When We All Win We All Win.
On January 21st, 2016, the WCT London Chapter gathered at The London Roundhouse where WCT Board members role played several workplace scenarios to demonstrate how our actions and the language we choose can have tremendous impact on the desired outcome.
Over the course of our careers, most of us have experienced one or more incredibly disappointing or awkward situations with colleagues in the workforce. With input from those attending along with coaching from our guest speaker, London Leadership Consultant Chris Moss, we talked about different workplace situations and how we can shape or alter the outcome by making small changes in the words we choose.
How succinctly and effective are you at articulating your ideas? Are your ideas being easily dismissed at meetings? Could it be the choice of words you use when presenting or having conversations that are holding you back? For example, do you find yourself saying “here’s my two-cents” or “this may be a stupid idea but”. Advice given by those in attendance was be prepared, know your audience and be confident when discussing your ideas. Begin with “in my opinion” or “in my experience” and have presence in the room, because you never know what opportunity might come your way if you are seen as a positive confident contributor. If you don’t have a mentor that can provide feedback as to how you conduct yourself and how you might improve, ask a trusted colleague to help you become aware of how you are presenting and/or your behavior.
WCT Board member Rachel Berdan said:
“Surround yourself with the right people. Learn where your support system is (peers and mentors alike) so if you are learning to be more assertive you have someone you trust to help amplify your voice and get the message across”.
As a group we discussed personal branding and how important it is for women to communicate their brands powerfully. Every future customer or client relationship starts with a stranger so how you engage in that 30 second conversation can make or break you. WCT Board member Brittany Mederios stated:
“Always introduce yourself by your full name, people will remember your full name particularly if you are out networking on a regular basis. Know who you are, what you believe in and communicate with confidence and clarity. Own your brand.”
Leadership consultant and guest speaker Chris Moss discussed how important it is to be able to say “no”. As multitaskers and nurturers, women tend to take on more than they should. Chris advised that instead of saying “no” which many find difficult to do, respond by saying “yes, but” and then indicate why there may be a delay or the implications of saying yes etc.
The group of 25+ women shared a number of interesting real-work experiences which not only allowed those in attendance to engage in a very fruitful discussion, but it caused more than a few laughs and shared “ah-ha moments”. We learned how some of our younger attendees are strategically carving their way in a male dominated tech workplace and we all learned that just sometimes, if you choose to accept a task that is not even remotely part of your job description, the best gift can be the results.
We had a great evening of purposeful networking, teaching and learning. Thank you again to our guest speaker Chris Moss of Chris Moss Leadership Consulting and our sponsor Steam Whistle.
WCT is a national organization with a vision to be the leading organization that inspires and advances women as leaders and contributors to Canada’s digital economy. Join WCTLdnont our next event March 8th, 2016, for purposeful networking, teaching and learning. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other like minded women in a wide variety of technology and communication roles and companies. Watch for details and register to attend.
