Much has changed in the 22 years since I joined the corporate world. Not so long ago, a woman executive was the stuff of headlines. Today, one expects large companies to have women in their upper ranks. However, some things are still constant and need to evolve as we take our rightful places as leaders in corporate America. I hope women will become more confident to take credit for their hard work and successes. If you don’t sell yourself and your work, no one will. And, now, more than ever, we should reach out to other women who need the benefit of our counsel and experience on this step, and other important steps/ skills that attribute to one’s success.
Everyone knows the importance of taking on difficult tasks to showcase your abilities, organizational skills, leadership qualities, and the other important attributes of a seasoned professional. Yet delivering a superior outcome doesn’t ensure that your efforts are visible to the right person or people. Oftentimes the corporate world, hectic schedules, and tight deadlines require the focus to be more on the result, and less on the person who was responsible for that result. You have the ability to put the focus on both.
For example, if you’re proud of a specific accomplishment, a successful project that you undertook, or an event that you chaired, give a written recap to your boss for him/ her to pass along to the executive team or other key players within the organization. If you were the leader of a project team, send a message thanking the team for their work, and copy their bosses. This not only lets them shine, but lets you shine as the person at the helm.
Once you’ve achieved certain self-determined goals, remember the importance of sharing your lessons with other women. Be a mentor. I know that it is my responsibility to not only elevate in my career, but to help other women do the same. Had someone not mentored me, I probably would not be where I am today.
Early in my career, I was mentored by someone who recognized certain qualities and strengths that I myself did not recognize. I worked hard and applied myself, but I wasn’t able to see my potential as broadly as someone else could. Most of us can say the same. Our accomplishments were achieved largely because of the advice and mentorship of others, so by mentoring, we’re not just paying it forward; we’re paying it back.
Hi Lori, I’m a retiree of Vons ( 6 yrs. now ) after 34 yrs of service, and loyalty to them. I was always so proud to say I worked for Vons. I don’t have that feeling anymore. My wife is a extremely hard working 30 yr. employee still. I am extremely shocked and amazed at the stores being run like they are now. My wife comes home so stressed out everyday she works; and says to me she can’t believe how they are running the stores. We both know they are run from the top. Von’s stores here in our desert look so bad compared to our competitors it’s very sad. My wife tells me stories of one clerk in the dairy ALL DAY, as well as being in the checkstand in the same shift. The employees in the stores are squeezed like “blood out of a turnip.” My wife tells me she sees customers walk out all the time; as does she get the question, ( Are you guys closing yours stores in the valley?) Her store is the busiest of the stores in the desert. Why would it not have plenty of help? Isn’t there a saying you have to spend money to make money? I feel so bad for what all these employees are going through!! I was hoping with the leaving of Tom Keller things would get better. But have not seen any difference with how things are going for them. This is our “season” here in our desert. I work in the transportation business now. So I am very aware of this. Lori if my wife knew I was writing this, she would probably be afraid of repercussions. That’s the problem these days; everyone is afraid to speak up. If it’s true what you say in your bio about being a team. Maybe you might want to see if what I’m talking about has merritt. Thanks for listening. Most Sincerely, David Stonebrook