The Challenge of Professional Writing

“Good writing is clear thinking made visible.” – Bill Wheeler

I write awesome emails. Well, at least that is the feedback that I have received. Don’t get me wrong – I have been prudently coached on how to write awesome email messages. Not to let all that coaching go to waste, I have perfected the art over the last 15 years of my professional life. Now the time has come to share the wealth. Let’s make the world better – one email message at a time.  

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The Challenge of Politics

“Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container.” – Wallace Stevens

My entire career I have worked for a large corporation. So the question of office politics is not new on my mind. However, “Organizational Savvy and Politics” has recently become one of the focus competencies on my development plan. Thus, it is time to take it seriously – do some research, read the theory on the subject, reflect on personal experiences, etc. – in hopes to be able to apply it all in practice.

The Challenge of Confidence

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

As one of the leads of the steering committee for my Employee Resource Group (ERG), I am currently involved in planning a panel discussion around the topic of confidence. Actually, I am leading this initiative. The concept came from another ERG chapter, where they held a workshop that allowed people to explore the topic on a more hands on basis. At our location, on the other hand, we are simply trying to start a conversation.

The Challenge of Style

“You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure.” – Zig Ziglar

I have been meaning to write about my fashion obsession for quite awhile. No better time than now, right? Plus, I have recently learned from my interesting new boss that the wisdom of office politics is to position yourself as someone who belongs in the circle you aim to get into.

The Challenge of Networking: Networking 101 Proposal

“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time.” – Alan Collins, author of “Unwritten HR Rules”

One of the major takeaways from the Women In Leadership Symposium this year was the fact that networking is THE strategy for making the next step in your career. In light of that notion, my Employee Resource Group (ERG) committee decided that our members need more tools in their toolbox to be successful networkers at our events. Basically, we would like to ensure that our events – that we put so much time, effort and sometimes even money into organizing – are as effective as we envision them to be. Which is why, as a co-lead of the Networking Pillar of the network, I am currently working on a proposal for a Networking 101 series of workshops. 

The Challenge of Networking: Building Relationships

“Instead of better glasses, your network gives you better eyes.” – Ronald Burt

Last week I attended a Women In Leadership Symposium, presented by the LA Diversity Council. The panel covered many different topics, ranging from leadership traits to ensuring diversity of the team. Interestingly enough, one common theme laced the presentations of all six panel members – relationship building.

The Challenge of Leadership: What makes a leader

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This question has been haunting many of us for most of our careers. What makes someone a leader? Particularly, can you be recognized as a leader, if you do not have direct reports? What truly defines someone as a leader?