First Things First. People

First Things First. People.

Carolyn Slaski, Partner

When Carolyn Slaski and her husband had their first child, she wanted more time with her family. Ernst & Young knew the value of Carolyn’s contribution and supported her desire to work on a flexible work arrangement for several years. Today, Carolyn is a partner with three sons and a dynamic career that has included a global assignment. Working full-time, Carolyn has the flexibility she needs to succeed personally and professionally. She knows how to put her priorities first…just like Ernst & Young puts its people first.ey.com/us/careers

One of the Women For Hire Foundation’s big initiatives for 2008 is to empower the host. It’s usually best to keep it in the range of what each woman would every woman—regardless of income level or proximity to power—to be a bank- typically spend for an average night on the town. But instead of an ordinary roller of good and enable her to experience the rewards of giving. Instead of meal, everyone enjoys laughter and contributing to political campaigns, we’re turning our attention to people much good times made even better knowing closer to our hearts: low-income women in need of job training and personal- it’s for a worthy cause. ized assistance to get them jobs. From each night of festivities, our Foun- Most of these women are single mothers with the sole financial responsibility of dation collects $150 to $1,000 depend- raising their families. Access to training and a hand up could mean the differ- ing on the number of attendees. And ence between minimum wage versus a livable wage, inconsistent hours versus a just as importantly as the money, we’re steady schedule, and no benefits versus health insurance and paid time-off. also building a grassroots army of well- wishers for the women we’re serving. Money in the bank isn’t the only benefit. I’ve witnessed firsthand the beautiful bounce in her step as a woman returns to work and gets a paycheck for her ef- So please accept my plea and pledge forts after a prolonged period of unemployment. There’s that certain smile of your time and energy to plan a party in confidence and contentment that only comes from being on a path to financial celebration of friendship and women’s independence. career empowerment. Visit womenforhire.com/foundation for photos and Watching from the sidelines as my money and time do their thing is enormously anecdotes of some of the successful soi- meaningful to me. It produces an indescribable glow that every one of us should rees that are taking place throughout have the good fortune of experiencing. Nothing makes me more proud. the country. You’ll learn how to plan the perfect event, plus you’ll see some We want to pass along the opportunity to experience that feeling while also tap- of the perks of putting yourself to work ping your inner fundraising diva—you know, that voice inside that says, “Oh, with us. We can’t wait to add pictures wouldn’t it be so fabulous to have the ability to really impact the success of other from your festivities to our website and people!” We’ve created a simple way to help you get involved today. Photo By Allyson Lubow in the next issue of this magazine.

Instead of just writing a check, we want to recruit you to work with us on behalf We hope you’ll agree that this is a campaign worth cheering for and that you’ll of the Women For Hire Foundation. This kind of work isn’t hard labor but a la- put your party-planning prowess to work on behalf of those women who’ll ben- bor of love. Don’t get me wrong: We’ll take your tax-deductible donations too! efit greatly from your vote of confidence.

Come up with a clever theme for an evening of fun and fundraising at home Cheers! with your friends. We’ve hosted everything from pizza and potlucks to cocktails and karaoke. My all-time favorite is the night I dubbed dinner and decoup- age. I treated 15 guests to Chinese take-out while I taught them how to make original plates. Tory Johnson COVER GIRLS Here’s the simple catch: Each guest brings a check made out to the Women For Founder & CEO Pictured on the cover by column: (1) Stacy Francis, Jessica Weiner, Liz Lange, Hire Foundation ranging from $15 to $50—the amount is completely up to you, Women For Hire Jacqueline Liebergott; (2) Peggy Klaus, Deborah Roberts (Steve Fenn/ABC News), Hannah Seligson; (3) Jessica Guff, Tory Johnson (Allyson Lubow), Alex- andra Levitt; (4) Michelle Madhok, Linda Ellerbee (Gordon Munro), Gale Britton. All photos are courtesy of each woman except where noted. {Read on for their advice and insights. womenforhire.com womenforhire.com TABLE of CONTENTS on the Blog IN EVERY ISSUE in two- We asked you to share your thoughts and personal experiences I believe 2 Corner Cubicle regarding crying at work. Here are some of the responses from 7 Inside Women For Hire way communication. Women For Hire’s Be Gutsy Blog. Read ‘em and weep. 11 Tidbits & Tactics 50 Spotlight on Expo Success And so does my For Crying Out Loud I see nothing wrong with crying or showing emotion at work, as that means you $9.5 billion company. are a caring and passionate person who strives 100% to achieve your goals. I heard Enterprise was different, but until I focus on Coworkers share all the good things about our personal lives–our accomplish- started working here I didn’t appreciate how LEADERSHIP ments, our kids’ accomplishments, our vacation plans, stories from childhood–so much. The ﬁ rst thing I noticed is that people why do we recoil from sharing the bad things–our pain, our fears, our frustrations? count. Whether it’s a long-time customer or 21 A Look at Women’s Leadership an employee who’s just starting out, every A Far Cry from Professional opinion matters. 23 Know Thyself and Thy Sticky Floors It is never appropriate to cry at work. Coworkers and especially your boss see this as a weakness that you can’t stand the heat and that you are emotional. Take our signature “pick you up” service. 27 A Four-Tiered Look at Leadership: Women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and This was started by a manager who simply I feel that crying at work shows you are too emotional and is unacceptable to me. listened to customers who needed a ride. Not 50s weigh in on the “L” Word everyone was convinced it was a good idea, 31 Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome Sob Stories but he was empowered to run with it - and it Early in my career, I cried upon being told that I was laid off. It came as a sur- ultimately developed into a trademark of our prise and I was caught off guard by my own tears. I tried holding them back and 33 The Case for Saying No superior customer service. perhaps because the person letting me go was a woman, it made me feel less vulnerable. 35 The Levity Effect: Three Reasons So, you see, that typical, impersonal, Why it Pays for Leaders to Lighten I’ve been mostly successful at keeping my tears to myself. I started a new job corporate bureaucracy you’d expect Up at Work from such a successful industry-leading recently, at a very stressful time in my life, and one day I ended up crying at my desk—very quietly. A coworker came to do a training exercise with me, and I said, company just doesn’t exist here. So if I have 36 Jessica Guff on Management “Sorry, I’m having my own little private nervous breakdown. I’ll be with you in just a a good idea, no matter what my job title, I minute.” In about five minutes, I was composed enough to invite her over to finish know it will be heard and my career will be 39 Jacqueline Liebergott on the training. rewarded accordingly. Accomplishment ©2008 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. 807630.01/08 ©2008 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. The crying at work is something that I have a tough time with. I work hard to keep 41 Deborah Roberts on my composure but when I am pushed to the boiling point, I will stand my ground Authenticity and walk away and let the tears flow in private. What company will I start my 45 Gale Britton on Reward management career with? Crying to Get Ahead? I hate when women use tears as a weapon to get their way. We are an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V. I believe this one. Women should not use their emotions to make others feel sorry for them.

If a man cries or shows anger he’s often regarded as having a sensitive side (in a positive way) and is respected. And if women show the same emotions, they are often regarded as being over-sensitive.

Serve the Customer • Be Honest • Have Fun • Be a Good Neighbor • Open Doors • Always Listen • Reward Hard Work • Own Our Brand Make your voice heard on our Be Gutsy Blog. Visit blog.womenforhire.com to If you have experience in sales or customer service and a bachelor’s degree, please apply online @ erac.com/womenforhire. express your opinions and read the latest posts from our team of workplace To contact a local recruiter, please call toll-free (888) 999-ERAC. bloggers. womenforhire.com Photo by Steve Fenn/ABC News inside women for hire Have Coffee with Tory Johnson

Register today for the Early Morning Seminar that takes place before each Women For Hire Career Expo. Here’s your chance to meet Women For Hire CEO and Good Morning America Workplace Contributor first-hand. Gain valuable insight -BVODIZPVSDBSFFS and answers to your career related questions. Leave inspired. All attendees will TFMMJOHQFBDFPGNJOE receive priority admittance into the career expo. Space is limited, so visit womenforhire.com and sign up today.

"TBMFTDBSFFSXJUI/FX:PSL-JGFNFBOTZPVDBO t(SPXZPVSPXOmOBODJBMTFSWJDFTCVTJOFTT SPRING t&OKPZVOMJNJUFEJODPNFQPUFOUJBMBOEBDPNQFUJUJWF 2008 CFOFmUTQBDLBHF EXPO SUCCESS! by Akuba Torvikey t.BLFBEJĊFSFODFCZIFMQJOHPUIFSTBDIJFWFmOBODJBMTFDVSJUZ CAREER After completing four years of college at a prestigious state university with no college loans, tons of t#BMBODFZPVSXPSLBOEMJGFXJUIBnFYJCMFTDIFEVMF community service hours, internship and externship experience, and a very decent GPA, I found EXPOS myself questioning the value of a higher education. t3FDFJWFUSBJOJOHUISPVHIPVUZPVSDBSFFS We know you love your job just as much I decided that my first job out of t4FJ[FUIFPQQPSUVOJUZGPSQSPGFTTJPOBMHSPXUIBOEBGVUVSF as we love ours. However, we think you college–manager trainee at a local JONBOBHFNFOU owe it to yourself to check out our events car rental company–was not the and meet the great employers that will t)BWFBSPMFJOB'PSUVOFDPNQBOZUIBUIBTBZFBS be in attendance to connect with you. direction that I wanted to go in my DPNNJUNFOUUPUIFWBMVFTPGmOBODJBMTUSFOHUI JOUFHSJUZ You’ll get a chance to network with other career. I decided to quit that job in BOEIVNBOJUZ smart, dynamic women, get your resume order to find a career that better critiqued, and attend other workshops. suited my goals and dreams. Little This day is sure to offer you a chance to did I know the search would last advance your career. two years.

WASHINGTON, DC: February 28 Over the next two years, I became a professional job seeker. I attend- ST. LOUIS: March 4 ed numerous job fairs and went CHICAGO: March 6 through countless revisions of my MINNEAPOLIS: March 18 resume. I began questioning why I even attended college. My morale was low and my self-esteem DALLAS: March 25 was shot. In order to make ends meet, I took a part time position at a bank while I continued my search. It seemed as though I could have used those four years I spent in college to get a head NEW YORK: March 27 start into a real career. In April 2006, I saw an advertisement for the Women for Hire career expo ATLANTA: April 1 in Atlanta, Ga. that would later change my life dramatically. To my surprise, there were hundreds LOS ANGELES: April 10 of women in attendance. BOSTON: April 15 As a result of the career fair, I was hired as a Consulting Analyst with Accenture and moved to '03.03&*/'03."5*0/"#065"$"3&&3"4" PHILADELPHIA: April 17 Washington, D.C. I absolutely love the company and admire the fact that Accenture & Women for /&8:03,-*'&"(&/5 1-&"4&$"-- Hire believed in me. Visit womenforhire.com for details on 037*4*5XXXOZMDBSFFSTGPSXPNFODPN participating employers and seminars at This coming February, my company’s Women’s Networking Group announced that they would be each event. volunteering at the WFH career expo in Washington, DC. I hopped at the chance to help. I only hope I can reach out to other women who, like me, just need someone to believe in them. My advice to other women would be to have patience, resolve, and take advantage of all the resources offered by Women for Hire. © 2006 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 womenforhire.com inside women for hire

WATCH AND LEARN ON SHARE THE WOMEN FOR HIRE.TV GOOD NEWS Tell your friends, family, and Tune in to Women For Hire.TV, our all new video site, to find great career coworkers how you get this advice, inspiring stories from professional women and entrepreneurs, and the great magazine each Spring, inside scoop from recruiters about companies where you want to work. Ever Summer and Fall season. Visit wondered what it would be like to be a bakery owner or a personal shopper? womenforhire.com and sign up Our series, I Love My Job, will take you on location from Buttercup Bakery to for FREE home delivery today. Bloomingdales as we catch up with women in all different lines of work with one thing in common: they love their jobs.

How about a video snack while sitting at your desk? That’s the growing trend among workers who watch short online videos when they need a quick diversion from work instead of the standard smoking break or a computer game of solitaire. Turn to us for video advice on a wide range of career topics. You can also submit your challenging career questions by video and you’ll receive a customized response from Tory Johnson.

Visit www.womenforhire.tv today to view and submit videos.

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Join the Women For Hire Support the Women For Hire Are Network Foundation Connect with 30,000 professional We’ve formed the Women For Hire women on the Women For Hire Foundation to specifically serve low- You A online career network. Visit network. income, unskilled women by helping womenforhire.com today and create them to realize their career potential. your free account. Upload photos, Support the Foundation by making a Member? network with other women for advice, 100% tax deductible donation. Visit post events, and start discussions. womenforhire.com for more details.

You can also support us through Join The Women For Hire GoodSearch.com, a search engine Facebook Network powered by Yahoo! that donates half its revenue to the charities its Next time you’re on Facebook, make users designate. You use it just as sure to check out our page and you would any search engine. Go to become a friend. Stay in the know goodsearch.com and be sure to enter on all the latest Women For Hire Women For Hire Foundation as the scoop and tell your friends too! charity you want to support.

womenforhire.com tidbits&tactics

Do you want more out of your WORK YOUR job than just a paycheck? Do you want to be challenged WARDROBE and learn new things? Do you Button up that blouse and don’t hike your skirt. A study by Lawrence Univer- want your talents to be recognized? sity professor Peter Glick found that provocatively-dressed executive women Put your career in a position to were viewed as less intelligent and less capable than neutrally-dressed women grow at State Farm,® a Fortune 500® executives. But that doesn’t mean you have to resort to boring, bland and blah. company. With a variety of jobs Phillip Bloch, famed stylist to the stars—Nicole Kidman, Selma Hayek, and Ashley Judd are among his well-dressed clients—tells us there are easy ways to and placement opportunities all spruce up any spring wardrobe while maintaining your professional chic. across the U.S., go ahead and reward yourself and your career. • Don’t be afraid to mix basic black with white, navy, Join the State Farm team. brown or grey. Visit statefarm.com/careers • A little bit goes a long way with red. Think of it as a perfect splash, not head to toe. Lap OF • Berry and peach colors are hot. Think strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, mango and peach. If it’s found in a fruit salad, it’s in for spring. LUXURY • Purple and green make a great combination just like grapes and leaves. Bag that dowdy laptop case. • White works only if it’s extremely crisp and clean. Apprentice alum and en- trepreneur Tammy Trenta’s Theresa Kathryn collections combine fashion and function at last. With a padded sec- Fashion with Function tion for a laptop, pockets for your business cards and cell and Purpose phone, as well as hooks for When sisters Peg and Claire were both keys and sunglasses, these diagnosed with cancer within a year of : . Rieffel elegant bags manage to be FOUND Jessica K each other, they joined forces with their all things to all women: lug- A job where the paycheck sister Patty to found Spirited Sisters. gage, handbag, and attaché. RM They knew the awkward and uncom- STATE FA While luxury doesn’t come is only half the reward. fortable hospital gown was an added trial in an already difficult time. Their cheap (bags range from $350 aim was to create functional fashion to to $500), this is one splurge help women align their minds, bodies that has a guilt-free guaran- and spirits through times of illness. tee: A portion of the proceeds For Patty and Peg, this labor of love is benefit charities that support now carried on in memory of Claire, and empower women. Order who lost her battle to colon cancer in online at theresakathryn.com 2006. Purchase online at spirited-sisters.com. or call (800) 242-6520. An Equal Opportunity Employer womenforhire.com 11

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expert at least once a year. Vicki Salemi checked in with several prominent women for their thoughts on colors, cuts, and Eileen Spitalny exuding confidence with your wardrobe. President & Co-founder, Brownies.com

Cathie Black It’s quality over quantity. Although items may cost a little more, when you buy quality they last longer and wear longer. The same applies to President, Hearst Magazines Francis shoes: fit and quality are important. Author, BASIC BLACK: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) Michelle Madhok Founder, Shefinds.com Dress to target impress some days. Who are you meeting that day? If I’m meeting Calvin Klein, obviously I won’t wear Armani. I’ve I try not to look too girly. I like conservative with a twist such as undone this every morning of my work life—thought the day through usual stitching where people wonder, “Where did she get that?” I like and dressed to suit the people in it. Lange nice heels that aren’t too high; a three-inch heel is good. Since men are taller, heels will bring you closer to their eye level. The only conservative item I have is my husband Tom. He wears very well, actually—we’ve been married 25 years. But when it Sabrina Parsons comes to clothes, besides black, I like bright colors, stylish cuts and lines, striking accessories, and great shoes and bags. It’s not all Spitalny CEO, Palo Alto Software about the clothes; it’s about how you carry yourself. Walk like you know where you’re going and have every reason to get there...first. I’m not a fan of people who are over accessorized. I don’t feel like a business meeting is the time and place to show off flashy jewelry. Jessica Weiner Owner & Chief Creative Officer, Jess, Liz Lange a self-empowerment company Founder & President, Liz Lange Maternity Parsons Global Ambassador, Dove Self-Esteem Fund It’s hard to project confidence if you don’t have a signature style

that’s reflective of you. Find your uniform and what you like. If you When I have a big event I have to buy something new. That article find a specific cut that works really well, buy it in navy, black, and makes me more aware, I’m more present. My clothes are my cos- charcoal. It’s all about being true to yourself and knowing what you tume—they’re my way to express a message. I talk with my hands feel good in. I love to punctuate an outfit with a chunky gold acces- a lot so I accessorize with a cool ring. sory. It’s important to not over accessorize. You don’t want to be jingling and jangling in a meeting. To look fabulous in clothes you already own, get them tailored. Odds are your current clothes do not fit properly; revitalize what’s Madhok Leslie Gatti already in your closet. Well-tailored clothes can do so much for your silhouette. Owner, StartaFoodFight.com

Stacy Francis I have the luxury of working from home, so when I meet with clients Founder, Savvy Ladies I love to get dressed up. I think the accessories are just as important as the clothes. It’s a whole ensemble. I love accessories that are President, Francis Financial great conversation pieces. Keep it simple, but make a statement. Gatti Your eye should be drawn to the accessories, but not overwhelmed I avoid red as it can be seen as aggressive. I always wear heels by them. and choose very comfortable styles that are classic yet stylish. Many of my shoes are over five years old but look brand new. Salemi blogs about workplace topics as Vivacious Vicki on I keep them meticulously maintained by visiting a shoe repair womenforhire.com. She writes frequently about careers for MSN and AOL and blogs about Manhattan adventures on bigapplebytes.com. Weiner 12 womenforhire.com womenforhire.com 13 tidbits&tactics

pursue those initiatives that evoked more of their potential, and resulted in more meaningful and satisfying successes.

What exactly is “procrastivity?”

“Procrastivity” is a combination of the concepts of procrastination, productivity, and creativity. It describes a way of mastering time, effort, and energy, maximizing flow, and using the inten- tional and wise choice to delay some tasks and initiatives so that we can spend our effort and time on more fruitful, meaningful, and fulfilling objectives.

What are some ways to determine when it can be productive to put off tasks?

Ask yourself, “Is this the very best way to fulfill my objectives so I can express my most heartfelt values?” Perhaps there could be better, easier ways. Among the other questions to ask: Is this something I’m really ready for? Do I have all the informa- Go Ahead, tion I need to pursue this? Am I sure it won’t prevent or distract me from embracing and utilizing more of my potential? If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s probably a very Procrastinate good idea to put it off—at least for now.

When we received an advance copy of a book claiming that Your route to success. On the flip side, what methods can we procrastination could be a good thing, we had to call up the use to get motivated to finish what we author to figure out what she meant. Kerul Kassel talked to us put off? about Productive Procrastination: Make it Work For You, Not Whether you work in the air or on the ground, you always want to work Against You! with the best. The best people, the best equipment, the best routes, Schedule it on your calendar in 30 to 90-minute time blocks on What’s the case for procrastinating? a set of specific date(s) at specific times rather than just put- the best rewards. All working together to take you further. That’s ting it on a to-do list. Get someone to help hold you account- able to completing the task by a particular date/time, particu- You can’t do everything at once, and many things aren’t worth American Eagle. larly someone who won’t let you slide, and whose good opinion doing, especially those that don’t closely fit your own unique you don’t want to lose. Create a very unpleasant consequence set of personal values and objectives. I’ve seen so many for not following through, and set up a way to enforce it that Every day, our 350 aircraft fl y over 1,800 fl ights to more than 160 cities clients beating themselves up for having to-do lists that were doesn’t just depend on you. For example, give a friend a check so unreasonable and punishing. Yet they were hard-working throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. for a considerable sum, made out to an organization or political productive people who just needed to embrace some new “pro- group whose mission or values you loathe, and have that friend But we need your help to get us there. So if you’re a pilot, fl ight crastivity” habits, including letting go of a lot of those to-dos send the check off if you don’t follow through. attendant, mechanic or other aviation professional, get ready to take that weren’t serving them yet were making them feel miserable. Giving these up allowed them the freedom and confidence to your career farther at American Eagle.

figure out things that have been on lated dreams have their limits, Visit www.AmericanEagleCareers.com to see why we ﬂ y and Dreaming of Work our minds because during sleep the the Staple’s survey acknowledged. view job previews. If you’ve ever dreamed about work, brain explores connections and ideas The survey found that 39% of small you’re not alone: a survey by the folks in a trial-and-error fashion, Harvard business owners got their very best at Staples, the office supplier, finds psychiatrist Robert Stickgold tells ideas while driving and 15% while

American Eagle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. that 51% of small business owners The Wall Street Journal. In experi- showering. Only 6.3% got them dream about their work and 70% of ments he conducted with puzzles, dreaming or lying in bed but them take what they dreamed and people tested one morning performed that was more beneficial than use it in the office. There’s increas- better the next morning than they did brainstorming sessions (6%) or ing evidence that sleep helps us if retested later in the day. Work-re- the workplace itself (5%).

VOTE

If you’re not already a registered voter, visit Vote411.org, a project of the League of Women Voters, for links and information for every state.

POLITICS AT WORK National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Savvy business people pride themselves on keeping up passed over for promotion. To this day, he believes that (NGA) with current events, politics, and even newsmaker gos- his big mouth cost him the opportunity for advancement. sip so they always have interesting tidbits to contribute to small talk at meetings, parties and social outings. Idle Usually there’s a comfortable middle ground that allows Keeping America secure requires pinpoint accuracy to identify and counter threats, and the chit-chat is awfully valuable in building professional rela- you to react to the latest political news without crossing National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) delivers. We produce geospatial tionships because it allows people to connect on a relaxed, into dangerous territory. Hillary Clinton’s infamous show intelligence—making possible unparalleled capabilities to describe, assess, and visually depict personal level. of emotion during the New Hampshire primary resulted physical features and activities any place on Earth. At NGA we value our diverse culture and we in mixed opinions among cube mates nationwide and seek qualified employees who believe in teamwork, creativity, risk-taking, and mutual trust and But that same small talk can backfire when it’s highly sparked a healthy debate about whether or not it’s ever respect. NGA offers challenging opportunities for qualified personnel. opinionated and offensive to others. While there’s little acceptable for women to cry in the workplace. While harm in sharing your pick for the Super Bowl or World defending or attacking Senator Clinton’s political views For more information and to apply on-line, visit www.NGA.mil/careers. could offend coworkers, a discussion around crying isn’t If the position you are seeking is not listed, please continue to visit the site as new Series, there’s surely the potential for sparks when siding likely to be as heated. opportunities are posted each week. Additionally, you may submit your resume to the with political candidates in the workplace. Future Needs Repository. As the mudslinging on the campaign trail grows more During an informal meeting with coworkers, an associate intense through the November election, it’s best to refrain NGA offers competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and excellent benefits package. told a story about his young daughter asking about the from exposing your biases in the office unless you’re sure Positions are located at our headquarters in Bethesda Maryland, St. Louis Missouri, difference between a Democrat and a Republican. His that voicing your beliefs will not alienate anyone. Just be- and several other U.S. locations. Applicants and their immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Applicants must response: “Democrats care about people and Republicans cause you know a colleague is like-minded in business—or be able to obtain a security clearance. don’t.” even in music, movies and snacks—doesn’t mean that you share similar political views. It’s acceptable to educate That not-so-PC reply wouldn’t have been a big deal at and inform, so long as you’re not attempting to unfairly home, but in the workplace it earned him the cold shoul- impose. At work it’s better to be quiet than to offend, so der of colleagues who strongly disagreed with his assess- be an outspoken advocate for what matters to you on your National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency ment of the two parties. A couple months later, he was own time. Know the Earth...Show the Way

womenforhire.com 17 Women4Hire8x10.75 1/28/08 2:14 PM Page 1

tidbits&tactics In a challenging economic climate you might not be able to recession-proof your specific job, but you can definitely recession-proof your career. That means if you’re a mortgage lender and your company is in trouble, that job is likely impossible to save at Simple this time, but that doesn’t mean your career is in the gutter. Right now is when all of us should be taking stock of our situations, assessing our jobs Steps to and developing a career safety net. There are two categories in which to focus your efforts: job Recession-Proof search tactics and job saving tactics. Three job saving tactics Your Career Focus on making money. During a recession, the first cuts are typically made in what are con- sidered support positions such as administrative, � Fortune 100: Best Companies to Right Now human resources, marketing and public relations, Work For (2005, 2006, 2008) and customer service. If you have the ability to transfer within your company to a profit center—think sales, for example—that’s something to consider. If you can solve � Business Week: Best Places to costly problems or save big bucks in your current role, get busy doing that because Launch a Career (2007) you can be just as valuable if you save money as someone who brings in money. � Forbes.com: America's Most Don’t hide. Ignore the conventional wisdom that times of trouble mean you should be quiet, bury your head, and do your job. Definitely do your job—and do it really Trustworthy Companies (2007) well—but be visible and vocal about your contributions. Make sure your boss—and � Barron’s: America’s 500 Best even the boss’s boss—knows what you’re doing and how well you’re doing it. If your knowledge and contributions are essential to the company, there’s less of a chance Companies (2007) you’ll be axed, so it’s up to you to communicate that before a decision has been made to eliminate your job. � The Princeton Review: Best Entry Level Jobs (2004-2008) Align with bigwigs. The cynics call this sucking up. We call it saving your job. In every company there are power brokers and all-stars. Those people can be great � CollegeGrad.com: Top Entry Level allies in times of trouble. They can help protect your job by fighting to keep your Employers (2007) position during discussions of where cuts should be made. If you’re not already in with such folks, get to know them now. Volunteer to help with a key project, participate in meetings, or even stay late or come in early if that’s the best way to get some face time.

Three job search tactics Get resume-ready. Don’t wait for a pink slip to figure out what you’d put on a resume to account for the last several years. WomenForHire.com offers resume templates to showcase your skills, abilities and accomplishments.

For more information about Network now. The classic mistake is waiting to call all of those long lost friends The Sherwin-Williams Company and our and former colleagues only when you need something. Check in with them now. Make a list of 50 people who aren’t part of your inner circle. It’s not a difficult num- Management/Sales Training Program ber if you push yourself. Having this list handy will enable you to be one step ahead and Internships, visit of the game should you find yourself needing to start a job search.

www.sherwin.com/mtp Visualize your dreams. Ask yourself, “If I didn’t have this job, what would I want to do if I could do anything?” Also ask, “If this job went away tomorrow, where could I see myself working?” Put all of those answers on paper. Be comprehensive. It could be a move to a competitor or it could be a whole other industry. That’s the start of a An Equal Opportunity Employer roadmap—you have to know where you might go before you can actually get there. womenforhire.com 19 “We know we’ve made progress when we finally see mediocre women CareerCareer running top companies.” LINDA ELLERBEE A LOOK AT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP goal.goal. This year in the midst of the presidential election, you can be sure the word “leader” will get thrown around by pundits, campaigners, and candidates. Of- ten when a term is frequently invoked in rhetoric we start to lose a grasp on its original meaning. Photo by Gordon Munro

lead·er [lee-der] – noun a person or thing that leads.

Want to be part of a team that is always focused on the ultimate goal – total customer satisfaction? The innovative technologies developed at General Dynamics C4 Systems raise the bar for systems integration and implementation, and provide our customers with winning solutions – core to edge. With that in mind, in this issue we focus on effective leadership. Are strong leaders born or shaped? We could borrow from Shakespeare and concede, Kick off your career. “Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness If you’re the type of person who excels in technology development, leads with dedication and thrust upon them.” Of course no offense to Will, but on the following pages we keeps the end goal in sight, General Dynamics has a career for you. take a closer look at how great women can develop the necessary traits, and in Our open positions include: some cases, how all of us might have to change some of our current habits and t$IJFG4ZTUFN"SDIJUFDUT t4ZTUFNT4PGUXBSF"SDIJUFDUT work styles, to get ahead. t4FOJPS4PGUXBSF&OHJOFFST t4FDVSJUZ4ZTUFNT&OHJOFFST t4S3'4ZTUFNT&OHJOFFST t%JHJUBM%FTJHO&OHJOFFST You will also hear first hand from four dynamic women we hold in high esteem. t4FOJPS$*434ZTUFNT&OHJOFFST t'JFME4ZTUFNT&OHJOFFST ABC News Now executive producer Jessica Guff explains why she admires Diane t$PNNVOJDBUJPOT4ZTUFN&OHJOFFST t*OGPSNBUJPO%FTJHOFST7JTVBM Sawyer and why she’s not above running out to grab sandwiches for her staff. t4FOJPS3'%FTJHO&OHJOFFST t#VTJOFTT%FWFMPQNFOU.BOBHFST tProgram Controls Lead - Cost/Schedule t1SPHSBN.BOBHFST Another network news star, Deborah Roberts, shares her personal thoughts on t4S4PGUXBSF5FTU&OHJOFFST authenticity. Emerson College president Jacqueline Liebergott says she knows These and other challenging positions can be viewed at the expectation of her is no different than it would be if a man sat in the corner www.gdc4s.com/careers office. And Gale Britton of Prudential Financial lets us in on how she’s built her own confidence and continues to reward others. You will find that each woman has her own leadership style and her own nuggets of wisdom to share.

We are sure that you’ll discover as we have that while speeches and sound bites

© 2008 General Dynamics. All rights reserved. are well and good, true leadership is in the day to day details of how you achieve General Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce. great results on your own and with those around you. All applicants for jobs that require a DoD Security Clearance must be U.S. Citizens and otherwise capable of obtaining the Security Clearance. womenforhire.com 21

Min-Eng-ad-1-11-08.indd 1 1/14/08 10:57:35 AM Our excitement. Know Thyself and Thy It’s built around you. Sticky Floors Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS By Rebecca Shambaugh

markets products and services through a network of more than 1,450 Toyota, We once believed that one of the primary • Get focused: Establish commitments within your level of responsibility and ex- Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 35,000 people in the U.S. factors keeping women from advancing in and boundaries that will allow you to pay perience? and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. their careers was the “glass ceiling”—cul- adequate attention to your values and life tural and societal barriers preventing us goals. If your day to day activities are not • Write down what you truly want to do. We’re a team that supports a globally valued brand. Toyota associates are excited from rising to the top. While that might supporting them, consider taking them off Then, map out what kinds of experiences, about our continuous growth. And we take pride that our name stands for still hold true in some organizations today, your “to do” list. training, and exposure it will take to get it’s important for women to look at what there. innovation, quality and reliability. they might be doing, or not doing, to hold • For those high achievers, remember to themselves back. Based on my book, It’s build your strategic life plan and not to try • Be willing to take a risk. If an opportunity The Toyota Way of doing business centers on respect for people and continuous Not A Glass Ceiling, It’s A Sticky Floor, and do everything at once. comes along that may be a stretch, ask improvement. We believe in creating new partnerships and giving opportunities there are a number of things within our yourself what is the worst thing that can control—things about ourselves that we happen? to the best and the brightest. We invite you to explore career opportunities at can change, adapt or reframe. When I see Staying In One Place Too TMS and discover how you can achieve great success as part of a team of which women who are capable of senior or ex- Long–Making the Break Embracing Good Enough: you too can be proud. ecutive leadership roles caught in middle Staying in one place too long can be Perfectionism versus management, I don’t look for a glass ceil- based on the “boss-centric syndrome” Excellence www.toyota.com/talentlink ing anymore, I look for a sticky floor. These where you have developed a long term continued on next page... are self-limiting beliefs, assumptions and and close relationship behaviors that hold women back from with a boss who has tapping their full potential. been your strong sup- porter. It can also be By identifying our individual sticky floors due to our assumption we can break through fears, obstacles that if we just continue and assumptions—and ultimately embrace to do a good job, people our own power. The following define the will see and recognize seven sticky floors and proven strategies our great contributions. and techniques to apply for avoiding or It can stall personal overcoming them. growth, feed into self- doubt, and brand us as Balancing Your Work an expert in a certain and Life area, causing people Are you wired to be a good multi-tasker? not to consider us for If so, this can backfire and not only leave other opportunities. you over-tasked but can cause you to lose sight of your priorities. To balance • Lay the groundwork work and life, it is important to have priori- for future moves by ties, know where you get your enjoyment networking and making and fulfillment, and then commit to a set your work/accomplish- of goals to make sure you are on the right ments, skills, and inter- track. ests known to others.

• Define what success, happiness and ful- • Continually check your fillment mean to you, personally and pro- marketability. Are you in Toyota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. fessionally, now and in the future. line with others that are womenforhire.com 23 VU.8987420.1.15.am.qxd 1/18/08 10:26 AM Page 1

Perfectionism is always placing the same listening with intention, and posture. high standard for performance on everything. It can be a virtue but when overused • If you have something important to say, can limit our greater capabilities, and we speak up. Act confident, balance emo- can lose sight of the priorities, important tion with logic, time your contribution and expectations of our key stakeholders as have good information at your fingertips well as drive ourselves to burnout or stress. to back up your perspective.

Signs of perfectionism show up in being a micro-manager, seeming too mired in the Asking for What You Want details, being viewed as a doer versus a Some women are still waiting for that leader, or not delegating those detailed Shambaugh raise or promotion they deserve. Knowing tasks to others. and asking for what you want is some- you to know how to get the right infor- thing we are entitled to and others expect • Learn what the most critical tasks are mation, learn how decisions are made us to do. The only thing that holds us back and put your energy there. Most impor- and “read the tea leaves” (which means from getting what we want is simply not tantly, learn when a job has been done knowing what people are really saying asking for it. “good enough”—and move on. and feeling). It starts with a spark. It’s an idea, a vision — a cause for action. • Research your request or worth. Don’t It’s a matter of seeing the unseen. Doing the undone. Realizing the • Seek feedback and use it to calibrate • Learn who needs to know about you, just assume you are worth it or that some- unimagined. And it’s what we’re about at Takeda Pharmaceuticals your own performance standards. Know- your value or how you can help them. one will take you seriously. Consider mul- North America (TPNA), Inc. We are creative thinkers, building something ing the difference will allow you to man- tiple sources such as industry standards/ of significance. Something to which others will contribute — and from age your work better. • Determine the best mechanisms for trends, internal and external market sala- which others will benefit — long after our work here is done. For as knowing what’s happening, so you can ries, and other best practices. long as there is health to improve, people to help, and lives to save, bring value to situations, rather than just we will be inspired. We will have purpose. Because inspiration endures: Forming Your Own Board of hoping that information will come to you. • Don’t jump to assumptions about how Where it goes and what it does — well, that’s up to you. Directors the other party views your request. Make As you move into more visible senior lead- • Know how to anticipate resistance in it a win–win by creating a bridge between Explore a marketing career of lasting significance: ership roles, your technical competence the organization and prepare to address their concerns and your interests. www.TPNA.com. becomes more of a commodity. Relation- it proactively. ships become even more important when • Don’t be surprised or take it personally achieving your goals, working cross func- if you get turned down the first time when tionally or influencing others. Making Your Words Count making a request. It is ok to disagree and Your credibility and power as a leader saying no does not always mean no. Part • Identify a goal that is important to you, depend greatly on how others perceive of asking for something is based on tim- and then look to those individuals who you and much of that is determined by ing, other priorities, or how we ask. can help you achieve it rather than trying how well you communicate. Making your to do it all on your own. words count is not only about what you say but how you say it. A nationally-known leadership strate- • Pursue relationships with integrity, inten- gist, Shambaugh has over twenty years tion and authenticity. • Be prepared with the message you want to deliver–present relevant facts and in- of experience helping organizations and formation so that your message reso- executives respond to critical leadership • Remember “Six Degrees of Separation” challenges and opportunities in today’s nates with the audience. and ask for referrals. Consider the Law of business environment. She is president Reciprocity: How can you help the other and CEO of SHAMBAUGH, where person? • Avoid filling the room with words, rather she founded Women In Leadership and provide a clear and concise message and Learning (WILL), an organization dedi- Capitalizing on Your Politi- own that message. cated to the research, advancement, and cal Savvy retention of women leaders and execu- Having political savvy and social intelli- • Be aware of and capitalize on the non- tives. She is the author of It’s Not A Glass gence can help you to navigate important verbal aspect of communications such as Ceiling, It’s A Sticky Floor (McGraw-Hill, issues across the organization, allowing body language, eye contact, how we dress, 2007). shambaughleadership.com TPNA is an equal opportunity employer that fosters and rewards achievement. 24 womenforhire.com A four-tiered look at leadership Women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s sophisticated weigh in on the “L” word.

By Hannah Seligson Levitt: In the past, women leaders in the Traditionalist and Baby original Boomer generations were expected to act like men– We asked a quartet aggressive and emotionally hard–in order to be successful. My of lady leaders, with generation (X) and the generation that follows (Y) are more exactly a 30-year amenable to leveraging and showcasing women’s unique Seligson spread between talents in the workplace. Women leaders who are able to let elegant them, about what their guard down and show their nurturing side are respected defines leadership and some of the challenges they’ve faced by today’s twenty and thirty-somethings. (and surmounted) forging their career paths. Klaus: Our initial vision of female leadership was to look and The women: Rebecca Thorman, 24, is the executive director of act like men. We wore drab pant suits and silly little blouses stylish Madison MAGNET, an organization dedicated to attracting and with ribbon ties. As women coming of age in the late 60s, we retaining young leaders in Wisconsin, and blogger for Modite were thankful to get a job at all. We had few role models of (modite.com/blog). Alexandra Levitt, 31, is the author of They women in the workplace, so we started out by adopting the Don’t Teach Corporate in College, and blogger for Water masculine style of command-and-control leadership. Cooler Wisdom (watercoolerwisdom.blogspot.com). Sandy classic Lish, 43, is the principal/founder of the Castle Group, a public What are some of the challenges you have personally relations firm that is ranked as a top-100 woman-led business encountered as a female leader? in Massachusetts. Peggy Klaus, 54, is a Fortune 500 communication and leadership coach and the author of BRAG!. Lish: The balancing act–trying to be the perfect vendor, spouse, and parent, which just can’t all be done at once. What do you think defines a leader? Klaus: I wasted a lot of time and energy trying to please every- Lish: Someone who is not afraid to make a decision and is will- one. Consequently, I put up with a lot of unacceptable behavior ing to try and do things more than one way. and worried that if I didn’t act “nice,” they’d call me a “bitch.” At 40, I finally got smart and went from the adage, “If you can’t Levitt: She has a clear vision of the big picture and is able to say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” to “If you don’t inspire others to work in pursuit of that vision. have anything nice to say, just say it nice and loud.”

Thorman: A leader sees an opportunity, or defines a vision, Levitt: Self-promotion is a big one. As a woman, my tendency shares it with others, and goes for it. is to be modest and to downplay my achievements, but if people don’t know what you’re capable of, they won’t be as Klaus: Whether an administrative assistant or the CEO, good helpful in getting you to the next level. leadership involves envisioning a better future while motivating others to do their best in the present. Strong leaders exhibit a What advice do you have for the next generation of female Forward resume to: Talbots, Attn: Human Resources, Job Code: WFH, combination of warmth and strength, compassion, risk taking, One Talbots Drive, Hingham, MA 02043. Fax: 781-741-4696. leaders? and accountability. E-mail: [email protected] Thorman: Don’t take things personally. How do you think your generation’s concept of female www.talbots.com leadership either differs or mirrors what previous genera- Levitt: Take the time to learn your trade from someone more tions thought about female leadership? experienced first. Many people in my generation and in the Y Equal Opportunity Employer womenforhire.com 27 08016820_womenforhire_2008v3 1/31/08 4:07 PM Page 1

“...if people don’t know what you’re capable of, they won’t be as helpful in getting you to the next level,” Alexandra Levitt, 31

Rebecca Thorman Alexandra Levitt Sandy Lish Peggy Klaus generation want to go out and launch their own businesses Who is your role model of female leadership? right away, but as they say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Thorman: I grew up watching Oprah after school, and listening to Ani DiFranco. Through their words, as well as the example Klaus: You don’t need to be everyone’s best friend—that’s what set by my mother, I learned the value of being yourself, of dogs are for. There’s no such thing as work-life balance, only transparency and honesty, and of standing up for the causes trade-offs. and issues you believe in. Lish: It’s important to know that you can’t be perfect at every- Lish: Andrea Silbert, a friend of mine since kindergarten, who Bring your talent to a thing. Sometimes you are going to miss a step–and that’s OK. ran for Lt. Governor of Massachusetts. Also, a lot of my close Syndicate, Inc. Feature United © PEANUTS 0801-6820 States][DC] L01085663[exp0209][All Ave.,York, 10166 NY New Company, Park 200 Insurance Life Metropolitan ©2008 girlfriends are role models and inspirations for how to deal company that celebrates you. Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic about the with the everyday challenges of being a woman in a position of future of women leaders in the workplace? power.

Klaus: I’m very optimistic. Women today are far more self- Levitt: Nancy Ruscheinski, the President of Edelman, a global Our strength is our diversity. At MetLife, we recognize that the diverse talents aware. They’re asking for advice and finding mentors earlier in communications firm, Midwest, and I have worked together for and perspectives of our employees lead to our growth and success. That’s why we their careers. I’m also encouraged by the number of women I some time. A married mother of twins, Nancy has never sacri- actively seek candidates from a variety of backgrounds. And once you join MetLife, meet who are taking the bull by the horns and adjusting work ficed family time even as her career has skyrocketed. we offer opportunities for networking and support through a variety of groups and to meet their life goals, whatever those might be. workshops, including our Multicultural Resources Network. Our Individual Business Klaus: Bobbi Silten, who leads the Gap Foundation—the chari- Advisory Councils—Women, African-American, Hispanic, Chinese and South Asian— Thorman: I’m optimistic because I am in a position of leader- table arm of Gap Inc. A wonderful example of someone who work to develop representation and business in their markets. It’s no wonder that ship, and every day that I work towards change makes me see masterfully combines hard and soft skills, Bobbi is warm, com- we have been recognized by Working Mother magazine as a Best Company for the value in stepping out. passionate, honest, funny, and curious. She leads by example Multicultural Women for the past two years. and is constantly finding ways to improve herself and those Join a company that values your unique contribution. For more information about a Lish: Very optimistic–I see a lot happening with the women around her by drawing on years of experience in former posi- career with MetLife, call 1-800-JOIN MET or visit metlife.com/careers in the business community here in Boston. They are making tions, including a stint as president of Dockers for Levi Strauss things happen with each other. It’s very inspiring. & Co. in the U.S.

Levitt: Very optimistic. With the forthcoming labor shortage Seligson is a New York-based journalist and the author of New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches (Citadel, brought on by the Baby Boomers’ exodus into retirement, there MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. will be major opportunities for young women to step up and 2007). Visit hannahseligson.com to learn more. claim leadership positions. 28 womenforhire.com ATL012154B 1/30/08 4:10 PM Page 1

Each time you move up a notch, does hadn’t done her current job before Dealing a little voice in your head whisper, either. But here she was, four years “Boy, have you pulled a fast one. You into it, receiving kudos and being really aren’t good enough to have this asked to take on a more senior role. With The many people counting on you. You By thinking about her success in her certainly don’t deserve a job with this current assignment—and everything much responsibility.” A friend who she had learned in order to achieve Imposter was stepping into a major manage- it—she realized the promotion wasn’t ment position told me, “Peggy, I feel as daunting as she imagined. Syndrome like such an imposter.” I said, “Of course you do, and you probably will The surest way to beat the Imposter Verizon Lends a Hand By Peggy Klaus until you learn how to play the new Complex is to act as if you are both role.” competent and confident, even if you don’t have all your I’s dotted and T’s No matter what line of work you are crossed. I tell clients who think they in or how high you climb, the impos- belong at the next level to start acting ter syndrome—also called the Impos- like someone who is already there. As ter Complex—is likely to follow you. an executive at one of my workshops Although thankfully not at the same explained, she divides businesspeople time, many successful people suffer into three camps: the competents, the from feeling they are bluffing their confidents, and those with both quali- way up the ladder. They live in fear ties. Some people are competent but of being found out. Similar to when have little or no confidence. Others Toto pulled back the curtain in the are confident despite little or no com- Wizard of Oz, they are fearful of be- petence (these folks are less likely to Klaus ing exposed as mere mortals shaking suffer from the Imposter Complex!). in their boots. Although I’ve observed But the winners are those who learn the Imposter Complex to marry confidence with competence, in numerous people of a rare combination. both genders, especially As a leader in delivering bolder entertainment managers, women seem Which brings me to my most impor- and communication solutions,it’s only logical to be far more vocal tant point. On one hand feeling like that we utilize technology to improve lives. about expressing their an imposter isn’t always a bad thing By targeting issues like literacy, technology self-doubt. since it can drive you to constantly education, family safety and healthcare, improve yourself and to excel—quali- Verizon has gone straight to the heart of Developing awareness ties that great leaders possess. Having bettering diverse communities around the about your feelings of said that, you must be really care- world.Since 2000,the Verizon Foundation has being an imposter is the ful that you don’t go overboard in invested more than $400 million in programs first step to overcom- questioning yourself and your abilities and partnerships. And because our network ing them. This was the to the point of becoming so frenetic is always about the people,Verizon employees case with one of my and fearful that you fall short of that donated more than 600,000 hours of their clients who called in a winning “double C” combination. time in one year.It’s just one of the ways your panic over what to do After all, no matter where you are in career with Verizon can deliver a way of life. when she was offered a your career, whether just starting out www.verizon.com/careers significantly bigger job or well on your way, you’re always a at the company where work in progress. she already worked. I couldn’t believe my ears: Klaus is the author of BRAG! The Art She was on the verge of Tooting Your Own Horn Without of turning down the Blowing It and the new book The position because she had Hard Truth About Soft Skills—Work- never done it before. I place Lessons Smart People Wished reminded her that she They’d Learned Sooner. 31 The Case for Saying No

by Vicki Salemi Taneshia Nash Laird had a chance to get your ability, you may have to change your gym, archeology and volunteer work with a more important and powerful job. She location and change your schedule,” she animals. To advance up the career ladder turned the offer down. says. “A leadership position may not drive at the expense of interaction with your your career in the direction you want. children, spouse, friends, family and inter- “I’m having too much fun in my life and Saying “no” allows you to feel in charge ests seems like quite a compromise.” my job,” says Laird, who runs the Tren- of your own life, career, destiny rather ton (N.J.) Downtown Association, which than feeling as if others are pushing or One door closes, another helps revitalize core downtown busi- forcing you.” one opens nesses. And having the corner office isn’t the end Laird says that it is perfectly fine to walk The new position would have meant all and be all, Newman says. More money away from an opportunity if warning bells more prestige and money, but longer in a bigger job may be intoxicating at go off in your head. “There will be other hours and less time with her fifteen- first, but making a bad move–one that opportunities. As long as I continue to month-old daughter. Laird said it was a you regret–can make your personal life perform well, more should come my way.” simple call: she didn’t want to miss her miserable. And it rarely looks good on a Says McIntosh: “To have the insight to daughter’s wonder years by taking on a resume, once you’ve accepted a bigger refuse a promotion gives any woman a more demanding job. position, to split soon after you were sense of confidence. Money and power promoted. are very tempting. To know what the “The more I thought about it, the more I trade off will be at the moment the offer found other reasons to turn it down,” she Driving your career stands before you makes you an insight- says. “I had just recruited an assistant towards its destination ful person.” who is one year out of college and she took a pay cut to work for me. We landed Tami West, author of Balancing Your a new consulting assignment with a gov- Career and Your Life, says you should Tami West suggests these steps ernment agency. I could go on.” only accept a more important position when evaluating if a leadership role when it adds value to your life and brings is a good or bad idea. The Power of No you closer to your vision–not further away. “Accepting for financial gain only, 1: Draw a vision for your life–what What happened to Laird is common without values and vision, will be a tem- your perfect, balanced world would these days, says Susan Newman, a so- porary gain. Eventually you will leave the look like. Does the promotion help cial psychologist and author of The Book job or suffer the emotional and physical or hinder this vision? of No: 250 Ways to Say It–and Mean consequences of resentment.” It–and Stop People-Pleasing Forever. 2: Make a values chart. On one side Time is key list your values. On the other side list When women have a chance to take on the values of the company and the more responsibility, the dark side of what Arlene Dresdale MacIntosh had a chance position. Do they match? lies ahead often becomes quite clear. at a hospital promotion in which she would have taught doctors how to im- 3: Make a Gaining/Giving up chart: That’s not necessarily a bad thing, New- prove their medical documentation skills Here’s what I’ll be giving up. Here’s man says, and it beats taking a new, –a step up from her current position, what I’ll be gaining. Are the gains more challenging position–only to quickly supervising nurses who discharge surgi- worth it? regret it once you’re already immersed in cal patients. paperwork and new responsibilities. But MacIntosh knew that the new role Salemi, known as Viviacious Vicki on If a new opportunity presents itself, New- would be a considerable sacrifice of the Women For Hire blogs, man suggests taking a personal inven- her personal time. “I did not want more is an accomplished author and regular tory that identifies your priorities to see if responsibility involving more of my time,” contributor to AOL and MSN regarding it’s the right move. she says. “My days are already running careers and education. She blogs to ten hours. I have no time or energy about Manhattan adventures on “A job may be too difficult and beyond to pursue my other interests of dancing, vickisalemi.com womenforhire.com 33 The Levity Effect: Three Reasons Why it Pays for Leaders to Lighten Up at Work

By Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher

As a business person, it may be hard to measure the return on investment of levity–whether a go-cart outing, dress-up contest, or a perfectly timed punch line–but a crowd of successful leaders attest that fun is an essential component of their people, business and innovation strategies. Here are just three reasons it pays to lighten up:

• More memorable communication: Whether you’re about to make a presentation to senior management to get funding for your big idea, to pitch a sales prospect who could make your year, or trying to engage a troop of distracted Campfire Girls, great communicators know that a little humor goes a long way toward making you and your messages more memorable.

Photo by Ian Barkley/Rastar Photography • Bigger, better ideas: The work world isn’t suffering from a dearth of tedious, go-nowhere, stiff, brainstorming sessions. ally say it. How about a little humor: “Subject: Slobs Unite! Hey Research shows you can boost scores on standardized tests of everyone: I’m guessing that it won’t be long before the custodial creativity by exposing people to humor or other conditions that staff draws up plans for a strike. I don’t even want to think about establish a playful atmosphere. scabs crossing the picket lines, angry janitors swinging broom- sticks, Molotov cocktails, etc. Let’s just please start picking up • A more successful you: Leaders who use more levity experience after ourselves in the cafeteria and this needless violence can be higher employee productivity, engagement and retention. For averted. Thanks!” individuals, the financial rewards hit even closer to home: people with a sense of humor climb the corporate ladder more quickly Gostick and Christopher are the authors of The Levity Effect. and earn more money than their peers. Quite simply, execu- Learn more at levityeffect.com. tives hire and promote the humorous more often than the dour. Wouldn’t you? Looking to make a connection or land Two ways to lighten up right now a meeting with someone you admire? • Loosen up on voicemail: The idea isn’t to be funny on your Business consultant and leadership coach Dr. Ke- greeting, just simply keep your tone light and informal. Here’s an nya Newhouse, author of Profiles in Leadership: example: “Hi, you’ve reached Becky Thomas, or rather you’ve From the Backroom to the Boardroom, advocates reached my voice mail; obviously if you’d actually reached me, a practice she calls “people partnering.” Newhouse we’d be talking right now. Please leave pertinent info, and I’ll says, “Investigate the leaders’ affiliations—network, return your call as soon as I possibly can.” A straightforward, light-hearted little voicemail greeting. It’s apparent that Becky professional, civic, alma maters, etc. Attend relevant is letting her sense of humor show by not taking her greeting too conferences, chamber meetings and other forums to seriously. That is, after all, how we greet people face to face. increase chances to meet. Find a connection—often it’s less than six degrees of separation. Build alliances • Write better emails: Far too often, this is the sort of message with key people who have connections to the leader. that arrives in our in-box: “It has come to our attention that if the current trend of not cleaning up after one’s self in the break room Identify and respect their gatekeepers and be ruth- isn’t soon curtailed and/or halted, the break room will be closed lessly polite.” until further notice.” Yikes. This whole message smacks of a nostril-flaring jaw-clencher. Type a message as you would actu- womenforhire.com 35 Jessica Guff on Management

Jessica Guff is the executive producer of ABC News Now, a 24-hour digital network. Prior to this, she was senior broadcast producer of Good Morning America and was intimately involved in the launch of The View. Guff, Barbara Walters and Guff’s daughter Sam Sandwich Delivery Fat Like Me The other day we were doing a shoot and I ran out to get sandwiches. When I came I did a documentary for ABC in 2003 called Fat Like Me. Childhood obesity is a topic back with them, I said to the crew, “What other executive producer goes and gets that’s really close to my heart, and it was a one-hour special on the childhood obe- sandwiches?” That’s just not done. When people get to the executive producer level sity epidemic. I put a thin girl–the daughter of one of my closest friends–in a fat suit they boss other people around. But I have always pitched in working my way up and she went to school with hidden cameras in her glasses and her backpack. She and I don’t see any reason not to do it now. If something needs to get done, you recorded the way people treated her as a fat person and went back as a thin person do it. What inspires me is the fact that my staff is really hard working and a really and revealed how differently they treated her. It had about eight million viewers on great group of people. It’s a team effort. I’m inspired to work hard along side them ABC in primetime, and we won the Gracie Award and the Front Page Award. We because we’re all part of the same team. were also nominated for an Emmy Award. Diane Sawyer with Guff Good Ol’ Fashioned Hard Work I find intelligence inspiring. I also love a hard work ethic. I’ll work for anybody who’s Leading Women going to roll up their sleeves, but if somebody’s going to be a diva, forget it. Diane Women nurture more as leaders and men are not as aware of their employees’ feel- Sawyer works harder than anybody I’ve ever met in my entire life—male, female, ings. I think women are almost painfully aware of how their employees will react to rich, poor, doesn’t matter. Barbara Walters has a strong work ethic. The people things and sometimes overcompensate for that awareness by being really tough. I who are at the top are there because they bust their asses and don’t rest on their can be tough, but as a leader I think that I try to be kind and compassionate first, and laurels. Everyday they’re trying to kick it up a notch and trying to make it sharper, if somebody gives me a hard time, my way of dealing with it is to try to understand smarter, newsier, better. They’re relentless. Some people might say they’re obses- where they’re coming from. I don’t know that men lead in quite that way. I think men sive, but I find them inspiring. don’t really care where you’re coming from; they just want to get the job done. Managing vs. Inspiring Management involves knowing your staff well enough to know whose skills work Shhh…No Need to Yell right for which particular job. I think being a good manager involves listening to I had a boss at Nightline in the early 80s who used to call me a moron. He was so people, understanding people, knowing where to put them and who does what rude and hurtful and I cried so many times. He taught me not to be rude and hurtful when, and also being able to keep track of everyone and their skills and their inter- to people. It was such a negative experience that I don’t yell at people in the work- ests. place. Now my kids will tell you that I yell at people at home, and my husband would certainly second that. But in the workplace I’m not a yeller and I never insult people. I Inspiring people is an attitude. You inspire people by your attitude and your energy think that’s really unnecessary. and by working hard yourself. Working hard is part of being a good manager as well, but I think they’re two different skill sets. I know lots of people who are really The best bosses I’ve had have acted as if it’s a democracy even though the work- great managers who would not make great leaders because they don’t have cha- Guff place isn’t really a democracy. They’ve always included everybody’s input and opin- risma and they don’t have a high enough energy level to marshal the troops and get ions, solicited everybody’s comments. I had a boss who used to say “the best idea everybody gung ho about a particular project. You have to engender an esprit de wins” and it’s not necessarily my idea. I think the best bosses include you in decisions, corps—a sense of being part of a team to inspire people to want to be there. And if even if you’re low on the totem pole. they don’t feel inspired at work, maybe they’re not in the right line of work.

36 womenforhire.com womenforhire.com 37 Jacqueline Liebergott on Accomplishment

Jacqueline Liebergott is the president of Emerson College and the first woman to hold the position since the College was founded in 1880.

The Balancing Act that contribution and letting them My first job was as a graduate assis- run with those ideas are key. In order tant at the University of Pittsburgh. I to gain an employer’s confidence you worked for a woman with a PhD who must show a certain amount of ac- also juggled her responsibilities with complishment so they can see you are a husband and two children. She was making progress toward a goal. Then an important role model for me in there’s the lucky time when not only terms of my own life and my future. is there progress on goals that have She taught me how to work hard and been set, but a pursuit of new goals work smart–and she showed me how that you initiate and accomplish. “Giving people important it is to get others involved People who motivated me most told in shared responsibilities. I carry me I could do whatever I chose to time and those lessons with me today. do. They said it was merely a matter of me making up my mind. In the process, they also helped me learn to opportunity Raising the Bar focus on a small number of reason- Women are resilient in terms of able goals to accomplish. responding to change and finding for feedback different ways to accomplish things. Being influential–having power as I is important do leading an institution–gives me the ability to be taken seriously. It also challenges me to get the job in instilling done. I am most proud of raising Emerson’s profile, attracting better confidence.” students and watching our faculty take on more rigorous and challenging tasks. Our board of trustees would have that same level of expectation for its president, man or woman. The expectations of me as president have remained constant: build the institution and make sure that we improve academic excellence.

Instilling Confidence Giving people time and opportunity for feedback is important in instilling confidence. Taking ideas that others have brought forward, acknowledging Liebergott womenforhire.com 39

WL700626 Women For Hire.indd 1 8/16/2007 1:06:20 PM SHARE KNOWLEDGE. Deborah Roberts EMBRACE DIVERSITY. on Authenticity Deborah Roberts is an award-winning ABC News correspondent whose reports appear regularly on Good Morning America and 20/20.

Proudest Moments The Home Depot is more than an equal My proudest professional accomplishment has to be the year opportunity employer. We constantly look I won an Emmy award for reporting a heartwrenching story from Ethiopia. I was so thrilled to go back to Africa. I had to our associates for great ideas, and we been once before to report on the Rwanda genocide, a sad recognize that many minds are better than and hearbreaking experience. But this was an uplifting story about an Ethiopian-American woman going back in search of one. That’s why diversity, teamwork and a mother that she had left behind as a child. It was a beautiful, innovation continue to help The Home heartwarming story, something that meant a lot to me, to travel Depot grow as an industry leader. to Africa on this hopeful note and meet the Ethiopian people in the village where she lived.

But that accomplishment goes hand in hand with another, POSITIONS: coincidentally also in Africa. Just over a year ago I traveled to Namibia to report on the crisis of HIV/AIDS orphans. This was Full & Part-time Sales Associates, a story I championed and convinced my boss to do for 20/20. Cashiers, Specialty Sales, Store He eventually decided that I was right, that it was something Management Opportunitites and More. we should do. That was a major, major sense of accomplishment, because it was something that came from my heart and something I felt passionately that we should do as a network. BENEFITS: Full and Part-time Bene ts Toughening Up I have learned tenacity. Many years ago, while reporting in Tuition Reimbursement (full-time) local television, I had a boss yell at me. Later, an anchor at 401(k) the station yelled at me, telling me that my copy “stunk”. Yet I was somehow strengthened by those negative experiences. Bonus Opportunities I wanted to be better. I wanted to be stronger, and I wanted A Career with Growth Opportunity to make sure that no one was going to defeat me in a career that I really wanted. If anything I came back fighting. I came Photo by Steve Fenn/ABC News back stronger and became a much better writer and a better reporter on the air because I wanted to prove them wrong. First Job The Roots My very first job was at McDonald’s. My nine-year-old daughter I think that I bring a little touch of myself and my roots to my gets a kick out of this because of the idea that mom worked in work. I come from a large family in small town Georgia. Nine a fast food place and wore a little McDonald’s hat. What I car- kids in all. I am able to take lessons of patience, compas- Apply online today. ried away from that experience was a strong work ethic. I was sion and tolerance from that background. I connect very well so proud to be earning my own money and able to buy some of with subjects I’m about to interview because of my southern my own things. I was also in a position to meet the public and I upbringing and warm spirit. took it to heart. careers.homedepot.com continued on next page... The Home Depot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Available positions may vary by location. womenforhire.com 41 FL004595B 1/19/07 11:42 AM Page 1

Even if men are from Mars, we don’t deliver there. Yet. I’ve learned a lot of lessons with navigating in a large family so interpersonal skills come a little bit easier to me. I draw from my 220 countries and 120,000 destinations worldwide are another story. cultural background, my family; I draw from all kinds of things in my past. That makes me a better professional. Women and Men Generally, I suppose women do lead somewhat differently than men. Women often carry a sense of intuition and perhaps a sense of connection into a situation. We are better multi-taskers and better at looking at the broader picture. I almost hate to use the word emotional because I think it’s used as a negative with women, but women can check in with their heart as well as their head when making decisions and that actually makes us stronger leaders and managers and bosses.

I think there is an implication that women need to be more like men, and the suggestion is that we need to be tougher and that as women we tend to be more emotional and soft with our decision making. So many times women make the mistake of thinking we need to come across like a tough, hard-as-nails kind of “I think that there is this sort of unspoken message in at least corporate America and a lot of the business world that we need to be more like men.”

person, almost devoid of feminism or anything that might speak of warmth. They think that makes us a more competent professional, when I think in the end that sometimes hurts us.

I don’t know that anyone tells us to behave like men, but I think that there is this sort of unspoken message in at least corporate Leila Roker, Robert’s daughter, on America and a lot of the business world that we need to be more the set with High School Musical like men. More and more I think that is changing and we are rec- 2 director, Kenny Ortega. Photo by ognizing that we can be who we are and all that means is being Adam Larkey/ABC We couldn’t reach those destinations without the women (and men) who work to make a woman and still being effective . Not only sometimes intellectu- our success – and theirs – a reality. At DHL, we’re committed to creating a diverse, ally superior to others but also great decision makers and great open and respectful culture, and we’re committed to making sure our employees are managers and great bosses. both rewarded and challenged. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. And we know they are a major contributor to our accomplishments. What are you Authentic by Nature ready to accomplish? So much of the world almost dictates that we try to put up this veneer, especially in the very competitive environment of the business world. I think it almost encourages us to be someone other than who we are so we can walk past obstacles and get past difficult situations. But when we recognize that we can be tough and aggressive and assertive and ambitious yet still be www.dhl-usa.com/hiremanyfaces/2 wonderfully warm caring spirits, if that is indeed who we are, it frees us to do what we want and to do it well. 42 womenforhire.com NSA WFH ad 1-08 rev 1/31/08 10:03 AM Page 1

Gale Britton on Reward Gale Britton is the vice president of recruiting and selection for Prudential Financial’s Agency distribution unit. First job A Simple My first job, which was really chal- Thank You lenging, was at a Bronx day camp Rewards don’t necessarily National Speakers Association for kids. have to be monetary; people want to be appreciated. Peo- I learned how to manage children ple will remember the raise and develop individual relationships they got and they remember …Because It’s Not All Talk with them until I had a corps of kids that they got paid, but that’s who learned to respect me and follow fleeting. They do remember The National Speakers Association directions. But they were tough. I when people somehow find Britton (NSA) is the leading professional learned that working wasn’t so easy. the time or a way in which My parents just made it look easy they can say, “Thank you. you reminded me of all the work association for speakers, providing because they both left and returned Job well done.” you’ve done. You always do it with resources and education designed home everyday and there was money a smile on your face and I’m really at the end of the week. Ask and Receive, The happy to have you here. And when to help our members speak more Ultimate Reward you came in and said you didn’t want and speak better. Women Re-Shaping Many years ago, I thought I deserved it anymore it made me feel like you Leadership a raise because people around me were here for the opportunity and not Join the thousands of women who I think the way women lead is genera- were all making a few thousand dol- for the money.” tional. I’m a woman of a certain age, lars more than I was. I remember tell- look to NSA to help them establish The greatest reward was the conversa- and that’s a nice way of categorizing ing my older sister, who was working tion. I did fire my sister as my mentor and grow their speaking careers. us older boomers. at another firm, that I was going to ask my boss for a raise. She told me because I figured she didn’t know what she was talking about. To learn more, visit When I started working there weren’t that I shouldn’t do it, that I should be grateful for the opportunity. NSAspeaker.org or a lot of women leaders, and I think in The Wow Factor order for women to be successful they After I spoke with my sister I went Get it done ahead of time or under call 480-968-2552 to had to almost deny the fact that they back to my boss and said, “I know budget. Surprise me with figuring out were women. They kind of looked request membership I asked you for a raise, but I’m just how to do it better, faster, cheaper. like men in many ways. information and a grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking for the wow factor in the forget it.” work. How do we wow our customers? complimentary copy Depending on how long ago you came into the workforce, you didn’t of Speaker magazine. My boss asked, “Why did you change We’re in a business, especially in want people to notice that you were your mind.” financial services, where it really is different because you didn’t want service that differentiates us. We have that to make you stick out. You really “I was talking to my sister and she to come up with a new way to rein- wanted to blend in and assimilate said I was overstepping myself and vent that mouse trap. Somehow spin with your male counterparts. I think I should just be grateful. You really it differently. It’s not just the getting it’s only recently—and by recent I have been a great boss,” I said. it done, because that’s why you get mean the past ten or 15 years—that paid. You get paid to do it on time women embrace the fact that yeah, And she replied, “Well, I am going and on budget. Do it early and deliver we are different and we do lead to give you the raise. Not so much under budget and that’s what differently. because you asked for it, but because deserves the reward. womenforhire.com 45 THE RICHARDS GROUP WE’RE FAMOUS TRG JOB #: ORK-08-0028 CLIENT: Orkin FOR OUR ORKIN MAN. JOB NAME: Women for Hire Ad TRIM: 8" X 10.75" BUT WE’RE JUST LIVE: 7.5" X 10.25" BLEED: 8.25" x 11" AS PROUD OF INSERTION: Spring 2008 COLOR/LS: CMYK/133/ OUR ORKIN WOMEN. SWOP FOR QUESTIONS CALL: Jennifer Duncan 214-891-5808 Whether you want to work in branch operations or in our corporate ofﬁ ces, we have a wide variety of positions for motivated women. Here are some reasons to join Orkin today:

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Venita Quarles Stacey Schwartz Operations Manager Progress Energy Senior Human Resources Regus Representative When I received an invitation via email to attend the Women For Hire Career Expo that was being held in my area, I was impressed by both the national and global companies that were participating. I took the time to research each company and the positions they were looking to fill. I found companies that matched my skill set and I could see myself reaching the professional goals I’d set for myself, which allowed me to prep for the expo with complete confidence.

My experience was fantastic! The morning seminar with Tory Johnson was very insightful and empowering, and it set the Quarles I learned that Progress Energy was go- tone for my day. ing to be attending the Women For Hire remain number one. Career Expo, so I knew I had to be there. I Upon entering the main event, I approached the Regus booth. have wanted to work for Progress Energy You could feel the very high energy of the recruiters. There Along with directing the day-to-day work flow, I am responsible for a long time because of their footprint were genuine smiles and happiness—the kind you only see for developing and motivating a highly-trained team in order and reputation in my community. in employees who really love their jobs. They realized I had to meet the technical and administrative needs of our clients. thoroughly researched their company—my cover letter showed I also work to ensure a workplace environment where the Schwartz The recruiters were excited to speak to me I came specifically to meet them—and my resume matched expectations of clients as well as Regus team members can be about their company and potential oppor- the skill set they were seeking. Our personalities meshed right met or exceeded. I oversee the financial stability and integrity tunities. I also met other professional women at the event and it was a great chance away. It was clear I wanted to join their team. of the center and assist in maximizing revenue by conducting “The recruiters to network with peers. tours and managing sales-related inquiries. Now those women are my colleagues. As Operations Manager were excited to Progress Energy’s recruiters LaTonya King and Sibyl Murray stood out to me beat one of the most prestigious Regus Center locations, which The best way I can say it is that my position is very challeng- cause they were standing in front of their booth, smiling, and greeting everyone. They features offices occupied by highly professional and recognized ing, fun, exciting and rewarding. When given the opportunity to speak to me were professional and generated a lot of enthusiasm and excitement for working at companies, I’m responsible for Optimum Client Services. It’s talk about how I got this job, I tell anyone who’ll listen that they about their the company. That says a lot. the client services that differentiates Regus from our competi- should attend a Women For Hire expo. tors in the Workplace Solutions Industry and allows Regus to company and My position is responsible for serving as a HR Representative to employees and as a potential strategic partner/advisor to management within the South Coastal Region of Energy Delivery Florida. Progress Energy places emphasis on people, performance and opportunities.” excellence within the corporation. “The morning seminar with Tory Johnson was very The people at Progress Energy are so nice to work for and the company’s programs insightful and empowering, and it set the tone and initiatives are second to none. The leadership has clear goals and every employ- for my day.” ee understands their part in making the goals come true. I am excited and feel lucky to support the employees in my region because I help employees solve problems, listen to concerns and help them grow in their career. I always feel fulfilled at the end of the day.

50 womenforhire.com womenforhire.com 51 Opening more than 10 restaurants this year!

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