Standard Office Procedures

We did it, listeners - one whole year of Standard Office Procedures! Our final episode before our indefinite hiatus is dedicated to you, whoever you are, wherever you are. Thank you for finding us and supporting us with your time and attention and for allowing us the opportunity to learn, grow, and laugh alongside you. Thank you to every guest who came on our show and helped expand our views and better ourselves. Thank you to everyone who emailed in, left comments, or engaged with us over the last year. Special thanks to Blue Summit Supplies, Owen, and Larry, who funded and supported this project every step of the way. And to Melvin, our tireless editor and producer who worked hard and used his boundless talents to make this show the shiny little diamond it has become. Thank you to Lizzie who has dedicated her talents and discerning eye to getting the SOP podcast out into the world, and who worked with our designer, Jess, to create beautiful images and videos to convey the messages we have always felt were so important. And thank you to Shannon, who came into every recording with her head full of wisdom and knowledge, and who consistently builds me up and makes me feel like I can do it, no matter what ‘it' is. A whole year of learning and growing through culture, communication, and candor - I'm proud of our team and proud of you for coming with us. Thank you so much. xo, Grace Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Do you feel misunderstood at work? Disconnected from your coworkers? Not part of a cohesive, engaged team? If so, then you might need an infusion of empathy.  Feeling understood — the main byproduct of empathy — is incredibly important to one's well being. In fact, some believe feeling understood is even more important than feeling loved. Showing empathy can bridge this gap between feeling alone and misunderstood to feeling seen, heard, and part of a supportive team. So, how do you begin to foster this kind of behavior in a work environment? It's not as complicated as you might think. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what empathy looks like at work, and what it doesn't, why it's important in creating a healthy work environment, and how to develop, practice and grow in empathy. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

We all have different personality traits and tendencies. Introverted, extroverted. Gregarious, reserved. Nomad, homebody. But if you stop and think about it, it's our core values that truly define who we are. Our values help us choose between right and wrong, guide us on which paths we take in life, determine where we focus our energy, and how we find our purpose. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk us through why determining our core values is so important to our career and our personal life, how they can change over time, and how to check in with ourselves to know when that should happen. Joining us as special guest is influencer and Life Coach, Taina Nixon, MPH. Taina shares with us how she advises her clients to dig deep and identify their core values, and how doing so can provide purpose and direction in establishing and achieving attainable goals within your personal and professional life. You can find Taina on her blog Abundantly Tiny or on Instagram. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

When you're negotiating a contract for a new job, salary is a main conversation point, but there are many things to negotiate besides salary. Sure, you want more money, but let's dream bigger. What would make the job more worthwhile? What tools could help you do better work? What might mean more to you than a pay raise? Look beyond your paycheck, think outside the box, and ask for what you really want. Maybe it's extra paid time off, better health benefits, relocation costs, flexible hours, or the ability to work remotely. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about 10 different benefits (besides salary) that you can negotiate when interviewing for a new job, and how to posture these requests so you can get what you really want. On the latter half of the episode, Jaime Hamilton, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wilson Lumber Company, joins us to share her wisdom and insight into the things you should to bring to the table during an interview, and what kinds of questions a recruiter really wants you to ask. You can contact Jaime or find out more about Wilson Lumber Company on their website or Facebook page. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

How many times have you been on the receiving end of a microaggression? Or perhaps, you're the one that said something, even unintentionally, and regretted it immediately. Oftentimes, the perpetrator of a microaggression has no idea they are being offensive, which makes issues involving microaggressions difficult to bring up or resolve. Because of this, it's easy for the majority to dismiss a microaggression as a simple slip of the tongue. Half-hearted apologies like “You know I didn't mean it like that,” or, “it was just a joke,” are quite common for those who feel marginalized at work to hear. But just because microaggressions are subtle or unintentional doesn't make them okay. Marginalization in the workplace in any form is completely unacceptable. It's a complicated and sensitive topic, but it's a topic that's vitally important to discuss. That's why this week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon get into the nitty gritty of microaggressions, what they look like, and ways to help address them in the workplace. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Got a micromanager in your office? Or, maybe, are you the micromanager? If so, we've got tools for you. Micromanaging has a reputation for being akin to a four-letter word, but why does micromanaging have such a negative connotation? This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what micromanaging is, when it is and isn't effective, and how to handle a micromanaging boss (or learn to micromanage less yourself). Eileen Linnabery, an executive coach with experience working with large corporations, small start-ups, and everything in between, joins us as special guest to share advice and knowledge on a realistic approach to handling micromanagement. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Do you want to foster a healthy work environment fueled by teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect? Start by cultivating strong leaders. Without steadfast and healthy leadership, teams can crumble—collaboration slows, trust dwindles, decision making is hindered, and there's a general lack of enthusiasm and drive. Strong leaders inspire and motivate those around them. Having strong leaders in your workplace improves productivity, engagement, and the overall wellbeing of your team. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about what strong leadership looks like, and how team-building within your leadership team can help cultivate those strong leaders that a company needs to be successful. Matt Jones, self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and VP of Development of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, joins us as special guest to share advice and knowledge on a realistic approach to team building. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

In this fast-paced, task-driven world, where we're all hustling and running from one thing to the next, it can be difficult to slow down, and take a moment to survey ourselves and our surroundings. When we learn how be in the present moment, how to integrate mindfulness activities into our work day, it can lead to reduced stress, increased productivity, and an improved mood. This week on the podcast, (while Shannon is on vacation with her family in the magical land of the Great Mouse), Grace and Melvin (our Production Associate) talk about what mindfulness means to them, what it looks like, why it's important, and how it can wildly improve your focus and overall workday. Joining us on the latter half of the episode is Erika Bartlett, certified yoga instructor and entrepreneur, to share her unique perspective on mindfulness and living in the present moment, and give us advice on how to incorporate mindfulness practices into our daily lives. You can follow Erika's yoga journey and find her resources on the Zen Bend Facebook page, on Instagram, or on YouTube. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Instead of completing an important project, you procrastinate.  Instead of making a career switch, you continue at a job you despise. Instead of accepting help, you push people away. Does this sound like you or someone you know? If so, these may be symptoms of self-sabotage. The reasons for self-sabotage vary, and it could look different for every person — but at its core, self-sabotage comes from feelings of low self-esteem and lack of self-worth. These feelings can become so internalized that when you're on the cusp of succeeding at something, you veer in the other direction, derailing any positive outcome. But here's the good news – there's a way to stop, and this week's episode can help you on that journey to a healthier you. Cassidy Dear of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services joins Grace and Shannon this week to share her professional expertise and advice about how to deal with self-sabotaging behavior. If you'd like to get in touch with Cassidy, you can contact her via email at cassidy@hsvpcs.com. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone – at some point – has turned an ordinary moment into an awkward moment. These awkward situations, whether we've created them, or stumbled into them, are inherently uncomfortable and usually throw us for a loop. Sometimes, there's no getting around it. Sometimes, you just have to lean into the awkward situation and have a laugh. Other times, there can be a more strategic way to exit the socially awkward tunnel and into the beckoning light of relief. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about their own personal, awkward experiences and why it's so important to approach yourself with compassion when dealing with them. They also dig into why (neurotypical) individuals can be faced with awkwardness at work, what that can look like, and how to successfully overcome those awkward situations. (The woman cartoonist Shannon talks about in this episode is Gemma Correll, and this is the cool illustration she refers to.) Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Do you know what's expected of you at work? Or are you left thinking, “I really don't know what I'm supposed to do…” Or maybe you're asking yourself, “Does my work even make an impact?” If you lack role clarity in your current position, then you probably haven't any clue how your contributions benefit your company as a whole. It's certainly not motivating to feel like what you do every day doesn't even matter. On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon talk about role clarity, why it's obviously so important, and if you don't have it — how to ask for it, when to ask for it, and just who to ask. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Having a bad day at work happens to all of us. The car won't start. You spill your coffee all over your shirt. Things just aren't going your way. But it's important to remember – a bad day is just a day. Bad days have a knack for putting you in a royally bad mood – making you feel frustrated, powerless, and hopeless. But the important thing to remember is that you're in the driver's seat. While things can feel hopeless, they very rarely are. On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon tell us about a few bad days of their own, how they coped with the unexpected and made an attitude change, and also share 8 actionable strategies you can use to do the same. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Whether you're trying to grow your business, build partnerships, or advance your career, making connections and knowing the right people can help. And that's where networking comes in. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about exactly how (and where) to start networking, and how to put your best foot forward and do it successfully. It's not all stuffy cocktails receptions and blazers. Networking can simply be about making organic connections with people who are passionate about the same things you are passionate about. Joining us as a special guest, to give his wisdom and insight into the wonderful world of networking, is Jeremy Westmoreland, President of Huntsville Young Professionals. Jeremy talks about how networking helped him land a new job, how to think outside the normal networking box, and where to search for your unique tribe. To learn more about Huntsville Young Professionals and their events, or to get involved, visit them online at their website, on Facebook, or Instagram. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

This special episode might be our best one yet. After recording Episode 38, we realized there was much more to dig into in regards to this engaging and relevant topic, and so we sat down to do just that. We spent a lot of time and effort putting this together in the hopes that it might resonate deeply with you, our audience, and your personal career journeys. We hope you enjoy listening to Part 2 of Embracing Change in the Workplace, just as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy listening! And, oh yeah — Happy Aprils Fool's ;)

For some people, chatting with a coworker is as effortless as breathing. For others – making small talk can cause full-on panic. What if I say something stupid? What if I offend someone? Does anybody care what I have to say anyway? But whether or not you hate small talk, being good at it can be a game changer.  On this week's episode, Grace and Shannon -- along with special guest, Brad Drogos -- walk you through what it means to be more approachable and how to be better at it, how to ace that potentially awkward water cooler talk, and even list a few fun conversation topics to get you started. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Negative, toxic people are easy to identify in a workplace. They can hinder productivity and motivation, and they bring all of the people surrounding them down too. But what about toxic positivity? Too much of a good thing, in this case, can truly be a bad thing. Toxic positivity is this ‘good vibes only' mindset — a belief that no matter how bad circumstances get or how disastrous or painful a situation is, people should just stay positive. Now, positive thinking is powerful thing, and it has its time and place. But on the extreme end of the positivity spectrum, toxic positivity can have serious negative effects — especially in the workplace. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon talk about how toxic positivity can destroy a healthy work culture, why it isn't always the best idea just to keep looking on the bright side, and how to replace this mindset with a more strategic way of positive thinking, called realistic optimism. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

How do you cope when change happens at your workplace? Maybe it's a large-scale company-wide shift, or maybe a new process is introduced, or maybe someone quits or is fired. How does it make you feel? If you're like most people, change makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid. What if this change makes you lose your job? What if your working conditions change so much that you'll want to quit? The fear of the unknown affects us all. This is where Grace and Shannon come in. On this week's episode, they'll discuss how to use empathy and emotional intelligence to not only understand why a change may be happening, but how to embrace it and use it to your advantage.

Do you greet every new task with the fear of failure? Do you set unrealistic expectations for yourself and become upset when you do not meet them? Do you feel like even when you try your best, it is never enough? If you answered yes to any of these questions or know of someone on your team who might, you're probably dealing with perfectionism at work. Being a perfectionist at work is a double-edged sword. It can motivate you to perform with excellence, but it can also set you up for failure with its unattainable goals. But there's a way to recognize it, understand it, and harness its power. This week, Grace and Shannon dive deep into how perfectionism can affect your physical and mental health, as well as your work performance. They also share about their own personal struggles with perfectionism, and break down actionable strategies they use to help them to deal with its negative effects. HOT TIP: If you have an other-oriented perfectionist boss — you may want to try the Grey Rock Method. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Are you experiencing disrespect at work? Respect isn't something that should only be reserved for those in charge—a healthy work environment is built on mutual respect that permeates throughout the entire organization. A business that champions respect will ensure everyone feels valued, turnover remains low, teams are able to collaborate effectively, and everyone trusts one another. This week, Grace and Shannon talk about the different ways you can identify disrespect at work, how to combat it, and how you can foster a culture of respect within your workplace. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

We all know that the more you exercise your body, the better you feel. Well, your brain is just the same. Reading engages a number of different areas in our brains, helping us to build and strengthen our mental muscles. In this week's episode, Grace and Shannon go over 8 specific benefits of reading regularly, revealing the reality that it improves memory, reduces stress, enhances empathy, and even prevents cognitive decline. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

There are many different ways to listen to someone, but not all are equally as effective. Active listening is the foundation to all positive, productive communication — but there is a time and place for passive listening too. So what exactly is the difference? Passive listening occurs whenever someone's speaking to you while you're distracted, either by your phone, a task, or just your own thoughts. Active listening, on the other hand, means the speaker has your undivided attention. Active listening comes naturally to some more than others, but it's a soft skill — meaning, you can exercise those listening muscles and get better by practicing. This week, Grace and Shannon talk about how to improve your active listening skills and why it's so important, how to determine when it's okay to passively listen, and when you should be giving someone your full attention. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Every group and every team is made up of individuals with differing opinions and worldviews. And conflict is a natural outcome of these teams coming together to problem solve, make decisions, and achieve consensus. So how do you deal with it effectively? Well, there isn't one perfect way to deal with conflict, as not every conflict we face is exactly the same. So, it comes down to choosing the right style for each situation, and knowing when to switch it up. Grace and Shannon talk through each of the 5 different conflict styles, which personalities have a tendency towards certain styles, and how important it is to change your conflict style according to each situation. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

Making good and rational decisions enhances all areas of our work and personal life, helping us prioritize, reach our goals, and choose the best path. Without healthy decision making skills, we are slaves to our own desires for instant gratification or to procrastinate. So how do we go about making these healthy decisions instead of the wrong ones? This week, Grace and Shannon break down the different ways we can improve our decision making skills — first, by understanding what is inside (and outside) our circle of control, and second, by leveraging the information and resources we have at our disposal to make the best decision for each situation. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

If you manage a team or run a business, you know that delegating isn't easy. Can you really trust important tasks to anyone other than yourself? The answer is a resounding YES! No one can can do it all completely by themselves — that's why the success of your business endeavors depends on a dedicated team of people, all working towards the same goal. This week on the podcast, Grace and Shannon take an in-depth look at the process of delegation in the workplace, how trust and clarity are imperative to making it successful, and how it can empower your team to learn, grow, and do their best. Our CEO, Owen, makes a guest appearance at the end of the show to talk about his first approach to delegating as a boss and a business owner, what he learned from changing his process, and how effective it became for his team and for himself. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com

On the latter half of this two part episode, we take a different approach to organization. Laurie Palau, founder of Simply B Organized, joins Grace and Shannon to shed light on how to declutter and streamline your life — all based on your Enneagram type. Laurie shares her insight and expertise as a professional organizer, breaking down what each Enneagram type is, how each type tends to accumulate clutter in their life, and what they can do to reorganize and eradicate that clutter. Laurie's website is chock full of incredible resources on organization, not the least of which are her podcast, This ORGANIZED Life, and her book, Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized. You can register for Laurie's Enneagram and Clutter Course on her website, or follow the Instagram account exclusively dedicated to this course. You can also connect with Laurie on Facebook, on her main Instagram account, or via email. If you want to know even more about the Enneagram, dive into our articles about this personality test and how to use it to better understand yourself, your boss and your coworkers. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

Do you want to become more efficient, accomplish more during the day, and gain more time for leisure and balance? It's all about organization. This week, Grace and Shannon break down 10 actionable strategies that you can implement to become more organized in both your work and personal life. Organizing and planning your day — with tools like the Full Focus Planner and Asana — will not only help you remember what work needs to be done, but help you to prioritize what's most important, keep up with deadlines, and show up on time. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog and download our free printable acronym cheat sheet at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

New to the world of business or sales? You might be drowning in the alphabet soup of acronyms. It's easy to fall prey to the problem of ‘I'm not sure what that means, but it's way too late to ask,' especially with questions like ‘what is B2B sales?' If that's the case, don't sweat – we've got you covered. This week, Shannon and Grace define some of the most common workplace acronyms as well as some obscure ones, and our guest Blair shares some anecdotal wisdom regarding his experience with acronyms. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog and download our free printable acronym cheat sheet at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

Is too much downtime at work draining you? Don't know what to do at work when there's nothing to do? Are you on a quest for how to stay entertained at work? We've got good news: there are plenty of ways to do it!  This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to make the most of a boring job and ways to maximize your time (and skills) no matter where you are. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

Being extroverted or introverted does not refer to a person's personality as much as it refers to how they recharge and process information. Introverts typically find alone time the best way to recharge while extroverts derive their energy from spending time with other people.  This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to best work with those coworkers who may not be like us - specifically, how to work better together depending on if your colleague is an introvert or an extrovert. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

Starting your own freelancing career is no small feat, especially when you have very little to no experience. So how do you do it - and succeed? This week, Grace and Shannon share advice on how to start freelancing with no experience, including types of freelancing jobs, how to get jobs as a contractor, and tools that will advance your freelancing career. Plus, we have an awesome guest in Melody Tholstrup of My Size Marketing who has lived this topic intimately and offers some excellent firsthand advice. Melody has worked in the marketing industry for 30 years and served the last 10 as a Marketing Coach & Trainer where she's experienced herself and coached clients through the ins and outs of freelancing. Find Melody on Instagram at @mysizemarketing and visit her website, My Size Marketing. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

A workplace should never be an intimidating environment. Even one intimidating person in an office can foster conflict, stifle creativity, and make a company less desirable to work at. Teams work at their best when there is a foundation of trust between workers. Intimidation, either from a boss or someone else on the team, causes conflict, competition, and distrust. This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to prioritize your mental energy, and how to address negative, intimidating behavior at work — especially when it comes from someone in a position of power and authority. Read more about how to handle intimidation at work on our blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Employees are a business's most valuable asset. A team's cohesion can make or break office dynamics, team happiness, and overall productivity. Hiring based on organizational fit ensures you find someone who shares the same values as your brand, meets the requirements of the job, and meshes with your team. This week, Shannon and Grace discuss how to add the right people to your team. Plus, our guest Jo Anne Myers of Sunstone Coaching sheds light on tools to suss out who is the best fit for your organization. Read more about enneagrams on our blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Do you ever struggle to understand where your coworkers are coming from? Every one of your teammates has their own idiosyncrasies, work habits, and communication preferences—including you. And the enneagram is one tool to help you navigate them. This week, Shannon and Grace dissect what it means to work with different enneagram types in a professional setting and how to better serve and understand your differently-typed colleagues. Read more about enneagrams on our blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Uncertainty doesn't feel good, but there are techniques you can implement to combat a lack of control inside and outside of the workplace. This week, join Grace and Shannon as we share strategies for gaining back control, recognizing what's not in your control, and dealing with stress at work, including ideas for how employers and managers can help. Plus, our guest Melissa Welch weighs in on her own experiences with what it means to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Read more about the Circle of Control on our blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

As we phase back into in-office work, expectations and clarity are key - as well as prioritizing health and safety. This week, join Grace and Shannon as  we outline some key considerations for returning to work, including how to prepare yourself, your team, ideas for an office return to work plan, and a return to work checklist. Plus, our guest Chrispian shares his own experience working in-office after working remotely and some methods he's developed for easing the transition. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Trouble getting into the 'flow zone' for productivity? Artists aren't the only ones that benefit from creative work flows. They can be essential for focused productivity and there's a good chance you've experienced them without realizing it. The 'flow zone' is the kind of focus where time slips away from you and you get so engrossed in your project you forget you're even working! This week, join Grace and Shannon as they discuss the value in cultivating your creative flow, and tips on how to find it if you're unfamiliar with the concept. Our special guest favorite in-house creative, Jess, offers her advice and tools on how to best access a creative flow that works for you, no matter what your type of work! Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

At one point or another, we've all worked a job we didn't like. While we've all felt like this, it's hard to know when to make a career transition. Is it too dramatic a step? Should you knuckle down and endure even if you find your work unfulfilling? These aren't easy questions to answer, but if you dread going to work every day, it may be time to make a change. This week, Grace and Shannon discuss how to know when it's time to make a career adjustment and how to make a smooth career transition. Plus, we have an awesome guest in Sarah Wong, who has lived this topic herself and offers some excellent firsthand advice. Sarah transitioned from a petroleum engineer to an entrepreneur and creative and offers tips and insight applicable to anyone considering making a career transition. Find Sarah on Instagram at @sarahwongmedia and @sarah_thebella and visit her blog, The Bella Insider. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com!

Clear, open, and respectful communication is essential to a successful workplace, but it doesn't happen overnight. While we all communicate differently, at some point, we've all wanted to become a better communicator—or, at the very least, we've wished the people around us were better communicators. But how do we foster better communication between team members and become more effective communicators ourselves? This week, Grace and Shannon share seven strategies for building effective communication in the workplace. These actionable strategies will help you become a better communicator—no matter your industry or current role. Read the article that inspired this episode on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. We mention taking a free Enneagram test, which you can find here. Connect with Blue Summit Supplies for more helpful professional development content on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Listen to all episodes of the Standard Office Procedures podcast - and reach out to us to be featured on the podcast or offer feedback by emailing grace@franklincreativesolutions.com. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Asking for a raise is can be a nerve-wracking experience, but we're here to help! Grace and Shannon break down how you know it's the right time to ask for a raise, plus how to prepare yourself and set yourself up for a 'yes.' (Spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with preparation.) Plus, our CEO Owen comes onto the podcast for the first time and gives his insight on what's most likely to get him to say 'yes!' Read more on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

Impostor Syndrome is a real problem that plagues more than half of the American workforce, and it's something both Shannon and Grace are intimately familiar with - so, this week, they break it down and discuss ways to overcome it. Listen as we discuss what Impostor Syndrome is, how it effects work performance, and what you can do to lessen its effects. Read more on this topic at the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

Job interviews don't have to be scary - in fact, with the right preparation, they can become a skill! Grace and Shannon teach you how to do well in an interview including practical tips, confidence boosters, and how to stand out as a candidate. Read more on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.      

If you still consider getting a full night's sleep a luxury rather than a necessity, this episode is for you. Grace and Shannon discuss a lack of sleep's effect on work performance and just and how to build healthy sleep habits, even for those insomniacs among us. Plus, Melvin joins us in the studio to read out some of our best #overheardattheoffice tweets. Read more on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com and follow us on Twitter at @bluesummitsupp!

Confidence at work matters, and too many of us don't have enough of it. This week, Grace and Shannon discuss why confidence is important for you professionally and go over ways to grow your own confidence. Because yes, confidence is a soft skill - you can build it! Plus, our guest today is Bailey Benton, a certified life coach and host of The Conscious Buzz podcast who tells us how to think more positively and build confidence from within. Read more on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

This week, we're being transparent... and talking all about how to be transparent. Grace and Shannon take on the topic of open, honest communication in the workplace: what it is, why it matters, and how to do it. Plus, Grace references her transparency bible, a book called Radical Candor by Kim Scott. Check out the blog post this episode was based on at our blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

Let's get MOTIVATED! This episode, we take on the topic of motivation - why we lose it, why it's valuable, and how to get it back. Shannon and Grace get down into the nitty gritty about motivating ourselves and others. Plus, our guest this week is Brandon, our Director of Sales with over a decades' experience in leading and motivating others. Read more on motivation at the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Or, read the article on burnout we mentioned. Find the Pomodoro tool here. And listen to Kara Lowentheil's UnF*ck Your Brain episode on Perfectionist Thinking here.

Grace and Shannon break down the realities of working in toxic workplaces and what you can do to protect your own mental health while weathering the tough environments and we discuss the Gray Rock method for handling persistent, negative colleagues. Plus, our guest this week is Huntsville Adventure Bootcamp's Joe Martin who discusses how to taking care of your physical health can help with your mental health. Check out the article in full at BlueSummitSupplies.com. Correction: In one instance, Grace says Joe suggested moving '2 minutes a day.' She meant to say '2 minutes an hour.' (If only all it took was 2 minutes a day.)

Hurry, hurry - Shannon and Grace are talking about how to handle impatience in the workplace! (Just kidding about hurrying, let's all take a deep breath and some extra time.) This week we discuss the causes of impatience, how to become more patient, and what kind of benefits patience can bring. Plus, Lizzie comes on to talk about whether it's really worth it to rush. Hint: it's usually not. Check out the article we wrote on Impatience in the Workplace and read more at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

Time to learn all about virtual meeting etiquette! Shannon and Grace discuss do's and do not's for virtual meetings, plus we have our colleague, Grant, on as our guest to laugh about the best worst Zoom meeting stories. Check out the article we based this episode off of at the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com - and the WSJ article was based that off of.

This week, we're covering fashion in the workplace - specifically, what to wear depending on your workplace and how to use your wardrobe to feel confident. We also talk to Justine about how she chooses her outfits and where she finds professional-yet-comfy attire (hint: it's Stitchfix). To read more on this topic and to check out the tools we mentioned, visit the article here at BlueSummitSupplies.com.

Grace and Shannon teach you how to brainstorm - or, at least, they teach you all about different brainstorm techniques, including how to brainstorm with your team remotely. Plus, our friend Patrick comes on to do a practice brainstorming session with Grace and also make fun of her lunches. To read more on this topic and to check out the tools we mentioned, visit the article here at BlueSummitSupplies.com. To see the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia clip Grace is obsessed with, click here.

Grace and Shannon talk over each other a lot this week as they discuss health and wellness at the workplace - specifically, tips and tricks to staying physically healthy while working primarily sedentary jobs. We also discuss the importance of frame of mind when approaching health and wellness, and licensed therapist Shannan Roberts joins us to offer a professional take on how to take care of our mental health as professionals. Read more on the blog at BlueSummitSupplies.com.