What I Learned
And lastly, thanks and gratitude are sadly underrated. Your team will be significantly more productive and happier if they feel appreciated.
Mich Mathews
Senior vice president of marketing, Microsoft
My philosophy is that business is one big fun game; it's all about strategy and facts and logic. If emotion gets in the way, it can color judgment. I also believe attitude is everything: you always have to keep perspective and bring a sense of humor to your job. I often say to people, "Hey, look. You know, no children have died here. There's always tomorrow. At the end of the day, it's only a job." I think you can deal with the toughest, gravest, most miserable day if you keep a positive attitude.
I'm a believer in connecting with people personally and knowing them as human beings. I guess some people might say that's more of a feminine quality than a male one, but I feel it's important not to lose your identity just because you're in a very male culture or an engineering culture.
You can see a mile off a woman who has confidence, who carries herself well. Confidence breeds success. It's imperative that you go into meetings prepared, know the three or four facts that add value and show you are really on top of stuff. Exude confidence and people will look at you and say, "Wow! I have faith in this person. I have trust that they're going to do a really good job. Wow! I'm going to give them the promotion. Wow! I'm going to take a risk on that person to take on this next big project."
I'm big on nonverbal things. Here's a little trick I use. Say there's a meeting going on, and you're having a really hard time making your point. If you have a cup, lean forward over that conference table, place that cup in the middle of the table and put your hand down. It's amazing how it works. People look to see what you have to say. You've got the floor. Take it.
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Member Comments
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:20:29 AM
Comment: Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and thought I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. I am a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please add me to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amdirable team. Keep up the good work. You lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:19:37 AM
Comment: Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and thought I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. I am a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please add me to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amdirable team. Keep up the good work. You lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima
Posted By: Winnie Kathurima @ 10/23/2007 9:14:29 AM
Comment: Dear Mary Robinson. I read your short powerful story in the Oct 22 newsweek and though I should congratulate you and add a line to your already growing global impact. Iam a Kenyan woman, Director of the leading Microfinance Bank in Africa; Equity Bank. Could you please ad to your list of activities the role of Microfinace more so in breaking the chains of poverty for our people and especially women. I know we can make a huge difference together with the other elders in your amirable team. Keep up the good work. you lifted me to the next level of my career just with your words. Winnie Kathurima