23 November: Nancy’s Notes and Anecdotes

Quote I’m pondering:

“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”
— Anne Lamott

BTW, click to follow our Pinterest Board for great quote inspiration!


On my reading list:

The Art of Servant Leadership II: How You Get Results is More Important Than the Results Themselves, by Art Barter. A Servant Leader is someone who overlays “their education, experience, and mindset with their hearts.” The title of this great book says it all: Servant Leadership is an art– it requires creativity and it requires grace and it requires placing others before ourselves.

This book is full of ideas, action items and stories that will get you thinking about leadership in a whole new way. Imagine turning your organizational chart upside down, with you at the bottom and the people who have the most contact with clients and potential clients at the top. What are you doing to enable them to shine, grow, perform and lead? It should be no surprise that the more you empower them the better they perform and the more they are willing to make sure goals and targets are met because of their new/renewed sense of ownership that stems from autonomy.

Here are 5 of the many concepts outlined in this book that caught my attention:

(1) Servant Leaders stand up for what’s right even if it means walking from business because of your company culture and core values.

(2) Servant Leaders are open and frequent communicators and the goal is to reinforce the organization’s purpose.

(3) Servant Leaders demonstrate courage– they have tough conversations when warranted and make decisions that might seem to go against conventional wisdom.

(4) Servant Leaders are conscious of the language they use; “When you say you’ll try, you are not fully committed to the action. You have a safe out to fall back on–”Well, I tried.”

(5) Servant Leaders engage in “a constant, never-ending process of learning and teaching and implementing.”


Meetings this week:

The meetings I’m attending this week are all about self care.

When was the last time you had your vision checked? If you’re over 40 and it’s been more than 2 years, it’s time! I’m also having a massage which in my book is not “just” indulgent. Massages improve circulation and give you an endorphin boost that is guaranteed to enhance creativity.

And we can all use an injection of creativity, don’t you agree?

Here’s your Rx for the week: practice self-care in at least 2 ways!

 


Ideas I’m Noodling…

From the book Seven Sacred Pauses:

“Open my eyes to the beauty that surrounds me that I may walk through this day with the kind of awareness that calls forth grateful living. May I live with the kind of presence that enables others to feel at home.”


I’m following…

Podcaster Carrie Green, author of She Means Business. She interviews business women who share challenges and successes.


I’m Celebrating…

True confessions: I am a collector and a lover of rituals and tradition. I’m in heaven this time of year because my house is the family gathering place and I get to welcome and enjoy so many people that I don’t get to see on a regular basis. One of my favorite traditions involves ringing sleigh bells. I’ve been collecting sleigh bells for 35 years– same bell, different design with the year engraved on each.

I order the bells in November, they usually arrive by Thanksgiving and I use them on my Christmas and New Year’s tables. On Thanksgiving, we pass around one of the bells and everyone gets to ring the bell and say what they are thankful for. Some of my favorite memories involve the candor of my son and my nephews when they were little: candy, toys and having to share a room so they won’t be lonely. At Christmas dinner we select a bell and say one great thing that happened during the year we selected– we all love this walk down memory lane. And finally, at New Year’s dinner we pass the bells around and say what our goals are for the New Year. I love those bells and I love that my family and friends love them too!

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Tell me here.

 

 


Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or concerns about that here.
Nancy Allen

21 December: Nancy’s Notes and Anecdotes

Quote I’m pondering:

“Never suppress a generous thought”
— Camilla E. Kimble

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Never suppress a generous thought


On my reading list:

Are you a reader? If not, why not? Is it because you don’t have time? Would you consider listening to a book Barb? And before you say you don’t have time for that, consider this: Do you commute to work? Do you take a lunch break at work? Let’s say you have a 20 minute commute and a 45 minute lunch break– that’s a little over an hour and a half of time every day when you could listen to a book! …

 

But, I digress, do keep in mind that you can learn a lot and get through most business and self development books in a week, even if you only listened in 20 minute increments! I was surprised when I heard this fact too Barb – but I am a testament to the fact that it works!
This week, I listened to Money and the Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks. I’m so happy that I heeded my friend’s recommendation. The book is all about attracting abundance and positive energy and vibration into our life. You’ve heard the dictum that what we focus on is what we get–well, why not focus on abundance and becoming aware of the possibilities of wealth all around us?
When you are in a positive state of mind and aware of what you want to attract it comes to you– think about the last time you wanted to buy a new car: you decided on the make and model and color and (think back) didn’t you start to see that car everywhere?

Meetings this week:

I met with the WBDC of FL’s accountant and Finance Committee Chair to discuss the 2019 budget. The good news is that we will end the year with more than anticipated income. The even better news is that this is despite some pretty hefty unbudgeted expenses in 2018. (Honestly this was not a surprise because I keep up with my finances– both personal and business. I know how much we spend every month and I know how much we spend weekly. If you do the same, good for you! If you don’t know your finances you should! Feel free to contact me and I’ll tell you an easy way to stay on top of expenses and investments). I love to end the year on a positive note and meeting with the ‘money people’ on my team is an important part of keeping things on track and moving forward. Is this year-end for your business too Barb? How did your expected vs actual turn out? Tell me here.


Ideas I’m Noodling…

Facebook groups and how to keep participants actively participating. I’ve seen everything from challenges, to videos to tutorials to live Q&A activities. Do you have a favorite way to engage with content or get engaged with a group? I’m all ears Barb, tell me here.


I’m following…

… what is now a global movement that was inspired by a British feminist writer’s project which she also turned into a book. The Everyday Sexism Project started life as a website called Everyday Sexism, where in 2012 the site’s author, Laura Bates, began to document all the instances of sexism that she experienced in her life day to day.
She has created a safe space for people to share their stories of day-to-day sexism from the seemingly innocuous to the in-your-face-overt-and-malicious, terrible things many have survived.
“Once women and girls discovered a safe place to speak out about the harassment and discrimination they experienced, it seems the floodgates were open, shared the site’s creator.”
I hope you never have to hold that kind of secret Barb, but if you do, I hope you’ll find your way to this site where Laura personally offers space and encouragement. From her site: “say as much or as little as you like, use your real name or a pseudonym – it’s up to you. By sharing your story you’re showing the world that sexism does exist, it is faced by women everyday and it is a valid problem to discuss.”
Wow. Just wow.

I’m Celebrating…

I’m celebrating accountability groups. Three of us meet via phone every Thursday for 90 minutes. We each get 30 minutes to give an update, to ask for advice or to vent. (Sometimes we need more than our 30 minutes and that’s ok too). I was looking back through my calendar and of the 52 meetings this year I think I missed five.
My accountability group held space for me as I learned of Joe’s illness. They held space for me after he died and all the days in between. I knew that I could count on them to push me when I needed it. To encourage me when I need it and to let me breakdown when I needed that too. Despite this being one of the toughest years of my life it was also one of the most productive and creative years of my life.

Oprah Winfrey says you should surround yourself with people who lift you. I am celebrating Monique and Rosine for reminding me that I have songs and stories and I can still sing and inspire others and laugh. Who holds you accountable? Who reminds you of your abilities and of your goals and plans when they falter? Find your own Rosine and Monique and watch yourself soar and shine in 2019!


Sending you warmth and hugs during this holiday season!
Nancy Allen


BTW

Some of you may remember that I used to do book reviews and summaries on FB Live. I’m happy to tell you that starting in January I will be leading a virtual monthly Business Book Club via Zoom. I hope you will consider joining in our discussion of well-vetted business books to inspire and ignite you to get to the next level. Yes, you ‘should’ read the book we will be discussing and YES Barb, you should still participate even if you don’t have time to “read.” Don’t worry, my team will send links to videos and summaries that you can use to prepare for the discussions and like in all we do, help ensure you’re set up for success.
The intent of the Business Book Club is to create a space where we can share ideas and experiences. I would love it if you would join us Barb, you can let me know if you’ll make it here.

28 Sept 2018 – Nancy’s Notes & Anecdotes

Quote I’m pondering:

“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.”

-William Bridges

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On my reading list:

This week I’ve been reading about transitions. I’m enjoying Half Time: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford. Although it was originally published in 1994, it is timeless and still very relevant and insightful. “Buford focuses on this important time of transition—the time when, as he says, a person moves beyond the first half of the game of life. It’s halftime, a time of revitalization and for catching a new vision for living the second half, the half where life can be lived at its most rewarding.”

“The second half (of life) is riskier because it has to do with living beyond the immediate. It is about releasing the seed of creativity and energy that has been implanted within us, watering and cultivating it so that we may be abundantly fruitful.”

If you’re at a point where you are beginning to consider what to do next, this book offers some practical and spiritual advice. And if you’re a book discussion lover like me, you will appreciate that there are reflection and discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book. I’d love to hear your thoughts here.


Meetings this week:

Women of Wisdom 2018 Conference… Cascais, Portugal here I come (back)! I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this very special event again. The theme this year is Career Compass for Women: Proven Principles, Ideas and Strategies. I’ve been asked to speak about moving through transitions.

Some transitions are forced upon us, some we choose, and some choose us. The great news is that no matter the circumstances of the transition, we can decide that we want to make it an elegant transition. Elegant in the sense of style and grace and also elegant from the Latin root of the word: elegire– literally to select.

It is in our power to select and therefore control how we manage the transition…


 

Ideas I’m Noodling…

As you can imagine, I’ve got travel on my mind. A lot of people spend time deciding what clothes and accessories to take on a trip. Don’t get me wrong, I do that too, AND I spend a lot of time deciding what reading material to take with me on a trip. It makes my heart sing that I’ve got two 8 hour flights to fill. I’d love to hear your suggestions, tell me here.


I’m following…

Koren Motekaitis, podcaster, and radio host of “How She Really Does It.” She did a great interview with my all time favorite Brené Brown on vulnerability, shame and daring greatly.

“Vulnerability = uncertainty + emotional exposure + risk.”

~Brené Brown, on How She Really Does It


I’m Celebrating…

The awesomeness of handwritten notes. I’m still receiving beautiful cards from family and friends regarding my husband Joe’s death. Each and every card is so very special in its’ own way. One in particular, which I share here, was sent on a very simple piece of paper, but the sentiment it contained touched me so deeply and has left an indelible impact – reminding me of the strength of my support network.

I especially love the special touches some people have done like adding hearts and notes in the margins of store bought cards, or including a favorite snapshot of them with Joe. I love the stories they share of his generosity and kind spirit. This reminds me that I need to bring back the 30 day Thank You Note and Gratitude challenge I lead at the beginning of this year. My goal is to start up in time for the holidays. If you’d like me to keep you posted, please let me know here. In the meantime, I challenge you to take time to reach out via snail mail to someone you know who needs support – or even just a ‘hug from afar’ … It doesn’t have to be a long note, it can be a few lines that will make someone smile and feel loved and supported – after all, that is what life is all about, right?

 


In case you missed them, you can catch up here. I hope you’ll find ideas that spur your imagination and creativity to help propel you forward on your adventure.
Nancy Allen

12 Oct 2018 – Nancy’s Notes & Anecdotes

Quote I’m pondering:

“Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.”
— Ray Bradbury


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On my reading list:

Last week I came across 2 very interesting articles that gave me great pause. Jackson Katz asked men “What steps do you take, on a daily basis, to prevent yourselves from being sexually assaulted?” He reports that there is usually an awkward silence which is followed by someone making a joke and then someone says “nothing. I don’t think about it.” When the same question is asked of women there are many responses– holding my keys like a potential weapon; looking in the back seat of the car before getting in; be careful not to drink too much or leave my drink unattended; carrying mace or pepper spray, and many many more examples. Read the full list here. This took my breath away because I recognize that I do so many of these things as a matter of fact and I had not stopped to think that men don’t have to do this. The other article was from Washington Post columnist Monica Hesse called “Dear dads: Your daughters told me about their assaults. This is why they never told you.” Read it here. Talk about eye opening and gut wrenching.

How many of us are holding on to secrets because we don’t want to cause pain to the men in our lives?? Because we are afraid of what their reaction might be??

No means NO!


Meetings this week:

I just got word that the Super Bowl will be in our region in 2020 (Miami) and 2021(Tampa). This is great news because it means that there will be lots of bidding opportunities. Imagine being able to bid on everything from event planning to IT support, from gifts and promotional items to uniforms, and so much more! I’m a planner, so I am really happy to be invited to the committee this early in the process.


Ideas I’m Noodling…

I have done a lot of research about transitions lately. Did you know that most women will manage about 50 major transitions in their lifetime? And I’ll bet you won’t be surprised to know that personal and professional transitions blend in and out of our lives. I am developing an online course called The Art of Elegant Transitions. I have found that transitions that are successfully managed have 3 key components: awareness, adaptability and accountability. Stay tuned for more info on this exciting program! And if you just can’t wait, send me a note and I’ll be happy to get you on the early registration list.


I’m following…

My favorite author and researcher, Brene Brown has a new book: Dare to Lead. Here is an interview she did on CBS This Morning that captures the essence of the book. I can’t wait to get my copy!


I’m Celebrating…

I’m celebrating kindness. Pure, simple, unexpected kindness. I’ve witnessed a lot of acts of kindness lately and now instead of just smiling to myself and thinking oh, that was sweet, I am making a point of walking up to the person who performed the act that I witnessed and telling them that I saw what they did and want them to know that it makes me feel great that there is still kindness in the world.

When was the last time you witnessed unexpected kindness? How did it make you feel? Tell me here.

 


In case you missed them, you can catch up here. I hope you’ll find ideas that spur your imagination and creativity to help propel you forward on your adventure.
Nancy Allen