Friends, Pickpockets, & Development

Welcome to the Kickin' it with Kristen newsletter! I aim to deliver relatable stories, practical insights, and valuable resources you can use every Monday. Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call today to learn more about Down-To-Earth Insights LLC and the Leadership and LinkedIn Coaching I provide! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning

If you enjoy Kickin' it with Kristen, follow Kristen Chimack, comment, and share with your network!

💡Aha! Moment

Stepping away from the corporate world gave me a new lens on friendships.

Here's my big "Aha!" since resigning: many of my work friends... well, they were just that—work friends. In between all the meetings, lunch breaks, and casual chats in the halls, it was easy to mistake being work pals for being real-deal friends. We laughed at the same jokes and vented about the same bosses, but once you take away the daily interactions at work, some of those connections started to fizzle out. Ouch, right? 🤕

Real friendships? They're not about sharing a workspace or working for the same company; they're about sharing your world. 🌎

Once the backdrop of the office was gone, it was clear as day which ties were genuine and which ones... not so much. Every message, call, or meetup started feeling more intentional and real. We weren't just talking about the latest office drama anymore; we were diving into the real stuff that makes us tick.

When you are in the corporate bubble, it is too easy to label every coworker as a "friend." But the good, heartwarming friendships? Those need some love and care, especially when you're no longer bumping into each other by the water cooler or in the virtual Zoom room. I've become a lot more deliberate and intentional about cherishing those strong connections in the last two months.

If you've ever left a job or company, you might understand where I'm coming from. Think of those friends who've stuck around through thick and thin. And if you haven't caught up with them in a while, send them a text or drop them a note. It might just make their day and be the start of something awesome. 🌟

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - An accounting degree can be dangerous and make you feel like you know all about your taxes. However, this week, I spent time visiting with a CPA to get a refresher on the tax laws related to owning a business. I'm ready for you April 15, 2024. ✍🏻

📖Read - I received this article, A Pickpocket's Tale: The spectacular thefts of Apollo Robbins, from Tim Ferriss 's newsletter, 5-Bullet Friday. The article was written by Adam Green and published in The New Yorker in December 2012. It tells the story of Apollo Robbins, often dubbed "The Gentleman Thief," and showcases the incredible power of pickpocketing intertwined with the art of diverting attention. By skillfully manipulating human focus, Robbins swipes items seamlessly and reveals our vulnerability to distraction and the mind's intricate dance between what it sees and what it observes.

👀Watched - Tim Ferriss also shared "The art of misdirection," so you can actually see Apollo in action.  It's also one of the 20 most-viewed TED Talks of all time. I've watched it several times and even slowed it down. Amazing! Of course, this led me down a rabbit trail and has me asking myself, "Should I go to Columbia and find out if The School of Seven Bells is real or just a myth!?!" Does anyone want to join me?

✔️Accomplished - One of the best parts about running my own business is that I can work when I want, wherever I want! Last week, I was on a cruise to Mexico with family, and this week, I'm headed to Miami for a Caribbean cruise with my Chief sisters. My accomplishment was developing and planning all of my content for the next two weeks and even leaving room to adapt if anything new presents itself!

🤔Insight for the Week

Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life. ~Teri Garr

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Illinois!

Q: I love Kickin' it With Kristen.  I work for an RPO and find I need a development plan for recruiters who do not get or have the whole concept.  Any suggestions on how to start?

 A: Great question! Without knowing all the details or challenges you may be seeing, here are some things you can think about! To begin with, it's important to ensure all recruiters are on the same page. Here's a quick plan to get you started:

1. Assessment: Before diving in, evaluate what specific areas the recruiters are struggling with. Is it understanding job requirements, sourcing, interviewing skills, or something else?
2. Training Modules: Develop short, engaging training sessions covering the basics, from understanding job roles to effective candidate sourcing and interview techniques. If you have recruiters who are "getting it" ask them to help or even present certain sessions to the larger team.
3. Mentorship: Pair less-experienced recruiters with seasoned pros in your firm. This allows for hands-on learning and real-time feedback.
4. Role-Playing: This is a fun way to practice! Okay, so some may hate it, but it's a great way to learn - both for those participating in the role-play and also for those observing it. Simulate interviews, candidate interactions, or client meetings and offer feedback.
5. Resources: Provide access to industry articles, webinars, and workshops. Knowledge is power!
6. Feedback Loops: Regularly check in with your recruiters. Understand their challenges and adjust the training accordingly.
7. Celebrate Wins: Recognize when they apply their learnings effectively; this will boost morale and reinforce the behaviors you want to see.

Remember, development is an ongoing process, so stay patient and persistent. Best of luck with your development planning!

Do you have a question about a current leadership challenge or situation? Submit it today via a direct message on LinkedIn or email KChimack@gmail.com and include #KIWK!

🎙 Let's Hear Your Voice!

• Had an 'Aha!' moment recently? Spill the beans below! 🎉
• Read or watched something that made you go, "Wow!"? Drop a recommendation! 🎥📚
• Got something to cheer about? Share your win, and let's celebrate together! 🎊
• Loving the vibe of Kickin' it with Kristen? Subscribe and spread the fun with your crew! 💌