Women Leading by Example

I had the opportunity today to go to a luncheon with a keynote speaker talking about Public Service Renewal. The speakers name was Karen Ellis, Vice President Public Service Renewal and Diversity Branch of Public Service Human Resource Management Agency of Canada.

I had the opportunity to introduce myself to Karen prior to her talk. I could see they power, spirit, and immense being in her eyes. She is a very experienced woman who held many positions in the Federal Government, and she is a warm, genuine and passionate individual. She spoke with great passion on leadership, diversity and renewal. She seemed genuinely interested in the work I have done in the past year and is interested in reading my articles. Karen’s flight was late so it seemed she jetted in and out in a hurry, yet her presence was so powerful no body really felt she “wasn’t there”.

One of the questions asked at the end of Karen’s speech was about employees feeling they must “suffer in silence” and will end up leaving without ever feeling they had a voice (my interpretation of the question). My solution to this is to create a safe environment for employees to voice their thoughts, ideas and opinions (and environment of respect and value). When people feel they have a safe open space for them to speak their truths and know their voice is not landing on “deaf” ears, it will create an innovated, creative, proactive and motivated workforce filled with employees who are ignited and willing to engage

When you come across someone like Karen, she really ignites the room. She made me personally want to learn more about her initiatives, what she is working on, and who she is working with. The passion and conviction she spoke with were contagious (to me). I intend on learning more about what she does and try to figure out a way to incorporate it in what I intend on doing in my Department.

One thing I have come to know is that regardless of title and position I can make a difference. I hear people talking about it all the time, people like Karen Ellis today. Leaders inspire and ignite people and invite them to engage. It is important for the employees to remain engaged, communicate and interact with each other so the momentum is never lost. Continually evolving, always learning, striving for more, and becoming more.

I pulled this card today to reflect on and see how it would manifest as a metaphor for my day. I feel in retrospect it was very fitting. The contagiousness I felt while listening to this woman, the immense sense of incorporating what I heard and what I will learn into aspects of my life…

Excerpt(s) from the Power Deck – By Lynn Andrews

Quickening

You can never teach a warrior with words about the unknown; you must use experience. But if you look into the eyes of a woman of power, you may catch up with her a little. She has years of truth ahead of you. Her eyes can quicken you like a river heading toward the rapids…. …This is how power works. Don’t learn everything with your mind. Quicken your spirit by letting go of attachments and move to a stronger vibration of power.