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Valerie

Working 15 years as a change management consultant in  Fortune 500 companies, I learned how leaders handle the stress that often  accompanies changes like a reorganization, downsizing (or whatever sizing is  the buzz word of the day!), mergers or acquisition, and even having a new  boss.  What can you do during these  difficult times to show your strengths and never deviate from your strong  brand? Here are a few tips – not only from me, but from those I worked with  during those years.

• Push the patience lever to full throttle. It’s easy to lose it! And it takes a strong leader to wait until your own stress  has subsided a bit before you say or do something you’ll regret.

• Be willing to say “I don’t know.” Don’t  ever fake it ’til you make it. Here’s what an admired CEO chose to do when his  company was being acquired. People were constantly asking him what was  happening, when would they know if their job was in jeopardy, and who would be  in charge – the current or future leaders? So he decided to hold regular “all  hands” meetings. Some were in person, others via video conferencing. In these  meetings he shared what he could, explained there were some things he simply  could not discuss at the moment, answered questions and often found himself  saying, “I don’t know….and when I DO, you will know too.” Result? He used the  first principle in change management, which is to communicate, communicate,  communicate. Even if it is saying “I don’t know.” Because of his leadership  behaviors and consistent messaging, the trust level remained high, honest  communication was appreciated, and when the acquisition finally happened,  people were ready to get on board. He demonstrated some of his authentic brand  attributes that included “trustworthy, engaging, ethical and communicator.”  These showed up in his behavior big time.

• Help others show their strengths and strong  brand. Now is when it’s uber-crucial to express clear expectations and get  everyone involved. Consider having your team leaders hold their own discussion  groups across departments and locations. Let them show their leadership competencies  by talking about the complex issues that may lie ahead and how to address them  as a department as well as individuals. Give them the opportunity to show their  leadership brand strengths that will identify the business strategy that’s  driving the change and demonstrate those behaviors that will encourage each  person to be more engaged in the process. One thing most employees want from an  organization is the feeling of being valued and an opportunity to use their  strengths to get results.

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

It’s a timeless topic and since 1981 I’ve been writing and presenting Professional Presence workshops. So, why is your presence – your Brand – so important?

Here are a few things to consider:

• We cannot NOT communicate by what we wear. We are evaluated by what we wear before we ever speak a word. Recruiters know that. Job seekers learn that. And successful professionals understand that.

•  From the tip of our heads to the bottom of our shoes, everything we wear makes a statement. Our hair style (is it current?), our clothing (is it appropriate?), our accessories (are they too much?) and certainly our grooming (check those missing buttons or frayed collars). It’s the little things that can make a big difference in how we are perceived.

• What we wear says volumes about how we see ourselves. Your image can project confidence, power and success. Or it can derail you by being too casual, untidy or careless.

• What we wear shows respect. For yourself and for others. It shows you care about showing a strong brand that stands out from peers and competition. Be who you are, but be the BEST of who you are.

Recently I coached a young man who was identified by his company as a high potential leader. Talented – he is. Smart – he is. Savvy – he was not. He had everything going for him except knowing how to dress appropriately for any situation. Since the company culture was Business Casual, he had the option to wear dressed down attire but it was confusing to him. Just what IS Business Casual – he wondered.

I offer simple models to follow from my book, “Business Casual….Clarify Please!”

1. High level business casual clothing pieces for men

2. High level business casual clothing pieces for women

3. Mid-level clothing for men

4. Mid-level clothing for women

5. Base-level clothing for men

6. Base-level clothing for women

And what is NEVER appropriate in business casual, according to research with human resource professionals

My client simply needed to see the differences and how to choose what was best for the various activities of his role. He learned one simple philosophy: “Dress for where you want to BE, not where you ARE.” In other words, show your brand by what you wear.

Click here to learn more.

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

Description: Today’s work environment often requires us to accomplish our objectives by working through others. When we have no authority over them, influencing skills become crucial. In this program, Valerie will share tips on how to influence and delegate when you are in the position of authority and when you’re are not.

The details are:

Tuesday, April 17th at 2:00pm Eastern

Click here for more information.

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

The details are:

Wednesday April 4th at 9:00pm Eastern

Click here for more information.

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

You can imagine what I was thinking, especially being so passionate about the importance of being who you ARE, not what others try to mold you to be. Believe me, it was hard to keep my mouth shut. But I did! Clearly, she was not in the mood to listen, having her mind made up that she knew best for her son. I can only say – that’s a sad situation for her son….and I wish him well. Hopefully, he can be persuasive about HIS desires for HIS future – and stand up for what he believes in and likes. For the rest of us, I wonder how often we have felt the need or been influenced to be less than authentic. It’s never too late. Stay true to yourself, know what you want to be known for – and stick to your guns, as we say in Texas!

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/

Valerie

http://www.valerieandcompany.com/