Navigating the Workplace with MicroSkills (Plenary)-Navigating the Workplace with MicroSkills

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session featured Adaira Landry and Risa Lewis discussing their book and approach to “micro-skills” — small, learnable actions that can make a big difference in professional success, wellbeing, and workplace culture. They argued that many people are missing an unspoken “playbook” for navigating work, and their goal is to make those strategies accessible and practical.<br /><br />They explained the structure of the book: each chapter uses stories, evidence, discussion of why a skill is hard, and then concrete actions readers can apply immediately. Topics included networking, polished communication, self-care, learning workplace culture, upstanding for oneself and others, and difficult conversations.<br /><br />Examples shared included:<br />- Leveraging existing relationships to build a stronger network.<br />- Sending emails during work hours and using schedule-send to avoid stressing colleagues.<br />- Reducing non-promotable work and setting boundaries to protect personal time.<br />- Speaking up in moments of bias, bullying, or inappropriate behavior.<br />- Practicing difficult conversations using a “personal board of directors” — a trusted group for advice and rehearsal.<br /><br />The reactors, Solange Thomas and Darlene Moyer, praised the book for its relevance to leadership, inclusion, productivity, self-awareness, and meeting culture. They highlighted the importance of clear agendas, transparency, emotional intelligence, and questioning workplace defaults like unnecessary meetings.<br /><br />The conversation also touched on generational differences, hybrid work, burnout, accountability, mentorship, and the need to adapt workplace norms while preserving professionalism and respect. Overall, the session emphasized that success does not require self-sacrifice; instead, intentional small actions can improve both individual performance and workplace culture.

Keywords

micro-skills

workplace culture

professional success

networking

communication

self-care

boundary setting

difficult conversations

inclusion

leadership

burnout

mentorship