Ryan is a videographer and content creator that is struggling to meet his managers moving target. He wants to know how they can get on the same page, or maybe it’s time to move on?

How do you work with an inconsistent manager to create a scenario where you can win?

When high level changes in a company are causing you to feel unappreciated, is it time to leave?

In this episode, Tessa shares tips on working with managers that are constantly changing their priorities.

1.       Prioritize. Set 3 priorities based on your manager’s requests. Review these often with your manager to keep you both working towards the same goals.

2.       Meetings. Use meetings to talk about the future and save past information for emails. This helps managers stay engaged.

The Unspoken Truths of Career Success:

Chapter 7: Getting Comfortable with Conflict - GAP Model for Conflict Resolution

Communication in Conflict Worksheet

https://www.jobdoctortessa.com/communicating-conflict

 Link Directly to Free Materials

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Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) stealing jobs? Is it a friend or foe for job security? Tessa interviews founder and CEO of CMS Consultants, Cheryl Swirnow. They discuss how AI fits into today’s workplace and how to use it to your advantage. Other topics include job stacking, wellness washing, and how to interview your potential employer.

 You can find Cheryl Swirnow at https://www.cms-consultants.com/

Job stacking is the practice of working two or more full-time jobs simultaneously. It's become increasingly popular in the age of remote work, as it can be easier to juggle multiple roles when they don't require commuting or being physically present in an office.

Wellness washing is a term used to describe when a company appears to prioritize employee wellbeing, but in reality, their actions don't match their words. It's essentially a form of corporate hypocrisy where companies create a facade of caring about their employees' mental and physical health without truly investing in supportive programs or policies.

Interview your future employer
It's crucial to remember that a job interview is a two-way street. While the employer is evaluating your fit for the role, you should also be assessing if the company aligns with your career goals and values. Before the interview, research the company's culture, values, and recent news, and prepare thoughtful questions based on your priorities. During the interview, actively listen to their responses, paying attention to both their words and how they deliver them. If the interview is in-person, take note of the workplace environment and see if it feels collaborative and supportive. Don't hesitate to confidently ask your questions, weaving them naturally into the conversation to gain a deeper understanding of the company and the role.

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Landon was let go from being a CFO and after much looking for jobs accepted the position of Senior Accountant. (A significant step down)

Is it possible that Landon just tanked his career/earning potential/and employment trajectory?

It's possible. But not if he follows the advice of The Job Doctor.

It might seem counterintuitive, but taking a lesser role after being a CFO can actually be a smart career move. It's all about perspective. Maybe you're prioritizing work-life balance or want to dive deep into a new area. This "step back" could be a strategic leap forward – think of it as a chance to explore a new industry or master a specific skill.

Don't let your CFO experience go to waste! Mentor your colleagues, sharing your financial wisdom. This keeps you sharp and establishes you as a leader, even without the title. Jump into projects that let you flex those strategic thinking muscles. Show everyone what you're capable of!

Networking is key, no matter where you are in your career. Stay connected with your old CFO crew, but also build relationships in your new role. A wider network means more opportunities.

Finally, be ready to explain your decision. Frame it positively – talk about your motivations and goals. And when you discuss your experience, highlight those transferable skills. You've got this!

Stepping back doesn't mean stepping down. With the right mindset and approach, it can be a powerful move for your career.

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Tessa speaks to fellow podcaster and career coach, Erica Sosna. Erica shares the keys to understanding your career choices and using that clarity to seek roles that maximize your potential. They discuss the following topics.

 How do you pitch yourself when you’ve had a non-linear career trajectory?

What should you focus on when applying to jobs?

How do you find your “thriving zone” when searching for a new role?

In storytelling, the "golden thread" is the core concept or theme that weaves through every element of the narrative, providing unity and purpose. It's what keeps the audience engaged and invested, guiding them through the twists and turns of the plot.  Similarly, when you're crafting your story for potential employers, your golden thread is your personal brand or unique value proposition. It's the consistent message you convey about your skills, experience, and goals, demonstrating how you align with the company's needs and values. Just as a strong golden thread creates a compelling story, a clear and concise personal brand helps you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. It's about showcasing your strengths, highlighting your achievements, and demonstrating why you're the perfect fit for the role and the organization.

Erica Sosna is an author, TedExer, and cohost of The Career Equation Podcast. 

 You can find her at https://thecareerequation.com/ 

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What is the value of college education in today’s world? Is it worth the rapidly increasing cost of tuition? In this episode, Tessa interviews Karin Klein, the author of Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree.  Karin shares her thoughts on the history and future of a college degree, who it benefits, and why young people are often unaware of alternative paths to success.

 Karin is an award-winning journalist and editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times.

You can find her

[email protected]

Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree  

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Even the most dedicated employees can experience personal or familial trials that require their full attention. How do you take extended leave without losing your job?

 In this episode, Tessa shares her experience with choosing to take time off to be with a family member. She also shares an interview clip of her son, Zac. While struggling with mental health issues, Zac attempted to take his life. After surviving this event and a long road to recovery, Zac now has a message of hope for those in a similar situation. Below is a list of resources available to those needing to take time off for themselves, or to support a family member.  

1. EAPs (Employee Assistance Program)
2. Short and Long-Term Disability Acts
3. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)
4. Flexible PTO

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Tessa dives into the art of navigating workplace conflict with Karin Hurt and David Dye, authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." They highlight the common pitfall of avoiding difficult conversations, which are crucial for personal and professional development. David and Karin provide a practical script for initiating these conversations and introduce the four dimensions of productive conflict: connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment. They share impactful phrases, or "GOATs," that help start conversations within each dimension. From addressing a micromanager to discussing mental health challenges with an employer, they equip listeners with the tools to handle various workplace scenarios.

Karin Hurt and David Dye empower leaders to navigate uncertainty, spark innovation, and achieve remarkable outcomes. As CEO and President of Let's Grow Leaders, their practical tools and leadership programs leave a lasting impact. These award-winning authors have penned six books, including "Courageous Cultures" and "Powerful Phrases for Dealing With Workplace Conflict." Karin, a former Verizon Wireless executive and acclaimed leadership speaker, and David, a former executive and elected official, combine their expertise to guide organizations forward. Committed to social impact, they also champion the Winning Wells initiative, providing clean water to Cambodian communities.

You can find David and Karin at their website https://letsgrowleaders.com/

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Merit recently left her company after things went downhill following a restructuring. She is happy with her new position but wants to avoid the same thing happening again.

 How do you avoid feeling like a cog in the wheel, especially in an industry with a lot of change? What can you do to stay off the chopping block?

 As a Customer Success Manager, what is the best way to deal with being the “punching bag” for angry customers on a daily basis? 

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In this episode, Tessa interviews fellow career coach, Sam Owens. Sam is the author of I Hate Job Interviews. He shares tips for a successful interview.

1. Practicing your responses
2. How to avoid rambling
3. Addressing being fired from a previous job
4. Being too honest
5. Using the Home Base Model
6. What interviewers really mean by, “Tell me about yourself.”
7. What to include in the first 3 minutes of the interview
8. Enthusiasm
9. How to end an interview

 You can find Sam Owens at https://www.samscareertalk.com/

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After many negative experiences with previous employers, Jenny is feeling like her current situation may be too good to be true. She wants to know how to keep her past experiences from repeating themselves.

How do you keep past negative work experiences from reoccurring and maintain a healthy relationship with your manager?

If you really like your manager, how do you know when it’s time to leave your job?

Tips on maintaining a good relationship with your manager and adjusting to change in a company:

• Be upfront with your manager about where you want to go. Give them the plan for how you want to get there (exposures, experiences, training).
• Quick validate. Check in with your manager frequently to see if you are on track.
• If you are having a negative experience, have a crucial conversation.
• Make sure the story you are telling yourself is the real story.
• Change in a company can be a trigger for innovation.
• If you decide to leave a company, do it in an organized way. Don’t lose your leverage and/or promotion opportunities by leaving too quickly.
• Keep your “enemies” close and stay in the look when changes are happening.

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