Take our Kids to Work Day

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I have been asked if I would do a presentation for "Take our Kids to Work Day" in our Department.

I have taken up this challenge and am quite excited over the prospect of being able to speak to a group of teenagers about not limiting their potential.

Something I learned from doing this is that there is no need to "neuter" my words because of the age group, we are all brilliant and capable of "hearing" what we are presented with, and if we are confused, we are all intelligent enough to ask for clarification.

I present during the opening first thing in the morning. I've posted my presentation below for your reading pleasure. ;o)

Leadership – What is it all about?

Personal Intro

I was asked if I would come and talk to you about some topic, my choice. In my job here at PWGSC I am a Project Assistant/Survey Clerk. What do you think an Assistant or Clerk does?

That's right…I deal with a lot of information/administrative details such as creating databases, writing letters, doing contracts…and... that is not what I am going to talk to you about.

I am here to talk to you about Leadership.

When you think of Leadership Who do you think of? What types of jobs or titles does a leader hold?

For each of us when we think of leadership we will each think of something different; Boss, Parent, Teacher, Coach, Premier or Prime Minister.

Each person perceives / views leadership differently. Sometimes people in “authority” positions don’t always act as a “leader” should. And a leader can NOT lead if there is nobody to follow them.

What are some of the different traits or characteristics you think a leader should have?

And we will each associate different character traits with our own definition of leader; Powerful, Rich, Authoritative, In Charge of Group/Team/Office.

I’m going to read to you some quotes from various people on leadership and success.

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” – Mario Andretti, Grand Prix Racer

“Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.” – Peter Druker, Management Consultant

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Oprah Winfrey, Queen of Daytime

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize Winner

“The only failure is not to try.” – George Clooney, Actor / Activist

As you can see, each one of these people has their own view on “leadership and success”. This is what I want you to understand… I want to make sure you know … you don't need a title to be a leader… Not when you enter the work place or at school.

You don't have to be president of any club or team to demonstrate leadership skills. At work no matter what field you decide to go into, you can be a strong leader if you come in with the right attitude.

A lot of you may not see how Leadership relates to you… you don’t see yourself as having any of these traits we talked about. I'm here to tell you Leadership is in each and every one of you and here are some key ways to engage in it;

Be true to yourself… don't listen to others if they are trying to make you do something or agree with something you know deep inside doesn't make you feel good.

Become clear with who you are and what you stand for… and have to courage to stand up for that if someone tries to sway you.

Speak clearly about your beliefs… and respect other peoples beliefs, after all we can all learn from each other if we take the time to listen.

Realize the way you already engage in leading is fantastic; whether it be with younger siblings; children you baby-sit; people you volunteer with or your parents and teachers; you all have something valuable to pass on to others to make them more! I learn from my children all the time. How to listen to them; how to not jump to conclusions; to realize how I had put my own insecurities on them by pushing them to do more and be more.

Encourage others to be true to themselves, become clear with who they are and invite them to speak about their opinions and personal beliefs… you can do this by setting a good example simply by your own actions or you can do this by becoming curious about others thoughts and opinions.

Recognize the potential within your self and come to know that everyone you meet has the same potential; they just need to explore it.

If you were all to engage as “leaders” and not forget that you all have it in you, our future is going to be amazing.

I’m going to share now with you my journey in leadership.

When I speak of myself… know that the same is true for each of you, we all have the potential to be more than we allow ourselves to be.

Last year I felt I was just a clerk… I would be nothing more… I didn't have a voice and I didn't have the courage or confidence to speak my opinion.

After all…who was I to stand up and speak my mind, voice my concerns on what was going on in my world?

I had convinced myself my life could be worse and I should accept that the life I was living wasn’t so bad after all…. …Was I selling myself short.

This past year I have become very clear with Who I am… my true self.

I have found my voice… it is a strong and intelligent voice… and I now use it because what I have to say is important.

I have become curious as to why other people don't recognize the intelligence within themselves and to why they no longer trust their voice or their message.

It has become my intention to help waken as many people as I can… through sharing my story and journey… so that they too can find that brilliant person within themselves.

I am now a Published Author… my articles all have to do with discovering yourself and leadership (particularly women in leadership). I am published through PWGSC’s online newsletter… I am published nationally …and internationally both through a company in Ottawa and one in the United States.

I am now an active participant in our Employment Equity & Diversity Council; I am chairing this years Women's Leadership Learning Event, "Developing our Leadership - Exploring our Potential".

I am an active member of our Union Executive Committee.

I am an advocated for change… I say this in the context of helping to change the way people view themselves. Trying to make sure there are resources available for those interested in becoming more and developing their leadership.

I have created a space for women leaders in the Community to come together 4 times a year to network and have discussions. Some of these women are politicians, business & community leaders.

And there is so much more...

As you can see, although my actual job doesn't sound like I would have anything to do with leadership…I am very much a Leader.

We all have that ability within us. We just need to find it and live it.

I hope I leave you today with an invitation for you to become curious about yourselves and just who more you can become... You are our future.

My hope is that the future will hold many young men and women like yourselves, who know you are already leaders … …and there is no limit to what you set your mind to. Recognize it, claim it, live it.

I’d like to draw your attention to the second last page of the hand out I gave you.

I will leave you with these last thoughts Louise LeBrun once said “As we step into and claim the undeniable truth of who we are, our world changes – and yet, all we’ve done is show up for our own life.”

When it comes to leadership are you showing up for yours?