The close of a year is always a time for reflection and goal setting.  It’s like the end of a chapter in a book — the story isn’t over, it’s just time to move on to the next adventure.

Like most of my readers, I’ve had a year of some successes:

• I’ve become a blogger, writing here at Leadership Turn as well as at Flyaway Cafe (my first foray into this medium) and The Seattle Traveler (all about my beloved home city).
• I’ve made new friends, strenghtened existing relationships, and relinquished those relationships that were toxic.
• I’ve grown and learned and changed — which I think is the ultimate success in life.

I’ll be setting personal goals as well as goals for this blog over the next bit of time.  Please come back and read about where I’d like to go in 2007, and share your goals as well.

Adieu 2006!

Merry Christmas from Leadership Turn!

–Mary Jo –

The latest Seattle storm raised all sorts of havoc around the area.  Most of us viewed the situation as one to endure, and to get through.  Some people, however, saw the situation as an economic opportunity.

On a street near where I live, a man was selling firewood from his truck while parked off to the side of the road.  I have seen him set up shop here for as long as I’ve lived in the neighborhood, at least 12 years.  I’ve been a regular customer for much of that time.

Usually, I’ll stop by to pick up some firewood, filling up the trunk of my car.  It’s not terribly big, but since I don’t use my fireplace all that often, it usually takes care of things for most of the winter.  Occasionally, when I’ve got the Wood Guy at the end of the day, he’ll deliver a larger amount to my home.  I mention these details because I’ve always thought that I had a relationship with Wood Guy.

After the stormed caused massive power outages, the Wood Guy was back in his usual spot selling his firewood.  He had lots of customers!  People were lined up for a block or two as they waited to buy firewood to heat their homes.  I was happy for Wood Guy, happy that he was safe and survived the storm and happy that he was still in business.

Although I still had a fair amount of firewood in my basement, I was worried that the power outage might continue longer than expected, so I thought I’d stop by and get some more firewood for myself.  A precautionary buy, if you will, not desperation.

But then I got to the front of the line.

The Wood Guy has raised his prices!  By a lot!  Seizing the economic principle of supply and demand, Wood Guy knew that he now had a hot commodity.  People were without power, needed firewood to heat their homes, and he decided to make the most of the opportunity.  The price of firewood had gone up over 500%!  I didn’t make the purchase.  There were lots of people cold and desperate enough to pay the price, though.  Not me!

I don’t begrudge the Wood Guy making a living.  And I would a small increase in price, in recognition of what it might have taken to get out there on that particular day.  But his choice to raise his price as high as he did cost him my business.  Not just for the storm, but forever. 

I choose to do business with individuals and companies who fairly price their goods and services, allowing both owners and employees to make a decent wage.  I am wiling to pay a little more, drive a little further, and make a little more effort, to do business with good corporate citizens of the community.  In my opinion, raising price to the extent that Wood Guy did, in the middle of a crippling storm, smacks of greed and carpet bagging rather than good citizenship.

In the scheme of things, Wood Guy won’t miss my business.  Nor do any of the other business that I have chosen not to patronize over the years.  I sleep better at night, however, knowing that I shop with a conscious.  I hope that I always conduct myself in such a way as to be worthy of my own patronage.

What do you think?  Good business or greed?

Photo credit:  sky walker

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One of the new features here at Leadership Turn involves moving the leadership thought for the week to Monday.  While originally I thought that a little mid-week motivation was a good thing (and it is), I really wanted to do more than just share a thought.  I wanted to challenge all of us to work and focus on what the thought meant, and how we could introduce it into our business and personal lives.

Today represents that change.  I hope the thought brings you motivation for the week, but more than than, I hope you accept the challenge which follows. 

Really great people always see the best in others; it is the little man who looks for the worst — and finds it.

                                              —Samuel Coleridge Taylor

This week’s action plan:  Look around, and really notice what the people around you do.  Give a pat on the back, or two, to someone who really needs it.  Start to see the best in others, and then take it a step further by helping others to see the best in themselves. 

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

I live in Seattle. Right in the path of the terrible windstorm that swept through the area a couple days ago.

While the force, and subsequent damage, is nothing like the damage done by hurricanes, tornados, and tropical storms, around the rest of the country, it certainly has had left devastation in its wake.Fortunately, I was spared any major damage – just a little cosmetic damage that can be easily taken care of.

However, I have been without power for about 36 hours now, and have no idea of when it may be restored. Current estimate is another couple of days. My energy company has nearly three quarters of a million customers without power, all of us clamoring for our respective neighborhoods to get to the top of the list.

I spent last night in a hotel. Today I’m hanging out at a library where there is power and a fairly good wi-fi connection. Tonight I’ll be sleeping at home, right in front of the fireplace from which I can hopefully soak up some heat. Posting may be sporadic until things are back under control.

Thanks to everyone who has sent an email inquiring about how I am. I’m safe. Life is inconvenient, but under control. And, as a friend reminded me earlier today, it’s an adventure.

Although the 30-second elevator speech has become one of the required skills to have in your leadership repertoire, I’ve been resisting it every step of the way.

I’ve read all the reasons about why it’s important.  It basically boils down to having a creative, yet solid, answer to the question “what do you do?” and having it practiced and memorized until it rolls automatically off your tongue.  It’s seen as a chance to sell yourself and your skills. 

Many “experts” suggest that you craft your mini-speech in such a way as to capture someone’s attention, pushing them into asking for more information about your career and skill sets.

Some responses that I’ve heard (paraphrased) to the question “What line of work are you in?”

• A:  I help people make their dreams come true (from a realtor).
• A:  I help couples that are struggling on their path reach their dreams (from a marriage counselor).
• A:  I help couples fulfill their dream (from an adoption attorney).

These answers are similar in many ways, that is, they all speak to dream fulfillment.  Yet, none of these answers give me any kind of clue about the actually career of the person answering.  I don’t know any more than I did before asking the question, and since the answers seem vaguely creepy, I’m inclined to smile and nod, while quickly moving off to another part of the room.

At various points in my life I’ve answered the questions differently, but, I hope, always directly:

• A:  I’m the director of promotions for a local radio station.
• A:  I’m a lawyer.
• A:  I’m a flight attendant.

These answers take only a few seconds, rather than a full 30, are respectful of everyone’s time, and don’t make me feel like I’m playing silly games about how I make my living.  I’ve found that if people want to know more, they’ll ask.  And they usually do.

I’m sure that some of you may disagree with me, and here’s your chance. 

I really want to know:  Am I the only one who feels that these canned responses are just a little slimy?

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Leadership Turn is going through some growing pains.  It’s been tough on this side of things.  We needed to take a break, make some changes, and get re-focused.  Now we’re back, and ready to get down to business, so you’ll start to see more regular, focused posts about developing your leadership skills.

So here’s what changed –

Leadership Turn has moved to the Business Channel.  b5media launched the Business channel back in October, and our move there makes a lot of sense.

Milo Riano, formerly a blogger here for Leadership Turn, has moved on to other projects.  I wish him lots of success as he moves along his personal leadership path.  You can find Milo at his personal blog.

What hasn’t changed –

Leadership Turn is still here and still committed to bringing you relevant, practical, and useful information to help you develop your skills and find your leadership style. 

Leadership Turn is still committed to our readers.  This blog exists to help you!  So let me know about topics that interest you, challenges you are facing, and the concerns that you have.  There is no cookie cutter approach to leadership, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers.  But together, I think we have a pretty good chance of figuring things out.

What you can expect –

Regular posting on timely topics, including helpful hints, resources, motivation, interviews and an occasional guest posts from readers.

New features

Prompt responses to your emails and comments

Spirited discussions, and respectful disagreement, about leadership issues.  It’s not necessary for us to always agree.

I hope that you will like the changes here at Leadership Turn, and make plans to include us as part of your regular blog reading!

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With the advancing technology of digital cameras and photo editing software, you may have a friend or associate who can step up and take a publicity photo for you.   However, unless your friend has professional equipment and a trained eye, it is unlikely that the photo will rival the quality of a studio portrait. 

If you need a photo in a hurry, this is a good option.  I recommend going for a casual look, then, rather than trying to simulate a portrait.  Again, unless you’re dealing with a pro, there’s just too much left to chance.

Consider a photo shoot showing you in a more casual environment – playing sports, relaxing, traveling, in the middle of a presentation, etc.  These are good environments for a friend to take the photo.  Remember, though, that a lot of work goes into making photos look casual, and you need to plan on investing time and effort into the process.

Since you will not have a studio or stylist working with you, here are some basic suggestions for you to consider as you prepare for the photo shoot.

Pay attention to your eyewear.  If you have tinted lenses, they may look too dark in the photo.  If the lenses don’t have an anti-reflective coating on them, they may have too much glare.  Can you go without your glasses for the photo?  Or maybe you will want to check with an optician for a pair of frames (without the lenses) to wear for the photo.  While many of the challenges presented by glasses can be resolved in a studio setting, it’s tougher with photos are taken by an amateur.

Don’t switch to contact lenses just for the photo.  If you’re not used to wearing them, you’ll spend you’re whole time squinting and uncomfortable.  Most people find a photo shoot uncomfortable enough as it is; you don’t need to add stress to the day.

Women should apply make up as usual, with the possible addition of an extra coat of mascara.  (Since the eyes are typically the center of the portrait, this will help make them pop.)  Beware, however, the long spider-lashes look.  This is a professional photo, but you don’t want people wondering just what profession you are in.

Men should avoid make up all together.  While it may work in the studio, it doesn’t in candid shots.

Wear appropriate clothing for the setting.  Is a suit appropriate for the setting?  If so, you’d best be wearing one.  But if you’re on the tennis court with a racket, you’ll look pretty silly in a suit.  A good rule of thumb:  you want to look like you fit the setting, not sticking out like a sore thumb. 

Be patient.  If you’re lucky, your photographer friend knows what they are doing, both behind the camera and in the editing process.  If they’ve taken a lot of photos there are bound to be a couple of go-to shots that they know they can deliver.  Rely on their knowledge, and take their suggestions.  Make it easy on them, and you’ll help make sure that you get the shot(s) that you need.

It’s been said that the greatest photos of people occur when the person looks like they are having a love affair with the camera (or the photographer).  While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to bring this aura to your photo, you should strive to make it look like you’re having fun.

Next up:   What kind of photo do you need?  (The technical stuff)

A very happy Thanksgiving to all our American readers.

I’ve been enjoying this holiday week and a little vacation time.  It’s the time of year that I reflect on where I am in my life and career, and make plans about where I want to be. 

Check back for the final article on getting the right publicity photo.

While a studio portrait is not a strict requirement, there are some photo choices that will just NOT do.

It is better to go without a photo, than to use any of the following:

• Your high school or college yearbook photo
• Your wedding photo, with spouse cropped out
• A family reunion photo, with other family members cropped out
• Security or ID badge photo
• Passport photo
• A photo where you are squinting your eyes from looking into the sun
• Glamour shot

Next week, we’ll discuss the possibilities for having a friend take a digital photo that would be suitable as a publicity shot.