What Are Your Friends Saying About You?

Your friends are an extension of who you are. When other people in your life meet your friends they will connect them to your character, your attitude and what you hold important.

With that in mind, consider: how do you describe your friend’s? How do they treat other people in their lives? How do they see the world? Are they positive, happy, open-minded, adventurous and goal-oriented?  Are you?

Are you the type of person who believes anything is possible? Are your friends cheering you on and expressing support or holding you back and telling you it will never happen?

Do you ever hang out with people who are judgmental, closed-minded, lack ambition and gossip? Does it feel good for you and align with who you are? Or does it make you want to scream?

It has been said that you become known by the five people you are closest too in your life. Let’s face it if you spend enough time with someone you absolutely take on each other’s attitudes, mannerisms and habits.

Soooo….

How would you describe the five people closest to you? 

Does this description sound like you? 

Does this description align with how you want to be known?

Do you feel inspired and energized after spending time with friends?

Consider who you are and what you want in your life. Decide who you want to be surrounded with that will fulfill your desires and make the necessary adjustments that will help you get there.

Let’s have some fun and share a description of your five closest friends. Let us know how closely it aligns with who you are. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Leadership Coach, facilitator and speaker. If you are interested in learning more about managing your impression, empowering your personal brand or mastering your IT factor go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

The Power of One Simple Unexpected Act

Your personal brand is defined by what others say about you. Knowing that, it makes sense to create a leadership brand experience that is reflective of your personal brand standards and how you want to stand out.

Doing what is expected positions you to blend in. To stand out and create an experience that screams ‘high standards’ you need to be willing to do the unexpected. 

Here are a few ideas of simple unexpected acts that can help you stand out for how you want to be known and make a difference in how others experience you as a leader: 

• Express appreciation for a job well done 

• Make an introduction that can be a benefit to someone you know

• Extend yourself to help in an unexpected way

• Greet everyone when you walk into a room, not just the people you know

• Look at people in the eyes when you greet them

• Ask colleagues or team members for a coffee and don't talk about work 

• Learn something new and share it

• Pick up the phone to talk to someone instead of sending an email

• Help someone without being asked

• Arrange a face-to-face meeting instead of a phone conversation

• Be fully present when you are speaking with another person 

• Take time to make a phone call you have been putting off

• Show up for your meetings early

Perform one simple unexpected act a day, everyday. Make it a habit and imagine the impact and shift you can create. It will change you and those around you. It is also an amazing way to be talked about in a good way and be remembered.

Love to hear what acts you are performing on a daily basis to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Personal Empowerment trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Three Common Mistakes That Side-Track New Leaders

You have just stepped into a new role or been asked to lead a major project. You’re excited and you want to make an exceptional first impression. Your first 30 days whiz by and you feel like you’re lacking the impact you had hoped for.

I have found from my own corporate experience and from working with leaders over the past ten years that there are three common mistakes that get new leaders side-tracked.

MISTAKE #1

Taking direction from everyone around you.

You are new in your role, anxious to make a good impression and willing to take advice from others. Getting and taking advice can be  beneficial but only if it’s from someone who has created the success that you desire to create.

It is important for you to know who you are and what you stand for so you can be selective about what and who you are willing to listen to. If the person giving advice is where you want to be and they also align with your values, great! If not, thank them and go find someone that is. 

Seek to surround yourself with people that will champion you. It is critical when you are in a new position and establishing yourself as a new leader.

SOLUTION: Listen to the people that are likeminded and who are where you want to be.

MISTAKE #2

Thinking you need to be like the leader before you.

Clients regularly express concern in how to “be the new leader” when the previous boss was so well liked. The previous leader was successful because he/she did what worked for them. It is critical for you to establish your leadership brand and be clear what works for you.

Getting clarity comes from knowing who you really are and how you want to be known. Acting from your place of truth will win people over because it is what got you where you are.

You will be making changes and not everyone is comfortable with change. When you introduce change to your team define the expectations and ask for their feedback. Let them know you are willing to make adjustments based on what they did, not on the fact that things have always been done a certain way. Being clear goes a long way for you and for the team you are leading.

SOLUTION: Be clear about who you are and engage with what works best for you to create success. Being authentic will earn you respect and may even make you likeable!!

MISTAKE #3

Get into the habit of doing instead of leading.

Doing is comfortable though it is not a place you can lead from. You have been acknowledged for your great work with your new role so now it is important to step outside your comfort zone to stretch yourself. 

A good place to start is having a conversation with your boss to understand expectations and objectives. Ask for the bigger vision so you are able to share that with your team. Don’t forget to ask for any advise he/she can give you to succeed in your new role.

SOLUTION: Stop doing and lead. Decide how you want to be as a leader.  Define your brand to build your confidence in stepping outside your comfort zone. Look at your list of things to do and decide which ones are absolutely yours, then delegate the rest. 

Create a brand that is authentic and establishes you as a leader. Take the time to speak with your boss to set the path. Get to know your team so you can inspire and motivate. Make sure to block time to plan so you are delegating and not doing.

Let us know how applying these strategies have been helpful. If you have experienced other situations that got you side-tracked please share.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, IT Factor Activator, trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Balancing Feedback (+/-) and Staying True to Your Brand

There are moments in life when everything feels right in our world and things fall into place. We accept this and typically think nothing of it. There are other moments when things continually go wrong and mistakes are made. It is more often these moments we typically acknowledge and not necessarily in a way that best supports our brand. 

For Instance…

If a team member submits an important piece of work on time things keep moving along. However, if this same team member misses the deadline, it is often addressed in a way that expresses how he/she is putting the project in jeopardy.  

Balance is Key

The above example is typical. Positive and negative feedback are both powerful; balancing them makes a big difference in motivating others and achieving results.

Addressing what doesn’t work needs to be done, no question. How it is done is key. On the flip side, it is of great importance to acknowledge what is being done right. The negative feedback you provide (or lack of positive feedback) could be affecting you more than you realize! 

Relates to Your Brand

These are some words I’ve heard employees, peers and outside business partners use to describe leaders during confidential conversations: negative, unsupportive, uncaring, disrespectful, and insensitive. 

These are NEVER the brand descriptors chosen by the leaders themselves.

When we provide positive feedback to others, even if it is thanking them for completing a basic expectation, it changes how they see themselves AND us!   

Research Tells Us

Studies reveal that people perform better, have a higher level of engagement and achieve greater intimacy when there is more positive feedback than negative. It is really that simple.

Marcial Losada’s (Director, Center of Advanced Research, Michigan, USA) 1999 study discovered the magic ratio for high performance is five positive forms of feedback to one negative form of feedback. 

Don’t you notice that when you compliment someone or acknowledge something that they did right their energy shifts? They appear more positive, motivated and receptive? Aren't you? 

Making a Change

Breaking the cycle of neglecting what works is crucial. Start by simply responding with gratitude for what others contribute. It is through this expression of gratitude – “I appreciate your efforts in submitting your work on time as it is a valuable piece of the project” – that allows for better results.

Constructive and timely feedback when something isn’t right is necessary, though incorporating more positive feedback daily is motivating. The benefit you enjoy is having others willingly extent themselves...priceless! 

Here are three quick tips to keep in mind when striving for feedback balance:

• Increase your awareness of how often your comments are negative. Strive to create a ratio of five positive comments to every one negative comment.

• Speak up for what is being done right by expressing appreciation and gratitude. Discover the power of reinforcing good behaviours in both your professional and personal life. 

• Share generously and without expectation to produce results beyond what you initially can even imagine.

Incorporating these tips can alter the previous perceptions of negative, unsupportive, uncaring, disrespectful, and insensitive TO caring, compassionate, considerate, positive and empathic. What best reflects your brand?

I’d love for you to share your tips in how you have provided more positive feedback to others. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

How Do I Look?

I walked into a company’s training room recently where I would be delivering an afternoon workshop. The facilitator from the morning session was packing up and stopped to introduce himself. He then quickly went to slip on his suit jacket and asked, “How do I look?”

Hmmm…he was a good-looking man, traditional haircut, well-groomed, nice suit, shirt, no tie, black dress shoes, but I had to ask, “What is the message you want to deliver about yourself?” He actually had to give that some thought. 

It is important to know how YOU want to present yourself and be perceived before you even say a word. Whether you are facilitating a workshop, attending a workshop, going to a networking event, leading a presentation for clients or accompanying someone at a social event, the way you "show up" in all situations contributes to your brand image and the judgements people make about you. 

Your clothing is a very powerful visual tool that assists people in forming an opinion of who they believe you are. Here are five tips to keep in mind when creating an impression with intention:

1.  Decide how you want to be perceived by others. What are the words you want to own in the minds of your audience? These words – professional, sophisticated, adventurous, respectful, smart, knowledgeable, positive - are the descriptors you want others to use when speaking about you. 

Choose the words that are right for you and your brand.

2.   Match your look with your words. Take a good look at the things you wear along with your hairstyle, eyeglasses and makeup. Does your 'look' align with the image you want to project? Does your clothing send the message you intend? 

If the image you want to project is ‘hip or cool’ showing up in baggie jeans, a tee shirt and runners just doesn’t cut it.

3.   Wear what fits. Pay attention to the fit of your clothes. You want your clothes to look like they belong to you and not someone else. When you buy off the rack you will typically need alterations. This could mean a nip at the waist or shortening the length of a skirt or pant – however small the adjustments, it is a BIG step in making your clothes your own. 

4.   Buy quality not quantity. This includes everything - from your clothes to your accessories (belts, shoes, briefcases, etc.). This is not about spending more than you can afford though it is about spending what you can afford. Quality stands out. Does the quality of your clothing showcase your brand?

5.   Maintain what you wear. You want to make sure your clothing is always in good repair. Check for hems that are falling, buttons that are missing or loose, holes in sweaters, split seams, scuffed shoes, fraying cuffs and collars, stains and odor. Repair what is worth keeping and replace what isn’t. Look good at a distance and up close!

My rule of thumb is to start with one outfit, from head-to-toe, that makes you feel like a million bucks. Now work on making that your standard of dressing for success! 

Empower yourself and your brand by dressing to express your best self. Let us know what you wear that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Do You Mean That?

The last blog post was about how words impact your energy, expose how you see the world and influence other people’s perceptions of you. 

This post is a continuum on words, focused on using the best words to clearly express what you mean. Being impeccable with your words can help you stand out and create the impression you desire. 

Say what you mean and follow through on what you say!

“I’m Sorry”

For instance I had to reschedule a Saturday morning breakfast with a friend recently because I was presented with an opportunity to attend an amazing workshop that I didn’t want to pass up. When it came time to break this news to my friend, it was harder than expected to choose the right words. 

I found myself starting the email with “I am sorry,” then “I regret.” I decided not to tiptoe around the topic and to simply state what was true: “I am writing to let you know I was presented with an amazing opportunity to attend a weekend event and will have to reschedule our breakfast.” 

It felt good to be honest and direct. The response from my friend was supportive and we rescheduled for the following week. Saying it like it was allowed me to talk about the workshop when I did meet with my friend versus feeling badly about rescheduling.

Words provide us with an opportunity to communicate our message effectively and truthfully. Who was I attempting to protect by saying ‘sorry’ or expressing ‘regret’? How many of us say I’m sorry when we actually have nothing to be sorry about? If we say what we mean there is never a reason for regret. 

“I Can’t”

“I can’t do that.” I hear people use this often without considering what the word can’t implies. Saying can’t means that you’re unable to perform a task. It can also be interpreted as your unwillingness to even attempt the task. Knowing this, what is the perception someone creates when they say “I can’t?” 

If a person has the ability to complete a particular task though for whatever reason feels strongly about not doing it, it is best to be honest. You can say “I won’t do that,” “I have no intention of ever doing that” or “I choose not to do that.” Being direct and certain will also leave less room for misinterpretation. 

Ask yourself, do you ever say can’t to just let yourself off the hook for doing something OR is it just easier than saying you don’t want to? 

Words do influence the perception you create so use the words that accurately represent what you mean. Choose your words wisely!

“Call Me” 

How about when bump into an old friend who you no longer hangout with? You chat briefly until one of you suggests that you’ll call to get together though you both know it will probably never happen. 

When people share this kind of story I always ask why they verbally “commit” to something they know they will never follow through on? The answer is consistently the same; they feel it is the easiest way to end the conversation comfortably.

False promises may feel easy in the moment though they do eventually catch up with you. Isn’t it easier to be honest and say “It was lovely bumping into you?” That way, the next time you cross paths you’ll have nothing to regret or feel bad about.

You become known not only for your word but also how you honor your word. If you say you are going to do something do it. If you have no intention of doing it, don’t commit. Follow through and consistently is a big part in establishing a trusted brand. 

“I’ll Be There” 

A friend and I were having lunch recently when our waiter, told us about a charity drive he was sponsoring. I was interested in contributing so I asked when it was and how I could help. He told me the date, location and expressed how great it would be if I came. I told him I would be there.  

When I showed up, he was shocked! He told me he didn’t really expect me to come.

Why is it so shocking when someone actually does what they say? Isn’t that what we should expect? Can people expect that from you? 

Follow through is essential to building trust and establishing what others can expect from you every time.

What do you want your word to mean? What do you want your brand to stand for? Can people count on you or not?

It would be great to have you weigh in and let us know if you are a person others can count on or how using your words more honestly has affected your brand and/or relationships?

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Words Carry Weight So Speak Wisely

A word is not just a word. Your words tell others what you think and how you feel. Words can be uplifting and energetic. Words can also be negative and heavy. The words you use provide others a glimpse of who you are and how you see the world. 

Words carry energy; they impact how you feel and how you make others feel. Words matter and influence the experience you create. 

For instance, when something goes wrong do you find yourself saying, “That’s interesting, how can I make this right?” OR “I can’t believe how stupid I am. I never get anything right.”

Which statement makes you feel lighter? Which statement weights you down? Use your words wisely even with yourself, it all matters.

What do you say when an employee comes to you to share a new idea to improve a process? Do you respond by saying "I am so pleased to hear you are thinking of new ways to improve the process and save time. Let's set up a meeting to discuss this in more detail. On the surface it sounds similar to something we have attempted before." OR "We have tried something similar and it didn't work. But thanks."

Take a moment and repeat these statements to yourself. What is your emotional response? How do the different statements affect your energy? 

Hmmm…what do the different statements reveal about a person that chooses these words? How would it influence their level of effectiveness in getting things done?

Words possess a certain attitude that can either reflect negatively or positively on you and your brand. Not only can words alter how others perceive you, it also determines what they are willing to do for you. 

Reminder: The words you use impact your brand and are a component of the perception you create. Your words reveal and affect your internal world. Align your words to support others, yourself and your personal brand. 

It would be great to hear how words have an impact on you and your experiences. Start the conversation by sharing. It is a great way for all of us to gain insight into ourselves. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. Interested in learning more and wanting to connect with Dorothy you can at www.authenticleadersedge.com.