It’s a time of great change for me. In this case, great change happens to come with the benefit of a short career break; A chance to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. Also, a time to get back to writing content for you and all the other Trench Life readers (sorry that we’ve neglected you). In the spirit of change and looking forward, I thought I’d dabble in … [Read more...] about An AI has this advice to young professionals for 2023
When’s the last time you prioritised yourself?
As a young professional, you know that working in professional services is tough. It's hard work and it can feel super draining. Every slavery analogy you see on audit/consulting subreddits gets you one step closer to handing in your resignation and trying to become a travel blogger from a beach in Singapore. I get it, I’ve lived it. Now, time for two wildly unpopular … [Read more...] about When’s the last time you prioritised yourself?
Taking the Leap of Faith – Why You Should Live Overseas for a Year
Travel has a way of bringing great fulfilment to our lives. If you've ever traveled to another country, you've broadened your horizons somewhat already. You may have experienced a radically different culture in India. Your palate might have been treated to some tantalising Spanish tapas. Perhaps your eyes have feasted on grandiose architecture in Paris, or maybe your emotions … [Read more...] about Taking the Leap of Faith – Why You Should Live Overseas for a Year
5 Ways to Manage Without Micromanaging: Avoid Being a Nightmare Leader
It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do. Steve Jobs Micromanagement is the Achilles heel of any high-performing team. From an organisational perspective, it typically leads to a decrease in productivity, lower employee engagement, and less innovation. Simply put: if you're a junior team … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Manage Without Micromanaging: Avoid Being a Nightmare Leader
“How are you?” – The 3 most infuriating words in the English language?
An IM notification from a colleague pops up on your laptop. "Hi, how are you?" [Thinking: "I'm living through a pandemic and hate my life." ] "Good, you?" You scroll through the conversation history. This is the fourth time Samantha has asked you how you are... in the last 3 hours. You thought you were okay, but now you start to doubt yourself. The scenario repeats … [Read more...] about “How are you?” – The 3 most infuriating words in the English language?
Mentors that Matter: Finding the Right Mentor at Work
I’m a firm believer in the thought that a single conversation can change your life. I keep this in mind when I am coaching others, and I do my best to align myself with mentors in my career with whom I find I have impactful conversations more regularly. Sadly, when most of us are allocated a team leader/coach in our organisations, we end up disappointed. We hope for someone … [Read more...] about Mentors that Matter: Finding the Right Mentor at Work
How to Not Suck as a Leader
4 ways for new managers to overcome imposter syndrome and win team support It could be that the term “imposter syndrome” was designed for the points in time when we first become leaders. I can’t keep a pot plant alive but, hey, the world deemed it okay for me to manage teams of high achievers. I can’t always be sure of what day of the week it is but we’re all okay … [Read more...] about How to Not Suck as a Leader
Preparing for Busy Season: “Nobody’s Going to Die” and 5 Other Tips
Sleep deprivation, zero social life, eating all the junk food, constantly questioning your career choices; if you’re a young professional working in professional services, you know the busy season struggle. The good news is there are a few things you can do to dominate your busy season and still find time for yourself. Each year, I train young professionals who are making … [Read more...] about Preparing for Busy Season: “Nobody’s Going to Die” and 5 Other Tips
The Fresh-Off-the-Boat Approach to Networking
What I’ve learned about networking and making friends from starting fresh and not knowing anybody on 3 different continents ‘Networking’ has become one of those gag words. There’s a dirty stigma associated with the concept: a stigma that implies networking is only for MLM ghouls or people who have nothing to give and everything to ask. Sometimes, however, networking is … [Read more...] about The Fresh-Off-the-Boat Approach to Networking
You Know What Your Boss Thinks, but Does Your Team Hate You?
Three things in life are certain: DeathTaxes, andThe fact that working if you've worked in a large organisation you're used to getting a ton of downward feedback from your managers and bosses. Many of us are accustomed to receiving downward feedback, despite the racing pulse and sweaty palms we might get every time. But do we know what our juniors and peers … [Read more...] about You Know What Your Boss Thinks, but Does Your Team Hate You?