The Real Deal: Success for Women in Business
The Real Deal discusses the issues of concern to women so they can be successful in business. This includes communication skills, support from others, staying motivated, and balancing it all. This blog is about getting what you want and keeping it real.
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ArchivesLadies, Just Say "No!" (Here's How)
July 22, 2008, 2:10 PM
Picture this. You are a consultant and your most important customer offers you a deal. Instead of consulting, she wants you to work full time as an employee. There’s just one problem. Your hourly rate would go down dramatically. Actually, there is more than just one problem. There are no health care benefits, either. Another problem is that a full time, lower paid job means no time for other work. Sounds like a quick “no,” right? Wrong. The other real problem is that you are having a tough time saying “no.” ...
What Did You Say?
July 15, 2008, 8:30 AM
If you were angry with a person, do you think that person would understand that you were hot and bothered? It’s not as simple a question as it seems. There are so many different forms of communication in business today. From the telephone, to email, to voicemail, to letters, there are a lot of ways to communicate today. That means there are a lot of ways to get it wrong. I was thinking about how effective we are at communicating to the people we work with what we really mean. I’m thinking that we really don’t communicate very well—or as ...
Chief Emotional Officer: A New Role for Women In Business
July 08, 2008, 12:35 PM
The next time you’re in a state of disbelief—or shock—over the business crises that are quickly erupting around you, ask yourself what your mother would do. Apparently, women have a unique skill in business according to one business expert. As a biased professional, I also agree. Avoiding crises and dealing with them is a skill that women execute very well. Nigel Nicholson is a professor of organizational behavior at London Business School. He knows a great deal about business crises and conflict in business, especially family businesses. How does he know? He wrote a book about it. It’s called Family ...
The Long Line
June 30, 2008, 10:20 AM
Benjamin Zinder is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. He’s a magical man. He delivered a presentation at the TED conference. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. (www.Ted.com) It’s a conference that brings together people from those three worlds and has them speak about their passion. Zinder’s passion is classical music. His message was about the power of classical music. What’s this have to do with women and business? Everything.
Are You Managing Your Manager?
June 25, 2008, 4:05 PM
Would you say that your work would be a whole lot easier if only your boss was different? Based on a recent conference presentation I delivered, called Managing Your Manger, there are a lot of you who share this feeling. The bad news is that for most people you don't get to choose your manager. The good news is that you can do something to build a more productive and less stressful working relationship with your manager.
What Goes Around
June 19, 2008, 4:35 PM
What would you do if a manager you worked with (not for) was a master of taking credit for other people's work? What would you do if this person's main participation in groups was arrogantly criticizing other people's work? If that weren't enough, this person also makes demands of other staff and other departments without any regard for their deadlines and commitments. What if this manager recently got a big promotion? How angry are you? Probably pretty angry. Now, what will you do about it? You may be thinking about making this person look bad—or maybe something worse. Here's what ...
Business Backbone (and Support)
June 10, 2008, 8:45 PM
Albert Camus once said, “Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” It’s so important to have friends at work who will stand with you when you need them. Here’s what I mean.
Move Your Career into the Fast Lane
June 04, 2008, 4:00 PM
Look around your business at the women who get ahead quickly in business. Do you notice anything that makes them different from other women? I’ve noticed that they rarely make their ascent by themselves. If you look at their strategy (and they certainly have one to get ahead) there often is a mentor who has guided them on the best and fastest trajectory to get ahead. You may not have thought to look for a mentor at work. If you want to move your career ahead faster, I suggest you do.
Women: Learn to Stick Your Neck Out at Work
May 28, 2008, 5:50 PM
I just saw Charlie Wilson's War. (I know it's been out forever, but I'm slow to get to the movies.) I loved the movie and thought about how Charlie did so well in Congress. He had a great strategy that works well for women in business, too.
Buzz: It’s Not Just for Bees Anymore
May 21, 2008, 3:45 PM
Do you ever wonder how management selects the people to promote? You may say job skills are what get some people their promotions. I say that’s just part of the formula. You want to predict the next person to be promoted? Just listen for buzz.
Latest Comments in The Real Deal: Success for Women in Business posts
Sounds as if you heard some wonderful memories that you'll cherish forever. I find that the older I get, the more these memories mean to me. I'll let you know which ones I create with my dad in a few weeks. Thanks for writing.
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
The Long Line
Maura ...
it is good for mothers that there are ways to earn money
http://www.serioushomebasedbusiness.com/ ...
By: Yongqiang xie
on
Chief Emotional Officer: A New Role for Women In Business
http://www.serioushomebasedbusiness.com/ ...
Clinton is No Role Model for Women Seeking Office
http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/kellerman/2008/06/clinton_as_role_model_not.html
According to a recent poll, some 69 % of the American people think Hillary Clinton?s run for the White House will make it easier for other women to follow her famous footsteps. Well, some 69% of the American people think wrong.
I thank you
Firozali A. Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa
...
By: Firozali A Mulla MBA PhD
on
The Long Line
http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/kellerman/2008/06/clinton_as_role_model_not.html
According to a recent poll, some 69 % of the American people think Hillary Clinton?s run for the White House will make it easier for other women to follow her famous footsteps. Well, some 69% of the American people think wrong.
I thank you
Firozali A. Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa
...
The Long Line
Mauara
I want you read the Harvard Business Review where one professor at this time when Hillary was vying for the election has written about the women failures. To him, the women ought to stay at home and cook food and look after the children. Before you post this comment check HBR . May 2008.
I thank you
Firozali A. Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa
...
By: Firozali A Mulla MBA PhD
on
The Long Line
Mauara
I want you read the Harvard Business Review where one professor at this time when Hillary was vying for the election has written about the women failures. To him, the women ought to stay at home and cook food and look after the children. Before you post this comment check HBR . May 2008.
I thank you
Firozali A. Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa
...
What a great thing that you realize you need to take time and spend with your father. It's so easy for us all to say, "I'll do it tomorrow," but tomorrow never comes. Our parents and other older relatives are here but only for a short while, and we need to relish in their history. It's where we all came from. I remember talking with my grandfather many times about his youth and his blue eyes would just light up! He loved telling the story of when the "coppers" as he called them back then, mistook him for Clyde Barrow of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde and chased him! So much history and so many stories, it's sad that it takes us all to get a bit older before we take advantage of learning more about them and what they went through growing up. You can't get a better lesson in life. I used to take my kids down to the VA Hospital and they would be in total amazement as some of the patients shared their stories. That's a great outing for them, you, and your kids! Have fun, unplug, and enjoy your Dad!!!
By: Kay
on
The Long Line
Yes, rapport is a very powerful tool. What happens is that when you skillfully build rapport, people feel comfortable with you and like you. If you want to learn more about how to build rapport, you can listen to my audio on the Secrets of Persuasion at www.Bestatselling.com. You're absolutely right about the effects of building rapport. Rapport makes working with others SO much easier.
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Are You Managing Your Manager?
In an effort to build rapport, an old trick can also be used. You spoke briefly about changing a behavior to match your bosses. It has been tested and proven that for any relationship if you mimic their actions, they will feel more at ease. Of course, I am not saying to totally copy everything they do! You can do subtle things...if they lean back in their chair, you lean back in yours. If they sit up or lean forward, you follow suit. You must do it in a way that is not obvious to them, but its body language that is the cue here, and without realizing why your boss will become more comfortable with you, which leads to a better working relationship. It also works on personal relationships as well. Give it a try!
By: Kim Shuford
on
Are You Managing Your Manager?
Michelle,
Yes, you're absolutely right. With technology today, there's not reason that you have to limit yourself to a local mentor. There are also many ways that work. Some for some people and some for others. I'm delighted that simply asking worked for you. I suspect you already knew these people that you asked. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Regards,
Maura ...
By: Maura Shreier-Fleming
on
Move Your Career into the Fast Lane
Yes, you're absolutely right. With technology today, there's not reason that you have to limit yourself to a local mentor. There are also many ways that work. Some for some people and some for others. I'm delighted that simply asking worked for you. I suspect you already knew these people that you asked. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Regards,
Maura ...
Love the tips. I have to disagree when it comes to the "ask someone to lunch" approach. Many of my mentors live many states away...lunch would need to be via Skype. I have several female mentors and the ones who did decide to help me early on were the ones I asked directly to help me...
Michelle
www.linkedin.com/in/michelebiggs ...
By: misbiggs@yahoo.com
on
Move Your Career into the Fast Lane
Michelle
www.linkedin.com/in/michelebiggs ...
Kim,
You've just hit on a very important stress reduction strategy. The only thing you can control is your response to others. I know how hard that can be at times! We should all strive to reduce the stress we create for ourselves!
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Magician at Work
You've just hit on a very important stress reduction strategy. The only thing you can control is your response to others. I know how hard that can be at times! We should all strive to reduce the stress we create for ourselves!
Maura ...
Rebecca,
I only wish I had known about this earlier in my career! I am coaching other business professionals now and I make sure they know how to manage their time--and manage their manager. I think it's mostly from a perspective that workers think they cannot say anything. In fact, if the worker explains why (using "because" makes it more persuasive) the worker can often manage the situation much more productively. Thanks for writing.
Regards,
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Too Much at the Business Buffet
I only wish I had known about this earlier in my career! I am coaching other business professionals now and I make sure they know how to manage their time--and manage their manager. I think it's mostly from a perspective that workers think they cannot say anything. In fact, if the worker explains why (using "because" makes it more persuasive) the worker can often manage the situation much more productively. Thanks for writing.
Regards,
Maura ...
I have never heard it put that way, but I guess that's exactly what it is! I have been on both sides of that one. I have been the one that had the great ideas and the one on the other side that wanted to leave it the way it was. I can honestly say I am a dreamer. I take on projects and the next thing you know, they are bigger and bigger, but...they are better and better as well. I think there is a happy medium between the two. Some ideas just need a little more to make a more profound point. Others are perfect the way they are and adding something else really takes away from them. So all the creepers out there, beware and make sure your project is worth adding to. And by all means, let your boss know how much of an impact of time these changes will make on the project!
By: Kim Shuford
on
Too Much at the Business Buffet
If can give me some necssary information your produts.
By: kinda jeanbaptiste
on
Too Much at the Business Buffet
Great advice Maura. I am always amazed how many managers and supervisors I work with who don't think of doing what you did when you told your boss the project had grown. Telling a boss the real scope of what you are working on will only help the relationship. You are not just saying no, you need to say why.
By: Rebecca Mazin
on
Too Much at the Business Buffet
Great analogy of what it takes to survive in a hectic position. She handled things with grace, it seems. I did event planning for a while and it is without a doubt nerve racking and frustrating, but rewarding at the same time. It's true that all of this spills into your job, no matter what it is. There are always things that will go wrong. It's how you handle them that will make you appear the magician. Don't dwell on the things you have no control over, and be prepared. And, don't underestimate yourself. Just today, I had a client close on the purchase of their first home. I had done my due diligence and given them all the information they needed, but the Realtor called and just said a few little things and the next thing I knew, I was second guessing my own work. Did I give them all the information they needed? Did the costs come out the way we had planned? I ended up thinking I needed to call my client back even though I knew I was being crazy! My client ended up calling me to ask a very simple question. Once I answered, I asked her if she was excited and if everything was as she had expected. Much to my relief, she and her husband were both ecstatic and thrilled at the outcome. So, I was my own worst enemy because of something that someone else said that I shouldn't have even paid attention to. I can't stop people from trying to cause trouble and play a negative game, but I can stop how I react to them and quit second guessing myself.
By: Kim Shuford
on
Magician at Work
How right you are! I have volunteered numerous times and it seems that is all I end up doing. By the time the phone calls are made and the plans are put together, my work ends up slipping. I have had to do a moratorium on volunteer work, just for now. (I say this as I am planning to open my own non-profit soon.) There is a very thin line between work and volunteering and the only difference, if you have the right job, is the pay. It's great if you can afford the time and money and I would definitely recommend it to everyone at one point in time or another, but learning to say "no" can be the hardest lesson learned. It's good that you put the brakes on and realized that you were not a bad person for not being able to be there at their beck and call. That's how they got me too!
By: Kim Shuford
on
Get Rid of What Ails You
Kay,
I'm all for open door provided that there's also a time for a closed door. If the open door becomes a revolving door and there's no time to get work done, that's a problem. I'm all for putting some sort of a sign on your door that indicates it's ok to come in. Even better, let people know that when you need to concentrate the door is closed. Other times it's ok to walk in. If what you're doing is working, then keep on doing it. If not, you'll have to create a boundary like closing the door.
Good luck!
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
It’s Nice to be Important but Is It Important to Be Nice?
I'm all for open door provided that there's also a time for a closed door. If the open door becomes a revolving door and there's no time to get work done, that's a problem. I'm all for putting some sort of a sign on your door that indicates it's ok to come in. Even better, let people know that when you need to concentrate the door is closed. Other times it's ok to walk in. If what you're doing is working, then keep on doing it. If not, you'll have to create a boundary like closing the door.
Good luck!
Maura ...
Pat,
You've hit it on the head. I think Clinton didn't know her customer when she tried to make the sale. Your ideas are exactly what she should have considered. After all, what executive-male or female --wouldn't want to remove bottlenecks. If she could do that she would have everyone's vote. Too bad she didn't implement a better strategy.
Regards,
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Why Hillary Isn't Selling to Executive Women
You've hit it on the head. I think Clinton didn't know her customer when she tried to make the sale. Your ideas are exactly what she should have considered. After all, what executive-male or female --wouldn't want to remove bottlenecks. If she could do that she would have everyone's vote. Too bad she didn't implement a better strategy.
Regards,
Maura ...
Pat,
I'm glad you commented. I think both sides are the Emperors who have no clothes. Obama and hope? Come on. You don't sit in a pew for 20 years and listen to that vitriol without condoning it. I've got less hope now knowing that he didn't know about Rezko's lack of business ethics and now wants to avoid any more debates with Clinton. I'm thinking his charisma was little more than our hope in his being a decent guy. Forget it. If this is the first time his wife is proud of this country, we've got nothing to hope for with him as a leader. And thinking about that furniture makes my stomach turn. I can't wait for the super delegates to make up their minds. It's not going to be pretty.
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Hillary’s Doing it Wrong and You Can Do it Right in Business
I'm glad you commented. I think both sides are the Emperors who have no clothes. Obama and hope? Come on. You don't sit in a pew for 20 years and listen to that vitriol without condoning it. I've got less hope now knowing that he didn't know about Rezko's lack of business ethics and now wants to avoid any more debates with Clinton. I'm thinking his charisma was little more than our hope in his being a decent guy. Forget it. If this is the first time his wife is proud of this country, we've got nothing to hope for with him as a leader. And thinking about that furniture makes my stomach turn. I can't wait for the super delegates to make up their minds. It's not going to be pretty.
Maura ...
Kim,
I think you're right. Obama is a master at playing at emotions. I'm thinking though that his recent disasters are coming home to roost. His actions are starting to impact the same emotions--hope, getting along, liking someone--that he got people to feel. Reverend Wright obviously doesn't like a lot of people and things. That derailed the Obama train. I wonder if it will get back on track or not. Stay tuned.
Regards,
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Hillary’s Doing it Wrong and You Can Do it Right in Business
I think you're right. Obama is a master at playing at emotions. I'm thinking though that his recent disasters are coming home to roost. His actions are starting to impact the same emotions--hope, getting along, liking someone--that he got people to feel. Reverend Wright obviously doesn't like a lot of people and things. That derailed the Obama train. I wonder if it will get back on track or not. Stay tuned.
Regards,
Maura ...
Kim,
You are so right. Listening to these toxic "negative" people is destructive. I'm vigilant about changing the subject quickly. I've found over the years that it's impossible to change their attitude. I don't even try anymore. I just don't want to catch the disease, so I quickly change topics. It seems to work. Also, one thing I've learned in business. Things always turn around. I was in the oil business in the 70s, the crash in the 80s and now the highs. I've survived. So will you. Good luck.
Maura ...
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Out of Control
You are so right. Listening to these toxic "negative" people is destructive. I'm vigilant about changing the subject quickly. I've found over the years that it's impossible to change their attitude. I don't even try anymore. I just don't want to catch the disease, so I quickly change topics. It seems to work. Also, one thing I've learned in business. Things always turn around. I was in the oil business in the 70s, the crash in the 80s and now the highs. I've survived. So will you. Good luck.
Maura ...
Lori,
It's always so nice to hear from people who read what I write. I enjoyed your compliment and it was after a day of computer problems. So you have to know that your compliment made MY day!!! Thanks so much for writing. I needed the compliment today.
Regards,
Maura ...
By: Maura Shreier-Fleming
on
Can You Make Verbal Sunshine?
It's always so nice to hear from people who read what I write. I enjoyed your compliment and it was after a day of computer problems. So you have to know that your compliment made MY day!!! Thanks so much for writing. I needed the compliment today.
Regards,
Maura ...
Nicky,
It's so nice to hear from someone who cares about making others feel good at work. It's great you're doing this with 20 somethings. They really get this concept--in fact they demand it. More power to them and you for fulfilling this powerful work requirement. Sounds like your workplace is a very special place and I'll bet people want to come to work each day. Congratulations!
By: Maura Shreier-Fleming
on
Can You Make Verbal Sunshine?
It's so nice to hear from someone who cares about making others feel good at work. It's great you're doing this with 20 somethings. They really get this concept--in fact they demand it. More power to them and you for fulfilling this powerful work requirement. Sounds like your workplace is a very special place and I'll bet people want to come to work each day. Congratulations!
Maura, I have just found your column and love it. Yes, compliments may seem trivial to some, but may stick with someone for years into the future. You never know what sort of an impact you can make on a teammate, employee, vendor, or other co-worker with a thoughful, specific compliment. Thanks for reminding us all.
By: Lori Richardson
on
Can You Make Verbal Sunshine?
This is fantastic advice Maura! We have a lively office of 20 - 30 somethings and negative comments penetrate deeply. We collectively try hard to inspire, compliment and praise one another. It makes for a great working environment with a strong team spirit. For Valentine's Day we ran a special staff meeting we called 'Love your Workmate'. This involved passing around slips of paper belonging to each person and writing on the paper what we loved about working with that person. It was a fun way to appreciate each other's strengths.
By: Nicky Jurd
on
Can You Make Verbal Sunshine?
I cannot tell you the amount of deals on both sides that I have had over the last 10 years in the mortgage business. Especially now with all the changes in the market; it makes it increasingly hard to get deals closed. I try to stay on the positive side and have told my clients when it didn't work out that there was a better opportunity around the corner. My problem comes in when I keep hearing all the negativity that is surrounding this business right now. We lost deals before the market turned down, what makes those negative talkers think that we won't lose deals now? It can ruin your day when you get stuck on the phone with a client or Realtor that is having a pity party. I just want to hang up!! Instead, I try to swing them to the positive side and quickly get off the phone as politely as I can. (And remember the Serenity Prayer!) ...
By: Kim Shuford
on
Out of Control
You hit the nail on the head on this one! The commercials, the speeches, they all play on everyone's emotions and make you feel how wonderful it would be to have a united country all working for the same thing. Even though it will never come true, the fantasy of it is working for him. And then there is Hillary. You fall asleep listening to her after all the fanfare of the "Obama Team". I for one would love to see all of Congress working together to fulfill a need for our country, but the fact is they never have and they never will. It is split into sides and they fight it out, unfortunately in front of the press most of the time. But who would have ever thought a man that literally came out of nowhere would be the front runner for the most prestigious position in our country? That's what the fantasy brings. It will be a shame when America wakes up and realizes it was, in fact, only a fantasy. But what a salesman!
By: Kim Shuford
on
Hillary’s Doing it Wrong and You Can Do it Right in Business
There is little doubt that Obama has charisma on his side; Bill Clinton did also in 1992 which barely yielded him the election, but he was Governor 5 x first. In any business, inspiration is critical to action. Hillary has a paid for building full of furniture with few employees. Obama has leased a building with no furniture but many employees, and expects to build his business on taxpayer dollars. Who has the better prospects: Amazon or MA and Pop's store? Inspiration is great but doesn't pay the bills.
By: Pat
on
Hillary’s Doing it Wrong and You Can Do it Right in Business
Guess Hillary thought that highly educated women in business would be aware of the bottle necks that no women in Government creates. It's too bad she wasn't more careful in her communications with executive women to explain what a woman in the White House could do for them, in reducing those bottlenecks. Or perhaps, Executive has tunnel vision, and are insufficiently aware of the problems of women being elected in legislatures across the country through which their employers arrange to get those tax credits and subsidies in order to hire them. Streamlined communications would definitely prove to be advantageous to women in understanding that decisions are often timely and subject to a variety of strategic and tactical political pressures that must be managed within the context of organizational behavior. Perhaps Executive Women give up on Hillary too easily, interpreting lack of decision making as lack of commitment.
By: Pat
on
Why Hillary Isn't Selling to Executive Women
I totally agree that it is better to be nice, especially if you are in a position of power. The second manager sure knew how to start off with his new employees. I think managers should always have an open door policy where employees can come speak with them about ideas or problems without feeling as if they will be betrayed or belittled. What do you think of an open door policy? Do you think there should be a strict way that this is handled?
By: Kay
on
It’s Nice to be Important but Is It Important to Be Nice?
So true!
By: leslie
on
What’s with All the Boobs?
Unfortunately there are too many of these types in the workplace. We've all seen them. They're often the ones that kiss up and kick down.
By: Leslie
on
Would Have Been Nice to Know That
Oh, so true, so true! I have been one of those workers in the past that just did my job and thought that was good enough. What happened? I was a fall guy. It was an infuriating ordeal to go through to say the least. One thing I have noticed though is that it is not just in the workplace. It is in everyday life as well. People have things to do and don't get them done because "Bill" interrupted and caused problems, or it's "Betty's" fault that I didn't finish the job. I know someone like that and it is so aggravating when it is always someone else's fault. He complains all the time about this and so I started paying attention to what he did at work, and it was the same thing. Someone else where he works that I know confided this in me. So, for those people, the blamers, it really is a way of life. In all areas of life it is always someone else's fault. I wonder if they had a parent that did that or if they just realized when they were young that by blaming someone else it kept them out of trouble. Which ever the case, beware! They are aggravating, but they usually line up their fall guys pretty well so you literally need to stay a step ahead of them and make sure others know about your work.
By: Kim Shuford
on
Would Have Been Nice to Know That
Sounds to me like this person is trying to cover herself. However, she's making it worse for herself. I've worked for some great people and I've worked for some horrors. One of the worst I worked for finally was found out. She was VP of Marketing and was having an affair with the VP of Sales. I know for sure because I was Sr. Director of Mktg and needed to meet with her on something. She told me she couldn't do it because she had to leave right on time because she hadn't seen her kids much lately because of work. I accidentally sprained my ankle horribly that night and couldn't meet her the next morning in the field. I called her home in the morning and her daughter said "Mommy is not here because she had to work late last night and couldn't come home". Although rumors had been swirling, I kept my mouth shut. She knew I knew and ultimately sabotaged me, but I was thrilled to hear that shortly thereafter the wife of the VP of Sales came into the office and very loudly let her have it. Unfortunately, you also have some very incompetent people (she was horrible) who are wonderful at playing the politics. Ultimately, the VP of Sales was pushed out and she stayed, but I ultimately heard her career was hurt as marketing became more sophisticated and she couldn't hack it.
By: Leslie
on
Smart Guys Finish Last
You're really right to bring up the security issue. Very important.
By: Leslie
on
Do you answer the door?
I work out of my home on most days and it can be quite interruptive to have knocks on the door, but I agree with you on the lying. I would simply tell them I am busy working or not answer the door altogether. Security is another factor. We all tend to think that bad things happen at night under the cover of darkness, this is not true. Crimes happen at all times of the day and stay at home professionals are at risk. Positions at offices are not as apt to get targeted due to someone being within earshot. Stay at home workers can be thrown off their guard if they are busy or on the phone and simply not take any precautions and instinctively open the door to see who so rudely broke their concentration. Always beware if you are not expecting someone and don't just open the door because this is your "place of business" and it?s in the middle of the day. Chances are on most streets there is no one who would hear or see anything. All it takes for a criminal to gain access is for you to let your guard down and open that door just an inch or two and BAM!, they are in. I have a very trusting tendency and as such have left my door open on occasion with the storm door shut and locked. One day when I was expecting one of my employees to stop by, I left it unlocked. I was in my office, walked around the corner towards the door and there was a huge man standing in my front doorway, which was not my employee! Luckily for me he was a sales person that I had previously talked to and not met that had stopped by to bring me some information. I can tell you that cured me of leaving the door open and now they will just have to wait until I can get to it to answer, or not!
By: Kim
on
Do you answer the door?
Well, I am with you in always believing that honesty is the best policy. I don't have many neighbors that come knocking but as a work at home mom with nearby kid and parent neighbors who regularly stop for a visit I do sometimes have visitors or phone calls when I am working. I just tell the truth-I'm in the middle of a project-or I call back or stop by later when I'm no longer working. But answering the door while pretending to be on the phone seems a bit much. Why not just ignore the knocks or tell the truth? And it sure would be funny if the phone rang during one of the performances!! Love it!
By: Kathy Murdock
on
Do you answer the door?
It's nice to ignore niggling problems like neighbors at the door when you want to keep your nose to the grindstone in your home office - but what if it is the neighbor going out of their way to tell you there is a fire? Maybe you should be answering the door as a policy with a strong, simple and polite way of getting rid of unwanted callers. That is what you would do in a professional context, in an office building. Why wouldn't you do the same thing in your home office? Then there is the issue of your personal security and home security. What if it's someone who has targeted you as a home-alone work-at-home person? Are your doors and windows set up to allow communication and air flow while restricting access to you and your home? Security doors, window alarms and plain old common sense come into play. If you are interested in more options here, take a look at this article for the home based business person: http://www.SurveillanceEquipmentandPersonalSecurity.com/hbs1 ...
By: R.T. Hág
on
Do you answer the door?
I don't have an issue with saying you're prepping for a conference call or working against a deadline, but the phone thing was a bit much. It would be really funny if it started ringing during one of his performances.
By: Leslie
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Do you answer the door?
Isn't it funny how we're often our toughest critics? Thanks for taking the time to write and take the rest of the day off!!!
By: Maura Shreier-Fleming
on
Slow Down You're Moving Too Fast
I so impress with your blog. I am the person who cant take a rest before my jobs have been done. My boss wont push me, but I am the person who always force myself. Maybe I really need to slow down my moving... The world will not go to end even if I did not finish my jobs...
By: tmy
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Slow Down You're Moving Too Fast
With all the flip-flops and double talk coming from Hillary Clinton, I would be shocked if she even won the nomination of the Democratic Party. If a person is undecided on a topic, then they need to research it and make an informed decision. She doesn't seem to be doing this. She is placating to whatever audience may be in front of her and then when asked about it, she gets outraged and complains. Not only are executive women not buying it, the public in general is getting sick of it. Wouldn't it be nice to have all the candidates actually answer questions and be straightforward and honest? Then we, as informed voters, can vote for the candidate based on their ideals and capabilities. And, of course, their past voting record. To sit and watch them try to please their parties and the ?powers that be? can just be nauseating. It clearly seems that on any given day, some candidates will change their mind with the blowing wind. Honesty would be a great platform to run on, but unfortunately with today's politics, it will never happen.
By: Kim Shuford
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Why Hillary Isn't Selling to Executive Women
I am very thankful that the balance in the workplace has shifted, although it still has a long way to go. I cannot tell you how many interviews were ended immediately when the prospective employer found out I was a single parent of three. That was a huge hurdle to overcome, but now my children are grown and I can see the differences in the work place. It is, to say the least, refreshing! I have met more fathers now that have chosen to stay home and if not, then at least share evenly the responsibility of children. Way to go for all of those that went before to pave the way for these changes! One can only hope that they will keep going in the right direction and everyone will realize that having children is not a career ending endeavor.
By: Kim Shuford
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Guys Are Really Getting in Touch with Their Feminine Side
I've also noticed a better balance of childcare responsibilities in the workplace. Employees are doing a better job of figuring out how to share the duties of childcare and create a culture that doesn't see those duties as compromising one's career; now employers have to figure out how to support that. At the very top of so many companies we still have leaders who tend to distrust telecommuting, flexible schedules, and the other concessions that go along with supporting work-family balance.
By: June
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Guys Are Really Getting in Touch with Their Feminine Side
I am man and always kid parents that their 2-6 year old kids call each other during the night to discuss new ways to challnege their parents .That is waht Francisca's resposne about men plotting in bars sounds like . Bottom line men just aren't that smart and are much instantious responders than plotting and planning anything .
By: bert
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Getting Ahead in a Man's World
It's really a man's world where organisational polit(r)ic(k)s are played and men defend their ego by protecting their species and unashamedly fight - dod-eat-dog style to get to the top. Men meet at their watering holes in the wee hours of the day(night) and mind not about the number of hours spent brokering deals for themselves. Decisions are made over bottles of beer or wine or spirit, whatever choice of poison feeds their system. Men have no hearts of passion nor sentiments and therefore make dispassionate decisions about business and people..Not women. We consider the world before we do ourselves and seek peace rather than 'progress at all cost'. To achieve, a man needs a cheering crowd and a reason to brag - his women! To achieve, a woman needs an expectant crowd and a reason to Be - her family! Think like a man? No. I'd rather be and think like a woman - touch every point on the circle including all the center points, i.e using all my senses to enjoy every bit of my business world rather than one dimensional and linear focus on singular unrelational successes. Which brings me to these fundamental issues.....Is success the purpose of getting ahead in the business world and what then is success?
By: Francisca
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Getting Ahead in a Man's World
yes!! its altogether different View. I agree with Vickie.Actually, as man & woman, each one has different qualities which completes the role.it So each one is indeed suitable in their own roles & can take up any responsibilities. Yes!! Might be fine research in need of time........
By: Mrugananynii
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Getting Ahead in a Man's World
yes!! its altogether different View. I agree with Vickie.Actually, as man & woman, each one has different qualities which completes the role.it So each one is indeed suitable in their own roles & can take up any responsibilities. Yes!! Might be fine research in need of time........
By: Mrugananynii
on
Getting Ahead in a Man's World
Women think the universe will take care of them? I'm a woman who's been in business for nearly 30 years and I have this to say: Women were and remain the hardest working people in the business world. The only mistake we too often make is helping the men who are our (often lazy) superiors build THEIR book of business rather than our own. We are not only ridiculously hard working, we are natural born networkers. The only "female" way of thinking we might alter just a LITTLE is to transform our personal relationships into business contacts the way men do, rather than turning our business contacts into friendships. We women are naturally collaborative and reciprocal -- the new paradigm in our rapidly changing commercial world. THINK LIKE MEN? Scary. Men die shortly after their wives do because they have no social support network. Women live (happily) decades after their spouses die because they have intimate loving supportive relationships primarily with their families and with other women. Marriage INCREASES a man's longevity and DECREASES a woman's longevity. We need only to caretake ourselves as well as we caretake our men and we will blow the top off of the business world. LEASE don't say stuff that helps women feel bad about being women. They hear that enough of that from men already. Let's support one another in developing our own unique and valuable gender characteristics. In 21st century America, I wouldn't change my gender from female to male for any amount of money in the world. My women friends are broad and deep; multi-faceted; successful and, busy. Their lives are full; textured; and multi-dimensional. Think like a man? No no no no no no no. This was bad advice 30 years ago and it's bad advice today. I do not know a single woman who is "waiting for the universe to deliver." I do, however, know several men who are waiting for their spouses to deliver the supposed "female goods" that will "empower" them to become successful overnight -- because "that's what a woman is supposed to do for her man." Listen, I'm happily married to a very successful man. But I've lived a lot of years in the business world and anyone who says women are waiting to be taken care of them is living in a universe I'm unaware of.
By: Vickie
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Getting Ahead in a Man's World
I have a friend who is a Social Worker and I was just having this discussion with her. In her position, she is required to travel in her area extensively to visit her many patients and see to their care. Not only does she have 30-40 patients to see per week, she also has to "chart" all her visits in detail. Lately, her boss has been delegating many tasks on her as well, including training of new employees and wanting her to run an inpatient facility for a few weeks for him on top of her regular responsibilities. Each time she said yes and completed a task, he would ask for something else and each one would get bigger and more time consuming. With all the added stress this caused her, she ended up physically ill. We spoke in depth today about the ability to say "No" even if it is to your boss. One person can only do so much without cracking under the pressure. We do this to ourselves trying to be the best that we can be, even if we are our own boss. I know I'm guilty of it as well. Learning to say no can be a very hard lesson, but one that we all need to pay attention to for ourselves, our families and our businesses. Great advice!
By: Kim Shuford
on
Just Say No
This is a fantastic post. We all need lessons on how to balance our workload and the advice you give her is useful.
By: Jocelyn
on
Just Say No
This is a great observation. I do think there are differences in the generations and how they are proactive about managing their careers. Yet, even within the 30s and 40s I see some women (and men) not being proactive about their work. Here's an example. The best time to be networking in your field is when you have a job. I notice with some younger workers that networking is done only when they need a job. When these job seekers get employed, they retreat from making connections with other people from different companies. I think that's a mistake. If you're wondering what I recommend. I think trade associations are great places to join for people who are serious about their careers. Thanks for the comment!
By: Maura Schreier-Fleming
on
Getting Ahead in a Man's World
I think that your post ends with good advice for both men and women. However, I think that this line "Women think that the universe will take care of them" is a bit of a generalization. Perhaps this statement is generational? My friends and I (30s to 40s) certainly don't feel this way. We all have success at our jobs and we certainly don't believe that the greater universe would take care of our needs. That is just not very empowering.
By: Jocelyn
on
Getting Ahead in a Man's World
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