How to Pick-My-Brain!
Back in 2010, I hosted ‘pick-my-brain’ sessions for members of my career coaching program.
The time was dedicated mostly to one-on-one chats, but sometimes in groups. We would brainstorm and strategize, and each person would leave the session committed to taking action on at least one thing.
In my current iteration of Pick-My-Brain Fridays, we meet for 30 minutes.
This past Friday was different. I met face-to-face with one member at the Tea Room in Streetsville. (Tea lover like me? Pay them a visit.)
This member was recently laid off. We chatted about how she felt, how she was feeling now, and what’s next.
Here are some of the things she said:
“I wasn’t surprised, but I was still shocked when it happened. I allowed myself to grieve for 24 hours, and then I was okay. I surprised myself.
It was a weight that had been taken off my shoulders, and I realized how
relieved I now feel from such a toxic environment.”
Yes! It was that bad. Any job that keeps you up at nights isn’t worth it!
I asked her if she had gotten a chance to clear up her desk and get her personal stuff. She hadn’t!
That’s one of the effects of being caught off guard when layoff hits. You are not prepared for it, and most times you are not given the chance to get your stuff.
Some of those stuff includes emails with comments, and testimonials from colleagues and clients/vendors commending you on a job well done. Equally important are copies of performance appraisals. Those are key when you no longer have access.
As she prepares to start her job search while unemployed she is concerned about two things: she feels ill-equipped to answer the “Why were
you laid off?” question. She also feels that because she’s not working, it could hinder her ability to negotiate for what she’s worth.
She was relieved when I said: “Your value does not diminish just because you have been laid off. You are still you, with the skills and expertise your next employer needs!”
Second, she came up with her own narrative to answer the layoff question.
One piece of advice I offered to her was that job seekers should start
planning their exit strategy from the day they begin a new job, whether it’s
to move up within the company or to transition to a different career path.
By keeping an eye on their long-term goals, they can identify opportunities and make strategic moves that will advance their careers. Having your head down and focusing solely on the day-to-day tasks without considering future prospects can cause you to miss out on potential opportunities, or to miss the layoff signs.
All this planning does not mean one should become paranoid. It means if the layoff axe falls, you will be prepared.
Curious about what a “Pick-My-Brain” session with me looks like? Check out the Aspire to GROW Leadership Academy:
https://lnkd.in/gjChFvWn
