On Behalf Of ALL Of The Ebony Speakers...
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Thanksgiving To All Of Our Website Colleagues and Friends! -Carole, Debra, Michelle and Nancy
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 by Michelle Porchia
There is the age-old statement that “knowledge is power.” I’ve often disagreed with that statement. I think having the right knowledge but knowing how and when to use acKNOWLEDGEment is more powerful. If you want to get the best out of an employee, a colleague or even a child, I think that acknowledgement is very powerful. Basically, everyone wants to feel appreciated and wants to be acknowledged for what they have done. Too often we focus on what someone has not done or what they have done “wrong.” I think to help a person grow into being good at, or even the best at, whatever they are doing, we need to focus on what they have done well; meaning acknowledge and thank them for it. If there are areas of improvement needed, then we can devise a plan–together–on capitalizing on their strengths and extending those strengths into areas that need more work. (I don’t believe in weaknesses, only areas that need a little more attention or development.) The next time you want to approach an employee or colleague about something they have done, start off with acknowledging. It is important to be specific. “Thank you for stepping in when we were short on help.” “Thank you for catching that error; you saved us a lot of time/money.” You do not want to make a general acknowledgement of “good job.” Be specific! When we acknowledge someone and they feel valued and appreciated, that is powerful and it inspires them to want to do more and/or better. ========== For more information on innergizing or to schedule time with Michelle to help you to innergize, click here to visit Michelle's website. By Debra W. Gould, MS 
The word 'leadership' just might be the most overused word in management. Why? Because depending on the type of leadership being referenced, the meaning can be quite different. Many people never stop and think about it, but there are literally dozens of leadership styles.
Knowing the style you feel most comfortable with will help you become a more effective leader because you'll be using a style that fits your personality and work style. Here are just a few leadership styles to consider: 1. Autocratic Leadership Autocratic leaders rule alone, and don't usually take suggestions from staff. This style of leadership is largely outdated, but can be very effective when tight control outweighs collaborative efforts. 2. Charismatic Leadership Charismatic leaders are beloved by their teams. They inspire the people they work with to do better, and they're very energetic. Charismatic leadership comes with a great deal of responsibility, and often organizations or projects can collapse if the leader leaves simply because the team puts so much faith into that one person. 3. Laissez-Faire Leadership This style of leadership is very "hands off". Leaders let their teams or employees run the show, and they stay in the background organizing and monitoring. This style of leadership works best when the employees are very experienced. 4. Task-Focused Leadership Task-focused leaders are concerned with one thing: getting the job done. These leaders are productive, but often suffer some of the same problems as autocratic leaders: they're unconcerned with staff needs, which often results in high turnover. 5. Servant Leadership Servant leaders are the opposite of Task leaders. They're very focused on the needs of the team, and strive for democratic decision making. Servant leaders often lead by their values and integrity. This is only a sample of some of the different leadership styles that can be used. If you're in a leadership position, then it's vital you identify which style suits you best. Real Action Trying to lead one way, when your style warrants a different way will only make your actions half-hearted and inconsistent, not mention your results. Find a style that suits your unique personality and skills, and dive in. ================ Debra W. Gould, MS is the president of Debra Gould & Associates, Inc. based in New Orleans and provides management consulting and training services to commercial and government clients. Debra is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success. Debra can be reached at: (504) 244-6576, email: [email protected] and website: www.gouldassoc.com By Nancy J. Lewis, MS, PHR, RCC 
As we begin to plan and prepare for the upcoming holidays, we often forget to count our blessings and be thankful for the simple things of life. We forget to enjoy the fragrance of a rose and we forget to tell special people in our life how much they mean to us. We get so busy with the activities the holidays bring we forget to spend time with the young and the old. The time is now to stop, reflect, and give thanks for all the things you have. Life is fleeting; we must learn to make the most of each day.
While preparing the holiday turkey, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and home made rolls and desserts, take stock of all that you have to be grateful for. This year prepare a little extra food and take it to someone less fortunate. Be determined to make a difference in the lives you touch with a smile or kind deed. Remember the acronym THANKS as you enjoy this festive time of year. T-take time to be thoughtful with others and attentive to their needs. When you do this, it shows your concern for the well being of others. Be willing to extend yourself and be a blessing to someone else. H-help others by sharing laughter and joy with them. Maintain your sense of humor. I once read laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. We must find ways to bring happiness and laughter back into our lives and the lives we touch. Remember laughter works like medicine so try a dose so you can feel better. Create a laughter journal and remind yourself of some of the things you did that brought a smile to your face. A-adopt an amiable disposition. Be cordial and friendly with people you meet and greet. Let the sunshine of your personality radiate rays of light to others. Be a light in the midst of darkness as you smile and treat each day as a gift from God. N-nurture and cultivate relationships in your life and watch them develop and grow. This is a perfect time to send a note to someone you have been thinking about and thank them for touching your life in a special way. Seek to spend time with people that are positive forward thinking people and will challenge you to grow and become better. K-kindness is a language everyone understands. Make a point to do random acts of kindness this holiday season without expecting anything in return. This will touch the hearts of people in a special way and you will feel better for doing them. S-seize the moment. There is never a better time than now to stop and make that call, hug that family member or friend, text a family member and tell them you love them, or treat yourself to a day at the spa. The important thing is you do it NOW, don’t wait. Commit to seizing the moment each and every day of your life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ========== Nancy J. Lewis is the president of Progressive Techniques, Inc. based in Fayetteville, Georgia where the theme of her organization is "Developing a Better You!" Nancy is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success. Nancy can be reached at: (404) 559-7614, email: [email protected] and website: www.progressivetechniquesinc.com. |
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