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We must not be pacified by people and organizations who utter the rhetoric of justice without the history to back it up. When I learned about Times Up involvement in former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations, I was disappointed but not surprised. Few people or institutions are naturally benevolent. Each day we …

Continue reading “Despite Public Support for Social Justice, Many Organizations Are Not Naturally Benevolent”

A few years ago, I began journaling to document professional experiences as a Black woman. I wanted to understand the feedback I was receiving at work and place it in the context of gender, race, and class. Initially, I didn’t know my journal would evolve into a book. Upon sharing early journal entries with others, …

Continue reading ““First and Only: A Black Women’s Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life” Included in United Methodist Women’s Reading Program for 2021-2022”

What is happening in the world is important. And I will make caring for myself a priority. By Jennifer R. Farmer  I spend a considerable amount of time promoting the good work of leaders and entities committed to racial and social justice. In this work, the wins are few and far between. And the bad …

Continue reading “How I am Protecting My Mental Well-Being”

By Jennifer R. Farmer At the end of 2019, I wrote an article titled, “The Media is Contracting: Now What?” We are a few weeks away from 2021, and guess what? The media is still contracting. There have been more jobs lost in the media industry this year than there has been since 2008. According …

Continue reading “The Media is Still Contracting. Now What?”

It is becoming more challenging than ever to secure earned media, or media one doesn’t have to pay for. Not only do public relations pros (at the time of this writing) outnumber journalists 4 to 1, but journalists are increasingly asked to do more with less. Further, it appears the media is consumed with the …

Continue reading “In Today’s Media Landscape, Opinion Essays Are a Communicator’s Best Friend”

(this column originally appeared on LifeHack.org) By Jennifer Farmer Intellectually, many of us know that conflict is a part of life. We may know that conflict can spur deeper understanding and stronger relationships. Yet, when conflict arises, it puts some of us on our heels. When disagreements emerge, we are left wondering how to address …

Continue reading “10 Conflict Resolution Skills Every Manager Needs”

(this essay originally appeared on LifeHack.org) By Jennifer Farmer In a work environment, it is essential that employees communicate openly, honestly and in situationally appropriate ways. This communication could include articulating what each employee needs and expects. It should also include communicating when one faces challenges with a product, colleague or client. This is called …

Continue reading “The Underbelly of Assertive Communication”

If a person hasn’t experienced something directly (and they do not know anyone who has experienced the issue or challenge), they may not believe the problem exists or struggle to understand. When it comes to challenges such as the crisis at the southern border, restrictions on voting rights and problematic policing, our culture has an …

Continue reading “How to Tell Ethical and Impactful Stories”

Social media can catapult almost anyone from relative obscurity to superstardom – or at least stardom. Once a person reaches a certain number of followers, the individual is considered a social media influencer, and brands will invest big bucks to cultivate a relationship with said influencer. Reality TV, YouTube and Instagram can also take people …

Continue reading “Do You Need a Publicist?”

Most of what I have learned about leadership I have observed from former managers and from my own triumphs and failures. One lesson stands out. When I began managing people 15 years ago, I thought having a fancy title was synonymous with influence. Over time, I learned that power is conferred based on likeability, authenticity, …

Continue reading “How to Be a Leader Who is Inspiring and Influential”