Currently working at Common Room, a series B startup, based in Seattle, leading Tech Recruiting.
How big is it?
Company size is <50 and the Recruiting team is <5!
Where are your teammates located?
My teammates are across the West Coast, from Seattle (HQ) to San Francisco, and in Vancouver B.C.!
What does your team do? What are you responsible for?
My team is responsible for adding more roomies to our small, but mighty team! We have been focused on building partnerships across the org, aligning on a hiring process, and building, building, building!
Transparent leadership, flexibility in owning your time, clarity on expectations, and trusting your team. As one of my favorite leaders once said, when deciding to take time off or if you need to be offline, do what you need to do, you’re a grown ass adult. Ultimately, leaders should be able to trust you to get your shit done, but also be able to clearly articulate what you are held accountable for.
Strong remote cultures are built on strong connections.
Strong connections are built with Hailey.
Checking in with myself. This pandemic has been trying as a leader as well. I’ve realized that I can’t pour from an empty cup, so checking in with myself has been equally as important as checking in with my team. Without doing so, it can lead to burnout quickly.
Checking in with my team, not just about work. The pandemic has blended our home and work lives more than ever before. This naturally has given leaders the ability to check in with our teams, not just on the work front, but on the personal front as well.
Clarifying on expectations. Make sure the team has clarity on what are our team priorities + individual priorities. What does impact look like? So much value has been lost in hallway conversations, so now more than ever we have to be crisp and clear as we communicate on expectations.
Encouraging boundaries. There is now a blurry line in regards to work-life balance. We need to be intentional about setting boundaries now that our work + personal lives have merged into one. Burnout helps no one.
Enjoying the process. Can’t grab a coffee live? No worries, let’s do a virtual coffee! Miss happy hours? Let’s do a Netflix stream and chill every other Wednesday at lunch! There are ways for us to adapt as we transition to this remote environment, and still enjoy the process? It’s optional to join and more often than not, we’ve noticed this is what employees are looking for.
Acknowledge. Acknowledge it’s a tough time and acknowledge you’re here to support your team, it goes a long way.
This pandemic has been trying as a leader as well. I’ve realized that I can’t pour from an empty cup, so checking in with myself has been equally as important as checking in with my team. Without doing so, it can lead to burn out quickly.
Filling my cup. As a mom + leader, it’s been challenging at times to make sure I’m being present for myself so I could be present for others.
Ensuring my team feels supported. Everyone has different needs, so understanding that your team is sharing what they need and getting what they need. We’re all experiencing different ups and downs so it’s on them to reach out if they are in a tough spot and on you to support them where you can.
Ambiguity. When do we “return to work”? What is the future of work? Are we operating in this capacity for the short term and long term? Do we plan for the short term or long term? For someone who is driven by process, this has been challenging to navigate.
Wordle!
I always reference this list
Career Coach - the most important piece i’ve invested in for myself
Therapy - The most important thing i've learned about myself as a leader is that you really learn about yourself once you become a manager. The good, the bad, the ugly. Therapy has helped me navigate all those parts of me, and how I want to show up, for myself, for my family, and for my team
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