Excellence isn’t just winning a prize – it is how you live your life

You are no doubt familiar with many symbols of excellence. Many times these symbols take the form of prizes, such as the Nobel Prize, the Olympic gold medal or the Malcolm Baldrige Award for organizations in the business, healthcare, education and nonprofit sectors.  Of course, in the American Business Women’s Association we’ve established our own award for quality management known simply as BEST PRACTICES.   

I believe these symbols of excellence are important for providing some motivation to businesses and individuals for going above and beyond the acceptable level of performance.  The recognition that comes with being singled out for excellence will naturally boost our sense of self-esteem and can have a positive impact on our careers and our business performance.  However, I would caution all reading this blog, striving for excellence with the goal of winning a prize, a statuette, or a moment to grace the stage with your presence, misses the point — by a landslide.  When it comes to excellence, it’s the arduous journey that’s the most important versus the destination.  I think Aristotle said it best. 

 “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.  We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly.  We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence is not an act but a habit.”  Aristotle

 So where and how do you learn about excellence?  For me, the idea of excellence was a consequence of my career choice coupled with an amazing opportunity to study with several revered ballet masters.  One such master named Vladimir Dokoudovsky (nicknamed the Duke), was not only popular but demanded your attention and commitment every time you stepped into his class at Carnegie Hall.

I can still picture the “Duke” today, walking through the door wearing his starched white shirt, black pants, and a cumber bun with a lit cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth.  He would begin class by demonstrating the exercise he wanted us to perform in cadence with the music.  If he was not satisfied, he would say in a low voice “again” (repeatedly) until the dancer or dancers had executed the movement to his satisfaction.  It was the “Duke” who taught us that excellence is a product of commitment AND opportunity.  The dancers were committed to excellence however, Mr. Dokoudovsky gave us the opportunity to learn, rehearse and master the art of dance.   

That’s exactly what we are doing here in the American Business Women’s Association.  We are providing working women and women business owners with the opportunity to LEARN, to REHEARSE and to MASTER the art of business through our educational forums, online learning and in our ABWA teams (chapters and Express Networks).  Your opportunity for excellence is waiting for you here in the American Business Women’s Association.  All you need is the commitment.   Join today at www.abwa.org or 1-800-228-0007.

Time to Clear Out Those Mental Files!

 I hope that 2011 will bring you hope for an improving economy and with it success in your own business and/or workplace. While the economic indicators that we use to define the economy seem to be inching in the right direction, we all know that on Main Street the effects of the recession are still being felt in every aspect of our daily lives. 

 It’s tiresome to continually preface my remarks with phrases such as “in the down economy…,” or “until conditions improve…,” etc.  For that, I apologize.  But it is times like these that test our resolve as business people and force us to seek new and creative ways to build our businesses and plan for the future.  All of us, including the team at ABWA National Headquarters, are doing the things that business owners must;  focusing on goals vs. the obstacles in our path.   Of course, that is always easier said than done! 

Case in point.  In December, we relocated ABWA’s National Headquarters to a smaller yet highly efficient footprint.   The task of sifting through the sea of files, archives and storage was at times overwhelming.  To make the job easier (wink, wink), we agreed to  a simple yet effective process.   Before packing any item, we asked ourselves, “Will this blah, blah, blah support us in achieving our goals?  Help me perform my job better?  Perpetuate the growth of the Association?”  If the answer was “No” – the item was tossed - no questions asked.   In the past 2 months, not only did we manage to clear out the “stuff” that was weighing us down, we kept ABWA’s mission, vision and values within our line of site and found a few hidden treasures along the way. 

The new bricks and mortar setting for ABWA’s new National Headquarters is a convenient metaphor for what we must all do from time to time – This year, consider clearing out your mental files and toss out those outdated ideas that are weighing you down, holding you back from achieving your goals - and replace them with all of the opportunities that are waiting for you today and tomorrow in ABWA; 

•  Business experts with whom you can network and obtain feedback
•  17 online business and market relevant courses available in ABWA’s Women’s Instructional Network
• Leadership
• Recognition
• Networking  
• Life long relationships with people who care about you! 

Wishing you the best in 2011,

Rene’

This Holiday Season, Pay it Forward!

As we enter the holiday season most of us will be giving thanks for our families, friends, health and homes as we should. And this year we are especially thankful for our livelihoods – our careers and jobs that allow us to enjoy all our other creature comforts.

However, there are many people currently out of work who would be so thankful for at least some hope in their job searches. With at least 10 percent of able Americans out of work, and probably five percent more who have despaired of finding a job and have just given up, a lot of our family, friends and neighbors are hurting this holiday season.

 The odds are that you know at least 10 people who are currently unemployed, or as increasingly common, under-employed, that is, they have some part-time work, freelance work or a full-time position at significantly lower pay than they are accustomed.  

 Jobs are out there; you can see them posted on job service Web sites every day however, the competition is beyond the pale .  Those of us who are fortunate enough to have jobs can make a difference.   

I encourage you all to “pay it forward” for our job-searching friends, colleagues and relatives. If every member of the ABWA took a few minutes each day to help an unemployed person in his or her quest for a job, we would at least live up to the spirit of the holiday season and fulfill ABWA’s mission.  So what do I mean by “paying it forward?”

Simple things really, such as:

• Forward a job lead
• Write a LinkedIn recommendation
• Review a friend’s resume and give honest feedback
• Meet a friend for coffee or lunch in-person to help bolster their spirit and exchange ideas.
• Make some calls on a friend’s behalf
• Pass on a link to a good job site or an article on job search
• Introduce your friend to a potential employer
• Do some role-playing for a job interview
• Brainstorm with them on ways to leverage their skills
• Give a Gift of ABWA!    http://video214.com/play/LhUztg8WI69tOarMQioD5g/s/dark

 If we each of us did one or two of these things every day, we may not end unemployment, but we can help the people we know and care about so they can get back to work sooner rather than later.

 With that I wish you all a wonderful holiday season! 

Rene’ Street, Executive Director

Today’s Our Day – As Is Every Day

Today’s Our Day – As Is Every Day In the annals of the United States Congress historians will note that Sept 22, 1983 was declared as the honorary national American Business Women’s Association Day and President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to that effect. Obviously, on this day every year those of us involved with this organization ought to take a few moments to take a mental snapshot of ourselves as we continue to pursue the mission of ABWA:

“To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.”

We’ll then put it on our mental refrigerator and look at it from time to time until we replace it with next year’s imaginary photo. Recognition is wonderful, everybody craves it; from time to time we need it. However, the ABWA is much bigger than a one-day-a-year organization.

Which is why the full-length motion picture of the American Business Women’s Association, currently being filmed by a talented and very large production company – all of ABWA’s hardworking members – is the real work we need to be focused on. With more than 60 years of history, ABWA is an ongoing saga that reflects the changes in the American marketplace and the roles of the business people who make that market work.

As three generations of ABWA members have learned to thrive on ever-changing economic stages, we’ve always attempted to stay true to our mission as old social paradigms changed and our technological tools helped change the language of the workplace. With a little luck it will be an ever-changing story that always needs to be updated. That’s why I call it a major full-length motion picture. We’re going to keep filming it for a long time.  Look for plenty of sequels too!

As we look toward our annual National Women’s Leadership Conference in October, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come as an organization and at the same time I’m exhilarated by the road we face ahead. ABWA today can provide women with educational resources we could only dream of just five years ago. ABWA is second to no other business group for women in terms of programming that members can immediately put into practice in their workplace. And yet, ABWA remains a nurturing place where you can test new skills and not be afraid to make mistakes because you’re among trusted friends and colleagues. There’s really no other organization like us. OK, we deserve a day of our own. But there’s always tomorrow and it counts just as much if not more. Celebrate your day today and tomorrow!

Happy American Business Women’s Day!

Rene’ Street, Executive Director

Reflections on Lady Liberty

It’s so easy to take our way of life for granted.

Probably most of us have grown up fairly comfortably, never having to wonder where our next meal is coming from nor wanting a roof over our heads. Without having to struggle on a daily basis for our families’ basic needs, it’s not hard to understand why we can become complacent in appreciating the opportunities we have as Americans.  

 That idea was driven home for me on a recent trip with my family (part business and part vacation) to New York City.  During our brief stay, we crammed 2-weeks of sight-seeing into two-and a half days – visiting many of the NYC’s famous landmarks and museums.  

 Much to my surprise, two of America’s most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island attracted tourists from all around the world.  People from Canada, Germany, France, England, China, Mexico and Spain waited with us in long lines for the ferry at Battery Park.    

As we approached the statue, I was amazed by Lady Liberty’s magnificence.  I tried to imagine what it must have been like for my grandparents and thousands of other immigrants as they sailed by the statue before disembarking at Ellis Island.  Did their hopes and dreams of a better life become a reality?  What would they say about the lives of their children and their children’s children? 

Nearly 125 years after its christening, the Statue of Liberty continues to be a powerful symbol of hope and freedom for men, women and children EVERYWHERE!  The values expressed in America’s founding documents still resonate around the world and people come just to stand at the base of the statue and give witness to those values.   

Our visit to this incredible monument to freedom had me reminding myself not to take our most fundamental values for granted.  And I am grateful to this country for the freedom given to me, my ancestors and my immediate family to pursue our dreams.

MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF!

  

Last week I visited several ABWA teams and members in Florida. Throughout my stay I was able to observe women who were involved in various phases of the ABWA experience. And what I saw helped to crystallize in my mind one of the reasons why women continue to join this organization and how it can help each of us grow as individuals.

    Most striking is that ABWA gives us a stage on which to rehearse before we take our act on the road.  That is to say, that as a leadership simulator, ABWA provides women with a safe environment where they can begin to put in practice skills necessary for success in business and in life. The primary difference is that if you “crash and burn” during a simulation there are no lingering consequences, you are among friends; and friends help lift you up, provide guidance and direction so you achieve the desired results.

    ABWA is the place where you “learn to fly your plane.”  We provide a nurturing audience for your budding public speaking skills. We help you hone your management and marketing skills. We provide a sounding board when you are perfecting your customer service and project management skills.  All of these skills are vital for success in the real world of business.  And all these opportunities are inherent in ABWA. 

   One of the experiences where this was evident was in my recent Florida trip – visiting with the Lakeland Downtown and  Suncoast Charter Chapters, and the newly formed Ocala Express Network.   While in Lakeland, I watched one woman slowly walk to the podium when asked to give a 2-minute commercial about her business services.  Despite her nervousness,  she was able to summon the courage and point her plane down the runway, build up speed, pull back on the yoke and lift into the air!  She delivered a succinct speech that represented her business well.  She had the support and understanding of 60 other women urging her on.

        So, for women who are trying to excel in their corporate or community setting, or who are looking for a leadership simulator, or perhaps just a brief respite, this year’s conference is the place to be.  The dynamic sessions will focus on all of the key areas of business.  In addition, you can network  with hundreds of people who care about what you do and who you are, and who may be facing some of the same challenges as you!   Make an investment in yourself and your future,  plan to attend this year’s National Women’s Leadership Conference on October 28-30 in Chattanooga, Tennessee!   See you there!

For more information about this year’s national event or about membership, contact us at webmail@abwa.org

Making Our Days Matter

There are many reasons that we might begin to reflect on our own mortality.

For me it happened when I reconnected with an old acquaintance just a week before my 55^th birthday.  To make a long story short he simply said, “I heard that you had died.”

Gulp.

Obviously I hadn’t, but his comment sure made me think, “What if I had died?” and “What if I die tomorrow?”  And then came the logical corollary, “Would my life have mattered?”

Well, I’ll continue to ponder that.  But in the meantime, I am determined to make each of my days count as best I can.

It’s so easy to fall into a routine where all our actions are comfortable and familiar, taken merely to get by – just to make it through the day.  That way we avoid the hard choices or shrink from major commitments and retreat to a cocoon of security, our safe zone.  We procrastinate and before long, we’re putting our entire lives on hold, failing to live up to the person we know that we can be.  Sound familiar? 

By “making the day count” I don’t mean that you have to find the cure for cancer or heart disease.  I simply mean that every day each of us gets the opportunity to accomplish something – it may be as simple as cleaning off our desks or learning to cook a steak on the grill (or in my case, just learning to cook).  Or you could let someone else know that they really matter to you.   The more that you let others know that you appreciate them, the greater the possibility you have to make that day count for something – for you and for them!  Today as I sat down to read my overflowing inbox,  I was surprised to find note from a member thanking me and another member for the “generosity” that we had bestowed on her sister.  In her words, “She is still bubbling-over because of your kindness.”  The truth is, I do not recall what we had said or done but I am happy that we had made a difference.  Her email, was the perfect inspiration to start my day.      

Business excellence guru, Tom Peters,  points out in his new book, “The Little BIG Things,” that excellence is the result of many small actions that we take, each one of which can be learned and mastered.  He reminds us that kindness is free, that it pays to be thoughtful and that we will gain much more by being civil than through intimidation. 

Excellence in business is a noble goal and once achieved you might feel that you have accomplished a lot.  But life, well life comes at us one day at a time.  So for now,  I’m going to try to make something good happen today.  Then I’ll try again tomorrow.  I’m still trying and for now,  I’m content with that.  How about you? 

In professional sisterhood,

Rene’ Street, Executive Director

American Business Women’s Association

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9!

It seems that every great civilization has set aside a time of year to honor mothers, from the ancient Greeks and Romans, through the western European societies.

Mothers Day should be especially important to members of the American Business Women’s Association because many of us are mothers ourselves – and we all have a mother!  This weekend, it’s important to take more than a nano-second to reflect on everything that our “mothers” have provided, which prepared us for our own roles as women, business people and, yes, as mothers.

Despite my earlier skepticism, that Mothers Day was a marketing campaign orchestrated by the two greeting card giants, I’ve discovered some interesting facts about the origination of this very special day.  Did you know that the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” by Julia Ward Howe was one of the early calls to celebrate Mothers Day in the United States?  Written in 1870, Howe’s Proclamation was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.  Howe’s feminist belief – women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level.  Amazing!  Our early “sisters” understood that being ENGAGED can shape the world!  

And in 1912, Anna Jarvis created the Mothers Day International Association and specified that it be observed on the second Sunday in May. That idea was then adopted by Congress and made an official U.S. holiday with the signature of President Woodrow Wilson.

But it shouldn’t take a Proclamation or an act of Congress for us to tell our mothers, grandmothers, aunties and one another, that we love and appreciate them.  This weekend, on May 9, be ENGAGED, and take time to recognize your “Mom” for her accomplishment – YOU! 

Happy Mother’s Day!     

Side Note:    I intend to thank my Mom profusely for her love, support and acceptance of my ‘non-traditional career choices’ (like ballet and ABWA) – and for giving me the “perseverance and relentless” genes – both have served me well throughout my life!  

Emotional Intelligence – An important business strategy

Facebook, Twitter and now blogging? Yes! Welcome to my new blog regarding any and all things ABWA!

Every couple of weeks I plan to post a message that I hope will be of value to you, our members, based on what I see happening in ABWA teams across the country. I hope you’ll engage me in conversation by commenting with your reactions and ideas.

We are getting such great participation at the district conferences. Plus, today’s Webinar will include more than 400 members at one time! That just shows me that the American Business Women’s Association is fulfilling a vital role in the lives of working women –one that provides a forum where we can come together and share our experiences and knowledge freely.

At the District III conference held last week in Itasca, Ill., we heard a dynamic speaker, Fausta Britton discuss the subject of emotional intelligence. While this wasn’t the first time I had attended a session on this subject — her message really struck a chord with me. Basically, someone with a well-evolved sense of emotional intelligence has learned to perceive, understand, reason with and manage their own feelings, emotions and responses to life’s challenges with grace and professionalism. All of which, affect our workplace (and ABWA team) environment, relationships and interactions.

Fausta explained that it’s not enough to win the job because of your stellar education, experience, job accomplishments and IQ; you have to keep the job by creating a positive culture – not being a “B” to those you work with. Easier said than done! I know that most of us (including me) have “lost it” at one time or another or have worked alongside people who, shall we say, didn’t play nicely with others, right?

With the recession still lingering in most areas of the country, and during this down time when downsizing is more the norm than the exception, improving one’s emotional intelligence in the workplace is not just a nice thing to do – members learned last week that it’s an important Business Strategy. It’s a strategy for personal survival in the workplace!

The good news is that emotional intelligence skills can be learned. Those who do will be healthier, less distracted and more productive in your job or your business. And, you will win a few friends and business contacts in the process!

If you missed this session last week, Fausta will be presenting again at the District V Conference in Indianapolis on April 30 -May1. To register, visit www.abwa.org – Until next time…

In professional sisterhood,

Rene’