March/April, 2020  

Taking a Contrarian Stance for Workplace Impact

Kay Fittes, April, 2020

It’s rather comical that I am writing this article, as I grew up as the poster child for rule following.  My memory goes back to the sixth grade when a group of us walked to a classmate’s house for lunch.  Back in the day, we could walk home for lunch but it was forbidden to go to a classmate’s house without written permission from a parent.  When the group got caught I did not get any punishment because the principal didn’t believe little Kay Jones could have possibly done anything wrong.  I can remember being devastated because I wasn’t getting detention along with the rest of the “outlaws”!  It has taken me a lifetime to be gutsy enough to be different, be a contrarian, to take a different stance on anything.  A few years ago a colleague told me “I figure I am not being innovative if I have not irritated someone every day!”

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Kay’s Consulting Corner

Each month in this section, Kay offers actionable career consulting tips.

Zeroing In On Your Contrarian Stance

1. Jump start with values.  We are not talking about a fake contrarian stance, rather one that is solidly based in your values.  Perhaps it has been a long time since you have seriously considered your values, no problem, here is a link to a quick values assessment.  What is important to you?  What would you fight for?  What could translate into your workplace?  If the pandemic has taken your workplace away, now is a great time to consider showing value in your industry with a contrarian stance.  Consider writing an article and posting it on LinkedIn about your thought or idea.
   
   
2. Link values to the workplace.  Out of those identified values, prioritize your top three.  Create a divided page with your top three values on one side and a stance that would reflect that value at work on the other side.  Do you see one that is different, perhaps counter to the usual thinking at your workplace?  This twist in thinking is why I was so attracted to the book 9 Secrets of Women Who Get Everything They Want by Kate White, former Editor in Chief of Cosmopolitan magazine.  Here are three samples of chapter titles: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew; Be Too Big For Your Britches; Don’t Sit Tight!  Get my drift?
   
   
3. Pick your battle. What speaks to you?  What one value and corresponding idea would you be eager to fight for?  Begin a personal brainstorm around this innovative idea.  Ask yourself what ways could this play out?  What impact could it make?  What problem could it solve?
   
   

Perhaps you have the germ of an idea but need guidance on how to expand it, my coaching is all about maximizing your career.  Let’s see how we can take your career to the next level, call me at 513-561-4288 or email me at kay@highheeledsuccess.com.

Client Testimonial – Kelly Sakalas

I first met Kay at a Networking of Executive Women event after I had just moved to the Cincinnati area.  Her workshop was so engaging – I loved the worksheets and breakout questions that allowed me to apply what she was teaching instantly.  At that event, my colleague won one of her books and brought it to the office to share.

I had been struggling at work and considering making some significant life changes, and my colleague left Kay’s book on my desk with a note.  I decided to read one chapter a day and journal her questions each morning before I started my day.  I was hooked and hired Kay for coaching sessions.  Her warm guidance gave me the courage I needed to make the big changes I was craving.

When I sit back and think about the changes I’ve made and the results I’ve achieved in only a few months as a result of her coaching, I almost can’t believe it.

• I started a new job (which was a promotion in title) and have successfully navigated the “honeymoon phase.”
  
• I took control of cognitive distortions to develop stronger relationships with leadership and my peers in my new job, especially with people who intimidate me.
  
• I gained self-awareness of my communication style and taken actionable steps to fix verbal and nonverbal cues that have been holding me back.  While I focus on writing and editing communications for other people, I’ve never made myself a priority.
  
• I logged daily successes that allow me to promote myself and talk about my accomplishments when it matters.
  
• I created my vision statement that pushes, inspires, and motivates me to be exceptional.  It has been especially helpful to me during the COVID-19 crisis and has become a filter to what I say yes or no to.  It allows me to think big and talk about my career-long aspirations and I have used it to help me talk about myself in several formats, including a newsletter and meeting new people.
  

To other women considering a coaching relationship with Kay, don’t wait.  You’re worth the investment.  Especially during this time of uncertainty, there’s no better time to work on yourself or reinvent yourself.  I only wish I would have started sooner.

Kelly Sakalas
Director of Public Relations and aspirational political leader
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysakalas/

High-Heeled Success^® supports Dress for Success through donations of clothing, time and money.  We offer complimentary seats at every workshop for women participating in the Dress for Success program.

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