Strategies and Tactics for Women by Dr. Shannon Reece

Experience is one of the most valuable assets in business. Think about how much you rely on the things you’ve learned through the good, bad, and even ugly times. Every late night, early morning, stumble, victory, tear or bead of sweat has value — they are gifts. The lessons you take away from your experiences are the forces that guide you into the future.

Your experiences are as unique as you are. No two are alike, nor can they be replicated. The greatest thing about them is that they keep on coming every day.

But all this value is wasted if you keep it to yourself.

No matter what business you are in, you are in a position to mentor others. You are faced with continuous opportunities to share wisdom with those around you — clients, employees, students, peers, and family. Teachable moments are all around you, and yet, many times you let them just pass you by. Excuses are easy. Investing in others is the real work.

Sharing is something that women typically do with more ease than men, because they are wired to connect on deeper levels. But when it comes to business, female entrepreneurs are not always as open about the paths they’ve journeyed. Failure has become a dirty word that women don’t like to talk about. In business, it is equated with weakness or lack of ability. But failure is par for the course for both genders, and is wasted when hidden from view.

How transparent are you?

It’s time for women to quit holding back when it comes to talking about their professional experiences. Victories are so much sweeter, and challenges are so much easier when shared with others. But before you open the floodgates, let’s take a look at what true transparency means.

Transparency is not singing about your achy-breaky heart, airing your dirty laundry, or venting. It’s about sharing the valuable take-aways from your best experiences. Being authentic and honest when it comes to your victories and your mistakes is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to others. It may not only help them avoid some of the stumbles you encountered, but can give them greater options to face the ones they can’t avoid.

In a recent guest post I quoted Dr. Brené Brown (@BreneBrown), who said that the original definition of courage is “to tell a story of who you are with your whole heart.” And it takes courage and a level of vulnerability to share your story with your audience, whether one person or a thousand.

As we near the end of another year, filled with a myriad experiences, I challenge you to consider sharing more and not losing sight of the teachable moments you encounter each day. Give the gift of transparency to those within your circle of influence. You’ll never know how much you have to gain from the experience of whole-heartedly sharing with others until you get out there try it.

© 2010 Reece International LLC/Dr. Shannon Reece. All rights reserved.

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Dr. Shannon Reece – The One Trusted Woman in a Man’s Business World
Starting your own business can be tough, but having the right tools makes all the difference. Dr. Reece provides the strategies and tactics women need to get their businesses from zero to launch and achieve real results. For more information visit www.DrShannonReece.com.