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133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out
A previous client asks for help navigating their own burn out while dealing with a demanding boss. Here’s my advice on managing stress, dealing with demanding bosses, and finding sustainable ways to recharge. I look at the importance of questioning assumptions, setting boundaries, and experimenting with new approaches to reclaim control over one’s work-life balance. My Advice You can’t keep pumping air into the metaphorical balloon; it will eventually pop Does constant pressure need to be “managed?” Stop comparing your limits to others; everyone has different constraints Saying no is a powerful tool for reducing stress and workload Team agreements can clarify communication norms and reduce ambiguity Test small changes like turning off your phone for short periods to gauge the impact Meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; explore other recharging methods Write down all of the assumptions you have about your situation and question their validity Experiment with scenarios that challenge your fears (e.g., being unavailable and seeing what happens) Ask yourself what your current situation is doing to your body, soul, and relationships Consider whether your job aligns with what you want in life long-term Challenge the belief that you must always be available or risk losing your job Agreements are better than expectations—collaborate with others on clear terms Test turning off Slack or disabling presence indicators to reduce pressure Sustainable productivity requires intentional boundaries, not cheat codes Physical symptoms of stress often signal deeper issues; don’t ignore them If nothing changes in your current situation, consider the long-term consequences on your health and happiness Reach out for help or coaching if you’re stuck—there’s always something new to try Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out appeared first on John Poelstra.
132: Not Your Mother’s Library with Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson is a library science educator and social worker. She joins me to explain the evolving role of public libraries in modern society. Sarah highlights how libraries have transformed from quiet book repositories into vibrant community hubs addressing diverse needs, from providing Wi-Fi and e-resources to offering social services like legal aid, health information, and even showers for unhoused individuals. Sarah explains that libraries are often the last free public spaces where people can gather without needing to spend money, making them essential yet increasingly complex environments. Sarah also shares her unique career path from social work and massage therapy to academic librarianship, emphasizing how her passion for learning and community service shaped her journey. She discusses the concept of “library social work,” which integrates social work principles into library operations to address challenges like homelessness, mental health crises, and safety concerns in public libraries. Through examples like San Francisco’s pioneering library social worker program, she illustrates how libraries can partner with community organizations to better serve patrons while supporting overburdened staff. Highlights Libraries have evolved into community hubs providing far more than books Public libraries often serve as the last free public spaces accessible to everyone Many librarians lack formal training in handling social issues like homelessness or mental health crises Academic librarians typically require advanced degrees, unlike many public library staff Public libraries provide critical resources like Wi-Fi, job search tools, and legal aid E-book usage has surged, keeping libraries relevant in the digital age Serendipitous browsing—discovering books by walking the stacks—is a unique joy that digital catalogs struggle to replicate Libraries play vital roles during crises, such as providing resources during natural disasters or pandemics Social workers in libraries help connect patrons with external services rather than solving systemic issues alone San Francisco was the first U.S. city to hire a full-time library social worker in 2009 Library staff often experience burnout due to increasing demands and insufficient training Trauma-informed care and de-escalation strategies are becoming essential skills for librarians Children’s librarians emphasize physical books over e-books for developmental benefits Libraries often partner with local organizations to offer tailored programs based on community needs COVID-19 exacerbated challenges in public libraries, increasing chaos in some urban branches Libraries are increasingly vibrant but face safety concerns due to their open-door policies Modern libraries cater to diverse populations through multilingual resources and inclusive programming Book banning controversies highlight the ongoing cultural significance of libraries Peer navigator programs offer an alternative model for addressing patron needs without relying solely on social workers Many communities invest heavily in renovating library facilities, reflecting their continued relevance Academic librarianship allows professionals to combine teaching, research, and direct student engagement Libraries must balance being welcoming spaces with ensuring safety for all patrons Advocacy for library funding and leadership is crucial for maintaining thriving public spaces Librarians Face a Crisis of Violence and Abuse (NY Times) Follow More of Sarah Johnson’s Work Substack Author of Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons The Library Social Work Podcast Instagram LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 132: Not Your Mother’s Library with Sarah Johnson appeared first on John Poelstra.
131: Career Coaching Isn’t a Crystal Ball with Tammi Scott
Tammi Scott joins me to discusses career coaching. Tammi explains that she and her business partner, Elisa, are launching Empowered Careers Group, LLC, which offers a comprehensive career coaching program. We explore various aspects of career coaching, including its definition, approach, and benefits. Tammi emphasizes that career coaching is not about providing a “crystal ball’ solution,” but rather a process of self-discovery and strategic planning. This conversation also touches on the role of AI in career coaching, the importance of networking, and the typical duration of coaching engagements. Tammi highlights the value of having a coach for accountability, support, and guidance through the ups and downs of career transitions. We also discuss the differences between career coaching and other forms of guidance, such as personal training or consulting. Tammi shares insights on resume writing, negotiation strategies, and the benefits of having a career coach. Our conversation challenges the common misconception that career coaches should provide immediate answers or specific job recommendations. Instead, Tammi describes career coaching as a facilitated journey of self-discovery, where clients explore their ideal work environment, values, and professional aspirations. While coaches can provide specific guidance on resumes and salary negotiations, the core work involves helping clients understand themselves better to make informed career decisions. Key Points Career coaching is not about getting quick answers but facilitating self-discovery Most effective career coaching engagements last 3-6 months Career coaches don’t provide magic solutions or guaranteed career paths The process involves creating a clear picture of your ideal work day Resume writing receives more direct guidance than other coaching areas AI tools can complement but not replace career coaching Career coaching involves accountability and consistent support Coaches help surface limiting beliefs and handle rejection Career coaching combines internal reflection with practical action steps Career coaches help clients understand their values and preferences The best career management is ongoing, not reactive Contact Tammi Scott TammiScott.com LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 131: Career Coaching Isn’t a Crystal Ball with Tammi Scott appeared first on John Poelstra.
129: Fusing 40 Years of HR, Leadership Development and Life Lessons with Mark Rumbles
Mark Rumbles reflects on his career of 40 years, what he’s learned in the leadership development space and what’s next for him. Mark recently retired after 40 years in HR and leadership development. Mark and I discuss his career journey, the concept of retirement, and insights gained from his extensive experience developing leaders. This conversation touches on various topics, including mentorship, career planning, motivation, and the challenges of leadership development. Mark shares his perspective on career transitions, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, and maintaining a flexible approach to one’s career path. He also discusses his current interests post-retirement, including exploring podcasting and working towards fostering more civil discourse in society. Throughout the conversation, Mark offers his insights on leadership, personal growth, and navigating career challenges. Key Takeaways Careers are more like arcs than rigid plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability Effective mentorship often develops organically through relationship-building Leadership development is about influencing factors that bring out internal motivation Follow the fear, energy, and incentives to understand and overcome challenges Retirement doesn’t mean stopping; it’s a transition to new opportunities and discoveries Relationship-building is crucial for career success and personal growth Curiosity is a key driver for personal and professional development The term “networking” can feel manipulative; focus on genuine relationship-building instead Leadership development is a fusion of various approaches and frameworks Behavior is a language that often speaks louder than words Self-reflection is crucial for aligning one’s words and actions Fear often stems from a desire to preserve one’s identity or self-image Motivation is complex and can’t be directly controlled by others Balance is essential in leadership, knowing when to debate and when to act Civil discourse and the ability to disagree respectfully are valuable skills Career transitions can involve multiple steps (e.g., full-time to part-time to retirement) Volunteering (e.g., joining a condo board) can be a way to stay engaged post-retirement The concept of “career” is often misunderstood and over-emphasized HR practices have shaped how people think about careers, sometimes unrealistically Podcasting can be an alternative to writing a book for sharing ideas and experiences Leadership development aims to bring out the best in people and help them bring out the best in others Understanding one’s “wiring” and sources of joy is crucial for career satisfaction Early career experiences, even if unenjoyable, can provide valuable foundations The balance between debating ideas and executing decisions is crucial in organizations Connect with Mark Rumbles LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 129: Fusing 40 Years of HR, Leadership Development and Life Lessons with Mark Rumbles appeared first on John Poelstra.
128: Demystifying AI with Doug Hunter
Doug Hunter and I discuss artificial intelligence (AI), including how it works, its impact on various aspects of life and work and how to get started with it. Doug provides an overview of AI, distinguishing between classical AI and the more recent generative AI. Doug also explains how AI works on probabilities and patterns, and discusses its current capabilities and limitations. Our conversation covers the potential applications of AI in fields such as marketing, customer service, education, and coaching. Doug emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to AI technologies, while also highlighting some of the risks and ethical concerns. He suggests practical ways for individuals and businesses to start using AI tools and advises on how to approach AI integration strategically. Key Takeaways AI is changing lives in ways many don’t realize; those who don’t adapt risk being left behind Generative AI has democratized access to AI capabilities for the general public AI operates on probabilities and patterns, not true understanding or knowledge There are potential risks with AI, including hallucinations and copyright infringement AI can significantly enhance productivity in various fields, including marketing and customer service The nature of many jobs, including coaching, may change due to AI integration AI tutors could revolutionize education by providing personalized, 24/7 learning assistance Humans should remain “in the loop” when using AI, treating it like a smart intern rather than an infallible authority AI’s impact on jobs will be significant, but historical technological advances suggest adaptation is possible Learning to write effective prompts for AI will be a crucial skill in the future AI can help make educational outcomes more equitable by providing resources to underserved areas The concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential implications are still theoretical AI models are rapidly improving, with multimodal capabilities becoming more common There are ongoing discussions about potential rights for AI systems AI can be used as a tool to overcome barriers to effectiveness in various professions Using AI effectively could allow professionals to take on more clients or work more efficiently AI’s ability to find patterns in complex data sets can lead to insights humans might miss The ethical implications of AI, including privacy concerns, are significant and ongoing AI may not be able to replicate human creativity and intuition fully Job postings in the future may require fluency in AI tools AI can be used for creative tasks, such as generating bedtime stories or unique images Understanding the limitations of AI is as important as knowing its capabilities AI could potentially replace some front-line customer service jobs while making remaining roles more complex Experimentation with AI tools is crucial for understanding their potential and limitations AI’s impact may be more profound and widespread than previous technological revolutions AI Resources Mentioned Perplexity (AI search tool) ChatGPT Google Gemini Claude (Anthropic’s model) DALL-E (image generation) Midjourney (image generation) Sora (video generation) Whisper and Claude for content repurposing (Christopher Penn) More About Doug Hunter LinkedIn PeakPointSolutions.pro Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 128: Demystifying AI with Doug Hunter appeared first on John Poelstra.
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