BY: DR. EUGENIA ORR
Have you ever wondered what a woman’s secret to success is? She seems to have everything together. When she speaks, the room goes silent like those old E.F. Hutton commercials because everyone wants to hear the pearls of wisdom she is about to drop. Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Mellody Hobson and Valerie Jarrett are all incredible women. Some of the incredible women Career Mastered has had the honor of featuring (including Cynthia Marshall and Janice Bryant Howroyd), and especially Career Mastered’s fearless leader, Dr. Lisa J. Wicker, are the real deal. They are confident in their skills and unapologetic in their power and purpose. Even when
they are afraid, they don’t freeze in fear. They are intentional about using that power to make an even greater difference for those around them.
What do these women have that others don’t? Probably not as much as you think.
ave you ever wondered what a woman’s secret to success is? She seems to have everything together. When she speaks, the room goes silent like those old E.F. Hutton commercials because everyone wants to hear the pearls of wisdom she is about to drop. Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Mellody Hobson and Valerie Jarrett are all incredible women. Some of the incredible women Career Mastered has had the honor of featuring (including Cynthia Marshall and Janice Bryant Howroyd), and especially Career Mastered’s fearless leader, Dr. Lisa J. Wicker, are the real deal. They are confident in their skills and unapologetic in their power and purpose. Even when
they are afraid, they don’t freeze in fear. They are intentional about using that power to make an even greater difference for those around them.
What do these women have that others don’t? Probably not as much as you think.
THINK FIRST.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. You can only control how you react. If you try to control everything, you will control nothing, including yourself and how you interact with others. When you are thoughtful, your thoughts, ideas, opinions and expertise will become more sought-after.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN.
Scripture tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. There is also much to be said like they are heard and that their input has been considered. Once that reciprocal relationship is established, others will back you and add to your authority.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS.
This is, and will always be, an integral part of commanding the right room. Styles have changed Socirty is more laxed, but that powerful woman who you admire always looks the part. She commands the room the moment she steps in. Find your style and work it. You can rock your personal style, while also commanding the room. Be original, but also be aware. Remember, there is power in connecting and you must find a way to connect in every room.
USE HUMOR.
Humor goes a long way to bringing power to the room. It puts people at ease, helps others connect, and shows another side of you. Humor can demonstrate your wit and intelligence and can diffuse tense
This is, and will always be, an integral part of commanding the right room. Styles have changed. Society is more laxed, but that powerful woman who you admire always looks the part. She commands the room the moment situations. Just know when humor is appropriate and when it is not. d
Native Chicagoan, Dr. Eugenia Orr is a nationally published freelance writer and journalist, an enthusiastic speaker, a devoted daughter, and a lover of all things beautiful. Dr. Orr loves to deliver messages about community, empowerment, beauty, tranquility, and leadership. Eugenia holds a Doctorate in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University; a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from UIC, and a Bachelor’s in her first and true love, Interior Design, from the International Academy of Design and Technology.