Dear Colleague,

October 2016

We are closing in on a historic, unpredictable and some would even say erratic election year. Casting our vote for the next leader of our country is an important decision that none of us take lightly and what we look for in that leader will differ based on our individual perspectives. We all continue to determine what it takes to be an effective leader especially during changing times that are full of challenge yet hope and opportunity. As we assess strong leadership, do we measure agility and flexibility as one of our criteria? Embracing change as an opportunity and managing it well is essential for an effective leader. Strong leaders do so with optimism, role modeling positive behaviors, influencing and inspiring others to share in that vision, encouraging risk taking and growth. This sets apart leaders who are able to empower others to release and use their leadership capabilities. Whether you are a leader, developing others to lead, leading your family or determining who should be the next leader of our country, welcoming change and leading with optimism are key factors.

Please share your leadership and career stories and updates with me. I look forward to hearing from you!

'Accepting Change as a Positive Necessity' and 'Lead With YES'. Please take a moment to read below and feel free to forward along to others.

This summer, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tina Gao on WMJX Magic 106.7 Radio for her Exceptional Women Series in addition to having my book, 'Personal Branding and Marketing Yourself' featured in an article by Peter Economy in INC Magazine.

Click each logo to go to the respective page on my website.

Best Regards,

Rita Balian Allen

Accepting Change as a Positive Necessity

By: Rita Balian Allen, Rita B. Allen Associates
Published on The Huffington Post

Summer is behind us and as we get ready to go back to work or school, we may want to ensure we are doing so with an openness to new possibilities. Fall is a very good illustration of the positive effects of change and the significance that transformation can bring. It tells a compelling story and creates a vivid picture through nature. Change represents progress yet so often, it is met with resistance. At times, this resistance comes from concern or fear of the unknown effects the change may bring to oneself and/or to others. While we cannot control or even predict what changes will be presented to us on a daily basis, one thing we know for sure - and that is the only constant we can expect to face every day is change! Therefore, shifting our mindset to one that accepts change as a positive necessity in our careers and lives is likely to empower us for success.

Change is inevitable and in reality, it represents progress, moving forward in a way that yields more efficiency and/or effectiveness. Our goal is to embrace change and realize that we play a role in making it happen; leadership sets the tone and everyone contributes. Yes, it can be uncomfortable and challenging, yet change also allows us to grow and venture into new territories that may be quite foreign at first but very rewarding in the end. For example...

Read the full article, "Accepting Change as a Positive Necessity"...

Lead With YES

By: Rita Balian Allen, Rita B. Allen Associates
Published on L&MB

There is a great poem by Charles Swindoll that starts as follows, "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life." It is a very inspiring poem about how powerful our outlook and attitude is in every aspect of our lives. The incredible impact it can bear on our decision making, relationships as well as outcomes. Most compelling is his point that it is ultimately in our hands to control and take charge of our attitude. Towards the very end of the poem, he says "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it". How true are those words? Although, at times we may find it hard to put into practice. Empowering ourselves with a positive attitude and optimistic outlook can make all the difference in our satisfaction, engagement and success.

As leaders, we are role models and set the tone for preferred behaviors, norms and standards for the team. Even as individual contributors, we lead by example to inspire and motivate others. You don't have to be in a leadership role to be a leader. Do we lead with optimism and positivity? How do we share our thoughts, perspectives and insights? Are we credible and persuasive...

Read the full article, "Lead With YES"...