Colonel Candid

I’ve instructed online for several years now and due to current state of emergency for a growing number of cities, I’d advise parents begin to set up an environment for their student to succeed. Here are a couple of tips from Colonel Candid on how to get the most out of this online transitional experience. 1.       Connectivity is key. Ensure that online classes have the right passwords ahead of the live class. Work to test your connectivity. If this is new to you watch a YouTube video on the type of platform used by the school. There are plenty of tips on how to get the best out of whatever platform is chosen by your student or your own school. 2.       Remember this is a real class. The teachers and other students exist, even though you cannot see them. Additionally, the classroom, your room/living area, is full of new distractions. Remain disciplined and dedicated to setting strict study time. Show up and treat your online cla...

Recently, I discovered some true strengths of co-workers and mentors that reminded me of one of the greatest strengths a mentor can display, empathy. There were several people who demonstrated and understood the challenge I was going through as my mother-in-law had passed away. Often empathy is confused with sympathy. Sympathy is a feeling of concern and sense that something could make someone happier, but it doesn’t go so far as to attempt to share in the other person’s perspective. According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, empathy, is a vital supplier to develop emotional intelligence, a key skill needed as a mentor.  Colonel Candid presents you with three components of empathy for you to consider the next time your mentee comes to you with a problem or situation requiring empathy. The first is cognitive empathy, this is the understanding of what the person is likely feeling or thinking. Although you’re not emotionally engaged, you can still use this to help you underst...

Recently, while perusing social media I saw a post by a classmate from many years back. In this he stated that he appreciated customers of his business but he did not want to profit from people who harassed his female employees, either verbally on the phone or on-line. The company, Ranger Up , demonstrates here a perfect example of how great leaders take a stand against repugnant behaviors. As you look for companies that not only talk-the-talk look for evidence, like this, that they walk-the-walk. Here are a couple of tips from Colonel Candid on what to look for in a healthy workplace that supports women and proves what they stand for. Because we all want to work for a company where women are equitably valued and respected, participation by women is encouraged. When you’re looking at working somewhere look at how employees are seen and treated. Do you sense that recruitment of excellent talent is gender-blind? If not, then the culture is askew from the starting line. The true p...

March is upon us and it’s time for Colonel Candid to give each of you a great list on how to make note of the awesome accomplishments of women who’ve gone before us. Here’s to the strong women who raised us, inspired us, and carved a path for us to move forward. 1.      Participate in International Women’s Day, March 8. Emphatically post on all your social media and physically talk about it at work. 2.      Get to the library or your local bookstore and read about some awesome women. Enjoy my own story in “ Undaunted ” by Tanya Biank and understand women who made history serving their nation. 3.      Share your voice. Reach out and speak to your local, state, and federal legislators to promote policies the further equality for women and protest harmful ones. Register to vote and then do so. 4.      Visit a park dedicated to women. The Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument , operated in p...