Jennifer Shaw, CPC, ELI-MP’s Post

A few years ago, my team and I reported to a new manager who had just joined the business. He immediately displayed an unfriendly demeanor, making my team and me feel the impact. His approach was sometimes so harsh that nothing my team and I did was good enough. Despite the natural inclination to harbor resentment and complain, I chose a different path: understanding and proactive engagement. Instead of succumbing to negativity, I aimed to understand the underlying reasons for his attitude. I sought to uncover what he thought of me and the value my team and I brought. This introspection led me to question how I could improve my work and whether he fully grasped the operational intricacies of our role. I decided to involve him regularly even in more operational updates. By keeping him informed and asking for his support and feedback on my ideas, he began to understand my challenges and contributions better. This approach shifted our dynamic, as it allowed him to see the realities of our work and provided me with valuable insights into his expectations and thought processes. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the situation, I took ownership and adopted a solution-oriented mindset. I refrained from complaining and concentrated on identifying areas where we might be falling short and needed improvement. This proactive attitude demonstrated my commitment to growth and excellence, which gradually altered his perception of me and my team. In about a year, the transformation was evident. My once-difficult manager became my biggest advocate within the business, offering unwavering support throughout the years we worked together and even to date. This experience reinforced a vital lesson: while we cannot control people’s actions, we can control our own responses/actions; and change the narrative in the process. Cheers to a new week!! It is possible to transform a challenging relationship into a supportive one.!

As a woman in the workplace, I used to gauge my success by how much I was "liked." And where did that get me? Nowhere! Every day, I struggled with imposter syndrome and overanalyzed every interaction. I constantly questioned myself: ❓ "What did I do wrong?" ❓ "Were they just being 'nice'?" ❓ "Was that interaction genuine, or do they secretly dislike me?" Then, I had a breakthrough. I realized it's nearly impossible to have everyone "like" you. I decided to shift my focus to being authentically me. The results have been transformative: ✔ I've built and maintained genuine relationships with peers, colleagues, and clients. ✔ The "Sunday scaries" and work-related nightmares have disappeared. ✔ I feel healthier, both physically and mentally. It's easy to fall into the "do they like me?" trap, and many of us experience it. However, it often impacts women differently. Society frequently places additional pressure on women to be agreeable, nurturing, and likable, which can lead to self-doubt and overthinking. This added pressure can make it even harder for women to assert themselves and feel confident in their abilities. As we head into a well-deserved weekend, remember: your #authenticity will take you further than you can imagine. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

This! We learned about Authenticity in my Leadership class and that the best leaders are the ones who are truly authentic. Your team can always tell if you're being authentic or putting on a front. I tell people, I'm me. You like me or you don't- I don't care. I've had so many people try to change me to be someone other than who I am and I just don't get it. Why pretend to be someone you're not - that has to be exhausting! I'm 100% me, quirkiness and all and you can like more or not. I also want you to be you - quirkiness and all. We don't need to agree or like the same things, if we do - authentically - great - if not - fine too. Be who you are. #emotionalintelligence #Leadership #management

Becoming a manager is a special moment 👏 However, it can often be equal parts exciting and terrifying! 😃😰 We want you to approach this new path in your career with great confidence, because this is a time that could see your personal development really accelerate. If you’re looking for tips and advice on how to approach this step up, then we have got you covered! Here’s seven from us to you. Don’t Fall Back – Remember that you’re no longer employed to do the role you had previously. Trust - Whilst it may seem that hovering above every member of your team will be a crucial way of ensuring that tasks are completed. Surprisingly, this may be your undoing. Clinging to control sends the message to your team that you do not trust them enough to let go. Be Present - Be there for your team and get stuck into getting to know and understand them more. Don’t Overhaul Everything Immediately – Assess potential changes before implementing your ideas. We don’t always need to fix what isn’t broken. First Impressions Count - Role model the behavioural standards that you expect from your team, and clearly display your dedication and effort to your role and your responsibility to them. Positivity – Create an atmosphere which people will thrive in. Dedicate Time To Coaching And Strategic Planning - Once you have a grasp on the ins and outs of your managerial role, it's time to craft a strategic plan to elevate your team to new heights. You've reached this point as a result of your hard work and performance, so be your authentic self, be open to new learnings and be ready for this fantastic journey ahead. You've got this! ❤️

Celebrating success = more success 🤝 So this is an open note to all managers: don’t forget to celebrate your team’s wins ✨ When your to-do list is sky high and you're on the go, it's easy to think, 'what's next?' and swiftly dive into the next project/task. But taking time to pause and acknowledge wins has such a positive knock-on effect. For me, knowing you’re doing a good job and feeling like your work is valued does wonders for confidence 👏 And when you feel like you’re great at what you do… 💛 You enjoy work much more 💛 You're more productive 💛 You produce better work  💛 Your working relationships are stronger It’s doesn’t have to be over the top but just a few words of appreciation or a small gesture can have a *huge* impact. Do you agree? ⬇ If you're a manager, how do you make your team feel valued? ⬇

“Treat people like people” at work. I have to give a tremendous compliment to my team, Alyssa Plascencia and Lance Reitelbach, for stepping up to the helm and moving our projects forward despite my sudden departure. That’s when you know you’ve got rockstars 🤩 …when a call comes in, and they say, “Just go.” Unfortunately, we will all have a day when a call comes— whether at home or while we’re at work— and we’ve got to go. We've got to step away from our work projects. And how we treat one another makes all the difference on those occasions. Let's go further... how we treat one another DAILY makes all the difference because our relationships in the workplace can really compound stress, or it can provide camaraderie, genuine support, and belonging in our lives. We spend a considerable amount of time with one another at work. Believe me when I say that kindness (thoughtfulness, humanness, consideration) at the workplace is NOT weakness. It’s confidence! It's strength of character. It's leading. It creates connections, and connection creates wins. We all take the lead when we treat people like people in the workplace. It's so cliche, yet still so true. Leader isn’t a title or position, nope! Not even close. Thanks for leading Alyssa and Lance. I appreciate you both. You made it easy for me to step away, and that was all the difference.

Setting high expectations in our professional lives can make all the difference, whether it’s in job searches, business deals, or meetings. It’s not about being demanding—it’s about knowing your worth and expecting the same from others. When you hold yourself and those you work with to a higher standard, you create an environment where clear communication, accountability, and mutual respect thrive. In my experience, raising the bar leads to better results and stronger relationships. Don’t settle for less—be intentional about what you bring to the table and what you expect in return.

🌟 Thursdays with Alina: The Power of Perspective 🌟 Hey LinkedIn fam! Let's shift our lens this busy week. Perspective isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer in both life and work. 🚀 Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: View setbacks as growth and learning opportunities. This shift turns obstacles into stepping stones. 🤝 Lead with Empathy: Understanding different viewpoints strengthens teamwork and sparks innovation. It’s about connecting and collaborating, not just listening. 🎯 Balance Ambition with Appreciation: Celebrate wins, big and small. Recognizing achievements fuels motivation and keeps the journey satisfying. 🌍 See the Big Picture: Work is just one part of the story. A holistic view of life enhances professional success and personal fulfillment. Let’s embrace the power of perspective to unlock new possibilities as we wrap up the week. What’s your take on perspective? Share your thoughts below!

Being an executive, husband, and father keeps me busy. I used to try to stay on top of everything. Now I know I need to: Schedule my priorities, not prioritize my schedule. To take back control over my time, I get clear on: 1. What only I can do (for my team and loved ones).  2. What I’m passionate about. 3. What I value. When I schedule these first:  I achieve greater impact and enjoy doing it. What’s helped you align your schedule and priorities? ♻️ Repost to help leaders clarify what matters for them.

The Power of Connection and Working in Your Strengths Last week, I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Guest Support Gathering in Vancouver, BC, and it was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. The event was filled with meaningful connections and conversations, and someone even told me that when I grabbed the microphone, it was as if I was instantly plugged into the room’s energy. That comment stayed with me because it reminded me of the magic that happens when you’re working in your strengths. There’s something grounding about doing work you’re passionate about, something that taps into your natural skills and abilities. When you're aligned with your strengths, it doesn’t just feel easier—it feels right. You’re more connected to the people around you, more energized, and more present in what you’re doing. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this time and time again, and it’s something I believe everyone can find in their own work. If you're still searching for that place where you feel fully in your element, here are a few tips to help you tap into your own strengths: 1. Reflect on What Energizes You: Pay attention to the tasks or moments in your work that make you feel most alive. Is it problem-solving? Helping others? Leading teams? These are often clues to your natural strengths. 2. Look Back at Past Successes: What have been your proudest moments in work or life? Reflect on the skills you used during those times—those are your strengths in action. 3. Ask for Feedback: Sometimes, it’s hard to see our own strengths. Ask colleagues, mentors, or friends what they think you do best. Often, others can spot what comes naturally to you that you may overlook. 4. Lean Into What Feels Effortless: When you’re in your zone, things tend to flow with ease. Notice when you’re fully immersed in a task without feeling drained. That’s a good sign you’re working from a place of strength. I’m forever grateful for the chance to do work that I love, and I encourage you to explore where your own strengths lie. When you’re operating from that place of passion and purpose, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the impact you make on those around you. I look forward to more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow—both personally and professionally.