You Make It Look So Easy

Do you remember the last time you had to stand in front of a group of people and explain a concept or share an idea? Did your palms get sweaty? Did you have anxiety for hours, maybe days before, thinking about the humiliation you may be subjected to? Did you decide not to eat before the presentation in case you were not able to hold it down? It may sound ridiculous, but EVERYONE has had this experience one time or another. If they tell you they have not, then they have not been challenged enough.

I joined Toastmasters two years ago despite the fact that I had experience presenting in front of large groups of people. The first time I gave a speech to the 10 people in attendance, I was anxious and could barely concentrate until the 6-8 minute speech was done. The people in the room said, "You make it look so easy." Really? I was faking it the entire time! I was just hoping I remembered to keep my knees bent so I did not faint in front of these people. 

The truth is that no matter how many times you speak in front of people you get a little anxiety over the thought of forgetting a key point, mispronouncing a word, or absolutely becoming tongue tied. It is said that with practice comes perfection. The key is practice. There are several things I have learned from Toastmasters: draft it, write it, practice it, and then time it.

I can make it look easy. But easy is not the message I want portrayed. I want it to be heard not seen. If I am going to expend the time to craft a lofty vision or share an inspirational moment, then I want the words to be what people remember, not me sweating or passing out from the lack of oxygen. 

Hence, my tip of the day: Write the word "BREATHE" between paragraphs.  Then at least if you can not remember your key point, you will remember to get some air.

It's Been A Long Time

At a recent national conference, I learned that you are supposed to update your Google+ account. Then I was told at another presentation to make sure your LinkedIn profile was updated. At yet another meeting I heard that I need to check my privacy settings. During this infinite updating, I came across an annotation that I had a blog! Oh my, it has been a long time.

I started the blog as a principal of an elementary school. I saw it as a way to journal my experience as a principal. Interesting reading, but I am not sure if it was because I wrote it, or if truly is. Either way, the theme is the same for my blog...Leadership For Life. Now I am working for a nonprofit as a Vice President. The principal in me still comes out every once in a while, especially when I see coworkers running in the hall. When the fire alarms went off though, I was not for sure if it was a fire drill or a tornado drill. Do I exit the building or do I tuck myself against an interior wall? Wrong decision could be fatal.

Seems like many of the decisions I make in my current role still fall under the category of leadership. I continue to speak about leadership, but I have not made a deliberate attempt about blogging about it since 2013. Two years may seem like a long time, but in the fast paced and ever changing social media updates and profile changes and upgrades, it is a VERY long time. Hopefully, you won't have to wait another 2 years for a blog post.

Until the next time..

Life Long Learning aka Professional Development

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of up and coming women leaders.  These are women who are interested in expanding their leadership skills.  They come from every industry and every level of expertise.  The topic I shared with them was continuing professional development after the leadership course.

The concept of professional development is sometimes considered frivolous or extraneous to the work being done. In some arenas such as education, law, and health care, professional development is required in order to maintain certification.  In any case, professional development should be the personal acquirement of information, trends, and strategies to improve performance personally and professionally.  Ways to continue to learn are through workshops, training, professional associations and memberships, and reading.  Another way is through online networks such as LinkedIn that allow you to join groups.  

The challenge I put to the women was to identify one professional development goal.  It could be to read a professional book a month or a week.  The goal could be for a year or three years.  The final question posed, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Your professional development should lead you in this direction.  What goal have you written down today to help you acquire professional growth?

The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.  Rosalyn S. Yalow

Surviving Unfriendly Skies

One of the perks for work is getting to travel almost every other week.  I realize that not everyone considers this a perk, but for those of us who love avoiding cleaning their own houses or working every day in an office, it is a perk.  I admit that some travel days are better than others.  That is why I am writing today.  Today, April Fool’s Day, has not been the best travel experience of my life.  I have to write about it though just so I can remember the good points about travel.

Many travelers will tell you to expect delays in airports, so I try to come prepared.  One magazine, one book, Smartphone, and tablet and I am prepped with reading material.  When they say "all electronics must be turned off," I am ready with another option.   I have learned also to remember the charging cord and not pack it in my luggage that usually has to be stored under the cabin because we fly on small planes.  One of the best airports I have found for recharging your devices is Minneapolis.  The airport I was stuck in today had very few outlets once you pass security, so make sure you charge your things before you go.  I also learned of a backpack that charges your electronics on the go.  http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/powerbag_charging_backpack_review

I believe in packing light.  My version of packing light is typically not the same as others.  One person's "must have" item may not be another's.  For me, toothbrush, underwear, socks, and a sweatshirt are the items to not forget.  I can always shop for the other stuff.  Today I chose not to check my luggage.  With all the cancellations and changes in flights I was glad to have a small suitcase.  Going overseas requires a whole different strategy but in the US you can typically get away with a small suitcase.  I found a resource for packing at http://corporette.com/2010/07/12/how-to-plan-for-your-first-business-trip/.

Remember to bring your smile.  I was beyond frustrated today and posted a few things on social media about the airline.  (@heusera)  I will be sure to compliment the pilot and flight attendants though.  The delays are usually not their fault.  The pilot attempted to make us laugh.  One passenger was very "short" with the flight attendant.  I wonder if she realized that the flight attendant has the power to remove her from the flight and delay her longer.  The power of a smile or a tasteful joke can reduce tensions on a plane.  After all, you do have to be thousands of feet above ground with these people in an enclosed capsule.

The April Fool’s Day may have been a test on how well I can handle stress.  I think the airlines should consider giving us double points on days like these where your flights are cancelled or delayed continuously.  But then again today's adventure gave me something to write and now I can concentrate on what needs to get done when I finally arrive at my destination.  Just remember to plan for the unexpected and smile!

Communicating through Action

Recently, I traveled to Nicaragua with Habitat for Humanity International Global Village Build Louder.  My expectations were to work on homes, advocate for housing policy, and get to know new people from Nicaragua and the other 12 individuals from the US who also went.  What I gained and learned was that and so much more.

Providing housing for individuals who have gone from a makeshift home of corrugated sheet metal and whatever items look like they could serve as a wall to a concrete block home as seen in these two pictures was definitely inspiring.  The main purpose of the trip was to build and work on homes.

What I learned is that these extremely poor individuals (living on less than $150 per month) have ingenuity and adaptability beyond what I could conceive.  And the end result...individuals incredibly gracious and visibly committed to improving their communities.  What was even more amazing was that even though I can not speak their primary language of Spanish very well (muy mal), the smiles on the children and adults' faces was universally communicated.

As we moved from home to home, the 15 individuals with whom I shared this journey taught me even more about communication.  Despite the fact that we had varying degrees of Spanish speaking skills, we were able to communicate with each other on several levels.  We did not all agree on every policy solutions for making changes in the communities, but we never disrespected one another's opinions.  We each came from diverse backgrounds and experiences that provided different perspectives and approaches.  When we reflected on our days on the sites and after visiting with policy makers and organizations, we shared our interpretation of the events that unfolded.  Like the professional photographer who captures perspective based on positioning of the camera and himself, we all saw things from different lenses.  Hearing how each individual comprehended the information or engaged in a moment with a child or a home owner gave us an opportunity to see a larger picture than just what our personal experience was.

Communication was a key component of our trip.  We talked with home owners, Habitat for Humanity employees, government officials, nonprofit organizations, and many others through the best language skills we knew.  The most important form of communication was through the nonverbal: smiles, gestures, and dancing.  (Yes, we even squeezed in a flash mob!) My expectations were surpassed, but more importantly I learned that communicating through action exemplifies the saying, "Actions speak louder than words."

'Tis the Season

Have you noticed the stores, commercials, and yes, your neighbor's house yet?  Is it really almost the end of 2012?!? I recently received my first 2013 calendar and planner.  http://www.barbourbooks.com/product/For-Each-New-Day-2013-Planner,9373.aspx?Tab=Books&sj=749 

Inside it has pages for writing monthly goals.  I started to ask myself, "What were my 2012 goals?"  Strategic planners will review their goals periodically and determine if the goal is met, continued, or no longer needed.  Here is my personal strategic plan:

• Goal 1.0:  Pay off debt...well, it depends on which debt you are asking about?  How about consolidating debt to pay less fees?  I feel I am making good progress on this goal, but I most likely will need to continue it for 2013, unless that winning lottery ticket ends up in my stocking.  Next step...identify strategies to work to complete this goal. http://www.daveramsey.com/home/
• Goal 2.0:  Lose weight...I know EVERYONE has this as a goal.  But I seriously needed to take a look at not only my eating habits, but also my stress level and exercise regime.  I think I started five different diets this year and only found one successful.  It happened to be the one that made the most sense:  QUIT EATING! I reduced my calorie intake, and increased my exercise.  Woo Hoo! 15 POUNDS DOWN!  Stress level was reduced when I started saying "no" even though I do not like to use that word.  Next step...increase and change up exercise routine and quit worrying about what I cannot control. http://www.raystrand.com/
• Goal 3.0:  Focus on being positive...It may sound cliche or corny, but it is so easy in today's world to get caught up in negativity.  Surrounding myself with positive people has been a more difficult task than I though it would be.  I am going to church again, spending time with old friends I lost touch with, and taking time to read good books and the GOOD BOOK.  http://fountainspringschurch.com/

I don't think any of these goals are fully achieved.  I believe I need to evaluate the strategies and assign measurable benchmarks.  That means another goal...GOAL 4.0...Write out my strategic plan for 2013.  And one must remember when reviewing goals and targets: 

It's Been a Long Time

It has been a while since I have blogged.  It seems that life continues to move forward and I am running to keep up...or getting left behind.  It is a matter of the glass being half empty or half full, or just needing to put it in the dishwasher!  

I was encouraged to return to school to get my 6 Sigma certification at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  Woo Hoo!  Frat parties, football games, and club sports...that's all I need to spice up my life.  Actually, I haven't seen one frat party, let alone a football game.  How on earth did I study when I had two kids and completing my degrees? I was even working full time then.  

But I am in a class that requires group work.  There is a group of young men from the Industrial Engineering Department who have graciously allowed this woman...who just happens to be old enough to be their mother...into their group.

A lot of people ask what 6 Sigma is.  Click here: What is Six Sigma? 

I think the thought provoking question is Why do I need a certification? Although I can take pride in the work I do, sometimes it takes certifications to be considered "credible."  In South Dakota, it seems that you have to live outside of the state to be credible.  However, I am thinking, why NOT get certified (versus certifiable)?!?

As I watched a movie the other night, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the character, Sonny, repeatedly states: Everything will be alright in the end... if it's not alright then it's not the end.  So despite the challenge of returning to school, I guess for me it is all about making sure that everything turns out alright, certificate in hand!