Gail Evans
Best-Selling Author & Speaker
Vision Builders
You must have a realistic picture of where you have been (complete with your successes) in order to move forward. Acknowledging your past and present successes will help you create and expand your vision.
Make a list of your accomplishments and skills at different ages, starting with your twenties.
- For example, “In my twenties, I was a salesperson for a publishing company and won a paid vacation as the top sales rep.” (accomplishment); “Good people skills enabled me to achieve this.” (skills).
- Read the list through and really recognize what you have accomplished and what skills you possess.
Read trade publications, blogs, websites and newspapers with an eye on women who have successfully created their career vision. Note how they’ve gotten there and what about their career appeals to you.
Be realistic in setting goals for yourself, but don’t feel that any goal is out of reach. Something that is not possible today may be your next step tomorrow.
Remember: The process is very exciting. It is essential for you to be flexible along the way, because your life circumstances may change and alter your goals.
Adapted from 'Our Power as Women' by Helene Lerner, Conari Press.
Must I Play Golf?
September 2011
Leadership is about being authentic. If you love to play golf, by all means do. But if you don’t, and that is true for many of us, the answer to the question is NO. What is important is that you find something you really feel passionate about. Look for something that is relevant to your career growth and pursue that. When you are doing something you love to do, you naturally feel good about yourself, and you are better able to project yourself as a leader. Here are some of the strategies that women need to follow to get ahead:
Have a Vision
We don’t hear women talking about their visions enough. Do you have one? If not, take the time to reflect on the big picture--what is needed in your business environment? And what is your vision for helping your company/industry getting there? Share this with others.
Use Power Words
We need to change our vocabulary and describe ourselves differently. If a male candidate is being considered for a job, he is probably called, “ambitious,” “driven,” or “strategic.” If a female candidate is described for the same job, she is likely referred to as “nice,” “cooperative,” or “hardworking.” Take the latter out of your vocabulary and start to describe yourself using the former.
Share Your Accomplishments
You are not exaggerating, you are just telling the truth. Don’t shy away from your power. Create a list of your achievements and take credit for them. Brag!
Cut Your Losses Quickly
Don’t dwell on past mistakes or a failed venture. Learn from it and move on quickly, and vow not to make the same mistakes again.
Networking is Natural
As women we network on a personal level—we get the right information to help our kids, members of our family, our friends, we even find out where to get that fabulous new bag. Shouldn’t career networking be just as easy?—we use the same skills. Hint: Have a two-line pitch of what you do and one accomplishment. Let people know your current title, too.
Get Contacts When You Travel
Waiting at airports and long plane rides are great opportunities to pick up valuable contacts. Use traveling time to add to your rolodex.
Change “I” to “We”
As women, we need to care about other women advancing, and not just be out for ourselves. If you don’t have an existing group of women you talk with regularly, create one. You will be able to get and give valuable feedback to others. By having these diverse views, you are more apt to have a broader perspective. Go out to lunch once a month and make the conversation 80% business.
Consider a Woman for the Job
Pay it forward for other women: act as a change agent. Choose the best person for the job, but make sure women are on the slate of candidates when you consider your professional or personal needs.
Don’t Gossip About Other Women
Stop yourself from chatting negatively about another woman. We need to stop the perception that when two women get together, there is no harmony. Instead, say something positive.
Strategies For Success: Hold to Your Vision
Strategies For Success: Skirt the Boundaries
Strategies For Success: Be True to Yourself
Strategies For Success: Grab the Reins of Power