Confident Leadership in 2020
Leadership 2020 challenges us all to improve. With more transparency between leaders, associates and customers, increased accountability for decisions, and the push to get more women into senior positions, you must be at the top of your game. As the founder of Fundamental Capabilities, I believe that we need to steer our lives and careers with intention and integrity. Leadership 2020 requires exactly that.
Don't wait for your company to offer you leadership training. Be the standout: find your own opportunities. Develop your own skills. Use targeted training in workshops, webinars and books to be ready for success.
Be Your Best in 2020
Seek out training that fits your needs. Small workshops are great for building and practicing new skills and expanding your network. Webinars bring you new material no matter where you are.
If you are a first level leader, or relatively new to leadership, you must master tough conversations, company politics, and persuading your peers, reports, and managers. You need mentors, sponsors and advocates. Intimate & focused, Transitioning to Leadership workshops teach you these skills, working with a small group of women at the same level.
Senior women face even more challenges. Leading across functions and geographies at senior levels, you must radiate calm under intense scrutiny from the Board of Directors, a broad range of associates, and even the media. Somehow you must also find time to think, relax, and live a full life. Standing at the Front of the Room workshops let you hone your skills away from the limelight, with a small group of women just like you.
Both workshops are available this April in Silicon Valley. We'll cover these essential topics and more, from elevator pitches to imposter syndrome.
Keep it Crisp Please
One challenge common to men and women at all levels is making crisp, concise requests. You're more likely gain agreement if you speak clearly and concisely, organizing your thoughts before opening your mouth. The upcoming free PREP For Success webinar on 19 March teaches a simple, effective tool for organizing your thoughts and making requests. Invest your time wisely; sign up now and take a step towards hearing 'yes' more often.
Read and Do
Do you prefer a good book? Get these must-reads: Professional Presence: How to Look, Sound and Act Like a Leader in Any Job shows you how your body language, speech, and appearance combine to create your public image, with tips on subtly increasing your presence without being loud or overbearing. It's packed with clear advice, examples and practice exercises to build your presence and confidence. PREP for Success: How to Position Yourself and Your Requests to Get the Answers You Need takes you through the PREP tool covered in the March 19 webinar in more detail, with additional examples and solutions. See how this simple and powerful tool can help you. CEOs use it every day. Shouldn't you? Attend the free webinar and get a coupon for 10% off both books.
I have spent much of my career helping other women achieve their dreams. It's why I write for Ms.CareerGirl.com why I write books on work and life skills and why I founded Fundamental Capabilities. It's also why I chose to work with Cindy Steiner of Steiner International Communications to develop these workshops and webinars. We want to help you steer your career and your life with intention and integrity. We want you to succeed.
Leadership 2020 demands that we do more, think more, and be more effective. Don't wait; prepare yourself now!
Dr. Marne Platt is the President of Fundamental Capabilities and the author of 3 books (so far): Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way; Professional Presence; and PREP For Success. Originally a practicing veterinarian, she built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. She founded Fundamental Capabilities to 'pay it forward' by providing career development workshops and coaching for women. 'Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way' is an 'older sister in your pocket' packed full of advice for young women on building their own independent and exciting life. 'Professional Presence' and PREP For Success' help you strengthen your spoken and unspoken communication and leadership presence.
