RECAP: January 18 GMM

By Amy Truel, Communications Team

Did you miss the January 18 General Membership Meeting? Find out what was discussed and presented.
 

A moving and informative presentation from Karae Lisle (shown right), Executive Director of Shelter Network.

Kathleen Castaillac and Helen Ungerman, Home Tour Co-Chairs, provided a witty and memorable homage to the behind-the-scenes Home Tour preparation. How those ladies could accomplish so much, putting on an amazing Home Tour while chronicling their adventures and maintaining a sense of humor is beyond me. Once again, Thank you Home Tour Team-we are blown away!



Bena Vohra (shown left), Junior SPAC Delegate, invited us to submit our ideas for "There Oughta Be A Law...". This is a  great opportunity for League members to make a difference! Think about laws you would like to see enacted, and submit your ideas to SPAC by March 2.

 

Sally Falkenhagen (shown right), Endowment Fund Chair, spoke about the history and performance of the League Endowment Fund. It was very inspiring to see how the idea was formed back in 1992, launched in 1994 and has grown into a substantial amount, ensuring continued League support for our community. To donate to the Fund, click here.

  

Tara Roussel, Nominating Chair, introduced us to our stellar proposed 2012-13 Board of Directors (shown left).

 

Jan Hickman, Shop Committee Chair, emceed a great fashion show featuring items available at The Shop. Not just clothes either; we were treated to ladies strutting their stuff carrying artwork, tables, and yes, Brooke Lopez did wear a lampshade (shown right)!

Off and Running with Project Development

By Suzanne Camac & Allison MacQueen, 1st year active & 4th year active

As we embark on our League Year, we are remembering why we were drawn to Project Development. It was for the amazing opportunity to impact the League in a meaningful way. As many of you have worked on community projects that the League has supported, you also know the feeling of satisfaction and pride that all of us take away from community work.

I feel honored to have been a part of Shelter Network project last year, where we taught life skills classes to homeless families. Each session was the most rewarding part of my week. I built rapport with others from different circumstances, helped them think critically about their life situations, and provided information for job hunting, managing money, and time management. I was reminded not to judge a book by its cover, as the clients I worked with came from all different backgrounds, education levels, and former income/lifestyle. I watched shy people who couldn't meet my eye leave our sessions with a little bit more empowerment, confidence, and knowledge.

We see the effect of our work often, whether it's talking with Sister T about volunteer opportunities at Rosalie Rendu Center (a former League project) or watching the students from East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS, a former League Project) develop into informed, charismatic, and scholarly young men and women at East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy.

A freshman (former EPACS student) wrote this in a letter to a teacher at EPAPA just a few weeks ago, their first assignment of the year....

I am impressed by physics and I'm taking AP Physics this year. I plan on getting several degrees in the field of cosmology, which will take quite a bit of time. Twelve years if all goes well. With any luck I'll be able to solve some problems in physics. Who knows, maybe I'll create the first quantum computer.

First I had to recall what cosmology was and I still haven't figured out what a quantum computer is! This is one small instance of many, where people have gained the capacity to dream beyond their current life circumstance, and the Junior League is a part of creating these dreams, one interaction at a time.

We know from past membership survey results that 81% of us joined the League to give back to our communities, and here is your chance to shape the future of our League’s community involvement. What will be the next way that Leaguers change lives?

Check out the details of our campaign here. Be a part of the process by submitting your project idea here. If you have any questions, please send an email.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. -Mahatma Gandhi

Horsing around with Gallop Ventures

By Kathryn Brownstone, Communications Team

On Tuesday July 12 a group of 14 Junior League women got together at NCEFT in Woodside for an equine facilitated woman's leadership training, or in layman's terms, we hung out with an awesome palomino horse named Ben who very patiently helped teach us about our leadership styles. The session started out with observing Ben and two other horses demonstrating their natural leadership techniques which mostly consisted of biting, kicking and trying to make themselves physically higher than one another. Fortunately for us, once the other two were put in a separate paddock, Ben was a perfect gentleman!

Angie Klein attempting to put the harness on Ben.

The training itself consisted of a series of loosely guided instructions that allowed us to explore our instincts in new and unfamiliar situations followed by talking through our experiences so that we could learn from them as a group. Angie Klein bravely volunteered for the first exercise which had her put the halter on Ben despite not knowing how. After a first attempt which resulted in it being put on backwards, Amy talked through Angie's frustrations and then Angie tried again and successfully put the halter on correctly. After a few more exercises, which included five of us leading Ben around the arena with the actual leader rotating, we got to an exercise where you say your goal for the day, be it for your career, family life or personal life, and then lead the horse around while thinking about your goal. Ben definitely reacted to some people differently than others, with some people leading him and him leading others! The highlight of the day came at the end when they had Joy Peacock state her goal and then lead Ben around with no halter or rope! 



Sarah Shen, Calla Griffith and Joy Peacock with Ben.



Joy Peacock leading Ben without the halter.

Nominating Hosted New Leader Social

by Summer Brill, Social Media 2010-11

I had the opportunity to attend the New Leaders social hosted by the Nominating Committee last week on Cinco de Mayo, it was so fun! Of course, the Nominating Committee had the Gatehouse decorated in line with the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday with great food and beverages. Ashely Roussel handed out fun and bright flower combs and we all had a great time catching up with one another. For those who had their counterparts for next year in attendance, there was even some Transitional chatter!

Miriam Huntley led Nominating this year and she took a minute to introduce her fantastic Committee who worked so hard to place our Leadership roster for the 2011-12 League year (which begins in a few weeks!).

The Nominating Committee 2010-11: Laurie Brown, Laura Redmond, Ashley Roussel, Miriam Huntley (Chair 2010-11), Beth Greenberg (not pictured: Nichole Neal, Frederique Dame and Tara Roussel (Chair Elect))

She also brought our attention to some Leadership training material her committee developed and posted on our League website. You can always find Leadership training and support materials in the Member Area in the Leadership forum, click here.

These are the topics you can currently find in the Leadership forum on our website, please login and read this material if you are in a Leadership position this coming League year, they are so helpful!

2010 2011 Leadership Transition Checklist
Template - Committee Roster
Template - Meeting Agenda
Template - Committee Norms
Leadership Essentials Training 2010-2011
Facilitation - Primer (What, Why, How and more...)
Facilitation - Developmental Facilitator
Facilitation - 5 Stages of Group Development
Leadership - 25 Tips to Keep Volunteers
Leadership - Basics for Committee Chairs
Leadership - Checklist for Committee Chairs
Leadership - Behavior of an Effective Leader (from AJLI)
Leadership - Fundamentals for Committee Chairs
Leadership - More on Leadership Styles
Leadership - Skills you'll learn in JLPA-MP Leadership

Don't forget, the new League year begins June 1st, if you haven't yet scheduled your Transition to your Leadership position with your counterpart, you only have a few weeks left!

Hope to see you all at our Annual Meeting on May 18th. We have some important items to vote on at this meeting, please check out the voting material ahead of time on our website, click on the green button click here.

Leadership Training: JLPA•MP Committee Transition Checklist

by Miriam Huntley, Nominating Chair 2010-11

We are heading into May, and you know what that means, Transition Time! This is the time of year our Leaders pass the baton as we begin our next League year June 1st. You may have already scheduled your transition meeting or you may be planning to talk about transition at the Nominating Sponsored Cinco de Mayo meeting in May. Nominating created a Transition Checklist to assist in your Transition. If you have any questions about Transitioning or this checklist, contact your Nominating Advisor.

JLPA•MP Committee Transition Checklist

1. What are the important dates in the upcoming League year, for this committee?

2. Does this committee have a budget? If so, how much?
What are the key expenditures for this committee (if any)?
What is the copier code?

3. Who are the community or fundraising partners that the incoming committee chair(s) should know? Please share the appropriate contact information.
For fundraising committees; what are the most appropriate fundraising guidelines?

4. Which league relationships (either person or position) were key?

5. What are the League communication processes most frequently used by this committee?

6. What did you try that was new and/or different from previous years?
What would you:
Stop?
Start?
Continue (including useful tips/tricks for committee success)?

7. What do committee members find the most satisfying about this placement?
What is the most challenging, for committee members?

8. Are there any recurring challenges for the Chair(s) for this committee? How did you address them?
What is most satisfying about leading this committee?

9. Please provide the following support materials:
Job descriptions
Calendar map or timeline
Meeting agendas and/or meeting notes
Copies of Piper articles, meeting flyers or other communications about your committee
Editorial Calendar used for Social Media marketing
Any other support materials (contracts, agreements, relevant notifications, etc.)

"Leadership Opportunities Suggested, Your Application is Requested!"

By Ashley Roussel, Nominating Committee 2010-11

January 21 is the deadline for your Leadership Application,

Please sign up now for the 2011/2012 League year duration!

Leadership application forms are now available on our website

Nominate yourself or a fellow leaguer for a position outright.

Ample opportunities await for first-time or seasoned leaders,

Provisional or Member Resources are great for new leaguers!

These committees consist entirely of leaders sans chairing,

Gain leadership experience for future committee pairing!

Chair a committee solo or co-chair together with an aid,

Many positions to choose and arrangements can be made!

Complete the form or just reach out to your NomCom liaison,

If it’s your year to lead, please help us complete the equation!

Top Ten Things I Learned at ODI

By Amy Truel

I meant to write this article a month ago-really. I had such a great experience at ODI (Organizational Development Institute) in Houston and there was so much I wanted to share. But, I came back to my life-my busy, busy life. You know the deal.

So there I was, one month later, on a 7 hour car ride to Newport Beach for Thanksgiving and something really cool happened. I thought, “I’m going to come up with the top 10 things I learned at ODI and it will be genuine since I have to do it all from memory.” I didn’t have my notes, but I did have my iPad, some noise canceling headphones, and a strong desire not to listen to Prince of Persia which the kids were watching in the backseat :) I’m sure it is a great movie, but I want to watch it, not listen to it.

So here you go, the product of my procrastination:

Top 10 things Iearned at ODI no particular order)

1. It is easy to finish a book when you have a weekend without your kids. Loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!

2. The Houston Junior League HQ is a palace and they even have their own parking garage.

3. We are a 110 year old women's movement. It is true because Vicki Clark says it is so.

4. Humanity: look for the good in people and focus on that. Sara Speer Selber evoked a lot of emotion around the room when she dared to mix things up and challenge some common beliefs. Read for yourself here.

5. We need to do a better job communicating what we want from our external partners. We worry so much about what we have to offer that we sometimes forget to think about what we want out of the relationships.

6. Toiletry drives are great when you are staying in a hotel! I collected two large bags full of toiletries to benefit domestic violence victims at Next Door Solutions, our DIAD November toiletry drive.

7. Some leagues offer Affinity Groups like Book Clubs or Running Clubs. Not sure if we’ve tried this before but sounded like a good idea to me.

8. Motivate by being passionate and tapping into what members are passionate about.

9. We are a part of something so much bigger and should capitalize on collective resources. How cool would it be to have buddies in similar roles at other leagues to chat with? Be sure to check out the AJLI Website for helpful info!

10. You can design your league focus around one issue and still appeal to a variety of member interests. DIAD can help by providing a broader focus for balance. I have to admit I was skeptical when I first heard about leagues that focused on one issue, but thoughtful planning can make it work. Check out how they do it in Phoenix here.

Thanks for this amazing opportunity-I really enjoyed it, learned a lot, and met some great league members from all over the country. I have lots of handouts for anyone with a burning desire to learn more about Achieving Community Impact!

Amy Truel is currently serving as a co-chair for our Done in a Day (DIAD) committee.

November is Inspirational Role Models Month

posted by Summer Brill

November is Inspirational Role Models Month, did you know that? I didn’t either, until Amy Truel (DIAD co-chair) told me today. She told me she found out by reading the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) Blog Connected. The AJLI (www.ajli.org) has a wonderful website full of interesting articles, links to a blog (yes, they have one too!) links to their Facebook and Twitter and access to AJLI membership.

Read this post on the AJLI blog about Inspirational Role Models Month and chime in on the AJLI comment section. We also want to hear from you here! If you have an Inspirational Role Model, tell us (send to stories@thejuniorleague.org) and we’ll post on our Blog or self post on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).

Who inspires you and why? I’ll start…

My Inspirational Role model is my friend Jill. We’ve known each other since our days at Arizona State University. She now lives in Chicago and I’m in California, but we keep in touch via Facebook, text and email. Although she is a plane ride away, she continues to inspire me with her thoughtfulness and unending support for her friends in need.

When my brother was in Iraq with the Marines, she started sending him letters and included funny articles, notes from her friends and general words of thanks and encouragement. She was not close with my brother before he left to serve, and I’m not sure they met more than a handful of times either. I did not ask her to write, she did it on her own. It didn’t take a lot of time, but her impact was great. He told us how getting letters from non-family members really lifted his morale and that of his fellow Marines.

A few years ago, a friend of hers had a daughter who became very ill and continues to rehabilitate to this day. From the very beginning, Jill rallied support among her friends, family and coworkers to lend encouragement and support to this friend of hers. I began to follow the progress of this young girl and even donated to one of the many many fundraisers put on by Jill and her friends to support this family. I’ve never met her friend nor the little girl, but I think about them often and keep tabs on them and lend support from afar, because Jill brought them to my attention.

And she continues to keep this family in the minds of those around her by continuing fundraising efforts through runs and activities. Just last week she climbed the Sears Tower in honor of her friends in need! These are just a few of the ways Jill supports those around her. She is the first one to participate in any donation or drive. She doesn’t hesitate ever to support those in need. She inspires me to lend support great and small.

See, that wasn’t so bad! Share! Tell us who your Inspirational Role Model is. Need some “inspiration”? Read the AJLI Blog post here, then send us your Role Model and why, we’ll share on our Blog. Or, share yourself on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/jlpamp).

You can access the AJLI member area with your AJLI number. It is located in your profile in our Member Directory. In the Member Area, choose ME on the Quick Links section. In your profile, the second box down has your AJLI Member ID. You can use this on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) to create a unique login and password. Still can’t find it? Contact webmanager@thejuniorleague.org.

Ode to ODI

By Lisa Malloy

Sorry, you won't find any lyrical rhyming here...maybe I should have consulted Ashley Roussel, who I am personally recommending as League Chanteuse for 2011-2012...but hopefully you'll find a little kernel of leadership inspiration you can use somewhere in your life. If not, I'll settle for a chuckle. Hey, give me a break, I needed a title!

If you want to learn how to sell cookbooks, talk to the ladies from Texas. I never will be able to resist a homemade peanut butter cup! Speaking of target marketing, communicating to all "generations" of the League from veterans to boomers to Gen X'ers and Gen Y'ers isn't one size fits all. If we want sustainer participation, the blog or facebook probably won't get them in the door. An evite works for me, while my nieces prefer facebook "events" and my mom is still a Hallmark-junkie! Communication = sent + received + understood.

Want your kids to impress Grandma or that cute fireman at the annual pancake breakfast? A little trick to help kids learn which glass is theirs at a formal table: Hold both hands in front of you, palms facing each other. Using the tips of your thumb and forefinger, make circles on each hand. The remaining three fingers in each hand point upwards. Your left hand will form a "b" and your right hand will form a "d". Bread plate (b) is on the left, and drink (d) is on the right. (Now, about that soup, I don't think you can blame me for "going left" when it was served AFTER the main course...)

Recruiting isn't about the mission statement, it's about the impact you can make on potential members. Rather than memorizing the mission & vision and reciting them verbatim, put your own spin on it! JLPA-MP - a group of fabulous women learning together and making a difference in the community. Your passion will come through. Diversity isn't just about the numbers, it's about inclusion. It doesn't matter if we can check off all the "boxes", if everyone doesn't feel part of the League. I bet you're wondering where should we hold the next meeting?

Yes, you can wear a white sweater (or cowboy boots or peep-toe shoes or - insert favorite fashion item here - ) in October in Houston.

We've all probably seen the commercial about hiding the veggies in the Spaghettios and my mother-in-law "hides" the spinach in the meatloaf...how about hiding the training in the meeting? Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs to October 15? You do now!! September 15 is significant as the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Knowledge only helps the organization if it is passed down...it's not too early to start thinking about your leadership transitions. Fill up those Committee forums, Council Assistants! Be sure to use your "big girl voice" to suggest improvements, too.

Paper airplanes aren't just for kids. Next time you see me, ask me about it! First, I'll thank you for reading this far in my blog post and then I'll tell you the story. Great for all the event planners among us.

Oh, and Dad can handle a 10 month old for 72 hours while you have a little "me" time...ok, there was that peach-rice-pudding for dinner incident. No harm, no foul!

Thanks for the opportunity to represent the League at ODI!

ODI: Organizational Development Institutes are a series of trainings sponsored by the AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International). For more information, visit the AJLI website at www.ajli.org . To access the member area, retrieve your AJLI number from your profile in our Member Directory.

May 2010 – Inspiration for Leaders

"It's far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help."-- Judith Martin

This is the month we sit back and revel in our achievements from this past League year. We take time to tie up loose ends, prepare to sit down with the incoming leader who will fill our shoes, and pass along all the tidbits that will set them up for success. I know you guys are great leaders (I’ve seen you work!) and I trust that you will take the time to share what really worked and what really didn’t work. It’s critical that the League learn from the past so we can enhance the League experience for everyone. No one wants to experience challenges that could be avoided… and we all want each other to experience success.

I set aside a little time for my own reflection recently – and yes, it may have coincided with the task of submitting my end-of-year notes – but I just want to thank you for looking at this leadership inspiration from time to time. It has been a fun “extra” for me to put together throughout the year, and I hope it’s made you smile and think and maybe become a more confident leader too.

Here is something I have been waiting to share in this forum. You may have seen or heard if before, but it’s an effective way to think about leadership and the role each of us play in the “big picture.”

Lessons From Geese

Fact 1: As each goose flap its wings it creates an“uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common sense of direction and community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership, as with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skill, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents or resources.

Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the productivity is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until it dies or can fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

“Lessons from Geese” was transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network and is based on the work of Milton Olson.

All the best to you as you wrap your year up and move forward. Let’s take these lessons from geese and “honk” (in a “v” formation) for each other as the year comes to an end on May 31st. (Totally kidding about the honking…)

Thank you, thank you for all that you’ve done – and will do – for our League!

April 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due, with Humility

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -- Maria Robinson

It’s already April! You may have fast-forwarded a little to think ahead to next year, but, as a leader, there is still some work to do. As you prepare to wrap up and complete your League year, it’s critical to reflect on how successful your committee has been. Whether you’ve knocked a new project out of the park, helped a new idea become reality, or maintained an aspect of the League that already works well – you have no doubt had successes that deserve celebrating.

A tenet to remember is that a good leader should practice humility as successes are celebrated. Humility is one of those words that can sometimes be misunderstood. I looked it up and found the following message about humility:

Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth - but without arrogance. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them.

Another mark of a leader who practices humility is his or her treatment of others. Such leaders treat everyone with respect regardless of position. Someone once said: the sign of a gentleman is how he treats those who can be of absolutely no use to him.

Something interesting happens, too, when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time willing to learn from what others have to offer. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment.

Here are a few suggestions on practicing humility:

1. There are times when swallowing one's pride is particularly difficult and any intentions of humility fly out the window, as we get engaged in a contest of perfection, each side seeking to look good. If you find yourself in such no-win situations, consider developing some strategies to ensure that the circumstances don't lead you to lose your grace. Try this sometimes: just stop talking and allow the other person to be in the limelight. There is something very liberating in this strategy.
2. Here are three magical words that will produce more peace of mind than a week at an expensive retreat: "You are right."
3. Catch yourself if you slip into over-stepping or coaching without permission - is your desire to impose your point of view overtaking good judgment?
4. Seek others' input on how you are showing up in your leadership path. Ask: "How am I doing?" It takes humility to ask such a question. And even more humility to consider the answer.
5. Encourage the practice of humility in your committee through your own example: every time you share credit for successes with others, you reinforce the culture for your members. Consider mentoring or coaching emerging leaders on this key attribute of leadership.

There are many benefits to practicing humility: it improves relationships across all levels, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness and actually, it enhances one's self-confidence.

While I do not claim to be any sort of authority on this, I believe that showing your genuine interest in others and giving them credit where credit is due, can really propel us toward a whole host of future successes.

Enjoy tying that bow on the work you’ve done… and sincere thanks for everything. It will be fun to celebrate with you in May!

Some of this month’s sources include: content from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_69.htm

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

March 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders

The Balancing Act of a League Leader

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -- Harold S. Kushner

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.

As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.

Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance

• Set your priorities ~ delegating tasks helps to accomplish more. Learn to distinguish between “have to” vs. “want to.”
• Have clear expectations ~ clear expectations lead to more support and less confusion. Stop trying to be perfect (we can only try to do our best every day).
• Use your limit setting skills ~ keeping firm limits helps you be prepared for unexpected results. Be willing to say no, and do not feel guilty.
• Give yourself the gift of transition ~ take the time to mentally shift from one role to another. Suggestion to use a landmark on commute as a cue to switch roles.
• Take care of yourself ~ you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Make time for yourself.
• Always work at finding balance ~ never give up. Keep a sense of humor.

So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.

I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!

Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (http://www.susanstonebelton.com/).

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

 

 

 

February 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders

Be Powerful in an Empowering Way

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’m a powerful person. Now, I’m not a power-hungry person at all, and I don’t even get excited about being the ultimate “decider” of what our family eats for dinner, but rather, I’m powerful in the sense that I can do good for other people every, single day. You are a powerful person too. If you don’t think you are, you should step back and think again. As a leader, you support a lot of women in our League who go out and do good in our communities… and that is incredibly powerful. I want to take a minute and encourage all League leaders to use their power to empower others.

The following is an excerpt from The LeaderShape® Institute. (I had the opportunity to attend LeaderShape while in college, and then help facilitate a session after college, and it has sincerely shaped me into the person I am today.)

Power is the ability to influence others and get things done. It is not a negative concept. In fact, it is only when power is wielded through intimidation, manipulation, or for personal gain that the concept becomes a negative one. You need not apologize for utilizing power if you’re thoughtful and responsible about its use. Leaders, however, always need to consider: who they are leading, why they are leading, why they are interested in having power, and how they can be most effective.

Empowerment is the process of sharing so that others have a sense of autonomy and control. Empowering is a leap of faith for many leaders and often feels risky because you are consciously giving up control and trusting others so they can perform independently – and be held accountable.

Empowerment works only under two conditions: When people are qualified to do the job and when the transfer of assignments doesn’t appear to be dumping of responsibilities. It’s inappropriate, for example, to give people tasks for which they don’t have the knowledge or skills. In this instance, a leader is only setting up someone to lose face – and power – when the job is poorly done. Likewise, to delegate simply to get the monkey off your back is an irresponsible use of empowerment.

How, then, do leaders empower?

First, by giving people important work to do on critical issues. Allow people autonomy over their work by giving them projects from beginning to end. Recognize the talents and skills of those in your organization and delegate tasks to match skills so that people will succeed! Trust people to do the job, even if it’s not done your way. Finally, create an environment where people are recognized for their efforts, where people are coached and encouraged if they need help, and where people’s strengths and unique qualities are valued.

The positive aspects of empowering others is that people will begin to self-motivate (all leaders dream of this!), they will work harder, and they will receive greater personal satisfaction for their efforts all of which results in a stronger organization.

Have a great month ahead – and thank you for your powerful and empowering leadership!

Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

What’s that you say? Components of Active Listening

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." -- William James

January 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders

Happy January! This month’s inspiration focuses on the components of ACTIVE LISTENING. I imagine most of you have heard that term and likely practiced it before, so just think of this as a quick shot-in-the-arm refresher. I highlight active listening this month because it is a very powerful aspect of being an effective leader. Listening to our fellow committee members and community representatives is critical to each of the League’s successes. As leaders, we need others to listen to us, and we, in turn, must listen to others, so that they know that they are valued. They will also walk away feeling pretty effective too. A win-win.

So, from my perspective, the goal of active listening is: To non-evaluatively hear what another person is saying.

I encourage you to use active listening in your monthly/weekly meetings, your community involvement, your business interactions, and just about all daily encounters. (It may also come in handy in tight situations of relationships, child-rearing, parenting, etc.) So, review these components and see if you can make a difference in someone you listen to today. Best wishes in 2010!

CRITICAL BEHAVIORS

1. Attending - Showing interest through nonverbal behavior and acknowledging responses.
2. Mirroring - Accurately reflecting content and feeling in a non-judgmental way.
3. Questioning - Eliciting more information or requesting clarification.
4. Showing Respect - Suspending judgment or evaluation and avoiding behaviors which discredit or trivialize the conversation.
5. Self-disclosure - Sharing one’s own experience.
6. Problem-solving - Exploring alternatives and developing specific action steps to solve problems.
7. Showing empathy - Expressing concern for the other person.
8. Spontaneity - Being expressive rather than contrived.

Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from The LeaderShape® Institute.
 
Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

December 2009 - Inspiration for Leaders

Slowing down to speed back up

Leadership cannot really be taught. It has to be learned. ~ Harold S. Geneen

It is hard to believe that it is only a matter of days before our clocks and calendars turn to 2010. While the time is going quickly, for a few committees, the month of December may be a little “slow.” You may have social events rather than heavy meetings, but please keep in mind that you are leading a group of amazing ladies and they need to hear from you. You may also be working with amazing organizations that need to hear from you too.

If your committee or Council does not have much happening this month, make an effort to reach out and let your members know that they’re making a difference. Below you’ll find some quick leadership inspiration to lead you through December and into January.

• People do what they have to do for their manager; they do their best for an inspirational leader. (Note to self… you want to be an inspiring leader, not a manager.)
• You must embody what you ask of others and be able to articulate a shared vision in a way that inspires others to act.
• You must offer a sense of common purpose beyond the day-to-day tasks, making work exciting (with fun thrown in too). Establish an environment of continuous improvement.
• Help people connect their personal goals to League or committee goals. (It is a great idea to remind ourselves and committee members to freshen up our resumes to include Junior League involvement and achievements. It can be a deciding factor when searching for a new job or going for a promotion.)
• Involve everyone, empower and trust your committee members.
• Coach and train people to greatness. (Everyone has talents… you need to work to identify the talents, then nourish them.)
• Build teams and promote teamwork. Leverage the diversity in the group.
• Motivate, inspire and energize people. Recognize achievements!
• Make the committee work fun. Get creative or reach out if you are struggling to see the “fun” in the work that needs to be done.
• Choose to lead. Be the person others choose to follow.

So, there’s a little inspiration for you. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season ahead. We’d like to offer you a sincere Thank You for all you do for the League!

Some of this month’s sources include: www.humanresources.about.com and http://www.slideshare.net./

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

November 2009 - Inspiration for Leaders

Power of a Checklist

Hi. My name is Ansley, and I’m a list-maker. Whether it’s the running list of groceries on the fridge, a list of things to remember to do before I leave the house with the kids in the morning, or a list of things that I need to start thinking about…I make lists. And I really enjoy checking things off as I go along.

So, I did a little research into the checklist-making habit I have. Here is what I’d like to share with you.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“A checklist is used as an aid to memory. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task. A basic example is the "to do list." A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors.” 

Checklists can improve results. Checklists are powerful tools for jogging your memory, reducing stress, and sharing know how.

People use checklists effectively to:

• Reduce task saturation. Task saturation is simply too much to do and not enough time. Checklists help you reduce that overwhelming feeling – probably not all of it, but some of it. 
• Lower stress. Checklists minimize forgetting something. This relieves the stress of worrying about forgetting (especially when consequences are very bad). 
• Free the mind. You don’t have to waste your prefrontal cortex on mundane things. Basically, checklists free you up to worry about higher level issues. 
• Be a refresher course. You can use checklists as a tool to remember a sequence of actions for the next time you do something, like submitting a check request or packing for a trip. 

Do you use checklists? If you currently don’t use them, create a list for the coming week and see if you feel more productive. If you are already a checklist person, please share your effective checklists. I just might write your secrets down, try them out, then make a “to-do” to remind myself to thank you for suggesting the secret!

This month’s sources include: Wikipedia and www.sourcesofinsight.com. Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.

October 2009 - Inspiration for Leaders

"The past does not define you, the present does." -- Jillian Michaels

What kind of leader are you?

This month’s inspiration is more of a reflection for each of us as League leaders. While these are not the end-all-be-all of leader descriptions, they are general categories that can help you identify where you are, and help you grow in new directions.

Basic Leadership Styles

(Adapted from Leadership and the One-Minute Manager, Kenneth Blanchard et al)

1. Directing

The directing leader provides specific instructions and closely supervises task accomplishment. Feedback from members is minimal, and it is assumed that they will comply automatically with the instructions they receive.

2. Coaching

The coaching leader continues to direct and closely supervise task accomplishment, but also explains decisions, solicits suggestions, and supports progress. Members’ input is sought in setting goals, in determining what tasks should be scheduled, and how the tasks should be done. This method is a combination of the directing with supporting styles.

3. Supporting

The supporting leader seeks the members’ input in planning and decision making, and facilitates their efforts toward task accomplishment.

4. Delegating

The delegating leader turns over responsibility for decision making and problem solving to subordinates who have shown that they can handle the responsibility.

In all cases the leader maintains ultimate responsibility for members’ actions. The progression inherent in the move from directing to delegating indicates maturity and increased capability of both leader and member. A good leader does not operate as the sole decision maker. As she moves from directing to delegating (or to any appropriate combination of the four styles), the leader must share some of the authority and glory inherent in getting the job done. True sharing requires comprehensive knowledge of the goal and task, a high degree of self-knowledge and self-assurance, and a great capacity for persuasion.

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.