Our final episode before our indefinite hiatus is dedicated to you, whoever you are, wherever you are. Thank you for finding us and supporting us with your time and attention and for allowing us the opportunity to learn, grow, and laugh alongside you.
Thank you to every guest who came on our show and helped expand our views and better ourselves. Thank you to everyone who emailed in, left comments, or engaged with us over the last year.
Special thanks to Blue Summit Supplies, Owen, and Larry, who funded and supported this project every step of the way. And to Melvin, our tireless editor and producer who worked hard and used his boundless talents to make this show the shiny little diamond it has become. Thank you to Lizzie who has dedicated her talents and discerning eye to getting the SOP podcast out into the world, and who worked with our designer, Jess, to create beautiful images and videos to convey the messages we have always felt were so important.
And thank you to Shannon, who came into every recording with her head full of wisdom and knowledge, and who consistently builds me up and makes me feel like I can do it, no matter what âitâ is.
A whole year of learning and growing through culture, communication, and candor - Iâm proud of our team and proud of you for coming with us.
Thank you so much.
xo,
Grace
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]]>Feeling understood â the main byproduct of empathy â is incredibly important to oneâs well being. In fact, some believe feeling understood is even more important than feeling loved.
Showing empathy can bridge this gap between feeling alone and misunderstood to feeling seen, heard, and part of a supportive team. So, how do you begin to foster this kind of behavior in a work environment? It's not as complicated as you might think.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what empathy looks like at work, and what it doesn't, why it's important in creating a healthy work environment, and how to develop, practice and grow in empathy.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>But if you stop and think about it, itâs our core values that truly define who we are.
Our values help us choose between right and wrong, guide us on which paths we take in life, determine where we focus our energy, and how we find our purpose.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk us through why determining our core values is so important to our career and our personal life, how they can change over time, and how to check in with ourselves to know when that should happen.
Joining us as special guest is influencer and Life Coach, Taina Nixon, MPH. Taina shares with us how she advises her clients to dig deep and identify their core values, and how doing so can provide purpose and direction in establishing and achieving attainable goals within your personal and professional life.
You can find Taina on her blog Abundantly Tiny or on Instagram.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>What would make the job more worthwhile? What tools could help you do better work? What might mean more to you than a pay raise?Â
Look beyond your paycheck, think outside the box, and ask for what you really want. Maybe itâs extra paid time off, better health benefits, relocation costs, flexible hours, or the ability to work remotely.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about 10 different benefits (besides salary) that you can negotiate when interviewing for a new job, and how to posture these requests so you can get what you really want.
On the latter half of the episode, Jaime Hamilton, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wilson Lumber Company, joins us to share her wisdom and insight into the things you should to bring to the table during an interview, and what kinds of questions a recruiter really wants you to ask.
You can contact Jaime or find out more about Wilson Lumber Company on their website or Facebook page.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>Oftentimes, the perpetrator of a microaggression has no idea they are being offensive, which makes issues involving microaggressions difficult to bring up or resolve.
Because of this, itâs easy for the majority to dismiss a microaggression as a simple slip of the tongue. Half-hearted apologies like âYou know I didnât mean it like that,â or, âit was just a joke,â are quite common for those who feel marginalized at work to hear.
But just because microaggressions are subtle or unintentional doesn't make them okay. Marginalization in the workplace in any form is completely unacceptable.
It's a complicated and sensitive topic, but it's a topic thatâs vitally important to discuss. That's why this week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon get into the nitty gritty of microaggressions, what they look like, and ways to help address them in the workplace.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>If so, we've got tools for you.
Micromanaging has a reputation for being akin to a four-letter word, but why does micromanaging have such a negative connotation?
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what micromanaging is, when it is and isn't effective, and how to handle a micromanaging boss (or learn to micromanage less yourself).
Eileen Linnabery, an executive coach with experience working with large corporations, small start-ups, and everything in between, joins us as special guest to share advice and knowledge on a realistic approach to handling micromanagement.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>Without steadfast and healthy leadership, teams can crumbleâcollaboration slows, trust dwindles, decision making is hindered, and thereâs a general lack of enthusiasm and drive.
Strong leaders inspire and motivate those around them. Having strong leaders in your workplace improves productivity, engagement, and the overall wellbeing of your team.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what strong leadership looks like, and how team-building within your leadership team can help cultivate those strong leaders that a company needs to be successful.
Matt Jones, self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and VP of Development of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, joins us as special guest to share his advice and knowledge on a realistic approach to team building.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>When we learn how be in the present moment, how to integrate mindfulness activities into our work day, it can lead to reduced stress, increased productivity, and an improved mood.
This week on the podcast, (while Shannon is on vacation with her family in the magical land of the Great Mouse), Grace and Melvin (our Production Associate) talk about what mindfulness means to them, what it looks like, why it's important, and how it can wildly improve your focus and overall workday.
Joining us on the latter half of the episode is Erika Bartlett, certified yoga instructor and entrepreneur, to share her unique perspective on mindfulness and living in the present moment, and give us advice on how to incorporate mindfulness practices into our daily lives.
You can follow Erika's yoga journey and find her resources on the Zen Bend Facebook page, on Instagram, or on YouTube.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>Instead of making a career switch, you continue at a job you despise.
Instead of accepting help, you push people away.
Does this sound like you or someone you know? If so, these may be symptoms of self-sabotage.
The reasons for self-sabotage vary, and it could look different for every person â but at its core, self-sabotage comes from feelings of low self-esteem and lack of self-worth. These feelings can become so internalized that when youâre on the cusp of succeeding at something, you veer in the other direction, derailing any positive outcome.
But hereâs the good news â thereâs a way to stop, and this week's episode can help you on that journey to a healthier you.
Cassidy Dear of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services joins Grace and Shannon this week to share her professional expertise and advice about how to deal with self-sabotaging behavior.
If you'd like to get in touch with Cassidy, you can contact her via email at cassidy@hsvpcs.com.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>Sometimes, thereâs no getting around it. Sometimes, you just have to lean into the awkward situation and have a laugh. Other times, there can be a more strategic way to exit the socially awkward tunnel and into the beckoning light of relief.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about their own personal, awkward experiences and why it's so important to approach yourself with compassion when dealing with them. They also dig into why (neurotypical) individuals can be faced with awkwardness at work, what that can look like, and how to successfully overcome those awkward situations.
(The woman cartoonist Shannon talks about in this episode is Gemma Correll, and this is the cool illustration she refers to.)
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>Do you know whatâs expected of you at work? Or are you left thinking, âI really don't know what Iâm supposed to doâŠâ
Or maybe you're asking yourself, âDoes my work even make an impact?â
If you lack role clarity in your current position, then you probably havenât any clue how your contributions benefit your company as a whole. Itâs certainly not motivating to feel like what you do every day doesnât even matter.
On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon talk about role clarity, why it's obviously so important, and if you don't have it â how to ask for it, when to ask for it, and just who to ask.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.comÂ
But itâs important to remember â a bad day is just a day.
Bad days have a knack for putting you in a royally bad mood â making you feel frustrated, powerless, and hopeless.
But the important thing to remember is that youâre in the driverâs seat. While things can feel hopeless, they very rarely are.
On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon tell us about a few bad days of their own, how they coped with the unexpected and made an attitude change, and also share 8 actionable strategies you can use to do the same.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>And thatâs where networking comes in.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about exactly how (and where) to start networking, and how to put your best foot forward and do it successfully. It's not all stuffy cocktails receptions and blazers. Networking can simply be about making organic connections with people who are passionate about the same things you are passionate about.
Joining us as a special guest, to give his wisdom and insight into the wonderful world of networking, is Jeremy Westmoreland, President of Huntsville Young Professionals. Jeremy talks about how networking helped him land a new job, how to think outside the normal networking box, and where to search for your unique tribe.
To learn more about Huntsville Young Professionals and their events, or to get involved, visit them online at their website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>After recording Episode 38, we realized there was much more to dig into in regards to this engaging and relevant topic, and so we sat down to do just that.
We spent a lot of time and effort putting this together in the hopes that it might resonate deeply with you, our audience, and your personal career journeys.
We hope you enjoy listening to Part 2 of Embracing Change in the Workplace, just as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy listening!
And, oh yeah â Happy Aprils Fool's ;)
]]>What if I say something stupid? What if I offend someone? Does anybody care what I have to say anyway?
But whether or not you hate small talk, being good at it can be a game changer.Â
On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon walk you through what it means to be more approachable and how to be better at it, how to ace that potentially awkward water cooler talk, and even list a few fun conversation topics to get you started.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>Toxic positivity is this âgood vibes onlyâ mindset â a belief that no matter how bad circumstances get or how disastrous or painful a situation is, people should just stay positive.
Now, positive thinking is powerful thing, and it has its time and place. But on the extreme end of the positivity spectrum, toxic positivity can have serious negative effects â especially in the workplace.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about how toxic positivity can destroy a healthy work culture, why it isn't always the best idea just to keep looking on the bright side, and how to replace this mindset with a more strategic way of positive thinking, called realistic optimism.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>How does it make you feel?
If you're like most people, change makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid. What if this change makes you lose your job? What if your working conditions change so much that you'll want to quit?
The fear of the unknown affects us all.
This is where Grace and Shannon come in. On this week's episode, they'll discuss how to use empathy and emotional intelligence to not only understand why a change may be happening, but how to embrace it and use it to your advantage.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>If you answered yes to any of these questions or know of someone on your team who might, youâre probably dealing with perfectionism at work.
Being a perfectionist at work is a double-edged sword. It can motivate you to perform with excellence, but it can also set you up for failure with its unattainable goals. But there's a way to recognize it, understand it, and harness its power.
This week, Grace and Shannon dive deep into how perfectionism can affect your physical and mental health, as well as your work performance. They also share about their own personal struggles with perfectionism, and break down actionable strategies they use to help them to deal with its negative effects.
HOT TIP: If you have an other-oriented perfectionist boss â you may want to try the Grey Rock Method.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>A business that champions respect will ensure everyone feels valued, turnover remains low, teams are able to collaborate effectively, and everyone trusts one another.
This week, Grace and Shannon talk about the different ways you can identify disrespect at work, how to combat it, and how you can foster a culture of respect within your workplace.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>Well, your brain is just the same. Reading engages a number of different areas in our brains, helping us to build and strengthen our mental muscles.
In this week's episode, Grace and Shannon go over 8 specific benefits of reading regularly, revealing the reality that it improves memory, reduces stress, enhances empathy, and even prevents cognitive decline.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>So what exactly is the difference?
Passive listening occurs whenever someoneâs speaking to you while youâre distracted, either by your phone, a task, or just your own thoughts. Active listening, on the other hand, means the speaker has your undivided attention.
Active listening comes naturally to some more than others, but it's a soft skill â meaning, you can exercise those listening muscles and get better by practicing.
This week, Grace and Shannon talk about how to improve your active listening skills and why it's so important, how to determine when it's okay to passively listen, and when you should be giving someone your full attention.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>So how do you deal with it effectively? Well, there isnât one perfect way to deal with conflict, as not every conflict we face is exactly the same. So, it comes down to choosing the right style for each situation, and knowing when to switch it up.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk through each of the 5 different conflict styles, which personalities have a tendency towards certain styles, and how important it is to change your conflict style according to each situation.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com
]]>The answer is a resounding YES! No one can can do it all completely by themselves â that's why the success of your business endeavors depends on a dedicated team of people, all working towards the same goal.
This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon take an in-depth look at the process of delegation in the workplace, how trust and clarity are imperative to making it successful, and how it can empower your team to learn, grow, and do their best.
Our CEO, Owen, makes a guest appearance at the end of the show to talk about his first approach to delegating as a boss and a business owner, what he learned from changing his process, and how effective it became for his team and for himself.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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]]>If thatâs the case, donât sweat â weâve got you covered.
This week, Shannon and Grace define some of the most common workplace acronyms as well as some obscure ones, and our guest Blair shares some anecdotal wisdom regarding his experience with acronyms.
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]]>This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to make the most of a boring job and ways to maximize your time (and skills) no matter where you are.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!
]]>This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to best work with those coworkers who may not be like us - specifically, how to work better together depending on if your colleague is an introvert or an extrovert.
Check out this awesome animated clip from the episode!
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!
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]]>This week, Grace and Shannon share advice on how to start freelancing with no experience, including types of freelancing jobs, how to get jobs as a contractor, and tools that will advance your freelancing career.
Plus, we have an awesome guest in Melody Tholstrup of My Size Marketing who has lived this topic intimately and offers some excellent firsthand advice. Melody has worked in the marketing industry for 30 years and served the last 10 as a Marketing Coach & Trainer where she's experienced herself and coached clients through the ins and outs of freelancing.
Find Melody on Instagram at @mysizemarketing and visit her website, My Size Marketing.
Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.
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Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!
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