Becky Robinson's Blog, page 26

Two New Websites to Empower You for Success

In addition to our book marketing services, we also provide web design for authors and thought leaders. Here are the newest websites we’ve created that will inspire and encourage you to get creative, feel empowered, and reach for success in whatever your field may be.

Esther Derby

Imagine a workplace where where people don’t wait to be told what to do. They know what to do—and they do it.

Esther Derby has worn many hats—including author, business owner, internal coach and consultant, founder of AYE Conference and Esther Derby Associates, cofounder of the Scrum Alliance, and board member for Agile Alliance. From all these perspectives, one thing has become clear to her: the impact of work environments and organizational dynamics on individual, team, and company success.

Esther has spent the last twenty-five years helping companies design their environment, culture, and human dynamics for optimum success. Combining a deep knowledge of complex adaptive systems with an attention to people, she works with clients to identify the visible—and sometimes invisible—factors within the environment that contribute to the problems they see, so they can adjust the environment and their team will function and work more effectively together to solve problems like creating great products and services. Esther also teaches workshops around the world, supporting leaders to amplify empowerment, engage their organizations in joint problem solving, and evolve their systems toward better results.

Visit estherderby.com to learn how you can transform your organization into a workplace where everyone contributes creatively to solving problems.

Sign up for the free mini assessment to discover how well you manage complexity.
Listen to her weekly podcast (Tea And The Law Of Raspberry Jam), read the blog, or browse her books for insight about nurturing change for better outcomes.
Learn about her newest book and access a free chapter, along with graphics to share with your friends or coworkers.
Browse the courses and workshops designed to help you explore leadership, understand the dynamics of self-organizing teams, and boost your overall productivity.

Bonnie Marcus

Great performance is not enough to get ahead at work. It also takes political savvy, so you aren’t blindsided by workplace politics. The good news is that anyone can learn how to do this!

Bonnie Marcus—award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, globally renowned coach, international keynote speaker, and founder of Women’s Success Coaching—assists professional women to successfully navigate the workplace and position and promote themselves to advance their careers, and consults with companies to retain and support their female talent. She started her corporate career at an entry-level position and worked her way up to the top of a national company by using her savvy promotion and relational skills. Her passion is now to help other women learn to be sensitive to the culture of their organization, embrace the politics, and actively and intentionally move their careers forward with a sound strategic plan.

Bonnie has been featured in numerous national and international publications, recognized three years in a row by Forbes.com for Women’s Success Coaching as one of the Top 100 Websites for Professional Women; published in myriad journals and business resources, cited as a top 100 Keynote Speaker 2019 by Databird Research Journal, and honored by Global Gurus as one of the world’s top 30 coaches for five years in a row (2015-2019).

Visit bonniemarcusleadership.com to learn more about this inspiring change-maker and discover how you can embrace your ambition and be empowered to succeed.

Sign up for the free assessment to see how prepared you are to navigate the workplace and determine key areas to focus on to get ahead at work.
Explore Bonnie’s speaking and coaching services and discover how to accelerate your career and reach your full potential.
Read the blog for insights and advice on diversity, sexism and ageism, leadership skills, and other workplace issues.
Learn about Bonnie’s bestselling book and access a free chapter, along with graphics you can share with your friends and coworkers.

Interested in a new website for your own book or leadership platform? Contact the WI web team web@weavinginfluence.com.

Core Values: Growth

“Employees don’t grow as a result of an annual conversation. Growth happens a little bit, every day, over time, through ongoing dialogue.” – Julie Winkle Guilioni, Co-author, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go

This summer, my kids wanted to plant a garden. They were enthusiastic about using recycled bricks to build raised beds, picking out vegetable plants, and getting them in the ground as soon as we got home. My husband and I reminded them that if it didn’t rain, they would need to water the garden in order to give the plants what they needed to grow, and keep the weeds from choking out the good plants. You probably can see where this is going, right?

A week or two passed, and pretty soon the other delights of the summer — camps, swimming, movies — replaced their desire to care for and cultivate their garden. By mid-summer, the local deer population decimated our our small patch of corn, the bugs ate trails through the green tomatoes, and rabbits and groundhogs feasted on the cucumber vines, nibbling them right down to the ground. As summer comes to a close, all we have to show for their efforts are a handful of grape tomatoes in a bowl on the kitchen counter. 

Having planted a few gardens in my time — some wildly successful, some not so much — I could have said “no” to their garden scheme, explaining that growth wouldn’t happen based on early enthusiasm and a few trips out with a watering can. But if I took away their opportunity to experience it firsthand, then how would they learn and grow? As Julie’s quote reminds us, growth, whether it’s in a garden, in our children, ourselves, or our company, happens a little bit, every day, over time. 

Growth in the Corporate World

In 2012, Becky Robinson recognized the need for a digital marketing agency who focused on authors and thought leaders in the business and leadership realm. Her idea grew from a side occupation into a seedling business, and, like all seedlings, the growth in the beginning was slow and deliberate. As her ideas became bigger than herself, she sent out supporting runners — inviting people to join her, and opening doors for others (like me) to grow professionally and personally. 

A little bit, every day, over time, Weaving Influence has grown into a company that supports the dreams of our staff and clients.

As our core value of Growth states: 

At Weaving Influence, we know growth won’t be easy. We know we will be standing at the precipice of breakthroughs at times, reluctant to do the hard stuff. But we know the hard stuff will get our authors and clients where they need to be.

And as a team we have faith that we may end up astonishing ourselves.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Becky from the beginning, and seven years on I often look around, astonished at how far we have come and how much we have grown — as individuals and as a company. Growth has come as we accepted the idea that there is always room for improvement. What worked seven years ago no longer makes the cut, but provides a foundation of experience on which to continue growing forward.

With Growth as a core value, we are always innovating, looking for new ways to make our clients shine, solidly perched on past successes, but never satisfied with the status quo. For the last seven years, we’ve discovered that we’re tougher than we think, and we work best when we work together, growing as a team. 

Speaking personally, I’m grateful to work with a company that doesn’t use annual conversations to encourage professional growth, but offers continual opportunities, a little bit, every day, over time, to ensure that I am challenged to step outside my comfort zone and experience astonishing growth.

If you want to grow, don’t rely on what others have done . . . get your hands in the dirt and start digging!  

Fun Fact! ⇨ This week is the 7th anniversary of the launch of Julie Winkle Giulioni’s book, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, with Beverly Kaye. Julie has personally been a part of my professional growth, and it seems only right to mention this milestone. Pick up a copy of the updated second edition on Amazon today!

The Politics of Promotion

The scenario is all too familiar: a qualified, motivated professional woman does everything she can think of to secure a coveted promotion. After years of investing her time and energy in the company, she is ready to advance. Later, she is shocked and dismayed to find that, not only was she passed over, but the successful candidate had fewer qualifications and little to no familiarity with the practical side of the business. What happened?

This week, we are excited to launch the second, updated edition of a bestselling book that focuses on the single most important—and most frequently neglected—ingredient of advancement in the professional world. It reveals the rules of this complex game so that readers can begin to build the connections they need to get ahead.

The Politics of Promotion

Many ambitious women were taught that they could succeed on the basis of their qualifications alone. While that would be true in an ideal world, the world we live in falls short. The reality of business is that the people we know are just as important as, if not more important than, the skills we possess.

Playing politics in the workplace is not about gossip, backstabbing, or opportunism. Savvy women in business know how to network and with whom. They also understand how decisions are made in their organizations, and they have learned to use these political factors to their advantage.

The Politics of Promotion provides clear instructions for women who want to align themselves with important stakeholders and build relationships with influential advocates, so that the next promotion doesn’t slip away. It offers women the tools and guidance they need to successfully navigate the realities of their organizations, emphasizing the need to understand office politics to get the promotions and recognition they deserve. Bonnie Marcus, a professional coach focused on helping women advance their careers, demonstrates the impact of relationships and sponsorship in career trajectory.

Readers will learn why excellence and achievement are not enough to get ahead, and how networking with power and intention can make all the difference in perception, reputation, and promotion. Far beyond the typical advice of “be assertive” and “embrace ambition,” this book provides a unique and proven method for becoming a bigger player in the workplace and avoiding trip-ups that can add years to the climb—or end it for good.

Meet the Author

Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., is an award-winning entrepreneur and president of Women’s Success Coaching. She shares real conversations for real women about real situations in the workplace today, and assists professional women to successfully navigate the workplace and position and promote themselves to advance their careers.

With 20+ years of sales and management experience, Bonnie’s extensive business background includes CEO of a ServiceMaster company, and VP of Sales at Medical Staffing Network and two other national companies in the healthcare and software industries. She started her corporate career at an entry-level position, and worked her way up to the top of a national company by using her savvy promotion and relational skills. Her passion is now to help other women learn to be sensitive to the culture of their organization, embrace the politics, and actively and intentionally move their careers forward with a sound strategic plan.

Bonnie shares her message globally through speaking engagements, blogging, and her popular radio show. Her syndicated radio show, GPS Your Career: A Woman’s Guide to Success, provides practical tips and resources for professional women to succeed in business and is broadcast live each week on a CBS station. She is the author of The Politics Of Promotion, co-author of Lost Leaders In The Pipeline, and contributing writer for Forbes; she has also been published in HR.com, Business Insider, HR People + Strategy, Daily Worth, and Washington Business Journal. Bonnie has also been featured in Inc, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Fast Company, CIO Magazine, Crain’s NY, and more.

Bonnie received a BA from Connecticut College and a M.Ed. from New York University. She is an ICF certified executive coach.

Praise from Readers Like You

“I wish someone had given me this book when I graduated from college! It took me years to realize that intelligence and hard work aren’t enough when it comes to getting ahead. Straightforward and practical, this book is very easy to read and filled with great advice for women in business no matter whether you’re just starting out or still struggling to understand how to get the promotion you’ve always wanted.” — Pat Saviano , 5-star Amazon review

“This book is a primer for women (and men) about how to navigate the modern workplace politics that no amount of education or training can prepare you to deal with. I wish two things: 1) I had read this book when I was a whippersnapper, and 2) I hope that men will read this book, even though it is primarily aimed at women, because the learning is applicable to either.” —John Smith, 5-star Amazon review

“I thoroughly enjoyed the real life ‘political'” stories of successful women that The Politics Of Promotion shares with us. It’s reassuring and uplifting to hear about some strong successful women who were fired or passed up for opportunities because they remained on the ‘outside’ of office politics. Marcus effectively brings us on a journey that illustrates how ‘playing the game’ can be an empowering and growing ride. Politics isn’t just about you – it’s about everyone. As a leader you can’t afford to stand back and watch success pass you or your people by. Protect yourself and your teams by building relationships and using your toolkit every day!” —Lisa Kosak, 5-star Amazon review

“Reading this book was like sitting down with the author and having a conversation about workplace dynamics. Bonnie weaves stories of women throughout the book that were easily relatable. From the point of introduction, we learn the backstories of women in high ranking positions who lost out on promotions or lost jobs because they weren’t politically savvy. . . . Hard work and performance are not the sole basis for advancement. Politics can be so powerful and overwhelming that even superstars cannot survive. Bonnie teaches women the ‘significance of self-promotion as a leadership skill and political tool. Readers learn savvy ways to communicate what you and your team have accomplished and how to sell your ideas across the organization to build political influence.'” —Jane Anderson, 5-star Amazon review

“ As a professional speaker and author on issues related to self-leadership, I personally loved how the author interconnects real-life stories throughout the book. Through every chapter, stories teach the reader how to continually move ahead in the business world. Readers will see their own stories woven through the narratives in this book. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read.” —Barbara Rubel, 5-star Amazon review

Learn More

Visit Amazon to buy a copy of the book, or leave a short review of it.
Visit the website to download a free chapter and find beautiful graphics to share with your networks.

Core Values: Mindful Responsiveness

Weaving Influence has a strong, actionable list of company values, but anytime I’m asked to speak about the values, one bubbles to the top for me — responsiveness.

I spent decades working in the news business. Responding quickly with decisive action is second nature to me and, in many ways, a source of energy and invigoration.

As I first transitioned into working with Weaving Influence and working remotely, responsiveness became the value I lived by.

I would answer emails while out to eat with my family, at school concerts, first thing in the morning when I woke up, and last thing at night. I became so obsessed with being responsive that I put thoroughness and attentiveness on the sideline. I quickly responded but my responses were often rushed (wedged in between life) or half-formed. That didn’t stop me. The value was responsiveness, and I was nothing if not responsive.

This obsession with responding extended beyond my work hours and intruded into my non-work life. My husband and children would complain. My mom asked if I ever put my phone down. I was stressed and exhausted. I had taken responsiveness too far — and far beyond the intention behind the value.

That was my mistake — I missed intention.

Responsiveness was never supposed to mean 24-hour email surveillance.

It was supposed to mean being attentive and available to team members and clients when working. Not wedging a phone call or email response in where and when I could.

Now, because of my lesson in taking responsiveness too far, we call it mindful responsiveness. Our goal is not to disrupt Thanksgiving dinner to respond to emails; it is rather to take time to thoughtfully and carefully respond to all of our stakeholders. To schedule calls when we can be fully attentive, not while we’re also juggling the kids’ soccer practice. To respond to email when we’re working, and when we can fully focus.

Mindful responsiveness is a whole new world for me and I would be dishonest if I said it comes easily. It doesn’t. Slowing down to thoroughly read an email with full attention is something I struggle with. My old habits of working fast and furiously die hard.

I now start each day with an intention to focus, not just respond.

Some days I’m more successful than others. But values are not a finish line, they are a work in progress, and I am a work in progress, too. 

Tell me something! How do you practice being mindfully responsive at work?

3 Ways to Make the Most of Feedback

Very few people actually enjoy seeking feedback — but perhaps it’s because we think of feedback as something it’s not. It doesn’t always have to be couched in criticism and negativity, resentment and bias. In fact, feedback can be a positive tool that provides new opportunities for learning and growing! We just need to “fix” how we define it.

Authors M. Tamra Chandler and Laura Grealish offer a new and more ambitious definition of feedback in their book Feedback (and Other Dirty Words): Why We Fear It, How to Fix It. They explain how feedback got such a bad rap, and how to recognize and minimize the negative physical and emotional responses that can erode trust and shut down communication.

Here are a few key thoughts from their book to help you make the most of giving and receiving feedback.

Shift Into Growth Mode

“When receiving feedback, the greatest gift you can give yourself is to shift your mind into growth mode and openly consider what comes your way from the lens of how it can help you improve.”

“My initial reaction as a recipient of feedback is to recoil. My knee jerk response internally is to take it as criticism for how ‘I should be doing my work.’ What I’ve learned by reading Feedback (and Other Dirty Words) is how to reframe my own mindset about feedback and even learn to become a more active Seeker. We can all benefit from being open to the perspectives and insights of others. If I can kick the fear out of receiving feedback, I can truly open my heart to change and improvement. I love to grow and learn in my career and receiving feedback is a part of that process.” — Kristin E.

Increase Openness and Understanding

“Each time we participate in a challenging conversation with greater calm and heightened self-awareness, we create or reinforce neural pathways in our brains that will allow for more positive responses under stress in the future. The better we get at handling our fear (in this case, the fear of feedback), the less threatening these situations become.”

“This was one of the most impactful excerpts from Feedback. Insight into how to reframe my thinking surrounding receiving feedback was incredibly insightful. I think, for most, we don’t want to hear when we are doing something incorrectly or when we are not meeting someone expectations. I often like to blame my failures or shortcomings on someone or something outside of my control. But reframing my mindset to one of openness and understanding is helping me create a shift in how I approach my work. Feedback is for me, not against me. Growth, both personally and professionally, cannot truly take place without giving and receiving feedback — both positive and negative.” — Erica H.

Share More Positive Feedback

“ Positive feedback tells people to keep doing the good stuff, do it even more frequently, do it well, and hone their strengths and contributions. Positive feedback is inspirational; it elevates us and gives us the impetus to try harder.”

“When I am in a position as a lead on a project, I’ve learned how focus, frequency, and fairness play a role in feedback. It’s all of those elements infused together that create an optimal feedback experience! I enjoyed how the book placed an emphasis on positive feedback and why it’s worth sharing. I want those whom I am leading to understand how I value their contribution, what specifically they’ve done well, and what great qualities I see in them! Feedback (and Other Dirty Words) has inspired me to hone in on the ‘frequency’ aspect of giving feedback. It doesn’t take but a moment to share positive feedback with someone, and I hope to become more proactive with how often I do it.” — Kristin E.

Have you read ‘Feedback (and Other Dirty Words)’? What were your biggest takeaways?

Core Values: Generosity

Generosity. Who doesn’t like a generous person? Very few of us. We all like being around generous people, and it’s fair to characterize generous people as usually being very friendly and kind.

However, being generous is quite a lot deeper than this. We often think of generosity as “doing something good at our own expense.” While that may indeed be generous, it isn’t necessarily all that generosity is.

By being generous to someone, you don’t have to sacrifice something. You can simply do it because you want to, or because you get enjoyment out of it, or because you find that you improve yourself (whether personally or professionally) through the act. Lisa Firestone points out in her Huffington Post article how being generous is actually a mutually beneficial act that benefits you in the long run.

But what is it, if not simply “giving” people things? I see generosity as an intense enthusiasm for the work you are doing. It’s infectious to work with people that put their heart into what they are doing. It’s a “giving” of talent and skills. It’s nuanced, thoughtful, and takes into consideration the needs of the people you are giving it to. Because you care — both about them, and about the work that represents you. 

When you give of yourself professionally, your “sense of purpose” is enhanced. You feel better about the work you are doing, and your attention is switched to the quality of the product you are giving. You are less focused on self-criticism, or self-doubt. When you know someone else is depending on you, or is measurably happier by the work you are doing, this boosts your confidence immensely.

Generosity at Work

At Weaving Influence, one of our core values is generosity, and I understand why. Because it works.

There are many ways in which I see generosity in action working for everyone, and working for the company: being willing to answer questions at a moment’s notice, giving out encouraging words, giving out compliments, being reasonable and clear with feedback, sharing accomplishments, and the list goes on.

The atmosphere is inviting, provokes creativity, and fosters strong bonds of trust between employees. I know that I can go to my project manager or send a message, and I’ll receive a response. We may be busy, but no one is discouraged from communicating. We are encouraged to.

Now, I’m still expected to work hard — which is something I gladly do — but I know that my employer is generous with their time and their resources. Are there limits? Of course. We have to help our clients. We have to make sure the company is making ends meet and thriving, but there is a lot more yardage on the field we play on.

When I sit down to work on a project for a client I do my best, not because I have to, but because I want to. I work in an environment that wants me to enjoy what I’m doing. It’s a generous environment, and it produces generous work from its employees.

Tell me something! How do you practice generosity at work?

Connecting Purpose to Your Work

There are countless studies that connect happiness at work with increased productivity. Consequently, there are companies offering free snacks and enticing trips as a way to boost happiness on the job—but is that the path to happiness and productivity? There’s growing research that purpose is really the missing ingredient. 

Happy team members are usually connected to a deep purpose, and companies that are able to connect purpose to their work have some of the happiest and most dedicated staff members.

Robert E. Quinn, in his book The Economics of Higher Purpose, says employees who are fully connected to a higher purpose at work give freely of their time, talents, insights, and abilities. As a result, the individual and the company benefit. Purpose isn’t a lofty goal, it’s a sound business strategy that helps retain employees and attract new people eager to work for a purpose-driven organization.

In her book, Dare to Serve, Cheryl Bachelder shares the story of a successful and dedicated fast food worker. This employee found deep purpose and meaning in her work. She wasn’t focused on her daily tasks—selling food—but on the greater mission in her work, which was about helping young people get their first jobs and learn life skills. That purpose brought her joy and created a positive working environment for her co-workers and staff, and greater productivity.

Everyone isn’t able to connect to purpose at work as easily as the woman Cheryl met. That’s where leaders come in.

Having company values is a great way to connect the tasks to a greater purpose, but it’s more than hanging a plaque on the wall or posting values on the company website. It’s about living those values every day and connecting the dots between those values and the greater purpose of the work.

There are terrific resources available to help leaders make purpose a part of work, but the first step is to talk about it. Purpose isn’t going to just happen. As leaders, it is our responsibility to talk openly about the company values and purpose with our teams. This doesn’t mean having a task force work on a company mission statement. It means getting input from the entire team about the deeper purpose of the work, and finding a way to communicate the purpose meaningfully and talking about purpose every single day.

What are you doing to create a purpose-driven organization?

What Are Your Personal Core Values?

Core values are what determine our attitude and actions, inspire us to reach for unique goals, and motivate us to live a certain way. They dictate how we spend our time and money, how we interact with others, and how we approach challenging circumstances.

It’s important to know what you stand for — what governs your decisions and guides your actions. We know this on a corporate level, but how about a more personal one?

On the Weaving Influence team, we’ve been discussing recently what some of our top personal core values are. While our individual answers are varied, they all touch on some common themes: people, spiritual convictions, character, and personal development.

People, People, People

The resounding statement across the team was that people matter most. We strive to be intentional about building relationships and safeguarding our family time, sharing in each other’s stories and lives, and treating everyone with respect and compassion.

Value Others. Put people ahead of stuff or status. Intentionally seek to serve and encourage and build each other up. “I believe every single human being is made in the image of God and has intrinsic worth and value. This core value changes the way that I interact with people every single day. Because people matter, I do my best to approach interactions with sincere respect, and I am always looking for ways to encourage people in their value and let them know how much worth they have. This value also fuels my desire to serve and meet the needs that I see around me.” – Lindsey V.

Build Relationships. Prioritize time together. Support each others’ endeavors. Work life around family, rather than the other way around. “I’m an only child with tons of cousins who are quite a bit older than I am and didn’t live near me when I was growing up. It was really just my parents and me. I grew up and had these four amazing kids. My greatest hope for them on this Earth is that they will be close as adults and their children will grow up together and know each other.” – Amy D.

Spiritual Convictions

Many of us hold deeply held spiritual convictions. We find our identity in who God says we are, and our purpose in how He has instructed us to live. We implement those values by putting in place daily habits that strengthen our faith in God and ignite our love for His people.

Know God. Put our faith into practice everyday by intentionally learning how to love and follow God more. “God is worthy of my everything and bigger than my anything.” – Christy Lynn Wilson

Obey God’s Word. Trust the Bible as the ultimate standard of truth. Find purpose in how God tells us to live. “I try measure everything by ‘what does God say about that?’ He is our Creator, and He has authority to govern our actions and attitudes. He is loving enough to give us an unchanging standard of truth that provides all we truly need for life and godliness. Life is never easy, but it becomes a lot simpler when you test everything by the living Word of God.” – Elizabeth J.

Reflect Christ. Find confidence in who God says we are, and seek to live up that identity in every area of life. “The most important value to me is the value of knowing who I am in Christ — that my self-worth comes not from who I am, but because of Who He is. My faith is central to everything I do, every decision I make, every conversation I have. If people meet me, I hope they see my Savior, rather than this wreck that He rescued.” – Carrie K.

Good Character

We value certain character traits highly enough that we dedicate resources to better developing them — and we (consciously or not) notice whether others value those traits as well. Those qualities touch us deeply, propel us forward, and motivate us to be better people.

Integrity. Not just refraining from verbal lies, but being trustworthy, authentic, and honest in every area of our lives. “For me, it encompasses not only being truthful, but also how I deal with other people, how I conduct business, etc. I want my interactions with other people to reflect Jesus. Do I treat ALL people with the respect, kindness, love, and forgiveness that He would? Certainly not always. But as Carrie often says, #WorkInProgress.” – Amy D.

Self-Reliance. Take ownership. Figure things out for ourselves. Be independent enough to move forward without needing other people’s direction or approval. “If you don’t know what something means, go look it up or Google it. If you don’t know how something works, take it apart and figure it out. If you’ve never done something before, don’t let that deter you from trying. I think that’s why I have loved working with WI for the last 7 years, because Becky gave me freedom and believed that I could do the work, and if I didn’t know how to, she trusted that I would figure it out or ask the right questions. I’m forever telling the kids, ‘Don’t ask me, figure it out for yourself’ . . . When they do figure it out (usually very quickly), I feel that I’ve taught them to fish rather than throwing them a fish.” – Carrie K.

Empathy. Work to understand people and see things from their perspective. Share in their stories and griefs and joys. “I think it is crucial to understand people. Some of the biggest problems I’ve found in life have been solved by looking at something from someone else’s perspective. The most fulfilled I’ve felt working on a project, whether I was writing, or speaking came from seeking to understand something about someone, or various others that I had not previously considered.” – Mike D.

Respect. Speak kindly of all people. Assume the best of others. Contribute towards a more equitable and egalitarian society. “We are all people and we’re all going through the same journey in life. We deserve to receive respect just as much as others deserve to receive respect from us. Without it, so much fails: trust, kindness, empathy, love, understanding, compassion, etc.” – Kelly E.

Steadfastness. Do what you promise. Fulfill your commitments well and with intention. “I will remain steadfast in the things and relationships that I am called to. I will be faithful in my commitments until I am assured that it is time to move on. This core value changes the way I approach work, tremendously. It makes work become more than a task to complete, but a mission that I am intentionally supposed to commit my time to during this season of my life. Remaining steadfast in my work is more than getting things done, but also giving my very best effort and working with excellence as my standard in all that I do.” – Lindsey V.

Personal Development

We want to be always moving forward, observing and learning and growing through every season of life. That might look like taking grad classes, trying a new sport, learning something creative, or simply figuring out how to live and work more effectively. The important thing is, we’re not letting ourselves become stagnant.

Stay Curious. Explore the world. Be open to new experiences and different perspectives. “I’m always trying to get the kids to be curious about different things and approaches, and learn new things. Those two really matter to me.” – Christy K.

Value Experiences. Try new things. Accumulate memories. Value firsthand knowledge over hearsay. “Experiences over things. It took me far too long in life to learn this, but when I did, it changed everything. Going places, doing things with my family (or even alone sometimes), beats stuff any day of the week and twice on Sunday.” – Amy D.

Choose Humor. Develop a lighthearted approach to stressful situations. Choose to laugh rather than cry. “When implemented with compassion and respect, laughter can ease social tensions, relieve mental and emotional stress, and even lower blood pressure. And learning to laugh at yourself (in a healthy, non-derogatory way) simply makes life a lot more fun. People who choose anger or tears over laughter don’t realize the simple pleasure they’re missing out on!” – Elizabeth J.

Pursue Excellence. Steward ourselves well in every area so we can live and work more effectively. “I will maintain my spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health so I can be the best version of myself for my husband, my family, my friends, and my community.” – Lindsey V.

 

Tell me something! What are some of YOUR personal core values?

Why Core Values Matter for Everyone

We hear a lot about core values, but have you ever stopped to consider why they actually matter for any given context? Core values are not just a list of words or series of phrases that we consider worthwhile: they are the very foundation of how we choose to live our lives. Our core values form the heart of what we believe matters most in this world. They represent what we stand for, determine how we develop our culture and our families, and give us a code of conduct for every situation.

“Core values are not descriptions of the work we do or the strategies we employ to accomplish our mission. The values underlie our work, how we interact with each other, and which strategies we employ to fulfill our mission. The core values are the basic elements of how we go about our work. They are the practices we use (or should be using) every day in everything we do.” — NPS

Corporately

Partnership. Generosity. Responsiveness. Integrity. Growth. Flexibility. These are the core values of the Weaving Influence team. They represent our expectations for how current and future team members will interact and engage, both with each other and with our clients. It took almost a year of meetings and discussion to focus in on these six words for describing the values that epitomized how we want to be viewed in the world, but they have been at the core of our work since the beginning. 

In an era where doing what makes you happy is paramount, the idea of core values may seem a little outdated. And yet we believe that the best way to serve a diverse group of clients and customers is by holding to these six, long-standing values, and using them as the basis for all of our interactions. 

Nationally

While the world appears to become more divided on a daily basis and news headlines cause us to shake our heads over our morning coffee, some values still stand the test of time. Think of the timeless words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal . . .”  

A value: all men are created equal. Certainly there have been times in our history — and even in the present day — when this has not been agreed upon by certain factions throughout the world, but isn’t equality at the heart of most movements? This is a value that we can agree upon, even when we may disagree on specifics.

Individually

Core values to run a business, and core values to build a country, but what about core values on a personal level? In an ongoing discussion amongst the Weaving Influence team, we’ve been sharing some of our personal core values. Some of us had to stop and think about what values consciously — or unconsciously — governed our lives, while others hang framed copies of their core values on the walls of their homes.

One common value we shared was the value of people: putting family first, practicing empathy, showing respect, being kind. Others values include everything from spiritual faith, to personal independence, serving others, and even maintaining good health.

Those core values are what make us unique and distinct — personally, corporately, and nationally. They determine how we behave, how we spend our resources, how we treat other people, and how we prioritize and plan our goals for the future. They inspire and motivate us in ways other values do not.

If you want to make a difference in the world, it may start with something as basic as recognizing what you value and how it impacts not only your life, but the lives of those around you.

When we are generous at work, we may find ourselves becoming generous outside of work. When we are expected to meet a company value of integrity in all that we do, it’s inevitable that we begin to practice integrity elsewhere. If we value partnership with our clients, we may very well start to view our personal relationships in a different light, too. 

When we place a high value on respect and kindness, that will be displayed throughout all our interactions — coworker, client, family, friend, or stranger. When we consider people one of the most important things, we will prioritize building strong relationships no matter where life’s road may take us.

Everyone values something. Just make sure that what you value positively affects more than just you.

Tell me something! Why do core values matter to you?

What We Love & Hate About Remote Work

At first glance, remote work looks like it has all the perks and none of the frustrations of an office job. No dress code. No commute. No loudmouth neighbor in the next cubicle. Freedom to stay home or travel or visit the beach whenever you want. But remote work has its challenges, just like anything else. And some of those challenges stem directly from the things we love most about it.

No mandatory office hours? Great! But what happens when that urgent email comes in after dinner, or a client wants to call you on the weekend?

Easy access to the beach? Dream come true, right? But what happens when you can’t enjoy your favorite activities there, or the week is filled with stress, because you have to bring work along and you keep putting out ‘virtual’ fires?

Working remotely is a wonderful blessing, and sometimes the only feasible job option — but it’s not without frustrations. Here’s what the #WITeam loves and hates about remote work.

What We Love

Flexibility of being able to work anytime, anywhere—

Scheduling our work hours for the times when we’re most productive, and taking breaks during our “off hours” to clear our minds and recharge.
Working around kids’ school schedules, activities, nap times, or bedtimes — without paying someone else to watch them every day.
Being able to work ahead to sync time off with other family member’s work schedules and/or working during vacation, without having to take actual unpaid vacation days.
Fitting work around the rest of life: personal needs that pop up during the day, phone calls with family members, walk breaks with our pets, school or volunteer activities that often happen during standard work hours.

“ I love being able to work in the early morning hours and knock things out while the kids are asleep (especially in the summer or on school breaks), which means that later in the day I can say “yes” to doing things with them.” – Carrie K.

Freedom from office hassles—

No commute to waste time, fuel, and wear and tear on our vehicles.
No official dress code — we have freedom to choose comfort in yoga pants and no makeup, or dress for a professional mindset (right down to the pearls, as team member Carrie prefers) — whichever works better for each person on each day.
No sterile, windowless cubicle life — I get a window view in my favorite room of the house, and others routinely work by their pool or backyard patio.
No inane water-cooler talk, office ‘Chatty Kathy’, or nuisance interruptions from coworkers.
No office bathroom or public restroom, and no stale office air to make us sick.
No bland coffee or bagged lunches.

“Time is valuable and not wasting it in the car is great, not to mention the savings on gas . . . Being able to get started earlier and end my day earlier than if I had to [commute/get ready for work] leaves more time for all of life’s other responsibilities.” – Sarah K.

First-rate results—

Working alone means fewer interruptions, more extended periods of productivity, and better focus (especially for introverts!).
Relying on our own self-discipline and motivation not only results in better work, but helps us build character too.
More opportunity for creative freedom.
Working with a great team, even though we are spread across the country.

“I like the freedom of skipping a trip to the office on snow days or when there is other bad weather. I have the best of both worlds with splitting time between the office and home so there’s nothing I really dislike about this set-up.” – Becky R.

What We Hate

No face-to-face interaction—

Communication takes longer and it’s more difficult to keep the team on the same processes.
As a newbie, it’s sometimes tough to not be able to walk over to the office/desk of the person you need an answer from.
It’s harder to catch onto inside jokes when you miss conversations that are taking place virtually.
No team lunches or in-office contests to build camaraderie and have fun together (see how we get around that here).

“I love surprising co-workers with coffee and I can’t do that… but maybe I’ll just send bags of coffee to people’s doorstep.” – Lindsey V.

No official boundaries or “work hours”—

Always being “on” — feeling like we need to answer client emails during dinner, take work calls over the weekend, or work on tasks during family vacations.
Handling in-home distractions like laundry, maintenance, or noisy pets (dogs + lawn service + client call is a BAD combo!) while trying to focus intently on a task or important call.
Guilt trips from those who don’t see remote work as a “real job” with real commitments, and assume we’re always available for lunch, errands, or volunteer activities.

The Bottom Line

The truth is, fitting work around the rest of life is wonderful and messy and rewarding and unpredictable. We must learn to balance the comforts of being home with the expectations of those around us, both from our communities and families as well as our clients and coworkers. But we grow through it all, and our work is better because of that.

In the words of one team member . . .

“The only downside is that I don’t live on a tropical beach. Although that might be more distracting, I dare say.” – Mike D.

Tell us something! If you work remotely, what do you love or hate about it?