EmpowHERment for Women Leaders

Academic Management InstituteDecember 4, 2010

Brenda J. Allen, Ph.D.University of Colorado Denver

Share insight and information about empowHERment for women leaders

Develop plans for increasing empowHERment

Workshop Goals

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to

sail my ship.Louisa May Alcott

Noun form of empower

to give official authority or legal power

to enable

to promote self-actualization

What is Empowerment?

Assess Assign Affirm Assert Accomplish

Strategies

Take inventory Monitor yourself Observe patterns, “tapes” Be honest

Assess

The most common way people give up their power

is by thinking they don't have any.

~Alice Walker~

Take initiative & responsibility Become more mindful Take time, make time for yourself Develop, use, & share power sources Increase cultural competence Network

Assign

Practice Mindfulness

Present Moment Awareness

Positive Mental Attitude

Personal Affirmations

Affirm

Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.

~Maya Angelou~

I am. I can. I do. I will.

Maintain agency

Communicate powerfully

Ask “wiifm?”

Just say “no!” Refine communication skills

Assert

How to say “no.” Use assertive nonverbal cues Decide response before speaking Don’t make unnecessary excuses Be willing to accept consequences Don’t ask for permission If appropriate, offer alternatives

No one can make you feel inferior

without your consent.~Eleanor Roosevelt~

Check your self talk

Listen actively

Manage nonverbal cues

Engage in dialogue

Assert – Refine Communication Skills

Appear empowered

Track progress

Reward yourself

Empower others

Reassess

Accomplish

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to

soar.

~Helen Keller~

If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.

~Margaret Fuller~

Action Plan