Shelly's Modeling Agencies | You've Got The Power | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies hot topic refers to our black woman's guide to power with your career. Power is more than a lofty title or the size of your paycheck-though we know these things matter. Guest editor Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell says it all begins with you. Our Black woman's guide to power will give you the tools to make a bold career moves and step up to the C-Suite in style. Ever notice how powerful people seem endowed with a strong sense of themselves? They know that accessing their power means believing in their dreams, tirelessly honing their gifts, and fearlessly dancing to their own tune. Powerful people know that here is no magic wand for discovering who you are. It takes hard work to embrace the good, the bad and the ugly. The good in your draws compliments and admiration from others. Being whip-smart, having a quick sense of humor, and honoring commitments are some examples. Then there is the bad-the parts of your life that need work. Maybe you've been promising to lose weight, return to school or practice patience, all of which you can address and change. The ugly may represent experiences that have left deep emotional scars. But even the ugly has a purpose: to build your power muscles, giving you the determination needed to succeed.

Shelly's Modeling Agencies understands that being powerful means you know how to bring all of you to the table, One well-placed step at a time. For Black women especially, power requires that we embrace the legacy of our formothers' dignity and grace, being as boldly authentic as they were. It asks that we apply the very best of ourselves to the task at hand, not just for our own aggrandizement but for the greater good. Because when we are truly powerful, we understand that whether we wield influence in the public, political, entertainment or corporate spheres, the goal is to lift others as we climb.

Shelly's Modeling Agencies 7 Habits of Highly Successful Professional Black Women

1. They know how to manage up. Doing what you can to make your boss's job easier will make you a valuable asset. "It's not kissing up; it's managing the relationship," advises Marsha Haygood, president of Step Wise Associates, a career development firm in Yonkers, New York. Learn what motivates, pleases, and upsets your boss. Who are his or her allies and foes? Build trust to solidify the relationship by passing on useful information. And ask for and accept feedback. It allows your manager to offer support in helping you to achieve your goals. If you only do one thing: ask your boss what his or her priorities are. It may mean saying no to less important projects.
2. They build their network. Surveys show Black women tend to network with those who look like them, says Anika K. Warren. Ph.D, senior director of research at Catalyst, a New York City research firm. But it's also important to make connections beyond race, culture, gender, social class and educational background. Leverage your contacts by getting coaching from your network on how to access opportunities for advancement. And remember, networking is a two-way street. "Uncover and supply your contacts' needs whenever possible," says Jessica C. Isaacs, senior vice-president of Chartis International, an AIG division. If you only do one thing: Let Match.com's former CFO help you connect with industry peers at w2wlink.com.
3. They're strategic about their brand. Your brand is what others say about you when you're not in the room. Your success depends on how well you manage your reputation. "Share tangible results from a particular project with the boss and other superiors," says Melissa Dawn Johnson, president of Shelly's Modeling Agencies scouting department. And let colleagues know you can play in any company-which means you may sometimes be the only African-American or woman in the room. If you only do one thing: At wordpress.com and blogger.com, you can build your brand by blogging about topics related to your expertise, but be mindful about how much you share.
4. They position themselves globally. The concrete ceiling is now a glass border. See yourself not just as an African-American woman but a globally conscious and connected one. "Seek opportunities to gain foreign experience. Let your boss know you want an international assignment, or get on a task force or project with global responsibilities," suggests Ancella Livers, Ph.D., executive director of the Executive Leadership Council's Institute for Leadership Development & Research in Alexandria, Virginia. If your company has offices overseas, seek out you counterpart at those locations. Get to know them by making a call or sending an e-mail. Volunteer to serve on a panel or lead a seminar overseas to build your global presence. If you only do one thing: Join a global leadership organization, such as the International Women's Forum. Don't mix business with pleasure keep your sex and love life out of it.
5. They Continuously develop themselves. Become a constant learner. "Take advantage of formal and informal education to enhance your skill set and stay current on trends," advises Sheila Talton, vice-president of globalization at Cisco Systems in San Jose, California. Read industry publications and reports and participate in employee networking of affinity groups. Also check with your college alumni association and top business schools for courses, seminars and executive management training programs. Study the career moves of the people you admire, then ask these role models for advice. If you only do one thing: Offer to mentor a junior associate. You'll stay on top of new trends and gain valuable insights from rising stars.
6. They take risks to get noticed. No matter how hard you work, it won't help you if no one knows it. Raise your profile by serving on a committee or spearheading a new project. "Form strong alliances with mentors, sponsors and role models who can champion you for high-visibility assignments," says Catalyst's Warren. Once you get the assignment, "focus on delivering high-quality work. Most people are looking for team players who are less concerned about getting credit and more concerned about getting the work done well." And keep blockers-coworkers who undermine you-in plain view. Good political skills can help you circumvent their hindrance. Use your sponsors and other allies to thwart their efforts. If you only do one thing: Take the lead on a high-profile assignment no one else wants.
7. They never play the diva. Mediocre performance won't cut it even if you are buddies with powerful people. "Use your influence wisely, but be pleasant and helpful to everyone from the bottom up. Even the cleaning crew hears news that could impact your job," notes Haygood, coauthor of the Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women (One World/Ballantine). Be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. And by all means, stay humble, because nothing is more unattractive than conceit. If you only do one thing: Create opportunities for others to shine. True leaders know how to share the stage.