Archive for August, 2011
If you work long enough you will have a boss who you don’t trust, like or respect. And your career will still grow. You will develop, succeed and move ahead. You have to. If you’re committed to your career, you have no choice.
Your career cannot be determined by the person for whom you work. If you put your success and satisfaction in someone else’s hands, you could be waiting a long time and be forever disappointed.
You may not like your boss, and it is well known that people leave managers not jobs. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ve quit jobs because my boss was a jerk and I didn’t want to work from him. And it was the right thing to do. But he didn’t drive my career nor my level of success. I still learned and grew and made more money. And you can too.
How to Control Your Career:
1) Find out who can impact your career. Your boss can most likely tell you this, regardless of what you think of him.
2) Find out what those people think about you by asking for feedback.
3) Only put in front of people what you want them to see. You can’t control what anyone thinks. But you can control what they see.
4) Get good at self promotion without appearing self inflated. Make sure the people who can impact your career know your team’s most recent accomplishment. Not your accomplishment, but your team’s. That will add and aspect of humility to self promotion.
5) Ensure you have a line of communication to your boss’s boss. Don’t leave it to your boss to promote you to others. That’s your job.
Don’t wait for people to promote you, give you opportunities, or mentor you. Create your career. You choose the path. It doesn’t choose you.
My closest girlfriend ended an almost year-long, romantic relationship three weeks ago. She thought she’d feel better by now, that some of the pain would have subsided. But it hasn’t. She’s scared and lonely, and worried that he was her last shot at the life she envisions for herself. Of course, this isn’t true. A very small part of her brain knows that. But that part is on medical leave right now, and what’s running the show is the irrational part. The part that says she’ll end up like Ms. Havisham in Great Expectations (you know, that horrendous classic we had to read in 9th grade), with a house full of cobwebs and cats.
She held onto him and the relationship much longer than she should have because she was afraid – afraid of not finding someone who was a better fit for her. So she tried to make the relationship work. And many of us are doing the same thing at work.
We are in the wrong company or in the wrong job. We know it. Our boss probably knows it. Our friends and spouse know it, because they hear about it ALL THE TIME. But we’re afraid. The job market is bad. [There aren’t any good men.] You should be grateful to have a job [Any relationship is better than being alone.] The grass is always greener. [You’re too picky.]
I’m not telling you not to compromise. You won’t get everything you want at the same time. You may find a job you love, that pays so-so. Or a job three miles from your house, but there’s a lot of travel. Or the work is interesting and challenging, and you can wear jeans to work, but your boss is a jerk. There is always something.
You have to know what you need and what you want in a company and in a job. And needs and wants are not the same thing. What you want is nice to have, but not having it won’t kill your career, your spirit, or your checking account. Get clear on what you need. Until you know what you need, you will continue to take the wrong jobs and date the wrong people.
Unfortunately the only way to discover what you need is by having it. For example, I didn’t add fun and tolerant to my list of dating requirements until I went on a date with a man who was neither. I didn’t add needing an office until I had a job with a cubical that was louder than a bar at happy hour.
We figure out what we like to do and what we need in a job by working. So take jobs for the experience. And when you realize you are in the wrong job or at the wrong company, get out. Don’t spend two years trying to convince yourself that your current situation is ok and could be what you want. It’s not.
You’ll make yourself sick trying to fit where you simply don’t. If it’s a collaborative culture and you see team as a four letter word, you will be unhappy. If you want to leave at five everyday and it’s a workaholic, face-time culture, you will be miserable. Miserable defined: You can’t be yourself. When we can’t be ourselves we fake it. And we can only fake it for so long.
Identify what you need and want in a company and in a job. Determine if you can get what you need at your currently company. If you can, ask for it and then work hard to demonstrate that you deserve it. And if the job you want isn’t available at your current company, start looking for a place where you can find it. He isn’t the last man and you aren’t in the last job.
2011 WOMEN’S SUCCESS FORUM SPEAKER LINE-UP
The Women’s Success Forum is known for outstanding leadership presentations and workshops and this year is no exception. Nationally recognized keynote speakers will offer inspiring insights into such concepts as the power of the mind and the process of defining organizational culture in one of Colorado’s most respected companies. Ten breakout workshops will focus on cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to leadership, captivating the power of the brain and strategies to transform your organization, your career, and your life. Hosted by Women’sVision Foundation, register now for Colorado’s most exciting professional event!
Visit womensvision.org for complete speaker and workshop details, agenda, and registration information!
Managing Your Professional Reputation: What They Say When You’re Not There
SHARI HARLEY
Principal of The Harley Group
What do they say about you? Grow your career by finding out how you’re seen in your business community. Get valuable feedback that will enable you to take control of the impressions you create. And as a result, build long lasting business relationships that outlast economic downturns, miscommunication and conflict.
The Power of Possibility
DR. ELLEN LANGER
Harvard University Professor and Author
DR. ELLEN LANGER is a professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University. Her books written for general and academic readers include Mindfulness, The Power of Mindful Learning, On Becoming An Artist, and Counterclockwise.
Jennifer Aniston is set to play the role of Ellen Langer, Ph.D., Harvard psychologist in a movie titled, Counter Clockwise. For over 30 years, Langer has studied the effect of the mind on physical health. Her belief is that changing one’s mind can lead to better health.
An Extraordinary Brew: Lessons in Leadership from a Career in Beer
PETER SWINBURN
President and Chief Executiv Officer, Molson Coors Brewing Company
Mr. Swinburn has been in the global beer industry for more than 34 years with an expertise in international market expansion, successfully establishing a worldwide presence for Molson Coors by growing brands and introducing Coors Light into several emerging markets, including Mexico and Asia.
Your Time to Soar
CYNTHIA JAMES
Accomplished Counselor and Teacher
People look to be validated by something out in the world that says “you are enough, you are powerful, you are dynamic”. To soar means understanding you have everything you need to live an enriched life. Cynthia combines the creative arts with innovative techniques that support expansion for her audience.
Think Like a Spy: Protecting Your Digital Identity
JOHN SILEO
Privacy & Identity Theft Expert, Speaker and Author
Identity theft, Facebook and the iPhone are ready to destroy your life as you know it. In a clear and engaging way, John Sileo shares ideas about how to protect your personal and business identity. You will leave with information about immediate steps you can take to ensure that you and your business are digitally safe.
Embrace, Release, Heal:
Health and well being as a way of life
LEIGH FORTSON
Cancer Survivor – Author of Embrace, Release, Heal: A New Way To Think About Cancer
Quantum physics can now track how our emotions and thoughts impact our cells. In this workshop discover how stress can interfere with the quality of your life and health. You will leave with ideas about ways to make yourself healthier and happier.
The Neuroscience of Success™ – Using the Power of the Brain
SCOTT HALFORD
Speaker, Author and “Entrepreneur Magazine” Columnist
Leverage your brain power. Recent discoveries in neuroscience explain what invigorates people and what turns them off. Armed with current information, and using the tactics that will be shared in this workshop, you will leave this session with tangible tools to lead in new and impactful ways.
Gloria Neal
News Anchor and Magazine Columnist
Gloria Neal is an award winning talent whose versatility has made her a much sought after personality. Gloria has covered the inauguration of President Barack Obama; interviewed the Prime Minister of Belize and most recently traveled to China to report on the economic impact of Colorado doing business with the world’s number one economy.
Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities
Register Today
Contact Us Today About Your Table & Registration
303-475-7576 info@womensvision.org
Fort Collins, CO August 11, 2011 — The Moxie Exchange Movement is a national organization of professional women who come together to learn, connect, collaborate, innovate and grow. The first chapter was launched in Fort Collins in 2010.
The Moxie Exchange will hold their monthly Estrogen Power Happy Hour at El Monte Grill & Lounge in Fort Collins this Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Moxie meetings consist of four parts; learning from a nationally recognized guest speaker, a time management and planning session, an opportunity for members to receive feedback on their business challenges and a chance to connect over cocktails.
This month’s speaker is Shari Harley, founder and president of an international business management training firm called Candid Culture. Her company helps organizations get and keep the right customers and employees by creating better business relationships.
Harley’s previous experience includes selling and facilitating, conducting customer service training, leading training and successful planning and managing operation across 21 nation-wide locations, with 200 matrixed employees.
After a 15-year career in leadership development, training and business operations, Harley left the corporate world to start Candid Culture, online at www.leadershipandsalestraining.com. Despite one of the worst economic climates, Harley’s services have been in high demand, and now she will share her expertise with the women of Moxie Exchange.
El Monte Grill & Lounge is located at 1611 S. College in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Estrogen Power Happy Hour is from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a new member orientation beginning at 3 p.m. Guest can attend for $65. To register go to http://www.moxieexchange.com/join/test-drive or call (970) 227-3483.
If you’d like to learn more about The Moxie Exchange Movement visit www.MoxieExchange.com. If you’d like more information on the subject of this press release call Maureen Berkner Boyt at (970) 227-2710.
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