HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR SPIRIT, YOU OWN THAT.

“Your SKILLS make you an asset to an Organization.
Your ATTITUDE and SPIRIT add value to it’s Net Worth.”Marta Haut
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"MANAGEMENT-ISMS" aka (marta-isms)

This is a list that I built and passed along to each new "Rookie" District Manager that I mentored over the years.  Lessons learned the hard way, hopefully will serve as growing pain prevention.

~ I do My BEST WORK when I remember to be myself!
~ I will NEVER forget what it takes to run the floor and manage the store.
~ I do not waste time or energy worrying about what people think of me.
~ My business is my business...the rest must be NONE of my business.
~ I have control over HOW I react to things that are put on my plate.
~ Never miss an opportunity to KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT - I can't learn if I am not listening.
~ I do not have to be loud to be respected <ARTICULATE myself with GRACE and PROFESSIONALISM.
~ Remove the EMOTION...never the SPIRIT or the PASSION.
~ The only approval I seek comes from the results and achievements of my team.
~ It is no longer about ME...it is all about MY TEAM.
~ I will not be a problem solver, I will empower people to solve problems.
~ If it comes out of my mouth OUT LOUD...then I’d better be right. (know the facts)
~ Pick my battles wisely....trivial issues are exhausting and can be brutal.
~ There is no room on my shoulders for self doubt & insecurity.
~ I am the only one who can set my limitations.
~ The time and energy that I SPEND on my team TODAY will PAY for my FUTURE.
~ If I do not stick up for my people, WHO THE HECK WILL?
~ If it is important to my TEAM, then it is important to ME.
~ I had to make MANY mistakes to get this SMART! (Mistakes = Learning)
~ No one reaches brilliant by themselves…..be open to new ideas.
~ If it is good to help others, then it is good to ask for help when you need it.
~ I have confidence in myself, because I really BELIEVE that I CAN DO ANYTHING!
~ I will NEVER EVER lower my standards. 
~ I have learned, it is usually your ‘best’ people who will burn you, keep your eyes open.
~ If I don’t know the answer, I won’t make up an answer just to have an answer! 
~ I must establish a good connection, before I can communicate.
~ Did I TEACH someone something new today? Did I LEARN something new today?
~ There is ALWAYS something else to try, never never never give up. 
~ I will be careful not to start my conversations with, “I NEED” I will say, "How are you?"
~ I will do what I say I am going to do, and I will be on time.
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EMOTIONS NEED AEROBICS TOO!

Today my close circle of "committee" friends and I had some really great conversations!  You name it, we covered it! Sometimes it is just as important to give your emotions a GREAT WORKOUT too! When you have the support of a special group of friends, you can bring each other from tears to rage to giggles and really get things out! It feels great to know that you are not alone and that everybody deals with the same dramas of LIVING LIFE!  To allow feedback from someone who can look at your situation without your emotions is smart and healthy life management!  Please SHARE YOUR STORIES (with people that you trust to keep them in the vault) and "Work it ALL OUT"! ~ smile more =0)
                                                                                                                   
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ROCKSTAR Reflections...

For as long as I can remember, I have recognized the ROCKSTAR within those around me.  I know I grabbed  a hold of this "Leadership Style" early on in my Retail Career - because it was highly effective.  I have wittnessed so many people with titles hold their teams hostage with fear power and intimidation tactics  -- did it produce results?  Oh absolutely it did, short term.  What fear power does not provide, is a future.  Fear doesn't build a team,  teach leadership skills, create ownership or provide future bench strength. 

I often wonder about these 'fear powered' managers (cannot call them leaders), I bet it is exhausting to have to be negative and harsh all of the time!  If you have a team that you honestly have to manage with an iron fist, I think you have the wrong team.  There are so many talented individuals that crave a leader that will recognize their accomplishments and hardwork, then challenge them to reach higher by teaching them how and simply providing them with the resources needed.   Let the ROCKSTARS ROCK!

Mistakes and bad decisions are always part of life/business, this is how we learn.  These things may never be ignored, for if a leader says nothing - it is the same as saying, "I accept that behavior".  The point here is: Mark It and Move On! 

I have learned so much from the individuals that I have had the honor of training over the past 25 years.  ROCKSTARS, every single one of them have left me forever touched. I am one lucky learner. =) 
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"Never Happened File"

Woke up 6ish... every intention of getting my husband off to his twin brother's house to help tile (free family labor) then to jump downstairs and TURBOFIRE my way into my list of things to do!  Well, husband on his way, then side tracked by the pile of smelly work clothes on the bathroom floor, I ran back upstairs to grab them...  Hi - it is 9:30- GOOD MORNING!  (slacker)  This never happens, aside from just now.  So, I will simply file it in the "Never Happened File".  (LOVE this FILE - if you don't have one... please get one for yourself)!
 The "Never Happened File": You can't learn without making mistakes - but that doesn't mean you want to look at those lessons again...  :)

Please smile more, 
Marta