The Devil Doesn’t Need Advocates

We’ve all been there. The meeting has dragged on and on. It looks like the team has finally arrived at an action plan. Things are winding down, tasks are being assigned, and you are ready to pack up and get back to your real work. At that very moment, someone says, “Let me play devil’s advocate” and launches into a rehash of the previous discussion. Colleagues groan inwardly, everyone hoping the boss will dismiss this unnecessary showmanship. The concept of ... Read more

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Embrace the Unk Unks

It’s easy to say no. It takes up far less time and energy to take the easy way out. It may even be human nature to try to avoid the difficult, time consuming, challenging choices. However, very little is truly impossible. More importantly, you will never meet your potential or create something important by immediately refusing to take on big tasks and daunting projects. Think about it—what are your big picture goals or your personal moonshot? You won’t get there by being the person who ... Read more

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Spring Cleaning For Your Life

I recently came across an old letter from a woman who is now in her 90s. In it she mentioned she was in the middle of “spring cleaning.” She talked about taking rugs outside to sweep, washing windows and woodwork, and polishing furniture. She cleaned one room at a time, only moving to the next room when the previous room was finished. I doubt that few people today engage in actual spring cleaning. We have homes and environments that require less attention, and we have better ... Read more

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How to Avoid Presentation Arrogance

Most new professionals have had a course in public speaking or communication 101. If you took these courses, you know all about doing the prep work, using media selectively, and arriving early for your presentation. You have been coached in avoiding “ah” or “like” as filler, and in not using jokes unless they are culturally relevant and appropriate for the situation. You also have to be good at telling jokes (which few people are). What you may not have been taught ... Read more

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Presence Has Consequences

In a recent article by Christine Bader posted on FastCompany, the author speaks about the need for businesses to broaden their scope and to look beyond their corporate walls to the people and communities they affect. She further notes that the MSW (master’s degree in social work) might be the new MBA. I would argue that it shouldn’t be one or the other, but a synergy of the best competencies of both professions. Social workers do bring a unique perspective to their work. Their ... Read more

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Curb Your Enthusiasm

The following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career. Many of us have heard about Pollyanna, the little girl who always saw a silver lining for every situation, who always found something to be glad about even in dire situations. Today, the word itself is used to refer to a person who is unusually upbeat and optimistic, perhaps overly so. There is even a concept in psychology literature called the “Pollyanna Principle” ... Read more

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The Positive Side of Power

Recently, I attended a conference on women and power. It brought together 600 business women and provided a wonderful opportunity for networking and learning. The keynote address was given by Katty Kay, the anchor for BBC World News America, and was based on her recent book, The Confidence Code. Katty spoke about the differences in confidence levels between men and women and she discussed how women can gain self-confidence by taking more risks and daring to be authentic. In her book, Katty ... Read more

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100 Ways to Start Smart

Our first book on nonprofit leadership for women, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Stay Ahead in Your Career will be available soon. It is a collection of 100 essays which provide professional advice for young women starting their careers in the nonprofit sector. Introduction Betsy Clark Women who entered the workforce during the 1970s and 1980s did not have as many choices as young women today. Some graduate programs and some occupations were almost closed to women. Each of us from that era has ... Read more

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