Hi Mission-Driven Leaders,
It’s Beth here.
Last year, after more than a decade of sending Written by Hand™ out monthly, we changed our newsletter frequency to spontaneously inspired. This one is indeed, inspired.
Inspired Advocacy for Women in Developing Countries
When I learned about the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 (H.R. 5480) for women in developing countries, I knew I’d be speaking up.
Read my personal letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations here on LinkedIn. You’ll find some disturbing facts about women’s lives and some uplifting ones about increasing peace and prosperity for us all.
If it’s something you believe in, please comment to add your voice of support.
Inspired Women in Commercial Real Estate: CREW Network
Last fall, I was introduced to Wendy Mann, CEO, CREW Network–the premiere association for women in commercial real estate (CRE). Wendy is a visionary. She’s helping shape the industry and strengthen association members’ ability to lead and thrive in it. If you enjoy variety, always learning something new, and building long-term relationships with clients, commercial real estate may be the field for you!
I had chance to work with Wendy and Sarah Clopton, Chief Learning Officer, to serve association members. We’ve all heard people espouse values like collaborating, supporting and advancing women. When something I led didn’t go as planned (and when it did) I found out that Wendy and Sarah truly live these values. So respect that.
Tina Fey (and Me) on Conflict
In September I spoke at the CREW Network Convention in San Diego. The energy at the convention was off-the-charts and so positive!
My session was on how to navigate interpersonal conflict at work more effectively. The lively Q&A is still on my mind because so many of us have dealt with these scenarios or are dealing with them.
When Someone Enjoys Causing Conflict, or You’re Getting Worn Down by It
What happens when there’s a team member who seems to enjoy causing conflict, or we’re beginning to feel worn down managing conflict someone else creates?
One of the most illuminating questions I’ve found is to ask yourself:
“Is it worth it?”
It may be. Take time to make a conscious assessment.
This excerpt from my book Hidden by Gender, begins with an illuminating question from Tina Fey, comedian, in her book Bossy Pants.
“When faced with sexism, ageism or lookism or
even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question:
Is this person between me and what I want to do?”
“If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. If the answer is yes and it’s your boss, she advocates trying to find someone above your boss, who isn’t a jerk, or find a neutral proving ground to focus on. If you are working within a large company or want to shift an industry culture, I think it’s wise to pick your battles. Be strategic. Don’t win the battle to lose the war. Babcock and Laschever’s advice in their book, Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want, is to be “relentlessly pleasant” to avoid triggering a like bias from both men and women. There are cultural norms, and they are powerful. My point here isn’t that you subjugate yourself or be inauthentically compliant, it is that you should know what is most important to you and choose wisely.”
Until Next Time…
Hope you find a pearl or several in this Written by Hand ™ issue to inspire you. Let your light shine!
With Inspired Appreciation,
Beth Hand
