tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020723229136375352024-03-14T08:06:20.547-07:00Peggy VasquezAuthor, International Motivational Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Chief Executive AssistantPeggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-50889115336245493342016-08-21T07:28:00.002-07:002016-08-21T07:30:04.481-07:00My Blog is Moved to www.PeggyVasquez.net<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://peggyvasquez.net/"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9maTSD5QPrTVaaBNbxl9gyXS_sfVX87ZiJCr4Cs_917p3yMYoYd-pnlKCXE1AgFIkGDft5pgB-obJYr_gdvcuUUwdCnEjFU0R-2pRi8-AHp0KjpixSDd1XvSNLumdmJBl3i_5ozb8Co/s320/moved.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My blog is moved to <a href="http://peggyvasquez.net/">www.PeggyVasquez.net</a>. Please head on over and feel like home. Love, Peggy!Arzu Gosneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14554748717107747101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-62279490624544239632016-08-13T11:17:00.000-07:002016-08-13T11:17:36.028-07:00The Power of MentoringRecently, I provided a workshop on the topic of mentoring. Mentoring by far is one of my favorite topics to speak about because I have personally experienced how vital a mentor is to being successful! Over the years I've sought out many mentors, some I had a personal relationship with and some I had never meant and considered to be my mentor from afar. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCZr5ddPqF3M8BKraSwvjJCj_FaJmGOemMYPO-usCF3ZcUBRKG0O1anLZ8VBFVurTY-Kkaw5pFq7Ka3MHwUj_tK1T41XO_dNeTEH0-ClWbVYFfhwuID8YNjPbFowrnOXjtAPpSuq-aVI/s1600/Is+this+what+you+want+your+reputation+to+be_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCZr5ddPqF3M8BKraSwvjJCj_FaJmGOemMYPO-usCF3ZcUBRKG0O1anLZ8VBFVurTY-Kkaw5pFq7Ka3MHwUj_tK1T41XO_dNeTEH0-ClWbVYFfhwuID8YNjPbFowrnOXjtAPpSuq-aVI/s320/Is+this+what+you+want+your+reputation+to+be_.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCZr5ddPqF3M8BKraSwvjJCj_FaJmGOemMYPO-usCF3ZcUBRKG0O1anLZ8VBFVurTY-Kkaw5pFq7Ka3MHwUj_tK1T41XO_dNeTEH0-ClWbVYFfhwuID8YNjPbFowrnOXjtAPpSuq-aVI/s1600/Is+this+what+you+want+your+reputation+to+be_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>My first mentor outside of my family was my DECA teacher. Through DECA, I received my first part time job working as a secretary. I had been working for a few months when my teacher asked to speak to me after class. He asked me how my job was going and I told him it was going great. He then showed me a file full of letters and asked me if it was my work. To my embarrassment each letter was filled with typos and grammar errors. Humiliated, I said, "Yes, this is my work." He then asked me the most impressionable question I've ever been asked, "Is this what you want your reputation to be?"<br />
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I don't remember anything else my teacher said, all I felt then and know now is that he cared about me and wanted to help me succeed. He didn't berate me and he didn't make me feel small. He was kind and compassionate. He showed he cared enough about me to talk my employer into letting me keep my job. Because of a mentor, I had the opportunity of a second chance to prove my abilities, to reshape my reputation and ultimately my future.<br />
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That one moment of feedback, compassion and mentoring was life changing. Never discount the power of a mentor.<br />
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Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-75569970576619754612016-06-16T09:08:00.000-07:002016-06-16T09:08:06.197-07:00The Best Conference You'll Ever Attend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntQdMk8jmu0_4aYtndzJQ0CdNwIBpWuCxo0uYSPiyysul8-SpH7x9DQ6LA31lTQlyMgiD4VnKfbGjlZuKZzx0wK5xaPxzY-pX_cDi0ppmvRtBUoqSLp0hJRCU8iPLJzokbWWz33EFB9M/s1600/Peggy+Dubai+Networking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntQdMk8jmu0_4aYtndzJQ0CdNwIBpWuCxo0uYSPiyysul8-SpH7x9DQ6LA31lTQlyMgiD4VnKfbGjlZuKZzx0wK5xaPxzY-pX_cDi0ppmvRtBUoqSLp0hJRCU8iPLJzokbWWz33EFB9M/s320/Peggy+Dubai+Networking.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Congratulations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve succeeded in obtaining conference
approval from your manager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great job.
Now what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you are a first time attendee
or you’ve attended training conferences in the past, I have some advice for you
to make this the best conference you’ve ever attended!</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prepare</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
first step is to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do some
research to find out what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can do this by reading through the conference website, marketing materials,
conference social media sites, and by asking past attendees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the things you’ll need to know are: </span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
many attendees will be there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Will
we be in one conference room, or several different break out conference
rooms?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
there a dress code?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Will
there be a great deal of walking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
I need to bring any printed material or will the materials be provided at the conference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Should
I bring my laptop, tablet or writing portfolio?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 7.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
I need a rental car or will a shuttle service or cab suffice?</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Establish
a Reason for Attending</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To determine your reason or goal for
attending, consider the feedback you’ve received from your manager or
administrative colleagues, as well as your past annual review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you browse through the conference
materials you’ll likely resonate with a speaker or topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish a goal based on these insights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have 1 goal or 5 goals; it’s
completely up to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your goals will
help guide your concurrent session attendance and will keep you focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Make
a promise to yourself that no matter what ~ you’re going to walk away from each
session learning something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be
from the speaker, the emcee, the attendees, conference or the AV staff! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Connect,
connect, connect!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the benefits of attending a conference is the opportunity to connect with
others in the administrative profession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve had the opportunity to attend several conferences over the years
and the people I’ve met have been key to my growth and development and have
become good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
capitalize on this opportunity, have a planned approach, such as bench
marking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may want to learn how other
administrative staff manage their email, lead their administrative teams, or
about their job description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have
3 questions in mind to ask the people you meet, developing a meaningful
conversation and therefore a connection will be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may want to take the time to have your
questions printed on a 3 x 5 card so you can refer to it easily and make notes
to record what you’ve learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you don’t have business cards, get them ordered or make them yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want to make it as easy as possible to
help others connect with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time
to ask for someone’s business card and to provide them your card is after the
conversation starts flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply
walking around a large conference room and passing out your business card and
asking for their card, is not a way to create a meaningful connection. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Show
Up with Confidence and a Positive Attitude</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
are much more likely to be confident when you take the time to prepare, know
what to expect, have a goal for attending and know how to create conversation
so you can connect with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
prep work will help you to be able to relax and be authentic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demonstrating a positive attitude will
increase your connection and likeability factor and will enable you to be open
minded and ready to learn. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Follow
Up by Implementing What You Learned</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Make
a plan for implementing what you learned so you won’t slide back into your
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the best ways to make
the learning stick is to provide a “teach back” or a summary to your
administrative team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you aren’t the
lead of your administrative team, ask the lead if you can share what you
learned with the team the month of your return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you know you are on the hook for a teach back, it will drive you to
take great notes and be engaged so you can deliver meaningful content to your
team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the trip home, review your notes and determine your top 3 take aways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were the highlights of your
learning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These can be things you
learned from the speakers or from administrative colleagues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you’ve identified your top 3 take aways,
write a thank you card to your manager, not an email, stating something along
the lines of:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. Manager,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you for the opportunity to attend the Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned a great deal, my top 3 take aways
are: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">_________,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">_________,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">_________, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I look forward to sharing more information with you as well
as my plans for implementation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your Administrative Extraordinaire</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
guarantee you that if you follow up with a thank you card and do what you say
you’ll do; your manager won’t hesitate to invest in your education in the
future.</span><span id="goog_526058904"></span><span id="goog_526058905"></span><br />
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<h4 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The world belongs to those who show up!</i></span></h4>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></h4>
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<h4 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Your life can be completely different based on the people you meet,
so show up!</i></span></h4>
</blockquote>
</div>
<br />Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-23641525671200209772016-01-31T19:41:00.001-08:002016-02-12T11:17:10.056-08:00“Put me in Coach! Put me in!”<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those
were the words I said to my basketball coach years ago. I loved basketball, being part of a team and playing competitively. I got pretty good and felt confident but I wanted
to get better, so I started playing ball with the boys. I certainly wasn’t a to<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">m</span> boy, far from it,
in fact I’ve always been a girly girl.
Playing with the boys was hard, they were quicker and stronger than me
and more aggressive and skilled than me.
I never did get as good as the boys, but I became a better player
because of that experience. Their skills
were so much better than me that I had to raise up my game just to be able to
stay on the court and play. Everyone once in a while I surprised them with a
three point shot or a quick steal and drive to the basket, those were good times!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaS5L_I3D1DiNFcbe8UYYjtzoNAcZppgn-mDcFZzWRGlme1M4GV9E8aUJyuuJ9dkXEGbF3hI9WKJ0hZb4aUqz1NeJ2eavzK7HcDExeeErhPSJY96vEihCkF_foTzfh9G0c_FKwwmTScc/s1600/surround+yourself+with+people+who.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaS5L_I3D1DiNFcbe8UYYjtzoNAcZppgn-mDcFZzWRGlme1M4GV9E8aUJyuuJ9dkXEGbF3hI9WKJ0hZb4aUqz1NeJ2eavzK7HcDExeeErhPSJY96vEihCkF_foTzfh9G0c_FKwwmTScc/s320/surround+yourself+with+people+who.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I learned a lot of lessons from that experience:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you play with someone that is better than you, your skills improve.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are in an environment that challenges you, you become stronger.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When someone is quicker than you, your focus improves.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Playing with someone smarter than you causes you to get mentally tough.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you are challenged you work harder than you do in a complacent environment.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As they
say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the
next time you are in a challenging environment or are working for a boss with high
expectations, just remember how much you are growing and how strong your skills
are becoming. You’ll likely look back
and thank that boss for all that he or she did to help you move your career
forward!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-34197350474493371742015-04-08T16:48:00.000-07:002015-04-08T16:48:51.881-07:00Having conflict with a co-worker?Often the biggest problem is the person looking back at you in the mirror!<br />
<br />
An effective way to mitigate the conflict is to ask to meet with the co-worker to discuss how to communicate more effectively.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBUp133PbsJkYU5_qszTBOeUkFPcwFDOvABHgx3kPOO-lCyMF1bWCLCd-ppnK3dTMUl5k3PV633LxbbvActlwzll43p6enPUOVOt8xPcygWJUKoLVDtVwQ0S5Xa1r9V1lt1BpLUBfG-c/s1600/conflict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBUp133PbsJkYU5_qszTBOeUkFPcwFDOvABHgx3kPOO-lCyMF1bWCLCd-ppnK3dTMUl5k3PV633LxbbvActlwzll43p6enPUOVOt8xPcygWJUKoLVDtVwQ0S5Xa1r9V1lt1BpLUBfG-c/s1600/conflict.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a>The
next step may be even harder than the first and is absolutely vital for
a successful outcome. You must alter your attitude and perceptions
toward the other person. If you do not, you’ll bring negative energy and
baggage into the meeting. Instead of creating an opportunity to
re-build trust, you’ll actually take a step backwards because your
verbal messages don’t align with your attitude and body language. What will come across is an insincere plea.<br />
<br />
Begin the conversation by
stating something along the lines of: “There seems to be tension between
the two of us, as well as differences. Even though there are
differences, there is also commonality. We both want to be successful, valued
and respected. Let's talk about how to create a more harmonious work
relationship where we can both reach our desired goals and be
successful.”<br />
<br />
Once you are in a healthy mental and emotional
state you’ll be ready to listen for understanding, instead of listening
to defend or reply with a rebuttal. Focus on the future and what you can
both do to create a professional, healthy and productive relationship.<br />
<br />
<br />Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-18287012235954060642015-03-01T09:16:00.000-08:002015-03-01T09:16:04.283-08:00Wake Up Everybody!<div>
While I was going through security at the airport, I couldn't help but notice one TSA agent that really stood out. Her eyes were glazed over and she was robotic in her verbal and non-verbal messaging. As I stood in line, I continued to observe her to see if she would choose to break her routine, let her guard down, drop the wall she had put up to shield her and show her humanness to those standing right in front of her. When I was an arms length away from her I did my best to make eye contact with her and offer a smile, nothing registered, she was completely closed off. She had chosen to "check out" and just go through the motions, repeating the same message over and over again. </div>
<div>
<br />It caused me to wonder how often we "check out" while we're working. Choosing to only focus on our area, completely disinterested in engaging with those who come across our path. When we make this choice, we miss out on the opportunity to communicate, connect and engage with others. Let's all "Wake Up" and be aware of the world around us!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf_G8ibkbQEXo3WviEjtwWr4k49ZYvVgPE_SluLqYbEEk5VYbmcuExlP5_FEGHOe2h0vhpFyamE9aBNh21hZkJXMshX97IipgoKaAjxBhFXlzVPMbLF5b5GwObUCy0XsueHyhaB4tJT0/s1600/wake+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf_G8ibkbQEXo3WviEjtwWr4k49ZYvVgPE_SluLqYbEEk5VYbmcuExlP5_FEGHOe2h0vhpFyamE9aBNh21hZkJXMshX97IipgoKaAjxBhFXlzVPMbLF5b5GwObUCy0XsueHyhaB4tJT0/s1600/wake+up.JPG" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"No more backward thinking, time for thinking ahead."</h4>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-23654198501883020032015-01-03T16:27:00.002-08:002015-01-03T16:27:47.050-08:00Striving or Embracing?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
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I’m pushing and striving and striving and pushing I grow weary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goals seem too hard, too big, too much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m focused on having the types of
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possibilities and the success of living a life you want instead of a life about
measurement.</span></div>
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<![endif]--></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s what I did and you can too:</span></b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Determine your values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s a link to worksheet to help you with this process. </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Page 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/477522366714983661/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/477522366714983661/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Page 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/477522366714983650/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/477522366714983650/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Identify how you truly want to feel.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask, “How do I want to feel?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat the question 5 times to uncover your
true desired feelings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask, “When have a felt this way before?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do I do now that creates those
feelings?” </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Create Vision Board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that you have clarity about your values and feelings,
you are ready to create your vision board to guide your activities, choices and
all that you desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You will need:</span></u></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A large stack of magazines.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An 8x10 or larger sheet of card stock</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Scissors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Glue</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The understanding that there are no limits, no right or
wrong choices; the only guide is your passion, values and feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use these to steer you towards what your
heart and mind desires.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Begin your vision board by tearing out the images and
words in the magazines that speak to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The images should evoke a feeling of excitement, tug at your emotions,
cause your heartbeat to increase, prompt you to say, “WOW!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The images only need to speak to you; no approval
is needed from anyone but you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
images may represent something to you that is entirely different than what the
picture conveys to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
important is that the image conveys how you want to feel and expresses what you
want to achieve in your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Assemble your images on your sheet of card stock in a way
that makes your heart sing with possibilities.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your vision board is now ready to post in a place that
you will see daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your vision board is
a work in progress and can be updated as often as you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I encourage you to explore this new process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out your answers to the question, “How
do I want to feel?” and “What do I want/need to do to experience my desired
feelings?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discover or re-discover your
values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let go of boundaries and measurements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s resolve the feelings of guilt and needing to stop doing something and instead </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">embrace the
possibilities for 2015!</span></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Pi5iEmiF6BfLrzDt6PnAcs5Fv7xZ3t5-CORm3WZ3OYyzChdJbKx776M_lXIQf7Bx_KnxOuGRFJ9IzRTkz33dr7o_XUhjQ9gC2cGUgrK-dACF9qm7xjkWJvPPbVPh1LBD9K4HwYZy1A/s1600/2015+Vision+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Pi5iEmiF6BfLrzDt6PnAcs5Fv7xZ3t5-CORm3WZ3OYyzChdJbKx776M_lXIQf7Bx_KnxOuGRFJ9IzRTkz33dr7o_XUhjQ9gC2cGUgrK-dACF9qm7xjkWJvPPbVPh1LBD9K4HwYZy1A/s1600/2015+Vision+Board.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy's Vision Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d love to hear from you and learn about your thoughts
and possibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave me a comment
below to start the conversation.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-7657463329763936942014-11-11T09:36:00.000-08:002014-11-11T09:36:15.125-08:00Thank you to all Veterans!<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten years ago, my son Matthew joined the
Marines. I remember feeling proud and overwhelmed with fear about his decision.
I remember the two hour drive to the signing in process and wishing with all my
heart that he would change his mind before we arrived. As my husband and I
drove away, we knew that our son’s decision had forever changed his life. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Another vivid memory was when we attended
his boot camp graduation in San Diego. When we drove through the entrance we
saw a large group of young men running as part of their daily physical drills,
each one was dressed exactly the same and had the same haircut, yet we could
still pick out our son!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so happy
to see him, even if it was at a distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a bit of a wait before the graduation
ceremony began and we were sitting in the stands with the other families,
feeling nervous and proud all at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were hundreds that graduated that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we sat in the stands our hearts were
overwhelmed with pride towards these young adults for what they had
accomplished and the commitment they were making to be a Marine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As our son’s name was called, our family
respectfully rose to our feet and tears streamed down our cheeks as we honored
our son. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The most vivid memory was also the one I had
feared the most – the day when he received his orders to be deployed to war.
The only thing besides faith that got our family through those uncertain times
was the support and love we received and knowing he was also receiving strong
support from our friends and family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am blessed and thankful to say he served our country proudly and returned home
safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday was the 239th birthday of the
United States Marine Corps, as a proud mom of a Marine, I would like to say,
Thank you to all of our Marines! And today is Veteran's day, what a perfect
time to thank all of our family and friends that have served or who are still
serving our great country. Regardless of our views on warfare, we cannot deny
the commitment and sacrifices of our military. Let's remember and respect the
great sacrifices made by our veteran's. Let's show compassion to the military
families. Let's honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving
their lives while serving our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"Thank you" to all who have
served our great country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We appreciate
you and respect you for all you’ve done to protect us and our freedom!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-44001202014346190132014-10-21T17:02:00.001-07:002014-10-21T17:02:36.147-07:00Entertainment or Inspiration? <div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few weeks ago, my husband and I
had the opportunity to attend an incredible Cirque Du Soleil show
featuring talented dancers. We were excited for an evening
of entertained and to enjoy celebrating some recent achievements. What
we received was much more than expected. We were not only
thoroughly entertained - we were inspired. The dancers
performed with grace and strength in movement and art. It
was completely captivating and beautiful. We couldn't help but
notice how sculpted their bodies were, which gave us a glimpse into
the hours spent behind the scenes. My husband and I were dancers many
years ago and we know that having the strength to move with such grace and
precision doesn't just happen, it takes hours of dedication and commitment to
make the moves look effortless and magical. It takes teamwork
and harmony to work with the other dancers to make sure each movement
is in perfect timing with each other. It takes trust and
dependability to know your team will be there to catch you when you leap
in thin air waiting for another dancer to catch you. It takes respect for
each other knowing that each dancer is critical to a
successful performance. And last, but not least, putting
yourself out there on a stage for everyone to see takes strength, courage, passion
and confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
It's the same for each of us in our art, our craft, and our profession.
We all need to put ourselves out there and perform at our optimal levels.
We all need to be dedicated and committed to what we've chosen to do in
life. We all need to have teamwork and harmony with those on our
team. We all need to be trustworthy and dependable to our team. We
all need to respect those on our team and ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a difference it would make if
we treated our art, our craft, our profession the same way as a Cirque Du Soleil
dancer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhMYKiQucSmo5zthLeKKniMgtpyj4m0KOPVtaUrlyWrENScXVTtkYs6rxOU9m8n0SgEvGWjmWCeiTjWjswUJuHRppe-WK2A5i2UK5jwmu9tA-oR0XlynRaGHjKOAjPEKxmDqgIMPvI-A/s1600/smooth-criminal-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhMYKiQucSmo5zthLeKKniMgtpyj4m0KOPVtaUrlyWrENScXVTtkYs6rxOU9m8n0SgEvGWjmWCeiTjWjswUJuHRppe-WK2A5i2UK5jwmu9tA-oR0XlynRaGHjKOAjPEKxmDqgIMPvI-A/s1600/smooth-criminal-4.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-18374206827287271082014-10-08T20:17:00.003-07:002016-07-24T09:00:59.416-07:00Your Image and You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfoVACB0dV1tDkA39FfTR1FV9pEiHN-mo-YJd3A8ULsS52NyeVSIyKfDM-HmRNEn5boEydAafMbLgFvUkpE90FQpfzTZWfFE26DbrmMmG4Ty_ERrMsnNNFV19koV0wPmACjp5t2au3yg/s1600/mirror.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfoVACB0dV1tDkA39FfTR1FV9pEiHN-mo-YJd3A8ULsS52NyeVSIyKfDM-HmRNEn5boEydAafMbLgFvUkpE90FQpfzTZWfFE26DbrmMmG4Ty_ERrMsnNNFV19koV0wPmACjp5t2au3yg/s320/mirror.png" width="178" /></a>To be a successful administrative assistant you need to be the entire package. Having strength in only one area doesn't equal success. Sure you need to have strong technical, organizational and interpersonal skills and a host of other key competencies. Another key area that you may not have considered, is your image. <br />
<br />
Image is much more than the clothes on your back or how you look. It is your essence, it's everything you exude. It's your attitude and your energy. It's the words you choose to use and the messages you communicate. It's your uniqueness and your style. It's what people remember about you when you're gone. It's how people describe you. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Your image is your brand. </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Embracing your image begins with embracing the mirror!</strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Your image is the person who looks back at you when you look in the mirror. <br />
<br />Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-79182047345387312352014-10-07T20:32:00.001-07:002014-10-07T20:32:57.353-07:00Collaboration in ActionI had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Office Dynamics Conference last week at the Red Rock Resort. The theme for the event was "Connect, Create and Collaborate." I've spoken at this conference in the past as well as been an attendee. However this year was truly an event of distinction. The attendees were absolutely amazing; they were engaged and hungry for growth. Each speaker was remarkable in their own right providing valuable information to stretch and challenge the attendees and to inspire positive change for the attendees an individual and for their career as an administrative professional. Another fascinating dynamic about this event was the collaboration between the speakers. Each speaker encouraged and cheered on one another. We believed in each other, had respect for one another and genuinely wanted the best for one another. Some could say we are all competitors however if you were an observer, you would have seen a group of friends laughing, connecting and collaborating. Perhaps it was the conference theme that caused our behavior . . . perhaps it's because we are all motivated by the same positive intent ~ to facilitate the success of the attendees. No matter what caused this dynamic, it created an incredible conference experience and one that I will cherish for a lifetime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8EGctmutmQApEvA4VH30Lt5fcSRJfoWae1UAyMdaDUacZRILDAR3JNFCukCTC0JmcljDIpsYGfefRHm4XGF3608miHCfBxaKgGKhSB_oobtducFGCliFSlDWsGceh9QsFNJ1bWRr9e4/s1600/stop+collaborate+and+listen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8EGctmutmQApEvA4VH30Lt5fcSRJfoWae1UAyMdaDUacZRILDAR3JNFCukCTC0JmcljDIpsYGfefRHm4XGF3608miHCfBxaKgGKhSB_oobtducFGCliFSlDWsGceh9QsFNJ1bWRr9e4/s320/stop+collaborate+and+listen.jpg" /></a></div>Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-54778360855618487392013-07-10T18:33:00.000-07:002013-07-10T18:33:34.506-07:00Increase your "Stick-to-it-ness"What happens when we decide to make a change? Most of the time we get really excited about the possibilities, we're filled with enthusiasm for the results we're going to reach. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_kM0jWuRl5Tzv0PgRaUEKYuvbX1aKFxjLRGBPpmQptC_QOWu-VS7R4qbYEEXXwXpI63BQjHh7Q586TCnRkxHHt7PzsQf6XWIDzPOiWrdNkS3IrzIAxD6_kzbQBIeU3fn8dtx95B_oJ4/s1600/stick+to+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_kM0jWuRl5Tzv0PgRaUEKYuvbX1aKFxjLRGBPpmQptC_QOWu-VS7R4qbYEEXXwXpI63BQjHh7Q586TCnRkxHHt7PzsQf6XWIDzPOiWrdNkS3IrzIAxD6_kzbQBIeU3fn8dtx95B_oJ4/s320/stick+to+it.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our belief is high and we know, that this time, this time for sure things are going to be different. We're going to accomplish our goals. . . and then a few more days go by and what happens? <br />
<br />
Our enthusiasm is but a small hope, instead of a firm belief. Our focus gets blurry and we start to fall into the same-oh, same-oh routine.<br />
<br />
I encourage you to <i>increase your "stick-to-it-ness"</i> - You can make the changes your want, you just need to stick it out day by day and follow through with your plan. <br />
<br />
You got this! <br />
<br />
Get Sticky!<br />
<br />
Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-28017332087314639552013-07-08T12:18:00.002-07:002013-07-08T12:18:42.023-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2vrQyoPX4pEEnhMtAUEbTewca15IvIA_wEI-pWZcggxDUX-z9Bvr0nEbz4XHSknUIh0h_IGYBYzQCgbtjGToGOO-pU-IEJPyqsQBxKubD9E1jEFPgy8Nlt4I0QCbMaWLWF-oebzDles/s1600/high+five.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2vrQyoPX4pEEnhMtAUEbTewca15IvIA_wEI-pWZcggxDUX-z9Bvr0nEbz4XHSknUIh0h_IGYBYzQCgbtjGToGOO-pU-IEJPyqsQBxKubD9E1jEFPgy8Nlt4I0QCbMaWLWF-oebzDles/s320/high+five.png" /></a><br />
<b>Want to know how to increase your chance for success by 33%? <br />
</b><br />
1. Write down your goals,<br />
2. Share them with a friend<br />
3. Send weekly updates to that friend <br />
<br />
For more insight and encouragement check out TriRiverU Facebook page where you can meet new friends to s<strike><strike></strike></strike>hare your dreams and increase your chance for success!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-31375685612138611562013-07-07T09:16:00.000-07:002013-07-07T09:16:23.866-07:00Who said you aren't creative?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSOXakQXV9cDixEE-Jlt1UVn7IOB3rjx4bYPu0eMfWvI1IgQeuSfZO3NN7_GAC-JRkun2GsGFZty1KJtH6LC9zB0ZejnxxTwoxM6Vl86ZrPBaMBgR5-NHy5BQbG6ILrkckGvWnc3Kacw/s1600/color+crayons+on+walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSOXakQXV9cDixEE-Jlt1UVn7IOB3rjx4bYPu0eMfWvI1IgQeuSfZO3NN7_GAC-JRkun2GsGFZty1KJtH6LC9zB0ZejnxxTwoxM6Vl86ZrPBaMBgR5-NHy5BQbG6ILrkckGvWnc3Kacw/s320/color+crayons+on+walls.jpg" /></a></div>The desire to create is one of our deepest yearnings and yet most of us suppress that desire. I believe we are all born creative. It takes vulnerability to create and courage to share our work. Our mind asks, “What if it’s not accepted, appreciated or understood?” <br />
<br />
Believe in your power and your giftedness! You have something in you that you are meant to create and share with the world. So draw, write, speak, dance, sing, invent, orchestrate, and create your own individual art. And when your mind starts to weave in doubt, consider modeling your engagement after a child who has just been given a box of crayons. Let your imagination and vulnerability soar! Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-35295621144674876072013-01-30T21:47:00.000-08:002013-02-01T09:22:11.808-08:00What’s your vision for 2013?Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Have you let your creativity soar and created a vision board? Or, are you sitting in the land of good intentions waiting for your life to change by wishing it so? However you answered those questions, I have good news for you! You can make 2013 a year to remember. It all starts with a vision. It’s the vision that will make all the difference. <br />
<br />
<i>“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” Jonathan Swift<br />
</i><br />
Most of us know what we want deep down inside of us; we just lack the belief that our dream could become a reality. Think back to when you were a child, what did you want to be? I challenge you to consider the possibilities for your life. Just for a moment remove all the barriers that rise up in your mind. Push away the negative voices, silence the self-doubt that tells you that you aren’t good enough, smart enough or talented enough. Imagine a vision for your life based on your dreams and desires. Imagine your vision with vivid detail, passion and belief. Then imagine it as if it is now a reality. This is the essence where visions are made and dreams are realized. Once a vision is cast firmly in your mind, once you can see it, feel it, touch it, and describe it, the possibility of it becoming a reality is only a matter of time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O1-ryoo1rHHgmtENFNVR9xD5E-Ln-ITiAAh0spxRgg273WbqXiIA-2Jum2G6EbvCs5GUE0gvfumVmIxkCZXS2wTXwqTQgEwk3TBXlC58C2kACx_eLrYwhTBhrwOFHVRbJLf0RpHi058/s1600/new-year-2013-quotes-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O1-ryoo1rHHgmtENFNVR9xD5E-Ln-ITiAAh0spxRgg273WbqXiIA-2Jum2G6EbvCs5GUE0gvfumVmIxkCZXS2wTXwqTQgEwk3TBXlC58C2kACx_eLrYwhTBhrwOFHVRbJLf0RpHi058/s320/new-year-2013-quotes-wallpaper.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had the opportunity to lead a visioning exercise with a group of outstanding administrative professionals from Microsoft. Their assignment was to create a vision statement for their administrative professional community. Here’s a few of the vision statements they created:<br />
<br />
<i>“Provide excellent support to our managers and the team by mastering the internal tools, efficiently responding to and anticipating needs, and leveraging each admin's strengths.”<br />
</i><br />
<i>“Be pillars of the organization by enhancing the productivity of all employees and the ability to meet or exceed organizational goals through continuous support, bolstering morale, and cross-group collaboration.”<br />
</i><br />
<i>“Providing extraordinary customer service through teamwork and positive influence.”<br />
</i><br />
<i>“Leveraging our strengths to achieve operational excellence.<br />
• Collaboration and Teamwork<br />
• Respect and Communication and Transparency<br />
• Subject Matter Expert and Sharing Best Practices”<br />
</i><br />
<i>"Create an environment rich in - trust, feedback / communication, respect, and development." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"Be innovative. Be impactful while providing seamless administrative support. GSD/CYA. (get shit done, cover your ass). :)"<br />
</i><br />
<i>"We have proactively to committed exceptional results and maintaining high integrity in our day to day roles." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"We will live our values of being highly trusted, accountable, consistent, dependable and knowledgeable through our support and guidance. We will build, cultivate and mature successful relationships with internal and external partners and serve as the central hub of the organization...creating a fun and positive environment." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"Delivering superior service to the team by being proactive and resourceful with a "can-do" attitude this furthering success and goals of Microsoft." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"We kick butt so you can to by providing seamless services for superb results." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"Delivering quality support to the organization by partnering and executing on our excellent services." <br />
</i><br />
<i>"We exhibit open communication, foster a cohesive team with a high level of trust and are proactive with the teams' needs, wants and goals." <br />
</i><br />
I challenge you to put this exercise to work for you and create your own personal vision statement. It really is the vision for your life that will make all the difference.<br />
<br />
<i><b></b>“We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.”<br />
</i>Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-45572312588101634582011-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:002011-05-19T11:48:10.965-07:00Is Opportunity Knocking?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQPNDYUNgHvTXk0ZuHiqLc_U99qZmcWM62S6gnPID3l6W8fDOjQB_d2s6pMsUyNAAex92UPIjO4ZxvCHpzwlrOJ-vSRavdgWZlIb3ztFk4clLl_5kM5XuLhXeEB1niaUiGSiMPKQZdNE/s1600/yelling.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQPNDYUNgHvTXk0ZuHiqLc_U99qZmcWM62S6gnPID3l6W8fDOjQB_d2s6pMsUyNAAex92UPIjO4ZxvCHpzwlrOJ-vSRavdgWZlIb3ztFk4clLl_5kM5XuLhXeEB1niaUiGSiMPKQZdNE/s200/yelling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608500765268210146" /></a><br />Things have been incredibly busy lately. There is so much going on, so many events with looming deadlines and so many tasks to complete. When we are in this hurry- hurry, rush-rush mode we feel the pressure building and our stress levels rising. It’s also during these times that our real self shines through. Are we still communicating effectively, or snapping at the first person that interrupts our work flow? In the midst of all the chaos and challenges let’s remember – our worst moments can be our best opportunities! It’s these stressful situations where we have the opportunity to show our true character and to create a moment we want others to remember.Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-67404568493818029192011-04-25T12:27:00.000-07:002011-04-25T12:53:29.177-07:00Thank You to Administrative Professionals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvsLp_6i3xrMb6LYW6WPtcstRZowEwwOqsMJzc2E0ipXygTTjs7xUrtOUp7kb34Xrn7RX8Gj55zQUlQc7gAtWJ2885CFYCPAkyYHG9c8Tr6TwR3DvtXuplT7ql27aMeigp5B8ymPz2cg/s1600/applause-754063.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvsLp_6i3xrMb6LYW6WPtcstRZowEwwOqsMJzc2E0ipXygTTjs7xUrtOUp7kb34Xrn7RX8Gj55zQUlQc7gAtWJ2885CFYCPAkyYHG9c8Tr6TwR3DvtXuplT7ql27aMeigp5B8ymPz2cg/s200/applause-754063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599611416590179394" /></a><br />As a member of the administrative professional community, I’d like to say <em><strong>“Thank you”</strong></em>! Whether you are supporting a manager, a group, a project or a combination of all three, you <em><strong>are key to the success and impact of your company.</strong></em> Your contributions can be directly attributed to the support you provide day in and day out. <br /><br />Can you imagine business today without administrative staff? If you’re feeling a bit skeptical today, just remember the last time you took vacation and what welcomed you upon your return! <br /><br />I would like to say “Thank You” for all that you do on a daily basis to help staff, managers and their respective projects succeed. Thank you for going above and beyond when you were tired and overwhelmed and didn’t feel you had any more to give. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made to assure that staff and projects had the information they needed. Thank you for tracking the timeliness and accuracy of project and client deliverables. Thank you for answering the never ending questions about policies and procedures. Thank you for being the point of contact and subject matter expert for the software, forms and approvals needed to accomplish a given task. Thank you for handling all the details and logistics for important meetings and travel arrangements. Thank you for carefully reviewing communication, contracts, spreadsheets and presentations. And on behalf of the managers out there, thank you for finding solutions to many challenges before they ever had a chance to reach their to do list. <br /><br /><em><strong>I appreciate you, and am grateful for the mentoring so many administrative professionals have provided to me!</strong></em> Thank you again, and happy Administrative Professionals week!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-62652878676447525842011-04-21T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-28T13:32:47.793-07:00Happy Administrative Professionals Day to the Best Admin I Ever Had!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELT1eTjjxpHkwL0qAuYwDHrNZLx5i6pmpaETZjaMc1n7v2ie7aslvmWON5xw2uJvD2sVW5U1N9T0TMLiEzfvx_5CZyOsS9nYq21ZOx_uMYUsb-d2qibBbq1JgKvmkzOCtAeF9NJNcUOU/s1600/Peggy+and+Darlene%2527s+Partnership+Photo.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELT1eTjjxpHkwL0qAuYwDHrNZLx5i6pmpaETZjaMc1n7v2ie7aslvmWON5xw2uJvD2sVW5U1N9T0TMLiEzfvx_5CZyOsS9nYq21ZOx_uMYUsb-d2qibBbq1JgKvmkzOCtAeF9NJNcUOU/s200/Peggy+and+Darlene%2527s+Partnership+Photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598071112769280866" /></a>by Darlene Mahon and Peggy Vasquez<br /><br />“The best admin I ever had.” That’s a phrase that most of us have heard at some point, and one that all admins would like to hear. But what does it mean? What sets the great admin apart from the average admin? Although there are a host of skills needed to be a successful administrative assistant, what separates a great admin apart from a good admin is their ability to create a powerful partnership with their manager and others on their team.<br /><br /><strong>Some of the elements of a positive partnership are:</strong><br /><br />1. More productivity and less relationship management<br /><br />When you study and learn the attributes of your manager’s style you’ll find you spend less time managing the relationship and you’ll have more time to be productive. Your knowledge of their style will enable you to communicate effectively and efficiently. You’ll find the partnership is working and the stress level for you both has diminished. <br /> <br />2. Trust and Respect<br /><br />Trust and respect are the foundation for a successful partnership. Open communication is the result of mutual trust. The universal law that what we give out we get back becomes apparent. Give your manager trust and respect and you’ll get it back. Be the initiator and don’t expect to earn trust and respect over night, like great architecture, building a firm foundation takes time. Do what you say you’ll do, even the small things. It’s consistency, reliability and follow through that will make all the difference.<br /> <br />3. Shared Values and Common Goals<br /><br />When you and your manager have shared values and goals you are aligned and able to act on their behalf. Identify their goals and understand their priorities by observing their actions. Ask strategic questions like:<br />• Who do they make time for? <br />• What deliverables do they ask you to track? <br />• What are their nonnegotiables? <br />• What are they rewarded for delivering?<br /><br />With the answers to these questions you’ll become a united team. You’ll have the information needed to manage their time and priorities to ensure their success. <br /><br />4. Empowerment<br /><br />Because you have a rock solid foundation built on the above principles, your performance can now be propelled to a new level. You have the freedom to make decisions, act independently, and put your strengths to work. You are empowered to be the best admin your manager has ever had!<br /><br />“As administrative professionals we experience the challenges and rewards that are common for us all. Our first priority is to provide support to either a person or a project. <strong><strong>Success starts with us</strong></strong>.”Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-56982531176334704492011-02-01T16:21:00.001-08:002011-02-01T17:56:49.294-08:00Have you walked on the wild side lately?When was the last time that you did something that scared you and forced you to grow? For me that occurred last week. I had a TV interview and although it as only 2 1/2 minutes it couldn't end soon enough!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcPo5kMr1gS_h3HxHnI4xGWjN8Fn-QNPt-P4IE8qd1fMHR3gOFHTlQ4OYFb6OdJdrMPZC1A0gvMxnhQeyipmfC2C-i4Uqy1KjEoaVgoua3fD3Px5FaWSPCh7N9394bMLVDsbbiEgrqc4/s1600/eleanor-roosevelt+black+and+white.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcPo5kMr1gS_h3HxHnI4xGWjN8Fn-QNPt-P4IE8qd1fMHR3gOFHTlQ4OYFb6OdJdrMPZC1A0gvMxnhQeyipmfC2C-i4Uqy1KjEoaVgoua3fD3Px5FaWSPCh7N9394bMLVDsbbiEgrqc4/s200/eleanor-roosevelt+black+and+white.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568902154448603938" /></a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“You gain strength, courage, and <br />confidence by every experience in which <br />you really stop to look fear in the face . . .<br /><br />Do the thing you think you cannot do.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">~ Eleanor Roosevelt</span><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><br />My colleagues and I were putting on a local speaking event focused on New Year’s Resolutions and one of our news stations was interested in getting the word out to our community. <br /><br />In one hand was a great opportunity and in the other hand was an overwhelming feeling of fear. If I wanted to realize the opportunity, I had to say yes to something that scared me. <br /><br />As you can imagine, I thought about making an excuse, (otherwise known as a reason), as to why I wasn't available. I knew this wasn't the right approach; however the temptation was still there. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to justify our actions when we're afraid? The more I thought about it, I realized there was only one right choice and that choice would require me to face my fear and show up.<br /><br />That doesn't mean the fear went away, it was still alive and well. It meant that I was making the decision to move through the fear. It wasn't easy. It was risky. I even wondered - what if I fail. To overcome the desire to bail, I focused on what I wanted to achieve and went to work. When our dreams and desires are greater than our fear it provides us the courage to take action and face our fears.<br /><br />I began preparing for the event by getting my thoughts in order and creating my talking points. I reviewed my notes. Then I focused on the reason for the opportunity, which was to help others. So I focused on helping others, I took a deep breath and got through the interview. And guess what? It wasn't as bad as I had feared after all!<br /><br />So the next time you’ve got an opportunity in front of you, don’t let fear get in the way of walking through the door – even if it’s the door to the TV studio!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-77477470291849105072010-11-10T07:47:00.001-08:002016-01-05T20:15:22.879-08:00Veteran's Day Thank You Message<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk18g7gHZ3iQk3nBFUvMdOs64WqN_S1YjBecgCrSLjiAVzd5IPA05KQOJV8uE1AiaNJ8Kphyphenhyphen9w0ktCbaHQ-YFG4cE2uTyXf06padRce0U7WcnVnJZehrhIo5qwjEmNiT5zFPVzKfQqezQ/s1600/marines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk18g7gHZ3iQk3nBFUvMdOs64WqN_S1YjBecgCrSLjiAVzd5IPA05KQOJV8uE1AiaNJ8Kphyphenhyphen9w0ktCbaHQ-YFG4cE2uTyXf06padRce0U7WcnVnJZehrhIo5qwjEmNiT5zFPVzKfQqezQ/s400/marines.jpg" width="400" /></a>Six years ago, my son Matthew joined the Marines. I remember feeling proud and overwhelmed with fear about his decision. Looking back, I remember taking him to Spokane for the signing in process. As my husband and I drove away, we knew that our son’s decision had forever changed his life. I remember the day we attended his boot camp graduation in San Diego. Our family respectfully rose to our feet and tears were shed as we honored our son. Then, the day I feared came, he received his orders to be deployed to war. The only thing besides faith that got me through those uncertain times was the support and love from our friends and family. I am blessed to say he returned home safely and is currently serving in Nevada with his wife, Wilikinia.<br />
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Today is the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, as a proud mom of a Marine, "Ooo-rah" to all of our Marines! And tomorrow is Veteran's day, what a perfect time to thank all of our family and friends that have served or who are still serving our great country. Regardless of our views on warfare, we cannot deny the commitment and sacrifices of our military. <br />
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Let's remember and respect the great sacrifices made by our veteran's. Let's show compassion to the military families. Let's show honor for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives while serving our country. In closing, "Thank you" to all of you who have served our great country. <br />
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I came across this video and wanted to pass it along to all of you. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE - may it inspire you to thank a veteran. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE"></a>Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-5412018782326574032010-10-25T21:11:00.001-07:002010-10-28T20:53:10.981-07:00Zombies and Vampires, Oh My!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqwOTRXKhDsfQxBSTsYPbtRXm7xD1RPVGQwFGOxz571Hmf68ppS5RItNdS-6YAAy_vdOQU1_VxXfDyL7gmOARJRt4MFSsiCwnpIJDdkcs-jvYnc82zO7x8iJCqHrEof5uv4bp77fN4mc/s400/pumpkin1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqwOTRXKhDsfQxBSTsYPbtRXm7xD1RPVGQwFGOxz571Hmf68ppS5RItNdS-6YAAy_vdOQU1_VxXfDyL7gmOARJRt4MFSsiCwnpIJDdkcs-jvYnc82zO7x8iJCqHrEof5uv4bp77fN4mc/s400/pumpkin1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It's the season for frightful creatures and some of these creatures are in the workplace. Perhaps you've seen the dreaded Zombie and Vampire in your office and wanted to know how to survive with these dreadful creatures lurking around.<br /><br />Zombies are the living dead that are walking among us. We've all seen them in the old monster movies. I define the Zombie as the co-worker who has worked for your company for the past several years. They come to work faithfully day after day, but no one knows why they are there or what they're contributing. They hide away in a corner and only come out when they are hungry, or to complain that something isn't fair. <br /><br />Vampires are a bit harder to detect. They try to mix in with the rest of us, but when you look carefully you can spot them. They are the co-workers that literally suck the life right out of you. After interacting with them you are emotionally and physically drained. They are the takers, the ones that will take your ideas and sell them off as their own. The ones that always ask for a favor and give nothing in return. <br /><br />Both of these creatures want us to conform and be like them. They do their best to hold us back from being successful. They ask you, "Why do you need to be the show off and make the rest of us look bad?" "Why do you need to make changes, things are just fine the way they are." Or my least favorite, "Just keep your head down and you won't get hurt." <br /><br />If you have people in your life that are robbing you of your success or draining your energy, chances are you have a Zombie or a Vampire for a co-worker. The truth is that some situations you encounter with these creatures can be fatal. So let me share a secret serum with you. After using this tried and true serum, you'll be able to sleep at night knowing you've got the vaccine to fight off their dreadful nature. <br /><br />Understand the problem behavior won't go away on its own, in fact it will get worse if untreated. Just remember, "SBI" - this is the secret serum that works incredible well for controlling dreadfully contagious behavior viruses. Its best to catch these behaviors early before they are permeating throughout your organization. <br /><br />Ask to meet with your co-worker and cover the following:<br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">S</span>ituation - Describe the situation in detail. Talk about the facts only, don't share your emotions or how you felt. Help them recall the specific situation where this behavior occurred. Talk about what happened and what was the event.<br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">B</span>ehavior - Describe their behavior that occurred during that particular situation. Again, don't share emotion or past behavior, just share the facts of this current situation and their behavior. What did they do, or say. <br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I</span>mpact - Describe how the behavior during that situation impacted you. Describe how you felt. <br /><br />After discussing these three items let your co-worker know what you would like to see happen in the future. Negotiate for a win/win so that both of you can walk away with a clear path forward and with respect for one another.<br /><br />My last piece of advice, if after repeatedly using this serum and there isn't a change, then scream loudly, "Run for your life!" and run away just as you would from a monster! Seriously, ask yourself what price you are willing to pay to work with Zombies and Vampires, but before you answer that question, remember these viruses can be extremely contagious.Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-91507950654516833142010-10-17T11:20:00.001-07:002010-10-18T09:20:57.553-07:00In Need of Some Advice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiXMNPwdo_CddscenA3Jw4DJRjLigLfASXJ3ymDVBFu2nNEzL3__sMGS4N2JYsF87Eph_N56bEPE8Le8Ko9ZGkTTMtoI5fimEZ5zO9EEgB7_mtky7iOj9u1sKRV8VgI65F5hbhVT4rtY/s1600/communication.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiXMNPwdo_CddscenA3Jw4DJRjLigLfASXJ3ymDVBFu2nNEzL3__sMGS4N2JYsF87Eph_N56bEPE8Le8Ko9ZGkTTMtoI5fimEZ5zO9EEgB7_mtky7iOj9u1sKRV8VgI65F5hbhVT4rtY/s200/communication.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529088706112418322" /></a><br />I was recently asked for advice regarding how to address an issue with a boss. The boss had given her responsibility for their department’s budget. She was responsible and ready to take on this assignment. The dilemma was the boss was making commitments above the allotted budget and wasn’t communicating his actions with her. She was finding out about these commitments from other staff members. The budget was now off track due to her boss’s actions. She asked, how can I be expected to just “find the money” and how can I get him to understand this is not helping our budget? How do you suggest I discuss this with him? <br /><br />I told her to schedule a meeting with her boss to provide an update on the budget. First prepare for the meeting by doing your homework. Make sure your facts are correct. Find out if anything could have changed without your knowledge. Consider the consequences of the meeting and look for an opportunity for a win/win versus telling your boss that he made a mistake. Secondly prepare for the meeting with your boss’s style in mind. Here are a few questions to help you determine your boss’s style: <br /><br />1. Is he someone that wants to talk about new ideas? Is he spontaneous and has a lot of enthusiasm? <br />2. Is he someone that likes control and responsibility? Doe he talk in bullets and at a fast pace? Does he want the bottom line versus a story? <br />3. Is he someone that wants to talk about getting a consensus from others? Does he consider how his actions impact the team? <br />4. Is he someone that likes a lot of information and time to study and process the information? Does he like to work alone? <br /><br />Thirdly, determine your approach with your boss’s style in mind. Here are a few approaches:<br /><br />1. If he is someone that likes control and wants bullets and a quick summary. Or if he’s someone that has a lot of energy, is very creative and likes to talk about new ideas, don’t review an in depth budget and spreadsheet and cover each expense item with him.<br /><br />Instead provide him a summary of the budget that he can quickly see the bottom line and see the budget is off track. Provide him with 3-5 reasons why (expenses approved without referring to the budget, commitments made that aren’t approved budget items, process for approval not followed, lack of communication regarding expenditures, etc.) Talk about the process instead of “you approved these expenses and you didn’t follow the process.” If he wants more details, he will ask you. Then you can mention the exact cost item and he will know he was the one that approved it and how it has affected the bottom line. Ask him for his advice to correct the budget issue. Then be quiet and wait for his direction.<br /><br />2. If he is someone that likes a lot of information, likes to work alone spending time doing research and gathering more information to solidify and cement his point of view, then take the time to review an in depth budget and cover each expense item with him on the spreadsheet. Be prepared to discuss each item at length. Know the history and details. Once you have completed this review he will probably want time to process the information. He’ll want to crunch his own numbers and gather more information to verify accuracy. Follow up in a day or two. During the second meeting he will know without a doubt what needs to be done and why things are in the state they are in. Ask him what needs to be done to resolve the budget overage.<br /><br />3. If he is someone that wants to connect with his direct reports and understands how he impacts the team. Make it easy for him to be straightforward. Show interest in him as an individual. Begin the conversation on a casual topic. Then go into the business conversation. Tell him you want to talk about the goal he assigned you regarding managing the budget and that you have some concerns. Let him know that you take this goal seriously and that you want to do a good job for him and the company. Be caring and sensitive. Let him know what actions have taken place causing the budget to be off track. Then ask him for advice and be quiet. Wait for him to think and process the issue. Sit in the silence and wait for his queue. He will see what needs to be corrected to keep the budget on track.<br /><br />Here’s her response:<br /><br />Hi Peggy,<br /> <br />This was very helpful. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to send this. Our discussion went well and he even apologized for not keeping me in the loop.<br /> <br />Thanks again!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-30347825509728837482010-09-28T12:39:00.001-07:002010-09-28T13:33:54.481-07:00Do you have your ducks all in a row?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoJ9HWwn-fPppd9cO_2iKnfCyuM5Z6VsWGQLMcfutGEO_rY4iphQMC-ZAiaZ05xjV_rpG5_7HHZRKqPV3hPpkkCD9Utw9BVrucI4hiMS4rXzK9DFRaAn-hFk9vTvXzID33nsrDlJN9jc/s1600/Ducks+in+a+row.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoJ9HWwn-fPppd9cO_2iKnfCyuM5Z6VsWGQLMcfutGEO_rY4iphQMC-ZAiaZ05xjV_rpG5_7HHZRKqPV3hPpkkCD9Utw9BVrucI4hiMS4rXzK9DFRaAn-hFk9vTvXzID33nsrDlJN9jc/s200/Ducks+in+a+row.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522051674803035170" /></a><br />Do you find yourself saying no to an opportunity because you aren’t perfect? Let me ask you another question, who do you know that is perfect? Some of the most successful people I know didn’t have their ducks all in a row before saying yes to an opportunity. What do you do when you don’t have all your ducks in a row? Do you cut yourself short and decline the opportunity to contribute? Or do you step out of your comfort zone and risk moving forward? <br /><br />It’s natural to have doubts in your ability to tackle a new challenge for the first time. Often we want more time to continue preparing and perfecting. We don’t feel we are ready and we resist because we don’t want to fail. We don’t want to make a mistake. This was exactly the case for my colleague and me as we experienced our first speaking engagement. We’d completed our research and collaborated to create our presentations. We studied, did dry run’s and asked for feedback. We wrote and re-wrote and did more dry run’s. We were so focused that we begun to rehearse our presentations in our sleep. And even so, we still wished we had more time to prepare and perfect our presentations. <br /><br />We finally told ourselves that it was time to deliver. We reassured ourselves that we had done all we could to deliver with professionalism and style. And you know what? That’s exactly what we did. We stopped thinking about ourselves and our needs. Instead we focused on the reason we wanted to speak in the first place, to help others. <br /><br />“When I dare to be powerful to use my strengths<br />in the service of my mission (vision) then it becomes less<br />and less important whether I am afraid.”<br />~ Audre Lorde<br /><br />And here’s the best part. Because we were willing to step out of our comfort zone and risk the chance of failing, we grew in our confidence and helped others as well. The presentations went really well. There were parts of the presentation that were right on and parts where there’s room for improvement. It wasn’t perfect, however, it was good enough to really inspire some people. People laughed and some even cried. We were overjoyed with the response we received. Many people thanked us, often with tears in their eyes and some even asked us to be their mentor. Was it easy? No. But it sure was worth the reward!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-17161384507824353672010-09-27T13:47:00.000-07:002010-09-27T13:54:39.559-07:00Are You a Leader?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscZi8gAMVYn_ngJz456YQv9zLdl0qEy0mJSF_8tM1-V25YRSvVHCJU8sZpzSQ0EQOnw48XpyYpF18FsaFg1QJ1dJvNblxdW52WY_YybNPT1Fy3w0fbsC4TxGtHLJNbI4Pz2-NarZcSB4/s1600/leadership-word.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscZi8gAMVYn_ngJz456YQv9zLdl0qEy0mJSF_8tM1-V25YRSvVHCJU8sZpzSQ0EQOnw48XpyYpF18FsaFg1QJ1dJvNblxdW52WY_YybNPT1Fy3w0fbsC4TxGtHLJNbI4Pz2-NarZcSB4/s200/leadership-word.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521699577940361218" /></a><br />I remember sitting in an auditorium and hearing the speaker ask, “How many of you are leaders?” Surprisingly, very few hands went up. What holds us back from thinking of ourselves as a leader? Perhaps it’s the fear of failure or being accountable to ourselves and others. Or is it that if we are the leader we have to know all the answers? Whatever the answer, the reality is we are leaders. The purest definition of a leader is someone who influences others. <br /><br /><br />When you are a leader you become a role model and will undoubtedly be observed by others. Just because you are the leader doesn’t mean you will have all the answers or make all the right decisions. As a leader you will find yourself in new territory. Situations will arise that you haven’t experienced before. Decisions will need to be made, you’ll need to think on your feet and make the best decision possible with the limited information at hand. And you’ll need to take responsibility for your actions and decisions.<br /><br />When you are criticized for a decision or questioned about why a requested action didn’t become a priority, you’ll need to take the high road and avoid reacting defensively. One of the best ways to know if you are on the right track as a leader is to ask yourself, “Am I demonstrating the behaviors I want our team to emulate?” <br /><br /><br />Recently I had a conversation with a colleague and she asked, “Do you really have to always take the high road? Can’t you sometimes fall short and give the person back just a small dose of the negativity they are throwing your way?” Even though these reactive behaviors are tempting and sometimes make us feel good for the moment, the reality is that by choosing any other option is destructive to you and to your team.<br /><br /><br />The next time someone let’s you know that you’ve fallen short, they disagreed with your decision or you offended them – take the high road. Instead of allowing them to get your emotions spinning, listen and respond by saying, “Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate you sharing that information with me. I’ll take your thoughts into consideration.” <br /><br /><br />It’s amazing how this technique diffuses the situation and encourages more openness among the team. This is exactly what great leaders do and with practice we can do it too!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2202072322913637535.post-59494806230333186532010-08-09T19:57:00.000-07:002016-01-05T20:02:03.696-08:00Acting When Prompted<br />
The phone rings, you pick it up and say, "I've been meaning to call you, I've been thinking about you all day." What stops us from acting when we are prompted? I'm talking about the voice you hear that tells you to reach out to someone by stopping by their office or picking up the phone. To send a card of encouragement to someone that you know is going through a difficult time. Chances are most of us don't naturally act when we feel the prompting. We allow other thoughts and tasks to take over and we choose to ignore the prompting.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKHu-9ho0fAorXZ84FxnHJRW5K3E9_0xVpn4CV7O3HiruEz20aDORiJc8UJ-KzWYNyBQTCdWQGKfkUGxduAxDc-pez5ZtuCryQhXWgdb_96eEH6nZUQqX6xdW5hEtsWVRKajxfpNb9V0/s1600/listen+to+your+inner+genius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKHu-9ho0fAorXZ84FxnHJRW5K3E9_0xVpn4CV7O3HiruEz20aDORiJc8UJ-KzWYNyBQTCdWQGKfkUGxduAxDc-pez5ZtuCryQhXWgdb_96eEH6nZUQqX6xdW5hEtsWVRKajxfpNb9V0/s1600/listen+to+your+inner+genius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKHu-9ho0fAorXZ84FxnHJRW5K3E9_0xVpn4CV7O3HiruEz20aDORiJc8UJ-KzWYNyBQTCdWQGKfkUGxduAxDc-pez5ZtuCryQhXWgdb_96eEH6nZUQqX6xdW5hEtsWVRKajxfpNb9V0/s320/listen+to+your+inner+genius.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
After a meeting, a friend and I had a short discussion about a challenge she was facing regarding becoming a leader. A few days later I heard the prompting and felt compelled to act. I knew I had more information and experiences to help her reach her leadership goals and realize they were within her grasp. I also wanted to let her know that I believed in her. <br />
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I was amazed, stunned really, when she told me that my message was exactly what she had been needing to hear. She told me that she had been doing some soul searching to determine what choices she should make in her career and the information that I gave her helped her get "unstuck" and move forward. She had a breakthrough! <br />
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What a blessing to learn that because I acted on the prompting, she received what she needed to move forward in her leadership journey. <br />
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So the next time you hear the prompting to a<br />
ct, don't hesitate or dismiss it, instead take action!Peggy Vasquezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14304847993190531892noreply@blogger.com2