Winning Strategies

Women- A Winning Combination at Work

It isn't just because I'm a woman that I see the value of a diversified workforce. The statistics are clear. " Businesses with more women in senior positions MAKE MORE MONEY" (from Womeneconomics, page 9, paragraph 3). Women see things differently , and that variable view helps to round out the thinking and decisions for organizations. After all, statistics show that women make 80% of the buying decisions.  

Rather than confidently bringing value to your organizations and working to bring forth new ideas and innovative thinking- many of you are hiding in the shadows, afraid of bringing forth your insight and talent. You are doubtful about your abilities, and your lack of confidence is keeping you from your full potential. You keep your ideas quiet, and you are fearful of rejection or failure. This isn't just happening with women- even the men are writing in with this same 'confidence is keeping me from working to my full potential' problem.

Every great success story starts with a long trail of failures. One could surmise that you cannot reach a pinnacle of success without failures paving your path along the way. Why not launch off on a path, being true to yourself and 'risk' a little?  

Challenge yourself to push for new heights. Go ahead and introduce new ideas. Speak up about your thoughts. Dare to have a voice. You will be surprised at your results. You will find more satisfaction with your job.

One thing my co-workers wouldn't say about me is that i remain silent. My CEO would laugh if you asked him what i thought about this or that. He knows. He knows my position because I make it a point to share my perspective. I don't mind if the company
doesn't always take my position, but I am willing to weigh in.

I didn't always speak up. Actually, at my high school reunion, I learned that I was shy in high school (that is hard for my friends to imagine) (laugh). I use to hide in the shadows as many of you still do. I use to live in fear of someone rejecting my ideas, or the effects of turning down the wrong assignment or not staying late enough at the office.  

Now, my schedule is ruled by both my priorities and a strong personal desire to bring immense value to my employer. I'm not focused on the burden of what I MUST do, but I am focused on what tasks I can do to change the game and how I can bring the most value. Are you more focused on what someone thinks of you leaving early one day for a kids soccer game than the RESULTS of your efforts? Focus on results and all else will fall into place. Be willing to speak up, and take a few risks. Taking risks combined with a developed confidence will add up to a better you at work.

PS- go to your kids soccer game!!!

Be The Change

We usually are not big fans of change. Now don't get me wrong- often we want things to change, we just don't want to be the change makers. We see others in that role. We step away quietly and wait for others to step in to create the change. We get unhappy and discontent at work when things don't change EXACTLY as we want them to.

Today's advice is to be the change that you want to see. Mahatma Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world.". I love that quote. Do you know why? It puts the focus on YOU! What can you do to alter the situation? NOT what can THEY do to change things.

So- go change things. Create positive change in your life and work places that sets you on a new course. Put the focus on WHAT YOU CAN DO not what you want them to do.

You will find increased satisfaction and contentment. Go make change!

One Minute Video on Being Change Makers:  http://youtu.be/_EyuIJMUipM

My Eleven Favorite Things of 2011

It is that time again, the end of 2011, where I get to share my TOP eleven favorite things of 2011.  The components of this list score high scores for most memorable, most enjoyable, most beneficial, most helpful, and my favorite things of the year.

#1. Movie Courageous:  http://www.courageousthemovie.com/  Available on DVD January 17th, 2012, this movie moves hearts and minds, leaving the viewer moved into action, watching dads  step up and become courageous dads.

62% of mother's raising children alone are not getting support from the fathers.  It is a silent epidemic.

Watch the movie Courageous to enjoy a great story with a message of dedication, love and support for dads everywhere!

 

#2.  Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake:  http://duncanhines.com/decadent-glazes  A complete delight to the tastebuds, Duncan Hines has created a decadent carrot cake (and a chocolate cake) that tastes good enough to challenge even the best chef's recipes.  This cake in a box and the drizzle frosting that accompanies it, creates for  the home bakers everwhere, a quick solution to amazing cakes at home.

They hit it out of the park with this one.  Thank you Duncan Hines!

 

#3.  RevitaLash:  http://www.revitalash.com/revitalash-products/revitalash-eyelash-conditioner

I am amazed by RevitaLash and it's ability to lengthen and thicken lashes.  I hesitated to believe that it would really work, but discovered within about 3 weeks it's extraordinary ability to lenghthen and thicken lashes.  I immediately bought a tube for my daughter and she experienced similar results.  Wow, great product, great results.

#4.  XOBNI:  Make your inbox smarter with Xobni.  http://www.xobni.com/download/outlook
I enjoy reading email on my desktop more now that I've downloaded Xobni.  I enjoy the ability to see pictures of the senders, and its ability to aggregate emails and track emails to/from the senders. 

#5.  Hulu Plus:  http://www.hulu.com/plus?src=sem-plus-google&cmp=205&gclid=CPrH-t3xoK0CFeJdTAodIwg0qw  Nothing makes traveling for work easier than access to Hulu Plus on the Ipad 1 or 2.  It allows access to television shows that you missed, allowing easy access on the go.  New wifi access on airplanes makes it possible to watch your favorite television shows on the airplane, even at 30,000 feet in the air. 

#6.  Logitech Keyboard for Ipad 2:  http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Keyboard-Case-iPad-2/dp/B00512W4Y2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324942352&sr=8-3  I find my Ipad 2 much easier to take to meetings and use for note taking and work with a blue tooth keyboard.  I LOVE using a keyboard with the Ipad and it has enabled easy use for traveling without having to lug around my PC.

#7.  Jeb Blount's Women in Sales Webinars:  As much as I love www.salesgravy.com, I love Jeb Blount's Women in Sales Webinars even more.  He has put together a great collection of resources to equip women in sales.  Making them easily available from your desktop, you can learn inbetween loads of work on your desktop.  http://salesgravy.com/women_in_sales/

#8.  Renting Travel Videos/Television episodes on my Ipad:  Preparing for a vacation is sometimes better than taking the vacation itself.  But nothing has made preparation easier than the ability to search for television episodes of travel locations and download them on your ipad for viewing while traveling.  I am planning a trip to Machu Picchu and was amazed to find 3 separate television episodes on the location.  Each episode was about $1.99.  Great use of technology, and fantastic way to explore the location. 

#9.  Google Places:  I love Google Places.  http://www.google.com/places/  Not only does it allow you to get your businesses found on Google, but it also allows people to rate businesses.  It has made it easier to find small businesses and see ratings. 

#10.  Amazon's Top Listing:  I love Amazon's rankings and suggestions for books.  I don't think I'm tainted because my book hit the 'top' list, but I could be.  Thanks amazon for your Top Listings.  I love them!

#11.  Coffee on the go via Starbucks Via:  I fly around the country visiting clients as well as vacationing around the world.  http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/via  The new ready brew from Starbucks allows me to grab my favorite Starbucks coffee, while sitted at my desk at work, on an airplane, or even in a hotel room in Singapore.  Fabuloso.  Thank you Starbucks for making life so easy for someone to enjoy a cup of java.

As you embark upon 2012, take a moment to enjoy a few of my favorite things!  Happy New Year.

The Book is Done

At my doorstep recently was a small box from the publisher with three proofs for review (one for the editor, one for me, and one extra).
The final edits are done. It is an exhaustive process to complete a book. It involves an inordinate amount of time, effort, focus and energy. The process can be all -consuming.

I took 4 weeks off in June to focus on completion and attempted to draw the final curtain on it.

Whew- I now draw a huge breath of relief that we are moving past that step. The illustrations added a level of complexity to the process. There was much talk about dpi, image size, 'flatening' the image, ect ect.

Excitement rises as I prepare for a couple speaking events and book signings. I will have a book launch party in Dallas soon.

God is so good.

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The Only Woman At the Table

Today it occurred to me how comfortable I have become in work instances where I am the only woman at the table. I have sat on volunteer groups, visited board presentations, strategized with CEO groups, and all an all had access to the best and the brightest in healthcare. (Which- come on- you know some of the bright ones are women too, right?).

I recognize the advancements that women have made in organizations, the boardrooms, and even the office of CEO- but sometimes I can't help but wonder what the future holds 20 years, even 50 or 100 years out.
How many advancements will happen and how will perspectives change? Will the landscape repaint itself or stay the same?

Will the future be radically different or not? I've seen radical changes since I entered the workforce 27 years ago (when I was 2- grin) . I can't help but wonder- what will the future hold? Your thoughts?

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OK MOMs- Accept that YOU Cannot Do it ALL!

You CANNOT do it all. You cannot even brush the surface. Accept it and move forward, understanding that you are juggling a big load and sometimes, some of the balls will fall. Sometimes, your work will be unhappy with you, sometimes your kids will be disapointed in you and sometimes you will not be able to get it all done well.

Accept defeat in small areas and become a Queen of prioritization. It really isn't important that you get EVERYTHING done, it is important that you get the MOST IMPORTANT things done. So, how do you prioritize that LONG list of TO DOs?

Start simply.

1. Cross Off Items on the LIST: I love that in the book 'Good to Great' the author tells you to take things off of your TO DO list. To be GREAT, we must move towards concentrating on LESS THINGS. We have to DO LESS THINGS BETTER. So to start, cross off items on your list that you can give to others (get those darn teenagers helping you out), hire out, or simply can put off for another day/week/month.

2. Prioritize by Your Value Statement. You value certain things, and you should have a ranking in your mind of what comes first, second and third. I try to re-think that list of TO DOs by my value statement (does it fit my God first, family second, work third) . You should do the same, running that list by your value statement and prioritizing the list.

3. Reward your Success. Reward yourself for things you've accomplished. It is the best part. I have gotten very good at this over the years and I can motivate myself to do even the most arduous tasks.  I have a weakness for chocolate, shopping, and quiet time without the kids.  When I've accomplished difficult tasks or finished my TO DO list, I allow myself a 'gift'.  I keep myself from these luxeries when I haven't done my tasks.  It motivates me to accomplish the necessary things in life.

I hope this helps....let me hear how it is going.  I love the letters and emails that I get from you.

I Don't Know How She Does It

Yes, tis true.  The life of a working mother is, well, sometimes an atrocious collection of what we didn't accomplish and a long list of people that we have disapointed.  It is, often, not a  glory road, dispite the fun and exciting jobs that we may have. 

The movie, 'I Don't Know How She Does It' , does a glorious job of portraying the joys, and pitfalls of working motherhood in a day and age when the scales are still far from balanced, and the judgements and office politics still just as difficult to take.

A quote from the movie listed on the Amazon Preview Page states (http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Know-Movie-Vintage-Contemporaries/dp/0307948560/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316491449&sr=1-1#_):  
The women in the offices of EMF [Kate's firm] don't tend to display pictures of their kids. The higher they go up the ladder, the fewer the photographs. If a man has pictures of kids on his desk, it enhances his humanity; if a woman has them it decreases hers. Why? Because he's not supposed to be home with the children; she is.

Based on the book by Allison Pearson, it poses some thought provoking ideas:  At one point in the movie, Kate Reddy's observed that fathers that leave work early or schedule business around their family commitments are lauded as "involved fathers" when mothers doing the same are suspected of not being committed to their work or are seen as unreliable or unaccessible. This 'judgement' that occurs if you are not working around the clock for your job is often seen in the consulting firms.  I imagine that this movie and book will resonate with many a financial fund manager or consultant attempting to book 'billable hours' or compete in a highly competitive workforces where there is no shortage of other employees waiting to knock you down.

The insights in the movie/book highlight interesting social issues.  I would recommend this book or the movie for all male AND female executives, working to understand their workforce and the  dilemmas facing working parents today. 

The question that still resonates with working parents, both male and female:  How do we 'get it all done'?  This book and movie may not answer that resounding and very poignant question, but it will certainly cause you to laugh out loud while you watch the character struggle through her schedule, her 'TO DO' lists, and ALL that she tries to get done.  Maybe the book or the movie is a good gift for you parents that have never quite understood your life.

In my opinion, a 'must see' movie or must read book.  Enjoy!

Join the ATW Dallas September 8, 2011: Come Hear Colleen Barrett speak on Leading with Luv

ATW Dallas 2011 Executive Leadership Forum

Learn how you can start leading with luv, wherever you are!

Please join the ATW on Thursday , September 8, 2011 to hear

 
Colleen Barrett
 President Emeritus
Southwest Airlines

To register, click here:  http://www.dfwatw.org/UpcomingEvents.html

 

The Working Woman's Burden

Many underestimate the burden that a working woman faces.  Often she handles not only work, but children issues, household scheduling dilemmas, back to school preparedness, budgets and finance issues, college applications, birthday shopping (for her kids and the friends birthdays), the social calendar, and on and on.

The weights pressing down on her are sometimes much greater than what many working men face.  Single dads struggle with the same issues, trying to juggle an almost unjuggleable load.

Today, my encouragement is for those single parents and working moms that are burdened with life's everyday 'stuff'.  I pray that your week will be peaceful and your burdens light.

The Working Parent's Burden

Sometimes life's burdens
Feel too heavy to bear

Sometimes being a parent
Leaves you with little to spare

Often the pressures of life
Crush the spirit within

Parenting takes all your effort
Leaving your head to spin

It is imperative once in awhile
To step back and unwind

Try to take care of yourself this week and
Leave your burdens behind

This poem was written Dec 28, 2003 by Bethany Williams (on one of those unbearable days)

Life's Adventures

Life is an adventure. It is a culmination of people, activities and events that make your experience individual and distinct. Life is yours to design. When life sends me upsetting events, I think of all the amazing experiences that life has given me, all the incredible people I've met along the way, and the interesting places I've visited, worked and lived.

You are creating the adventure that is your life. We sometimes forget that we have but one chance at it. We forget that life is not all about our work only- but a balance of 6 areas of our life:

•Family/Home
•Spiritual Life
•Work
•Hobbies/Special interests
•Fitness
•Relationships and Friendships

Go create an adventure that you are proud of.
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