Making 2011 Great - Recapped by a Friend and Colleague

I loved getting to present "Making 2011 Great" to our Sterling Bank Women's Business Initiative last week, and was delighted to have my friend and colleague, Christine Pechayco, provide her assessment of my presentation: 

On January 20, 2011 Sterling Bank WBI luncheon attendees were treated to another terrific presentation.  This time, Sterling’s own Pamela Lovett, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Community Affairs took the stage to share her thoughts on “Making 2011 Great.”

Pam shared with the audience some practical and wonderful tips for enriching personal and professional relationships, ways to be more productive, and achieving personal best. 

Developing good personal habits contribute to this end.  She encouraged the audience to seek ways to celebrate various achievements, be they one’s own large undertakings and small victories, or those of others. Pam shared her ideas on ways to be productive while waiting – catching up on reading, analyzing to-do lists, or making a new acquaintances are only some. She pointed out the value of being on time for appointments as a sign of respect for others. Starting and ending the day with a clean slate by forgiving yourself and others was another.

As one who writes about leadership, fellowship, and some of her adventures with her family through the blog Everything’s Connected, Pam has an appreciation for finding creative outlets, and encouraged others to create as well. Whether cooking a favorite recipe, completing a jewelry project, or writing, the result is the gained sense of satisfaction at the end.

Approach work with gusto and enthusiasm was another piece of advice shared by Pam, and to do so by keeping skills refreshed, through continuous learning, honing one’s communication skills, and anticipating.  Continuous learning keeps one interesting, interested, engaged and employable, according to Pam. Books, book summaries, blogs, on-line courses, and continuing education courses are all valuable means of enriching knowledge. Communicating is a two to one ratio, according to Pam.  Our two ears and one mouth underline the importance of listening before we speak, she said.  Anticipating is another important skill not to ignore, but cautioned the audience to appreciate the experience in the process. 

Attitude contributes to productivity.  Pam advised the group to shed procrastination tendencies and to act decisively, to appreciate and learn to live with the things we have, and evaluate goals.  “Be certain that what you think you want is what you really want and not what you think you should want, or what others want for you,” said Pam.

Being realistic with our self expectations is another important factor to having a successful year.  Pam said, “Give up perfectionism. Excellent is good enough,” admittedly suggesting an all-too-familiar notion.

“Best is best,” said Pam.  “My marathon may be your walk in the park.”

Lastly, she advised WBI members to cast aside unrealistic ideas of superwoman capabilities. 

Pam’s practical and timeless ideas are encapsulated in a rhyme she penned, Things I “Ate” That Make Life Great.

Look for things to celebrate

Be productive while you wait

Respect others – don’t be late

Every day clean your slate

Make something special you create

Be of value – earn your rate

Keep on learning – educate

Improve relations – communicate

Look forward – anticipate

Be decisive, don’t hesitate

Count your blessings – appreciate

Know yourself – evaluate

Best is best – calibrate

Fold your cape and liberate