Being a manager is a career while leadership is a calling - the first time I read this it made sense and lined up with something I've always believed which is that the best way to get the best out of others (especially your reports) is to be a PAL (Passionate Authentic Leader). Have you noticed that a lot of people mix up their use of "affect" and "effect"? They are actually 2 sides of the same word...affect is a verb while effect is noun. For this piece, I'll focus on effect because effects affect a lot. Let's start with the meaning of "effect": a "result: a change or changed state occurring as a direct result of action by somebody or something else"* or "power to influence: success in bringing about a change in somebody or something, or the ability to achieve this."* There are 6 things we need to watch closely - because they have a lasting effect on us and intentionally or unintentionally affect others too: |
A lot of us aspire to climb the corporate ladder and there's nothing wrong with that. There just a few things we need to learn about the ladder. 
2nd lesson: Doing is required. Ladders are stationary and cannot climb people - you know like our children climb us when they want to be carried or just played with. Just as no one can push you up the ladder, you need to get your hands out of your pocket on to the ladder. For those who may have gotten to the top in an "elevator" (or lift) e.g. by a parent, it is important to remember that what got you there will not keep you there. Each person has a part to play in their continued success.
Destination is the 4th lesson. Before you start climbing and as you climb, you need to have a fair idea of where you want to end up. Otherwise, you may spend (many) years in school or at job and never find fulfillment because you don't know where you're headed. Learn from the wisest man who ever lived - 
Growing others is something that happens mostly "in the dark" - just as seeds develop roots in the soil where it's dark. It also takes a lot of patience. Imagine what would happen if you plant then dig up the seed everyday to check if it's growing? It will die before it takes root. So growing or developing others does not need to be broadcast to others and requires quite a bit of patience. The growth will show from the quality of fruit your team members produce. 
"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership."
Be like the bird in flight . . . pausing a while on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, yet sings knowing yet, that she has wings.
A few weeks ago, my colleague and I were chatting and she was talking about the fact that there are some things are brought to her attention or meetings she's invited to where she knows little or nothing about the subject matter.
On the other hand, while it's ok not to know everything I believe that it is very important to know what you do know well.
“Eagles we see fly alone; and they are but sheep which always herd together”
If you look closely at the name of this blog you'll see EWE which stands for 2 things for me:
Part of the pressure of "having (& holding on to) it all" is the expectation of "who," more like "what," women need to become to get ahead in the Corporate world. The truth is no matter how high-paying or high-flying your job is, if you're not yourself, you can't be happy. 
Recently, I started reading an interesting book - actually, the title was interesting which was why I bought it: "The Life Ready Woman - Thriving in a Do-it all world."* I smiled when I got to page 36 where the same timeless question: "Can you have it all?" was posed. 
Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve. 
As you climb the
ladder of success, be sure it's leaning against the right building. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
A lot of times in Corporate circles, you hear the phrase "Short & Sweet." A lot of people, including me, like meetings, conferences and speeches that are "short & sweet" - yes, swift and straight to the point. When this topic came to me, it also hit me that a lot of people would want to apply this "short & sweet" phrase to many areas of life so I started asking if there were any areas where we should NOT use the phrase.
You may already know where I'm headed, if not, I'll try to be short & sweet about it. 
Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly. 
Mid last year, I found out that January is Mentoring month so I decided to start off the year with a related resolution. In fact, I made this resolution a few years ago - and took action and it has continued to pay off...in more ways than one. 
"Find a mentor early in your career and, 
