EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
EXCELLING FROM WITHIN
Have you ever put yourself out there – I mean really out there? I had decided to run for Municipal Council in the spring. However, in July I had several individuals who came to see me that asked me to consider running for Mayor. In the end I decided to file my papers for Mayor. I nervously submitted my papers July 30th, and was told by the returning officer that I could always withdraw depending on who else submitted papers. This wasn’t the only time I would receive a “suggestion”.
When I announced my candidacy for Mayor, I was approached by several people who insisted my EXPERTISE and EXPERIENCE were so valuable that I should instead run for Town Council. They insisted that they felt I had so much to offer that they didn’t want me to lose the election and not even be on council.
I wish I had said that my EXPERTISE and EXPERIENCE are SO VALUABLE I need to be leading the team! What I have to offer would have been of huge value to the Town of Three Hills. I am confident in my ability to have done this well.
I wish I could say this is the only time I have experienced this type of treatment however it is not. Most of my career has been working in male dominated industries. I am no stranger to my skills and experience being overlooked because I am a woman. These experiences have fueled my desire to support other women in male dominated industries. Organizing Women in Leadership & Women in Public Works, Technology and Trades workshops to encourage women to seek out leadership roles in their chosen industries has been a passion for me. What allows us to be successful is diversity in the workforce, elected councils and small businesses. Nationally only 30% of elected officials are female, yet they represent over 50% of the population. I was very encouraged to see several newly elected females in local government, including the City of Calgary Mayor.
My bid for Mayor was not successful. Tuesday, I allowed myself to feel those hard emotions and make some notes. Then I used my box-it-up theory. I stuffed it all in a box, taped it shut and put it up on my shelf, figuratively speaking. On Tuesday I used my tools to 5-4-3-2-1 get out of bed, High 5’d myself in the mirror, put my exercise clothes on and worked out. Getting dressed for the day, I sat down to write this article. For more information on these tools see Mel Robbins – The 5 Second Rule & The High 5 Habit.
I have had an outpouring of support from former colleagues, residents, and business owners. People who reminded me that my light is bright. And because it was time to practice what I teach, I reminded myself that this is just another learning opportunity in my life. A learning opportunity that has provided me with more material for my teaching and facilitation. One of my team members said there are 429 disappointed people in Three Hills today which was a great reminder. I am choosing to see myself as courageous and keeping myself open to where my journey will take me next. If you are a woman in a leadership role, please join me for the Women In Leadership Retreat. January 28 – 30, 2022. For Information click here.