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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Summer is here! What a great time for relaxation, as well as reflection, exploration, new ideas, and aspirations.
Speaking of which. . .
THE PLUS-ONES LEAVE THE SANTA FE RETREAT WITH
GREAT ASPIRATIONS AND PLANS
Despite the wildfires and some smoke, the Plus-Ones, as they named themselves……four women and one man….came away from the Santa Fe Reboot Your Life Retreat with new ideas, energy to fulfill them, and a bonding with others going through transitions. Several had already left positions and were giving themselves some time off before going into new careers or positions. Some were dealing with what retirement or their next chapter would look like. All agreed they learned as much from each other as the facilitators. We ate well, kept talking until late, and enjoyed the museums of Santa Fe or a nap on the portal. The group already scheduled to reconnect in June.
SKILLS ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
One of our favorite, and most successful exercises is the Skills Assessment. You can do it too! First, list 5 skills, attributes, and/or knowledge you have that is marketable in today’s world and consistent with what you like to, or want to, do. It might be computer or communications skills, or your knowledge of startups, or your contacts in the current Administration or your ability to listen well and synthesize information, for example. Then go to 5 people who know you through work or a nonprofit or your family and friends and ask them to tell you what skills, etc. they see in you that are marketable today. Write down what they say. Once you have this, look at your bio and LinkedIn page and see if it reflects who you really are and the skills you have. Soft skills are much in demand. In a recent survey by Women Corporate Directors during Covid, five skills emerged in what boards are looking for from leadership:
- The ability to pivot strategy quickly
- The ability to have empathy for others
- The ability to make decisions amongst ambiguity
- The ability to empower teams
- The ability to articulate a vision and bring others along
Where are you with these skills and are they in your bio and LinkedIn Profile?
BEACH TIME AND REFLECTION
Time spent on a beach – or wherever you like to relax in summer – not only gets you in nature, but gives you time for reflection. One of our favorite authors is Joan Anderson and her classic book, A Year by the Sea. She has several new ones out….A Weekend to Change Your Life and The Road Back to Yourself: The Second Journey, we highly recommend.
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