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.

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.

It's As Simple As...

What it can feel like!

Opening up the conversation in the last blog about the magic ratio of positive and negative feedback has clients asking, “Is it really necessary? Do I really have to provide positive feedback for tasks that should be done anyway?”

My answer is, “No it is not necessary and no you don’t have to. However it is something to consider if you want to build positive brand equity and potentially stretch yourself to go beyond what is required to create the impression you desire.”

You have a brand model that defines how you want to be known.  To build your brand you always want to do or say what will support you in the way you intend or better. 

If your brand model is to include one of these words:  inspiring, caring, compassionate, aware, respectful, thoughtful leader; then providing positive feedback is one way of tipping the scales in your favour. Implementing positive feedback is as simple as:  

Saying “thank you” to an employee for delivering a report on time OR Expressing appreciation to everyone for sharing their insights in the meeting OR Acknowledging a team member, in front of the group, for delivering great results in a tight timeframe. OR Giving recognition to team members for going beyond expectations OR Expressing praise by saying, “That’s a great idea or excellent point” OR Rewarding individuals by buying them lunch or a certificate to a restaurant, spa or golf course for their commitment of “whatever it takes” to launch a major project on time. 

This IS simple to do. Acknowledging a job well done produces results beyond anyone’s expectations. Go ahead and practice giving more positive feedback then usual. Let me know the results you get. 

I invite you to share the best positive feedback you have ever received and how it made you feel.

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.

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.

Should I or Shouldn't I?

It is all in our perception!

It could be you’re deciding to accept that ideal job with a long commute OR debating if you should go sightseeing on vacation in the rain.

When deciding, to do or not to do, thoughts are typically focused on what might happen or what you’re not going to like about it. The final decision affects both the experience you have and the perception you create for your brand.

An experience that got me thinking about perceptions happened last week when my friend Jane sent a message letting me know she cancelled our foursome’s golf reservation for the following day. Reason - the weather reports were predicting a 70% chance of rain!

This is not typical behavior for Jane so I wondered why she was being so cautious and conservative. Why not just take our chances? What was it about the chance of rain that made her cancel?        

This conversation led to even more thinking. The same weekend my oldest son, Eric, considered backing out of a two-day outdoor concert with all of his buddies because they were calling for rain. 

It surprised me because Eric is not typically cautious or reluctant. He is the one that jumps in and thinks later. The prediction of rain almost kept him from having, what he now describes as, the time of his life.

What about me…

I am not always up for anything nor am I always care free. I am typically in for following through on a plan, having a good time, going with the flow and am willing to risk less than perfect weather conditions for friends and being outdoors. 

That said, even though typically I am up for an adventure, often I will decide not to participate when friends call at the last minute. What perception does that create about MY brand that isn’t typical? What am I focusing on? (Psst...it's the effort!) 

What I learned… 

Even though the rain held off and we could have played it was not Jane’s intention to be overly cautious by canceling golf. But, with one decision involving three other women, she demonstrated a side of herself that likes to play it safe. 

When Eric considered backing out of going to an outdoor concert Kyle, his younger brother, helped him see that getting wet was no big deal compared to the fun he would have. It did rain. He did get wet. It was not a big deal and he had a blast!

My lack of spontaneity has me out of alignment with my sense of adventure. I am working on jumping in because when I do I NEVER find myself saying, “I wish I would have stayed home.”  

When you make your next decision, be it big or small, consider the pros and cons. Also consider the impact on your brand and the message you deliver. Consistency is key to building trust and credibility in all parts of your life.

What are you focused on when you are making your decisions? How comfortable are you with risk? Does it align with who you really are or want to be? Are the decisions you make in alignment with your personal brand? 

What do you focus on when making a decision? Share your decision-making habits or strategy in the comments below.

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.

Looking Beyond The Clothes

Presenting yourself to create the impression you desire, before you even say a word, involves several key elements that goes beyond your clothing. You may not consciously be aware of these elements, but they definitely influence how you are perceived.

NOTE: To provide help in the clothes you wear the previous post lists five tips to keep in mind when choosing your clothes to ensure you deliver the message you intend.

Have you ever experienced being in a room full of people when one person walks in and captures your attention? Then you find yourself observing this person and feeling a bit like you want what they have. However, when you are pressed to identify what has captured your attention you’re unsure how to articulate what ‘it’ is. 

The Observation

The first thing that catches your eye is how well dressed this person is. Then you observe the ease with which this person moves around the room and engages in conversation with others. You would describe this person as confident, savvy, smart, professional, engaging and trustworthy. 

WAIT! You got all that just from observation? What you really want to pin point now is the specific behaviour this person demonstrates and what it is they are doing that you want to do.

Breaking IT Down

To make the invisible visible let's consciously breakdown the cues this person is using to stand out in a crowd so you too can apply them:

¬ Wear clothes that look good and fit well. Dress for the level of success you want. Not sure if your clothes are suited to your aspirations? Ask a trusted friend or sales person at your favourite retail store who's style you admire. Ask the right people to get the feedback that supports you.

¬ Carry yourself with confidence. That means head up and shoulders back. No one gets a thumbs up when they walk into a room looking shy or nervous with their head down and their shoulders slumped.

¬ Initiate a handshake and introduce yourself instead of waiting for others. Make sure it is a firm handshake to reflect confidence.

¬ Make eye contact when introducing yourself or in conversation with others. This is important to create a connection and build trust.

¬ Be fully present. The greatest gift you can give others is to be focused and fully committed to the conversation you are engaged in. Giving your complete attention makes others feel respected. If you are preoccupied mentally others will feel it.

¬ Approach situations with a positive attitude. Use language that is uplifting and stay open to  ideas that are discussed.

¬ Manage your energy. Showing up rested and energized makes you more appealing. People want to be around others that are positive and engaged in life. It is inspiring.

To increase the impact of your brand presence and get noticed, consider being more conscious of the seven different elements listed above.  Notice how others respond to you. Please share how implementing any of the above elements has changed the response you have get from 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.

Five Key Elements to Make Change Easy!

Have you ever found yourself thinking ‘I’ve been in this situation before’? Have you found yourself getting similar results despite thinking you are doing things better to create positive change?

I know it sounds crazy, but it happens! It happens with my clients AND to me!!  

You set out to create change, and you really want to achieve your goals; however you fall prey to old habits and possibly allow yourself to blame external circumstances. You make small adjustments, perform inconsistently and can’t understand why you are not reaching your goals. 

Change doesn’t just happen. Saying it doesn’t make it so. To be different you have to think and do different...consistently! This is not always easy but it is absolutely necessary. So what can you do to make change happen?

I recently went on a trip to swim with the dolphins in Bimini. For me it was about making a change to integrate more play into my life. Surrounded by the ocean, being in a different environment with like-minded people made play seem so easy. It makes sense; everyone was there for the same reason!

Similarly, when you attend a one or two day workshop to develop a new skill, it takes you out of your routine and you find yourself in an environment with a group of people who are all there to learn. When everyone is “in on it” (whether “it” is swimming with dolphins or learning something new) the change you want seems so possible.

Being surrounded by people who get it, understand what you want to accomplish and support you in your efforts is invaluable.

Though you don’t need to go to Bimini or attend a workshop every time you want to make a change. So how can the value of these experiences be brought into your everyday life? 

Here are the five elements you can extract from the above examples to make change easier day-to-day: 

1. Know what change you want. Is it to play more and have more fun? Is it to learn a new skill? Is it to incorporate more time to read or exercise? Is it a behavior you want to change? Identifying a specific change will provide you with a place to start.

2. Change up your environment. Do something different or go someplace that will inspire you. Meet up with friends at the waterfront and have a BBQ or play volleyball, just for fun! Go to a place you love, do a wine tour, attend a concert, take a different route to work, have lunch with someone new or go somewhere that you’ve heard about but have never been. Shake things up! It shifts your perspective and renews your energy.

3. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Hire a coach, a trainer, a teacher or find a mentor. An accountability partner can also help you get where you want to go. Keep company with people that support you. You don’t have to do it alone and trust me, it can be a whole lot more fun when you have company! 

4. Say YES. When an opportunity presents itself that feels right take a risk and do it. If uncertain or fear arises check in with yourself. Decide whether your uncertainty comes from not wanting to make the effort or it just not being the right thing for you. 

5. Engage in activities that support a positive mindset. Read a book that inspires you, listen to music that lifts your spirits, join a group that aligns with your way of thinking, exercise to raise your energy. Find the activities that will support you and keep you on track. On the flip side, identify any activities that are draining you and replace them with new ones that get you pumped.

Pick one of the five elements to implement now. Stretch yourself!  Commit yourself to the actions that create change. These actions will become habits.

It’s crazy to expect change to happen when everything around you stays the same. Change isn’t always easy, however it is absolutely possible. AND when it is something you want, change is also worthwhile. 

Share a method you use that supports you in making change happen in your life.  

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.

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.