WEBVTT 1 00:00:18.585 --> 00:00:20.765 Hey, it's Rachel Cook, your modern mentor. 2 00:00:21.305 --> 00:00:22.925 I'm the founder of Lead Above Noise, 3 00:00:22.925 --> 00:00:25.205 where we help leaders understand how 4 00:00:25.205 --> 00:00:26.885 to enhance their team's performance 5 00:00:27.145 --> 00:00:28.805 and enhance their employee engagement 6 00:00:28.875 --> 00:00:30.405 with a single set of solutions. 7 00:00:30.945 --> 00:00:33.405 No burnout required through bootcamps, 8 00:00:33.405 --> 00:00:34.525 keynotes, and pulse checks. 9 00:00:34.815 --> 00:00:36.565 Activating teams is our passion, 10 00:00:36.985 --> 00:00:38.365 and if yours could use a boost, 11 00:00:38.795 --> 00:00:42.245 send me a note at rachel@leadabovenoise.com. 12 00:00:43.395 --> 00:00:46.215 So speaking of needing a boost, that was me 13 00:00:46.215 --> 00:00:48.095 through four years of high school math. 14 00:00:48.505 --> 00:00:51.735 Lucky for me, my dad was and still is a math teacher 15 00:00:52.275 --> 00:00:54.735 and possibly the only reason I managed to graduate. 16 00:00:55.395 --> 00:00:58.695 Anyway, fast forward to today, he's now helping my kids 17 00:00:58.695 --> 00:01:01.775 with their math, which he loves because grandkids, 18 00:01:02.155 --> 00:01:04.815 but he hates because as he loves to tell me, 19 00:01:05.405 --> 00:01:08.655 kids today just aren't being taught mathematics anymore. 20 00:01:09.525 --> 00:01:12.135 What he means is the focus is no longer on 21 00:01:12.285 --> 00:01:13.295 calculating the numbers. 22 00:01:13.785 --> 00:01:14.855 There are apps for that. 23 00:01:15.635 --> 00:01:17.215 The focus is on the problem solving. 24 00:01:18.635 --> 00:01:21.695 To my dad, this feels sad, like something's been lost. 25 00:01:22.315 --> 00:01:24.015 To me, it feels like progress. 26 00:01:24.435 --> 00:01:26.975 Why should we have to learn to calculate numbers when 27 00:01:26.975 --> 00:01:28.975 there's so much more we need to be learning? 28 00:01:29.875 --> 00:01:32.375 My point is this, the world is changing 29 00:01:32.475 --> 00:01:34.015 and evolving at warped speed, 30 00:01:34.635 --> 00:01:37.455 and in order to keep up, we need to always be building 31 00:01:37.515 --> 00:01:38.855 and cultivating key skills. 32 00:01:39.395 --> 00:01:42.095 But like with math, the skills we need in the workplace 33 00:01:42.105 --> 00:01:45.335 today might look different than the ones we needed most a 34 00:01:45.335 --> 00:01:47.735 few years ago, and we've gotta prioritize. 35 00:01:48.475 --> 00:01:51.455 So today, let's talk about some of the most critical skills. 36 00:01:51.835 --> 00:01:55.015 I'm coaching my clients to focus on building in order 37 00:01:55.015 --> 00:01:57.575 to stay relevant and be successful in the current 38 00:01:57.575 --> 00:01:58.735 iteration of the workplace. 39 00:01:59.795 --> 00:02:03.385 Skill number one is co-creation, harnessing the power 40 00:02:03.525 --> 00:02:04.785 of collective intelligence. 41 00:02:05.645 --> 00:02:08.385 So there used to be a time when the expectation was 42 00:02:08.385 --> 00:02:11.505 that the leader and the experts had all the answers, 43 00:02:12.285 --> 00:02:14.225 but today's winning leaders recognize 44 00:02:14.225 --> 00:02:17.425 that no one person can possibly have all the best ideas. 45 00:02:17.965 --> 00:02:20.345 The world is too complex. It's moving too quickly. 46 00:02:21.165 --> 00:02:24.225 So whether we're designing products, refining processes, 47 00:02:24.265 --> 00:02:26.865 crafting messages to clients, we can't afford 48 00:02:26.865 --> 00:02:29.905 to rely solely on our own perspective or intelligence. 49 00:02:30.445 --> 00:02:33.585 The best solutions are coming from real co-creation. 50 00:02:34.215 --> 00:02:35.585 What does this mean In practice? 51 00:02:36.175 --> 00:02:38.305 It's making space for the voices of others. 52 00:02:38.445 --> 00:02:41.345 It means pulling in perspectives from different levels, 53 00:02:41.455 --> 00:02:44.105 departments, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. 54 00:02:44.565 --> 00:02:47.305 It means being open to ideas that challenge your own 55 00:02:47.325 --> 00:02:49.905 and genuinely listening to the contribution of those 56 00:02:49.905 --> 00:02:52.785 around you, not just showing them a finished product 57 00:02:52.925 --> 00:02:55.545 and asking too late for their inputs or ideas. 58 00:02:56.285 --> 00:02:58.625 If you're looking to strengthen your co-creation muscles, 59 00:02:59.335 --> 00:03:01.525 start by inviting input intentionally. 60 00:03:02.115 --> 00:03:04.605 Instead of just running an idea past your usual, 61 00:03:04.815 --> 00:03:07.445 go-to colleagues, ask someone from a different team. 62 00:03:08.095 --> 00:03:10.925 Build in moments during meetings where everyone has a chance 63 00:03:10.945 --> 00:03:12.925 to weigh in, and most importantly, 64 00:03:12.925 --> 00:03:15.605 when people do contribute, acknowledge their ideas. 65 00:03:16.115 --> 00:03:17.765 Show them how you're integrating them. 66 00:03:18.145 --> 00:03:19.205 The more you engage others, 67 00:03:19.425 --> 00:03:21.205 the stronger your outcomes will be. 68 00:03:22.565 --> 00:03:24.795 Skill number two, building trust, 69 00:03:25.005 --> 00:03:27.995 which is currently the ultimate workplace currency. 70 00:03:28.485 --> 00:03:29.755 Trust has always been important, 71 00:03:30.215 --> 00:03:31.475 but in a world where so much 72 00:03:31.475 --> 00:03:34.675 of our work is happening virtually asynchronously 73 00:03:34.735 --> 00:03:37.915 and shifting across teams, it's more important than ever. 74 00:03:38.535 --> 00:03:41.435 And also, trust is waning in the workplace. These days. 75 00:03:41.895 --> 00:03:43.795 We all need to be making conscious efforts 76 00:03:43.935 --> 00:03:45.595 to proactively build it around us. 77 00:03:46.185 --> 00:03:48.355 This doesn't mean knowing or doing everything, 78 00:03:48.375 --> 00:03:50.195 but rather being honest about 79 00:03:50.195 --> 00:03:51.555 what you know and what you don't know. 80 00:03:52.385 --> 00:03:54.035 It's delivering on your promises 81 00:03:54.135 --> 00:03:55.675 or acknowledging as early 82 00:03:55.735 --> 00:03:58.275 as possible when you can't or won't deliver. 83 00:03:58.885 --> 00:04:00.315 Trust is about reliability. 84 00:04:00.625 --> 00:04:02.755 It's about showing up, following through, 85 00:04:02.815 --> 00:04:04.115 and keeping others informed. 86 00:04:04.215 --> 00:04:07.755 If something shifts, one of the fastest ways to build trust, 87 00:04:08.185 --> 00:04:09.315 it's just being consistent. 88 00:04:09.815 --> 00:04:11.675 If you commit to a deadline, meet it. 89 00:04:12.055 --> 00:04:14.235 If you make a promise, deliver on it. 90 00:04:14.655 --> 00:04:17.955 And if something unexpected comes up, don't go radio silent. 91 00:04:18.425 --> 00:04:20.195 Just let people know what's happening. 92 00:04:20.735 --> 00:04:21.875 Let people in to help you. 93 00:04:22.285 --> 00:04:24.155 Trust isn't about never making mistakes. 94 00:04:24.505 --> 00:04:25.955 It's about being transparent 95 00:04:25.975 --> 00:04:27.235 and accountable when they happen. 96 00:04:31.205 --> 00:04:33.435 Skill number three is asking for help. 97 00:04:34.115 --> 00:04:37.635 I know I bang this drum a lot, so sorry, not sorry, 98 00:04:38.215 --> 00:04:39.235 but asking for help 99 00:04:39.375 --> 00:04:42.595 and being able to graciously receive it, it is a sign 100 00:04:42.595 --> 00:04:45.195 of strength and wisdom, not of weakness, 101 00:04:45.655 --> 00:04:48.535 and we have to make space for that because in this day 102 00:04:48.535 --> 00:04:50.095 and age, it's those who can harness 103 00:04:50.155 --> 00:04:51.855 and cultivate the talent around them 104 00:04:52.235 --> 00:04:54.095 who will win against those of us trying 105 00:04:54.095 --> 00:04:55.455 to compete on sheer will 106 00:04:55.475 --> 00:04:58.415 and overwork alone, knowing whose skills 107 00:04:58.475 --> 00:05:01.015 and strengths to leverage and when and how, 108 00:05:01.475 --> 00:05:03.855 and not feeling like less because you couldn't do it alone. 109 00:05:05.095 --> 00:05:07.615 Absolutely. That is a leader or a leader in the making. 110 00:05:08.555 --> 00:05:10.695 If you are someone who's been conditioned to think 111 00:05:10.695 --> 00:05:11.975 that asking for help is a sign 112 00:05:11.975 --> 00:05:13.855 of weakness, it's time to shift. 113 00:05:14.125 --> 00:05:17.575 Because in reality, the most effective leaders are the ones 114 00:05:17.575 --> 00:05:18.855 who aren't trying to do it alone. 115 00:05:19.645 --> 00:05:21.455 It's time to reframe the ask. 116 00:05:22.005 --> 00:05:24.255 Instead of seeing it as an admission of failure 117 00:05:24.435 --> 00:05:26.735 or weakness, recognize it as a commitment 118 00:05:26.735 --> 00:05:28.095 to the best possible outcome. 119 00:05:28.675 --> 00:05:31.015 If you need clarification, ask for it. 120 00:05:31.235 --> 00:05:33.615 If you're struggling with bandwidth, delegate 121 00:05:33.875 --> 00:05:36.415 or ask for assistance, do you know someone 122 00:05:36.435 --> 00:05:37.455 who has expertise? 123 00:05:37.515 --> 00:05:39.055 You don't pull them in. 124 00:05:39.475 --> 00:05:41.695 And if you're leading a team, be a role model. 125 00:05:42.205 --> 00:05:45.255 Normalize asking for input and guidance and collaboration. 126 00:05:45.795 --> 00:05:48.815 The more we embrace this as a strength, the better our work 127 00:05:49.075 --> 00:05:50.415 and our wellbeing will be. 128 00:05:51.225 --> 00:05:53.935 Skill number five, ruthless prioritization. 129 00:05:54.185 --> 00:05:55.895 Protecting your time and energy. 130 00:05:56.755 --> 00:05:58.685 Our time and our energy are finite, 131 00:05:58.985 --> 00:06:01.205 and yet the demands on both keep growing. 132 00:06:02.065 --> 00:06:04.805 The people who are thriving at work today aren't the ones 133 00:06:04.805 --> 00:06:06.885 who say yes to everything, but they're the ones 134 00:06:06.885 --> 00:06:09.125 who make deliberate strategic choices about 135 00:06:09.135 --> 00:06:11.205 where they invest their time and their focus. 136 00:06:11.995 --> 00:06:14.125 This means being really clear on your priorities 137 00:06:14.505 --> 00:06:15.605 and protecting them. 138 00:06:16.435 --> 00:06:18.165 It's about having the courage to push back. 139 00:06:18.235 --> 00:06:21.565 When your plate is full, it means asking, Hey, 140 00:06:21.585 --> 00:06:24.005 if I take this on, what comes off my plate? 141 00:06:24.785 --> 00:06:27.205 And when necessary, it means seeking alignment. 142 00:06:28.065 --> 00:06:30.485 It may mean telling your leader, I've got X, Y, 143 00:06:30.485 --> 00:06:32.885 and Z on my plate, so if this new thing is critical, 144 00:06:33.265 --> 00:06:35.685 can we discuss what I should deprioritize 145 00:06:36.225 --> 00:06:39.125 or what the impact on the timeline might be if I don't push 146 00:06:39.125 --> 00:06:41.285 something off or get additional resources? 147 00:06:41.795 --> 00:06:43.935 Prioritization isn't about slacking off, 148 00:06:44.125 --> 00:06:45.935 it's about ensuring the work you're doing 149 00:06:45.995 --> 00:06:47.175 is the work that matters most. 150 00:06:47.635 --> 00:06:49.895 And the more you practice this, the more valuable 151 00:06:49.895 --> 00:06:52.575 and sustainable your contributions will be. 152 00:06:53.395 --> 00:06:57.815 And skill number five, building human connection In a time 153 00:06:57.815 --> 00:06:59.935 where DEI programs are under scrutiny 154 00:07:00.275 --> 00:07:03.295 and investment in these programs is kind of waning 155 00:07:03.875 --> 00:07:04.895 the responsibility 156 00:07:04.995 --> 00:07:08.455 to foster inclusive meaningful relationships falls on each 157 00:07:08.455 --> 00:07:09.615 of us as individuals. 158 00:07:10.345 --> 00:07:12.375 Being a true connector, someone who 159 00:07:12.975 --> 00:07:15.135 actively has conversations and builds relationships 160 00:07:15.135 --> 00:07:18.455 with wide ranges of people is a fast path to success. 161 00:07:19.195 --> 00:07:21.055 So what does this look like? Well, 162 00:07:21.195 --> 00:07:23.695 it looks like making an effort to engage with colleagues 163 00:07:23.845 --> 00:07:25.095 outside your usual circle. 164 00:07:25.965 --> 00:07:28.625 It looks like being curious about the experiences 165 00:07:28.685 --> 00:07:30.705 and viewpoints of people different from you. 166 00:07:31.485 --> 00:07:34.225 It looks like seeking diverse perspectives, not 167 00:07:34.225 --> 00:07:35.905 because a policy mandates it, but 168 00:07:35.905 --> 00:07:38.785 because it leads to richer ideas, stronger collaboration 169 00:07:38.805 --> 00:07:41.345 and better outcomes, building human 170 00:07:41.345 --> 00:07:42.385 connection in the workplace. 171 00:07:42.575 --> 00:07:43.825 It's not about compliance. 172 00:07:44.135 --> 00:07:45.825 It's about curiosity and respect 173 00:07:45.885 --> 00:07:47.785 and a willingness to learn and grow together. 174 00:07:48.205 --> 00:07:50.345 And in today's world, this is a skill 175 00:07:50.345 --> 00:07:52.625 that will serve you in every role, industry 176 00:07:52.725 --> 00:07:53.825 and career stage. 177 00:07:54.565 --> 00:07:56.665 So there you have it. These are the five skills 178 00:07:56.665 --> 00:07:58.185 that I think will help set you up 179 00:07:58.185 --> 00:07:59.985 for success in today's workplace. 180 00:08:00.555 --> 00:08:01.905 These are not soft skills. 181 00:08:02.015 --> 00:08:04.505 They are survival skills in an environment 182 00:08:04.505 --> 00:08:07.985 that demands adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. 183 00:08:08.885 --> 00:08:11.465 If your team or organization is looking 184 00:08:11.465 --> 00:08:13.545 for support in cultivating these skills, whether 185 00:08:13.545 --> 00:08:14.865 through a workshop, a keynote, 186 00:08:14.925 --> 00:08:16.625 or a pulse check, reach out to me. 187 00:08:17.005 --> 00:08:19.225 You can find me@leadabovenoise.com. 188 00:08:19.645 --> 00:08:21.585 And if you're enjoying the show, don't forget 189 00:08:21.585 --> 00:08:23.985 to follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 190 00:08:24.205 --> 00:08:25.385 or wherever you listen. 191 00:08:25.765 --> 00:08:28.505 Thanks so much for listening and have a successful week. 192 00:08:28.805 --> 00:08:31.025 Modern Mentor is a quick and Dirty Tips podcast. 193 00:08:31.455 --> 00:08:33.305 It's audio engineered by Dan Rebend. 194 00:08:33.765 --> 00:08:35.985 Our director of podcasts is Brandon Getches. 195 00:08:36.325 --> 00:08:38.705 Our podcast and advertising operations specialist 196 00:08:38.725 --> 00:08:39.865 is Morgan Christensen. 197 00:08:40.245 --> 00:08:42.705 Our digital operations specialist is Holly Hutchings. 198 00:08:43.125 --> 00:08:45.985 Our marketing and publicity associate is Dina Tomlin, 199 00:08:46.245 --> 00:08:48.385 and our marketing contractor is Nathaniel Hoops.