If you are are new to your business or just looking for a way to gain visibility, then being seen as an expert in your field is an invaluable way to earn trust, gain respect and increase attention to your business. Before I tackle the "how" to be seen as an expert, I have to first say this very, very important thing: You can not be seen as an expert if you are not already an … [Read more...]
The “Knots” of Conflict
I recently had a call from a coaching client, Diane, who was beyond annoyed. She thought she had “this conflict thing” handled, in the bag, never to upset her ever again. She had done so much work on constructive ways to respond to those who pressed her buttons. She loved being in the safe stress zone at work. That was until last week. “What a bummer” she repeated over and … [Read more...]
Getting Beyond Unconscious Bias
We are all guilty of bias. It is part of being human. One of the issues facing women in business is continued stereotyping , unconscious bias and the unintended consequences that result. This is one of the most difficult issues organizations face when they are working on culture shifts that must take place if women are to participate on an even playing field. The most … [Read more...]
Work Drama Mimics Family Drama
“Can you believe it?” said the frustrated voice on the other end of the line. .. “She did it again!” the voice was getting louder. “I think it may be time for me to quit, I can never please her.” This was the essence of the frantic phone call from one of my coaching clients. “Real life is much more intriguing than fiction” was my thought as I began to dig into the drama … [Read more...]
Leadership and “Hostilization”
I recently agreed to appear in a court case concerning a “hostile work environment”. I went because I think there is too much noise without proof in these fast sound bite days. Anyone running a business knows that employees often make claims that are unjust, unreal, and unfair. Often, however, it is simply easier to leave the situation alone rather than take the time and money … [Read more...]
What You Dont Know Can Hurt You
Many times when working with organizations on strategies to increase gender diversity in the leadership ranks the leaders will say " lets just get all the women together and ask them what they want". While this is noble and certainly talking with the women in the organization to understand how they experience the culture is critical it is not "the answer" . One of the most … [Read more...]
Awww – Don’t Be So Modest!
Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer A recent study by Rutgers University found that males who acted "modestly" in interview situations were not considered likable and their modesty was viewed as a sign of weakness. Modesty in women, however, was not seen as a negative. The research was done by asking men and women volunteers to view actors in … [Read more...]
The mystery of Agent Stan Conch…SOLVED!
Do you know Agent Stan Conch? More importantly, can you manage working with him? He is in every part of our work life and personal life. We ALL know and work with Agent Stan Conch. He is wildly unpredictable, can be furiously stormy and always seems to show up at the least opportune times. How does one prepare to deal with his/her Agent Stan Conch? The strong, the … [Read more...]
The Business Case for Building a Flexible Work Culture- Part III
In the Part I and II of this series we talked about the opportunity to support our need for flexible work cultures with a solid business case. We outlined the fact that the majority of our employees require flexibility at some point in their careers. Research increasingly points to flexibility as one of the most important career considerations of staff, emerging leaders and … [Read more...]
What Does it Take to be a Thought Leader?
Last week I attended a panel discussion at Barclay’s in New York City on the topic of How to Be a Thought Leader. The panel included Nicki Gilmour, CEO of The Glass Hammer, Carol Hymowitz, Editorial Director of Forbes Woman, and Barbara Jones, of Editorial Director of Hyperion Books. The discussion focused on professional women and thought leadership. According to … [Read more...]