees' perspectives, leading to more effective communication and growth.

Listen to this week’s guest speaker, Kristen, as she shares valuable insights into the world of communication. From personal struggles to professional triumphs, our speaker provides invaluable advice on navigating communication challenges in various scenarios. Tune in to Int-HER-rupt and discover the secrets to delivering impactful messages and fostering strong connections within your professional and personal life.

"I have struggled with my tone, rushing through explanations and not taking the time to properly explain ideas. But I understand that tone is crucial when delivering a message, even if the message itself is strong. It's important to be pumped up and explain things in detail to my team. Everyone should watch their tone when delivering any type of message." - Kristen Brabble.

Resources

Kristen Brabble LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

During the shutdown, you may have embraced your introverted nature and enjoyed not having to go to the office daily. It was nice not having to deal with people anymore during those two years.

But have you noticed that your people skills have suffered? Did you forget how to hold conversations with others? Do you even remember why it's important to have manners?

In this episode of Int-HER-rupt Podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Jacqueline Whitmore, an international etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. With 25 years of experience in the field, Jacqueline shares her insights on the significance of manners and etiquette in today's workplace. From listening and embracing differences to making meaningful connections, Jacqueline provides valuable tips for leaders both remotely and in person.

The Value of Manners and Etiquette

●     Jacqueline explains that manners and etiquette are not just about formalities like using the proper cutlery or having a firm handshake.

●     Manners represent how we treat others, while etiquette encompasses our knowledge and mindfulness.

●     These qualities go beyond technical skills and play a crucial role in helping individuals build their personal brand and character.

●     Jacqueline asserts that manners and etiquette are essential for getting hired and promoted in the workplace.

Etiquette in Remote Work

●     When it comes to remote work, Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of active listening.

●     It is a skill that helps leaders connect with their team members, whether in person or online.

●     Additionally, embracing differences and maintaining an open mind is crucial to fostering a positive work environment.

●     To enhance remote connections, Jacqueline suggests interacting with others on LinkedIn by commenting on their posts, adding value to their lives, and sending articles of interest.

●     She emphasizes the need to go beyond superficial engagements and focus on building meaningful relationships.

Etiquette in In-person Meetings

●     In face-to-face interactions, Jacqueline reiterates the significance of active listening.

●     Leaders who are great listeners outshine others and make a positive impact on their teams.

●     Humility and compassion are also vital traits for successful leaders, as they signal respect and care for employees and clients.

●     Jacqueline believes that true manners lie beneath the surface and go beyond simple gestures like eye contact and a firm handshake.

Jacqueline's expertise sheds light on the timeless principles of manners and etiquette in the workplace. She emphasizes that being mindful of how we treat others can significantly impact both personal and professional success.

Whether in remote or in-person interactions, active listening, embracing differences, and making meaningful connections are key to fostering positive relationships. Incorporating these principles into our daily lives can enhance our personal brand, build character, and create a harmonious work environment.

"I believe that manners and etiquette are extremely important in the workplace because they not only help you get hired, they also can help you get promoted. And you and I both know that technical skills, just technical skills, account for a very small percentage of why you get a job and keep a job. However, your life skills or soft skills will get you promoted. Those soft skills are tied to your character." -Jacqueline Whitmore

Resources

Etiquettexpert.com

Jacqueline Whitmore Facebook

Jacqueline Whitmore Instagram

Jacqueline Whitmore LinkedIn

Jacqueline Whitmore Twitter

Jacqueline Whitmore Youtube

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

As a leader and business owner, you may feel overwhelmed by inflation's effects. You have no clue how to cut costs to stay afloat due to higher living costs. This makes it harder for you to run a business effectively and ensure everyone on your team is well cared for.

In this episode of "Int-HER-rupt Podcast," host Linda Yates welcomes Dr. April Murdaugh, the CEO and founder of Woman to Woman Financial. Today, they discuss the effects of inflation and the cost of living crisis on businesses.

Dr. April Murdaugh Background

• Dr. Murdaugh started as a college administrator and professor before becoming the CEO of her own firm.
• She speaks about her experiences with financial struggles, which sparked her interest in the financial services industry.
• Now, Dr. Murdaugh is the founder and CEO of Woman to Woman Financial, a virtual fee-based wealth management firm based in Jacksonville, Florida.
• She helps women executives, business owners, medical professionals, and their families create and grow generational wealth. 

Effects of Inflation on Leaders

• Dr. Murdaugh explains that inflation affects the cost of living, salaries, and the ability to save for retirement. 
• She mentions that inflation rates have exceeded the expected 3% and have reached as high as 6% and 7%. Housing costs have also significantly increased. 
• Business owners face the challenge of cutting back on expenses and finding ways to cope with the rising costs, which can be stressful.

Impact of Inflation on Morale in Organizations

• Linda raises a question about how these economic changes affect morale within organizations. Dr. Murdaugh believes that inflation has led to women negotiating for higher pay as they realize the impact of inflation on their finances.
• People are becoming more intentional in handling their finances and cutting back on unnecessary expenses. However, the overall morale within organizations is low, with employees questioning their salaries and the ability of the company to offer competitive compensation.

Tips to Stay Focused and Positive on Business Outcomes

• To overcome these challenges, Dr. Murdaugh provides three tips for leaders to stay focused and positive on business outcomes. 
• First, she advises not to get too caught up in monitoring the constant changes and fluctuations caused by inflation. Instead, focus on what can be done to scale the business and explore additional revenue streams. 
• Second, leaders should assess and minimize expenses to allocate money efficiently. 
• Lastly, Dr. Murdaugh emphasizes the importance of setting aside savings to prepare for lean times and combat the impact of high inflation rates.

In this insightful episode, Linda Yates and Dr. April Murdaugh shed light on the effects of inflation and the cost of living crisis on businesses. They discuss leaders' challenges, such as increased expenses, salary negotiations, and adapting to the changing economic landscape. 

Listen to the powerful tips Dr. Murdaugh offers to help you stay focused, positive, and proactive in navigating these challenges from inflation.

"I see more women now negotiating for higher pay rates because they realize that inflation is really costing them money." -Dr. April Murdaugh

Resources

Woman to Woman Financial

[email protected]

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Gaining one’s trust is a challenging thing to do, especially when you’re leading a team. Some people don’t quickly warm up to others, and it can be difficult to get them to follow through when you need them to.

As a leader, you need everyone on your team to open up and trust you. But how can you do this?

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Heather Dominick, the owner of Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur. Listen to her advice to discover techniques to get your team to trust you as a leader.

Who Is Heather Dominick?

• She is the founder and leader of Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur.
• Heather also created Business Miracles, a 21-day course to help highly sensitive people run successful businesses.
• In addition to her business, she holds a Master's degree and worked as a public high school drama teacher for eight years.

What Is a Highly Sensitive Person?

• Numerous research studies show that some people are more sensitive nervous system to the environment than others. 
• According to research, 20% of people are born with a nervous system that takes more stimulation. 
• Many highly sensitive people tend to do better from being self-employed.

Building Trust With Students

• Creating trust among students can be challenging for a teacher; one wrong move can easily break the trust.
• Heather learned the coaching in education (CIE) technique while studying at New York University. 
• Instead of teaching as a teacher, she taught as a coach and found this technique was highly influential in gaining students' trust.

Three Tips for Leaders Building Trust

• Honor the individuals in the room: Heather created systems focused on each member's strength. 
• Don't expect everyone to be like you: Everyone is different, and you want to draw their differences out. Also, you don't want your team members to be like you. 
• Establish the same expectations for your team members as you do for them: Share tips one and two with your team so they can understand that everyone is bringing something to the table.

Breaking the Wrong Mindset

• For those who believe no one will ever trust them, Heather discusses the importance of creating a collaborative culture to help break this mindset.
• When it is established from the hiring process, it’s easier to get team members to trust each other and the leader.
• As the leader, you must set the tone to make your team members follow. If you want them to trust you, you must also trust them.
• Lastly, you must have empathy as a leader and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. 

Do you need help with getting your team members to trust you? Then listen to this week’s episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast to learn actionable tips on getting your team to trust.

“Trust is the bonding element that allows a group of people or any connection between even two people to really be able to be on the same page. And from that place, there's a greater sense of ease for creating, for producing, for being of service, and just being able to get from an A to Z when it comes to any type of goal or project you're looking to bring across the line.” - Heather Dominick

Resources

Business Miracles 

Heather Dominick Instagram

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In this episode of "Int-HER-rupt," host Linda Yates welcomes Jennifer Smith, an expert in talent recruitment and leadership. Jennifer shares her journey and experiences in the field of human resources, discussing her transition from working in operations to her successful career as a recruiter. She also provides valuable insights into defining one's goals and finding the right fit in the hiring process.

Jennifer Smith's Professional Journey

• After college, Jennifer found herself working in an unbelievable position. She never saw herself working in a potato factory, but it was her first leadership position.
• Despite it not being her dream job, she enjoyed the position. It helped her develop the essential leadership skills she has today.
• During her 15 years working with Frito Lay, she spent 15 years in HR. Within this role, she gained experience in running a business and leading a team. 
• She worked for a biotech company within the talent management department. While working in this role, she found that many college students struggled with finding their ideal job.
• Now, Jennifer runs Flourish Careers company. She helps others find the ideal career for them.

What Led to Her Success?

• Jennifer shares that her success comes from defining what she wants within her roles. 
• She also discusses why recruiting managers need to start with a foundation when looking for an employee to fill a specific role.
• A company or an employee may not check each box of your wants, but they may have the key requirements you’re looking for. 

How to Find the Right Candidate?

• Jennifer shares how companies can find the ideal candidate for a position. First, managers should look beyond the resume. Does the candidate have transferable skills or experiences? Can you start an internship program to help you find the ideal candidate?
• For job seekers, Jennifer discusses the importance of networking within the organization you want to work for. It will help you bypass the over-saturated online system of job seeking.
• Once you figure out your ideal candidate, go where they like to hang out. For example, Are there specific online communities where you can find talent?

Advice on Employee Engagement

• To help deepen engagement with new talent, Jennifer discusses the importance of optimizing your onboarding process. Have someone mentor new hires for the first 60 to 90 days.
• Provide feedback that encourages celebrations and mistakes during the onboarding process. You don’t want to just point out the bad, but you want to point out the wins too.
• Develop a learning program to allow employees to gain new skills. The world is changing, and you want your employees to stay up-to-date on new tec

"The first thing I think about with that question is just knowing what you want. So really defining what you want in the role that you're looking for is first and foremost." - Jennifer Smith.

Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from operations to HR to becoming a successful recruiter. Through her experiences, she demonstrates the value of defining goals, embracing learning opportunities, and finding the right fit in the hiring process. 

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own career aspirations and gain valuable insights into navigating the ever-changing job market. To hear more about Jennifer's journey and gain further insights into talent recruitment and personal growth, tune into the full episode of "Int-HER-rupt" with Linda Yates.

Resources

Flourish Careers

Flourish Careers LinkedIn

Flourish Careers Instagram

Flourish Careers Podcast

You'll hear many myths far from the truth as a leader. For example, most believe CEOs get to sip mimosas all day while other employees do the hard work.

Of course, you know this isn’t true. But what are the other myths leaders have to deal with?

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates explores leadership myths with guest speaker Teresa Rand. Discover what these myths are and how leaders can combat the untruths of their position.

Who Is Teresa Rand?

• Teresa has 30 years of experience working with the YMCA and worked her way up to becoming the CEO of the organization.
• After leaving her CEO position, she started her own consulting company.
• She helps others improve their work-life balance, how to maneuver through life changes, and develop good leadership skills.
• Teresa is also a certified yoga and disc instructor.

Leadership Myths

• Leaders never make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, and there will be times you make them. However, it’s best to admit your wrongs before someone else does. This way, you can correct them and move on without looking like the bad guy.
• Leaders never need help: Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. You don’t know everything, and it’s okay to admit this. Always remember, it doesn’t have to be lonely at the time. 
• Leaders are responsible for other's careers: It’s common for employees to think they are not in a certain position because the boss doesn’t want them there. However, it’s not technically the CEO’s responsibility to place employees in their desired position. 
• Leaders need an MBA: The letters behind your name aren’t as important as you may think it is. Teresa discovered she was wasting her time going to school for an MBA. She found out that her experience and qualities helped her more in receiving her leadership position.

How Can Leaders Combat These Myths?

• Always use your voice no matter what position you’re in. Even if you’re at the very bottom of the organization, it’s important for you to allow yourself to be seen and heard.
• Teresa received advice from a former colleague to always arrive early to meetings and conferences. It's another way for your voice to be heard.  
• Lastly, learn how to communicate with others effectively. This includes listening to people’s needs and discussing issues without becoming defensive.

Teresa's insights challenge the myths surrounding leadership. She highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of seeking support, and the need for personal accountability in career advancement. Whether you're a CEO or an entry-level employee, these lessons are applicable to all leaders at every stage of their journey.

Don't miss out on this empowering episode as Linda Yates and Teresa Rand debunk the myths of leadership and provide invaluable advice for personal and professional growth.

"We don't have to do it alone. Ultimately, we have to make the call if we're in a leadership position. But to take advice and get advice and surround yourself with what I've always called my personal board of directors, people that are not necessarily in my industry, but people that I admire and respect." - Teresa Rand

Resources

www.teresarandconsulting.com

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Being a leader often comes with a ton of stress. There’s so much pressure for you to do your very best, and many people come to you for guidance. One wrong decision will cost you, the people under your leadership, and the company.

With all of this pressure and stress, how can you combat it all?

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Nicole Trick Steinbach on dealing with stress. Listen to these insightful tips on how to handle stress as a leader.

Nicole’s Successful Journey in Escaping Poverty

• Nicole grew up in a single-mother household and experienced poverty during her childhood. She became the first in her family to attend college. Her educational background and drive helped her escape the poverty she faced during her youth.
• After spending 20 years in tech and becoming a global senior Director, she now runs a business where she teaches other women about bravery in leadership roles.
• However, she did face challenges while climbing the ladder. One of these challenges is overcoming imposter syndrome. What helped her was accepting hard feedback and allowing herself to move away from things that no longer served her.

Shifting Bravery to Accountability

• To help you move out of a hard place, get serious about what you want. For example, do you want a life of financial freedom?
• Don’t be afraid of hard work. Everyone wants the easy way out, but some steps may require you to put in more time and effort.
• Remember, accountability has nothing to do with control. Instead, it’s taking responsibility for your perspective, impression, experience, and action.

Biggest Stressors for Leaders Today

• Following someone else's ghost: Following a past leader's actions is okay, but remember to be yourself. Nicole provides details on how you can be yourself as a leader and not follow someone's ghost
• Having a team that's just like you: It's essential to have team members who will push back on you and are nothing like you. You need others with different experiences, races, ages, and religions to gather different ideas.
• Forgetting about their careers: Continue to build your career while you help others. While building your team and helping them become successful, you may fail to focus on your career. Find growth in your career, and don't put it on pause. 

Dealing With Stress in Your Work

• Define your goals: Take the time to determine what you want out of your career. Set deadlines to help you reach your goals and celebrate success.
• Rest your body to bring creativity: In today's society, we're too focused on the hustle and tend to forget how important it is to rest our bodies. There's a reason why certain people are more successful than others, and it's because they take the time to sleep to bring creativity.
• Nicole lives by sun, social, and sleep to help her manage stress. Be sure to get vitamin D, connect with others, and rest when your body is tired.
• Her last tip is never to stay somewhere when you're not thriving. Yes, you need the paycheck, but if you know a company is not right for you, move on to help you afford stress and burn.

“When you're building cortisol and dumping dopamine throughout it, you have all kinds of issues, such as cardiovascular and relationship issues. That's when people start drinking too much, smoking too much, partying too much, whatever it is, and not sleeping enough, like cortisol is there. It's such an important part. Dopamine is there. It's such an important part. But you know, what else was really important? Equilibrium!” - Nicole Trick Steinbach

Nicole Trick Steinbach shares terrific tips on combatting stress as a leader. As always, your host, Linda Yates, has guest speakers who share powerful advice on helping you become a better leader. Subscribe to the Int-HER-rupt podcast for more leadership tips!

Resources

Celebrate Brave with Nicole Trick Steinbach's podcast

www.tricksteinbach.com

Nicole Trick Steinbach LinkedIn

Nicole Trick Steinbach Instagram

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Are you struggling to trust others?

There are times in life when someone hurts you and makes it difficult for you to trust them again. Broken trust is hard to repair when emotions are high, including in co-worker relationships.

Returning to episode 113 of Int-HER-rupt, host Linda Yates revisits her conversation with Cheryl Nye. They discuss the importance of trust and how to respond when it is broken - whether in the workplace or in life.

Cheryl’s Background

• After dabbling as an entrepreneur, Cheryl found her niche in corporate America. She is a data consultant who has worked with the same company for 17 years.
• As a Toastmasters Club Sensor Toast member, she gained confidence in communication and leadership. This experience created the foundation for the work she does today.

 The Importance of Trust 

• Nye calls trust the “foundation of all relationships” - whether at home or in the workplace.
• Without trust, communication falls apart. If someone doesn’t trust their team leader to respect them, they won’t come forward if something goes wrong. Similarly, if a leader can’t trust their team members to follow through on projects, the work will fall on a few individuals or the leader themselves.
• Once trust is lost, it can be hard to regain it, regardless of whether the person losing it is in a leadership position or not.

 How to Recover From Broken Trust

• Communication: If you have lost trust in someone in the workplace, communicate this with them as clearly and compassionately as possible. As Nye says in the episode, “Speak with love.” Understand your problem, and be upfront about it without condescension or negativity.
• Accountability: If you have broken someone’s trust, take responsibility. Take the time to listen and understand how the other person is feeling. Apologize and plan how to improve - then follow through on that plan.
• Nye and our host Linda Yates greatly emphasize leading with the heart. When time is taken to truly listen, understand, and change, trust can be rebuilt, even when it takes a long time.

Learning to Trust YOURSELF Again

• If you’ve been the one to make a mistake or mess up, it can be hard to believe in yourself and can cause more stress than is helpful. 
• Nye’s advice is to use the “5 Why’s” to assess the root cause of the problem. She gives the following example: If you’re chronically late to work, ask yourself why you’re late. If it’s because the meeting wasn’t on your calendar, ask why it wasn’t on the calendar. Why? Maybe the calendar is not set up in a way that is easy to use. Knowing this, you can seek out a new calendar to try. Once you reach the root cause, you can turn it into action.
• Practice trusting your instincts. Listen to your gut - it is often right. Ask yourself how you feel about a stressful situation, and really listen to yourself.
• Finally, take a step back. Zoom out. Listen to others as well, and see how they’re responding to you. Self-reflection is a huge part of self-improvement, and Nye attributes this skill to help her grow and develop her interpersonal communication skills to where they are today. 

Trust in the workplace helps create a strong bond among the team. Without healthy communication and the knowledge that fellow teammates will follow through, a team will always suffer and lose its ability to work cohesively. If that trust is broken, accountability and active listening can create a safe environment to rebuild trust.

“Trust is the foundation of any relationship you may have. If you don’t have trust in your relationship, then you don’t have anything” - Cheryl Nye

Resource

Toastmaster

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

When you watched someone else take charge, did you ever wish you had their leadership skills?

Maybe you questioned yourself why you can't be a more assertive leader like them or why you can't get your team to work together like they did. 

Don't feel bad if you ever had these thoughts, as everyone has unique leadership styles. However, only some people are comfortable displaying their leadership style to others. 

Today's episode of Int-HER-rupt is a rerun of episode 109. Our host Linda revisits her discussion with Jordan LaSalle to help you become comfortable with your leadership style.

Meet Your Team Member Instead of Forcing Them to Come to You

• Jordan has a background in teaching, and one vital thing she kept in mind throughout her career is: Meet the student instead of forcing the student to meet her. 
• People learn and work differently, so if you want to teach or lead effectively, you must go to whoever you’re in charge of.
• Emotional intelligence is vital to this. Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your team and play to their strengths. Optimize things for your team so you can effectively work.

 Take the Time to Build Authentic Relationships

• After she worked in teaching, Jordan transitioned to being the vice president of education at her school. Just like she had done with her students, she focused on building genuine connections with the people under her.

• Jordan did an exercise where she had everyone she worked with create a user manual. The manual asked a few questions:
• What brings out the best in me.
• What brings out the worst in me.
• How to work most effectively with me.

• Team exercises build a relationship between you and your workers. It also gives you an idea of effectively leading and working with them.

Understand Every Team Member's Role

• Understand your role in the team, as well as the role of everyone else.
• Jordan got her position while the pandemic was just beginning. She and her team members were all worried about the future and the board's direction.
• Remember, the job of your teammates is not to bear your weight. As a leader, you are supposed to be your team's pillar and source of strength. 
• Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t rely on them. But focus on supporting your team instead of having your team support you.

Recognize Other People’s Expertise

• Yes, you may be the leader of a group or business, but you’re not omnipotent.
• In Jordan’s career, she works with a board of experts and meets with them frequently. Although she is in a higher position than the other board members, she also recognizes and respects their insight. 
• Jordan isn’t directly involved in everything, so listening to the other board members and considering their insights helps her run things smoothly.

Don’t Be Afraid of Vulnerability

• There’s a common misconception that leaders must always be strong and never show weakness or vulnerabilities. The problem with this is that it shows you’re not genuine. 
• Nobody is perfect. There is no perfect leader or team member. Instead of constantly chasing after perfection, chase after progress. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities! 
• One tool Jordan uses is language cues. Saying things like “I’m going out on a limb” shows you’re not completely certain about what you’ll say, but it also makes you more human and genuine.

The Three Golden Nuggets of Leadership

• Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
• Embrace who you truly are.
• Be able to find humor in yourself and in situations.

Are you ready for more leadership advice? If so, then be sure to subscribe to the IntHERrupt podcast for more women's leadership skills. 

Resources

Jordan LaSalle LinkedIN

Check out the Int-HER-rupt Website at www.intherrupt.com! You can reach out to Linda and let her know how this episode relates to you. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.