Kris Petersen’s Post

In the professional journey, we often encounter challenges that test our resilience and integrity. One such challenge is dealing with individuals or situations that seem to undermine our efforts and bring us down. While it's a natural instinct to resist or confront such negativity, there's a compelling argument for allowing these forces to play out, especially when it comes to exposing the truth. Here's why letting detractors have their say can be beneficial: 1. Transparency: Allowing criticism and negative feedback to surface can foster an environment of transparency. It encourages open dialogue and can lead to important insights about areas needing improvement. 2. Strengthens Credibility: When we face opposition with grace and composure, it strengthens our credibility. It shows that we are confident in our values and decisions and are open to scrutiny. 3. Opportunity for Growth: Negative feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It provides a different perspective and can be a catalyst for self-improvement and innovation. 4. Exposes Motives: Often, those who try to bring us down have their own agendas. Allowing them to reveal their true colors can provide clarity about their intentions and the dynamics at play. 5. Builds Resilience: Facing adversity head-on builds resilience. It prepares us for future challenges and teaches us to remain steadfast in our goals and beliefs. 6. Encourages Problem-Solving: Dealing with detractors requires problem-solving skills. It pushes us to find creative solutions and to turn potential setbacks into opportunities. 7. Validates the Truth: Ultimately, truth has a way of standing firm in the face of opposition. Allowing detractors to have their say can serve to validate the truth, as it will withstand scrutiny and emerge stronger. In conclusion, while it's important to stand up for us, there's also value in sometimes stepping back and letting the situation unfold. This approach can disarm detractors, reveal deeper truths, and lead to a stronger, more transparent professional environment. Remember, it's not the noise of our critics but the silence of our friends that defines our journey. Let's embrace the challenges and use them as steppingstones to success. 🌟 #ProfessionalGrowth #Resilience #Transparency #Feedback #TruthInAdversity

“The number one regret people shared on their deathbeds was not having had the courage to live a life true to themselves, instead of living according to others’ expectations.” I remember coming across this profound insight from palliative nurse Bronnie Ware, who spent years listening to the regrets of those nearing the end of life. Imagine that, looking back and realizing you held back when it mattered most. Staying silent doesn’t just affect your present; it shapes how you reflect on your entire journey. In our careers, silence comes at a real cost. Here’s what staying quiet could mean: 🏆 RECOGNITION: Without highlighting your work, others might overlook your efforts and the impact you're making. 🌱 OPPORTUNITIES: Self-advocacy opens doors. Staying silent? You might miss out on projects and roles that align with your goals. 💡 CREDIBILITY: Sharing your insights regularly builds your reputation as a trusted expert. 🤝 RELATIONSHIPS: Silence can keep you from building connections with mentors and leaders who could support your growth. 📈 WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Without setting boundaries, you risk being overwhelmed by tasks others could help manage. 🌟 REPUTATION: If others don’t see your achievements, they might underestimate your dedication or competence. 🤲 RESPECT AND FAIRNESS: Speaking up reminds others of the value of your skills, setting a standard for how you deserve to be treated. 💪 CONFIDENCE: Staying silent often leads to feeling undervalued, affecting your confidence and motivation. 🔄 GROWTH: Sharing your ideas opens you to valuable feedback that fosters improvement. 🛠️ PRODUCTIVITY: When you don’t speak up, you may miss out on the resources and support you need to perform at your best. 💖 FULFILLMENT: Silence can leave you feeling disconnected from your work, as if you're simply “going through the motions.” “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou But it doesn’t have to be this way. Self-advocacy is a skill anyone can learn, and it can transform how others see your contributions , and, most importantly, how you see yourself. 📢 Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing tips to help you take those first steps toward being heard. Because you deserve to be seen and valued. Stay tuned! #quietconfidence #womenpower #womenwholead #introvertpower #quietleadership #introvertedleader #powerofintroverts #diversevoices #empatheticleaders #breakingbarriers #embracediversity

“One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice— though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. "Mend my life!" each voice cried.” from Mary Oliver, “The Journey” These lines also come to mind during powerful conversations. “Though the voices around you  kept shouting their bad advice…” I hear these voices inside clients' heads in response to “what they know they have to do.” Maybe it’s the opportunity to improve the culture of the company, the engagement of the employees, and ultimately revenue. Maybe it’s an idea long on the back burner, but coming front and center. Then the bad advice voices show up,  often representing the “logical” arguments of family and friends. “What will people think?”  “You’ll look like a fool.” “WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK??” So the voices swirl around, around, and around. While the person stays stuck, not taking action and not even planning. While the company and its employees do business as usual. Terrible truth:  these voices never completely go away.   They will always be those tugging at your ankles. What if you could acknowledge those voices AND move forward anyway? What if you had a space and a conversation partner in which to heed what you know you have to do AND  begin doing it? When you’re ready to expose these bad advice voices for what they are, let’s talk.   Today can be Day One of something new or just another day of saying, “One day…”   Let’s become better together.      #powerfulconversation #executivecoaching #coach #purpose #maryoliver #presence #begin #badavice

A while ago, during a conversation with a friend, I heard these words: "Are you really working hard? You can say you're working hard, but if you are, the results will show. It's through results that we can know." 🤨 It might have been said in jest, but in that moment, those words struck a deep chord within me. It wasn’t because I was offended. In fact, those words felt like a warning to myself. Not long ago, I used to say the same things to people at work who weren't achieving results. "Why aren't you getting results despite working hard? In the end, it’s the numbers and performance that prove it." Reflecting on that, I realized that those words I so casually spoke were actually a call for self-reflection—challenging how seriously I was really putting my own efforts into practice. In that moment, I began to truly reflect on what really matters. I realized that simply working hard isn’t enough. What’s truly important is how that passion and effort translate into tangible results, and the depth of that process. As I came to this realization, I suddenly felt a flush of embarrassment. Humility is such a difficult thing. I strive to remain humble, but at times, my ego pushes through, leading me to act arrogantly and with self-importance, something I can no longer ignore. Today, I am reminded once again to live with humility. Everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. 😵 But when those mistakes make us reflect and grow, only then does the process become truly valuable. Humility is not just about lowering others; it’s about letting go of the arrogance within myself and sincerely reflecting on who I am in every moment. 🤞 #howconsulting #Recruting #HR #CareerCoaching #NY #TX #Austin #USA #ForkyPhilosophy #자기반성

Overcoming self-doubt is the key to unlocking your true potential. Check out this insightful blog to discover strategies for reaching new heights in your career. 💪

1. Always staying true to myself. Many people become shadows of themselves because they believe the corporate world wants to see a particular type of person. But being true to yourself (eccentric, capable, humorous, kind-hearted, strong-willed, bold, quiet, outgoing, serious, lighthearted, etc.) encourages your team to do the same. 2. Not taking time to enjoy the journey. The 'honey-do list' at work will always be there. You set a goal. You meet the goal. Next goal set. Cycle continues. Did you celebrate the little wins along the way? Did you laugh at your co-worker's joke about the smelly lunch from the next room over? Or did you hyper-focus on a deadline and lose sight of the journey? 3. Laughing at work more. I can't lie; I laughed whenever I could at work. But sometimes, I dulled the sunshine. I received messages from colleagues when I left for a few well-deserved days off of work recently (which I never took- yet another regret. However, this list is for 3 regrets and not 4). "The office has lost its sunshine!" or "It's so quiet, and not the good quiet. I miss coming over and laughing with you." And one of my favorites: "The office isn't the same without you. We talked about how we didn't realize how much you lightened the mood." Why on Earth did I dull my shine? Corporate's outdated expectations of leaders in the workplace? The world is changing. And so am I. What I don't regret is learning from these challenges. I don't regret the hard conversations. The people. I don't regret their vulnerability in sharing personal hardships with me. I don't regret when I stayed true to myself, enjoyed the journey, and laughed with my colleagues, bosses, and outside agencies. I wish I had done it MORE. I'm going to keep changing and learning. That is a promise. So, I'll throw this back in your court: what are your regrets? More importantly, what will you do knowing what you know now? How will you continue to change to spark a transformative and positive change in others?

🌱 Embracing Vulnerability: A Journey of Self-Discovery 🌱 I took the day to attend hashtag #HRUnboxed by HRCP: Human Resource Certification Preparation (aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) and the presentations were all incredibly insightful and educational. One of the presentations I attended was "An Exceptional Leader C.A.R.E.S" by @MichaelTowers and it was such an open and honest conversation. Lately, I've been reflecting on the self-imposed pressure to always be available, to constantly prove my worth, and to give 100%+ of myself to my company and team. It's a mindset that many of us share – the need to earn our seat at the table and to work tirelessly to keep it. I watched my Mom and Grandmother work tirelessly to get ahead in their respective careers and to be tough, resilient and put their careers first. My work ethic is based on these two amazing women - the good and the bad. But here's the truth: It can be draining. Mentally, emotionally, and even physically. And I've come to realize that this relentless pursuit of perfection, and modeling the work ethic of past generations isn't sustainable – nor is it necessary. So, I'm choosing vulnerability. I'm opening up about my struggles, my insecurities, and my journey towards self-acceptance and self-care. Because I know I'm not alone. And maybe, just maybe, by sharing my story, I can help others who are feeling the same way. Here are a few lessons I am committed to in making changes for myself: 1️⃣ It's okay to set boundaries: Saying no doesn't make you selfish – it makes you human. 2️⃣ Self-care isn't selfish: Taking time for yourself isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. 3️⃣ You are enough: You don't need to constantly prove your worth. You are valuable, just as you are. Let's support each other on this journey towards greater self-care, self-compassion, and self-confidence. Together, we can redefine success on our own terms. #Vulnerability #SelfCareJourney #YouAreEnough

What if serving others gave you more energy than it took? Since adopting service as a way of life, I’ve become more effective and much happier in my work. But service is often misunderstood. It’s not about self-sacrifice or lacking boundaries. It’s about your heart—the intention behind your actions. Serving means being fully present, giving your full attention to the person in front of you. For that moment, they’re your top priority, and you’re focused on giving, not expecting anything in return. It’s a mindset of generosity over scarcity. You might be thinking, “But wouldn’t that be exhausting? Won’t I burn out?” I thought the same thing. Having experienced burnout from giving without boundaries as a lawyer, I was hesitant to serve again. So, I spent a few years conserving my energy, staying in my own space. But through a powerful coaching conversation with Melissa Ford, the author of Living Service, I realized this fear was keeping me stuck. Since embracing service as a way of life, I’ve experienced many unexpected benefits: -  I rarely feel disappointment or resentment from giving because I give from an authentic place—it’s who I am, not something I do to get anything in return. -  I can now receive kindness from others without guilt or shame. Serving freely has allowed me to also receive freely. -  I’ve gained respect and influence, but not because I seek it—genuine service speaks for itself. -  And I’m happier overall from frequent giving, something positive psychology research supports. What surprised me most was how much energy I’ve gained from serving authentically. It’s transformed me as much as those I serve. If you find yourself hesitating to give, consider that true service benefits both the giver and the receiver. When we show up fully for others, we also transform ourselves. #leadership #authenticleadership

Taking things personally? Why do we do that 🤔 Taking things personally often stems from how we perceive and interpret events and interactions. Here’s a quick-fire list of reasons we do it:- Personalisation:  when people believe that others’ actions or external events are directly related to them. If a co-worker is in a bad mood, you might think it’s because of something you did, even if it has nothing to do with you.   Need for Social Acceptance: we naturally seek acceptance and approval from others. This need can make us sensitive to criticism or negative feedback. If you value a colleague's opinion and they criticize your work, you might feel personally attacked because you want their approval.   Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: our self-esteem and sense of self-worth influence how we interpret others' comments. Low self-esteem can make us more likely to take things personally If you already doubt your abilities, a simple critique can feel like confirmation of your insecurities.   Fight-or-Flight Response: a natural reaction to perceived threats. When we take things personally, our brain may interpret criticism as a threat, triggering a defensive response. Feeling defensive or hurt when receiving negative feedback because your brain perceives it as an attack on your character.   Attribution Errors: occurs when we attribute others' actions to their character rather than external factors, while we attribute our own actions to external factors. If someone snaps at you, you might think they dislike you, rather than considering they might be having a bad day.   So, what can we do about it? We first to need to recognise it with curiosity. Ask yourself if there’s another perspective to the interaction, what if this is nothing to do with me and everything to do with the other person’s experience? Pay attention to your internal dialogue, it’s not situations we respond to but rather the things we tell ourselves about it.    #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmotionalResilience #CognitiveDistortions #ProfessionalGrowth

3 harsh truths about the workplace that affect hard-working people more than the rest: 1. Good folks are dismissed as "too nice, too honest, too innocent, too naïve". "You do not know what it takes to win in this brutal world." And that's true. Good people often finish last. Because the game favours the ones who bend rules, bypass them, and have flexible morals. So you have two options. Find a place that is non-negotiably aligned to your value system, or throw your ethics away! 2. Early on in my career, I saw an unequal split of work given out by my manager. The hardworking ones got more and more work, and the lazy ones got less work. I thought, "That's unfair.” My manager replied: “Good people pay a higher price for being good, than bad people pay for being bad.” What he meant was — if you are good, more work will continue to be assigned to you BECAUSE you are good. That's the price you pay. So you have two options. Continue to pay the price or stop being as good. 3. Notice how the good folks keep expressing their dissatisfaction in subtle ways — never to be noticed until it is too late? And the organization wonders what happened for them to leave? Organizations assume no news is good news. So they rarely reach out to ask — “Are you doing okay?” So you have two choices. Share what you are feeling and make sure it is heard, or find yourself leaving the place because no one ever cared. At the risk of endorsing a victim mindset, I will say this. Most of the corporate world is designed for mass employment, putting people through a regimented process, expecting them to be compliant and follow orders, make the least noise, show up, work and go back home to come back again. It is NOT designed for the exceptional few. The ones who want to make a difference, the ones who care, the ones who see their work as an extension of their expression. So if you are good, hunt down organizations whose culture nurtures your kind. Never give up on who you are, least of all for an organization. Do not let the world change what is good for you! Reposted from Ankur Warikoo's X Post 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Interesting and Insightful ❤️