Blog Post: Some Hints for Job Seekers and Leaders in General

In these times of crisis and uncertainty, no matter whether we are seeking a new job, or are in a position of power and leadership, we need something to give us an edge. Perhaps, it's a new kind of leadership, one that calls for a new paradigm. Julio Olalla, Master Certified Coach and founder and CEO of Newfield Network, my coach training school, thinks so, and so do I. Olalla calls for a "new (earthly) inhabitant", a new type of leader, one who embodies these qualities:

the ability to build and rebuild trust

true caring that leads to adding value

connecting to others

and taking new actions that lead to different results. (Olalla, 2009)

How do we build the three skills that are important to embodying leadership presence in any setting, no matter what our job title? Here are some questions to ask yourself about care, conversations, and commitments?

Care:

Often we might say yes to something out of half-heartedness. We just can't say "no" or it's easier to just say "yes". Instead, when something comes out of genuine caring, our juices and energy are flowing. So, before writing that resume or in preparing for that team meeting, ask yourself: "what do I genuinely care about? Speak it out loud. How might it come across to others? In a job interview or in a meeting with my boss? What is it like to embody wholehearted caring? Where does it live in your body?

Conversations:

Once we've determined what we care about, we need to tell and show others. What conversations do we need to have? What conversations are missing or need to happen? If we're networking, for example, do we need a conversation for action or a conversation to build relationship? Both are very different, and sometime we jump too easily into action when building relationship is needed. Are we holding conversations for possibilities when we need new ideas? Another question to ask is, what conversation might be needed to achieve the results I seek? If our conversations are appropriate and of quality, so will be the quality of our work.

Commitments:

Commitments that stick are tied to what we care about. What promise are you willing to declare? To bring into fruition? Think about the commitment. Was it hard or easy to make? Making commitments and sticking to them are a way to build trust and are a way of honoring ourselves and others.

In order to embody leadership presence and build a leadership presence, these three skills require reflection and practice. Are you ready to begin?