A Chat with Fran Zone and PBWC Members
 (9 AM Chat) 

Operations-Welcome to the inaugural chat for the Professional BusinessWomen of California. Today we are honored to present our honored guest, Fran Zone. I am the chat moderator and my login name is "Operations". We will be starting shortly. We are just waiting for a to see if a few more arrivals join us. Before we start our chat I have a few general rules to present and then I will turn it over to our hosts, Kimberly and Fran.

Operations-We are just waiting for a to see if a few more arrivals join us. Before we start our chat I have a few general rules to present and then I will turn it over to our hosts, Kimberly and Fran.

Operations-Welcome again everyone. Thank you for joining us today.

Operations-1) The Fran Zone Chat is a moderated chat room.2) Please do not type questions or comments until the moderator gives you permission.3) To ask a question or make a comment only type in a question mark: "?"4) After you submit a "?" your question will be held in queue. When the moderator (that is me, Operations) gives you permission please type in your full question or comment.5) Please respect everyone who is sharing the chat with you by refraining from profanity and prejudicial comments especi

Operations-4) After you submit a "?" your question will be held in queue. When the moderator (that is me, Operations) gives you permission please type in your full question or comment.5) Please respect everyone who is sharing the chat with you by refraining from profanity and prejudicial comments especially related to sex, race, age or class.6) Enjoy yourself and have fun!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Hello and welcome to PBWC's first-ever online chat! Our chat features one of PBWC's most popular speakers, Fran Zone, a communication expert and vocal advocate for women in the workplace.  My name is Kimberly Rengleand I will serve as your facilitator. Those of you that have heard Fran speak know what a dynamo she is. Her clients include White House Staff, CEO's, Senator Jackie Speier, Time Inc, and smart people like YOU. She is the co-creator of leadership scholarships for women and the creator

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-have heard Fran speak know what a dynamo she is. Her clients include White House Staff, CEO's, Senator Jackie Speier, Time Inc, and smart people like YOU. She is the co-creator of leadership scholarships for women and the creator of the Stop Auditioning! Workshop, which will be held August 1 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.  In fact, a chance to win a free registration is featured on this chat page!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-will be held August 1 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.  In fact, a chance to win a free registration is featured on this chat page!Today, Fran will focus on your thoughts and questions about leadership, power, and moving your career forward.  We've received several questions from you already -- so let's start with those and then open it up to what's on your mind right now. Enjoy!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-received several questions from you already -- so let's start with those and then open it up to what's on your mind right now. Enjoy!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-First, what should you do if you are having a disagreement with someone?

Fran Zone-Whatever you do, NEVER let a disagreement be perceived as personal.  It's the best way to lose an argument and marginalize yourself completely as a woman. NEVER let a disagreement be perceived as personal!  It drops you squarely into the 'emotional female' stereotype and you won't be taken seriously. What you want to do is get agreement on defining what it is you disagree about. Hear each other out and then agree to disagree. Champions find victories in shades of grey.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Here is what Fran was trying to continue with:

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-and you won't be taken seriously. What you want to do is get agreement on defining what it is you disagree about. Hear each other out and then agree to disagree. Champions find victories in shades of grey.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-What is the single most important way to improve personal and public presentation style?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Know what works for you.  Pay attention to little victories and repeat them. This is where confidence is born. The more you know about what works for you, the better. AND -- when presenting to anyone, do your homework. All audiences are focused on the answer to one question:  "How will you (or this idea) affect me?"  The better you answer that question, the better the result. In other words, focus on them and they will focus on you.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-question:  "How will you (or this idea) affect me?"  The better you answer that question, the better the result. In other words, focus on them and they will focus on you.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-How can women make the transition from management to the executive suite?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Managers are usually facilitation focused in their communication. Executives focus on strategy.  Executives are respected for how they think -- not how late or how hard they work.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Strategic thinkers move up the ladder quickly. Seize opportunities to share how you think -- in meetings, in email -- ask questions about outcomes and strategy -- always align to objectives when making a point...And whenever possible, be seen as the voice of reason -- the person that can put things in perspective.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle--- the person that can put things in perspective.  EVERY meeting and every boardroom needs a voice of reason -- why not let it be YOU?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-How can you best leverage the way you are perceived in the workplace?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Take charge of defining yourself. You can do this at all levels of your career.  The best way to take charge of managing how you are perceived is to manage what is ASSUMED of you.  If you manage what I assume of you, you manage how I value you.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-She continues: Act "as if" you are the next level you seek.  A desk stacked high in work and papers constantly sends the visual message that you are a worker with too much to do.  Ever notice that leaders have fairly clean offices and desks?  Not a coincidence.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Further: In doing so, they create the assumption that they are managing their workload and can take on more responsibility. Also -- NEVER go to a meeting shlepping papers and folders.  You will LOOK like a worker and no one will listen to how you think.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-What makes "good" leaders?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Good leaders are good listeners. They listen for what's needed and make choices accordingly. Great leaders are motivators and enablers.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-She continues: They motivate action and enable results by providing the tools, support and/or resources necessary to get the job done and allow OTHERS to take the credit.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-How do you prepare if you are being interviewed by the media?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Do your homework. Preparation is vital in media interview.  Know as much about the interviewer, their publication, or program as possible. What do they focus on?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-She continues: To make it worth your time,  you should never do media interviews merely to answer questions -- you do media interviews to deliver a message. Identify and define the message you want to deliver.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-And, Fran says DON'T forget: Anticipate the 5 questions you expect the most and DREAD the most.  Be ready for all of them.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-How can women create Genderless Power in the workplace?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Power IS genderless.  Power is the ability to make a decision for an outcome and having the authority and resources to back it up.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-She continues: A workplace that values strategic thinking, listening without judgment, and supports and encourages growth and learning is a powerful place for all genders.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-For those who've just joined the chat, Fran is having some trouble connecting, so I am posting both the questions you've asked and the responses.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-How can we help redefine success?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says:

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Today's workplace offers many opportunities for us all to define success for ourselves. Flex-time, job shares are an example, if balance, etc is your idea of success. You don't HAVE to climb the ladder unless you want to.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Further: The BEST way to redefine success is to define it for yourself and be sure that a person or mentor in power respects and supports that definition. Then you've got traction.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Here's a good one! What is the biggest mistake you ever made and what did you learn from it?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says: Probably believing that working harder and longer would be rewarded. I learned that the harder and longer I worked, the tired-er and more resentful I got, while people who were setting boundaries were going home earlier and getting promoted.

Kathryn Serksnis-So this has all been staged?   I thought we were joining a live chat with her?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Absolutely!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-We've started with a few of the questions YOU'VE already sent

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Do you have a question?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Operations -- any new questions?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-This just in... What are some of the not-so-obvious mistakes made in the work environment when trying to get ahead and promoted?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-We do get in our own way, especially when we count on old habits to support new skills. Many of us still count on working hard as a way to the top.

Jackie McNab-? Fran, could you discuss the importance of networking and mentoring in regards to moving your career forward

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Fran says:  Good question!  MENTORS are invaluable, but evern better are STRATEGIC WITNESSES -- people of power who can move you forwrd.

Operations-Fran- Could you explain strategic witnesses a bit more? I have never heard that term.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-These are people who are respecterd in your industry and who value YOU.  The people you aspire to become.  Find one or two and recruit them to be of aid in meetings

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-A strategic witness is  someone of poiwer who respects YOU and is respectedx in your industry.  THEY influence what happens to you..

Sandi Kane-?For those of you who are having problems entering text--> Just type in a ? and hit enter.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-This is Fran -- anymore questions?

jim zigarelli-In the new economy, is age an issue for advancement. Do people over 45 advance as effectively.

Sandi Kane-How do you gain feedback as a consultant?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-The new economy is limping and dying.  The OLD economy respects experience and strategic thinking...which is ageless.  YOUTH could be a problem in a downturn

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Sandi -- I'm not sure I understand your question -- how bout an example?

Sandi Kane-How does a consultant gain strategic witnesses?

Jackie McNab-? Fran, What tips can give on give on developing your own

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-OK -- I understand

Jackie McNab-?leadership style

Stephanie Fricke-What would be your two best tips for getting ahead as a woman in the business workplace?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-First -- encourage clients to write a letter expressing their appreciation for your work -- collect them.  Put them in your portfolio and TARGET a witnTess or two -- Get to know them --

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-To develop YOUR style -- look around and see what you admire in other leaders

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Then, begin to try ONE thing that puts you in your bvest light.  KNOW that leaders are respected for how they THINK

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Get in the habit of asking GOOD questions in meetings that show your VISION and focus on OUTCOMES

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-TODAY's KEYWORD IS ASSUME -- visit the ZONE click on down below and you could WIN a day with ME!

Operations-From Jackie--What is the best way to develop your leadership style?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-LEaders asre good communicators.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Make sure you communicare clearly and pay attention to what works for YOU.

jim zigarelli-Could you give a couple examples of leadership styles you admire, Fran?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Are you a storyteller?  Are you anecdotal?  AND always use EMAIL as a strategic tool for commhjnicating succinctly to a team

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Leaders focus on outcomes. Start looking at your outrcome FIRST and then discuss steps -- then you will be seen as someone with a VISION

gwen wong-how do you determine when email or in person is most effective?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Great question

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Email is for sharing INFORMATION and establishing procedure-- IN PERSON is for establishing RELATIONSHIPS -- and in person should be interspersed -- no real relationships are nurtured in cyberspace alone

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Any other questions?

Stephanie Fricke-What leaders do you admire most?

gwen wong-so, probably as a first, in-person and as the project progresses, email...with periodic in-person if the team needs it.....thanks

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-If not, can I thank you pioneer astronauts? We seem to have gotten something done, snags and all

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-I admire leaders who lead with generosity and who have the courage of their conviction -- Bill Bradley, John McCain, Madeleine Albright -- JACKIE SPEIER!!!

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Gwen -- right on.  Once you get buy-in, do a conference call and involve them.  You'll see personality style, and ayour team will work harder for a for you because you are now REAL to them

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-A thought -- the most important human need is to be seen and heard. So -- let em SEE email and hear YOU -- then you have mind and spirit.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Operations -- how are we doing on time?

gwen wong-can you expand on that thought on being seen and heard?

Ruth Stergiou-Fran Thank you for being a pioneer this morningand for your time our next chat is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. so if you woudl like to join us again you would all be welcome?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-OK -- In order to contribute we need to feel someone is LISTENING -- and that they SEE us.  THat's why eye contact is soooooo valuable when interacting and MUST be done in person!!!

gwen wong-thanks.....{I'll type faster next time......:-)}

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-I'm happy to stay for 10 more minutes....anyone have something???

Operations-Anymore questions?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Gwen-- I'm with you --and my typos!!:)

Operations-Go ahead Cindy

Cindy A-What is the most common mistakes women make in the work place?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Great question.  We get stuck in learned assumptions and old habits.  We assume we need to work HARDER and have the RIGHT answers....

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-THAT's college stuff.  Being RIGHT has nothing to do with being in charge

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-In fact, if you are seen as someone that needs to be right, you will be seen as someoen

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-who will make me WRONG eventually to STAY RIGHT.  Very marginalizing.  Don't focus on being right

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-or having the right answer --

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-focus on COMPELLING me to DO SOMETHING!!!!! In other words, stop being a good girl with good answers

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-it's very passive

Operations-Any more questions for Fran?

gwen wong-what methods for compelling are effective for women?

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Anything else as we make a bit o PBWC cyberherstory

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-PASSION can be a very good thing!!!

Operations-Thank you all for joining us today and our historical chat.

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-Align your passion to commitment language not EMOTION language.  Women are KNOWN for getting things down with their passion...USE THAT ASSUMPTION

Fran Zone and Kimberly Rengle-THANK YOU for the visit!!! hOPE WE'LL MEET AGAIN -- FRAN

gwen wong-thanks!!!

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A Chat with Fran Zone and PBWC Members
 (4 PM Chat)