Presence and gravitas are essential aspects of leadership and can became second nature through developing a set of skills, beliefs and attitudes.  This process however, can be  a little more complicated for women.  At all levels as women progress in their career, seek to break through glass ceiling, and establish their credibility as leaders they are likely to experience more scrutiny or at times are overlooked all together.

We are hosting a one day seminar focusing on behaviour for influence and developing a confident authentic, powerful signature ‘Presence’ for women leaders and business owners: Confident You, Confident Presence

This dynamic and interactive seminar is specifically designed to empower you in creating a ‘Confident Presence’ for your personal and professional success. It is the ability to connect and to communicate to another in a powerful and meaningful way that gives someone a strong ‘Presence’.

“If you think you’re too small to make an impact – try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” 
– Anita Roddick

Join us if you want to:

• Discover and learn influencing skills to ‘own the room…you want to stand above the parapet.
• Renew your vision and sense of purpose.
• Explore your own level of confidence and will know how to develop it.

What you’ll gain:

• Recognise, unlock and build on inner strengths to develop a confident, authentic and ’signature’ Presence.
• Learn how to create the impact you desire and how to enhance your influence.
• Develop the courage and self-belief to take action and make a difference.
• Build and develop your confidence.
• Develop a signature presence where
  • You get attention from the people around you without apparently trying.
  • Others respond with enthusiasm and passion.
  • Your views are often quoted.
  • People want to know what you think.
  • You are talked about though always with respect.

Expect to be inspired, to learn and gain insights. And when you apply your learning and take action you will see big changes taking place within two or three months.  You will be amazed at how much more confident you have become and how you ‘own the room’.

When: Tuesday 14 June 2011, 10am – 5.00pm
Where: Elysee Restaurant and Roof Garden, 13 Percy St, London, W1T 1DT

Register Now

Follow: @own_the_room, @kamaka_women for updates and connect to other confident women who ‘own the room’.

‘You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.’
Eleanor Roosevelt

Are you a nice person?  I’m sure you are.  But have you every felt that your ‘niceness’ has caused you to stumble in your career?

One of the problems and challenges women face at the marco level, is that in general, many women have been raised to be liked. They are taught to avoid making waves, to fit in, to smooth things out in relationships, and to “be nice.”  “Being nice” can be a way women hold themselves back from achieving their full potential — It’s about unique mistakes women make at work and in their professional lives.

Here are some ‘nice’ behaviours that can mess with your career:

Believe others know more than you. An example, from my own experience, was in preparing a detailed strategy report and presenting to a manager whose opinion I valued and I felt ‘knew more’, had greater experience and greater talent. To my disappointment he tore it apart and then edited and presented as his own work deleting my recommendations. I confess my confidence was knocked. Ironically the Board came back with question around the very recommendations that had been deleted from my original report. So why didn’t believe in myself. Unlike men, we tend to admit when we don’t know something but still fail to trust our own abilities when we do.

Instead:

• Before making this assumption ask some questions, “what makes you think that?” or “why are your making those recommendations?” In this way you are checking their expertise, but more importantly you become more confident.
• Develop your own set of standards for some tasks so you can evaluate your own performance.
• Judge for yourself how well you have done on a particular project

Self -trust is the secret of success.  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Communicate in a round about way. Although many men do this also, women often communicate indirectly, hinting at the point instead of direct speech.  It may be intended as a way of being caring and sustaining a relationship. For example, “Do you think you would have time to locate the Smith file, when you get a moment, please?” And although indirectness is not a weakness, it may be seen as such. Instead – Give your opinion; make your statement in clear terms without qualifiers.

Helping. I like to help people especially when in difficulties. I remember, when a role as a senior manager I found myself helping out my team to meet a deadline by making key and coffee for my project team and taking messages! I was helping not leading. Women are taught early in their lives that others know more than they did, their knowledge and self-confidence is externally referenced. Helping others is one way women gain external validation for their worth. Perhaps, that’s why so many women go into helping fields. So if you are busy doing stuff, making the tea and photocopying, then you don’t have time to provide the vision, guidance and direction your team requires. You are not making the transition from being a ‘doer’  to becoming a leader.

Instead:

Read what John Kotter, the well renowned Harvard Professor,  has to say on leadership. Make a distinction between helping and being eased. You are helping if you provide resources and support, but if you’re working harder than the rest your team I suspect you’ll been used. And to develop your own self awareness ask yourself if your help you because you think you will be liked for it or because of something you really want to need to do. Read more about John Kotter in this article.

Apologising unnecessarily. This is a social construct and more about respect and politeness women. However, when women apologise (“Sorry, I didn’t return your call…”) men can see this as a sign of deference or weakness…he has heard that you have made a mistake or done something wrong to warrant the apology. Further, being in this habit and apologising for every apparent error affects our confidence and the confidence others have in us. Instead: When you make a mistake worth apologising for do so, just once then move on to problem-solving mode. Begin from a place of equality regardless of the other person’s position and don’t apologise to be liked!

The launch of KAMAKA – The exclusive coaching company for women.

An exciting launch event with a drinks reception, business networking and key speakers from the world of advertising, media and the charity sectors.

The speakers are:

Jo Booth – Global Planning director – EURO RSCG

Caroline Rich – Global Group Director EURO RSCG

Bridget Edwards – CEO Anne Peaker – Centre for Arts in Criminal Justice.

THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 6PM – 9PM

At the exclusive

NO.5, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W1G 0PG.

KAMAKA has been founded by Marcie Buxton who is a market leader in executive coaching for women of influence and inspiration. Her experience allows her to work with corporate organisations big and small, teams and individuals. Marcie’s passion extends to supporting aspirational women so they become the best leaders they can be.