Posted by Shradha Balakrishnan on Wed, Feb 17, 2010
Guest post by Susan Liddy:
Are you a woman who leads? Whether it's managing a team at work, coaching the cheerleading squad, or running your own business... strong leaders have one thing in common. They know how to motivate other people to action!
When you think of women who lead, who comes to mind? Maybe Oprah Winfrey, Indira Ghandi, Margaret Thatcher... fearless females who stand out as championing a cause or motivating others for lasting change. What about people from your everyday life? We all know at least one woman who stands out as being an exceptional leader among her peers.
How about you... have you always wanted to lead a group? Maybe you already act as a leader in your own life and just need some reassurance that you're in the right role.
Here are some common traits of women who know how to take charge and empower others for success!
1. Women leaders are goal-oriented. The sole point of organizing a group of people is for a common purpose- a goal! To be a woman who knows how to move people to action means that you must be purpose-driven. Natural born leaders have both a long- and short-term vision for the future. What does the group intend to do? What steps need to be taken to get there? Put a strong leader in charge and you will quickly see change take place - starting with a goal.
2. Women leaders know how to communicate effectively. Great bosses, influential presidents, and even strong scout leaders know how to effectively motivate people through words and gestures. Not only are they good at saying what they mean, but strong leaders excel at speaking in front of a group. They know how to use both verbal and nonverbal skills to convey powerful, rousing emotions. And in the arena of interpersonal communication... strong leaders remain fair, impartial, positive and empowering when interacting with others.
3. Women leaders display high emotional intelligence. We spoke a bit about effective communication; strong leaders become this way because they have learned to rise above petty thoughts and steer clear of self defeating inner dialogue (coaches call this self talk). Maintaining high emotional intelligence means these women are more apt to remain cool and in control in a crisis; not let negative influences bring them down and not find themselves spinning in those self defeating cycles that so many of us find ourselves in. Instead, they empower their thoughts to achieve more in less time, to guide others to do the same and to get more accomplished using the people and resources available!
4. Women leaders know how to delegate. Weak leaders tend to micro-manage; that's when you assign a task to someone else but then, instead of trusting them to get the job done, focus all of your energy nitpicking and criticizing. A good leader puts her trusted team members to work so she can free up her time to make long-range plans for the future. The strong female in charge knows how important it is to have key people in her corner who are well suited to the jobs that she needs them to complete. This keeps her at the helm of the plan, focused on long range goals and ensuring that the group can continue to maximize productivity, stay motivated for the future and attain everything they set out to!
Finally, all great leaders understand how important life balance and self care is to achieving their goals, staying healthy and leading others effectively. Above all else, engaging in a healthy lifestyle and drawing a line between your work and personal life, is critical to becoming, and being, the best leader possible.
About the Author:
Life Coach Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC is the founder and CEO of AspireLifeCoaching.org, a life coaching company on a mission to empower women globally. Susan is the author of the "Secrets to Ultimate Living; What you wish you knew when you were 20!" and an active contributor to many blogs, including her own blog, SecretsToUltimateLiving.com.
Click here to get FREE access to Susan's Passages to Empowerment video series.
Posted by Lauren Travis on Mon, Jan 25, 2010
Here are a couple of great resolution suggestions from Jo Miller of Women's Leadership Coaching, and lead facilitator of FWL's 2010 Leadership Development Program. Registration for the program ends on February 16.
1. Become more influential
Build your ability to influence, persuade, and motivate others, regardless of whether you have a management job title. Influencing Without Authority>>
2. Seek management’s buy-in for a new idea
Take a great technical idea, and sell it to your senior management by partnering with others to build credibility. Selling your technical idea to management >>
3. Don’t let others steal your ideas
Pitch persuasive proposals, and pitch yourself too, to get credit for your work. Getting Credit for Your Ideas >>
4. Learn to delegate effectively
Manage the work performance of others, without hovering about like a micro-manager. How Do I Delegate without Micromanaging >>
5. Build an influential network
You don’t need to be a “shmoozer” to be a good networker, when you include these five key types of people. Five Key People You Need in Your Network >>
To see 5 more resolutions, visit
10 Resolutions Every Women Should Make. To learn more about the LDP and to register for the final information session on February 4, visit the
FWL Leadership Development Program homepage.
Posted by Lauren Travis on Fri, Nov 06, 2009
2010 is just around the corner. Have you begun setting your
intentions? A common goal for all of us is to live a little larger — personally
and professionally. How do we do
this? How do we expand our experience of life to be just a little more kick-ass
and enjoyable, in every department? Quite often, we think it is external stuff
and circumstances that need to be changed, tweaked or adjusted to improve our
levels of success and happiness. But the truth is, your true happiness in life
is all contingent on your own state of self-perception, self-esteem and
confidence. You can only achieve and receive that which you believe is
possible. Confident people love and believe in themselves, and so naturally expect and achieve it.
Believing in and 
loving yourself makes all the difference in
the world. You have to have confidence, self-love and high self-esteem to
achieve your dreams. You cannot receive success and abundance if you do not
believe it is possible for little ol’ you. You have to believe you deserve and are worthy of every
righteous desire of your heart. Everything and anything is possible for those
who believe in themselves!
How do you increase and improve your confidence,
self-esteem and self-love? Read the article The Importance of Self-Care and then attend Farzana Khan’s
seminar for Future Women Leaders on Cultivating Confidence and Self-Esteem, on
November 17th.
Excercpt from article The Importance of Self-Care:
So, I’ve been doing this life coaching thing for quite some time
now. What I’ve found to be very interesting with many of my clients,
who are stuck in a place of lack, pain and suffering, is that they are
totally lovely, kind, huggable and compassionate people. The problem,
most of the time, is that these wonderful folks give and give, but
never to themselves. They are kind and generous to everyone else, but
not to themselves. This is a very tricky situation. Because, until they
fully love and take care of themselves, what they put out is kinda
tainted. Like tainted meat, for example. It looks and tastes delicious.
But then later, the receiver gets food poisoning. Why? The meat was
tainted, poisoned. Why, how? Because the giver, on the inside, is
totally negative, poisoned. You cannot be poisonous/negative to
yourself and then expect the energy you put out to the Universe and to
others not to be infected – it’s the same stream of energy.
What am I getting at, you ask?
To read the rest of this article, visit Farzana's website:
http://www.farzomatic.com/2009/07/the-importance-of-self-care/
Posted by Shradha Balakrishnan on Thu, Sep 10, 2009
A guest post by Kathy Caprino:
Several months ago, I penned a cover article called "Women in Today's Workforce Have Unique Opportunities: A New Call to Action for Women - And Employers" for CA Employer, the monthly newsletter of Employers Group.
The article shares key findings from my national research study with working women about the 12 "hidden" crises they face today, along with eight recommended approaches for employers to take that will help women not only survive the current challenges they face, but thrive in their professional roles over the long arc of their careers. It's evident that women are not "men in skirts," and the current male competitive career model in place simply doesn't fit women, and never will. A fundamental change in the model and in our thinking is in order. We're on our way, but much more needs to be done.
My research has uncovered widespread feelings of disempowerment among women - in their relationship with themselves, others, the world and their "higher" selves, leading to 12 common crises. These crises are characterized by "I can't do this" thinking - a negative mantra and desperate cry for help.
Among the 12 hidden crises working women face today are:
- Suffering from chronic health problems
Failing health-a chronic illness or ailment-that won't respond to treatment
The mantra: "I can't resolve my health problems."
Contending with a crippling inability to speak up-unable to be an advocate for yourself or others, for fear of criticism, rejection, or punishment
The mantra: "I can't speak up without being punished."
- Facing abuse or mistreatment
Being treated badly, even intolerably, at work-and choosing to stay
The mantra: "I can't stop this cycle of mistreatment."
- Feeling trapped by financial fears
Remaining in a negative situation solely because of money
The mantra: "I can't get out of this financial trap."
- Wasting your real talents
Realizing your work no longer fits and desperately wanting to use your natural talents and abilities
The mantra: "I can't use my real talents."
- Struggling to balance life and work
Trying-and failing-to balance it all, and feeling like you're letting down who
and what matters most
The mantra: "I can't balance my life and work."
A professional crisis is telling you that change must occur - now. That doesn't mean it will be easy-most likely, it won't-but, one step at a time, breakdown can lead to a true "breakthrough" in how you live and work. Breaking through is a process-not a one-size-fits-all quick fix. Throughout that process, three steps are critical: Step Back - to gain an empowered perspective; Let Go - to release the thoughts and actions that keep you stuck; and Say Yes! - to yourself and your compelling visions of a life and career of passion, power, and purpose.
The recommendations I offer employers are powerful and effective in supporting women's needs and priorities, based on six years of research with professional women, as well as my coaching and seminar work with thousands of women in a wide range of fields and industries across the country.
I'd love to hear your views about this article, and my recommendations. Do your personal experiences match the crises and challenges I describe? And do you believe that the recommended initiatives would go the distance in helping you overcome your challenges effectively? What additional actions would you suggest employers take - specifically and tactically - to support women in overcoming the obstacles they face?
Please share your experiences and viewpoints here. Add your voice to the discussion, and your recommendations to the research. Diversity of thinking is vital today, as is an empowered, authentic, and contemporary dialogue about what career women are facing, and what is needed to support and enliven women.
Thank you speaking up, and sharing your voice in this powerful breakthrough movement for women.
Wishing you many happy breakthroughs,
Kathy Caprino
Kathy Caprino, MA, is a nationally-recognized women's work-life expert and author of Breakdown, Breakthrough: The Professional Woman's Guide to Claiming a Life of Passion, Power, and Purpose (Berrett-Koehler, 2008, www.breakdownbreakthrough.com). Founder and President of Ellia Communications, Inc. -- a career and work-life coaching and consulting company dedicated to helping women achieve breakthrough in life and work, Caprino is a trained psychotherapist, seasoned career and life coach, and sought-after writer and speaker on women's issues. She is a popular blogger on business, workplace, and career topics and trends, and as a top media source, she has appeared in more than 100 leading newspapers and magazines and on national television. Contact her at Kathy@elliacommunications.com.
Don't miss 'Break Through, Don't Break Down!' an interactive coaching seminar with Kathy on October 14 in San Francisco. Click here to register.
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Mon, Jul 13, 2009
This is a quick post, but one worth sharing with you. Leslie Stewart of Be Love Savvy is launching a success circle! The success cirlce will deliver not only coaching, but also positivity, support, and accountability. If you're desiring big results, set yourself up for success with focused time and an environment that will help you stay accountable and celebrate you along the way.
Leslie outlines the format of the group on her blog:
- Intimate group of 10 or fewer
- 2 Group Monthly Meetings: (1) Live in person the first Wednesday of each month, and (1) phone meeting3rd week of each month.
- MP3 audio recordings sent to your inbox in case you miss a meeting, and to further your learning.
- Coaching, regular learning topic, sharing, and accountability - all designed to keep you focused & moving.
- Some Fun and sass along the way ,of course.
Interested in learning more? Find out how to get involved here.
Leslie is also hosting an upcoming event for Future Women Leaders on Tuesday, 7/21 in downtown San Francsico. The topic will be "The 5 People You Surround Yourself With...". Register here!
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Mon, Jul 06, 2009
It takes as much energy to wish as it takes to plan.
- Eleanor Roosevelt.
So where do you start all planning processes? What steps should you take to turn your dreams of a life, career or business and make it happen? When do you know when to change what you've dreamed up to something better? Start here.
1. ASSESS WHERE YOU ARE & WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
You've heard it said many times, if you don't know where you are or where you want to go, you may end up living someone else's life. There are many free assessments on the web that you can complete that will help you assess your career or business. And if you want, create a Dream or Vision board to help you see into the future.
2. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Create a performance management process, dashboard, "whatever" to monitor your objectives and action plans. Make it work for you by creating it on paper, or in Excel, or use an online system or a mixture of those. Whatever will help you accomplish this task, do it. That's about 3 more hours or work to set yourself up for success.
3. GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR
Take what you created and start doing it. Then write down what you're doing to create a process you'll follow and tweak as you go along.
4. MONITOR YOUR RESULTS
Before you close down for the weekend, update your monitoring system. This is where you can relate your successes to your actions, and monitoring is usually motivating. For those times when you realize that something you're doing isn't working right, you go back to what you created and tweak it so that it is motivating the next time around.
5. GET YOURSELF ACCOUNTABILITY
There are many ways you can get monthly accountability, which really comes in handy. You can get it by means of attending a team meeting, meeting with your board of advisors, being part of a mastermind team or hiring a coach, to name a few, but whatever you decide to do, this is a very important step..
© 2009 Maria Marsala is a Strategic EduCoachTM, Speaker, Author, and former Wall Street Trader. She works with high-achieving women who own professional service businesses committed to doubling their profits, increasing their performance, and company value. Will you be next? Reach her at 425-440-9659 or on the web at www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com.
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Fri, Jun 26, 2009
Kirsten Mahoney, a frequent speaker for FWL and a featured leader on this blog, recently appeared on The View From The Bay speaking on the topic of getting your to do list done. Kirsten is chock full of great advice, so check out her tips below:
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Mon, Jun 22, 2009
:: Current title and company
Founder and president, Fearlessness Inc.
:: Online profiles
Follow Starla on Twitter
Join Starla on Facebook
Join Starla on LinkedIn
:: Favorite books?
Anything by Oscar Wilde - his humor, perspective and quotes are timeless ("Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.")
The Pearl by John Steinbeck - This short work is heartbreaking and encourages us to cherish what you have.
Let your Life Speak by Parker Palmer - His advice is soul-stirring. A must-read for those trying to find meaning in their career.
:: Who is a woman leader who inspires you?
She's not famous, but she inspires me everyday...my mom. She is resilient, grounded, wise, spiritual, pragmatic and in tune with herself and the world around her. Besides that, she is hilarious, absurd, and mischievous. She is completely unafraid to be who she is. She has taught me a lifetime of lessons - how to get up after being knocked down, how to laugh at myself, and to always find the good in people.
:: Who was your best manager? Why?
Maybe it was the world of finance, but I never worked for a woman I respected (sad to say, isn't it?).
My best manager was Ken Barnes aka The Pope. He sat about a foot away from me on the trading floor at Fannie Mae. He hired based on a person's potential, not whether they had done the job before. I managed a $35 billion portfolio and one of the best pieces of advice he gave me was, "When you make a mistake (and you will), be able to explain why you made it, what you're going to do about it and learn from it."
:: Your first "real" job?
International Marketing Analyst for Fannie Mae.
:: Where do you do your best thinking?
In the shower or talking with my husband.
:: What do you value most in employees? Colleagues?
Passion, originality, tenacity, conscientiousness, caring and a good sense of humor.
:: What would you like to be the world's best at?
Wife, daughter, friend, person on the street. Everyday, we have the ability to impact someone's life for better or worse. I believe that if each of us just tried to be fully present in our daily lives, the world would be a more positive place.
:: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Leaving a career that was "successful" for the uncertainty of creating my own company.
:: What is your personal mission statement?
I have learned that the only way I can make a positive impact is by being absolutely true to who I am. There is an e.e. cummings poem that says, "To be nobody but yourself in a world that's doing its best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.
Posted by Erin Colbert on Sun, Jun 14, 2009
Get a taste of this life changing bootcamp for women.
Host: Life Coach Susan Liddy
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Location: virtual meeting, phone & computer needed
Register online at http://aspirelifecoaching.org/cms/previewclass
Attention Ladies!
- If your self esteem could use a major boost...
- If you have goals yet fear is blocking you...
- If you feel generally "stuck" and can't seem to get moving...
Join Life Coach, Susan Liddy for this special preview class of her Passages to Empowerment Bootcamp.
Posted by Xuan Thu Pham on Tue, Mar 10, 2009
This week, I interviewed Penelope Trunk, CEO of Brazen Careerist as our guest for the Women's Leadership Blog. With a plethora of tips and advices for people at the intersection of work and life on the Internet, it is interesting to come across someone who adds her own little twist. Her say-it-like-it-is style and delight in sharing her life experiences and thoughts catalyzes an open dialogue in the Web community, particularly for those in Generation Y.
Listen to the interview below:
A short bio on Penelope:
She is the founder of 3 startups -- most recently, Brazen Careerist,
a web service to help companies find candidates. Her career advice
appears in more than 200 newspapers and magazines including Time magazine, San Francisco Chronicle and Boston Globe. In a review of this blog, Business Week and called Penelope's writing "poetic."