I just finished reading "Lead Yourself First -- Inspiring Leadership through Solitude" by Raymond M. Kethledge and Michael S. Erwin. The title interested me because I have always felt the need to be alone to process my thoughts and strategy before making life decisions. This book demonstrates how leaders in American history have formed effective and notable leadership decisions after times of solitude.
Solitude seems so elusive in our society now, when we are constantly connected with technology and so busy all of the time, especially for an extrovert like me. But when we make the time for solitude, we gain clarity, emotional balance, moral courage and develop our creativity. I can attest that this is true.
I attended a women's networking lunch a few years ago and the speaker was a business coach who encouraged "quiet time" to think and process. On the way back from that lunch, I turned off my car radio (which is usually on every time I drive) and I thought about how I needed a change to feel more productive in my career, about what I was passionate about and how I could transition to working within my passion. I called my husband right after that moment of solitude and said that I wanted to start my own business to coach and train in leadership and team development, he was supportive because he had seen me train and saw my passion and ability, so I began planning in solitude what my new business would look like and how I could make it a success.
After continued business expansion in the last two years, I make it a priority to have solitude to think about what is working and what is not, in my life and my business. As I am travelling more for my business, I create solitude when I travel on a plane by wearing headphones, but I don't listen to anything, it keeps others from talking to me so that I can close my eyes and have solitude. I regularly schedule times of solitude, during which I make an effort to not be connected electronically or interacting with others, especially when I need to lead myself to move forward. It works -- I am more at peace, more satisfied with my life decisions and focused on helping others grow -- my passion.
Fellow entrepreneurs told me that it takes 3-5 years to grow your business to where you want it to be. It looks like my third year in business will be when I accomplish this (the number 3 has always been my lucky number)!
As I reflect back on 2017, it was a year of constant change for me personally and professionally. Those of you who know me, know that I LOVE CHANGE! Personally, I sold my large house earlier than expected to purchase my small dream condo in Historic Downtown Frederick. My condo is 1100 sq ft, compared to my 3300 sq ft house, and I love the simplicity and proximity to downtown restaurants and events! Simplifying my personal life has enabled me to enjoy life more and grow my business. I formed Rogers Consulting LLC this month!
Fortunately, my business has grown to where I have to turn down jobs due to lack of time, not interest! After MANY certification classes this year, I now contract to facilitate / instruct / lead the following:
1 - AMA professional training classes in Sales, Customer Service and Emotional Intelligence
2 - NFA Executive Leadership Skills Series and Leadership in Supervision courses
3 - Hood College marketing & Frederick Community College real estate classes
4 - RightPath "Teaming for Success" and Leadership Development training
5 - Pryor Learning Solutions professional development seminars in Leadership, Business Coaching and Emotional Intelligence (certification in January 2018)
But that isn't enough for me, I am applying for a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership program next Spring!
Lastly, this week has proven to me that I am on my right path -- not just doing what I love, but loved for what I do. I received feedback from my contract employers and students that I am "a masterful instructor...and we are lucky to have you," "I want to take whatever classes you are teaching" and "I didn't think that I would learn anything in this class that I could use in my job and I want to thank you for giving me many concepts and practices that I have already applied to help me in my job."
I wish you all well and I am looking forward to a great 2018! Please contact me with any topics that you would like to read about and if I can help you find your right path.
Last week, I completed an instructor certification class for the National Fire Academy (NFA) to facilitate leadership development classes to newly-appointed supervisors in the fire service nationwide, beginning in 2018.
While it is inspirational to learn new methods of adult learning and facilitation from talented NFA instructors, this class reminded me that mastering soft skills is not easy, especially when your vocational focus is on mastering hard or technical skills, such as those in the fire service. It is usually because one masters hard skills proficiently that one is promoted to supervise and lead others toward that technical mastery. Mastering soft skills in Leadership in Supervision must be accomplished for success in a new leadership role.
Soft skills are defined by Wikipedia as "a combination of people skills, social skills, communication skills, character traits, attitudes, career attributes, social intelligence and emotional intelligence...that enable people to effectively navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well, and achieve their goals with complementing hard skills."
The key to successful learning and implementation of soft skills is understanding yourself, your teammates and your environment to create an environment of growth and effective communication. I am honored to have the opportunity to facilitate this valuable learning to our nation's fire service personnel!