In an effort to provide our clients with Leadership and Education Tools, our Executive Director is providing a blog that emphasizes just that: Leadership & Education! We hope you find it helpful and enjoyable. Thank you!
I love the movie, "The Sound of Music." Every time I watch it, I think it would be fun to mash it up with "Project Runway", by taking down the curtains and turn them into some fabulous creation while singing, "Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes...these are a few of my favorite things."
Ridiculous, right? Ahh, but don't we all have those moments? And we should too.
So what brings me down this train of thought, you ask? Well, it's my favorite time of year here at The Leadership Center! It's time for a little thing we call C.O.L.T. (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) which happens to be hosted by the Nebraska State FFA-one of my FAVORITE things! This particular event combines a number of my favorite things: students, FFA Advisors, leadership development and fun!
What's so neat about C.O.L.T. is it brings together chapter FFA officers from all over the state to one of 4 sessions and helps them to not only develop as leaders but as a team too! During these sessions we'll see anywhere from 85 students plus advisors to over 250 students plus advisors. So it's a busy time for my staff and me. But here's the really cool thing: We get to see all these students grow individually and as a team right in front of our very eyes! It's one of the greatest things to see a young leader discover their potential. Not only that, but make a plan to see that potential through.
I can't help but feel both nostalgic and inspired when I see the "Blue Coats" converge on The Leadership Center each May. Having grown up in the Minnesota FFA Association, I too attended a leadership camp, not unlike C.O.L.T. In Minnesota it was called SLCCL (State Leadership Camp for Chapter Leaders.) It was there I learned the importance of time management, how networking worked, team work, the importance of "I" and "We", and so, so much more. I actually still have the yellow two pocket folders with all my notes from each camp I attended and I even take a gander at them from time to time. The information I learned there truly impacted my future by providing an incredible foundation for leadership and the tools to build from there.
Now if you weren’t in the FFA, you might be wondering how this blog posting might pertain to you. For the most part we’ve all been a part of something that has shaped us as the leaders we are today. It could have been a sports team, maybe student government or a professional association. It’s always good to take a trip down memory lane every once and awhile to remind yourself of those impactful lessons you once learned and see how they might help impact you still today.
So please take a little stroll down memory lane with me and take a gander at a few of my favorite things and the lessons that I’ve picked up along the way:
1) Eleanor Roosevelt. She had a window into wisdom that I marvel at. Her words were not only pivotal, but genuinely tested and impactful. Here are 2 of my favorite quotes:
a. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
b. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
2) Coffee. When I was in high school, I had two girl friends who I spent most of my Friday nights hanging out with. We’d typically go to Chinese, then off to coffee at a coffee shop and end the evening talking and sorting out the things of life at Perkins over endless coffee. I love coffee. I have been known to say it’s the manna of my day. Interestingly enough, my love of coffee followed me into different arenas of my career. I have slung coffee at a number of places, but the place I hold nearest to my heart is Starbucks. At three different times I had the honor to wear the green apron and to serve up to my customer’s one their favorite parts of their day, their morning coffee. I went to work for Starbucks because of what they stood for and how they served their customer.
a. The Starbucks Motto has several parts, but for me the most impactful as a leader was the part about their customers: “ When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers- even if just for a few moments. Sure, it starts with the promise of a perfectly made beverage, but our work goes far beyond that. It’s really about human connection.” (www.Starbucks.com)
Can you imagine what your day would be like, if that is how you strived to connect with people as a leader, or better yet, just as a person?
3) Shoes! If any of you have met me or know me, you’ll know I love shoes. My love of shoes goes back to nearly infancy, according to my mom. I have all kinds of shoes: heels, stillettos, pumps, flats, sandles, sneakers…you get the point. My shoes have become somewhat of my trademark. What do shoes have to do with leadership?! During my time in the FFA, I learned to be sensible from my shoes. Heels might be pretty, but after an 8 hour day in official dress, they aren’t the smartest! I learned there are shoes for all kinds of occaisions. Also, somewhere along the way, I picked up a fairly brilliant shoe quote that truly does apply to leadership!
a. “Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn’t the mountain ahead of you that wears you out-it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” –Robert Master.
Isn’t that the truth? So often, it’s the little stuff we let get in our way and it ultimately wears you down.
4) Value. If there is one great lesson I have learned, it’s the lesson of “Value.” Value in team members and team work. Value of myself. Value of the things I have been afforded. Value of opportunities, of family, of friends, of teachers, of moments…value of life. When I was a bit younger, I really thought I would live forever and that I was invincible. Having grown up a bit and experienced life a little more, I see things a bit differently. I have learned not to take anything for granted and to make sure the things I invest myself in are of worth; of value. I have also learned just how important it is to be sure I share how much I value people or moments with those who have shared these valuable things with me.
a. “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” –Warren Buffet
Life really is a lesson in economics. We pay a price for nearly everything in life. Be sure your investments are worthwhile and that the value you get is a worthwhile return on your investment.
5) Gratitude. I was once told that next to “I am sorry,” “I love you” and “Will you marry me?” “Thank you” were the two most valuable words you can say. Whoever shared that nugget of wisdom with me was absolutely right. Taking time to say thank you and being sure to share your gratitude is so important. In the fast paced world we live in, gratitude is easily lost. Be sure to take advantage of the moments that allow you to say Thank you. The weight and impact these two words carry when expressed genuinely from the heart will outshine any star and outlast any worldly good.
a. “God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “Thank you?” – William A. Ward
6) Impossible. Or as I once learned: I-M-Possible. Nothing is more satisfying than setting a goal, beating the odds, and accomplishing something above and beyond what you ever thought you could. The impossible is only impossible if you don’t try and boy, oh boy, do I love trying!
a. Walt Disney said it best: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
And it is! It's kind of what being a leader is all about!
Obviously, I could go on and on, but I won’t. Thank you for taking a walk down memory lane with me. It’s always good to be reminded and inspired by the past as you look forward to the future. It’s just another one of my favorite things!
The other day, I got a phone call from a friend saying she had read my blog. Immediately, I found myself apologizing. Why you ask? I don't know. She went on no apology was needed and then hit the nail on the head. She said, "Goodness, for someone who usually has confidence in all that you do, what's the deal with this one?! Stop apologizing!"
The question and statement stopped me in my tracks and has been on my mind ever since.
It's interesting how confidence is this ever present yet elusive and silent thing. You can take two different occurrences in a day; they can even be back to back. One you'll shine like a Hollywood star in and in the other, it can to cause you to question all kinds of things. In both situations, confidence is at the backbone of the issue and its presence or lack thereof is the issue.
1) full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing.
2)belief in oneself and ones powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance.
3) certitude: assurance.
It's your personal mojo or ability to believe in yourself, your abilities and your words. It's totally something I get, I understand and on any occasion, traditionally possess. Case and point: When I am up in front of an audience speaking, confidence is something I am rarely lacking. I love the opportunity to shine. On the opposite end of the spectrum: When it comes to blogging, my lack of confidence is my crux. The sheer endless possibilities for impact, contact and lasting impressions are so huge, I nearly choke. The ironic thing about this is, really blogging is speaking through typing. So what is the big deal, right? I don't know. But the idea of committing words to a page and posting it on the World Wide Web freaks me out on a level that I can't explain and my very well-known confidence is on hiatus!
Why is it that confidence comes and goes as it pleases? What can we do to hone its mastery? And how do we make it happen?
Comes & Goes As It Pleases
Does it? Really, does it? At first, I thought so. Upon further pondering, I don't think it does. It's really about self-mastery. You need to first learn how to believe in yourself and understand your skill set. You'll have some things you do really well and others, you just won't. That's okay! If you believe in yourself fully, you'll be able to approach the things you excel at with assurance. For the things you aren't the best at, you can still approach them with confidence by fully accepting who you are. It's really about knowing yourself well, believing in your abilities and accepting that is fine and human to not be great at everything.
Hone its Mastery
Becoming a confident person is a process. Very few individuals wake up one day and have it all figured out. Like anything, it starts with small steps and slowly becomes an active daily habit. Not being an expert in self-development, all I can share is my approach. I'd start with a self-assessment. Figure out your areas of strengths and weaknesses.
With your strengths, you're probably pretty good in the confidence arena. You know what you're doing and you can do it well. It's the area of weakness that traditionally trips us up. It's hard to admit you may not be any good at something. It's even harder to accept it. (Psst…I think the actual acceptance of this is the hardest thing.) You need to accept your weakness. For me, again not being an expert, I try to accept things as they come. Assess the situation and break it down from there. Again, understand your strengths and your weaknesses and learn to be okay with who you are.
Making it Happen
Like anything, it’s a process. Learning to be confident in yourself and your skills takes time and hard work. Habits might take some time to develop but once you got it, it will stick with you. It is kind of like saying “Please” and “Thank you.” Just like gratitude and humility, confidence can be learned by working on it. Take it one step at a time. You might want to work on positive thoughts or affirmations first. Then focus on your words and then your actions. Make a plan and work on it.
Side Note: Be sure not to mix confidence up with ego. It's a fine line and easily done. "The person with confidence simply likes himself/herself for what he/she is and has a realistic appreciation of his/her own abilities. This confidence is not contingent on success because there are always failures to contend with. Neither is it a result of comparing ourselves with others because there is always someone better. Simply put, it's about being confident in your abilities without being conceited at the same time"** Ego on the other hand is an inflated value of oneself or ones talents or accomplishments.
No matter what, the solution starts with you. Or for me, it starts with this posting. As a leader, I have chosen to put myself out there, be it speaking, talking with people or yes, blogging. As a leader, you have to accept that by putting yourself out there, it may make you open for some criticism, but it also puts you out there to actually make a difference. And isn’t that what it is all about, right?
So there you have it, I am going to confidently post this blog and accept what it brings me. No apologies needed.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend The Nebraska Market Place in Kearney, Nebraska. This event is a very unique and incredible event that promotes all things Nebraska! Who does't love that?
For The Leadership Center, it offered an opportunity to promote our center and business offerings to an audience that may not have heard of us yet! It also allowed us to meet other business vendors, attendees, presenters and not to mention several of our customers. In other words, "NETWORKING!"
Networking is one of those words you hear in thrown around like you should know what it is, how it works and when you should be doing it, no questions asked. However given my experience, networking is a tool that can be incredibly effective but is often times executed poorly at best by many veteran business people.
So let's break it down:
What is networking? According to good ol' Websters, networking is " the developing of contacts or exchanging of information, as to further a career."
Sounds simple doesn't it? You meet someone. You exchange information and boom, you're further in your career! Right? WRONG!
Networking is more than just the exchange of information. It's what you do with the information that makes it worthwhile. It's your approach, your handshake, your eye contact, it's how you listen to the person or persons your 'networking' with. It is also what you do with the info you've been given and how you get the info you're after. Sounds a bit like dating, doesn't it? Networking kind of is.
When you're networking you have to have one of three goals: 1) you are looking for a lead/sale; 2) you are looking to help a contact find a lead/sale and 3) you are looking for a conversation to fill time until the next potential lead comes along.
Here are a few tips to help make your networking effective, meaningful and worthwhile.
Know your product, your sales pitch or better put, your 30-second 'elevator speech.'
Have a goal in mind. Know the kind of lead you'd like to get and know your resources, so if someone is seeking a lead you may be able to assist. (Sometimes that is the best and most fruitful networking contact you can be or find.)
Have your business cards on hand. Nothing is worse than meeting a great contact and not having your contact information to give out.
Smile and be approachable. Be open to meeting someone and ready to listen to what they have to say. The best sales pitches begin with open ears and sincere listening.
If you can offer a valuable contact to them, do so and offer your card so they remember who you were and how helpful you are!
Make the ask. Whether it is a sale or a lead, be prepared to pitch your product and wrap your pitch up with an "ask."
Shake hand and genuinely thank them for their time and move on. Remember networking means more than one contact!!! Make it a goal to meet 3: 1 lead, 1 help and 1 friendly conversation.
The next day, follow up leads and contacts with a quick little email!
Before you run off to network like a pro. Here are a few of the things I've seen go wrong when networking. Hopefully this will help you avoid some of commonly made mistakes.
Mistake: One-sided pitch. The person you just met and shook hands with has one thing on their mind. Selling you on them. So much so, they don't let you get a word in edgewise and when they are done pitching, they are done with you! Fix: If you meet that person, you have 2 options: 1) grin and bear it or 2) turn lemons in to lemonade, by simply saying, "That is great. If I hear of someone who might fit your lead, I'll be sure to pass them on. Speaking of leads, here is the lead I am looking for..." If you are the "one-sided pitch"...STOP! Remember networking is a two way street paved with good connections and meaningful exchanges...for both people! Be sure you've asked what kind of lead the person you're talking with is looking for and listen, who knows what might come out of it.
Mistake: Staying in your Comfort Zone: You know 4 or 5 people at this event and you choose to stay talking to them because it's easy and comfortable versus working the room and actually networking. Fix: Say hi to the folks you know and see how they are doing...then move on. Yep, just like that. Often times you're spending money or your company is spending money for you to be there. Get the most bang for your buck. Meeting new people can be intimidating and hard, but you can make new business contacts if you aren't out meeting NEW business contacts!
Mistake: Standing in the Corner: There will always be someone at an event who stakes out a place such as a corner, a spot at the bar or a table with no intention of moving. They plan to wait out the storm, put in their time and leave. If you want to know what they are selling, you're going to have to do the work. Fix: Networking implies movement...action. Your entire job during networking is to connect, make contact and pitch- all action verbs! A business doesn't grow by standing still. Get up, be open and connect.
Mistake: Business Card Collector: This person is in a race to collect all the business cards in the room, so much so, they don't make any meaningful or productive contacts. Fix: Time is money and money is time. These are facts we know. When you're networking, quantity isn't always the best rule of thumb, but quality is. Be sure the cards you're collecting are from people you're taking the time to contact. A full rolodex does you no good if you don't actually know the people in it and more importantly, they know you!
Now those are just a few.
Overall, networking in concept is fairly simple. You meet a person, converse, exchange info and move on. Follow up later. In practice, it's a bit more difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Keep in mind, networking is simply having a conversation between business people. It is the exchange of ideas and information. And like most things, practice makes perfect. Practice your pitch and actively engage in networking every chance you get. Before you know it, you and your business will go from being outside the network to being networked like a pro!
Ever heard of the word "procrastination"? Goodness, it has unfortunately become my motto when it comes to this blog! It wasn't my intention nor my plan, but here we are months after I started this and it's only my THIRD post! What makes this worse is every week I lay out an outline for my blog post, make a plan, type it out...and well...that's it! I never fully committed it to cyberspace. Now that is just plain sad, don't you think? I do.
You could say I am human. Maybe I am overly busy. What ever you want to call it, it's an excuse nonetheless. I once heard a speaker say, "There is no real reason for an excuse! Either you do it or you don't and no matter what, there is a reason for your actions. Excuses are just your way of not accepting responsibility for your actions." Boy howdy, are those words true.
So here is the deal. I fully understand that a leader needs to follow through. They need to lead by example and do what needs to get done even when it might not be their favorite thing to do. They need to step up and make things happen. I am a leader and I need to just do it! (Right, Michael Jordan? Right!)
The deal is, I am pledging to make a post every week from here on out. Even if it's a short one, I am going to do it. Here is why:
First, whether I like to do this or not, it's actually a good thing to do. What do I really have to be afraid of? Being discovered? Well, that is the whole point! I set out for this to be a tool and a resource to others.
Secondly, I have lots to learn. Researching my topics and formating my blog postings will provide me with a challenging learning opportunity each week.
I might actually do some good. As a leader, my job is to be a role model and put myself out there as an example. Every day, I read a number blogs for all kinds of reasons: the news, recipes, pictures, book reviews....I really appreciate the fact that someone takes the time to put themselves out there so I can know something. Ideally, by doing this, I will do the same.
There used to be a time where I wrote daily because I enjoyed it. Then I got busy with life. I am going to use this opportunity to rediscover that passion.
Lastly, in my interview for this job and in various meetings since, I have promised I would do this. I am following through on that promise because after all, isn't that something a good leader or a leader in training should do? YES!
So it's a new year...a month and a half in! I have my goal! I have my timeline. I have my purpose. It's measurable, challenging, and achievable.
Here's to a year full of blogging and discovery! See you next week!
I know I am here in Aurora, Nebraska. I don't need my Garmin to tell me that! However last week I had a really cool opportunity to deliver a motivational message to a group of people attending a Self Enhancement and Job Search Workshop in Ferndale, Michigan via Skype! I sat in the comfort of my office in Aurora, Nebraska while webcaming my message into a classroom at the Ferndale Career Center. It was absolutely fantastic and it reminded me that in today's world, the boundaries of leadership knows no bounds. You can make an impact half way across the world while sitting in a desk right where you're at!
When I was little, I really wanted to be a motivational speaker. For those of you who have met me, know that when I was 15 and a member of the MACCRAY/KMS FFA Chapter back in Minnesota, I began working towards making that dream come true. Since then, I have had many opportunities to travel all over the United States delivering motivation keynotes and workshops to all types of audiences. Mind you my travel was done by car or plane. If you would have told me back then that I would be using social media, my lap top and a web cam to do my work 14 hours away from my audience, I would have told you that you were crazy! Yet, it's just one of the ways we get things done now.
It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "All the roads of today weren't even paths before they were traveled by the men and women that discovered this land."
Leaders think beyond the boundaries of today and what is expected. They strive to discover. And that thought brings me back to the audience I was speaking to. The people who were attending the workshop that day were there because they were unemployed. They were stepping up and investing in themselves so they could head out into the job market and come home successful. I truly admire all those attending because they were making the effort to change their cards. Leaders do that too. They take the initiative to get results.
You may be wondering how in the world I ended up spending a portion of my morning on Skype with folks from Michigan. Before I called Aurora home, I lived and worked in Michigan. One of the best parts of my previous job was being a workshop presenter at the aforementioned Self Enhancement Day. I loved it! While scanning through Facebook and watching my Twitter feed, I saw my dear friend Heather post that she was looking forward to the workshop. (She organizes it!) I messaged her saying I missed being a part of such a great program and she should let me Skype in! She loved the idea and she got, Ron, to friend me on Skype. At 8:15 a.m. I got a text saying it was time to go. I sat down, logged on to my Wi-Fi, pulled up Skype and made the call. Now that's 'net'working!
So in a nutshell, never underestimate the value of 'net'working, thinking beyond the boundaries and remember, leaders make things happen! Get up, get out, get connected and LEAD!
Hello and welcome to The Leadership Center's blog. I am the Executive Director, Maile Ilac Boeder. That's Maile like smiley Maile!
Having moved to Nebraska a little over a year ago, it's fair to say I am the new kid on the block. As an effort to move beyond that status, I have been traveling throughout the state meeting numerous FFA members, teachers, parents and clients. It's been very enjoyable.
One of the most requested items has been that I should write a Leadership and Education oriented blog. At first I met this challenge with a bit of reservation and hesitance because I had never done blogging before. Then I gave it some more thought and realized a few things:
I very rarely step down from a challenge.
Leaders grow through experiencing the unknown.
And finally, at one time, someone thought the world was flat until someone took up the challenge to find out otherwise.
So here I go on my blogging adventure and I appreciate you joining me for the ride! Please do not hesitate to share your ideas or your thoughts.
