I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by strong women. My wife, sisters, daughters and mother are all positive role models for their gender. I worked very comfortably for 2 very competent female leaders in a Fortune 100 company. I really believe that the courageous women in my personal life made that possible. How women were ever considered not to be equal to men blows my mind, because from the beginning I was never exposed to any females that were not. I want to share a condensed version of my mother’s story.
She was born in 1931 to poor, but proud parents. She grew up with simple, handmade or hand-me-down clothes and just enough food to suppress her hunger. The oldest of 11 she helped her mother raise several of the older siblings between homework and other chores. She excelled at school and went on to College and became a Registered nurse. In 1951, she and her best friend went to the territory of Alaska to work at a hospital for native children. They were a float plane, train, and 2500 miles from home. After 13 months of caring for and healing young children that were native to Alaska, she returned to Minneapolis. She worked at the VA Hospital for 1 year and then she joined the Navy. Where she became an officer and, a few years later, met my father. My mother has nursed parents, siblings, children, friends (young and old), as well as my father. For my brother, sister, and I she was a teacher, provider, and loving supporter.
She never was second fiddle to anyone, standing up for what she believed, and being strong in the face of adversity. I grew up knowing that women were not second-class citizens. My wife, sisters, and daughters continue to prove just how impactful women can be. I am blessed to still enjoy my mother’s presence in this world. She is moving slower, but just as feisty as she ever was. Mom’s confidence came from her hard work and the pride she took in what she could give others.
There are times when we all lose confidence. This often comes from primarily focusing on what we do not have or have not accomplished. We need to balance that with an understanding of the strengths we also possess. In my first book, “We are ALL Leaders”, I have a self-awareness exercise to help folks understand where their strengths and opportunities to grow are. Every so often, we need to stop and evaluate our status. It helps to build a plan for growth as well as build our confidence. We are all deserving of love.
Self-Awareness Exercise
List your strengths on one side and your “improvables” (I like using this term better than weaknesses) on the other. Be honest with yourself; it will not be beneficial if you are not truthful.
SELF APPRAISAL
Strengths Improvables
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
1) Share your list with others you are close to, to get their perception. I recommend this because others often see us from a different perspective.
2) Next put together a game plan to continue working from your strengths and to begin working on your improvables.
My plan for working on my improvables:
1st#- by (date)
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2nd#- by
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3rd#-
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4th#-
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5th#-
by
how-
6th#-
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