Dream Big

Dreams. We all have them, right? I know I do. I can't go into all of them here ... or at least not right now ... but I've been thinking a lot lately about the importance of dreams.

How often have you felt lost and discouraged because someone shot down your ideas and dreams? I dated a guy -- we were actually engaged -- who thought it was humorous to make fun of my aspirations. I became so discouraged that I considered changing the path on which I had been traveling since I was in fourth grade. I visited a career counselor and took all sorts of tests to determine what career path I should really be on. The only outcome for me was validation that my dreams were sound and my relationship with my former fiance was dead. The engagement was soon over but my efforts to become a strong PR professional continued.

My question is "why"? Why would someone choose to put another person down for the goals and aspirations he or she has set for themselves? It's beyond my comprehension, and would love to hear your thoughts on why this occurs.

My point in writing this is to remind my friends and colleagues that we should take a moment to encourage others. Even if we can't understand the dreams another has, take time to listen to someone's plans and encourage him or her to reach for the stars.

The Inverted Pyramid

Journalism was my major in college. However, I knew from the beginning that I did not want to be a reporter. I can say that by choosing this as my education path, I learned a lot about writing … of all kinds ... feature, editorial, news writing. Each requires different approaches to accomplish the end result of a published article.

Writing has been a huge part of my career in public relations. I am often asked by new PR grads what the number one skill needed to be successful in our field is; my answer is an unequivocal "writing".

For those of you not familiar with writing styles, here's a quick primer. News writing focuses on the five W’s and the H … who, what, when, where, why and how. Just the facts, ma’am … nothing more. This is also known as the inverted pyramid. The most important information is found at the top and readers can leave the article at any point … yet still completely understand the message.

In contrast, feature writing is a different animal. Feature stories differ from straight news in several ways. Most importantly is the absence of a straight-news lead. Instead of offering the essence of a story up front, feature writers choose to lure readers in gradually. A feature's first paragraphs often relate an intriguing moment or event. From the particulars of a person or episode, the story’s view quickly broadens to generalities about the subject.

As I write this, I've been thinking back to my college days when I attempted (unsuccessfully for the most part) to be a full-time freelance writer. I wasn’t shooting for the Glamours and New York Times of the world. Rather, I focused on local publications such as such as the Minneapolis / St. Paul Magazine. I had been told that the key is to have a hook, and I had just the hook – A Texas native leaving the warmth and sun to move 1,000 miles away in the cold, snow-bound state of Minnesota. What could be more entertaining than to read about my exploits experiencing 80 below zero temperatures for the first time, my roommate choosing to thaw her car windows with a bucket of warm water, or the first time I saw someone plug their car into an outlet to ensure it started. My article was humorous and more than a little self-deprecating as I made complete fun of myself. Now, remember that space is a premium in most publications. While the editor liked my article … at least that’s what he told me … his critique included a bunch of red marks.

Oh how I learned to hate that red ink pen.

I got over it.

Editing is part of the writing process and critically important for any good PR professional to understand and appreciate.

I'm curious though what other people think is the most important skill for PR professionals to have in their toolkit. There are many but what is that one trait that everyone should have?


Images from Flickr.com (Dabaweyna, Esther_G)

My Professional Life

Have you seen these resume clouds? Kind of cool. I created this one using Wordle.


The thing I find really cool about the resume cloud is how it highlights certain areas of my career. Obviously my two areas of heavy concentration have been marketing and communications. But the resume cloud also shows that management -- of people and working with senior executives -- has also been a vital part of my career.

The other key to my career has been participation with and leading committees. I have spent a great deal of time working with non-profits, professional groups and on project teams in my various businesses. The one thing that I have found extremely valuable about committees is the opportunity to work with various personalities and work styles. This has given me the chance to hone my communication skills tremendously.

What about you? Where have you learned the most in your career?

What is Leadership?

A question that I have thought a lot about over the last few years is "What is leadership?". The dictionary definition of leadership from dictionary.com is:

1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. 2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.

Reading these definitions allows one to consider the concept of leadership on a surface level. However, I view leadership as more than simply being in a position of authority. My experiences have shown that there are a number of individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are not leaders. Instead of leading, these people choose to use their perceived power to control their employees or followers.

My definition of leadership is a bit more complicated. Leaders in my mind are individuals who exhibit all the characteristics they want to see in their employees and more. If a person in a superior role cannot be a model and mentor for his or her employees, then I have trouble believing that individual is truly a leader.

In my career, I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have taught me a great deal about personal and professional integrity. My mentors have helped shape me into a person who values the experiences and lessons I learn from co-workers, colleagues and others in my life. I believe it's important for me to pass on the traits I have gained to future generations. I expect feedback from people around me to help improve my skills. I hunger for education -- whether formal through school or informal through human contact.

The ultimate leader in my life is Jesus Christ. Following his example is critical for me. Look at the throngs of people who followed him during Biblical times and one cannot help but be humbled by the leadership he exhibited. I desire to show that type of leadership in my own life, both personal and professional.