Latest "Uncategorized" Posts
March 8, 2021
No one is an instant leader. But for women, the journey to more responsibility can seem more arduous than most.
Women represent more than half of the world’s population but still lag behind in leadership roles, from local businesses all the way up to national politics and global organizations. For decades, private and public entities have been studying the problem and investing in solutions — all of which seem to fall short.
Women have been told to lean in and speak up (even if we are interrupted more). Our nations have focused millions on programs to help women break into traditionally male-dominated fields. And yet, the percentage of women in leadership or senior management roles or worldwide is still only 30%.
What are we missing?
I’ve been a serial entrepreneur throughout my adult life. I’ve been an owner or a co-owner of a number of companies. I didn’t experience many of the horror stories I’ve heard from women who were blocked by their male counterparts.
But I did have to overcome my own fears and feelings of unworthiness. I’ve used the lessons I’ve learned in my own life to help elevate other women, and I’m often asked what others can do to help women feel more secure in their abilities. On this International Women’s Day, I encourage people who want to support women to be BRAVE.
Believe
It’s natural to look at other people’s strengths in the workplace and see them as a threat to our own — after all, business is competitive. One of the best talents you can develop is the ability to see women as they could be and fully believe in their potential. Many women don’t envision themselves taking on greater responsibilities until someone encourages them.
Recommend
Invite women into decision-making roles and promote them through your words and actions. If you’re brainstorming how to fill a seat on a board, think of the professional women you know. If you have an excellent coworker, suggest that she apply for a promotion. We have a collective responsibility to open our imaginations and welcome women to the table.
Amplify
It can be difficult for women to be heard in groups. Studies have shown that women are perceived differently when they speak up than men are. We can combat this problem by lifting up women’s speech and thoughts at the board table. Instead of thinking or nodding your assent, vocalize it. When women contribute ideas, recognize them. Amplify women’s voices to ensure they are considered.
Validate
Take time to mentor and validate women. Your contribution can be as simple as sending an encouraging note about a creative solution to a problem or recognizing a special skill, or as involved as serving as a mentor. Whatever you can do to help a woman grow and develop her leadership potential will ripple out into a positive difference in the world.
Encourage and Elevate
The growth process doesn’t end when a woman attains a seat at a board. It’s a career-long — or even lifelong — commitment to shunning comfort and embracing challenge. Encourage women to make the jump to the next level of achievement. Let them know that you will support them as they make the leap.
It takes time to build bravery. I often tell clients that it’s like driving a car: At first, everything seems foreign. You might not know where the turn signal is or when to shift gears. In time, though, driving becomes second-nature and you’re driving hundreds of miles without an ounce of apprehension.
Women have an enormous capacity for bravery when they believe in their own abilities. As co-workers, colleagues, mentors, sisters, brothers, and loved ones, we have a responsibility to foster women’s confidence and empower them to reach their full potential. Encouraging women to be brave starts when they are young girls in school. Check out this inspiring Ted Talk by Reshma Saujani.
The world is a better place when women rise up. This year, let’s commit to lifting them.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, Business, Personal development, Gender, Women, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged International Womens Day, women in business, women in leadership, women in senior management, leadership roles for women
January 19, 2021
I was grounded, like so many other frequent flyers, for the duration of 2020. The upshot? More time for my already voracious reading habit. My five top reads helped me refocus and rebuild when the rest of the world seemed to be falling apart. I hope you find inspiration in them, too.
The Leader’s Checklist: 15 Mission-Critical Principles.
Author Michael Useem is a professor at the Wharton School of Business who has mined crucial events throughout history (the American Civil War and the rapid failure of AIG shortly before the Great Recession, for example) to determine how and why great leaders succeed. He distilled these lessons into 15 short lessons that I find fascinating. As a result, I now regularly reference Useem’s checklist to ensure I’m following the right path in my own leadership journey.
Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Business.
This might be the most influential book I read all year! I find myself turning again and again to Kindra Hall’s storytelling tips and strategies. Hall makes the point that our ability to communicate effectively and persuasively hinges on our ability to connect with our audiences. Storytelling is the way to make it happen. This book is engaging, smart, and an impactful read for anyone, from sales representatives to marketing execs to people who want to improve their public speaking or writing skills.
Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life. How appropriate that this was written by a person named Jim Kwik! If you’re looking to do more in our increasingly fast-paced, time-strapped world, you’ll love the “3 Ms” Kwik outlines in his book. I may not have the ability to read a book three times faster than normal, as Kwik promises, but I love the empowering feel of his advice.
Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right the First Time, Every Time.
Bill McGowan is a consultant and correspondent who teaches people how to deliver their messages quickly and with maximum impact. As someone who regularly speaks in front of large audiences, I’m always on the lookout for advice on how to improve my skills — and McGowan truly delivers. His “principles of persuasion” are a must-read for anyone and can be used in your everyday life.
Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success.
The last of my five top reads assists those of us in leadership roles. We have an obligation to do our best — and that involves ensuring the success of others. LearnLoft CEO John Eades makes the case that rapidly changing technology and organizations require a different type of leadership. One that is based on carefully encouraging others while keeping an eye on long-term goals. His book gave me a chance to examine and hone my own leadership style.
How about you? What books got you through 2020 and have inspired you to shoot for success in 2021? Have you read any of my five top reads? I’d love to hear your recommendations — I read a book a week, so your suggestion has a good shot at winding up in my must-read list!
#leadership #books #reading #technology #advice #audience #pitching #presenting
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Personal development, Time management, Self Care in challenging times, Uncategorized
December 29, 2020
I love the promise of a New Year’s resolution, but let’s face facts: Most people abandon theirs by Jan. 19. That’s not even three weeks of trying to change! After years of personal goal setting and coaching clients through overcoming obstacles, I’ve found that most resolutions fail for a very simple reason.
We just don’t plan for being human.
We have a fantasy that, through sheer force of willpower, we’ll be able to tackle our resolutions no matter what life throws at us. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. When we need to accomplish something difficult, many of us shoot for perfection rather than progress — and that’s a surefire way to sabotage ourselves.
This year, don’t just set a resolution. Make a sensible to plan to achieve progress you can build on. By this time next year, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve managed to accomplish.
Go for standards rather than goals.
A goal is something you reach and then try to top. For example, let’s say I want to bill $3,000 worth of business each week. Once I reach that goal, I immediately set the number higher.
A standard is a habit that becomes part of who you are. My standards include sending one thank-you card a day and writing down three things I’m grateful for.
Goals are great for helping us feel like we’re improving, but it’s better to set standards that will serve you well over time (and now that we’re home more and have fewer distractions, it’s a great time to lock new standards in).
Focus on the short term.
The world is moving too quickly to plan very far ahead. Who knows what technology and our day-to-day lives might be like in five years? Instead of making a long-term plan, set your sights on the next 30, 60, and 90 days and get clear on what you’d like to achieve. How would you like to feel at the end of the month? What changes would you like to see at the end of the season?
Set strategies.
There will be good days and bad days as you improve yourself — even good weeks and bad weeks. You’ll handle hurdles more easily if you set a hiccup-proof strategy to reach your desired outcome.
Let’s say you want to lose 20 pounds. Most people go on drastic diets with high failure rates, and those who succeed often gain the weight back within a year. What would happen if, instead of focusing on the scale, you chose to enjoy eating healthfully? What kind of pleasure would you get from selecting new recipes out of a plant-based cookbook, for example, or having freshly pressed juices delivered to your door? You might not get the payoff of losing a lot of weight in a short period of time, but you’ll build sustainable strategies that will lead to gradual (and lasting) change.
Are you making a resolution for 2021? What are they? I’d love to hear about the changes you’re planning for yourself.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Christmas, Personal development, Time management, Uncategorized and tagged new year, Time management, Happy new year, new year's resolutions, goals, strategies, self improvement
October 13, 2020
In my 30 years as a business owner and community leader, I’ve often seen people set a goal or a target and call it a vision. Sometimes, fixing a problem is confused for vision. Although modern leaders need both problem-solving skills and visioning skills, the two are very different.
Visioning is from the future to today. Problem solving is from today to tomorrow.
A vision is a vivid mental image of the place you want your organization to be. It creates a new future by working backwards from a fixed point six months, a year, or even five or 10 or 20 years from now.
Sometimes, the vision you have for the future may seem to have almost nothing to do with how your organization functions today: 20 years ago, who would have thought that an online bookstore called Amazon would be the greatest deliverer of goods and information in the world? The answer is Jeff Bezos, of course. He started with his ultimate goal and worked backward to the easiest point of entry to that future.
Problem solving, on the other hand, examines ways to course-correct current constraints to allow greater flow in the future. Figuring out how to deliver books directly to consumers wasn’t Amazon’s vision, for example, but solving that problem did open up new supply chain possibilities for the company’s ultimate goal.
So how can you problem solve while working toward an overall vision?
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Uncategorized and tagged business, vision, problem solving, visionist
September 22, 2020
Back in the early days of the pandemic, when Zoom calls seemed like a novelty with an expiration date, I advised against using cute Zoom backgrounds during meetings. The Eiffel Tower or a beach at sunset would be too distracting, I said. It just seemed a bit too unprofessional.
But now that Zoom calls are our new normal, I’ve changed my mind.
Why the shift in opinion? Backgrounds have improved exponentially in just a few months. And as backgrounds have improved, so have their popularity — recently, about ¾ of people on Zoom calls I’ve participated in have used lovely, thoughtful backgrounds. If you use a site like Unsplash, which offers thousands of beautiful stock photos for free, you can tailor your backdrop to your personality.
I’ve begun to see Zoom backgrounds the same way I see dressing for a speech or choosing jewelry for a meeting. Using one is a chance to express yourself and create a human connection with your colleagues and associates. But, just as I would advise against wearing too-bold statement pieces in the board room, I suggest you use a little restraint.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Business, Webinar, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged webinar, Zoom meeting, Zoom backgrounds, Zoom background, Online meeting
July 21, 2020
As the pandemic grinds on, whether to wear a mask in public or in shared spaces continues to be a question for some people — but is it a question of etiquette?
Here in my native Canada, where sound policy has helped us avoid the skyrocketing cases we see in other locations, mask wearing still isn’t as accepted as it is in other countries. Yet the evidence is there: Wearing a mask can protect you and the people around you from needless suffering.
Etiquette doesn’t exist just to make the person practicing it look sophisticated; it’s a system of protocols designed to make other people comfortable. From that point of view, wearing a mask is the right thing to do (never mind the health benefits). With that in mind, let’s look at the etiquette behind mask wearing.
Follow the law
In some places like in the province of Quebec, wearing a mask isn’t a matter of personal choice — it’s the law. If you are in a location where face coverings are still an individual decision, adhere to the guidance from your local health minister or health authority. You may be required to wear a face covering only in places where social distancing isn’t possible, for instance, rather than every time you leave the house.
Respect the rules when you visit businesses
If the business you’re patronizing requires masks, put one on — if you don’t, you may be at risk of being kicked out. Employees often must serve as enforcers of these rules, which is an extra burden during an already stressful time, so please save them the added aggravation of chasing you through the store!
Set your own rules at home
You are the queen or king of your castle and can decide whether you’d like visitors to wear a mask. If you do require it, let them know ahead of time so they can prepare. The same rule applies for people who might be entering your home, so note that when you arrange for services like repairs or house cleaning. An option is to have masks available at your home for visitors.
Mind your words and your emotions
I’ve learned that it’s impossible to manage or control others. If you absolutely must talk to someone about mask wearing, first state what you are doing and why. Adopt a curious tone: “I’d like to talk to you about face coverings. I noticed you’re not wearing one. May I ask why?” Realize that you may not get the answer you’re hoping for — during this time of heightened emotions, the response may not exactly be favorable. It’s unfortunate that I must say this, but you should also understand that you could be physically at risk if you broach the subject with a stranger.
Limit Exposure when you can
Of course, mask wearing is just one way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I don’t go to the grocery store anymore and instead opt for grocery delivery. I also take advantage of online retailers like Amazon to reduce the risk of exposure for myself and others. Better yet check out local suppliers that will deliver to you.
Are you wearing a face covering? How do you broach the subject with guests in your home or with friends and family who don’t like to wear masks? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Personal development, Self Care in challenging times, Uncategorized, Etiquette Edge and tagged hand sanitizers, Gain Confidence, Covid-19, Masks
June 2, 2020
When I’m at networking events, I often hear new connections say, “I’m no good at remembering names.
Cue the James Bond clip! You know the one. Bond is with a beautiful woman and she asks, “Who are you?” He responds, “Bond” — big dramatic pause — “James Bond.”
I’ve taken a page out of Bond’s book, though I’m not nearly as a dramatic. I make eye contact, greet the person by shaking hands or giving an air five (safer during this time of COVID-19), and introduce myself by saying, “Hello, my name is Margaret. Margaret Page.”
My first and last names are not unusual and English speakers find them easy to pronounce, so a little repetition is all it takes. Some names, however, are not so simple.
You’ve probably been in a situation in which you’ve met someone and struggled to repeat their name. Perhaps they said it too quickly, or maybe it was an unusual name you hadn’t heard before. Maybe your new acquaintance had a distinct accent that was unfamiliar to your ear.
Conventional wisdom suggests creating a strategy for remembering names, such as picturing a sandy beach for someone named Sandy. I don’t find this trick useful, especially when I travel and have no context for a name from another language.
Recently, though, a reporter who was scheduled to interview me on the radio sent me a link through an app called Namedrop. I clicked on it and heard the reporter repeating her name in her own voice, which made it simple to understand — and, more importantly, remember! You can also add key information to your Namedrop link, such as an email signature, social media profile, and website URL so your most useful info is in one easily accessible location.
Remember, it’s your job to help others remember you! Do you use an app like Namedrop? Has it made a difference? Let me know! I’m always looking for new tools to help make social interactions run smoothly.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized
May 12, 2020
If the thought of sitting through one more Zoom meeting makes you want to hide under your desk, you’re not alone. We’ve all had to readjust our work lives to the new reality of social distancing at a pace nearly unheard of in business — and there are definitely going to be a few speed bumps along the way!
Now that the novelty of Zoom has worn off, it’s time to work toward using this powerful technology to our advantage. Let’s start by eliminating some of the most common problems with Zoom.
Virtual Backgrounds are great…until they are not
Using a virtual background at all times is a bit like using an Instagram filter while speaking to your colleagues. It’s fun at first, but then it begins to get distracting — or, worse, undermines the seriousness of your message. (Plus, those backgrounds have the unnerving effect of making you look like a cyborg when you move onscreen.) Save those sandy beaches and the Eiffel Tower for Zoom happy hours with friends.
Welcome People to Your World
Zoom becomes much more inviting and welcoming when you create an attractive space. I like to think of my Zoom setup as the place where I’m hosting a fireside chat. Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with personal items like books and photos, but declutter stacks of papers and other messes.
Don’t Abide by Different Rules of Etiquette
In the real world, we wouldn’t come in and out of meetings or zone out when someone else is speaking. So why do we click our cameras off and on when we’re on Zoom? Why do we clearly get distracted by private chats or email during our virtual meetings? Avoid multitasking and you’ll get more out of your meetings.
Frame Yourself
Zoom requires us to think like film directors and frame ourselves properly. The most common mistake I see is leaving too much space above the head, which risks cutting off the view of your space when you toggle between the speaker pane and the gallery pane. Get ready for your close-up by placing yourself squarely in the center of the screen (this is especially important if you’re using two screens at once).
Know Your Medium
Speaking on screen is much more intimate than speaking onstage — think of the difference between a theatre actor’s exaggerated movements and a movie star’s controlled actions. Avoid big hand gestures (hands can appear distorted onscreen), don’t bob and jig around while you’re talking, and make sure that people can see your facial features and reactions. Focus and direct your energy to the people watching you from their own screens.
If you’re finding it difficult to be productive on Zoom, let me help. I have conducted hundreds of meetings and seminars via Zoom and can chair meetings for you or teach you and your team how to have more effective online gatherings. In just a session or two, you can learn how to beat Zoom fatigue and use this tool to your advantage.
Speaking of Zoom meetings, I have set up three complementary 45-minute webinars that you may be interested in:
May 19 – Maximize Your Personal Impact
May 26 – Step Up to the Plate
June 2 – Executive Presence
To learn more and register, click HERE
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized
May 5, 2020
The worldwide pandemic has created a new essential piece of clothing: Face masks.
Of course, covering part or all of your face or body isn’t new. But it does pose a challenge for those of us who are obscuring our features — how can we express ourselves fully if we’re used to employing both our voices and our body language?
For me, the answer arose from an experience I had a few years ago in Malaysia. I had lunch with a group of women who wore burkas, the full-body covering favored by some Muslim women. I was unable to see their faces and yet I didn’t miss the full impact of what they were saying.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized
April 14, 2020
Many of us have jumped into the Zoom world out of necessity, with many aspects of daily life now handled via video chat — club and business meetings, family dinners, play dates, pub nights, and even holidays!
Thanks to my work with Toastmasters, which has clubs throughout the world, I’ve had the opportunity to work with online meeting platforms for 10 years. What I’ve noticed is that many of us are comfortable with in-person meetings, but not quite so comfortable handling the challenges of remote communication. After all, the cues that we usually pick up on in person — such as the way a person enters a room or body language — aren’t available on a platform like Zoom.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Webinar, Personal development, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged Zoom, Zoom Webinar, Video conference, Internet, Virtual Meeting
