First Thing Monday #31
This week we stop complaining, listen up for tubas from Solange, and explain micro-connections 🫡 📣 ⏱️
☕ Happy Monday! Thank you for being here! This weekend I finally watched The Marvels. Iman Vellani is a real star! Even though 2025 is months away, I can’t wait for The Fantastic Four—Pedro Pascal is perfect casting.
☑️ 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 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:
How to Become a ‘Supercommunicator’ (The Wall Street Journal): There is science behind communication! And there are specific skills we can practice to become a "supercommunicator" - an individual who excels at connecting with others. Like active listening, being a supercommunicator requires asking deep questions and proving you’re listening. Don't just push your agenda. Instead, inquire about the other person's goals and openly express yourself. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language and vocal inflections. These signals often convey unspoken emotions and intentions. Communication is a learnable skill!
Four Ways to Quit Complaining (The Atlantic): Research shows constant complaining is harmful to both your happiness and your relationships. Complaining offers temporary relief but decreases happiness in the long run. It also negatively affects the people around you, spreading like a "contagion." Don’t be patient zero! Two ways to quit complaining stuck out to me: Focus on what you can control; if you can't change the situation, complaining won't help. And limit exposure to people who constantly complain. By curbing the urge to complain at work, you can contribute to a happier, more productive environment for yourself and your colleagues.
What remote-first Gen Zers want at work (Axios): Gen Z, the first generation entering a remote-dominant work environment, prioritizes flexibility, work-life balance, and mentorship. 66% of Gen Z students favor flexible schedules, and 36% prefer a hybrid model. While they value remote work options, they also crave real connections and mentorship opportunities unavailable solely through remote work. Companies offering financial well-being benefits, casual communication, and genuine mentorship opportunities will attract and retain Gen Z talent.
Expert shares LinkedIn trick to your job application getting seen (The Daily Dot): “If you're applying for 100-plus jobs, you are wasting your time,” this article says. Job seekers face a challenging market with mismatched qualifications, high application volume, and low response rates. While the system feels broken for many, one talent acquisition manager suggests strategic application and proactive networking as alternatives to mass applications. Focus on quality over quantity; tailor applications to specific roles and companies whose values align with yours. Don’t be deceived by the “Easy Apply” button on LinkedIn—applying for jobs is a job!
How HR leaders can support emotions in the workplace (HR Strategy): My edit to this? All leaders, not just those focused on HR, play a crucial role in fostering a culture of belonging where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions. Try micro-actions, activities that are seemingly small, positive interactions that can significantly impact employee well-being. Examples include pronouncing and spelling names correctly, which shows respect and inclusivity. Intervening when someone is interrupted is another way to create a supportive environment where everyone feels like they can participate. Larger meetings and initiatives can lack effectiveness if you’re not also managing the smaller, day-to-day culture in your work.
🚰 The Water Cooler
Power duo
and Dione Davis give insight into the philosophy of style and aesthetics in this deep-dive interview. Davis’ perspective as a stylist for both big and small brands shows us that storytelling is just as important as well-made clothes.Speaking of style, you may not know Courtney Mays by name, but you know her work with Chris Paul and Sue Bird. New York Magazine calls her “a master at fit.” If I were a man of certain means, she would be the only name I’d call for a sartorial assist.
Last week, new music from Beyonce. This week, music news from Solange! Solo is betting on tuba jams for her next musical move.
My updated 2024 - Q1 playlist is available on Apple Music.
📖 Reflections for this week:
For yourself: Ever feel overwhelmed by the rapid changes in your field? New technologies, shifting work styles, and emerging challenges are a reality in today's dynamic workplace. Embrace lifelong learning and develop in-demand skills like data analysis, project management, or communication to stay relevant and thrive in your career. Take the initiative to identify areas for growth and explore learning opportunities offered by your company, professional organizations, or online platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
For your boss: By taking the initiative to attend industry events or learn new skills on your own, you showcase your dedication to staying current and increasing your value to the organization. Sharing these experiences with your supervisor displays your enthusiasm and desire for professional growth, which they will likely appreciate. Sharing your knowledge positions you as someone who stays informed and is eager to contribute beyond just your assigned tasks. This can lead to increased trust and reliance, potentially opening doors to future opportunities or responsibilities.
For your direct report(s): Recognizing your limitations isn't a weakness, it's a sign of strength and self-awareness. Seeking guidance from experienced colleagues or your own manager isn't just acceptable, it's an essential part of your own professional development. By asking for help, you not only get the support you need but also foster a culture of open communication and collaborative learning. Remember, nobody has all the answers, but together you can achieve greater results.
For your co-workers: Team-building activities, while not everyone's cup of tea, offer valuable chances to connect with colleagues outside the daily routine. Stepping outside the work environment fosters camaraderie, reveals hidden talents and perspectives, and strengthens communication in a relaxed setting. By actively participating with a positive attitude, you contribute to building trust and a more inclusive workplace, ultimately benefiting both your relationships and the team's success.
⚡️ And one last thing…
Micro-connections are tiny interactions you have with colleagues throughout the day. They might seem insignificant – a quick "good morning," a "thanks for the help," or a smile in passing. But here's the thing: these little moments matter. Contrast them with “micro-aggressions”—which are also small and indirect, but can negatively affect us and our workplace environment.
Imagine starting your day with a genuine "How are you?" to a coworker you haven't seen in a while. Suddenly, you're not just colleagues, you're people. It's a small gesture, but it builds bridges. Or maybe you express appreciation for someone covering on a call. It shows you notice and care, strengthening your partnership in the trenches.
These micro-connections aren't just about being polite; they're about building trust and a sense of "we're in this together." Holding the door, offering to pick up coffee, or remembering someone's birthday – these seemingly trivial gestures add up. They create a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and, dare we say, happy to be around each other.
So, this week, let's make a conscious effort to embrace the power of micro-connections. A simple gesture, a few kind words – that’s all it can take to make a difference, one interaction at a time.
A little kindness goes a long way in making Monday (and the rest of the week) a little brighter,
Follow me on Instagram at @misterfantastik
Mico-connecting here, babe - loved this one ..."Two ways to quit complaining stuck out to me..." hit me...yes, yes, yes! Need em both on a pillow STAT.