First Thing Monday #25
This week we celebrate MLK Day through civic engagement, reflect on the value of the calendar block, and practice mindfulness in professional conflicts 🗳️💼✌🏼
⚖️➕👐 Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to all of our readers in the States! Dr. King stands as a titan in the fight for civil rights and a beacon for civic engagement. His legacy inspires us not only to cherish our right to vote but to actively participate in shaping our communities through informed voices and engaged action. Consider joining the NAACP today on MLK Day and pledge your time and commitment to volunteer this election season.
☑️ FTM is a weekly newsletter that includes a recap of all the news Millennial and Gen Z leaders need to know to help make better career decisions. Each issue also includes four tips for developing better relationships in your workplace. Weekly issues come out on Monday mornings!
❓ Have a work question or topics you’d like us to discuss? Drop me a line 📱 misterfantastiksubstack@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!
I’m Jon Cochran, a consumer goods executive with 15 years of experience leading sales, marketing, and product development teams and working with brands like J.Crew, Hilton, and Mattel. I want to provide resources to help you take control of your career and maximize your satisfaction in the workplace.
⏰ What to read before your first meeting:
You Will Always Lose at Workplace Conflicts Until You Start Adopting This Simple Mindset Change (Entrepreneur): Conflict isn't about winning and losing, but about exploring different ideas to find the best solution. Don't be afraid to speak up, but manage your emotions. Think long-term—assume best intentions and a unified goal, even if at this moment you disagree on how to get there.
Why millennials, not Gen Z, became the side hustle generation (Fast Company): Contrary to popular belief, millennials have the most side hustles, not Gen Z. Data from H&R Block shows millennials work the most jobs to make ends meet. Gen Z, who entered the workforce during a strong economy, may not have the same urgency. Millennials see side hustles as more than just money. They can be creative outlets, passion projects, and ways to learn new skills. Expect multiple income streams to become the norm for different generations, diversifying income for financial security and personal fulfillment in the face of outdated work/life balance expectations.
Is Your LinkedIn Headshot Holding You Back? How to Master a Stylish Professional Portrait (The Wall Street Journal): If you haven’t updated your headshot in the last two years, this one is for you! Like it or not, colleagues and prospective employers judge that photo. Make sure it represents who you are today; not ten years ago. My favorite tip for a great headshot is to use filters in moderation; overdoing it can make you look like M3GAN or worse, a smooth shiny blob.
How LinkedIn's culture changed after PIPs, and layoffs (Business Insider): Speaking of LinkedIn, the pandemic initially boosted the company, but then growth slowed. In early 2023, things changed: Personal Improvement Plans increased, performance reviews became stricter, and "scrappiness" became the mantra. AI development became a priority, leading to overwork and unclear decision-making. Morale dropped, culminating in a tense all-hands meeting with layoffs. When the focus changed from being people-centered to more efficiency-driven, LinkedIn saw its stock price rise. Boards love short-term gain at almost any cost (including morale), so I’m interested to see how this plays out!
Why internet slang is a riddle for bosses (Financial Times): So much about our everyday language use is culturally specific— from age to ethnicity. Internet slang is no different than any other type of jargon that gets in the way of understanding and meaning. In the workplace, misunderstanding leads to mistakes, resentment, and unclear expectations. Let’s all try to be a little more sensitive when we use jargon ourselves or when we scratch our heads at a new phrase from a co-worker.
🚰 The Water Cooler
Did you catch the news of Elton John’s Versace auction? The auction is a sale of his belongings from his home in Atlanta. It was fascinating to read about how the city impacted him. The fashions are amazing and so is the art! Long live Atlanta!
During my ramping-up phase of retinol in 2022, I was flaking off during so many meetings that I had to ask my derm for help. My advice for the “retinol uglies”? Layer on moisturizer first, then your retinol, and then more moisturizer. Don’t be afraid to use too much!
Plane Jane had a lot to say during last week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Is this a good long-term strategy or is she playing a misguided game?
What song is getting you going this year? I’m keeping track of my 2024 - Q1 faves on Apple Music.
📖 Reflections for this week:
For yourself: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Schedule demanding tasks around your most productive times to maximize efficiency. Block out time for focused work, meetings, and administrative tasks. Prioritize the most important things and leave buffer time for unexpected situations. For me, an hour-and-a-half to two-hour time block in the morning and another one in the afternoon, each for a different task or project, leaves me with enough time in between for emails, meetings, and breaks.
For your boss: Sometimes we have a boss or supervisor where the relationship doesn’t come naturally. Yes, they hired you and they seemed cool. But now you’re on the job and the chit-chat ain’t chatting. Did your initial impression miss unspoken expectations? Don’t fret—clear communication about expectations (on both sides) can clear the air. Regardless of the relationship, focus on delivering excellent work. Your strong performance speaks volumes and can even win over a difficult boss.
For your direct report(s): Building a strong team and a fun work environment is great, but what happens when you miss your goals? Are the goals too ambitious? Unclear? Large goals can seem daunting. Consider dividing them into smaller, more manageable milestones with clear deadlines. Brainstorming sessions, knowledge sharing, and peer feedback can boost creativity and problem-solving and keep the team focused.
For your co-workers: Earning respect as a younger manager with limited experience requires a blend of humility, learning agility, and strategic action. Seek guidance from your experienced colleagues and genuinely listen to their advice. Pay attention to how your experienced colleagues work, interact, and solve problems. Learn from their approaches and adapt them to your style.
⚡️ And one last thing…
Amy M. Chamber’s piece about the importance of changing your mindset around conflict got me thinking about a few key ideas that helped me realize that conflict is not always about winners and losers. Like almost everyone else, I’ve received feedback about my communication style, conflict management strategies, and workplace persona throughout my career. I’ve learned that working with others is about cooperation and collaboration. Here are some of my top tips for being mindful of your approach to professional conflict:
Before diving headfirst into the fray, learn the power of the pause. Take a deep breath, acknowledge your internal response, and consciously choose a different path. Instead of formulating your counterargument, ask clarifying questions. Seek to understand the other person's perspective, not just dismantle it. Listen actively without interrupting.
Expressing your views is still crucial, but authenticity doesn't require aggression. You can be passionate and assertive without resorting to combative language or tone. Focus on stating your opinion clearly and respectfully, acknowledging the other person's viewpoint even if you disagree. Remember, open communication thrives on a foundation of mutual respect, not dominance.
Conflict isn't inherently bad. It can spark healthy debate, lead to new ideas, and ultimately strengthen relationships. However, it's crucial to choose your battles wisely and engage in them constructively. By embracing self-awareness, reframing your perspective, and mastering the art of the pause, you can transform your "conflict-first" approach into a bridge-building superpower.
By choosing connection over combat, you master your voice, build trust, and create harmonious relationships. Every step towards conscious communication is an exercise in understanding, playing out in your professional and personal life.
The world is yours,
Follow me on Instagram at @misterfantastik
Great links this week!
🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼