Author: Laura Berman Fortgang

As you can imagine, I’m coaching a lot of clients through fear and uncertainty these days.

We’ve all seen the headlines about mass layoffs, a white-collar recession, and AI replacing us. Professionals are posting on LinkedIn, desperately seeking a job. Breadwinners are going from six-figure incomes to surviving on gig work. I’m volunteering for an organization helping displaced government workers. People are hurting and scared.

My best advice? Focus on staying relevant.

You can’t control what’s happening, but there are still things you can do.

We’ve been through scary times before. Machines were taking jobs a century ago. And plenty of fifty-something down-on-their-luck MBAs were waiting tables and stocking grocery shelves in 2009. But the world kept turning for those who could position themselves for the next opportunity.

The difference today is that things are shifting at a faster pace. It used to take decades for your knowledge and skills to become obsolete; now, change is constant. According to recent studies, 50% of today’s job activities could be automated within the next decade.

No matter your current job status, relevance must become a priority. This will take a commitment to lifelong learning, embracing technology, and nurturing your network.

Whether you’re out of a job now or concerned about what’s to come, it’s time to jump into action and position yourself as a valuable asset to the workforce for now and the days ahead. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Conduct a personal skills audit: What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you need to work on?

2. Create a timeline for acquiring needed skills: Retraining might require another degree, taking online courses, getting mentorship, or self-directed learning using free resources online.

3. Build your visibility: Position yourself as an expert in your industry. Get out there and network, speak at conferences, publish articles online, and keep yourself in front of the right people.

4. Cultivate strategic relationships: Connect with forward-thinking professionals, engage with leaders in your field online, and know where you and your capabilities fit into the mix.

Career relevance is ultimately in your hands. It’s based on the small actions you consistently take and the efforts you make to stay up-to-date.

No matter what, don’t allow yourself to become a victim of the times.

We expect a lot from leaders, and when you’re in a leadership role, a big part of your job is to honor those expectations.

Just because you’re calling the shots doesn’t mean you’re any good at it. Effective leadership takes skill. It’s not as simple as demanding someone do as you say.

The best leaders empower others – inspiring them with a clear vision, and encouraging them to take ownership of their part in making things better.

In other words, the best way to lead is to become coach-like.

Coaches see what’s possible. They elevate the conversation. They can look beyond the problem to guide the way toward something better.

If you want to get better at something, work with a coach.

If you want someone else to get better at something, become more coach-like.

Notice I said coach-like, not cheerleader-like.

Don’t get me wrong. Having someone in your corner, giving pep talks, and rallying your success is priceless, but a coach’s work is deeper than that.

Sometimes rah-rah-rah is nothing but noise and a distraction!

Far too many people who claim the title of coach promote toxic positivity. They ignore problems and dwell on the bright side, convincing their clients that looking at the issue through rose-colored glasses is all they need to succeed.

It’s also a common smack at a fellow coach to say they were not “coach-like” in a certain response or behavior. I call BS.

More to the point, I call it like I see it. Because when the goal is to get better at something, the truth is more potent than a pat on the back.

When elite athletes are going after a win, you won’t catch their coaches handing out participation trophies.

To be coach-like means naming what is and what’s wrong.

To be coach-like requires getting comfortable with discomfort.

To be coach-like calls us to embrace our humanity and greater potential.

Being human is messy, especially when working with ambitious, driven humans. Being coach-like asks leaders to take responsibility for that messiness.

Sometimes the messy truth hurts.
Sometimes that’s the only way to grow.

Let’s continue to learn, evolve, and move forward – taking a more coach-like leadership approach.

I don’t have to tell you life isn’t easy. We all have to do hard things . . .

From slogging through icy sludge on a blustery winter morning to drudging through another unproductive meeting about the project from hell – life comes with everyday nuisances.

From losing a loved one to losing a big client – we have little choice but to power through the worst of it.

Here’s the kicker . . .

Sometimes when we do have a choice, things can feel even harder.

Jumping out of bed every morning to fit in a run before work.

Making sales calls, even when you’re flush with cash and not sweating the rent.

Networking, attending events, meeting new people, and checking in with friends.

Doing it anyway when the consequences of skipping it won’t be felt right away.

Having the option to take the easy out but deciding to go hard after your goals.

It’s tough to keep your “get up and go” operational and your internal fire stoked. But you can do hard things.

When my clients ask me for tips on how to override the urge to take it easy, I like to share my go-to advice with them:

1. Do the hardest thing first.
Whatever you’re dreading, get it over with and out of the way.

2. Make a deal with yourself.
What’s the reward for getting something done?

3. Get accountability.
Hire a coach, ask a friend, or buddy up with a colleague to hold you to it.

4. Put money on the line, skin in the game.
Place pressure on yourself to earn a return.

If it’s still hard to find your motivation, ask the tough questions:

Why am I doing this?
Do I really want it?
Is it time to move on?

Either find the drive to do what you need to succeed or find something else worthwhile to pursue. Things are going to be hard sometimes, whatever you choose. What’s worth doing the tough stuff? Do that and play to win!

Today’s message isn’t a fun one, but it can’t be avoided.

To say that what’s going on in this country is a distraction is an understatement.

My coaching clients are scared.
It’s my job to guide you in finding fulfilling work, creating a business that fires you up, and achieving success on your terms. And yes, it’s my job to help you focus, cultivate a growth mindset, and stay focused on your goals. But it’s also my job to be real with you.

I’m not here to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t.

We’re dealing with a dangerous situation in the United States, and the world is watching.

If you’re anything like me, you’re shaking your head and asking yourself, “WTAF?!” multiple times daily. What…The…Actual…🤬… is happening?

Corruption is rampant in our country’s highest office.

Illegal actions are gutting our institutions.

We’re dealing with the hostile takeover of our government.

We may have read about times like this in history books or watched similar scenes unfold in faraway places, but we’ve never experienced it. Not in our lifetime, not in what has been the most powerful country in the world for a long time.

THIS isn’t what most people voted for, even if they voted for this guy. The last thing I want to do is add to the divisiveness.

My coaching clients are talking about this.

Understandably, people are feeling despair.

I won’t insult your intelligence with feel-good platitudes, but I do want to talk about how to cope.

Should you act normal? Keep things running? Pretend like nothing’s happening?

Not exactly, but we also can’t allow them to get the best of us.

We have to forge on. Do our work. Stay engaged.

If you feel called to do more, find the courage to step up.

You may not know this about me, but I’ve run for office twice. I needed to fight for healthcare for my family and couldn’t think of a better way to do it than to put myself out there.

My kids asked me why I was sticking my neck out for people to step on it. I pointed at them and said, “I’m doing this for you!”

Ask yourself, WHO are you working for? Use your distress to motivate you. WHAT more can you do?

It’s not time to give up or give in. It’s time to get behind what matters most.

You could contribute by funding charitable organizations, causes, or candidates.

Volunteer your time and skills to uplift your community.

Write letters, call, and show up at your representative’s offices.

Or maybe your best service is in the work you do with clients.

We must stop saying, “Why doesn’t somebody do something?” and do something!

Love yourself to keep standing up for what’s right.

Our careers and businesses and all we hold dear depend on us — caring enough to do something and keep doing something.

I’ll leave you with a helpful exercise we use in improv: “Yes, and …”

It’s simple; someone says something outrageous, and you continue with “Yes, and…” For example, if I say, “Wow, I just bought a magic car!” You say, “Yes, and… I’ve always wanted to drive from New Jersey to Paris. Let’s go!”

Now, let’s try it —

Things are chaotic in our government right now, I’m scared, AND I can keep showing up in my work, career and business.

Your turn. What’s your “Yes, and…” today?