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What's Your Next Big Thing?
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Linda Griffin
Linda Griffin jumped into the corporate world right out of college. When she made the transition from techie to leader at IBM, she learned that traditional management training didn’t adequately prepare her for the daily challenges of inspiring, empowering and motivating team members. As a leadership and career coach, she now shares what she learned during her successful 30-year career. She helps first time managers, team leaders, and supervisors deal with the expected, the unexpected and the “you can’t make this stuff up” issues that leaders encounter. Linda has an MBA from the University of South Florida and completed training at Coach Training Alliance.
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Linda Griffin | WomenCo.
September 04, 2008
After a long, lazy summer, September is the time when kids get back to the business of learning. As much as they complain, most of them are excited to begin new classes. It’s also a good time for adults to start new projects and endeavors. With four months left in the year, you still have time to accomplish one or more of your 2008 goals.
What will you focus on for the next 120 days?
I’m a big fan of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. She is the first woman to be elected bishop of the 200-year-old African Methodist Episcopal Church, breaking what she calls the “stained glass ceiling.” I’ve heard her speak several times and have been impressed with how practical and down to earth she is. I attended an interfaith service in July where she gave the keynote sermon. Her theme was “What would you do if you couldn’t fail?”
What a powerful question to ask yourself in business and in life! Would you:
• Learn a new musical instrument?
• Start a business?
• Volunteer to lead a project?
• Ask for a raise or a promotion?
• Invite someone into your life?
• Tell someone to leave?
• Work more hours?
• Work less hours?
• Write a book?
When you challenge yourself to “think big” it’s amazing what you can accomplish.
brandylynn1975
3 months ago
130 comments
Motivational, thanks, need that sometimes.
LindaG
3 months ago
92 comments
Raven, I battle with putting things off as well. Sometimes it's because I'm not sure where to start and the task seems too big but if I can just force myself to start and do one activity in support of it - that gets the momentum started.
Insanitek - you know I love your quote! Dreaming Big is one of my favorites !
Watchnstarz44
3 months ago
13482 comments
Articles by Linda Griffin are always well written and timely. I also learn from the posts that follow. AJaneChambers, congratulations for taking on a leadership role in women's ministry. Every post shows a different facet to each member here.
Insanitek
3 months ago
302 comments
One of my favourite quotes that changed my life was "Dream big, dare to fail." I have never lived a more fulfilled life.
raven
3 months ago
2 comments
I admit that I put things off alot but after reading this article I realize that I still have more to do before this year is over.... I plan to put together my packet to get promoted. Its long overdue!
Jorgelina
4 months ago
34 comments
Thanks Linda for your advice. Regards Jorgelina
LindaG
4 months ago
92 comments
Hi Jorgelina, I'm so happy to hear that your son is healthy. Best wishes to you both. You're very smart to think about what you want to do next before jumping into a new job. Instead of looking a job that you fit into, I recommend you look for a job that fits your ideal lifestyle. Start by writing down the work environment that you would like to have - in an office, outside or a combination. The number of hours that you want to work,etc. Then look for the job that comes closest to meeting that environment. I have more to say about this so I'll make it the topic of my next Womenco article. Be on the lookout for it.
Jorgelina
4 months ago
34 comments
Your are article is excellent, congratulations!!! By this time i`m thinking about my next steps at work. I worked at a company up to Nov 30, 07. A fortnight before this date, I was notified that I will be fired and by this time I was also pregnant. I had a high risk pregnancy so I decided not to look for a new job until my son born. Fortunately on july 12, 08 my son was born so healthy and I am currently feeling well at all. Because of that I am wondering what my next big thing is going to be. I am willing to work hard again so I will look forward new activities. It is important for me to listen all your advices and learn for your experiences. Thanks and keep in contact
LindaG
4 months ago
92 comments
AJaneChambers, congratulations on taking on this leadership position. I know you will gain as much or more as the women you minister to. Good luck and keep us posted!
AJaneChambers
4 months ago
320 comments
I've taken on a leadership position in a women's ministry. Training began yesterday, and I'm just now learning what the leaders do beyond what the members see, so this is a big step.