How Not to Look Like a Potato in Virtual Meetings

Negotiating Without Apology: Confidence, Clarity, and Calm

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:23:19 GMT

Negotiation doesn’t need to feel tense, emotional, or adversarial.
The strongest negotiations I’ve seen are quiet. Calm. Clear.
Negotiating without apology means removing language that shrinks your position before the conversation even begins:
“I don’t want to seem difficult…”
“This might be too much…”
“I’m probably overthinking…”
What if you simply stated what aligns?
Negotiation isn’t about convincing someone of your worth. It’s about articulating the value you bring and the outcomes you deliver—without defensiveness or explanation.
When you negotiate with confidence and calm, you’re not just shaping compensation. You’re shaping expectations.

What would it sound like to advocate for yourself without apology? Please reflect on that.

Workplace Bullying

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:24:33 GMT

Bully's aren't wanted anywhere.

What is workplace bullying?

Workplace bullying often involves an abuse or misuse of power. ... Not everyone who displays bullying behaviors can truly be described as a workplace bully .

Workplace bullying is a persistent pattern of mistreatment that can include verbal, nonverbal, psychological, or physical abuse, as well as intimidation, humiliation, or work sabotage. These repeated, unreasonable behaviors are directed toward an employee or group of employees and create a risk to their health and safety. Bullying can be carried out by supervisors, subordinates, or coworkers and often involves an abuse or misuse of power.

Common behaviors include

Verbal abuse:

Using abusive or insulting language, yelling, or constant and unfair criticism.

Psychological mistreatment:

Intimidation, humiliation, or demeaning someone's work or personal self-esteem.

Work sabotage:

Isolating an employee from information and interaction, assigning impossible deadlines, or blocking them from opportunities like training or advancement.

Exclusion:

Leaving someone out of important meetings or social circles.

Who can be a bully

A person in a position of authority, such as a supervisor.
A coworker who is a peer.
A subordinate who bullies a supervisor.

How it differs from typical conflict

Persistent pattern: Unlike a one-off argument, bullying is a recurring and systematic pattern of behavior.
Abuse of power: It often involves an actual or perceived power imbalance.
Harm to health: The sustained mistreatment creates an ongoing risk to the victim's physical and emotional well-being.

For Individuals: How to stop workplace bullying

To stop workplace bullying, both employees and organizations must take action, including

establishing a clear anti-bullying policy, documenting incidents, reporting the behavior to supervisors or HR, and seeking support from trusted colleagues or professionals. Organizations should also provide training, hold managers accountable, and foster a respectful environment to prevent future issues.

For employees

Document everything: Keep a detailed log of incidents, including dates, times, what happened, who witnessed it, and how it made you feel.
Report the behavior:
Start with your direct supervisor, unless they are the bully.
If your supervisor is the bully, report to their boss or Human Resources (HR).
Look for anonymous reporting options if available.
Confront the bully directly (if you feel safe):
Do this calmly and assertively, and if possible, in the presence of a witness.
Use "I" statements to explain how their behavior affects you.
Seek support:
Talk to a trusted coworker, friend, or family member.
Consider professional help, such as a therapist or legal advisor.
Practice self-care: Prioritize your well-being by maintaining physical distance, staying calm, and avoiding emotional reactions when possible.

For organizations to Prevent or Stop Workplace Bullying

Implement a zero-tolerance policy: Create and enforce a formal policy that clearly states bullying is unacceptable.
Provide training: Train all employees and managers to recognize, report, and prevent bullying.
Hold managers accountable: Ensure managers are equipped to handle complaints and promote a respectful workplace.
Take all reports seriously: Investigate all claims promptly and handle them confidentially.
Foster a positive culture: Lead by example and acknowledge kindness to promote a more supportive and team-oriented environment.
Ensure easy access to support: Provide clear and accessible channels for reporting, which can include anonymous options.

Public Speaking

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:50:33 GMT

Don't let nerves and fear keep you from giving your message.

Public Speaking

Many moons ago, I was deathly afraid of public speaking. As an introvert, that fear started early—back in kindergarten—and followed me for years.

But I made a decision: I would not let fear hold me back. Through intention, practice, and a few uncomfortable moments, I took control of my narrative. I enrolled in an undergraduate public speaking class, sought out presentation opportunities, and pushed myself every step of the way.

The ultimate test? Finding out—minutes before my talk—that I’d be speaking to a live audience of over 2,000 at the National Black Nurses Association Conference. Talk about pressure! But I took a deep breath, stepped on stage, and delivered.

Now, I find joy in sharing, connecting, and helping others discover their own confidence when speaking in front of diverse audiences.

�� If public speaking makes your palms sweat, reach out—I’d love to share the tips that helped me turn fear into confidence.

“Unmasking the Imposter: Owning Your Worth in Every Role”

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:40:30 GMT

Unmask yourself.

Shed the mask.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent self-doubt and the belief that one's accomplishments are undeserved. Individuals with imposter syndrome often attribute their success to external factors, such as luck or circumstance, rather than their own abilities. In my previous corporate position to a gender mixed audience, I gave a talk on this syndrome having experienced it at different times in my career when I have re-invented myself in a different role. This syndrome is not uncommon and should not make you feel less than. Frankly, it is a normal reaction to change. A great movie that I used as a reference was “The Devil Wears Prada.” A must see for feelings of imposter syndrome. The “Amanda Priestly” character set unrealistic expectations that left the “Andy” character losing her sense of worth.

Symptoms:

Persistent doubt in one's abilities and accomplishments
Fear of being exposed as a fraud
Attributing success to external factors (e.g., luck, help from others)
Feeling like an imposter or a phony
Anxiety about making mistakes or failing
Difficulty accepting praise or recognition
Hypercritical of oneself and others

Causes:

The exact causes of imposter syndrome are not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by factors such as: Societal expectations and stereotypes, Perfectionism, Early childhood experiences, Negative self-talk, and Comparisons to others.

Prevalence:

Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, affecting an estimated 70-80% of people at some point in their lives. It is particularly prevalent among high-achieving individuals, such as students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Treatment:

While there is no specific cure for imposter syndrome, there are strategies that can help manage its symptoms:

Challenge negative thoughts: Identify and challenge self-defeating thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic ones.
Focus on accomplishments: Keep a list of your achievements and refer to it when you feel doubt.
Seek support: Talk to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend about your experiences.
Set realistic goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps.
Celebrate successes: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding to yourself, and accept that everyone makes mistakes.

Conclusion:

Imposter syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon that can cause significant distress. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals can effectively manage its impact on their lives.

How to Look Professional Online (Without Wearing Pajama Pants… Probably)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:05:43 GMT

Balance the look on a virtual meeting.

Ah, the joys of remote work: you can roll out of bed, shuffle to your laptop, and technically be “at the office” in 37 seconds. But here’s the catch—just because you can attend a meeting in a dingy white T-shirt with hair that screams I lost a fight with my pillow, doesn’t mean you should.

Your appearance online still sends a message. And unless that message is “I’m auditioning for a zombie movie,” let’s tidy it up.

Step 1: The Shirt Matters

Yes, I know, pants are optional in Zoom World (no judgment—just don’t stand up). But what people do see is your top half. That old T-shirt from your college intramural team? Retire it. Opt for something clean, pressed, and not likely to make your coworkers wonder if you also live under a bridge.

Step 2: Hair Check

Bed head might be charming on toddlers and rock stars, but not so much in quarterly budget reviews. Run a comb or pic through it, splash some water or some product, maybe even brush it like you’ve met a mirror before. (Your webcam is not that mirror, by the way—it’s too late by then.)

Step 3: Lighting is Everything

Good lighting says “I’m professional.” Bad lighting says “I am broadcasting live from a cave.” Sit facing a window or put a lamp behind your screen. If all else fails, a $15 ring light from the internet will save you from looking like a ghost story narrator. I got mine from Amazon.

Step 4: Background Check (The Other Kind)

Your coworkers don’t need to see your pile of laundry, your unmade bed, or your roommate wandering by in boxers. Tidy up your space or use a virtual background that doesn’t scream “default Windows wallpaper.”

Step 5: Accessorize with Confidence

Headphones, glasses, even a decent mug of coffee can make you look composed. Bonus points if your mug says something like, “World’s Okayest Employee.”

Final Thoughts

Looking professional online isn’t about wearing a three-piece suit in your living room. It’s about sending a signal that you’re present, polished, and ready to contribute. And hey, if you nail the shirt, hair, lighting, and background—you can still wear pajama pants. (Just… don’t forget during screen shares when you get up for coffee.)

How to Look Professional Online (Without Wearing Pajama Pants… Probably)

Your appearance online still sends a message. And unless that message is “I’m auditioning for a zombie movie,” let’s tidy it up.

Step 1: The Shirt Matters

Step 2: Hair Check

Bed head might be charming on toddlers and rock stars, but not so much in quarterly budget reviews. Run a comb through it, splash some water, maybe even brush it like you’ve met a mirror before. (Your webcam is not that mirror, by the way—it’s too late by then.)

Step 3: Lighting is Everything

Step 4: Background Check (The Other Kind)

Step 5: Accessorize with Confidence

Headphones, glasses, even a decent mug of coffee can make you look composed. Bonus points if your mug says something like, “World’s Okayest Employee.”

Final Thoughts

How Not to Look Like a Potato in Virtual Meetings

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:17:52 GMT

Virtual Meeting Etiquette

Have you ever joined a virtual meeting only to be greeted by someone’s nostrils in HD ? Or maybe just the top of their head, as if they were trying to stage a magic trick called The Disappearing Colleague? Yeah… me too.

The truth is, most of us never got a “Virtual Meetings 101” class. But since we’re professionals (or at least trying really hard to look like it), let’s go over some virtual meeting etiquette that will keep you from becoming “that person.”

Do: Before the Meeting

Test your tech. Nothing says “I’m not prepared” quite like spending the first 10 minutes screaming, “Can you hear me now?” into the void. Save yourself (and everyone else) the cringe.
Check your camera angle. Position it at eye level. Unless you want to give your boss a cinematic view of your ceiling fan or your double chin. Pro tip: a stack of books is a free tripod.
Light yourself properly. No one wants to brainstorm with the mysterious silhouette from a horror movie. Face a window or use a lamp. It makes you look less like a shady informant.
Look engaged. Nod occasionally. Use the “thumbs up” emoji reaction. Pretend you didn’t just check your phone under the desk. Also: don’t cross your arms unless you want to be the villain of the meeting.
Use the chat wisely. It’s a tool, not your personal diary. Save the “I’m hungry” commentary for your group chat.
Ground rules (if hosting). If you’re running the meeting, lay down the law: “Mute if you’re not speaking,” “No interrupting,” and “Please, for the love of Wi-Fi, no eating crunchy chips on mic.”
Save the snacks. Unless it’s officially a lunch and learn, don’t chew through the agenda. (Literally.)
AI is your friend. If you’ve got an AI tool, let it take notes so you don’t have to. That way, you can focus on pretending to be fully engaged.

Do: After the Meeting

Exit gracefully. Hosts should be the last to leave. Think of it like a party—you wouldn’t Irish goodbye from your own living room.
Follow up. Action items don’t complete themselves (unfortunately). Send the notes, assign tasks, and resist the urge to write, “Let’s circle back next week” forever.
Share the recording. But make sure it’s edited—no one wants to relive your five minutes of “tech issues

Final Thoughts

Follow these tips, and you’ll go from Awkward Rectangle on Zoom to Virtual Meeting Rock Star. (Which is like being a real rock star, except your groupies are… coworkers asking for the slide deck.)

Hello Welcome!

queensheba001@yahoo.com (Bethsheba Johnson) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:58:54 GMT

We’re passionate about transforming complex challenges into meaningful solutions.”

Hello, and welcome to Permelia Johnson Consulting Services, LLC. We are dedicated to creating innovative solutions that bridge science, medicine, and public health.

Leadership Development

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:46:29 GMT

4 Tips for Leadership Development

At Permelia Johnson Consulting, we recognize the significance of strong leadership in healthcare. Here are four tips for developing effective leadership skills that drive results.

1. Embrace Continuous Learning—The healthcare landscape is ever-changing. Leaders should commit to lifelong learning by attending workshops, online courses, or engaging with industry experts.

2. Foster Strong Communication Skills—Effective communication is crucial. Prioritize open lines of communication with your team and stakeholders. Encourage feedback and active listening to create a culture of trust.

3. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence—Leaders with high emotional intelligence navigate team dynamics and patient care better. Understand your emotions and those of others to manage conflicts and motivate your team.

4. Lead by Example - Model the values you expect from your team. By demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, you inspire others to positively contribute to the work environment.

Tips for Community Building

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:46:28 GMT

At Permelia Johnson Consulting, we believe that community building is essential to fostering collaboration and growth within the healthcare sector. Our approach focuses on empowering individuals and organizations through tailored coaching and support, emphasizing the following key aspects:

1. Collaboration: We facilitate partnerships among healthcare providers and community clinics, creating a network where knowledge and resources can be shared effectively. By promoting collaborative efforts, we help our clients leverage collective strengths for innovative solutions.

2. Skill Development: Through individual and group coaching sessions, we equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to excel in their roles. This includes sharpening interview skills, enhancing medical writing capabilities, and understanding the intricacies of clinical trial infrastructure.

3. Resource Sharing: We strive to build a community where healthcare providers can access valuable resources and best practices. Our consulting services provide insights into effective EHR chart review processes, ensuring that all members can benefit from shared knowledge.

4. Support System: Our commitment to community building extends to fostering a supportive environment. We encourage open dialogue among clients, allowing them to share experiences and advice, thus nurturing a sense of belonging and mutual support.

5. Tailored Solutions: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by each client, we offer customized strategies that address specific needs and goals. This personalized approach not only enhances individual professional development but also strengthens the overall community.

At Permelia Johnson Consulting, we’re dedicated to creating a thriving community within the healthcare sector, where professionals can grow, collaborate, and inspire one another towards excellence.