I won’t say that I have issues with authority, but I do hate to be told what to do.
Even as a little girl, I never appreciated being told what to do. Give me information, resources, and options but telling me exactly what to do – when, where, why, and how – just doesn’t work for me.
In the workplace, I take my work very seriously and do my job well. I’ve always done what needed to be done without micromanagement.
I don’t like bullies and will always speak out against bullying. I also have never been afraid to say no or stand alone. I am the advocate that you want on your side. I ensure that my voice is always heard while not silencing others.
My first full-time post after earning my undergraduate degree was in a transition living program for 18-24-year-olds. I hated the work schedule and that we were so restricted in our roles. We could clock out until our replacement arrived and could not leave the office unless there was another staff person working with you. In those 11 months I was able to learn a lot and contribute in a new way in the role but knew that I would never return to residential work. What does it mean to contribute in a new way? I expanded the role of the Parenting Counselor and also created a lending library for the children.
I understand that what has helped me excel in my career has been that I function as an entrepreneurial employee. Since leaving that position, every job afterward I’ve set my own priorities, calendar, and strategies. I did not have a supervisor instructing me what to do on a daily basis. Self-motivation and resourcefulness have allowed me to work with autonomy, develop new projects and programs, and problem-solve in different ways.
I am intentional about setting professional boundaries. I learn systems so that I can navigate those systems successfully. I understand the value of collaboration which includes managing up as well as supporting your team.
I don’t believe in one size fits all leadership or career advancement coaching. What works for me may not work for you which requires me to consider each employment situation or career goal independently and help my clients explore different strategies before selecting the one that works best for their next level.
Every successful leader or independently wealthy entrepreneur has a coach, advisors, or someone to bounce ideas off. Every star global athlete has a coach and a trainer regardless of their sport. Where is your brain trust?
Take your cue from the super successful and get the support you need to build a successful social work leadership career. You deserve to be at the decision-making table. I know social work. I know leadership. I know what it’s like to be a Black woman in leadership.
Apply to On My Terms private coaching package to move beyond the societal and self-imposed restrictions with someone who has been in your shoes. It’s time to soar.
IMPORTANT: There are only 6 coaching slots available.
If you have enrollment questions, I am here to answer them.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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