Rhizome Consulting Ltd

It’s Friday again! This weekend, take a few hours off from technology. Enjoy some downtime and engage in activities that bring you joy. “When you leave work on Friday, leave work. Don’t let technology follow you throughout your weekend (answering text messages and emails) take a break you will be more refreshed to begin the workweek if you have had a break.” — Catherine Pulsifer The weekend is here—take a break and recharge!

We all have that dream job somewhere in our hearts. Unfortunately, not everyone will get to have their dream job (at least not for the entirety of their careers). So how do you stay motivated while you’re not yet in your dream role? 𝟏. 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 View your current position as a stepping stone rather than a limitation. Focus on the skills and experiences you are gaining, and consider how they contribute to your long-term career goals. This perspective will help you find value in every task, no matter how mundane it may seem. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 Break your career journey into smaller, achievable milestones. Setting short-term goals provides you with clear targets to aim for and allows you to celebrate small victories along the way. These moments of achievement can reignite your passion and enthusiasm for your work. 𝟑. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Look for ways to grow within your current role. This could be through additional responsibilities, professional development courses, or mentorship opportunities. Engaging in learning not only enhances your skill set but also keeps you connected to your aspirations. 𝟒. 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤-𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞/𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Ensure you are taking time for yourself outside of work. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or pursue interests that inspire you. A balanced life can help mitigate the stress of being in a less-than-ideal job and provide the mental space needed to recharge. 𝟓. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐉𝐨𝐛 Keep your aspirations alive by visualising your dream job. Create a vision board or write down your career goals. Regularly reminding yourself of what you’re working towards can provide motivation and clarity. Every role has the potential to contribute to your career journey, however, you need to stay motivated in a job that doesn’t align with your dreams. This requires resilience, self-reflection, and a proactive approach to your professional growth. Utilise this phase as part of your unique career path, and you'll find that each experience, no matter how small, can lead you closer to your dream job. #hacks #worksatisfaction #dreamjob

While we often understand that feedback is meant to help us grow and improve in the workplace, negative feedback can sometimes feel like an attack on our accomplishments. This reaction is entirely human; after all, we are not immune to emotions. However, learning how to process and respond to negative feedback effectively is crucial for our personal and professional development. Here’s how to navigate negative feedback to fully benefit from this necessary aspect of growth. 𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝: When receiving negative feedback, it’s natural to feel defensive. Take a deep breath, pause, and approach the situation with an open mind. Remember that feedback is an opportunity for growth, not a personal affront. 𝟐. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: Pay close attention to the feedback being given. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while the other person is speaking. Listening actively shows respect for the feedback provider and allows you to fully understand their perspective. 𝟑. 𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Clarifying questions can help you grasp the context and specifics of the feedback, making it easier to identify areas for improvement. 𝟒. 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: Take time to reflect on the feedback you received. Consider how it aligns with your own self-assessment and performance. Look for patterns or recurring themes that may indicate areas needing attention or change. 𝟓. 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: Remember that feedback is about your work, not your worth as a person. Detaching your self-esteem from your performance can help you view feedback more objectively and reduce emotional reactions. 𝟔. 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧: Once you’ve processed the feedback, create a plan for improvement. Outline specific steps you can take to address the concerns raised. This proactive approach not only demonstrates your commitment to growth but also empowers you to make meaningful changes. 𝟕. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Consider discussing the feedback with a mentor or colleague who can provide guidance and additional perspective. They may offer valuable insights on how to navigate challenges and enhance your skills. Feedback—especially the negative kind—can be a powerful tool for growth when approached with the right mindset.  #Feedback #Productivity

We can achieve a lot on our own, but the reality is that much more can be gained from someone who has gone the route before. A saying goes “A mentor is like a flashlight in the dark”. Mentors help us see more clearly. As we start a new let us make an effort to find our mentors who can be our flashlights guiding us towards achieving success. Happy Monday! Here is to a great week! Your friends at Rhizome.

Great leadership isn’t about being everywhere all the time. It’s about empowering your team to think critically, make informed decisions, and thrive even in your absence. When you’ve built a culture of trust, independent thinking, and collaboration, your team becomes more resilient and capable of overcoming challenges. So, as you head into the weekend, remember, leadership is not just about what you accomplish while you're present, but the lasting impact you create when you're not. Take some time to unwind—you’ve earned it! Have a great weekend! #Leadership #Empowerment #WeekendVibes #Teamwork #CriticalThinking

In today’s world, what you are known for defines the opportunities you attract. Whether you are conscious of it or not, you already have a brand. The worst case? You’re known for nothing because you haven’t been deliberate about building your reputation. The best case? You’re known for the narrative you’ve shaped through the actions and content you’ve put out there. Your brand is too important to leave to chance. It’s the key to opening doors, expanding your influence, and creating new opportunities. Ready to take your personal brand seriously but unsure where to begin? Start with these four simple steps: 1. 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞: Identify what you want to be known for and focus on becoming an expert in that area. 2. 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Regularly share content, insights, and experiences that reflect your expertise. 3. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: Stay active by engaging with others in your industry—online and offline. 4. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Don’t be shy about sharing successes or milestones—it reinforces your value. Take these steps to own your brand and build your narrative deliberately!

Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming for a new hire, especially in the first few months. From understanding the company culture to meeting new colleagues and navigating different processes, there’s much to adjust to. While HR and leadership bear the primary responsibility for onboarding, making a new hire feel truly welcomed and integrated requires the effort of everyone—from team members to even the security at the gate. The little things that non-HR team members do can make a huge difference. Here are 5 simple actions to help new hires feel more comfortable: 𝟏. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 Take the initiative to introduce yourself to the new hire. Even a quick, friendly introduction can go a long way in making them feel acknowledged and included. 𝟐. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 If you notice a new hire struggling with something (like navigating systems or finding resources), offer to assist. It could save them time and ease their adjustment. 𝟑. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 Sharing a casual meal or coffee is a great way to break the ice and establish a friendly connection outside of work-related interactions. 𝟒. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Whether it's during a meeting or casual chat, make sure to involve them in discussions. This helps them feel valued and part of the team from day one. 𝟓. 𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Remember, adjusting to a new job can take time. Show patience if they need to ask questions or make mistakes, and always offer your support when needed. Creating an exceptional onboarding experience is everyone’s responsibility. A collective, welcoming atmosphere ensures that new hires not only feel integrated but also empowered to contribute to the organisation. #Teamwork #Onboarding #WorkCulture #EmployeeExperience

A must read Imagine a workplace committed to employee wellbeing, equipped with well-crafted policies designed to support work-life balance or work-life integration, yet experiencing unprecedented levels of burnout. Leaders, your hard work without taking breaks might be a danger in disguise. Please click below 👇🏾 to continue reading https://lnkd.in/dHjrNBnK

Not sure if you are a workaholic or not? These questions will help you figure it out. Finding the right balance between your personal and professional life is a crucial factor in achieving long-term success. However, workaholics often struggle to maintain this balance, sacrificing personal time for endless work. But how do you know if you fall into the workaholic category? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝟓 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 1. Do you constantly think about work, even during personal time? If yes, it might be a sign that work is dominating your thoughts, leaving little room for rest or relaxation. 2. Do you feel guilty or anxious when you're not working? If so, you may be placing undue pressure on yourself to stay productive, even when rest is needed. 3. Do you regularly sacrifice family, friends, or hobbies for work? If your social life or personal interests are taking a backseat to your job, it could be a red flag. 4. Do you find it hard to delegate tasks? Workaholics often feel that only they can get the job done right, leading to burnout. 5. Do you prioritise work over your health? If you're skipping meals, workouts, or sleep to finish a task, it's time to reassess your priorities. If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, you may be a workaholic. The next step is to take action—start by setting boundaries, delegating, and making time for activities that recharge you. Remember, success is not just about working hard—it's about working smart and maintaining a healthy balance. #WorkLifeBalance #Wellbeing #CareerSuccess

There are countless tips and hacks to ace an interview, but here’s one that guarantees a win every time: telling your personal stories that demonstrate why you are the best fit for the job. As Claudio Fernandez-Araoz wisely said, “𝑃𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎.” A captivating story has a compelling beginning, an engaging middle, and an impactful end. It doesn't necessarily have to be a story of success—sharing lessons learned from challenges can be equally powerful. The key is to connect your experiences with the role you’re applying for, highlighting your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and personal growth. Remember, an authentic and well-told story can make you stand out from the crowd, leaving a lasting impression that data or generic answers simply cannot achieve. Want to stand out in your next interview? Craft your story, and let it do the talking. #StoryTelling #InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #JobSearch