Be Fearless!
The Journey: The Very Act of Leading, An Interview with Benita Fitzgerald Mosley
Early in Benita Fitzgerald Mosley’s tenure at WICT, she learned that the title of President and CEO didn’t necessarily make her a leader. “By taking on the mantle of a leader, and through the very act of leading, you become a leader.” By understanding that these qualities are not tied to the title, this revelation also taught her that leadership takes place at all levels of an organization. By incorporating the insights of those around her, WICT members, the WICT Board, the WICT staff, she was able to become a more strategic leader.
“Listening to input from many sources and synthesizing that input and developing it into a strategy makes for more effective leadership,” explained Mosley. “It’s best to do it in a way that doesn’t ask for permission and comes to the table with ideas of your own. A leader establishes her position but remains open to input, including differences of opinion. This will always lead to a better informed approach.”
Her decision to take on the new role of Chief of Sport Performance with USA Track and Field came after several years of contemplating what her next role might be. “While I didn’t know what the actual role might be, I had thought a lot about what it felt like.” Her non-profit experience with WICT felt right to her, as did the experience of leading an organization dedicated to developing people to reach their full potential. “As opportunities came to me, I was better able to evaluate them because I knew what that next opportunity felt like.”
Mosley advises assessing the aspects of your career journey that have excited you, stretched you and helped you reach a deeper level of satisfaction with your work. By building on those aspects, and determining what changes you are or aren’t willing to make (such as lattice moves versus promotions or a change in functional emphasis, departments, companies, locations, etc.) you will better recognize your next career move when it presents itself.
“Before an opportunity arises, imagine what your dream opportunity looks and feels like, and decide what you are willing to do and not do. When the opportunities arise, you will be in a better position to navigate them.”
Women Labor Force % vs. Corporate Officers
Women make up 59.6% of the labor force, yet make up less than 16% of corporate officers, a number that has declined since 2005:
Source: Data Catalyst, Fortune 500 companies.Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business.
Networking opportunities are sometimes serendipitous (being in the right place at the right time) but they are also a process that requires some thought to be truly effective. Here are a few of WICT’s top networking tips to create new connections:
1. Seek out new opportunities to meet people. Attend WICT and other professional programs that offer networking opportunities, but don’t overlook everyday opportunities to make connections.
2. Focus on quality instead of quantity. Develop deeper connections rather than many superficial ones.
3. Just do it. Reach beyond the people you already know and ask open-ended questions in networking conversations with new people.
4. Take advantage of summer hours to re-connect with old contacts and meet with new people.
5. Work on your personal brand by writing articles, creating a blog, or preparing speeches.
6. Re-evaluate your volunteer efforts with organizations.
7. Seek out speaking opportunities with networking organizations.
8. Focus on taking a new person to lunch each week.
9. Start Small. If the idea of networking is intimidating, begin by seeking out familiar faces.
10. Carry your business card with you wherever you go. If your company hasn’t printed one, print a personal card with your name, personal email and cell inexpensively from a local copy store.
11. Practice your elevator speech. Be able to introduce yourself, your role and your company in a memorable, concise way.
12. Speak to what distinguishes you from everyone else – a unique skill, a rare work experience, an unusual approach. Allow your new network to see why you are special.
13. Don't ask for anything but advice until you have developed a relationship.
14. Follow up selectively. Send a "nice to meet you" email and suggest meeting for coffee. But don't get overly hung up on any one particular contact.
15. Build authentic networking relationships by being genuine.
16. Hold volunteer positions in organizations, such as a committee or Chapter leader in WICT. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
17. Become known as a resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember you.
18. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.
19. Quickly and professionally, follow up with referrals provided to you. When someone shares a contact from their network, your professionalism is a reflection on them.
20. Gear up before networking. It’s easier to connect with new people if you have mentally geared up and have a few remarks prepared. Research attendees in advance so you have background information to begin a conversation with them.
Remember:
21. People enjoy talking about themselves. Ask them questions to get them started.22. People are flattered and more apt to be interested in you when you show an interest in them and their work. 23. Use Social Networking Tools with site like Facebook and Linked In. 24. If you feel hindered by approaching “strangers” redefine what it means to interact with "strangers."25. Take the initiative to approach others and share a piece of information that could reveal the common thread you share with them. 26. During conversations, listen carefully to discover shared interests or goals. 27. Say the person's name. People like to hear their own name and it will help you remember them next time you meet.28. “Ping” Your Network. Make a conscious effort to maintain some type of contact with each person at least a few times each year. 29. Take Risks. Overcoming any hesitation about introducing yourself to new people helps overcome that hesitation in future circumstances. 30. Most importantly – remember: You have something no one else can offer a new network – you!
Click to view the June, 2009 WICT Wire Newsletter.
Read about Ursula Burns, Xerox's historic incoming CEO, and other essential reads at WICT Clicks.
WICT Executive Development Seminar
Rancho Santa Fe, CASeptember 2009
June's tech tip is the definition of DOCSIS brought to us by Keely Buchanan.
DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is a standard interface for cable modems, the devices that handle incoming and outgoing data signals between a cable operator and a personal or business computer or television.