Workplace Wisdom... Discover Fulfillment in Life and Work with Michelle Y. Drake
The ability to embrace what inspires us in life and work and the tools to live in fulfillment exist in all of us.
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Monday, November 24, 2008
Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I don't know about you, but I can practically taste roast turkey and all the fixins' already! My boys...my young men will be home from college soon, and I'm looking forward to having the family together again for the holiday. And I can definitely use a few days off from work, too, with the hectic pace I've been keeping lately.
But taking some much needed R&R means I have a LOT of work to do this week, and the only way I'll be able to accomplish it is if I have a serious plan of attack, a strategy so I don't go completely crazy and still have enough time to get all of my food preparation ready.
I stumbled across a great article on productivity that I thought might help all of us stay organized at work during the holiday frenzy:
In this article, Ms. Badion offers an interesting take on how to break up your workweek and stay on schedule so you can accomplish all of your goals.
"Make a plan on Monday"
I don't know about you, but on Mondays, my mind is still stuck on weekend mode and it's difficult to concentrate on the works tasks at hand. The article recommends using Mondays to "set the stage for the rest of your week." Strategize and create a schedule, write your lists and plan out the rest of the week.
"Time to get movin' on Tuesday"
The weekend is now firmly behind you, and it's time to start tackling those lists and following the plan you made on Monday. The article advises: "Try to arrange your time so you have few interruptions or meetings; changing gears frequently hurts your productivity. Along the same lines, try to cluster projects that require similar resources for even more efficiency." This is a serious workday!
"Reassess your week on Wednesday"
The strategy you came up with on Monday isn't set in stone. To ensure that you're accomplishing everything you need to, you must re-evaluate your plan and make adjustments to stay on track. "The middle of the week provides an opportunity for you to figure out where you're at and what still needs to be done." And since most of us are not working in a vacuum, this is the time to incorporate new projects and tasks handed to us.
"Think about a break on Thursday"
We're a push-push-push society when it comes to work. Overtime, shortened lunches, zero breaks during the day are the norm for most of us. But according to this article, we should "use Thursday as a day to reward yourself for your hard work throughout the week and to prepare for the final pre-weekend push." Excellent advice! Taking the time to re-energize and re-focus our minds results in far more productivity than pushing ourselves to work harder and longer.
"Be flexible on Friday"
Even the most productive people aren't always able to finish every aspect of every project during the first four days of the week, so Friday becomes the day to tie up all of those loose ends. it's also a great time to get yourself ready for the next workweek, and as the article says, "Making sure things are neat and in order when you come into the office on Monday will help you make your weekend less stressful and ensure you don't return to a chaotic mess."
Taking a risk with your career may seem counter-intuitive amid our economic crisis, but according to this article I found on Yahoo! HotJobs, I think it could be a fantastic idea!
"4 Career Risks Worth Trying" by Denene Brox features four "calculated" risks that could mean a brighter future for your career.
"RISK: Going Back to School"
I know this can be a huge investment in time and money, but with all of the online programs now available to us - where we can pay less for a quality education, and come and go as we please from the comfort of home or even the office - it can be an excellent stepping stone to success. As the article states: "...determine if going back to school helps you achieve this goal [a raise or changing career paths] by talking to your boss and mentors." In my business, I've always encouraged my employees to never stop the learning process, and like my company, many organizations will even foot the bill (or at least part of it) if it will add to your value and the value you bring to work.
"RISK: Changing Careers"
I've said this time and time again: do what you love! And the article agrees: "With increased company layoffs, no one is immune to losing a job. Finding work that you love should be a priority in your career." This decision is a biggie, so make sure you carefully examine the pros and cons of a career move, and dig down deep to figure out what you really want to do. Is it something you're GOOD AT as well as enjoy? Consider this carefully because as many of us know, just because we love doing something, that doesn't necessarily mean we're skilled at it (see: "American Idol" contestants during the try-out weeks!)
"RISK: Saying 'No' to Added Responsibility"
At first you might think, "Are you crazy?! Saying 'no' at work?! That's the surest way to a pink slip!" In some cases, you may be right, but the article makes a great point: "If your boss is saddling you with more responsibility with a project or promotion, be sure you understand exactly what that will mean for your success. Not all promotions are created equal, and you can quickly become the office doormat if you constantly take on projects that may not have high enough visibility to move your career forward." I'd like to add a note to this and say, if you do turn down a project, make sure it's for the RIGHT reasons. Too many of us turn down opportunities to advance our careers because of fear - fear of failure, fear of putting our ideas out there, etc. - and that's definitely NOT the right reason. When offered more responsibility, think about it carefully and honestly before accepting or refusing.
"RISK: Starting a Business"
As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand the trials and tribulations (and satisfaction and rewards) of starting a business. It takes total commitment, a willingness to sacrifice, and a LOT of hard work. If you're not ready to say "yes" to all of that - and more - starting a business probably isn't right for you. But if you're ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, my best advice is the same as the article's: "Do your research (including health care options), save money, and build contacts in your industry while you're still working in your current job."
Check out the full text of the article here, and thanks to Denene Brox and Yahoo! HotJobs for posting such helpful advice. I recommend that you carefully digest this food for thought if you're stuck in a rut at your current job, if you're ready to take on a new challenge, or if you're wondering where to go next in your career.
As I was perusing The Wall Street Journal website, I came across an interesting article that introduced me to a new "business speak" term: "manage up."
Elizabeth Garone writes in her article "What It Means to 'Manage Up'" that "when someone tells you that you need to 'manage up,' what he or she is really saying is that you need to stretch yourself. You need to go above and beyond the tasks assigned to you so that you can enhance your manager's work, says Rosanne Badowski, co-author of 'Managing Up: How to Forge an Effective Relationship With Those Above You.'"
Communication above all else is the key. Do you know your boss's communication style?If not, find out! You may be more comfortable talking about the big picture, but he or she may prefer bullet points of facts and figures...and if you can't present your ideas in that manner, it's likely that they're falling on deaf ears.
The article goes on to list other ways to "manage up" - there's a lot of great info so I suggest you give it a read-through. I want you to ride out our economy's current crisis on a wave of success!
I want you to understand my perspective on Dr. Helen's approach to managing menopausal symptoms, and in order to do that, I need to share a little of my personal menopausal journey.
In the year leading up to 2000, I had a bout with ovarian cancer. This nose-to-nose fist-fight with the disease ended with a win for ME!
In June of 2000, I had a total hysterectomy and eight years later, I can confidently say, it got ALL the bad stuff out! I did have to fight with a few of my doctors on how I wanted to proceed with treatment. Knowing that I could not have any more children (a whole other long story), I pushed for just getting it all out of me for good, and the doctors finally acquiesed. I always did have good negotiation skills.
The thing that I didn't really understand at 38-years-old was the impact of post-surgical menopause and the traditional medical treatment for its symptoms.
Symptoms...such a clinical word for world-rocking physical and emotional feelings. After seven years of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), I found a doctor who could take me off HRT (which, by the way, put an extra 40 pounds of weight on me during the first few months of treatment, and I've been battling to get that weight off for years!). With the help of Dr. Helen Thomas, I've lost 20 of those 40 pounds and now I have my hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms under control - without taking hormones!
You know I love to share a good resource, and this week, I'm going to do just that!
I've blogged about Dr. Helen in the past, and now we're trying to share some of the treatment info that she's used with me to help other women who may not be geographically local to work with her directly.
You could suffer through menopausal symptoms...but why?
Dr. Helen Thomas and I present her Ayurveda 3-Step Menopausal Balance Program guaranteed to set you on a course toward "sama dosha" - all three doshas in balance (you can learn what a "dosha" is through her "What Is Ayurveda? Understanding the Principles of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Body Types" guidebook available for download with this program!) - during menopause and beyond!
Menopause is a natural cycle, but dealing with its symptoms can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Instead of turning to risky treatments like HRT, wouldn't you rather utilize the natural, safe practices of the ancient science of Ayurveda to soothe your hot flashes, mood swings, hot feet, fatigue and more?
Dr. Helen's Ayurveda 3-Step Menopausal Balance Program is a special combination of guides, recipes, regimens and a tele-seminar where YOU can tap into her vast Ayurvedic wisdom and ask her the direct questions about your personal journey through menopause.
STEP 1: The "What Is Ayurveda? Understanding the Principles of Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic Body Types" PDF booklet Determine which of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta or Kapha - that guides you, and discover which regimens will work with your body type and digestive tendencies.
STEP 2: The "Menopausal (and Menstrual) Remedies for Your Body Type" PDF pamphlet. Quiet and diminish your menopausal and menstrual symptoms with five-sense therapy and daily lifestyle regimens to re-align your doshic imbalances.
NOTE: Both booklets will be presented in one, easy-to-download PDF file, available after you finish the purchasing process.
STEP 3: The "Ayurvedic Menopausal Balance Tele-Seminar" on Wednesday, September 17th at 5:00 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. There's only so much information Dr. Helen can give you in her ezines (available at www.EffortlessAyurvedicLiving.com) and booklets, and because every woman's journey through menopause is unique, she wants to address YOUR specific issues and offer you personal Ayurvedic insights and knowledge. On this call, Dr. Helen will go into more depth about everything she's discussed so far and answer any questions you may have.
If you've been reading her recent ezines (sign up to read them at www.EffortlessAyurvedicLiving.com) you know that she's only scratched the surface of the wonders of Ayurvedic treatments for menopausal balance! By purchasing her Ayurveda 3-Step Menopausal Balance Program for the low price of $29.95 (or you could spend thousands of dollars on other "remedies" that may do more harm than good), you're opening yourself up to a world without the suffering of menopausal symptoms.
Enjoy this beautiful time in your life by attaining balance through menopause the Ayurvedic way!
Ordering this program is safe and easy. When you complete the purchasing process, you'll be e-mailed both pamphlets - in a single, easy-to-download PDF format - and the information on the tele-seminar call-in number and access code.
Take your menopausal care into your own hands and order today!
My apologies for staying away from my blog for so long, but between working with clients, traveling to Salt Lake City for a conference about SendOutCards.com (you've GOT to check these guys out - their system is amazing and so much fun!), and getting my sons back off to college (the house is mine and my husband's again - woo hoo! But seriously, I love my kids and miss them, too), I've been using my few minutes of downtime to, you know, breathe.
And I've also been staying up way too late to watch the Olympics! I'm so proud of our fellow countrymen and countrywomen; they've been outstanding all around in their events. According to Yahoo! this morning, the USA has earned 101 medals so far (8 of which are the incredible gold medals won by record-breaker Michael Phelps - congratulations to him!).
While I love the thrill of the competitions, I'm truly amazed by the Olympians themselves. To paraphrase a comment made on "Project Runway" during their Olympic challenge, they are as close to real-live superheros as we can get. They are at peak performance levels, and they've trained endlessly to achieve their goals. Let's follow their example!
Today, I challenge you to commit to your career like an Olympian commits to his or her training. I want you focus on kicking your career into overdrive (especially if lately it's been chugging along like a golf cart), and I want you firing all cylinders as you work towards your career's peak performance level.
And as your coach, I'm going to give you the benefit of my knowledge with these 10 tips for advancing your career!
1. Create a "life skills" line: Record everything you know how to do - from birth until the present - and all the skills required to do them. What have you excelled at? (And they don't have to be just work-related...you'd be surprised how the skills you have in your hobbies translate into success into the workplace.)
2. Make a "life activity" line (layer it right over your "life skills" line). Identify the activies at work and at home that you enjoy doing. If your skill is problem-solving, activities you might like are troubleshooting at work or working on your car's engine. A career that is satisfying and challenging with incorporate some of those skills and activities.
3. Rate your enjoyment and aptitude of each entry on your line: 1 if you're excellent at it and love doing it; 5 if it's one of your weaker areas or if you wouldn't want to do it for more than a few hours. And with this info, you're going to then...
4. Create a clear picture in your mind of your next 5 career moves (they're not set in stone!). They could be in order and progressing up through your organization, or they could be lateral moves into other organizations or industries. Plotting out these career moves starts to set you up with a strategy for career advancement (and we all know how much I LOVE strategy!).
5. Map out opportunities within your organization. You got those 5 career moves in your head - where are they in your organization? Create a "treasure map" that you can follow, leading you to each of those 5 career moves. Who's holding those jobs now? What are your chances of earning that position? If there's a star blocking your route of advancement (think Don Draper of "Mad Men") who shows no signs of budging, then you should first do everything in your power to succeed and prove your worth in your current position (a shift all the way up line might occur) or you might want to consider moving to another company, which leads me to...
6. Map opportunities outside your organization. What organizations are the leaders in your industry? Are they looking for highly-skilled people like you, and if so, what could they offer you? Look for industries that are complementary to yours. There may be opportunities to not only bring your insights into a new industry, but also for you to be invigorated by a new set of challenges.
7. Assess people in higher levels of your organization. Give them a report card. Who does a great job? Who might be on his or her way out? Who might be open to talking to you about their position? What are their skills...and do you have them?
8. Make a list of people who would help you if they knew your career aspirations. While it's a good idea to be tentative about who you share your career plans with (especially if they include chucking your current job for another), you have people in your sphere of influence that can help you attain your career goals if you talk to them about those goals. Be selective in who you share your dreams with, but make sure you share your dreams with someone!
9. Use an interview as an excuse to go and speak to someone who has the job that you want. Does your company have a newsletter or a website that highlights employees and bosses? If so, go to the head of these departments and ask if you can do a profile on the person who has the job you want. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to have some of the burden taken off them, and I'm sure that the person you interview will be flattered that you're so interested in them and their job. Asking for an interview is a non-threatening way to do your research and gather information.
10. Join an industry organization. This is a primo networking opportunity just waiting for you to reach out and grab it. Learn about other companies in your industry, other positions you may be qualified for, and loads of other inside scoop that can help you strategize your next career move.
Now go out there and earn a gold medal in career advancement!
Well, after last week's whirlwind posting marathon during "Lipstick Leadership Week", I decided to lay low for the past few days.
In the interim, I've been swamped with coaching clients who are begging me to help them with their public speaking. Apparently, that old saying about public speaking being an even greater fear than death is true!
Now, I admit: even a professional speaker like me gets butterflies in her stomach before taking the stage and staring out into that sea of people. But then my adrenaline kicks in and my naturally talkative personality takes over. Unfortunately, that's not the case for most people.
I've heard horror stories from clients, colleagues and friends about how they froze under the spotlights (or even speaking to a smaller group in a meeting) and tripped and stuttered their way through their presentations. My heart goes out to them. (I feel the same way when faced with a situation where math is required!)
So a few days ago, I had one of those "aha" moments Oprah's always talking about:
- People need help with their public speaking. - I'm a professional speaker who can also be considered something of an expert in getting over fears.
Why not figure out some global way (as opposed to one-on-one coaching...there's only so much of my time to go around!) that I could help people overcome their fear of public speaking??
Eureeka!
I'm now in the process of developing a fantastic new video product and loads of special bonuses to go along with it. I can't wait to unveil it, and I'm hoping to have the finishing touches put on it next week!
Keep your eyes open, loyal readers, because you're going to be one of the first people I offer it out to. I'll post more details soon!
...all of the fantastic entries I received will live on here at my blog!
If you missed out on last week's event, feel free to scroll down or click on the "lipstick leadership stories" tag at the bottom of this post to enjoy all of the anedotes and insights that made "Lipstick Leadership Week" a smashing success!
I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent in stories - they were all truly amazing and inspiring. I only wish I could get to know each of these incredible role models personally!
And it's a great feeling to know that this network of "mother's wisdom" you all helped me create is only the beginning! I can't wait to get started on the next book in the "From the Kitchen to the Corner Office" series - you've proven that there's limitless inspiration out there and plenty of moms and mom figures to draw experiences from!
In the meantime, I've got a lot of other pots full of ideas bubbling on my mental stovetop, and you'll be the first to hear about them here on my blog and through my free eZine "Lipstick Leadership" (Haven't signed up yet? You're missing out on a lot of great info! Sign up here or at LipstickLeadership.com).
This question came from my friend Anna and was accompanied by a worried frown. Anna lost her job recently (cutbacks, cutbacks, cutbacks) and had a promising opportunity in the works. I was prepping her for an interview this week, and we'd finally gotten around to the salary question.
"Well, what's the salary range for a position like yours?" was my counter-question.
"I don't know," came her response. She knew what she had been making, after several years of being with the company she worked for, but didn't have a clue what someone in her position should/could ask for coming into a new company. And being isolated from the job market, she didn't know the salary trends for her industry.
Since I know that Anna isn't the only one who's unsure of the answer to the big salary question, I thought I'd do a little research on the subject of salary ranges and post a quick tidbit of salary info here on my blog.
Here's a quick list of salary resources to get you started:
* My personal favorite is www.Salary.com * Job posting sites can be a great resource: sites like craigslist often have salary info along with job descriptions, and sites like CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com have salary calculators and wizards. * Tons of salary info here: Economic Research Institute - www.erieri.com * The good 'ol government site: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov * Professional and trade organizations often have a slew of info and some even have message boards where you can post your questions and get answers from other professionals like yourself. * Don't forget your research! Check out the company's website and tap into your personal network and ask around. First-hand knowledge direct from a reliable source can be valuable.
I hope this info helps all of you job seekers out there and even the non-job seekers, too. It's always a great time to make sure you're getting paid what you're worth!
In the face of our flailing economy, I've been on the lookout for articles that offer tips on how to weather this recessional storm so I can share the info with you, my readers. In my own life, I've been through some tough financial situations with my family in the past, and I know firsthand how difficult it is to stretch that dollar to keep food on the table, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs. It seems like just yesterday I was ripping up my husband's old shirts and sewing them into shorts for our little boys (now grown college men) to wear during the hot summer months. Thankfully, those days are behind us now, and we've found great success in running our company, the Cove Group.
So today as I was perusing the headlines, I saw a few great articles from Yahoo! that listed jobs and industries where people can earn good money and find some stability in this shaky economical time.
The first article is entitled "10 Hot Jobs That Start at $50K+" by Cherie Berkley at PayScale.com (read the full article here). If you're unhappy in your current job or are just looking to branch out into a new field, here are 10 jobs that you might want to look into, according to the article:
Interesting, huh? I thought so, and even though most of these jobs require a certain level of education, I fully believe in always being willing to learn - especially when that education can lead to a lucrative career like these. Thanks to Cherie Berkley, PayScale.com and Yahoo! for writing such a great article!
The other article I stumbled across was even more appropos: "Recession-Proof Jobs in 2008" by Larry Buhl for Yahoo! HotJobs. Mr. Buhl saved us the trouble of searching for strong industries during these tough economic times, and he's listed them here in his article. Here are the highlights:
* Education * Energy * Health Care * International Business * Environmental Sector * Security
I hope these articles help if you're in a place in your life where a new career is on the horizon. Seize the opportunity to start a fresh career path and reach a brand new level of success in your professional life!
I hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend and had a chance for a little rest and relaxation! There's nothing like the first cookout of the season, the smell of the grill, a warm breeze and plenty of outdoor fun to get us in the mood for summer.
But today it's back to work despite the beautiful sunshine beckoning to us outside the window. Over my morning tea, I was purusing the headlines on Yahoo! and came across an article that made me shake my head in disappointment. "Great Jobs that Profit Women: Five Flexible Careers with Man-Sized Paychecks" by Kate McIntyre. The "great jobs" and "profit women" and "flexible careers" parts were are positive...but "man-sized paychecks?" Don't tell me that in this, the 21st century, there is STILL a discrepancy between what men and women are paid for the same jobs and same qualifications?!
It's true, and no, it really wasn't a big secret to me, though every time I read about it, I still find it wholly unbelievable. When are we going to wake up, people, and realize that there is absolutely NO reason for women to be earning "approximately 25% less than men in the same occupational group with simliar qualifications" (according to the National Committe on Pay Equity and their 2006 statistics)? The Yahoo article cites two reasons for the disparity: "gender discrimination and women's choices to work less than full-time or to stay at home to care for children."
Gender discrimination? Really? You mean we as women haven't proved ourselves capable of attaing the same results and the same success as men YET? I refuse to believe that because I have personally met hundreds of women who are amazing at what they do; they run successful companies, they're at the top of their fields, and they have limitless talent and skills. I even featured many of them in my new book "From the Kitchen to the Corner Office: Mom's Wisdom on Leadership."
It's time to snap out of the Dark Ages, banish these outdated business norms, and pay women in the workforce what they're worth. And if we can't do that, let's at least pay them what we pay their male counterparts!
With the ever-increasing demands on our time constantly pulling us in every direction, is it any surprise that our lives sometimes feel completely unbalanced and out of control? There are only so many hours in the day, and there never seem to be enough when we're juggling the needs of our families, our careers, our friends and ourselves. Tasks fall through the cracks, people are disappointed, and we're left feeling frustrated, exhausted and even guilty at the end of the day. So before our frazzled nerves send us over the deep end, how can we bring the balance back to our lives?
For more FREE tips on advancing your career and navigating the workplace, sign up for my FREE e-zine "Lipstick Leadership" at LipstickLeadership.com today! And check out the products I've developed to guide you toward the success you deserve!
Exciting news, my friends! The long-awaited and highly-acclaimed new info publishing and sharing site YouPublish.com from Mark Victor Hansen (of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame) is now LIVE!
YouPublish.com is an amazing site where users can publish and download all kinds of files: books, music, videos, software, photos, documents - pretty much any type of file you can think of! Some are free; some have costs associated with them, and ALL are worth a look around the site.
As you know, I offer a wide array of audio CD sets on the SHOP page of my website MichelleYDrake.com. YouPublish.com gave me the chance to offer similar products - audio and article bundles, video series, and even separate chapters of my new book "From the Kitchen to the Corner Office" - all at affordable prices. I welcome you to check them out at: YouPublish.com/MichelleYozzoDrake! I've even included a few FREE products to give you a taste of what's available in my product line.
Be sure to check out this fantastic site and have fun exploring!
In every tragic moment we have an opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we are capable. I have faced a great deal of adversity in my life, and rather than become a victim of it, I chose to face my fears and overcome them. When you're at a point that is vulnerable, you're also at your most authentic. If there is a positive that can come from tragedy, it's the opportunity to meet yourself and recognize the power you have within. The knowledge that I can overcome fear has served me well throughout my life, even when I'm shaking in my boots! What a blessing that awareness has been for me.
When managing a business or a department, you need to be able to adapt your communication style to fit the type of person you're dealing with. Maximum results come from professionals who understand this concept and can adapt their message without compromising who they are or the information they're delivering. This is especially beneficial in an interview setting: understanding how someone best receives information can make or break your ability to get the job, make the sale, motivate the team or meet the department goals.
"If you believe it's just fine...it is! You create your own reality."
The most powerful lesson I learned from my mother Mimi and my Aunt Ruthie is to take responsibility for my reality. Mimi has always been one to look on the bright side of things and approach problems looking for solutions, choosing to see the silver lining and not the dark cloud. Aunt Ruthie faced serious health problems that would've demolished a lesser person, but rather than give into the pain and be defeated, she always saw herself as being just fine. That positive way of thinking created a reality for her that was full of life and happiness.
In life and work things don't always go as planned, but that's no reason to give up or pass the blame onto someone else. If you take responsibility for having a positive attitude and developing a strategic solution to any problem that arises, you'll be amazed at the unbelievable reality you're able to create.
"Leaders emerge from all levels of an organization and can influence everyone from the top to the bottom."
My sister-in-law Pat is a perfect example of this. She is one of twelve children, and growing up, she showed her influence and leadership by taking on additional responsibilities with the raising of her siblings and later with the raising of her own children. Her mother Marty - the "CEO" of the "organization" - relied heavily on Pat - a "front line worker" - and because of that, Pat was able to influence her parents and be a leader. She was never instructed to go tacke care of her brothers and disters, and her leadership was natural. Marty may have had the ultimate decision-making authority, but Pat was given a lot of free rein.
Pat took the lesson that she could be a leader no matter where she was in an organization from her mother's kitchen all the way to her own corner office. Now it's YOUR turn! Be a leader everyday whether you're the CEO or the assistant to the CEO, and create the same kind of positive influence in your workplace that Pat did in her mother's home.
"Don't wait until the eleventh hour to let your ideas shine...don't be afraid to show off your 'diamonds!'"
My grandmother - affectionately known as "Mops" - brought her A-game to everything she did, including becoming a professional golfer in the 1920s. She always let her best shine through - there was no waiting for a "special occasion" where Mops was concerned. She wore her most prized possession - a beautiful diamond ring, one of only two, and the other belonged to Bess Truman - not matter what, whether she was playing golf or growing plants on her balcony or spending the day at the beach. She knew how to commit to life full steam ahead!
At work, your talents, ideas and skills are your diamonds. Many of us hold onto our brilliant ideas for just the right person or just the right time. Do you have amazing ideas that might never get executed? Well, what are you waiting for?? Like Mops, wear YOUR diamonds every single day!
"Make sure your team's energy is pointed in the same direction and working toward the same goals!"
When my sons were wee children, they loved to help me around the house. One day, after watching me spray a window with cleaner and wipe it with a rag, the boys decided they would help clean the rest of the windows. Their cleaner of choice? Spit! My mother Mimi found them spitting on the windows and smearing around the slimy mess! Though their "help" actually resulted in more work for me, I couldn't get mad at those happy, innocent faces. My boys honestly thought they were helping me.
It occurred to me over time that my boys' energy and enthusiasm were a good thing! They wanted to help, God bless their little hears. The only thing missing in these escapades was guidance - which I was responsible for providing. By focusing their energy in a helpful and fun direction, it could maybe mean less work for me instead of more.
Every team needs this kind of guidance. The most energetic team you can assemble will be the least productive if everyone is pulling in a different direction. Take the time to make sure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals. Don't let anyone "spit on the windows!"
For more "simple truths from Mom," check out my new book
The lesson of knowing when to lead and how to follow is an important one. It is not a weakness to follow; it's only a weakness if you have been given the opportunity to lead and you don't step up and take advantage of it. As women, we need to be prepared to lead and to always be looking for leadership opportunities; however, we also need to be able to lead in a way that does not step on someone else's project in the process.
The best example I can give you of knowing when to lead and when to follow is my mother Mimi and my Aunt Marie sharing responsibilities in preparing our Yozzo family holiday meals. Because of our huge extended family, the location of holiday meals alternated between my mother's home and my Aunt Marie's (so no one person had to shoulder the burden of cooking and feeding and cleaning up after the thirty of us!). Both women are strong leaders and took the reins of the meal while cooking in their own kitchens; however, when they were a guest in each other's kitchens, they were more than happy to follow the leadership of the hostess. When cooking at Aunt Marie's, she was the leader and Mimi deferred to her completely; and vice versa when cooking in my mother's kitchen. The result? Year after year of glorious seven-course meals with nary a harsh word, argument or burned dish in sight!
In my family, we were always accepting of both my mother Mimi and my Aunt Marie as leaders, and having faith that your team is going to follow you is crucial to your success as a leader.
Having a job that you find joyful is a blessing beyond belief. Understanding how to find that joy in a challenging work environment is a different story. The ability to blend productivity with a positive environment is a skill that has a large payoff for a manager and a mom. My mother Mimi always taught me that life is a game and no matter how many responsibilities and obstacles we face, we mustn't forget to have a little fun, too! By taking this lesson and applying it in the workplace, I've found that I've been able to challenge my team to work harder but do it in a way that's joyful.
Many times as we are promoted or change jobs, we inherit teams that need some life pumped into them. As a kindergarten teacher, my mother Mimi had this same challenge each year when she welcomed a new crop of students into her classroom. She took her "have fun" approach from home - exhibited by the games she designed for me and my siblings to play - and applied it to her work in the classroom.
I know this playful purpose is as applicable in the business world as it was in my home and in Mimi's classroom. I've seen many corporate activities that have taken a page from Mimi's fun and positive approach produce amazing results in productivity for the workplace.
Why I wrote My New Book From the Kitchen to the Corner Office: Mom's Wisdom on Leadership
In a radio interview a couple years ago I was asked who my mentors were...I had to stop and think. When I started out there were only a few women in the workplace in leadership roles...but the first person that popped into my mind was my Mom! Mom was a nursery school teacher, hardly the typical role model for a young cosmopolitan business woman.
After the interview I dug a little deeper to understand why she popped into my mind...and the conclusion I came to was that she had been leading my family with faith, finesse, composure, compassion, and sometimes an iron fist. Then I looked further back in time and relations and found a wealth of "mom" figures to draw from. What perfect mentors for me to follow as I tried to become the leader I was born to be...the first flicker of my book, From the Kitchen to the corner Office, had begun.
