Empower at work

Being a part of a book called, The Empowered Woman: Purpose, Passion & Possibilities, I get asked a lot about empowerment.  Naturally, there are many answers and questions that surely come with this word.  I always like to start with the (em) in power, the inner strength we all possess.  What I believe to be the foundation of empowerment.  As Alice Walker has stated, “The most common way that people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”  The basis of power starts with the individual first.  We must acknowledge and learn how to leverage this inner power.

Since we spend so much of our time at work, I also get asked how we empower at work.  This can easily start with community building and building an inclusive atmosphere and environment within the workplace.  Here are four ways to do this at work:

• Involve others in the process

Making decisions does not have to be a solo process; engage the community with clear and concise goals. 

• Confront the ego

The ego grows smaller and smaller when you have the courage and practice of confronting it head on.

• Invest time in others

Expanding the positive elements of organizational culture involves sharing organizational knowledge with newcomers at work.  Choose one person that you connect with organically and be a mentor.

• Practice mindfulness

Be mindful of adding cultural elements that can have a positive impact on the larger organization and/or communities within the organization such as starting traditions like acknowledging birthdays and/or community lunches. 

Keep in mind that you have the inside track because you are a member of the community so you know how others can benefit from such set traditions and other cultural norms in your organization.  Leverage this knowledge to uplift yourself and others at the same time.  This is what empowerment is all about. 

Company Culture and Mad Men

The conclusion of the television series Mad Men was upon us.  As I was watching some past episodes and the final ones, it occurred to me that I was intrigued by the series for many reasons among them the glimpse of work culture from historical times.  There are certainly company culture practices that I would like to dismantle and others that I would encourage.

We witnessed unhealthy work competition and work alcoholics that would almost prefer to live at work.  We also watched some bold business maneuvers and leadership decisions that had to be made.  I would like to highlight some cultural practices that are still beneficial today:

• The Creative Lounge/Company Celebrations

I am always interested in ways to build community within and out of organizations.  Having a space where you can bring employees together to work together gets to the point.  Also holding celebrations and taking a moment to recognize accomplishments and milestones helps too.  This keeps folks motivated and can make they feel valued. 

• Taking Lunch

I feel like people don't step out to lunch anymore.  I used to make it a goal of mine to get out to lunch once a week.  This break can turn around a day for anyone.  I should strive for it two to three times a week.  Giving yourself rewards and taking a break can benefit your work.

• Leadership Development/Mentoring

Although it was very subtle in the series, the investment and development of two characters, Joan and Peggy was great to see.  Joan was certainly a fighter and knew what to ask for as Peggy learned and observed how to do so.  In other workplace environments, their leadership positions might not have existed.  Why not lift others as you climb the ladder of success? 

• Feedback

Although, feedback probably would not be the term, we have such a term now.  Employees were not afraid to engage in dialogue about their strengths and weaknesses.  Folks sought after feedback from those they wanted to hear from, whether it was about their individual performance and/or an approach to a work project.  Feedback helps you make decisions and set and/or revise goals. 

Moon cycles

Our connection to nature goes beyond what some of us may think.  For example, the moon and Sun are big influences in our lives.  If you experience the four seasons like we do in the northeast in the US, you know when the Sun disappears in the winter, your energy can be sluggish and/or depressed.  I know I don't feel as energetic as I do in the spring, when I am ready to spring into action. 

Before college, I learned how women's bodies are connected to the moon.  This is why I follow the moon phrases, particularly the full and new moons.  I receive comments that reference the Twilight movies and that is not what I am talking about.  I follow the moon because I know my body naturally does.  Women experience the moon phrases in a more obvious physical way than men do.  Don't feel left out though men.  You can admit that once a month you may feel sluggish, have cravings and be irritable.  We all have our cycles.

Just like the moon gets full every moon, we do too.  This a great time for reflection and cleansing.  The new moon is a great time for new beginnings, new ideas and initiating new projects.  For those of you who are ready to have a baby, they say that the best chance of physical fertility is when a woman is ovulating with the full moon phrase.  Others say that when a women menstruates with the full moon, her connection to her intuition is strong; leaving an opportunity for inner and self development. 

Either way, I do believe the moon affects us in many ways.  It affects our emotions.  I do notice things are a bit off during full moon.  We see a lot of interesting behavior.  It is a time of release and some of us struggle with how to do so.  All in all I find that my awareness of the moon phrases has allowed me to accept the fullness of my feminine nature, my body and my menstrual cycle. 

Letter to Educators

This is Teacher Appreciation Week; I hope you are doing something special for an educator(s).   Along side parenting, I believe teaching is one of the most challenging positions to have.  Thank you for being drawn to such responsibility of developing young and older minds and leading the future of this country to their rightful lives.  This week is not enough and it is a start. 

I am happy things are getting better for you.  Technology supports your mission and you know the basics that can back you up.  Thank you for getting to know not only students but their families too.  This assists students with their education by being aware of their circumstance.  The more we look at the whole student, the more successful everyone will be.  Thank you for taking the time with parents and guardians and sharing your point of view of our children.  It is hard sometimes to hear and we need to be open from both sides and grow the conversation for the seek of the children. 

Thank you for creating your own way and own system for tracking progress.  In a large education system, I know you do your best.  Thank you for teaching to the test and also for teaching what is best.  Thank you for the pre and post work.  The grading and the prep.  Thank you for figuring out how to teach large and small numbers of students.  Thank you for staying strong though changes and ups and downs.  Thank you for working within the school community with administrators, principals, nurses and social workers.  Thank you for working with interns and volunteers.  Thank you for bringing in interns and volunteers when you need to. 

Thank you for the strong structural base that drives your classroom management.  Educators, I am honored to support your work and work alongside you.  I know that things have gotten better and also that we still have work to do.  Thank you for your teaching commitment.  We appreciate all you do.  You inspire and are admired!  With much gratitude!