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I can’t believe an entire year has gone by…it was such an incredible day and i love watching the video and remembering all the special moments and how incredible our family and friends were in support of our marriage.  Growing up in Pennsylvania, I dreamt about living in New York City but one day finding someone as special as Alex and having the opportunity to celebrate our commitment in such a grand way was beyond any dream come true…we have been so lucky in this past year and looking forward to many more…  Hope you enjoy our special day….Wedding

and http://www.cecinewyork.com/cecistyle/issue/v76/our-muse/

• Yes, free business cards! There is about a $3 shipping fee (varies depending where you live) but there are a few steps required to get this deal. First, start an account on Internmatch, if you don’t have one already. This site is really useful, so I suggest using your primary e-mail address. After Internmatch, redirect yourself to Moo’s homepage by clicking here (a link on one of Internmatch’s articles).

Again, don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed above.  Your Brag Book is unique to you, and no one will have every item I suggested above.  Even if your book is quite thin, it’s helpful just to have all of your experience and accomplished organized in one place.  Here is how I recommend making use of your Brag Book once you compile it:

• Only use your book in person.  A brag book is not a résumé that can be emailed around—it’s a sales document that needs you to present it.  Some people may find the book overwhelming if it’s not accompanied by a real, live person.  Be judicious with the ways and times you pull out the book.  It’s not an everyday tool, but a “secret weapon” for your biggest and most desired opportunities.  “This is your closer,” says Joan.  “I often leave it behind after an interview, rather than going through it in a meeting.”
• Save everything.  Your Brag Book is a work in progress.  Continue to add to it throughout your career.  Joan recently used her book to win a big promotion.
• Create a Table of Contents.  Write down the order you put things in so you don’t recreate the wheel every time you want to create a new Brag Book.
• Make professional copies.  “Go to Kinko’s and make this look phenomenal!” advises Joan.  If any documents or clippings are frayed or difficult to read, take the time to make nice color photocopies.  You can even consider binding your Brag Book instead of using a three-ring binder.  The more professional the opportunities you’re applying for, the more professional your book should be.
• Put your Brag Book online.  If you want, you can even scan every document and make your book into a website—the possibilities are endless.  This is a great option if you want a job in web design or technology—it’s another way to show your skills.

I know that putting together a Brag Book sounds like a lot of work, but once you have it, it’s an incredible sales tool that you can use for the rest of your career.  So, don’t be shy—go ahead and show your stuff!

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120329006159/en/Frances-Hesselbein-Institute-CEO-Named-Axiom-Business

Why Great Leaders Are in Short Supply – James S. Rosebush – Harvard Business Review.

The conclusions of this article:

Leadership has never been easy. But I suspect it was simpler in an era when leaders could count on superior information access, reverence for their institutions, and strong moral bearings to assemble greater followership. Conditions have changed to make leadership harder. “We are experiencing a demand for new types of skills and sacrifices in C-level executives that many are not prepared to bring to the table.“

offer yet another piece of evidence that supports why Millennials can be the leaders that save our future.  Emerging young leaders can be trained now on techniques to enhance focus through simplifying the abdunant data at their fingertips.  I would urge companies to invest in leadership training for high potential young professionals who can learn to build a vision with value based principles.  This will ultimately inspire those they will lead in the organization and help rebuild the reputation of traditional companies.

]]> http://www.joanksnyder.com/get-connected/why-great-leaders-are-in-short-supply-james-s-rosebush-harvard-business-review/feed 0 http://www.joanksnyder.com/get-connected/976 http://www.joanksnyder.com/get-connected/976#comments Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:08:36 +0000 Joan http://www.joanksnyder.com/?p=976

Joan Snyder Kuhl (BUS ’01):

There are two very important gifts that the University of Pittsburgh gave me: life-long friendships and the courage to achieve my goals. Growing up in a small town in Eastern Pennsylvania, I dreamed about attending Pitt and having the city as my campus. I set my sights on Pitt in eighth grade when my parents visited the city in hopes of transferring in their jobs as air traffic controllers. Even though we never moved, I knew Pitt would be the only school I would every apply to!

Every day, I am reminded of a fond memory: my Spanish class in the Cathedral, late nights in the Student Government Board (SGB) office in the William Pitt Union, 7 a.m. Blue and Gold Meetings at the old office on Craig Street, half-price deals at Mad Mex and Fuel and Fuddle at 11 p.m., the 1997 game against Miami in Pitt Stadium when we stormed the field, driving the homecoming car during halftime of the very last time Pitt played (shutout!) Penn State to the day I received my degree in Mellon Arena alongside my family and friends.

My experiences living in the freshman towers, being a student in the College of Business Administration, and serving as a student leader across campus organizations afforded me the opportunity to grow a diverse group of friendships. A defining moment in my student life came as I ran for SGB president. I never dreamed I would have the support to win. It forever changed my self-confidence along with the memories I have of the incredible friends who stood out in the cold passing flyers and urging voters for support. On election day, I remember seeing advertisements in the Pitt News from many diverse organizations declaring their support for me, including the Black Action Society, Asian Students Association, Rainbow Alliance, Campus Women’s Organization, College of Business Administration, fraternities, and sororities. My roommates, friends, and many classmates were all with me when the last vote was counted and I was named SGB President in 2000.

Chancellor Nordenberg had a profound influence on me as someone who I felt encouraged my confidence, conviction, and leadership style. The chancellor along with the many gracious alumni, faculty and administrators who took an interest in my future, inspired me to achieve my potential inside and outside of the classroom.

I’ve been given so many gifts from Pitt, but in the last couple years I did lose one. My friend Margarita Sarmiento, who was President of the Asian Student Alliance, was one of my most loyal friends on campus. She inspired all of us who knew her to approach life without fear, welcome new friends without judgement, and live every day louder than the day before. In memory of Margarita, my friends and I started a scholarship at Pitt in her name and I hope the students it supports will carry her spirit of inclusivity and generosity. I also hope more alumni will contribute to this gift to the University in honor of her life.

(To donate, visit Pitt’s online giving form, go to page 2, and choose the Margarita Sarmiento Asian Student Alliance Fund.)

Plebes from West Point on Leading by Example:

On Friday, February 3rd I had the privilege of spending time with ten West Point Hesselbein Scholars, a group of outstanding minority cadets who are the first Hesselbein Scholars to be appointed. West Point is the oldest continuously operated military post in the country and voted America’s Best College by Forbes. The Plebes[1], West Point term for 1^st year students, shared their thoughts about leadership with myself, Frances and several other thought leaders.  The stories they shared about their basic training is certainly not your typical college student experience.  “We don’t really have privileges…we are learning discipline” said one cadet.  We launched into a conversation about leadership and the reality that not every cadet at West point is a ready born leader.  Most are there because they believe west point can develop them into great leaders.  It’s startling to reflect on the weight of their brave decision to attend West Point knowing that upon graduation they will not begin an entry level office job. They will be sent to some of the most dangerous parts of the world to offer their service and leadership for their country.

We explored the topic more in terms of how the students felt they can influence one another while not being in an official position of authority as a Plebe.   We asked the group “What do you do if you see a fellow plebe who isn’t meeting expectations, doesn’t have their shoes shined, getting to class on time, not completing their assignments….”

This was one Cadet’s response:  “You don’t really say anything, it’s just the way you act…how you are.”  You can hear more of his words in the following video clip: http://vimeo.com/36556469

Leading by Example

This is literally straight from one of Frances Hesselbein’s greatest leadership lessons. Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.  If the cadets we spoke to are naturally gravitating to a level of behaviors and actions that are grounded in values, principles and beliefs then what can we do to help other young people also see the power of their selves in influencing others?

My connection to West Point is through accompanying Frances while she served as Chair for Leadership Studies and made regular visits to the campus to conduct leadership dialogues with the students.  The following excerpt from West Point’s website captures their philosophy on Leadership:  Leadership is what you are here to learn at West Point—the qualities of character and mind that will make you fit to command a platoon, and beyond that, perhaps, a company, a battalion, or, if you leave the military, a corporation, a foundation, a department of government. .

This reminds me of another great Hesselbein lesson which was gleaned from her time with Peter Drucker.  You have to see yourself Life-Size.  You have to recognize your own strength, your presence, your power of influence and how remarkable your own contributions are to the mission.  The young men I met last week continue to inspire my thoughts and actions.  I am grateful for their service.

Pinterest Becomes Top Traffic Driver for Retailers [INFOGRAPHIC].

A colleague just introduced Pinterest to me…I wish I had known about this back in the beginning stages of wedding planning. Now I think it will be a huge help in planning events for the Hesselbein Institute and even redecorating a new home.