S.M.A.R.T. stands for Strategic. Moral. Achievable. Resilient. Transformative. I use it as a lens through which to view leadership and innovative approaches to human security challenges. On May 25, 2020, a COVID-19 captive American television audience witnessed in real time the murder of George Floyd by law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, MN. Mayors of hundreds of cities across the country confronted angry, concerned, hopeful and at times violent demonstrators over the next weeks. They shared the triple challenge of respecting protesters’ rights, safeguarding life and property, and acknowledging the reality of police brutality - sometimes within … [Read more...] about S.M.A.R.T. Women Leaders Facing Protests
Leadership
Understanding Group Behavior in Good Times
Each group is different but all groups go through similar stages as they develop. Understanding group behavior has improved my effectiveness as both a manager and a leader. American psychologist, Bruce Tuckman, noted different phases of group development as people work to achieve a goal. As a team moves from organizing to accomplishing a task, it can anticipate five stages. STAGE 1: Forming The group meets As a youngster growing up in five countries, entering new groups was a survival skill. Mom taught me to stick out my right hand and introduce myself confidently (even if I didn’t feel it.) “Ask questions about the person and you will be fine.” Mom was … [Read more...] about Understanding Group Behavior in Good Times
9 Tips for Getting Heard Online
This article is contributed by Kathy Jacobs It can take a lot of time and work to make your message stand out online. You will need to use all of the tools you have to refine your message and stand out from the crowd. #1 Determine Your Goal First, clearly define why you want to get your message out. What is it that will drive you to do the hard work to be heard online? What is motivating you? Are you trying to help people? Do you want to become well-known? Are you trying to grow your business? You will need to have the motivation and the drive to do the work. Once you define your goal, it will help you to stay motivated. #2 Refine Your … [Read more...] about 9 Tips for Getting Heard Online
Strategies to Be Heard in Meetings and Video Conferences
As an executive leader of the Africa Bureau team in the Department of State (1993-96) my job was to represent policy views in meeting cultures that allowed interruptions, put-downs, posturing and self-service. I knew I had to adapt or remain ignored. I watched and tested behaviors that got my views taken seriously in meetings. Strategies to be heard in meetings The takeaways from my experience are valuable in in-person and virtual meetings today. If you utilize these methods, you will be heard in meetings. Always have a desired outcome in mind Seek and accept help from allies Look and speak like a leader Strut your strengths Echo women so they … [Read more...] about Strategies to Be Heard in Meetings and Video Conferences
From Managing to Leading: What Worked for Me
I began my career in 1969 as a secretary and took the oath of office as U.S. ambassador to Kenya in 1996. I started by "taking care" and ended up "taking charge." According to leadership stereotypes, women should stay in the first category. My history tells me different. A variety of jobs, skills development and experiences helped me do both. These are the lessons I learned throughout my career. Useful Behaviors I Learned as a Secretary “Don’t let anyone know how smart you are,” I was told while searching for jobs after college. That was hard for me. I had a degree, fluent French language skills and cross-cultural experience thanks to childhood in the … [Read more...] about From Managing to Leading: What Worked for Me