Finding your Leadership: Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way Presented by: Ana DeHoyos-O’Connor Based on the book by Robin Gerber

The Voices We Hear The Prisoner voice The Vacationer Voice The Sophisticate Voice The Explorer

The Prisoner Voice This voice says things like… “I don’t want to be here. I’m only here because my boss is making me.” “This sucks! I have more important things to do, but I’m stuck here.”

The Vacationer Voice When we listen to this voice it is saying things like… “Whooo Hoo! I’m not in charge today. I can sit back and let someone else be responsible.” “All right, a free day out of the office; just kick back and relax.”

The Sophisticate Voice Here the voice is saying… “Not only do I know what this person is trying to teach me, but I know it better than she does. In fact, at some point I am going to let her know that.” “I don’t know why I have to listen to what she says, who is she to think she’s an expert or can teach me something I already know.”

The Explorer Voice This voice says things like… “What can I learn today? How can I maximize my learning experience? How can I make this training work for me?” “I have an opportunity today; I’m going to get something valuable from this.”

Chapter One Learn from Your Past

Your childhood is a leadership legacy. Reflect on it and use it to build your leadership. Be honest with yourself as you think back to your earliest memories. Be as curious about exploring your memories as you are about making new discoveries. Think anecdotally; try to remember actual events that lead to broader memories Connect you memories to your leadership goals and values. Learn from your past

Explore the meaning of family traditions and sayings and how they contribute your leadership traits. Consider writing an “autobiography” as a way of examining your past. Reflect on your past and connect it with new experiences. As you draw on your memories, focus on the positive lessons that can help you reach your goals.

What does “mothering” mean? Brainstorm synonyms for the word “mothering”

Chapter Three Mothering: Training for Leadership

To talk about leadership, we need to use language authentic to our listeners’ experiences. We should not shy away from using mothering as a metaphor for leadership. What you learn as a parent is transferable to the workplace and will serve you well as a leader. Mothering is a testing ground for the leadership required to foster strong interpersonal relationships and collaboration. Training for leadership

Organizational skills and leadership talents can be developed in the home as well as in the workplace. Parenting is an opportunity to teach and refine leadership values. Mother-leaders are great at multitasking, a key skill for any leader.

Embracing Risk Chapter Eleven

Risk Takers Leaders are risk takers who seek out and accept new challenges. Be a risk taker. Recognize that all risk takers struggle with and overcome internal doubts and fears. Focus on your abilities and talents. Work hard to overcome your risk aversion, particularly in situations where you are in the minority.

Let others help. Accept that you will never be able to control every contingency; such is the nature of risk. Understand that thinking and talking must lead to action from yourself and others whom you inspire to act.

How do we face criticism?

To face criticism… You must develop knowledge so that you are prepared for your critics. Reach out to others and listen to them. Handle criticism with less emotion and more intelligence. Be open to constructive criticism

Test your ideas on a small group before going public. Stay true to your values and vision Keep working on your understanding of yourself and lead according to your own beliefs and values.

Find Mentors and Advisors Chapter 2

To find a mentor We must be proactive about finding our mentors. Not knowing how to do something should never be an excuse. Recognize that you can’t know everything. Remember that mentors can give you guidance professionally as well as socially and emotionally. Be open and willing to learn.

Your mentor can be older or young than you, better educated or not. Be flexible in finding the best mentor for your needs at any given time. You can have more than one mentor at any given time. Maintain strong social networks that complement. Remember that mentoring is a reciprocal experience.

Never Stop Learning Chapter Twelve

Learn from everyone by inviting others to teach

Bring nonstop learning into your life Give any new idea a few minutes of your time. You never know what you can learn or how your leadership will be enhanced. Be curious. Curiosity nurtures the souls and spirits of people. Keep your organization and your brain healthy by offering challenge and revelation. Learn and listen. Leaders who are the best learners are the best listeners.

Empower others by honoring their ideas with your serious attention and interest. Be a leader who is a learner Be a learner who is a teacher Be a teacher who is a leader who motivates others to lead and learn. Find the fun in learning Spend time learning some things that are fun. Discover things about yourself that will add to you confidence and competence as a leader.

Give any new idea a few minutes of your time. You never know what you can learn or how your leadership will be enhanced. Be Curious. Curiosity nurtures the souls and spirits of people. Keep your organization and your brain healthy by offering challenge and revelation.