Redefining Work-Life Balance
Meet Brad McDonald, a standout in the coaching and consulting world not just for his expertise, but for his deeply rooted values. Brad’s “why” is to "perpetually bear the fruit of God’s love." This mission influences everything he does, from work and family life to navigating leadership roles. In this interview, Brad shares his unique insights on integrating personal values with professional life, offering a refreshing take on thriving both personally and professionally. Dive in to discover how Brad’s approach can inspire you to live a more integrated and fulfilling life!
What does work-life balance mean to you, and how do you manage it as a working parent?
It’s all about work-life INTEGRATION
Everyone's wrestling with this in new and interesting ways, particularly with remote work. For working parents, there are unique considerations when it comes to work-life balance. To me, work-life balance means I can provide for my family's financial and emotional needs while working in a role that aligns with my purpose, skills, and personality. But I prefer the term "work-life integration." I want a sense of wholeness in my life, recognizing that what I do to provide for my family financially and how I fulfill my purpose in the marketplace shouldn't be two separate lives. Instead, I'm living one whole life, expressing my identity and skills both at home and in the marketplace.
Physically present ≠ Emotionally engaged
As a husband and a father of three, work-life balance is an ongoing challenge. One key observation is that being physically present with my family isn't the same as being emotionally engaged with them. Work-life balance isn't just about being in the right place; it's also about being present and focusing your attention on your family or work when needed. It requires ongoing effort, careful planning, and a tremendous amount of flexibility.
Communication is key.
Keeping an open line with my wife and clients helps manage changes and expectations.
How should job seekers talk about work-life balance during interviews?
Know your life purpose and core values
Job seekers should articulate their life purpose and core values. This clarity helps them explain why a particular role aligns with their purpose and values. They should also be able to describe how their skill set creates unique value for the team and clientele. While discussing logistics like PTO is necessary, the focus should be on understanding the company culture and how it aligns with their needs. For instance, if there's no formal PTO policy or if there's unlimited PTO, it's important to ask about the company's culture around time off to get a sense of what's common practice. This helps ensure that their expectations align with the company's approach to work-life balance.
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How do they align with the company
Job seekers should also be prepared to discuss how their purpose and values align with the company's mission and culture. This conversation can highlight their long-term commitment and fit for the role beyond just the immediate job responsibilities.
What signs should job seekers look for in a leader to ensure a positive work culture?
You’re not the only one in the interview
Candidates should interview the employer as much as the employer interviews them. Look at both the executive leadership and your line manager.
It's crucial to talk to the person who will manage you directly to understand their goals and management style. Ask questions about their vision for the team, how they handle challenges, and what their expectations are for their direct reports.
Do your research
For the executive leadership, candidates should look at the company's reputation and how leaders make their employees feel. This can be more challenging to assess directly but leveraging your network can help. Reach out to current or former employees to get their insights. Use tools like Glassdoor to read reviews and gauge the general sentiment about the company's culture and leadership.
Pay attention to the consistency between what the company claims and what employees say. If there's a high CEO approval rating and positive reviews, it usually indicates strong leadership. Conversely, if there are numerous complaints and a low approval rating, it might be a red flag. Observing how leaders interact with their teams can also provide valuable insights into their leadership style and effectiveness.
Thank you for chatting with us, Brad! We’re always in your corner and so grateful for your time.