You work hard, and you are finally getting the recognition. But know one knows it. You see other people sharing their accomplishments and thought leadership online and you actually enjoy the ones who aren’t obnoxious about it. However, when it comes to the idea of your sharing, you freeze. Are you leaning into false humility? This isn’t even the so-called “humble brag.” You haven’t given yourself to be…
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…
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…
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…
If you read my new book No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself, you know there is a nice dash of Black Church culture in it and historical nuggets about my home church. Yes, that is who you think it is in the middle. Some of you will recognize the man on the right as the legendary and very young Dr. C.A.W. Clark. My parents…
You can’t swing a hashtag without hitting a social media post or leadership article about resilience, especially through this crisis. It is no secret that this is one of the qualities that sets great leaders apart from the rest. I call it my ability to bend, not break. But did you ever consider that you may be relying on false resilience? This week’s NSC Coaching Cohort group session pondered…