The Incomplete You

Mini Lesson 1

It’s Time to End the Myth of the complete leader: The flawless person at the top who’s got it all figured out.

-Ancona, Malone, Orlikowski and Senge

Female Defenders Thoughts:

The longer we live life, the more we realize how much we don’t know.

Ever met a person that thinks he or she knows it all? Ever have a ‘deep’ or not so ‘deep’ conversation with that person?

As a matter of fact, the more knowledge I GAIN, the more I wonder about other things. Think about it…..When you read a great book, sometimes it makes you want to read more about the topic or read more works by the author. What great book have you read that makes you hungry for more information?

One of the things I have realized is that I need to know more about negotiation. It is the ‘Thing” I want to know more about. Thing is, before recently, I did’t think  much about negotiating.

I  simple didn’t see opportunities to negotiate.

I didn’t see the opportunities because I was not looking. Its really odd, now that I look back on life, I know I have missed AMPLE opportunity to negotiate. To be honest, I might miss more opportunities as I am learning how to do it. Yet, one thing is for sure….I am learning to do more of it.  Most importantly,  Its an area that I have identified as a weakness and I am making EFFORTS to improve. As leaders, that is what we MUST do. We must identify our weak areas (heck…try to hire people who are strong in the areas you are weak–if that intimidates you…try to lighten up).

I took a class that discussed WOMEN and negotiations.

We discussed typical behaviors for most women and men. We discussed the need for more women to enter into negotiations. Well, maybe most women, like me, don’t recognized the opportunity. Studies show that men have more natural inclinations to negotiate deals.

Nevertheless, I believe the type of woman or man who reads our blog cares to consistently  develop her or himself professionally.

So, here are some of the things I am doing now:

1. Visualize the Situation: I visualize myself in a  small meeting with key players of a project I am working on. I visualize myself presenting the material. I think through how this could play out.
2. Think Positive: If the group or person is willing to have a meeting with me, there must be some level of interest.  Additionally, If I am actively pursuing a meeting with the person or team, I have identified how we both can benefit and how BOTH sides can GROW from the meeting.
3. Knowing the other business: Research the other business. Know your stuff! One key to negotiations is to BUILD a LONG term friendship with the business or person that you want to work with.

So far, this is working! I will keep you posted as I learn more. We will share in our journey!