The greatest quote ever uttered about fear is by FDR in which he stated "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  It wasn't until recently that I really processed what that meant for me.  I used to be fearful not only of the specific event or situation, but also of the feelings themselves. 

But lately, I believe fear to be a huge motivator.  As soon as I feel fearful, I realize this means that I am in a bit of uncharted territory and I don't necessarily know the outcomes or consequence of what will happen next. This is a good thing!  It means I am developing a new path or new learning.  It has really helped me to push forth and do more on behalf of myself instead of giving into the fear.

Maybe this is just an extension of Eleanor Roosevelt's statement to "do one thing every day that scares you" but how often does any of us even do that?  Well for me, I have been living out of my comfort zone more than ever lately and it has been paying off handsomely in terms of happiness, peace and contentment.  And isn't that what we are all striving for more of in our lives?

There has been some that have said that Hilary's run for the White House was not a help (or a hindrance) towards women's destruction of the glass ceiling.  It may be true that she knew more from her insider days as First Lady and that Bill Clinton lent considerable insight, but Hilary has made that glass ceiling thinner, weaker, and more viable for more women.  Her belief that "we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it has about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before" was never more eloquently spoken.

Even though the Army has a little rule, a law actually, that excluded women from serving in combat roles and in the Army's rank and file structure, this has been the traditional path to the highest ranking positions.  Well, no more.  Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, one of only 3 female three-star's, has been nominated to Four-Star General. This must be confirmed by the Senate and if done so, it will mark the first time in American history that a female has reached this peak within the Army.   I just heard a lot of glass shattering!

How are you doing in your professional quest to be where you want to be?

I would love to hear from you, Anissa 

I read an interesting phrase today in Kouzes and Posner's book, Encouraging the Heart.  The phrase they used was underled companies.  It was in reference to a story they were sharing in which an organizational leader believed there were "no poor-quality workers, only underled companies".

This really strikes me as fascinating. First, it is very true and very appropriate in some American companies.  Second, it goes to the heart of my beliefs, which is that people matter.  Each one of us makes a difference within an organization and our collective output creates the success from which the company continues to grow. Lastly, it speaks to the other aspect near and dear to my heart, which is servant leadership.  If you are a true leader, you care about everyone you work with, you want to see everyone succeed, and you believe in encouraging, celebrating and appreciating every single person.  

Think about that for a second. Does that sound like your immediate manager? Does that sound like your last manager?  Does that sound like the company culture you work within?  For some, they can answer yes to these questions and feel very fulfilled within their careers. 

There are some that cannot say yes to these questions. To these persons, I say, please contact me!  I will infuse you with encouragement, support, energy, and vitality toward your goals and desires because my entire character is build on this belief. It is genuinely who I am and is not something I have to work toward; it's just me. 

It would be my honor to assist you on your journey, Anissa 

There are actually a ton of reasons, but here are the top 8 reasons why I believe each of us has contemplated leaving our 9 to 5 job or have already left:

1. Job (or the company culture) turned out to be nothing like what you expected
2. The job you applied and were hired for is not the same job you are doing now, months later
3. There is little feedback provided (constructive or otherwise) and no coaching or development
4. You don't feel appreciated, respected, recognized, or valued
5. Lack of upward mobility
6. There is little harmony between your personal and professional life
7. You have lost faith and trust in executive leaders
8. The communication is almost non-existent