As a self proclaimed control freak, I had a hard time learning to delegate. I was doing things myself for so long that it was difficult for me to let go. I was also caught in the syndrome that if I wanted to get something done right – I would have to do it myself. But the more responsibility I took on in my job, consulting practice, and a variety of volunteer activities, the more essential it was for me to learn how to delegate.

I learned that relinquishing work was not only a way for me to focus on my strengths and do what I do best, it was a way for me to empower others on my various teams to get more involved. When I delegated a task, I gave someone else a significant assignment that gave them ownership and buy-in for the project and the organization at large. The act of delegation was helping others take on more responsibility and play to their strengths.

Delegation liberated me to focus on opportunities to move forward with my career goals and gave others a chance to step up and gain new experiences. My colleagues were motivated to show what they were capable of and enjoyed the opportunity to pursue new projects. We created a check-in system so I would not micro-manage their efforts and communication became stronger in the end.

By keeping all of the work to myself I was sending a message that I did not trust my colleagues. While this was not my intention, I realized that delegation engendered trust and helped me prove my confidence in the team. Ultimately, it motivated others to go above and beyond and our productivity level increased dramatically.

With delegation, I saw new leaders emerge and a renewed sense of enthusiasm in my colleagues. New ideas surfaced and I discovered talents in team members that I never knew existed. Delegation is a beautiful thing that helps people play to their strengths. It also gave me more time to advance my goals by maximizing my support. Try delegating – I think you will be surprised by the positive results for all.

I recently taught a work/life balance seminar called I Will Survive! and opened the workshop by admitting to my audience that I was a work-a-holic. I found myself in the same boat as my participants with a hectic work day followed by endless evening activities leaving precious little time for family and fun activities.

When I accepted this seminar gig a few months ago the topic was pre selected for me and I knew this was uncharted territory in my repertoire.  So I began my quest to learn about this elusive concept of work/life balance to see if I could indeed practice what I was about to preach. I am happy to report that it’s not impossible to achieve balance if you are willing to be flexible and let some things go.

I  learned some valuable lessons that I shared giddily with my workshop group and now my goal is to put these into practice more regularly myself.

• Get time on your side. Don’t over plan and be realistic. It’s rare that 50% of any to-do list gets accomplished in a day. Be willing to admit that life happens and that things beyond your control can throw off your schedule.
• Prioritize ruthlessly. Determine what is important and what can wait. Treating everything as a top priority is draining and depleting. Don’t give in to the instant and immediate answer syndrome – buy your time wisely.
• Learn to say no. Saying no to one thing can open up the door to something else. Don’t feel the need to over explain – just practice saying no, thank you.
• Pace yourself. Channel your inner runner and think in terms of a marathon not a sprint. Pacing maximizes effectiveness.
• Organize. Eliminate clutter and chaos and receive the gift of 240-288 hours per year.
• Use technology to make the most of your time. Set boundaries for your personal and professional time. Turn off your cell phone at home.
• Know it won’t always be perfect. Time management isn’t an exact science. Don’t stress out, do what you can and enjoy the time you spend more pleasantly or productively. Be grateful for what goes well and learn from your mistakes.
• Be mindful of your health and wellness. Don’t let your health suffer from stress. Take time to be quiet, meditate, or take a short break. Eat well; avoid fast food and plan for busy times. Exercise; make it a part of your routine and schedule it into your day. Get regular check-ups from your physician. Be sure to get enough sleep – this is your best healing opportunity.
• Play to your strengths. Delegate projects to empower others and stick to doing what you do well.

It takes a conscious effort to leave work at work. Fight the guilt because you have the power to do so. Nurture yourself and take advantage of your options. Make choices that favor you and create the balance YOU want!

I know this isn’t feasible all of the time but I am making a conscious effort to move forward with baby steps. The number one lesson I learned is that balance does not happen all the time. We can’t have it all – all of the time, but we can create an equilibrium that is workable by being willing to change and stay flexible. It takes some mental furniture re-arranging and it won’t happen overnight, but consider creating the balance you want to live by prioritizing what you value. And remember, you should be at the top of your own list!

At the young age of 40, Carole Brody Fleet had a thriving career in the cosmetics industry.  She built a new house from her Mary Kay Cosmetics earnings and became a national winner of top sales awards and numerous accolades. But none of her success could soothe the deep pain she experienced when her husband died after a two year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. A young widow with a then, 11 year old daughter, Carole had days when she literally could not get out of bed. Read Full Story

In the age of social media we are encouraged to use a photo in our professional profiles. This is a great networking tool and provides a very important first impression to the readers, many of whom are employers trolling for job candidates. How often have you seen a profile photo cropped to showcase the head-only of person knowing full well that the cocktail in their hand and the party in the background has been cut out? It doesn’t matter how good you looked at that wedding – it’s time to get a professional photo!

If you are using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the myriad of other sites to promote your professional activities, or to pursue job leads, you need an appropriate photo. Think of this photo as an investment in your professional toolkit. Perhaps you are writing articles in your field, or including your bio on your website to illustrate your credentials to prospective clients. A picture is worth a thousand words and having a great shot will strengthen your public image and your credibility.

You need not spend a fortune on photos. Shop around in your area and ask for references and portfolio examples. Dress according to your career industry. If you are a yoga practitioner, you don’t want to wear a business suit. You might even consider a few different outfits to use for different purposes – the Board of Directors position you hold, your community volunteer post and your business might all have different looks.

Sable Hunt is featured this week on the story tab and she also believes everyone should have a great photo. She reported that she felt like a movie star during her photo shoot. Find a photographer with whom you can develop a good rapport so you feel relaxed in front of the camera. This should be a pleasant experience to showcase you at your best. With digital photography, you can view images during the shoot and adjust your smile and posture accordingly, if need be.

Pictures taken by a trained photographer will set you apart from the competition and distinguish you as a professional. It says that you are serious and that you value your public image in the career world. Think about how you want to be seen by others. Help your photographer capture the real you and don’t be afraid to show your personality. You should have a consultation first to discuss your needs and to build a relationship with your photographer so you feel comfortable at the shoot. Be sure to get digital files you can use for the web (compressed in size) as well as electronic print files (300dpi). Remember, these shots are not going on your mantle in a frame – these photos are part of your professional package.

Consider getting your shots taken every year or two so you always look current. It’s disastrous when someone uses a photo that is 20 years younger than they are at present when they show up for a public appearance. Your photo should look like you do now. And lastly, don’t forget to say cheese!

Historically, women have been taught to be modest and not boastful. While there is nothing worse than an arrogant bragger, I am on a personal mission to help others embrace their humble confidence and own their strengths and accomplishments. In reality, there is nobody else in the professional world advocating on your behalf but you. So, you must become comfortable singing your own praises – especially in a job interview or performance review.

The same philosophy follows suit when accepting a compliment. I cringe when I hear someone back out of accepting a compliment by minimizing their success or recognizing someone else for their job well done. The person giving the compliment is paying tribute to you and praising you for your success. Learn to say thank you with grace and appreciation.

Acknowledging praise does not mean you are arrogant. In fact, it is far more congenial to accept a compliment than to deny a person the opportunity to praise you. My favorite confidence boosting words of wisdom come from Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inaugural speech. Here is an excerpted passage:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So go out there and do great things and when you are recognized and appreciated, say thank you!

Alicia Sable Hunt, known to all as Sable, grew up in the Hamptons in the 1980’s during the height of materialism, big money, and a recreational drug culture that was rampant in this affluent east coast community. She benefitted from the very strong grounding of a religious household and ended up in nursing school, an anomaly in her group of friends, most of whom pursued high profile and high paying corporate careers. Sable attributes her passion for helping people to her mother who instilled strong values in her at a young age.

A Nurse in the Kitchen

Always comfortable in her own skin when working with patients, Sable experienced a variety of settings in the medical field from bedside nursing to intensive care, and outpatient clinics. But, she developed a love for oncology care working with cancer patients. With 15+ years under her belt as an oncology nurse, Sable understood the immense struggle of those fighting cancer and the nutritional challenges they uniquely face. Proper nutrition is paramount during cancer treatment but many patients suffer from loss of appetite and taste preventing them from receiving the nourishment they need. Sable feels strongly that patients should be able to thrive while continuing with their daily lives during cancer treatment and recovery. Championing the cause in 2006, she stepped into her kitchen and began baking up a solution, and Sable’s Foods was born. Read Full Story

Many women take a hiatus from careers to raise their young children in accordance with their work/life values. But, not all women have the luxury of leaving work to be with their kids. The Harvard Business Review published data reporting that 93% of women who do take a temporary leave (beyond the traditional maternity leave), are ready to re-enter the world-of-work within two years.

While I can’t speak from personal experience – my “children” are of the furry, hound dog variety, I have worked with many mom clients who find it stressful to get back into the game after their mommy time away.

It’s extremely rare that the organization you left will welcome you with open arms after a two year absence, so most women seek out new opportunities. The research shows they often take a pay cut for the mommy gap on their resume.  There are some amazing resources out there for come-back moms these days so the re-entry does not have to be so brutal.

• Plan ahead with a Strategy. The more planning you can do from child care providers to how you will plan for dinner when you are back at work will help ease stress levels.  Monica McGrath, adjunct professor at the Wharton School of Business teaches a Career Comeback course and shares that having a plan will translate to renewed confidence.
• Get Back Up to Speed. More than likely your current reading repertoire has focused on Parents Magazine and children’s books. Timothy Butler, PhD and head of Harvard Business School’s New Path program encourages you to start reading the Wall Street Journal or the relevant publications in your industry to get back up to speed before you hit the job market. Take a continuing education class to refine your skills and learn what’s been happening in the world-of-work since you left.
• Find Support. Constance Helfat, PhD and co-director of Dartmouth’s Back in Business 11-day Executive Course, says you need to re-connect with your professional support team to get back in the know and rebuild your confidence as a marketable candidate. Start a women’s discussion group or join an existing professional women’s networking organization to get out there and be seen again as the professional you are.
• Stay Involved. Some moms may have the flexibility to do contract or volunteer work while they are tending to the little ones. If that is not the case for you, consider taking on some part-time projects when you are ready to get back on the job train. Working for charities or non-profits in your community on a special project basis can be a great way to show prospective employers that you’ve still got it and lessen the severity of your resume gap in the workforce.
• Rally Your Network. Revive your personal resource team and tell everyone you know that you are ready to get back to work. Increase your networking list with referrals and offer to pay-it-forward to others so you are not a self serving networker. You may be the re-engaged mom that helps somebody else in the near future.

There are a myriad of resources and support mechanisms for moms today so tap into what’s available in your community including career and/or life coaches to get you jump started. After all, being a mom is the most noble and difficult profession of all!

Fine artists have been using portfolios for decades to showcase examples of their work. This multi dimensional tool is gaining popularity in the job market for other professions as well. By assembling an archive of your work, you can show employers why you will be a value-add to their organization.

Similar to the resume, the portfolio should be customized for each unique opportunity. You should include your resume and/or CV as well as letters of recommendation, quotes or special comments from key constituents and examples of what you do well relevant to the new job opportunity. A mission statement can articulate why you want the job as well as why you are an excellent match for the position.

I like to include a list of my top skills with descriptions of how they will be applicable to the new job.  A goals or future plans section can help you articulate how you will grow in a particular role in the organization. Employers will see you as a strong, long term investment for their team.

If writing is a desired skill for the new job, include samples that showcase your best work and a variety of styles. Get creative and use graphics or photos for visual pop but keep text pithy and succinct using headers, bullet points and tag phrases instead of long paragraphs.

I encourage my clients to bring the portfolio to the interview so you can walk your future boss through the document and leave it behind when you are through so the hiring committee can have a lasting impression of you as a candidate.

Spiral bind your portfolio so the pages are secure and be sure your full name and contact information appear clearly on the cover page. While you want to show the breadth and depth of your experience, keep the portfolio brief so the readers don’t lose interest while viewing.

This secret weapon can set you apart from the competition. An added bonus of assembling a portfolio is the valuable self reflection process that will put you in tip-top shape for your interview, giving you the opportunity to focus on your strengths in an articulate manner.

When Pam Beattie, a stay at home Mom, married for 20 years had a yearning for something more, she focused on her passion for French furniture to launch a new business. Venetian Décor is her boutique upholstery and design house that specializes in creating down duvets, custom filled seat cushions and reproduction French furniture, to name just a few of her offerings. Pam is the ultimate recycler using vintage fur coats to bring a new life to these heirlooms and re-purpose them for something new and unique.

Pam designs custom pieces that act as windows in time and reflect old world craftsmanship, dedication, and attention to detail. Venetian Décor does not promote the trapping and killing of animals but works exclusively with vintage fur coats to ensure that these historic resources are refashioned into useful and appreciated products. Read Full Story

I just read an article by David Cutler who wrote a book called The Savvy Musician. He outlined various competencies for success in musical careers that are applicable in all professional work arenas.

• An Entrepreneurial Mindset. The ability to problem solve, create opportunities, think outside the box, market remarkably, and manage your own projects.
• Leadership and Vision. Individuals who possess a strong sense of vision and the courage to lead with influence are rewarded on many levels.
• Collaboration. Successful professionals value working with others, creating projects that are greater than themselves. Consider joining forces with the not so obvious constituents in your circle of contacts: community members, educators, business leaders, neighbors, etc.
• A Strong Brand. A brand is much more than your name or logo. It is the sum total of how others perceive what you do. What distinguishes you from the pack and how will potential clients or colleagues know that?
• Risk Taking. Most people are terrified of failure, playing it too safe and buying into the myth that anything less than perfection reflects poorly on them. An overly safe approach often results with a failure of the largest order – professional goals. If you crave success, be willing to fail and learn from it.
• Internet Mastery. The web offers unprecedented opportunities: social networking, blogging, podcasting, news releases, viral sensations, etc. It’s simply not enough to do these things – you must do so strategically for the greatest impact.
• Financial Literacy. Prospering financially doesn’t simply mean raking in piles of cash. Success requires a deep understanding of how money works – earning, spending, and saving.
• Research Skills. The most successful professionals do not reinvent the wheel. They take advantage of pre-existing resources. They establish relationships with mentors, embrace creative modeling, and devour resource materials in their field.
• An Understanding and Interest in the World. Only those who are engaged in the challenges, values, and realities of their communities are able to create products and provide services that fill gaps and resonate with others. Successful professionals are relevant.

When you play the career game with these rules in mind you will be well prepared for success.