What's Ahead For You?

Last December when I began to think about 2012 I decided to go beyond the “to do” list of accomplishments. I wanted to actually have experiences that allowed me to reconnect with myself and rediscover what was truly important to me. 

To make the change I wanted I knew focus was important. There were three areas I wanted to get better at: improve my fitness level, be more connected spiritually and grow my business. I defined the specifics to accomplish each of these though knew growth and discovery was going to be about jumping in and experiencing life differently instead of just reading another good book. 

With these three goals in mind, I said yes to doing things I have never done before. Saying yes allowed me to grow, IN A BIG WAY, both personally and professionally. 

What I did and how I did it was all very unfamiliar to me.

What I did…

I led with my heart instead of my head. 

When the right opportunities were presented I said YES. The YES was immediate, though I needed to work through the conflicts between my thoughts and my feelings. My head kept saying things like: you didn’t plan for this, you already have other travel commitments, how can you take more time away from work, is this being responsible, should you be spending the money, you have to put a new roof on the house... The whole time my head was in this space my whole body was screaming, this is what you asked for! You need to do this! 

One of the things I did: While attending a weekend workshop the facilitator spoke about the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins. Swimming with the dolphins was all about fun and play. This trip spoke to me and was an experience I didn’t want to pass up. I began rationalizing all the reasons why I shouldn’t go. Six weeks later I was on a plane going to Bimini. This was a first!

I learned by listening to my heart and quieting my mind that the right decision, allowed me to feel totally at peace with myself. There were no yucky unresolved feelings that often showed up and hung around when I made a bad, hasty decision that was not in my best interest. Have you ever done that? 

It may sound easy though learning to listen to my heart was challenging. In the past I have stopped short of what I really wanted believing it was impossible to “have it all.” This year I changed the way I thought, shattered old beliefs that weren’t even mine and went after what I wanted. It was exhilarating!

How I did it…

I connected to the meaning of the goal instead of just meeting it.

Knowing what I wanted to create for myself in 2012 was a different place to start from than just working to get things done. Knowing why it was important to be more fit, more spiritually connected and systemize my business changed my energy and mindset. Once I committed I immediately started paying attention to the invitations I was receiving from friends to attend live talks, group meditations and workshops that would surround me with like-minded people. 

In the past I may have dismissed these invitations and made excuses as to why I didn’t have time to attend. However after making the mental commitment of what I wanted to create for 2012 I was amazed how quickly opportunities were showing up for me to take action.

These initial experiences became the jumping off point of the three major trips I took this year and joining my business mastermind group; all of which tied back to my three original goals – fitness, spirituality and business. I had a focus!

It was fascinating to engage in unfamiliar activities: no planning ahead, saying yes when it was right, saying no when it wasn’t, traveling with a group, rooming with strangers and joining a business mastermind group that wasn’t local. Because I had taken the time to establish my goals AND knew what achieving them meant to me, I found every cell in my body telling me to seize the opportunities that presented despite it feeling a bit out of character. 

I traveled to places I have never been before – Peru, Bimini and Quebec City. Every trip had a physical component – walking, hiking and yoga. I attended every live event that was aligned with my goals, no excuses. 

By jumping in and doing what I haven’t done before I learned it was not about doing one thing versus the other. I learned I could have it all by having one activity compliment the other to achieve what I wanted from a fitness, spiritual and business perspective. 

What I know now…

This was a year of discovery in doing what wasn’t familiar and letting go of what no longer worked. I did achieve what I set out to do and more. It is what I now know that has been most profound…

Being spontaneous can be just as important as planning.

Exercise doesn’t have to be hard just consistent.

My spirituality is not a practice is it a way of living. 

A new acquaintance can turn out to be a key player in your life!

My mind does not know what is better for me than my heart.

Giving AND receiving are both important to master.

Asking for what you need is a sign of strength.

Having it all is possible!

The journey of self-discovery, connection and growth is continuous. 

What did you do in 2012 that you are proud of? What do you want for yourself in 2013? Why? How will you get there? Who will you surround yourself with to help you?

Start a conversation by sharing what you want and why in 2013 in the comments below. This is also a great place to get support.

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.

What To Wear When....

As a new leader it is so exciting to be heading off to your first major conference.  You will be interacting with other leaders in your industry from all over the world! You are bound to be a bit nervous though also looking forward to making connections. And of course you definitely want to make a good first impression. 

If you have worked with me you know the next question is, “What are you going to wear?” Most of my clients, the men AND the women, say they haven’t even thought about it or shrug and suggest ‘something comfortable’. At this point the conversation turns to their personal brand and getting a clear understanding of how they want to present themselves as a leader to everyone they are going to meet.

Many organizations have a relaxed dress code. People in your office may know you are the boss, however people outside your office walls do not. It’s a good idea to dress in a way that demonstrates that you are the boss. Despite what you think, people will formulate an opinion just based on the way you dress. 

It may seem superficial but think about it; your outfit is the first thing people notice. If you have been thoughtful enough to dress professionally, people make the assumption that you care, you pay attention to details and you make an effort. This leads to other things they believe you will take the time to do well. It is never just about the clothes. It’s what your clothes represent!!

WARNING - Leave the jeans at home!    

BTW - clients have actually emailed me from the conference to thank me for the conversation. They had no idea that the people from the offices in Europe dressed in a suit and tie everyday. They admit that they would have been embarrassed if they attended without giving it some thought.

Remember…

Stand Out in a good way! To do so, be thoughtful of the brand impression you want to create in all situations. You can always take off the tie or jacket but you can’t add a pin stripe to your jeans! 

Don’t assume that because your office is casual that everyone around the world has the same standards. Basketball players wear shorts and jerseys on the court but when they travel it’s mandatory to wear a suit and tie to represent their level of professionalism!

Details matter! How you do one thing reflects upon how you do everything.  

Your brand is your brand in every situation. Every time you are in front of another person you have an opportunity to leave an imprint of who you are. Represent yourself wisely!

I’d love to hear your stories on how you got it right and maybe where you slipped up as it does start the conversation in learning.

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. 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.

You Asked BUT Are You Willing To Do It?

A recent workshop participant of mine shared that he had been asking his colleagues for feedback about the image he was conveying at work. He decided he wanted to be more strategic in creating the brand impression he intended. To determine what adjustments he might need to make, the best thing for him was to ask the people who saw him daily. 

In a previous session he defined his brand model; he was clear how he wanted to be seen and what he wanted to be known for. Getting feedback was the next step to understanding what needed to be tweaked. He knew that how he was perceived impacted his success.

His team members and colleagues were generous with their feedback, although it was not all positive. At first he was grateful for their honesty but he eventually became defensive.  

He started to think, “Come on, I’m not that bad!!” He realized he was asking for feedback because it was what he thought he should do! He also realized he was becoming emotionally defensive and was resisting the change he needed to make to leave the brand impression he intended!

This was a big surprise to him. Why would he ask if he wasn’t willing or ready to change? That is key, why would you ask? Would you ask so you can make changes or so you can hear what you are doing right? The answer has a huge impact on the action you take or not.

Know Your Purpose

If you’re going to ask for feedback be clear about your purpose. You want to be sure that you understand what they are saying and that you are willing to change if necessary. Get details and ask what behaviors they see that are creating this perception. 

For example, being ‘aggressive’ is hard to change. You need details; are you interrupting? What is the tone of your message? What does your body language reveal? Do you appear tense? Without details you are left guessing what specifically is creating the negative impression. 

Ask your colleagues questions until you clearly understand what behavior might be problematic for your brand.

Getting Successful Feedback:

• Ask the people whose opinion you value.

• Make sure you are clear about what you are asking for and why. Let the other person know why you are asking and how their feedback will help you. 

• Be considerate and ask if they have a few minutes to provide you with feedback or when might be a good time to follow up with them.

• Ask questions so you are clear. Make sure you know the behaviors, not just the word, they feel is contributing to the perception. 

Getting To Change

Ask for their continued support. Let them know the best way they can provide this is to gently point out when you slip up, if you don’t recognize it on your own. Just as importantly, let them know how much you would appreciate them telling you when you are getting it right!  

Leadership takes courage. Living by the brand standards you choose takes courage. Being courageous and asking for feedback provides greater awareness. Awareness with deliberate action leads to change.

I would love for you to share your story of courage and change. When you share you pay it forward and allow others to know what is possible. Thank you!

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

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

Take Your Fear....

I spent last weekend immersed in a course entitled “Get Out of Your Own Way” that has me feeling recharged and invigorated about life. Having a different perspective of expanding on who I am inspires me and taking fear that shows up in my life along for the ride feels empowering. 

There are a range of emotions you feel in the process of living your life - joy, sadness, pleasure, hardship, fun, disappointment and the list goes on. Though fear seems to be the one emotion that has the potential to hold us back or take us out of the game. 

Fear will show up so it is important to decide how you will deal with it, not eliminate it. You can bump into fear and let it become an obstacle that keeps you from moving forward or you can choose to recognize it and bring it along for the ride.

Choosing Your Focus 

Example: Imagine you have a meeting to review a presentation with your boss that you have not completed. You are new in your role and acknowledge you didn’t request the information you needed from your team far enough ahead of time. 

You can choose to be fearful of what your boss will think by falling short of his expectations and make excuses OR you can start the meeting by letting him know that the presentation is incomplete, that you didn't request the information from others far enough ahead of time and give him a date when you will be prepared to review the completed presentation.

The first choice has you acting from fear and the second choice has you facing your fear and bringing it along for the ride. 

A client lived through this situation and his boss praised him for his leadership and taking ownership of the situation. 

Example: Imagine that you have been given an ultimatum from your boss due to fundamental disagreements. He expects you to do things his way (which to you is out of integrity) or you have forty-five days. You can choose to be fearful of not being able to get another job, worry about what everyone is going to say and decide to stay OR you can be true to who you are and take the forty-five days. 

The first choice you are acting from fear and the second choice you are facing your fear and taking it along for the ride.

I actually lived through this in my twenties. Fear never took over because I so strongly believed in my choice. It showed up though I chose not to entertain it or make myself the victim. I did what was right for me and stayed focused on my success. What I did well became my story when I networked, not why I left. Much to my surprise I landed a new job within two weeks!

“Miracles seem to happen when we are focused 

on the right stuff.”    

 Dorothy Lazovik

Get Real

Fear is a belief you have it is not based on facts. Fear is something you make up in your head about what might happen.  

When you are willing to take a stand, face your fear and take it along for the ride, you will discover it is never as bad as you think.

There is a quote by Mark Twain that I love. “There are many terrible things that have happened to me in my life and some of them have actually happened.”

Take your fear along for the ride, it will empower you and your life!

Would love to hear your story about how you have dealt with fear. I invite you to post your story, comments or questions.

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

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

Are You Choosing Your Best?

I was having a conversation with my twenty-one year old son, Kyle, regarding choices. The ones we make, why we make them and how they affect us. 

Kyle, who is a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design, shared an expectation from one of his teachers. At the beginning of the term Kyle’s teacher emphasized the importance of each student submitting the artwork they considered their best. He did not, under any circumstances, want them to submit a piece of artwork for a project that they thought he might like better. 

Kyle’s teacher warned there was a danger in doing that – “what if you hand in the piece of art you think I will like, it is not your best piece and I don’t like it?” 

Kyle has taken these words to heart and they have had a profound affect. Not only does he consider those words when he is handing in his art, it has influenced other decisions in his life. Hearing this from a teacher he respects gave Kyle permission to make what he considered to be necessary changes.

He shut down his Facebook page because he would rather have real conversations with his friends. He got rid of his iPhone because for him it was a distraction and took him away from living in the present moment. He replaced it with an ordinary cell phone that he turns on only when needed. He never liked the idea of being available on demand.

Taking ownership of living by our own standards takes courage when we go against what is popular. Though this is truly the way for each of us to live our best lives: the one that we choose not the one that is imposed. What are you doing to live your best life?

Comment below and share what you do in choosing what is best for you. It may be exactly the inspiration someone else needs to hear.

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

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

Focus on One Thing

You look around and find yourself in a sea of professionals. Hundreds of people that have the same role you do as a leader. Okay, you begin to acknowledge that not everyone works in the same industry or at the same company. Though how do you move from being a commodity to being known for your brilliance or expertise? 

I am going to focus on the one thing you can do to move the needle now and position your brilliance. 

With so many people occupying the same space and performing a similar role, it’s vital to establish a key strength you want to be known for. This key strength is a skill that comes naturally to you. When using this key strength you never feel tired and always feel like you have energy to spare. 

Word of Caution: You may take this skill for granted because it comes so easy for you. You might even find yourself saying, ”Oh anybody can do that!” That is simply not true. The truth is no one can do it like you! Embrace and celebrate your brilliance. If not you, than who?

Define your Difference

Your difference is the magic ingredient that separates you from everyone else. It is that special “something” only you can do. It is not just what you do that creates the magic it is how you do it that sets you apart from the crowd. 

For instance...

You know people that are “good at working with people”. This statement is generic and does not position a difference. To consider how to position the “good at working with people” difference, let’s look at two engineers. Raymond and Kate are both Directors at the same company in different departments. 

They are both praised for how well they work with people and each want to be known for this key strength. So how do Raymond and Kate translate this generic statement, “I’m good with people,” into the magic that supports their expertise? 

They need to individually identify what they are specifically doing when working with people that makes them different. 

Listen to Feedback

Raymond was recently given feedback about how grateful the sales team was to have met face-to-face with the leader of marketing. This face-to-face meeting was Raymond’s idea and it resolved a main issue, trust. Meeting in person gave the sales team an opportunity to discuss their concerns and feel heard. The fact that the marketing lead flew out to meet with them to discuss their challenges and clarify solutions for their customers was a win-win for everyone. 

The Sales Director was so appreciative that Raymond orchestrated a face-to-face meeting. This one meeting initiated open communication and provided cross-functional opportunities that allow each team to be more effective. It made all the difference!

Raymond realized his magic ingredient: building trust through establishing solid relationships. Raymond is exceptional at bringing a human connection to everything he does. He intuitively knows when an in-person discussion will accomplish so much more than a conference call or email ever will. 

Kate is often provided feedback on how good she is at working with people. One of her team leads recently shared how great it is when Kate attends meetings. The team continues to be engaged and productive when Kate is present. 

Kate has a way of getting everyone to open up and share ideas. Most often, when a senior leader sits in on a meeting there isn’t much discussion. When Kate is present everyone is comfortable and willingly shares their ideas. 

Kate asks great questions and gives praise when people share. She has found her magic ingredient: bringing out the best in people through showing interest and expressing appreciation. 

These two leaders are both great at working with people. Now they have the ability to position and promote their brilliance by having defined their magic ingredient. This magic ingredient sets them apart and allows them to stand out for their difference. 

So how can you stand out for your difference? 

• Identify the key strength you want to be known for.
• Listen to feedback from others on what you do well.
• Get clear on “how” you get your results.
• Define your “how” to effectively position your difference.

These are essential steps in finding the unique twist to take a skill that is a commodity and customize it to show your brilliance. It is critical to uncover your magic ingredient and use it often so you become known for it – there’s no sense keeping it a secret, right? 

When your magic is loud and clear to you, it will become loud and clear to others. This is when others begin to seek you out specifically for your brilliance. 

Leave a comment and let us know how you are brilliant! 

Get real and align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention to play bigger and achieve outstanding results!

Clarity Breeds Certainty! How Clear Are You?

I saw the movie Iron Lady over the weekend and it gave me a different perspective of Margaret Thatcher as a woman. She was a wife, a mother AND a political leader. She was strong, certain and determined.

Before seeing the movie, I knew of Margaret Thatcher only through the eyes of the media. The movie provided a more intimate look into this woman’s personality and the choices that impacted her brand. 

She grew up middle class and worked in her free time for the family business. This had an influence on her values and how she saw the world. As a young woman it was clear that her ambitions differed from her peers. What was important to her was different than the priorities of other young women her age.

Margaret looked up to her father. He was politically minded and gave voice to the issues that he believed in. These views, even if they were not popular, were what mattered to him. 

                     Who do you allow to influence you and your brand?

                     What beliefs are you willing to give voice to and support?

Denis, the man who became Margaret’s husband, was one of her biggest supporters and he appreciated her difference. When Denis asked her to marry him, she clearly told him what her expectations were and who she was. She had no intention of being a typical housewife nor did he expect it.

The movie portrayed Margaret’s courage as she followed her passion and refused to give up. She was often the only woman in a room full of men. Even than she still spoke her mind and did not allow anyone to intimidate her.

She was open to learning and took instruction before she became Prime Minister to position herself more powerfully. She was portrayed as someone who, unapologetically, did what was right for her to fulfill her calling. 

This movie revealed the strength of a woman and how her choices defined her brand. She became known as the Iron Lady because:

¬ She knew who she was and lived that everyday.
¬ She knew what was important to her and stood up for it.
¬ She made choices that defined her and owned them.
¬ She lived by her standards and not those of others.

We each have the same choices to make everyday to define our own brand. Margaret Thatcher demonstrated that the best way to support the message of who we are is by living our truth. We can accomplish great things with passion and drive. We can make an amazing contribution when we live a life with meaning. Like her or not she stood for what she believed.

                   Decide what you want for yourself.

                   Know yourself.

                   Be certain how you want to be known.

                   Take the actions that support your choices and your brand.

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