I like to call this time of year the “Winter Holiday Season” because there are so many holidays, both religious and secular, this time of year. As I wind down before my holiday break, I have been pondering why humans celebrate anything and everything. What is the need to point out that something special happened, or is happening, or will happen? From births to weddings to seasonal activities to new jobs, we celebrate. And sometimes when things go wrong, we gather to commiserate.
Read MoreThis week I wanted to give a shout out to the leaders at the Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) for their stupendous job putting on a one-day conference December 6, 2023 in Arlington, VA. This 501c3 organization emphasizes opportunities for women and provides a space for us to meet, connect, and lift each other up.
Read MoreLike many people, I have a cable television subscription. Comcast, while the bane of my existence when it comes to customer service, provides me access to hundreds of channels that include local stations, premium channels, and basic cable channels. Out of the hundreds of channels available, I probably watch less than 10% of the options. But I have the options and can explore many areas of the service. My account includes all of these choices if I use them or not.
Read MoreYears ago, I was at a conference that likely was sponsored by ASAE but to be honest, the fog of memory clouds my vision. I do remember that it was the early era of online connecting because we were talking about online bulletin boards.
Read MoreI am a Component Relations Professional (CRP) at heart having served as one earlier in my career for over 15 years at several organizations. Working with the local groups and members was a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. I learned a lot and I believe it helped the organizations where I worked thrive.
Read MoreLast week, I wrote about my experiences starting a job with no files, no procedures, and no processes in place. My predecessor took all the knowledge with her and didn’t leave anything behind. But then I heard from a reader who reported the OPPOSITE end of the spectrum: starting a job with too many files and pieces of paper that haven’t been organized in any useful way.
Read MoreWhen I started my job at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, I was excited for this new opportunity. My position was Director of Board of Governors & Society Relations which meant I worked directly with all the local and state otolaryngology groups. As a Chapter Relations Professional, I was thrilled! Since it was a health care association, an area I have worked in throughout my career, I was doubly happy.
Read MoreIn February 2022, I posted a message titled “The Danger of Outdated Thinking” about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that post, I noted this:
Read MoreThere is a lot of frustration for women who work to be heard but instead are ignored, diminished, and dismissed. There are times it feels like our volume isn’t on and we are perpetually on mute.
Read MoreWhen people help out, it’s usually because they want to and choose to help. Most of us don’t expect a plaque, trophy, certificate, or anything other than a “thank you.” Okay, maybe a hearty thanks with a handshake. We all want to be recognized for what we do and contribute, but that is not what necessarily motivates us to help.
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