Do you know how to spot a microagressive bully in the workplace? Hint: they aren’t who they *say* they are. Today’s NSC Rockstar Leadership Tip of the Day comes from bonus chapters from a special edition of No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself coming later this spring. Learn more about the book that’s out right now at lmichellesmith.com/nothanks. The audiobook will be out within…
It happened again… You’re on a Webex, and it is your turn to add some value to the conversation, and here comes that colleagues that has a way of asserting themselves so it appears that they have far more authority than you. Its belittling, and you’re tired of it. After all, who died and put them in charge, let alone at your expense. Asserting authority is one way…
Companies are going all out for #BlackHistoryMonth, and it’s…awkward. I wouldn’t be the first to say that in the current cultural context, watching Black History Month unfold in social media news feeds is a bit surreal. If you are Black, you may be in one of two camps: you are either loud and proud and a bit defiant in your celebration of Black Excellence, or you are completely…
Do you understand that one way privilege of any ilk presents itself is when someone automatically takes control and puts themself in charge of you and everyone in the space? Because women of color, especially Black women, are not centered in business or in the workplace, sometimes we acquiesce to others who take this stance automatically. Remember the woman in Jason’s Deli who charged me up about my…
My brothers… Please be careful. You sound like the All Lives Matter crew when you question why Black Women require advocacy. You too can be an ally if you open your minds, and it would mean a lot. It’s amazing how many Black men get a little frazzled when they learn that I’m an advocate for women and women of color. They start asking questions like: “what about…
Let’s talk about the relationship between White women and Black women in the workplace for a moment. It’s time. Let’s keep it 💯. I had the privilege of going live on The Back Pack Show LIVE with Chris Brogan and Kerry Gorgone talking about my new book No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself. I broke news there about the remix of #NoThanks that is upcoming. It’s…
As I work in my private coaching practice, which blends leadership development and strategic communications, I find it interesting to hear how so many professionals are being required to have dozens of “camera-on” conversations and appearances every day. It isn’t without its awkwardness either—the work-from-home environment has collided simultaneously with online school at home for many of us, and, well, camera-on isn’t always possible. Imagine giving a keynote…
WHAT A DAY FOR WOMEN AND WOMEN OF COLOR!!! Yesterday, I joined millions of women who donned their pearls and “chucks” to watch the Inauguration. This was indeed a monumental moment. For the next four years, corporate environments will have a glimpse at what women of color can be—-rockstar leaders at the highest levels. We shouldn’t wait for them to realize it. Sis, we have to make the…
What a historic moment for our country with yesterday’s Inauguration Day! I was absolutely impressed with the young poet laureate who rendered verse at the ceremony. So much so that I tweeted about it, and reflected my conversation with my 8 year old daughter. The tweet about my and my daughter’s reaction to Amanda Gorman, including it with tweets from the amazing organizer and public figure Stacy Abrams…