Colonel Candid

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...

I learned how to drive in Iowa. Back then, you could start with your permit at 14 years old, after drivers’ education. My first car was a huge Monte Carlo Super Sport and I drove it excitedly amongst the single lane roads. With cornfields at my side my greatest fear was a winter ice storm or a family of deer darting across the road. Other than that, driving a car was simple. People were Iowa nice and they mostly obeyed the rules. Life paced by evenly with a steady volume of traffic on the road. When I turned 18, I moved to New York, my confidence in driving was wildly shaken. Instead of driving in a town with just a couple of stop lights, I now drove on roads with six lanes. Turn signals all of the sudden became optional and hand signals were often shared with me from other drivers. And most of the time it included only one finger. The pace speed up and I moved fast to stay with the increased speed and volume of cars. What a difference from one location to the next. It t...

Another piece of advice saved, just for you, from a lifetime of lessons learned…your actions speak louder than your words. For over a decade, I’ve had the opportunity to mother two amazing children. During those years, I’ve noticed two sets of eyes watching everything I do. Talk about pressure folks…they keep you accountable and help you prioritize quickly to what’s most important for you. This is coming from someone completely dedicated to both my family and my work. In order to ensure my own sanity was maintained during several high stress jobs I had to set boundaries. Because, as I already know that you’re being the best person you can be, it’s hard to say no to anyone or any opportunity. Your children will want you to play, the spouse or significant other will want your full attention, and that email in-box just won’t stop filling up. Then there are all the extras you’re asked to do, like attend work related after hour functions, donate time with the children’s school and the...

There you are, rocking in your new gig, following MLK’s lead to “be all that you can be” and there’s someone preventing you from being your best self. Whether it’s the office gossip or the creepy person who just doesn’t get it, the problem is real. Whereas I wish you could experience work as just work and work in a culture who values you for what you offer, reality strikes. There are some places that just don’t have the best environment. Here are some examples and how to handle them, from Colonel Candid, who’s been there and done that. First scenario: The GOSSIP….wow oh wow, can this person talk. I mean they know everything about everyone. You begin by over hearing them speak in the break room or in the hallway. They always seem to have someone cornered. They’ll start talking about sports or entertainment and then nosedive into, “did you hear…” Yes, it’s that slippery slope that you want no part of. So, take it from me, a break is necessary every now and again but if you notice thi...

Colonel Candid here to help with mentorship advice after you’ve landed that first gig. Let’s take a second to assess your environment. You’ve passed through the gates and made it to the position you’ve wanted. Just like qualifying for the big race, you’re in the starting blocks and now it’s time to run. You’ve got this but it’s going to take some determination. Let’s start by looking around. What is your environment like? Each day when you walk in, who is there? What is your environment like? If you’re in a large city and people had to drive or metro in, they’re probably on edge. If you’re in a rural environment and that weather was rough during the drive, they could be in a tough spot too. So, take some time to assess the mental temperature of the room. When it’s the right time begin digging in. Start by asking questions to people who are busiest. Most of the time, the person with the least amount of time has the hardest job and will go the furthest (although this isn’t always ...