Looking for guidance or inspiration? The Now What blog is packed with free advice, tips, and real-world insights to help you navigate work and life with confidence.
As one reader shares, "Amanda embodies what an ideal HR professional should be—empathetic, understanding, and solution-focused. She stands out by prioritizing needs while creating a truly unique and supportive approach."
Dive in and see what resonates with you!
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Sitting in the Uncomfortable
We’ve all experienced moments of discomfort, whether it’s asking for a raise, giving critical feedback, or tackling a challenging conversation. As an HR professional with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that enduring these moments of unease can lead to remarkable outcomes.
One Person Can Tear Down a Whole Culture
It’s a tale as old as time. If I asked you to name the one person in your workplace who undermines company culture more than anyone else, a name likely pops into your head immediately. Let’s be honest—they might be mean, rude, and generally unpleasant to work with, yet they’re a top performer who brings in significant business for the company.
Curiosity Matters
As someone who has spent years in HR, I’ve witnessed firsthand how leading with curiosity can transform interactions and improve outcomes. Here’s why fostering a curious mindset can make a world of difference in your professional life and how you can cultivate it.
How to Get Buy-In
Gaining buy-in for a new idea, project, or change is a critical skill in the workplace. Whether you’re pitching a new project, proposing a significant change, or trying to secure support for your latest initiative, the ability to effectively garner support is essential for success. Here’s a strategic approach to ensure you gain the buy-in you need to make your ideas a reality.
Building Relationship Deposits
In the professional world, relationships are as crucial as skills and experience. One concept that has profoundly influenced my approach to building and maintaining professional relationships is the idea of "relationship deposits." I first encountered this concept early in my career, and it’s a principle I strive to practice daily.
Difficult Personalities
In any workplace, you’re likely to encounter a range of personalities, some of which can present challenges. Understanding these behaviors and learning effective strategies to manage them can help maintain a positive work environment. Here’s a guide to handling various difficult personalities while focusing on the problem rather than the person.
Is HR Confidential?
The conservative and ever-annoying answer is: it depends. Generally speaking, yes, HR conversations should be confidential. However, it's crucial to understand the boundaries of confidentiality and ensure both parties are clear before delving into a discussion.
I'm Thinking of a Career Shift - Now What?
Are you considering a career shift? Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current job or have a burning desire to pursue something new, it’s important to navigate the transition thoughtfully. Let me share my story.
Leaving Your Job with Grace
A friend recently asked me how I managed to leave a job gracefully. It’s an interesting question because, looking back, I've always left my jobs on good terms. I stay in touch with former colleagues, would be happy to run into any of them again, and never worry about receiving a poor reference.
Managing Up
Here’s the situation: My manager and I were aligned on a particular issue and how to handle it. When we went together to present our solution to our boss, my manager completely changed his stance. Suddenly, I felt abandoned, standing alone in a spotlight.
Why Should You Care?
I sat there thinking, “Why am I crying about this email I wrote so long ago?” Yes, they provided a stable job and room for professional growth - all the things good employers should do. But those things aren’t what made me loyal to them for over eight years.
Off-boarding Essentials: Insights from an HR Director
Navigating being let go or experiencing a layoff can be challenging. As someone who has overseen employee offboarding as a Director of People and HR, I understand the complexities firsthand. Whether from the perspective of an HR professional or an employee facing termination, there are valuable insights I’ve gained that I’d like to share with you.
Thanks for the Feedback
The most recent piece of feedback I received stopped me in my tracks. First, I was embarrassed. I knew my delivery wasn’t my best work but it was even more mortifying to realize that others noticed it as well. It felt like leaving the house on a bad hair day, hoping nobody would notice, only to find out it was worse than I thought.
Don’t Take it Personally
I can count the number of times I've cried at work, in front of my boss, on one hand—maybe even on one finger. I was put in an extremely difficult situation where I had to make a decision that went against everything I stood for. Before I could check in with my face, tears were streaming down faster than I could catch them.
Dealing With Bullies at Work
Dealing with a workplace bully starts with not trying to understand their motivation. Their actions are a direct reflection of themselves and their own issues, it is not a reflection of you. While it’s natural to take their words or actions personally and let them ruin your day, it is not worth it. After reminding yourself that their behavior is not a reflection of your personal worth, step back and consider your next moves…
Create Your Personal Board of Directors
During a casual lunch with a colleague, they mentioned their ‘personal board of directors’. I said, “I love that concept!” Interestingly, they replied, “I learned that from you!” On my drive home, after laughing at myself a bit, I started to think about how important and valuable a ‘personal board of directors’ is.
I Hate My Job…Now What?
Working a job that leaves you feeling drained or devoid of joy is hard. It’s tough to find motivation when the daily grind becomes a source of dissatisfaction. I’ve been there! When you get to this point, it's important to take a few steps to navigate the situation effectively.
Creating Boundaries That Work, At Work
Are you wearing your pajama pants to your remote job? Are you checking your email first thing in the morning? Is your work desk also your dining table? Are you thinking about work long after you’ve logged off? Trust me, I’ve seen it all. If you resonate with any of these or are thinking about your own scenario - I see you!
Uncomfortable Conversations
Learn to navigate uncomfortable conversations with confidence! This blog outlines four actionable steps—observation, expectation, questioning, and listening—to transform awkward moments into meaningful dialogue. Discover how to foster trust, resolve issues effectively, and create space for honest communication.
The Power of Generous Assumptions
Transform your leadership by embracing generous assumptions. Learn how shifting your perspective fosters trust, collaboration, and better results. This blog explores practical tips and real-life examples to help you build stronger teams, solve problems effectively, and inspire exceptional work.