My Vision Board

What Success Looks Like

Not sure who to give credit to for this, but I LOVE it!

So very true J

Model the Way (Work VS Home)

Just submitted my Leadership Development Action Plan. Boy, I drive myself crazy sometimes over thinking things and trying to perfect something that really doesn’t need to be. Gesh!

I am feeling fairly confident that leadership is on my radar (in terms of train of thought) and I am excited for the first leadership clinic this Wednesday, as well as meeting up with some of my team members for lunch. Our lunchtime discussion is going to be on ‘Model the Way’, and it got me thinking – how do I model the way? I think I need to give a re-read to Chapters 3 & 4 of Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Challenge, so that I can really hone in on this for my next post. But for now, these are my preliminary feelings about it:

I think a big part of my model is showing kindness, which I place a great deal of value on. To me it comes naturally; sometimes it pays off tremendously and I feel empowered that I can make others feel good about themselves and their work.  Other times it leaves me feeling stomped on and powerless when things don’t go so “happily” because I sit back and get angry inside instead of reasonably speaking about how I truly feel in that moment, then opt to sleep on it, sweep it under the rug and make assumptions(baaaaaaaaad, I know!). At work, I feel as though I am often stuck between a rock and hard place. My career path feels as though it is truly going no where and no one is going to care if I don’t. Sometimes it concerns me greatly that I still feel dissatisfied with my "career" , but other times I take comfort in the fact that I have a wonderful family that needs me and that I love very much.  

There is a fairly large discrepancy between how I model the way at work vs. how I model the way in my home life.  Why is that? I think it’s partially a comfort/situational thing, but there has to be more to it than that. Perhaps it has something to do with the line "If you don't believe in the messenger, you won't believe the message?" Am I perhaps a little too meek at work, and stronger/more self assured at home? Definitely something for me to think about moving forward. Why is it that I allow myself to sometimes be a pushover at work, where as at home I will speak my mind? There needs to be more balance between the two in terms of listening to my values and setting the examples that come with those values regardless of where I am and what I am doing.

To end on a more positive note, here is a café assignment from earlier this year where I spoke about how someone modelled the way for me - ENJOY!

Experience of Model the Way

Written February 2011

Entering the world of government at the ripe old age of nineteen, I was intimidated to say the least. Ridiculously shy and unsure of myself, I had no clue what I was getting myself in to. Although I was a quick and eager learner, I doubt I would have lasted my first fire season as a seasonal Information Coordinator had it not been for Wendy.

Wendy was my direct supervisor and she ‘modelled the way’ for me right from the get go. She took me under her wing, and even in the pressure of having a very busy and stressful fire season, our team had a lot of fun and showed a lot of respect for one another. She was very encouraging, thoughtful, and let her staff learn from their mistakes instead of punishing them. Her positive demeanour was infectious. 

Although I know perfection isn’t always reality, I now taking pride in myself and the work that I do because of the values that Wendy inspired me to strive for. In a male dominated field such as forestry, she stood her own and was well respected by field staff.  She had a lot of integrity and her modesty is something I will always admire.

Wendy encouraged me to come out of my shell and to know that I am capable of much more than I am aware of. I will always be truly thankful for the positive impact she has had on my life in the six years that I worked for her. Although she has moved to Ontario to start a new chapter in her own life, she still keeps in contact with me and encourages me to be the best that I can be. I hope that some day I can ‘pay it forward’.

Leader Acronym

Loyal
Encouraging
Active
Direct
Energized
Reflective

Encouraging Feedback

I got this feedback from a manager who was a participant in the café portion of leadership program I am currently enrolled in. I am proud of this feedback and was (and still am) very encourgaged by this individuals' words, so I thought I would share:

From April 2011

Hi,

I have to say, of all the credos and experiences we read for this Café, I enjoyed yours the most. You are early in your career, and yet you already have good self-awareness and are cognizant of your greatest weakness which is also your greatest strength; your empathy. Your stories shone with your personality and I could feel the honesty and emotion in them.

Someone like me can only look over at folks like you and be envious. It simply isn’t in me to be as forthright and honest as you can be about your feelings; you speak from the heart, to the heart. You are going to be a great leader ‘when you grow up’. Well, get older and more experienced anyway – I hope you never grow up.

I’ve really enjoyed being on your team. And for all that other stuff like input, punctuality and contribution. That was good too. But your empathy kicks-a**, even if some days you might think it would be better to have thick skin and be a lousy listener.

Cheers!

Don't Remember, But I Like It !

I don't remember writing this, but I like it...

Written March 2011

Being a leader doesn’t need to be scary. Being a leader can actually be a very fun and rewarding experience. Sometimes volunteering for a leadership role can seem overwhelming, but the end results (if you put the effort in) are totally worth it. As a leader, you must also be in control and keep your team on track, especially when dealing with tight timelines. Dealing with different personalities does not need to be a challenge, if you embrace the differences and utilize their strengths.

10 Years from Now...

Written March 2011

My family is first and foremost me, so ten years from now I want my family to be complete, healthy, and financially stable. Being a relatively new mom now, I really struggled with returning to work this past September when my maternity leave was over. I am still struggling to try and juggle full time employment and full time mom, wife, cook, housekeeper, etc., but somehow I am figuring things out. I am hoping to find a semi-perfect balance between work life and home life. I want my children to have strong values and that they will have a great deal of integrity and respect for others. I want them to look up to me and truly believe I have done my very best to provide for them in all ways.

Ten years from now, I would like to NOT be viewed as a push over. I want to be able to be more upfront and say what I need to say when I need to say it, instead of always worrying about making others happy and letting them hear what they want to here. I want to be remembered as an individual who went out of her way for others, but not at the expense of herself. I want to be held accountable for my actions and really make a difference in my work place.

In 2021, I sure hope I am not doing what I am doing now in terms of my career. I would like to have completed my degree (and perhaps another) and be moved into a job where I am truly making a difference and helping others excel in their lives. What that looks like, I am not 100% sure. I am almost 30 years old and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! So hopefully I can start being more decisive and clear on my career goals as I inch closer to 40.

My Credo

Written February 2011

Never take relationships for granted. Always treat others with respect by being honest and intentional, standing up for what you believe in, and setting positive examples for others to follow. Avoid putting on shows or being someone you are not; be real and transparent with both your words and actions. Show compassion when interacting with others; when you feel valued, you are much more likely to be productive and achieve more, both personally and professionally. A small investment of time or even a simple smile can go a long ways without you even realizing it.  

Don’t fall into the trap of making too many assumptions. Strive for clarity and pay attention to the details that truly matter. Face challenges head on and try to embrace change instead of fear it. Always act with your best foot forward; be proactive and open minded.

Make meaning in everything you do. Take pride in yourself, but be careful to also remain humble. Accept the fact that you are a valuable resource and have an important role to play, regardless of how big or small you think that role is. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of enthusiasm. It’s often contagious!

My Personality Type

Written February 2011

My four-letter personality type is ESFJ (Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging). My personality type tells me that I place a high value on relationships and have a friendly drive to get things done. I tend to be cooperative, compassionate and outgoing when interacting with others. Often referred to as a "people pleaser", the nurturing side of me often struggles with being oversensitive or "stuck in the middle" of two conflicting sides. I enjoy contributing to team dynamics and my knack for paying close attention to detail often comes in handy when leading.

My Original Leadership Statement

Written November 2010

A leader is someone who is effective, enabling, and organized; someone who can make decisive, confident decisions, all while showing a caring, invested interest in guiding and pushing others to be at their best. A genuine leader is inspirational, true to themselves, and never condescending.

Leaders in my life have all left a personal touch in my heart for which I will forever be grateful. The two most prominent examples are:

* My mother, who lost her husband when she was young, showed me how to be strong, how to persevere and never give up when the going gets tough. Many of her best qualities were instilled in me as a little girl.

* My former boss, who took a chance on me when I really did not have the qualifications or experiences as a teenager entering the workforce. She embraced me, took me under her wing, encouraged me to be proud of myself and my work, to pay attention to details big and small, and that a kind smile can go a long way.

Opportunities in which I have had to demonstrate leadership include the following:

* In a previous position, I provided support, guidance and oversaw work flow to three co-workers. I was also given the opportunity to directly supervise three other seasonal staff, which I enjoyed very much.

* In my current position, I instruct data entry courses in a formal classroom environment. This has allowed me to put my coaching skills into practice and build confidence in my presentations skills, as well as improving my public speaking.

I am interested in exploring leadership because I want to push myself that much further and truly discover where my career might take me if I step out a little more. I feel that I have a lot to offer, but sometimes do not realize my potential or showcase it well enough to advance, although I know deep down I am more the capable. I want to grow, become more assertive, and allow my creativity to never get shoved aside, but find ways for others to embrace it.

Based on information given to me by co-workers who were previously or are currently involved in the Leadership Program, my expectations are quite high. I think that networking and encouragement will play a large role in helping me achieve my leadership goals. It would also benefit me to broaden my perspectives on what leadership really entails and how to put processes into action without any procrastination.

I have a caring, compassionate and well rounded personality. If one can have these qualities, as well as the knowledge and skills to encourage and guide others, it has the makings for a great leader. I have the tools to be a collaborative, energetic and inventive team player. I am interested in my family (particularly my loving husband and sweet 14 month old son), hockey, camping, and enjoying the small, yet important details in life. I am looking forward to what the future brings and am excited to be involved in the leadership program!