In a few weeks, I will be in Orlando for the Software Quality Engineering – Agile Development/Better Software- East 2014 conference. I’ve been to this conference (both the West and East) several times and I always walk away with great ideas. Plus, who would complain about going to Florida in November…not me!
This year, I am extremely honored to have been asked to Keynote. Now, I realize that because I talk about my struggles in many of my sessions, a good percentage of feedback is about how I was inspirational and motivating. However, the pressure when you know you should be inspiring and motivating, makes creating your material much more difficult. I guess it’s fitting that my topic is about going outside of your comfort zone. The full session description is:
In an industry that continues to rapidly evolve, the pressure to increase our mastery can be overwhelming. Whether browsing the web or your organization’s technical library, it’s discouraging to realize that many of the skills you’ve mastered are now obsolete, replaced by new, important ones that you know little about. Is there a way to change discouragement into excitement? Early in her career, Tricia Broderick was terrified to take chances for fear of failing. Luckily, her determination to deliver?to achieve, learn, and evolve?set her on an accelerated path to becoming a quick learner. As she became a leader, Tricia identified what characterizes most organization superstars?the desire and ability to reach beyond their comfort zones. Sharing her personal stories, Tricia discusses the science behind why being slightly uncomfortable is the best place for learning. The only way to grow is through change as frightening as that can be. Prepare to get out of your own way, leave your comfort zone, and learn how to create places to achieve the elusive “magical” results you want.
In addition, I’ve been noodling on the what’s beyond servant leadership topic for quite sometime. So I will also be sharing on this topic during the week as well. The full session description is:
Ah, the sounds of feathers being ruffled! Tricia Broderick believes that servant leadership is not all that it’s cracked up to be. She wants and expects more from leaders then just being servants who act only when asked. Until now, a common (and easy) coaching style has been to transform managers from command-and-control leaders to serving others. How can anyone argue that the transition is a great step toward becoming an empowering leader? However, with this style, leaders keep experiencing problems?my team is not making decisions; my team is not making progress; my team doesn’t know what help they need. Let’s not forget a very personal concern?as the leader, am I now just an admin with a nice title? Join Tricia to explore the dynamics of various leadership styles that are essential for team evolution. Discover ideal traits and behaviors—beyond servant leadership—that will inspire, guide, coach, empower, and adapt to successfully serve others.
I hope to see you there!
Tricia