Trish Skram’s Blog

Posted December 31, 2009

It’s New Year’s Eve! I love this time of year. It’s a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on the past year or years’ happenings and look at what you did and maybe even what you would do differently in the year ahead. And may I just add … 2009 was a GREAT year! Each year, my boyfriend, Ron, and I take time to gather up our previous year goals and create new ones for the coming year. Then, we sit down, over a glass of wine and talk about where we were and where we want to be, what worked, what didn’t, why a particular goal wasn’t met, where we succeeded. It’s a great exercise to get your mind crunching and move faster and more effectively in all areas of life. It’s been great for us as a couple, too! So, with that said, here are a few highlights for 2009:

Professional:
• Became part of a rock star dynamic Web 2.0 team at my company to mold and shape our online presence into the comprehensive network it is today. My role as media/PR specialist has essentially become, “PR 2.0.” I’m so very fortunate to work for a company that allows me to explore my passions, develop new challenges and advance in my career.
• Part of an expert panel at a national PR/communications event in Phoenix on social media and health care. My first EVER national appearance– thanks @texasgirl11 and @markraganCEO for providing me with the opportunity.
• Finalist at the 2009 Ragan Recognition Awards in Chicago for “best specialty publication/magazine in May 2009. Shout out to co-worker, Robin, for her mad graphics skills.
• Awarded with three merits from the Wisconsin HealthCare Public Relations and Marketing Society for public relations and social media relations. One being Judges’ Choice for excellent social media measurement and effectiveness. Not a sole effort, folks- I work with an amazing, very intelligent group of people. They all deserve the shout out too!
• Guest speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater public relations/communications department. What an honor to be invited to speak for a professor I had only 3 years ago!

Personal:
• Ran my first 5K in March, then 8K in May! I’m proud to say I’ve completed over 6 races in 2009. WOOT! Thanks, Amy and Amy (trainer) for pushing me and helping me get to where I am. Now training for a half-marathon in August 2010 – one of my big goals for 2010.
• Made fitness a regular, attainable habit in my daily regimen.

• Went SKYDIVING for the first time ever! Read about my experience HERE.
• Took a fabulous trip to Niagara Falls, Canada with my man, Ron and two if our close friends.
• Traveled to Las Vegas, Chicago, Phoenix and Canada (some work, some personal). Either way, traveling is always a highlight in my book!
• Vamped up my social networks online, including my biggest accomplishment, my personal blog, trishskram.com. It’s almost been a year – and I’m proud of what it’s become so far. Special shout out to Ron, for his unfathomable faith in me to be something better. You’re my rock!
• Last but not least, I’ve connected with some of the most creative, knowledgeable communications/PR folks via online– you’re all shining stars.

Besides all that mushy stuff … some of you may be trying to stick to your past New Year’s resolutions still. If they were easy, everyone would be doing it, right? Willpower, stress and time seem to be a big part of why we don’t reach our goals. If you are reading this and thinking, “Wow, that’s SO me…” then the following are a few tips I use to help me make better resolutions to set realistic goals:

• Set up an appropriate environment to support you.
• Don’t expect perfection. Set realistic goals. Choose lifestyle changes you are willing to work on. Don’t just change behaviors to make your family, spouse or children happy.
• Studies show it takes 6 months to change a habit permanently so have patience. It takes time to change old habits.
• Get an accountability partner. Choose friends that will help you get where you want to be. A partner that is positive and supportive of you. Oprah says it best, “Surround yourself with people that will lift you higher.” So true.

So, what are your 2010 resolutions and how do you plan to stick to them?

Image courtesy of Design Leftovers, bmiint.blogspot.com

 

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For those of you familiar with “Napoleon Dynamite,” you probably appreciate the title. In the film, Napoleon says to Pedro, “Girls only like guys with skills” after discussing prom dates. Well, that line might hold some truth. But besides nunchakus (or nunchucks) and computer skills (as Napoleon would say), good managers only like employees with skills … good communication skills that is.

I was inspired to blog about these “skills” based on a question posed at #u30pro chat last night on Twitter (a shout out to the #u30pro community … woot!)

I think it’s so important to recognize skills we have acquired (good or bad) over the years from past and current managers. You’ll be amazed with how much you learn about yourself, how much you’ve grown, how much more enhanced your natural skill has become and how much those skills have changed your goals and aspirations. So, here goes. Top 6 skills I’ve learned from great managers.

Caption: Halloween 2008. I still laugh at this photo whenever I see it!

Always listen … attentively. And always make time in your day to listen to others. No matter what. You’ll be respected, more approachable and you’ll be looked at as someone people trust and look up to. Listening can also be a great research tool.

Seek challenges. Even when they make your job harder, busier and more stressful. It will bring out the best in you, even if you fail at the challenge. As they say: if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.

Be open-minded. I’ve said this many times in previous posts. It’s a skill that enables us to achieve more success because we can perceive things as others see them.

Keep dialog positive. Don’t let negative conversations with colleagues; co-workers and clients outweigh the positives. Point out more positive aspects than negative in almost all situations. Constructive criticism is best. Avoid being too snarky (if you can).

Know the value of a team. A good team creates strong alliances and eventually will bring you everything you need in a good working relationship. Professional and/or personal, surround yourself with people who will take you higher.

Be a relationship-builder. Most important skill in my book. Need I say more?

What is #u30pro? Spearheaded by @cubanaLAF and @davidSpinks, #u30pro is a forum for young working professionals to discuss how to bridge the generational gap, demolish stereotypes and break down differences in the professional workplace. I think you’ll be interested in this forum - check it out!

What skills would you add to my list? Please comment!

Photo courtesy of http://fanpop.com

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