Are you an organic professional?

Paper or Plastic? Bottled Water or Tap Water?

We are all facing the “inconvenient truth” of diminishing natural resources on our planet. To that end, we must answer endless questions on a daily basis that impact the quality of our world and the quality of our lives. But the savvy and passionate leader should also look inward to see if there is a professional and personal conservation program in place. Are you renewing your own internal natural resources? Are your pursuits “organic” – i.e. naturally by, for, and about you?

By definition, organic means relating to, derived from, or occurring gradually and naturally without being forced or contrived. Think back to all those classmates who went to law school almost by default rather than by design. How many of them are practicing law now? If they are still in the legal profession, how many of them have achieved personal and professional satisfaction? Are they out in front leading the pack, or limping along bringing up the rear?

Some of our most courageous and passionate leaders are those who didn’t follow the map, but charted a singularly separate course, followed their heart, and blazed a trail that others only dreamed of. Author and former UPI White House Correspondent Helen Thomas is one of those whose life/career choices seem to be all home grown. After regaling a crowd at the Orange County Public Library in Orlando Florida recently with stories hewn from covering every sitting president since JFK, Helen Thomas closed her lecture with this: “Make your life worthwhile”. Her choices always have been straight from the heart and her successful career is the living legacy of her organic decisions.

Read more about Helen Thomas …
And what about you? Did you follow your natural inclinations or did you do what was expected? Did you allow yourself to grow and develop naturally or did you succumb to the corporate feed trough and devour everything placed in front of you regardless of whether you benefited in the long run. Passionate leaders understand the importance of nurturing values and skills. They respect that importance in themselves and those they mentor.

If we had all let our career seeds mature and grow naturally, perhaps we would all be successful, thriving passionate leaders. But just as with other living, breathing entities, sometimes nature throws us a curveball. If you have been with the same company for a number of years and in the same position, it is safe to say you might be experiencing a professional “drought”. Maybe a professional thunderstorm is in order! Just as a the floods from a monsoon often follows the path of least resistance, perhaps you have been missing out on some opportunities by not ever actually seeking a path at all! A passionate leader, just like a single blade of grass growing in the concrete sidewalk crack, will reach up as far and as high as present conditions allow. The passionate leader seizes the opportunity, large or small, and makes it memorable.

Passionate leaders also recognize the need to constantly replenish that which makes them thrive. Whether it is time off, a good book, a new project, or acquiring a new skill, most successful leaders would agree that ensuring the longevity of their own renewable resources is a key to their success. Tend to yourself just like a farmer tends to his crop.

Modern passionate leaders value success in the workplace, but also determine that value by its truth. Those who are true to themselves, whose personal and professional choices are organic, seem to have the courage of conviction to stay the course. The decisions you make from your heart are often the simplest to follow. Just like the tomato harvested from your own vine, is always the sweetest to eat!

Make sure all your intentions are organic – of, by, and for You!

Remember, it’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature!

Oprah gave the commencement speech at Stanford University two weeks ago. Here is are the highlights of her speech. She references “If you ask the right question…”, then mistakes, failings, difficult times can be viewed much differently and more positively. Take a moment to watch this video… as leaders we can use frequent reminders that troubled times come for a reason and we need to slow down enough to acknowledge their purpose. Let me know what you think.

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As a leader, we are under more scrutiny than we realize. Others are observing how we handle ourselves, what we say, what we do. Do you know what messages you are giving with your body movements? I remember when one of my managers mentioned my “checkmark eyebrows.” He shared with me that my eyebrows would lift looking like checkmarks when I would get irritated. Great – I bet they were attractive too… Wow, I had no idea that my face movements were so revealing. I was very glad that he shared this with me. Take a look at this video that shares some of the most revealing non-verbal cues. Share with me which ones you can relate too.

Non Verbal Cues

Passionate Leaders Seize the Moment: 

Passionate leaders see an opening, exploit a break, and take a chance when others don’t even recognize the prospect.

If we look back on our own professional paths, we may be able to identify those leaders that inspired us to work harder, contribute more, and strive for greatness.  Achieving success is certainly predicated on hard work and sound direction, but it is also a result of fearlessly seizing opportunities.  Passionate leaders have such confidence in their ability that they are not afraid of making a mistake.  Rather, they see a mistake as an altogether new opportunity.  Passionate leaders embrace the unknown with creatively analytical solutions borne from childlike curiosity.  This childlike quality may be one of the most significant character traits that passionate leaders share. 

Jenny Ming, past president of Old Navy and GAP Inc., credits one of her greatest design ideas to seeing the world through the eyes of her child.  She was dropping off her young daughter at school on the notorious “pajama” day, when all students were allowed to come to school in PJ’s.   Nearly all the kids were wearing their dad’s pin-striped pajama pants matched with a top from their own wardrobe.  Jenny capitalized on that idea by breaking up what had always been a traditional fashion tandem – pajama bottom sold with pajama top.  Old Navy began selling all sorts of pajama bottoms as a separate with plenty of tank tops of all colors available for customers to create their own mix and match style.  This revolutionary and radical approach to selling a traditional fashion item increased sales and demonstrated how a childlike vision can reap huge benefits.  Jenny Ming passionately embraced her daughter’s point of view and crafted a marketing campaign that was the envy of her competitors.

Read more about Jenny Ming…

Today my son, James, turned 18. Hard to believe my baby boy is now a handsome young man. Where did the time go? 18 years and I wonder what has he learned from me. Some days, I think he has learned nothing from me, I am not even sure he is mine. The temper shows in loud disagreements, the language is unbelieveable and the logic – well, it just went out the window! Then there are other days, I am so proud and feel so blessed to have a son like him. The courtesy shown to others, the amazing ideas and the commitment and discipline to goals is just outstanding!

As a parent, you do your parenting, guiding, coaching and leading day by day. You hope you are building a solid foundation for your child to grow from. Yet in these teenage years the results do not show up consistently – so I do not know about you  – but that’s were my faith in my leadership experience in business, volunteer organizations and coaching others helps to pull me through.

So today, as I think on my contribution as a Mom to my son’s life, I can tell you this:

I know I have done my best even with the mistakes

I know I have learned and will continue to learn from him and have told him so

I know my faith and my patience will still be tested

I know he has already demonstrated leadership strength and will continue to build on the foundation I provided

I love him dearly – Happy Birthday, James!

There are certain behaviors and skills that I believe an effective leader must demonstrate. Here are the top Ten Characteristics of a True Leader built on my twenty years of  Passionate Leadership experience:

1.  Humble
 Knows strengths as well as weaknesses; Allows for team members to compliment her weaknesses by utilizing their strengths

2.  Honest
 Direct in communication and does not lie; provides enough information for listener to understand communication

3.  People-oriented
 Earns respect and gives genuine respect to others; understands there are different points of view

4.  Decision maker
 Takes risk; Is willing to be courageous in what she stands for and makes decisions based on her values

5.  Communicates well
 Speaks clearly and ensures others heard the communication recognizing that others may agree or disagree with the content of the communication; listens for understanding and clarity

6.  Follows and Leads
 Is willing and able to cooperate and contribute as a team member giving up the lead; Is willing and able to step into Leadership when the opportunity presents itself

7.  Embraces Leadership
 Accepts responsibility, accountability, authority

8.  Visionary
 Creates and promotes a higher cause vision; Demonstrates persistence, tenacity and staying in action to support the vision

9. Problem solvers
 Generates and utilizes ideas; very resourceful in seeking out solutions

10.  Optimistic
Has an attitude of success expectancy; enjoys and engages a sense of humor and lightheartedness

 I share them here in this audio.  [display_podcast]

Today, my oldest son Mark turns 21! Hard to believe my baby is a legal adult with all the responsibilities that come with this milestone age. As I sit here in beautiful Playa del Carmen on our family vacation, I have alot of time to reflect on how he has grown into a wonderful young man. Yes, I am biased of course but I see many young people and not all of them have the drive, determination and clarity of focus that Mark demonstrates.

Mark knew as a freshman in High School that he wanted to be an Engineer. He set goals and took actions that supported his goals. Here he is graduating a few years back from the General Motors Technical Academy as a senior in High School. He decided on taking this course where you actually learn from GM Engineers, work on GM projects, present to GM staff and must be project deadlines. It was a tremendous experience for him and set the stage for him to attend Kettering University where he is now a Junior in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Mark works for General Motors as a Co-op Student. It is great fun to have him come home from a day’s work and talk about his experiences – a new boss, a long drawn out meeting with no focus, learning new systems, meeting new co-workers and many others. He has a great attitiude and looks for opportunities to contribute.

I am happy to be his Mom – Happy Birthday, Mark!

 

AWAF held a joint event this week with the Marketing and Sales Executives of Detroit. The audience had the pleasure of hearing Joe Hinrichs, Group Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Ford Motor Company speak on leadership. Joe spoke of his own career path and his current responsibilities of overseeing Ford’s 105 assembly, stamping and prowetrain plants worldwide. He reports to Alan Mulally, President and CEO in his global role and Mark Fields, EVP and President of Americas for his North American role.

“Inspiring bosses bring out the best in people” was one to the many statements Joe made that has stuck with me. He spoke of the need for alignment at the top for a clear vision and how every interaction with leaders and employees must end in actions to move forward to the common goal. With the tremendous challenges Ford is facing, Joe shared how he had to be totally honest in his approach. He strives to strip conversations down to facts, to talk to the employees, look them in the eye, be honest and listen.

As I listened to him, I was so engrossed in his messages, I did not get his comments verbatim but here is how I remember him sharing his leadership philosophy… Be a leader they can trust, play with confidence, play to win…

I agreed whole heartedly when Joe said “Leadership is one of our scarcest resources… Be the leader you are capable of being.” Knowing the daily challenges the automotive industry and especially Ford is dealing with I do not envy Joe and the responsibility he has. I left inspired by his words and confident that Ford has a great leader on their executive team.

The Michigan Women’s Business Council presented the 7th Annual Michigan Women’s Business Conference and Expo held at The Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. As President of AWAF and a co-sponsor of this event, I was invited to participate in the Women’s Leadership Forum. This forum was to discuss how the leading national business organizations are working to advance the interests of women business owners and Women Business Enterprises (WBE). I thoroughly enjoyed my participation and thought you would enjoy my comments:

The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation or AWAF is proud to be a sponsor here today. As President of the non-profit organization, AWAF, and as President of my company QuadWest Associates, LLC, I was asked to prepare to answer this question:

Would you share with us the status of women in the automotive industry as well as how women business owners can use AWAF to advance their businesses?

The second part of this question – sharing how women business owners can use AWAF to advance their businesses – is easy. I will be happy to answer this.

The first part of this question – Share with us the status of women in the automotive industry” – is about as much fun as answering “How much do I weigh?”

The answer for both is personal…

And can best be answered with

“Well I have come a long way and I have some more work to do!”

I take the status of women in the Automotive Industry personally. It is the Automotive Industry that gave me tremendous experiences, a beautiful home, a great Cadillac CTS to drive, a well funded 401K with GM stock…

My first job out of college was with General Motors as a College Grad in Training in 1979.

My last job in a corporate position was with a $165 million joint venture company serving Delphi as the President in 2004.

Every position in between was directly tied to the Automotive Industry. I did climb the corporate ladder from payroll clerk roles to Supervisor roles, to General Manager to VP to President.

The climb was a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs.

There are three key insights I gained from looking back over my career in automotive that are serving me well even now as an Entreprenuer:
1) I took risks. When I was with MSX we had an opportunity to quote opening an office in Mexico City to support GM. We won the project, I saw it as an opportunity to create MSX de Mexico and run the office in Mexico.

Shall I name the RISKS – my company was unsure of just how profitable this “GM win was”, I would be leaving behind a job I knew well, I did not speak Spanish, my family – a husband and two sons 7 and 10 lived here in Troy, Americans doing business in Mexico City were a target for crime…
I once again sought the job and got it – not sure anyone else wanted it! This position made the difference in my career – I stepped up and demonstrated leadership with a successful launch and profitability for MSX deMexico with in six months! My confidence blossomed.

2) I made requests and choices that suited me. I took ownership of my career.

I took the opportunity for a buyout from GM when I felt my career there was not working and my personal family needs demanded more attention.

Another time… I said to my boss “I am curious why we have VP’s in the corporate offices with folks who are not bringing in revenue, and he has team members like my self who have $60 million in annual revenue coming into the company who are General Managers…”

Then there was the time I was demoted from Sales VP to a Manager during a company restructuring working for someone who had been my peer. I immediately knew this was not going to work for me. Knowing that my relationship with Delphi, the client, my relationship with the joint venture company, TechCentral, supporting Delphi and that a critical contract renewal was coming up, I quickly asked a few of my trusted colleagues to help pull together a plan for me to be formally selected as President for TechCentral. I took action to turn an uncomfortable position into a win – not only for me but also for the client and my company as the contract was renewed for another three years and we won Delphi’s Supplier of the Year Award a year later.

3) I delivered results. I made a habit early in my career of tracking my progress to action plans, to quantifying the numbers – Days Outstanding, Customer Satisfaction, Number of Hires, Turnover, Revenue, Profit and yes sometimes Losses – those early 90’s were very tough years and then again in 2000 – I knew what my numbers were and over time I became better at sharing my results with management.
Now when I look back at these 3 key insights –
1) taking risks – taking a path no one else wanted
2) making requests and taking ownership of my career choices, and
3) delivering results, being accountable

I did not always realize what I was doing at the time, but I did trust my gut when I new action was needed even when I was unsure of what it should be or what the outcome would be if I took it.

I share my personal story with you because I believe there is a strong undercurrent of activity all throughout the Automotive Industry. Women are succeeding and making a difference in their positions and are doing so below the radar screen. I encourage women to take ownership, ask for more, take risks and be accountable.

When I look back to when I started in General Motors and the number of women in key positions within the company and within the supplier community, it was difficult to find enough women to count them off the five fingers on one hand. Now we can easily count more than 10 hands worth easily.

Is this progress? Absolutely! Is it enough progress? No!

We must take the status of women in the automotive industry personally. Personally we must look to see if we are contributing, stepping up to our own leadership capabilities.

“We have come a long way and we have some more work to do”

Now to answer how women business owners can use AWAF to advance their businesses…

AWAF is an organization dedicated to that advancement of women in the global automotive industry. AWAF is unique in that:
we Champion Women and since 1991 have given close to $80000 in scholarships to over 30 women pursuing careers in automotive.

we provide Access to Powerful Women through our Executive Advisors and the diversity of roles in our membership representing Manufacturing, Marketing, Dealerships, Finance, Sales Business Development, Human Resources and many more…

we provide Networking and Relationship Building opportunities with Top Women Automotive Executives. Our events are more intimate and our panelists are very open and approachable sharing of their lessons learned from doing business in Automotive

and we provide an opportunity for Members to share experiences, learn from one another, give back to other women in meaningful ways.

One of our members was seeking a pay raise and gained invaluable insight from her peers in understanding her value and how to craft her message to her boss powerfully. She got her raise.

Another member was pricing out a proposal for new and expanded services that would take her business to the next level. Through discussions with AWAF members, she realized she was underbidding the value of her services and became confident with new knowledge to bid the business higher than she had imagined and won the client!

We do business with one another. I personally have used the services of several of our members and just last week have connected one of members with one of my clients.

It is these kind of experiences that make me proud to serve AWAF as its President. I invite you to become a member.

This is the commencement speech given by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios. I loved listening to him speak on his experiences. When he looked backwards on the choices he made, he could then connect the dots on how each of his different and sometimes unexpected experiences influenced his future. This speech had me reflecting on my own life journey – It is amazing to me how the knowledge I have gained many years before comes forward and makes my current problem or dilemna much easier. Steve talks about trust – “trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

I have spoken about taking a look at your life’s journey, a look at the breakdowns and breakthroughs… looking at how the dots connect. It is refreshing to hear Steve Jobs speak on his own life events. Take a moment and let me know if you too enjoy this speech.

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