Emma Fischer’s Post

Asking for a raise, confronting a colleague who is chronically late to meetings, disclosing a health issue that will require you to take time off work. What do the above scenarios all have in common? A difficult conversation with a colleague…Something we all have to do at one time or another. So how can we protect our peace of mind while increasing our chances of a positive outcome in these tough conversations? By being mindful of the point of view of the listener and, of course, preparing. In my third appearance on the Anxious Achiever podcast, (the amazing) Morra Aarons-Mele and I discuss how to maintain professionalism and ensure the best possible results when raising tricky issues with colleagues. Thank you Morra for having me on again and shout-out to Mary Dooe, the producer extraordinaire of this wonderful podcast: https://lnkd.in/dwactDvF #ConflictManagement #ConflictResolution #ConflictPrevention #Communication #InterpersonalRelationships Image alt-text: Text that reads: "perspective taking, 'For your coworkers or anyone you interact with, you have to remember that in a given situation, you're seeing a very limited slice of their life and their behavior, and you are seeing through your lens.' Amy Gallo, The Anxious Achiever"

Today I Learned About the Steelman Argument While watching Lex Fridman’s podcast today, I came across a concept that really struck a chord with me: the steelman argument Instead of tearing down a simplified version of someone’s point (a straw man), the steelman approach involves: 1. Listening and Paraphrasing: Restate their argument to make sure you understand it correctly. 2. Strengthening: Help them build a stronger version of their argument. 3. Constructive Engagement: Address their strongest points and share your perspective thoughtfully. This method highlights something we often overlook in both the workplace and personal relationships—genuine listening and understanding. Nowadays, people keep focusing on proving themselves rather than listening whether in the workplace or in relationships. For example, if you’re having a disagreement with a partner about weekend plans, instead of simplifying their concerns to, “You never want to do what I suggest,” try this: “So, you’re saying you need more balance between our plans and your personal time? Is that right?” This shows you’re really listening and valuing their perspective, not just countering their arguments. Using the steelman approach can turn disagreements into chances for deeper understanding and stronger connections. Let’s try to listen more lah , kay. lets get it

There's always something in nothing❗️ Whether you are - • Sitting alone in a metro • Lying on your couch • Listening to a podcast (perspectives preferably) • Walking down the streets • Breathing in nature You are not doing nothing (but something) But HOW❓️ • Sitting alone, you are experiencing the 'art of noticing' • Lying, you are brainstorming those ideas in you head • Listening the podcast, you are gaining insights on diverse experiences • Walking, you are looking at those creative design boards & welcoming inspirations • Breathing in nature, you are rejuvenating yourself. So when the next time you say, 'I was doing nothing,' Just think again! LinkedIn #linkedinforcreators #selfgrowth

Yeesh, seriously? “Creativity is your ‘special sauce’”. Really? Is that *really* the best we can do? This is the episode I’ve wanted to record for ages. I finally get to address my bemusement at agency leaders claiming that ‘creativity’ is their agency’s point of difference, and then delivering conference keynotes where they also say it’s the whole industry’s USP. Thankfully, here’s Jo Wallace - the always eloquent Global ECD at Jellyfish and founder of Good Girls Eat Dinner. Her experience and wisdom - gleaned from her fascinating career path - helps shed some light on what ‘creativity’ actually does. Jo explores how her job is to provide robust solutions for clients, especially when her agency is invited into the right conversations. She also talks about the consistency of client challenges and the opportunities that new tools offer everyone in the creative industry. This takes us onto the subject of diversity, in all its forms - particularly diversity of thought. Jo unpack where the best ideas come from and how different lenses make all the difference. Finally we explore the importance of taking a position on societal issues - whether that’s creatives, agencies or brands - and how we can all take responsibility for building a better world. It’s powerful stuff - thanks Jo! One quick ask… ✅ Please do help us share by hitting ‘Repost’ (with no comment added) Episode link in the comments - or find us wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks in advance, enjoy Jo’s wisdom and feel free to share your takeaways. #MarketofOne #Underdifferentiated #TILOA

How do you start your day? Today, I started with some quick desk work, then multi-tasked - drinking coffee while submitting to a voice talent roster and listening to the Speechless Voiceover Industry Podcast... all at the same time. Highly recommend Natasha Marchewka and Kim Wilson ⎮ Voice Talent podcast, btw. I caught them saying something about the podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" so I found that, and within seconds, was laughing my a** off. (Side thought: when I lived in NYC I used to see Conan on the UWS all the time...). Laughing and comedy is a great way to start the day! Then, I realized why they mentioned the podcast - it's an example of podcast host-read commercials interspersed in the podcast, and Conan's technique. The tide is constantly turning. The age of "announcer" might have its place somewhere, but we're definitely in an era of not just a conversational read, but a flawed read... keepin' it real... just talking about a product and why it's awesome, while also honoring the brand. As the podcast, reels, and social media markets evolve, advertising is/will too. Pay attention. I'm here for it. #voiceover #voicetalent #podcast #podcastproduction #femalevoice #commercialadvertising #commercial #commercialdirector

It's easy to show up & be your best, motivated self when things are going right. But what happens when they're going wrong? How do you be your best self when sh*t is hitting the fan? In Part 2 of our podcast with Executive Mentor Mark Hodgson Consultancy we talk: 👉 Why establishing systems & habits set you up for CONSISTENT success (even when things are going wrong). 👉 Examples of SIMPLE ways to systematise your day to keep yourself on track. 👉 How having great systems will help prevent that little, nagging voice of self-sabotage from creeping in.. + Click this link https://loom.ly/Auy0UD4 to download your FREE mid year Report Card to Reflect, Reset & Refuel for the rest of the year. This is a great little resource to really set yourself up for the next 6 months. To listen in to Part two: Spotify: https://loom.ly/aQjr6So Youtube: https://loom.ly/VnwQmFc #goalsetting #recruitment #recruiters #motivation

How do you make your personal brand stand out as an expert or thought leader? Prioritize authenticity. 🌟Keasha Lee joined me on the podcast and shared such a unique perspective on this - emphasizing the importance of minding your own business and being mindful of what you consume. Key takeaways? Discover your “IT” Factor: Keasha encourages you to dig deep into the feedback we receive from colleagues, clients, and loved ones. It's about finding that unique thread that ties together our passions and expertise. But how do we maintain that personal brand? It's all about alignment. She talks about how to evaluate how you feel about your work, take inspired action, and remain open to experimentation. The goal? To make your personal branding magnetic and radiant. Keasha does an excellent job reminding us that when you're true to yourself, you can overcome impostor syndrome and stand out authentically in your personal brand. Intrigued? Me too! Check out the full episode for more valuable insights and guidance on leveraging your personal brand as an author! Link: https://lnkd.in/gnmRKMHz #PersonalBranding #Authenticity #TheAuthorsLeverage #PodcastEpisode

Consultants, if you've heard anything about being a salesperson, maybe in movies or TV shows, probably the phrase ‘Always Be Closing.’ I. hate. this. phrase. It goes against everything I believe in. So if you're feeling like you should "always be closing" as a consultant, I want you to know: it doesn't apply to you. Or any consultant. Like my client, a PR consultant I spoke with on the Smart Gets Paid Podcast. She was worried because she thought she was ‘bad at closing.’ And she was convinced this was why she wasn’t getting the clients she really wanted. She told me a story I hear a lot from consultants who have been in business for a couple of years: 👉 She wasn’t winning as many projects as she did when she was new. 👉 She’d had some challenges that had weighed on her emotionally.  👉 She realized the things that had worked when she was mainly talking to people who already knew her just weren’t working anymore. She was blaming herself for being ‘bad at closing’ when actually, that wasn’t the problem at all. The thing is, at this stage of her business, what was happening was completely normal. Now she needed different sales strategies than the ones she relied on in the early days. Because my client was in what we call The Messy Middle. She wasn’t new anymore. She was talking to potential clients from outside her network. And they were bigger clients, for more strategic projects that required a different approach. If this sounds familiar, then this episode is for you. You’ll hear: ✅ Why you don’t need to ‘Always Be Closing’ ✅ Why you don’t have to be pushy or ask for the sale. ✅ Why “The Close” isn’t actually an event, or a tactic you need a strategy for. It’s the natural result of a process that starts even before the first conversation.  Tune in at the link below and get some good news for your own sales process and win rate!: https://lnkd.in/d6NXeSJd #SalesStrategy #ClientEngagement #ConsultingSuccess #BusinessGrowth #SalesMindset

⚠️ REALITY CHECK ⚠️ You’ll never find fulfillment by following the crowd. If you’re struggling to find yourself and own your vision, you've got to check out what Graham Cochrane had to say on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast. Graham has built multiple seven-figure businesses that require less than five hours of work per week to maintain, is a renowned TEDx keynote speaker, and wrote the bestselling book, “How To Get Paid For What You Know.” His upcoming book, “Rebel: Find Yourself by Not Following The Crowd,” is based on his R-E-B-E-L acronym and he gave us a glimpse into how this acronym can completely change your life. Listen to his interview to get: ✔️ 2 killer questions to ask yourself on your path to fulfillment ✔️ Graham’s thoughts on why dreaming is SO CRUCIAL ✔️ Advice for building a successful business w/o working 80+ hour weeks + some other insightful surprises 😉 🎧 Want to tune in? https://lnkd.in/eqYA9zZ4

I heard an acronym the other day on a parenting podcast that I really liked – which is O.H.I.O - and stands for “Only Handle it Once.” In the context of the podcast, it relates to keeping a tidy house. It means that, when you are done with something, don’t just put it down. For instance, if you use the scissors to open a package, rather than leave them on the counter, just put them back where they belong in the drawer, for example, or on the desk where you got them. This applies even if it means walking up a flight of stairs or walking across the house and out to the garage to put the thing away. (Anyone else guilty of leaving things on the steps to go upstairs instead of just bringing the thing up at the time you are done with it? ✋🏽Raising my hand over here.) O.H.I.O requires extra effort, and sometimes it just about takes all the energy I have left after a busy day... but the reward is huge because at the end of the day, I don’t end up with a bunch of random stuff lying all over my house. I was thinking how this acronym relates to tough conversations. Putting them off just makes a mess! Instead, if we apply this O.H.I.O. acronym to tough conversations and just deal with the issue right then, even though it feels like more effort at the time, it will definitely make less work for us later. Too many people managers put off performance issues and are left with big messes down the road… So my message here is --- People managers and business owners, I challenge you to apply this O.H.I.O acronym and take care of the issue when it happens. Don’t let things get messy. #WorkplaceCommunication #EmployeeRelations #ConflictResolution