Don't waste your energy. Dream big. Make a plan and get it done.

You've got this.
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As a leader at home and work, you make decisions for yourself and others everyday.  It is easy to celebrate when your team is successful.  But what do you do when you hit a road block or challenge in your road to success?

First thing, make sure the whole team understands the plan.  As long as the plan is clear, any issues that pop up along the way can be dealt with as a team.  Make sure it is detailed with goals and a timeline. This will make it easier to follow.

Next, analyze the issues in detail that appear along the way. Why are they there? Is there an issue with your plan or process?  It is okay to redirect the team if there is a problem with the original plan.  Rewrite that plan if necessary. 

Last, own that plan.  If there was a flaw in the original plan, admit it and move on.  Your team will appreciate your honesty.  By owning that mistake you become a real leader and the whole team will learn from the process.
Make sure you celebrate those successes no matter how small. You will be on your way to a successful project and future.

No matter how organized we are, unexpected events can happen.  We get comfortable in our lives, set in our ways and Wham!  A flat tire, a broken pipe, an unexpected bill.  It can turn our lives upside down.  Now is the time to tighten those boot strings and show how strong we are.

​First, have a good cry.  Yes, it is okay to cry. Even the strong have to let the frustration flow some times. It will save you later heartache.  

Second, look at the real situation.  It is not always a helpless situation.  Most of the time when you look at the problem from all angles you can figure out a solution.  You are a smart leader.  Make your detailed  list and put it into action.  

Third, react.  The worse thing you can do is stand back with the solution in your hands and not put it in motion.  That is self sabotage.  For instance, if you have an unexpected bill, all your extra spending has to stop until that bill is paid.  Look at your extra expenses you can cut for the month.  Most of your subscriptions can be put on hold to for a month.  Netflix, Audible, and iTunes all have options that will not penalize you for pausing your subscription.  Most of you have heard me ask this before, how much do you spend on coffee or soda at work?  A refillable water bottle will save you money and it will be good for you too.  Take the extra money you have collected and pay that bill.

Last, after you have paid the bill and life is back to normal, look at where the money came from.  Can you keep it up to create an emergency fund?  In today's world of plastic parts and temporary fixes, an emergency fund is a necessity.  It will give you and your family the security you need.  Next time the unexpected happens, you will be prepared and you will be the hero.

​You've got this.  Make it happen.

It takes courage to be a leader.  No obstacle is too small or too large that leadership skills do not influence the outcome.  Sometimes our attitude affects that outcome.  You must believe in yourself for others to believe in you.  Believe in yourself.  You've got this.

Remember that we are all important. We all have important thoughts that should be listened to. Remember why this day is so important. Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Who decided you were a Woman Leader? You did by acting in a way that is honored.  You decided in your heart that you would show leadership characteristics and people started to look up to you.  Anyone can create a plan and anyone can tell people what to do, it is a leader that accomplishes the teamwork that is required to complete the project.  There is the chance of push back or someone who challenges your authority. It will happen every time. Someone wants to know why you are in charge.  The response is up to you.  You can always show them with your positive, successful attitude.

What makes a leader? A leader is someone we usually look up to, someone we admire. Do you have to be the top dog to be a leader? Absolutely not. The woman who has perfect attendance in her book club is admired by her fellow members and is looked at as a leader of her club.  The woman who volunteers at the food bank every week and gives her time is a leader.  The woman who takes the new employees at work and shows them the ropes is a leader. These are all great examples of women leaders. How are you an example of leadership in your group?

Dealing with the challengers is always a difficult thing.  There may be many reasons why your authority is being challenged. You might be dealing with a three-year-old that refuses to eat anything other than chicken nuggets. Those are usually the toughest. You have never known torture till you have a small child asking you “Why?” twenty times before doing anything. Some of you know what I am talking about. You might have someone who has been at the business longer than you have and you received the position they wanted. You might have someone who can’t get past the fact a woman is in a leadership role.  Remember to be a compassionate leader. Listen to any information that they have to offer.  Consider their situation. Then make a solid decision as the leader in charge.  Remember that you have to stand your ground after you have finalized a solution.  That strength will serve you well at the next challenge.

Sorry I have no secrets to make three-year-olds eat their peas.  That would be a miracle.  Have a great day and stay strong.  Remember, you are in charge.
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For a great story of a woman leader, read Judges 4:1-16.  The story of Deborah is an example of God putting a woman in charge and leading His people to victory.   
Love you ladies,
Tammy

 
It is hard to stay positive in this negative world, but it is important to our success.  The positive space we create for ourselves nourishes our spirit.  At home and at work, one negative encounter can affect our whole day. Some events we cannot control and we need to realize that, releasing the feeling of responsibility off our shoulders.  Others, we can eliminate. Soon you will find you are the person people seek out for the positive lift in their day.

It is important to stay positive for your spirit to stay healthy.  We have all experienced the ill effects of a bad day at work: tiredness, insomnia, and stomach upset. Stay positive about your day and it will eliminate these.  The first step is to let go of what we can’t control.  You are in charge and it is difficult to tell yourself that you cannot control everything.    This is an important step toward positivity. Everything is not your fault.  Do not take it on your shoulders.  Give yourself permission to dismiss it.
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You can control the environment you work in.  For instance, what do you discuss on lunch break or at playgroup?  Do you hang out with the complainers?  These you can control.  If the conversation turns negative, steer it toward something positive.  No gossiping.  This is the biggest destroyer of a positive environment.  Rumors and negative news can ruin your positive spirit.    Again, stand out in the crowd and turn the conversation toward a more positive direction.  Once your company realizes what you are doing and it becomes a regular habit, the people interested in staying positive will find you during free time and the others will avoid you.  After all misery loves company and you are raining on their parade.  There is sun on your side of the parade route and they look silly with their umbrellas out all day long.

Do not disappoint your new positive friends.  Once you have started your positive journey stick to it.  It will take some determination. They always say it takes 30 days to develop a habit and one to break it.  Start your day with a positive thought instead of the negative news.  It is important to stay informed, but do you have to watch the same news over and over again till its ingrained in our memories. Absolutely not.  Watch the fifteen-minute overview of the world events and move on to something more uplifting.  Music is the perfect companion for your morning coffee.  Once you start your positive journey, your days will be more productive and successful.

What are your ideas for staying positive? I would love to hear from you.
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Love you ladies,
Tammy

I was told a while back that I managed too much with my heart.  Is there something wrong with being the compassionate manager? No way.  Nice girls can finish first.  You must have compassion in your decisions to be successful in the long run. As long as everyone is treated with consistency. Always treat everyone with the same grace and compassion.  Do not fall into the trap of playing favorites.  You will be successful.

Is your business a place of compassion?  Do you consider the people that create your business before your income?  Now you are running a business and you must make money to exist, but you can not sacrifice your support to succeed in this world.  Remember the people who work for you.  In the end, this will make you successful.

I work in retail and some of my co-workers would say “I’m not in charge of anyone to show my compassion.”  I would respond “everyone is in charge of someone or something.” We all work with others: customers or co-workers.  Show some compassion and you will be successful.
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Have you created a home that is nurturing? Ladies, let’s face it; we have to be very organized with our homes to get everything done.  Our schedules are busy.  We work, take care of the house and take care of our families.  Have you structured the family so much that there is no time to be with each other?  Use compassion with yourself and your family when considering schedules for the week.  Do not over schedule.  Sometimes you have to pass on an event and it’s ok.   A dinner with the kids at home will go a long way in building the relationship in the household. Fur babies count too.  You have to spend time with them to keep them healthy. A walk around the block after dinner will help.  Your spirit will be renewed while you spend time with yourself.  Nourish that home and you will be successful.

Nice girls can finish first. Use a little compassion and nourish your life. You will be successful.

Have a great day.

Love you ladies,  Tammy