Happy pollen summer! The yellow haze has me a bit confused. I’m glad to see some rain this week, and the golden rivulets flowing down the street, washing some of my sneezing away. My choices this month mirror that spring growth into summer. So many grad signs on lawns, so many celebrations of kids and adults moving on to their next adventure. 🎓 Along with the growth that can come with remembrance and appreciation for important times in history and a celebration of ALL humans, with Juneteenth and Pride Month.
No matter where you may be in your life, I guarantee there are opportunities to grow, learn and appreciate. Take ‘em on. 💡
Ok, here we go.
Reading for learning AND fun.
Everybody Be Cool! 6 Personal Development Lessons to Elevate Your Workplace Vibe, by Hanan Harb Sahourieh
When I was connected with Hanan to discuss all things learning & development, management, communication, I never dreamed I’d end up quoted in her book. What a great conversation we had, and what a fun book she’s published, chock full of practical tools to help people grow in career and life. Get thee to your local bookseller and pick it up.
The Berry Pickers, by Amanda Peters
This beautiful and haunting book is a search for truth in a time of racial strife and the hardships suffered by a Mi’kmaq Indian family from Nova Scotia. I have family in this area of Canada, and embarrassingly never knew about the racist challenges highlighted in this novel. It was jaw-dropping at times – a great read.
Listening.
Conversation With a Manager: Stories From the Frontline, with Steve King and Betsy Hagan
This is an interesting podcast that has both full length episodes and shorter snippets (7-8 minutes) if you don’t have time to listen to longer ones. Steve and Betsy interview coaches and leaders on how to best support managers. I recently listened to a short piece on setting expectations, with guest Jakada Imani who points out what can happen when goal clarity doesn’t exist. We often assume people understand their role, but being clear is essential for your team members’ success with work. Give it a listen.
The Quote.
“Honesty matters. Vulnerability matters. Being open about who you were at a moment in time when you were in a difficult or an impossible place matters more than anything.”
Neil Gaiman, from the forward of The Moth Presents: All These Wonders: True Stories About Facing the Unknown
First, I love the author Neil Gaiman, and second, this is a great book for new grads or people facing experiences that will be FULL of growth. A fun, curated collection of stories about risk and courage.
The Testimonial.
“I have found myself slowing down and thinking about many different areas we covered while managing my team. Conflict being a big one.”
From my recent New Manager’s Advantage program feedback
The key often is… (pause) to slow down. To think about our actions in order to grow. Especially with a topic like conflict where it can be harder to see clearly in the moment. Take a walk to get coffee, take a few moments in the sunshine, pet your pets. These moments are needed to process situations and see them in a different light.
The Product.
Three words. New. Manager’s. Advantage.
I’ve gotten great feedback from the most recent program and am launching it again in the early fall. Talk about GROWTH – this program is an opportunity to arm yourself or your managers with the tools they need to face the brand-new challenges that can occur in leading others. From understanding the move from individual contributor to manager, to setting up a successful team, to communicating and motivating people, this program is key for new manager success.
☕Want to learn more about the New Manager’s Advantage and additional offerings? Let’s chat! Book time on my Calendly here.
Your Turn
Ok - what’re you reading, listening to, thinking about, or working on?
Reply back to let me know what you are up to this month.
Have a great rest of your June, full of growth and wonder. And despite the pollen, get outside. We will blink and September will be here. 🌞
Ellen