DOSE©

DOSE©

Dear Readers,

Once again thank you for joining me.

Covid-19 is creating havoc. We are all reading about anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychological symptoms.

If you need professional help, do get in touch with your MD first. If you don’t have a GP reach out to a professional helpline, a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.

Remember, a psychologist has full university training and a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, who in many countries is allowed to prescribe medication. Psychologists in most countries are not authorised to prescribe medication. Check your national authorities.

Today I want to introduce you to DOSE ©

As you know from my previous Covid-19 posts, we are ALL experiencing the emotional roller coaster I presented in March (link)

It is now time to provide more useful tools to have in your toolkit to be able to cope with the emotional wave I described. I don’t want anyone to drown!

 Most of you will have experienced the wave gush of emotional flooding since the beginning of the pandemic. The timeline is personal: for some it started in December following the news coming from China, for some it hit home later.

 If you have been personally hit hard by the wave, I extend my thoughts to you. If you have been an onlooker to hard hits, you also get my sympathy of course.

We are ALL in this together in one way or another. So, we all need efficient tools to ride the waves to prevent going under. Positive psychology, meditation and mindfulness, are current buzz words. However, I find that in conveying them, in my opinion, something’s still missing.

 I was lacking some form of understanding, which in my case prevented me from letting go and using mindfulness for example to its full extent. And let’s face, it I don’t always have the patience and time to meditate for 45 minutes per day, which when I was trained was what you were supposed to do!

 Already 15 years ago, I “secretly” modified my practice in how I introduced and taught mindfulness to my candidates looking for jobs.

There was no way was I going to tell candidates, who had recently learned that they had lost their job to spend 45 minutes per day “meditating” when they had bills to pay and a job to find!   

 Based on the book of my acquaintance Loretta Graziano Breuning, “Habits of a Happy Brain” (also available in French), I created DOSE© an easy to remember acronym.

By learning how to use DOSE© you will be able to master positive stress better, use it to advance and you will learn how to understand your negative stress better. This is important as your hyper negative stress is what will get you into the mental lockdown… procrastination, anxiety, fear blocking you from moving forward.

Let’s dive into the emotional roller coaster.

Our brain is designed to cope with life’s ups and downs: it’s an amazing 2kg blackbox which stores all the information it needs to get us through the GOOD and the BAD times.

For many of us right now, it is partially a bad time.

The Covid-19 tsunami has thrown us out of our comfort zones. Some of you have lost everything and loved ones. That is the worst-case scenario and I know it’s happening to millions of people around the world.

Some of you have lost not everything, but a lot. Your job? Your security? That is quite enough to lose in such a short time to lose ones bearing.

Some of you, on the other hand, are on the top of the wave and surfing. For sure, some people are in areas where business is thriving… some in an honest way, some maybe in shadier ways. Human nature…

Where ever you stand, DOSE© will come to your rescue. Because understanding DOSE© will allow you to better fend for yourself. It will, in my opinion, also help you better let go, appreciate positive and Realistic© psychology (my definition) and benefit from the likes of mindfulness, yoga, praying sincerely and other practices.

Just practicing mindfulness, yoga, praying, etc. won’t bring the quick fix results you are looking for. People with years of experience sometimes get there. Right now, we need something more EFFICIENT to alleviate the anxiety, pain, fear and hurt NOW.

Dopamine

Oxytocin

Serotonin

Endorphin

How D-O-S-E helps you survive?

 DOPAMINE:*

Helps you seek rewards and motivates you to get what you need, even when it takes a lot of effort

OXYTOCIN:*  

Helps you build social alliances and motivates you to trust others, (link to trust vs mistrust) to find safety in companionship

SEROTONIN:*

Helps you get respect from others and motivates you to get respect, which expands your mating opportunities and protects your offspring.

ENDORPHIN:*

Helps you ignore physical pain so you can escape from harm when you are injured.

 *In Habits of a Happy Brain (L. Graziano Breuning)

You can’t see your “DOSE”, because these HORMONES are invisible to the eye, but you feel them – they are the ones responsible for your “yes I did it” feeling (dopamine), your hug and smile (Oxytocin) your happiness and confidence (Serotonin) and your boost (Endorphin)

You can learn to react more rationally (system 2) and not on the spur of the moment when they hit you (System 1 = irrationally)

Once you understand which Hormone is pulling you either to positive energy or negative energy (negative stress) you will be able to take the first step to stay calm and make rational (system 2) decisions (see link to cognitive bias article)

Next week I will go further into how you can learn to DOSE© better thus getting a new hold on your life. It’s once again an amazing tool. Using it in conjunction with the other tools from Transitionkit’s toolkit, you will transform your life forever.

We are giving all this away free of charge as part of our modest support to the global community.

Please share, like, comment my articles.

Needless to say we are also open to support your companies and you individually.

For that do get in touch with us (Contact Us)

Wherever you are, stay safe.

Marion

How to optimize your networking during and after COVID-19

How to optimize your networking during and after COVID-19

How to optimize your networking during and after COVID-19 

Dear Readers,

After the success of my video training 10 days ago, and my other articles on coping with COVID-19, here’s 6 tips for COVID-19 and post COVID-19 networking written for you.

I am sure you know a lot about networking already. Hopefully the info and insights I am about to share with you will add value, supporting you specifically in these pandemic times. 

6 Tips for networking during COVID-19

Tip 1:

You can’t go outside, so go inside: Go on LinkedIn and follow webinars…

If you’re not on LinkedIn, now is the time to join. This platform is catching tremendous momentum and is a must! And free. We can help you with teaching more about LinkedIn in our booster tailor-made virtual and other workshops.

  • How do LinkedIn and “Zoominars” work for networking?  
  • How are we each other’s “net workers”? 
  • Why is it vital to network now?

Networking through LinkedIn and webinars:

  • From the reader’s point of view:
  • You get to share your opinion and also get known and hence grow your network as people will reach out to you too by leaving comments and participating in the chats. Even better, they might even repost your message.
  • From the author’s point of view:
  • The author needs food for thought to keep the fire burning:  Please give me feedback allowing me to know your needs and then respond to those needs.

Tip 2:

Ask yourself: Do you or don’t you like to network? 

  • If your answer is NO you may be more of an introvert, or shy. If it is blocking you, do get in touch and we can work on the issue and help you in private sessions.
  • If your answer is YES you may be more of an extravert and appreciate meeting new people. If you thrive on networking you may be a connector, networking comes naturally to you.

Tip 3:

Network NOW!

  • Now is the time to reach out and meet new people, even make new friends and colleagues via LinkedIn and all the different webinars, events online being offered. 
  • Our physical social interactions are still very limited right now. Use LinkedIn and video conferencing to socialize in the meantime.

Tip 4:

How can you network successfully during COVID-19?

  • Join online events that are meaningful to you.
  • Join events where there is interaction, break out groups
  • Join events where you can chat individually with participants and strike up a conversation.

(I needed to send flowers to another city and found a great florist like this, and a “Zoominar” participant found a dentist)

Tip 5:

Practice makes Perfect

  • The more you network, usually the better you become at it. It’s often the first step that is difficult when “entering a room”.
  • In today’s virtual world, networking events may be easier to “go to” than with in person networking. Check my PNKR post: Positive aspect of confinement. 
  • So, go out and onto your platforms and practice. It’s like learning to swim. You won’t drown, you may get wet.
  • The risk you are taking is negligible. You won’t be distracted by unexpected disturbance, and in the comfort of your home office, you will feel empowered to go more towards people that you might have avoided in a physical meeting or convention.
  • If your apprehension of networking gets worse and you have to network, get in touch and we will sort it out. Usually in a few sessions you will understand why you hate networking and overcome that fear of failing.

Tip 6:

Know who you want to connect with

  • Shortlist and identify people you want to interact with.
  • First try and contact people on the shortlist. 
  • Know your 20 sec pitch for each person you want to meet. (Elevator Pitch)
  • Be sure to be able to reconnect after the event via LinkedIn.
  • Give first before asking for something. You will either receive in return from that person or… in some other way, at some other time good will come of it.

Looking forward to your comments and I will be back next week.

Best regards

Marion

Please follow me on  www.transitionkit.com   

Pour le français merci d’utiliser la fonction traduction de LinkedIn 

Vous pouvez commander mon livre Rebondir : Réussir votre transition professionnelle, Odile Jacob sur le site de la FNAC ou commandez-le chez votre libraire préféré.

Sorting out Positive and Negatives: Write up your COVID-19 PNKR sheet…

Sorting out Positive and Negatives: Write up your COVID-19 PNKR sheet…

Sorting out Positive and Negatives: Write up your COVID-19 PNKR sheet…

Dear Readers, Friends, Colleagues and Family,

Once again thanks for reading me.

To those of you who have lost a family member my condolences. To those of you who were ill I hope you are feeling better or are on way to recovery. 

Check my first article on the confinement roller coaster emotions. It may be helpful to better understand and cope with all your emotions. (https://www.transitionkit.com/covid-19the-confinement-roller-coaster-wave/)

These are very hard times for you. 

COVID-19 confinement will however provide valuable feedback on how you coped, reacted and evolved.

How are you adapting and reacting to the confinement?

Where do you live and what kind of confinement are you in? 

In France a stricter confinement is much more difficult to live with, especially if you are in a big city and small apartment with three young children for example. 

In Switzerland we are fortunate enough to still be able to walk around our neighborhoods freely, making sure to obey to social distancing rules.

What about all of you in USA, UK, Australia, Africa or wherever you are! Do let us know how you are experiencing your confinement.

We are starting to hear about the progressive deconfinement in certain countries. How do you feel about deconfinement?  Are you looking forward to it?  Does the idea of deconfining add stress and anxiety to your current life now?  

No matter where we are and however we feel about it, we are all on the emotional roller coaster. 

We may be reacting both positively and negatively depending on the day or the issues we are having to deal with on a given day.

There may be some positive aspects in your life right now. Therefore, in this post, I am inviting you to write up a balance sheet (we call it PNKR-read pinker) with the positives you want to keep in post COVID-19 life the negatives you will be pleased to see leave your current life.

If you live in a household with others, I suggest you all write your balance sheet and then discuss. It can be an interesting discussion. No arguments please – just calm discussions, which make us wiser, warmer and more caring.

I would be delighted to host a zoom meeting on POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF COVID-19 Where we could meet and discuss YOUR balance sheets.

Please send me an email if you wish to participate on FRIDAY 24th April at 17.00 ZURICH/GENEVA time zone and we will send you a zoom invitation to participate.

Click here to send us your email for the Zoom Session

Take care – stay safe- when deconfining follow best practices-

Marion

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR VIDEO RECORDINGS

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR VIDEO RECORDINGS

HOW TO OPTIMISE YOUR VIDEO RECORDINGS

The 6 step program to make successful video recordings from working@home (and a pleasure for those watching you!): Do’s and Don’ts

Dear Readers,

Once again thanks for spending some of your precious time with me.

I originally wrote this article for my candidates going through remote interviewing for jobs some years ago!

COVID-19 has changed business practices, therefore I have adapted this short video training manual to the current working@home situation.

This information should be of value to many readers, even seasoned TV presenters and big-time celebrities could benefit from it when I see their home-made videos!!

Many people have an interesting message to share, but many don’t come across well. That’s a pity…

So, let’s dive in!

Any form of filming demands a lot of preparation. Virtual meetings and interviews need careful preparation as the interaction will be different given that you and the other parties won’t be in the same room (by definition). The “chemistry” or human bond that one might usually feel will be missing.

It is important to do the best to make up for this missing “human factor”.  We are all – and I mean practically all – telecommuting all over the world. Work practices have changed literally overnight for many of us. All meetings are taking place through the various video conferencing software. Many of us are using Teams®, Zoom®, Skype®, Meet®, etc. or secured inhouse systems.

Master rule for all meetings: Be on Time!!!

STEP 1:  SOFTWARE

What software are you using? Is it secured and encrypted? Are you familiar with it?

STEP 2: SET UP

Internet connection, make sure it is optimal from your work station

Back Drop: Think of it as an element that will enhance your appearance. It should be neutral and should not interfere with you. Avoid a messy background.

Video positioning: Keep an “arms’ length” from your camera. Avoid image distortions.

Height: check the height of your installation- often times one will see more of the ceiling of nostrils, than the face of the person! As a general rule, you always want the lens of your camera to shoot you slightly from above, not the opposite and your face and shoulders are what you want people to see in this type of situation.

Noise and interruptions: Choose a quiet place for your video, no phones, doorbells, children, work colleagues, etc.

Lighting: Take light conditions into consideration. Avoid reflections and glares.

Dress code: It is important to wear an outfit with solid colors. Not too flashy. Watch any good TV presenter and you will remark that they usually wear a top with solid colors, not too bright.

For ladies: I recommend a shirt or round collar and sleeves. The advantage of the round collar: it usually stays in place. Be careful with dangling earrings and choose any jewelry carefully. Understatement is preferred.

For men I recommend a solid colored shirt- stripes, squares, etc. are distracting – unless you want to make a statement. Either with or without a blazer or as many doctors (if you are one) with your white hospital blouse.

Branding: Unless you are an influencer and being paid for wearing a brand I suggest keeping away from branding on your shirt – true for ladies and gentlemen alike.

Step 3: IDENTIFY THE MEETING YOU’RE HAVING

What is the nature of the meeting? 

Regular weekly business; meeting with the usual participants; meeting with someone you know well and often work with; meeting with someone you have also had email/phone calls with but no visual contact; meeting with a person you have never had contact with…

Being interviewed by television, Youtube®, self-promotion…

Job interview…

Adapt your speech and message to every audience

Step 4: PRESENCE OPTIMIZATION   

Most people don’t speak loud enough. You want to convey an image of confidence and a stronger voice will help. Maintaining a clear and strong voice will allow your diction to be clearer as you want to avoid stuttering or munching your words. 

Test it with someone before, fine tune as you don’t want to shout either!

Along with a strong voice, looking directly at your camera is important. Don’t look at a particular person. This is important to understand when there are several people in the video meeting. 

During introduction of meeting attendees, think about acknowledging the entire audience, (Hi Mrs. Daniels, nice to see you again, Hello Mr. Osborne, etc.). This is when you can be personal when several people assist in the video conferencing.

When video recording always focus, look at your camera and not your screen.

Step 5:  WHO WILL YOU BE SEEING? BE PREPARED!

Know as much about the other parties participating as possible. This is especially important in job interviewing and/or negotiating through video conferencing.

Get names of people attending the meeting beforehand whenever possible. Most business people will be on LinkedIn® or Google® with a photo. 

When zooming for example, be aware that some people may appear with an  ID number and not their name. 

Step 6: Questions and Answers

Imagine the scenario of the video meeting you will shortly be having.

Write down at least 10 questions you expect to discuss.

Your answers: 

Write down in full the answers you would give if you are not used to live videoing.

For every question you should know exactly what the KEY MESSAGES are that you need to deliver in very brief and clear short sentences.

If English is not your mother tongue and the video recording is in English this is even more important.

Each question has a key message in its answer.  One question: one message in your answer! The more technical the question, the more this is important for the answer.

Practice makes perfect: REHEARSE!!

Read /talk your answers into your computer, tablet, smartphone …   The important thing is to record yourself – preferably with the image. Then listen to yourself. 

Do the same exercise for questions you would rather NOT be asked. These are the hard ones. Again, do the exercise in writing. Practice and record.

It is important to realize that most people think they know what they will answer. However, if they have not prepared the KEY messages they want to convey in a very brief answer, people have to think during the interview. 

The trick of the methodology of this interview training is that you prepare BEFORE the interview. In the interview you should not be “surprised” by the questions the interviewers are asking you. 

It is the interviewee’s job, your job to think beforehand WHAT will the interviewer ask, how will he ask it.

In the case of a video interview, where there may be a panel of interviewers, you will need to have done exercises with a panel team and see how you come across, how you focus on the interviewers, where to look in the camera.

INTERVIEWERS QUESTIONS

It is also extremely important to LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY to the interviewer’s questions.

In an interview we may be nervous. The better prepared we are, the less nervous we will be.

Listening carefully is like reading the questions of an exam.

If you are not sure you understood the interviewer’s question, repeat the question to the interviewer for example.
« If I understood correctly, you would like me to explain why I am so interested in this position »; “You would like to know how I managed to….” ; “You would like me to describe in detail…. “; “You would want me to evaluate…. “

Best Regards,

And do Keep in Touch with me. I value your likes, shares, recommendations and most of all your suggestions you would like to hear about.

Marion