Working Conversations

You are doing all the right things at work, but somehow your name never comes up when promotion decisions are made. The problem is not your performance. It is the gap between the quality of your work and the breadth of your reputation. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson shares five strategies for building professional visibility without feeling like you are bragging. She covers how to identify the decision-makers above your direct manager, narrate your accomplishments using a simple story arc, take up space in meetings with senior leaders, pursue internal mobility, and turn your track record into a reputation that travels. If you have ever felt invisible despite delivering great results, this episode gives you a clear, actionable path forward.Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/262

If you struggle to speak up in meetings, silence feels safe. But it isn't neutral. When you consistently hold back, people fill that quiet with their own assumptions about what you know and how much you have to contribute. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson reframes the real reason most people stay quiet at work: it isn't introversion, it's fear of judgment. She shares four concrete techniques to help you get out of your head and into the conversation, starting with your very next meeting. If you're tired of leaving meetings with your best ideas still unsaid, this episode is for you.Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/261

Getting passed over for a promotion is one of the hardest career moments to sit with, especially when you were certain you were the obvious choice. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson walks you through exactly what to do next. She shares a framework for processing the disappointment without stewing in it, and then gets tactical: she identifies five specific gaps to diagnose (visibility, skills, advocacy, timing, and what she calls the invisible ceiling) and walks through how to seek honest feedback from the people who made the decision. She also breaks down the stay-or-go question with clear criteria for both paths. If you have been passed over and are not sure what to do with that, this episode gives you a plan.Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/260

Episode 259: You’re Probably Doing 1:1 Meetings Wrong In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explains the true purpose and importance of one-on-one meetings with employees. She introduces the “Focus, Friction, Forward Motion” framework, offering managers strategies to ensure these meetings foster alignment, psychological safety, and trust, rather than devolving into status updates or being canceled when things get busy. Through practical questions and actionable advice, Dr. Janel Anderson shows how well-designed one-on-ones detect problems early, increase engagement, and support career development. Whether you’re a manager or an individual contributor, you’ll find useful guidance for structuring meaningful conversations that drive productivity and strengthen workplace relationships.Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/259

Episode 258: How to Onboard a New Employee In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson dives into the art of effective onboarding for new employees. Drawing from personal experience and practical strategies, she explains how a thoughtful onboarding process shapes psychological safety, sets clear expectations, and leaves a lasting impression. From building relationships and limiting cognitive overload to establishing feedback loops and avoiding common mistakes, Dr. Janel Anderson offers actionable advice to help managers design a seamless, intentional, and supportive experience for their newest team members. Whether you’re a new manager or seasoned leader, you’ll find valuable insights for creating a strong foundation for your direct reports.Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/258