How motivated are you to assert yourself as a leader?   Do you see a gap in the workplace that you could fill with innovative ideas and can instigate new processes but are reluctant to take appropriate action and move out of your comfort zone?Here’s an example of filling a gap that can help you understand a way to self-motivate, be innovative, and Instigate Real!

Many years ago, Leigh (left) was working as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Public Affairs at Brandeis University.  When she saw a lot of publicity for student events during Women’s Month—but not one activity for the female staff—she got mad.  Without a second thought of consequences and no one else stepping up to the issue, she organized, promoted, and moderated a panel discussion called “9 to 5 The Brandeis Way” during which panelists talked about job sharing, work-life balance, and professional respect. A professor Leigh consulted told her, “If one person shows up you’ll be lucky.”

Over 75 students, staff, and professors attended the first of what would be many innovative programs on campus for staff and throughout Leigh’s career.  Flash forward to 2006 when Leigh was invited by the President of the Business & Professional Women International to co-present during the United Nations 50^th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.  Leigh’s unexpected topic, “The Fractured State of Women’s Leadership” drew positive feedback.

During her career, Leigh continued to receive more requests such as being asked to give the keynote address she developed on “Respect: How to Earn It” to the men and women at the Society for Marketing Professionals Conference.  The topic is not often addressed; Leigh’s innovative presentation instigated energy in the audience and requests for more information so they could introduce the topic to their employees.

Leigh delivering keynote to SMPS attendees

Now, how motivated are you to regularly be moving out of your comfort zone in order to be Instigating Real! as a habit?  The lessons Leigh learned while navigating to a fulfilling career included taking risks and filling gaps in the workplace, expanding the horizons of a college or professional audience, skating on thin ice to find the solid ground of a career where she could share not just knowledge but how to be an authentic leader.

Now, how motivated are you to regularly be moving out of your comfort zone in order to be Instigating Real! as a habit?  The lessons Leigh learned while navigating to a fulfilling career included taking risks and filling gaps in the workplace, expanding the horizons of a college or professional audience, skating on thin ice to find the solid ground of a career where she could share not just knowledge but how to be an authentic leader.