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This message is from my heart to the incredible ladies out there - many who play multiple roles and conquer incredible feats weekly, if not daily! I want to talk about the phrase I hear SO often - "I’m Just…" I’m here as someone who has a history of saying this, more often than I would like to admit. AND…l did it AGAIN last week! I have to confess that it was unfortunately not just about me this time. This time I was referring to a whole group of women! After I picked my kiddos up from school, I trammed over to the Novartis campus to grab them a snack (always a necessity). I also was there to check out the Pavilion space where we have an upcoming career development event, geared towards moms! I went up to the counter and introduced myself, asking for the event coordinator we booked the space with. Next, for some CRAZY reason, I introduced myself and the rock-star group of moms as “We are JUST a group of moms doing a little event here…”. After I said that, I felt an alarm go off inside and tried to course correct the intro. The group I referred to as 'just' is an ABSOLUTELY Brillant, talented, accomplished group of moms/professional women. It’s one thing to represent them in a humble way, but “We are JUST...???” Speaking candidly, they are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Most speak more than 3 languages (some as many as 6+), global mind-set, highest degrees, incredibly driven leaders. From what I have seen, they also happen to be wonderful, humble, loving & kind mothers…who desire continued growth and to make the most of this life! The funny thing is, I actually have it written on a ‘Ground Rules’ slide for this event that we will not say “I’m just…”, or “I’m sorry…" during the session. Yet, I introduce our group this way?? I'm all for apologies, accountability, humbleness (in fact those are great leadership qualities)…but why do we have to go as far as minimize what is true in ourselves? You may hear it too.... ‘I just lead a small team.’ 'I just went to a public University.' 'I'm just a stay-at-home Mom' - (What?! Only arguably the hardest and most rewarding job in the world) 'I just... I just... I just....?!!!' Here are the main issues I see with this. Depending on the situation, when we downplay our value we:
Our words matter. They have power. They deeply impact us and those around us for amazing good ...or can take the wind out from under our wings. I don't know where I picked this "I’m just"/'We're just" habit up. I'm working hard to improve and want to model this better for my kids. I can't wait to do this event next week where we will encourage each other along the way...and hopefully with no more "I'm justs"! Author: Erika Butler, CEO 
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Top Hacks for Impactful Performance Reviews: Many organizations are currently in their performance review season. I can tell stories of extremely impactful review sessions…and some pretty big duds! I see performance reviews as a chance to take more time with your leader to dive deeper and really focus on your development. Celebrating the year and what is going well but also have a few areas to grow. This is a two-way street so the hacks can be used by both team member and leader. Both absolutely have ownership to make this a meaningful, value-added process. I know these sometimes get a bad rap for various reasons (and I can sympathize with this). However, when done intentionally, they can add a TON of value for the leader and team member engaged in the conversation. It can be extremely motivating and fulling and help chart a fantastic course for the coming months! Top Hacks for Impactful Performance Reviews:
The biggest and best hack:
Kudos to several of our clients who have had us update and relaunch their performance review process now and over the past few years! Great job taking care of your team and providing a solid path forward! Author: Erika Butler, CEO Funny Expat Story - I took my daughter to a nail salon for her birthday. Living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, we interact with the salon team in German - the best we can. There just so happened to be somewhat non-kid friendly music videos playing on a large TV in the center of the salon. We were the only ones in the salon and once we got settled in, my 9 and 5-year-old were locked onto the screen. I politely asked the Salon Team to please turn this off/change the channel, saying it is not great for the kids. Imagine my shock, when I received a funny look. They grabbed the remote and turned the loud music up even louder! I explained again in my sub-par German, but finally left as is while we were in mid nail painting and could not seem to get the result. Conveniently (for him), AFTER we left, my son (who goes to a German and English bi-lingual school) told me that when I said, “Der Musik ist schlect fur die Kinder”….I actually communicated to them that the children can't hear the music…SO they of course thought I wanted them to turn it louder!!! And they made sure to make me a happy customer and turn it up MUCH louder. From that moment, I’ve been more diligent checking for translation with my son! This somewhat ridiculous situation (clearly opposite pages), made me think of what I've learned through the DiSC program. How many times have we left conversations thinking we are on the same page (even with the same language), but we are just not, for various reasons. The more we make a point to learn and understand other’s communication styles, preferences, drivers, behaviors, etc…the more we can ensure communication moves us forward at work and in life. I believe there is great value in this. We should aim to equip people in this area early in their career…not to mention how this can greatly benefit personal relationships. As a certified DiSC practitioner, we are happy to provide access to the DiSC assessment, 360-degree assessment tools, leadership assessments and the list goes on! Through the DiSC Assessment & Tools you can: -Increase your self knowledge - Better understand your preferred communication approach, motivators and stressors -Learn how you may be perceived by the different styles and the pros and cons of this -Better understand different communication preferences and behaviors that differ from yours -Have a common language allowing people to best leverage their DiSC profile and adapt their behaviors with others Strong communication & understanding drives everything from building healthy relationships to successful business deals! This will always be a focus and passion for us. To be sure I don’t make the same mistake at the nail salon, I made sure to learn the phrase, “Kannst do bitte die Musik andern” - meaning, "Can you please change the music?!” Problem solved! :) Author: Erika Butler, CEO  I recently returned from a retreat in Edinburgh, Scotland! What an awesome and dynamic place! The reason I’m sharing is that our amazing partners at Safe Place are adding a personal retreat guide to their service offering! I’m excited to get my hands on this. I know it will be amazing given that my first personal retreat was guided by Safe Place a few years ago - and now i’m hooked. :) As a Mom, there is little down time between my day job in the business and my second (but wonderful) shift that starts right when the kids get home from school! Having this opportunity to retreat is so life giving and really can impact your focus/goals/plans for the coming year. I can’t say enough about it! I’m thankful for my husband and in-laws in town who support this and make it a reality for me! At HIHR we offer full day leadership training programs but seriously urge clients to consider including a retreat element - powerful stuff! Here’s to positive impact and good things in 2023! Author: Erika Butler, CEO  |
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