GhEtToFiEd Un-LiBeRaTeD PeSsImIsM

When you walk into the room and see a sea of blue and gold

You trust that the sisterhood does not grow old and too cold.

You have Sorors come and go with uptight moves

Demeaning and undermining a hard working soror’s groove.

Misinterpreting and misrepresenting the bond that is true

Taking advantage of Sorors like me and like you.

Feeling that the law of the land is not fit for her time

Taking matters in her own hands throwin big time jive and false lines

Removing all of sigma within her walk

Claiming she is the one with the proper talk

Only to leave a trail of miss-educated, unarticulated downright player hatin….

Dang don’t get me started…with the lack of sisterhood that we seem to be in,

It seems that it is more important for a soror to try and show her badness

Only to fall deeper and deeper into sadness

The sadness of lack of follow up and proper protocol

Taking each and every step to that final detrimental Sigma fall.

Is it me or does it seem like it is them…

Making all the moves that don’t follow the hem.

So busy worrying about the other organizations

Stuck in a rut with no real dedication

Dang…don’t get me started. …With the lack of sisterhood that we seem to be in

Leaving trails of miss-educated, unarticulated downright player hatin…

With wars of words and no real determined action

Some rather yap all day than change with the fashion…

When the change finally comes some have it all to say

As they sit and criticize from each day to each day

To have the nerve to try to downgrade to upgrade yourself

Only to end up with your head on a shelf.

Dang what would our founders think,

Of all the bull and nonsense that we allow in the rink?

When you do what you do, would you make them proud?

Or would they step to you and scream aloud…

“IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR SELFISH WAYS…

IT’S ABOUT SIGMA AND ALL YOU DO THROUGH YOUR DAYS…”

IT’S NOT ABOUT NOT FOLLOWING THE CALL

BUT ABOUT ANSWERING THE PHONE AND WORKING WITH ALL

LEAVING THE GHETTO MENTALITY AT THE DOOR

TO BE OPENED WITHIN SIGMA GAMMA RHO NO MORE

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT INSTEAD OF WHAT’S WRONG

TAKING THE TIME FOR YOUR HYMN NOT A HIP HOP SONG

REALIZING THAT YOU NEED TO DO GOOD FOR SIGMA AS YOU CARRY HER NAME

IT ISN’T SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SHOW COMPLETE SHAME

MEANING LEAVING THE OLD HABITS FOR OTHERS TO SEE YOUR GROWTH

NOT DOING BACKWARDS THINGS HURTING MORE THAN YOU HURTING MOST.

WHEN WILL WE LEARN IT IS NOT ABOUT SHOWING HOW GOOD YOU ARE

BUT SHOWING THE GOOD IN OTHERS THAT WILL TAKE YOU FAR

WHEN WE LEARN THAT EDIFICATION IS THE DIRECT KEY

THAT WHAT WE SEE IN OTHERS ONCE OR OFTEN HARBORS IN ME

WHEN WE LEARN THAT WORDS ARE SOMETIMES STRONGER THAN ACTIONS

AND THAT SISTERHOOD AND LOVE ARE ONLY A FRACTION

TO WHAT SIGMA IS TRULY ABOUT

STOP BEING SORORS LOOKIN FOR SIGMA CLOUT.

LOOK FOR THE WAY TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

DON’T BE PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH YOUR NEGATIVE FUSION

SIGMATIZE INSTEAD OF DRAMATIZE

EDIFY INSTEAD OF DEMEAN

WORK FOR INSTEAD OF AGAINST

AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY AND BELIEVE WHAT YOU MEANT

STOP THE CRAZINESS SORORS IT WILL HOLD US BACK

KEEP US ON THE WRONG PATH GOING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE WRONG TRACK

IF YOU DON’T DO IT NOW YOU HAVE TAKEN THE PILL

TO EXTREME INSANITY AND LOSS OF TRUE WILL

WARANTED VINDICATIONS ARE NEVER THE FOCUS

EXONERATE, EXTRICATE, LIBERATE FINALLY… DEMONSTRATE THE WAY

REMOVING THE PAST JUDGEMENTS THAT ARE SYNONOMOUS TO A LESS BRIGHTER DAY

IT’S UP TO YOU TODAY TO SAY

THAT I WILL CHANGE MY SIGMA LIFE IN A POSITIVE WAY

AND FOCUS ON WHAT MUST BE DONE FOR SIGMA, BY GREAT SIGMA WOMEN WITHOUT THE ANTICS OF GHETTOFIED UN-LIBERATED PESSIMISM!

Racquel Dozier

Copyright  2002

“Roc’s Poetic Justice”

All rights Reserved

Leaders Hold Themselves And Others Accountable

By Ryan Best

Success has everything to do with what you believe. If you have a struggle going on inside you about if you can be successful or not, you need to learn how to just believe. What you believe determines what you think. What you think determines what you do. What you do determines your life. Sometimes if things aren’t going like you want them to, you may need to just take a deep breath and embrace something different. Maybe you just have to believe something different in order to attain success.

This belief is what the 3% leaders of the world possess. 3% of the leaders in the world control the rest of it. They think differently, act differently, and talk differently. These leaders have certain strengths that others don’t have. One is the strength of self-mastery. They understand that their self is a continual piece of work. The second strength is strength of action. The third strength is strength in relationships.

The most important strength that a leader has is that they hold others accountable. Accountability is a key factor in leadership because it’s the cornerstone of personal growth and empowerment. If nobody holds anyone accountable for a project, then nobody gets to grow through the experience of it. Accountability has nothing to do with blame, but everything to do with individuals and their growth.

Accountability allows people to accomplish tasks, which lead to self confidence. Self confidence then leads to success, which leads to more success. That is the reason why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. When you hold someone accountable, it allows them the opportunity to sign their name on a picture of success no matter how big or small that picture might be. Because they are held accountable, they automatically have a challenge that allows them to personally grow. To treat people as equals is holding someone accountable.

The 3% leaders in the world treat others like equals. Telling someone what to do is not treating them like an equal. If you are telling someone what to do, you cannot hold them accountable. Also, when you hold yourself accountable, other people are eager to hold themselves accountable as well. This is a major decision of success. Once you’re able to do that, you and you alone are accountable. Do you constantly rescue others or do you hold them accountable?

About the Author

Ryan Best is a college graduate from the University of Virginia. He is currently a Internet Network Marketer. Currently resides in Waldorf, MD. Some people may know his as he was a former safety for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Although he is big into the internet marketing, he is still pursuing his career in the NFL.

Sigma Women of Substance

How to Communicate Effectively

Words are the foundation of communication. “Body language” is an important part to sending and receiving messages. Your delivery includes your tone of voice, timing and tempo. Communication skills involve our ability to listen. Our communication must be effective to achieve success and happiness at work, in our friendships and our family relationships. When we achieve growth in our communication skills it allows us to:

1. Make discoveries 

2. Learn about ourselves 

3. Solve problems
4. Develop new skills
5. Have enjoyment

The types of messages you send to people are statements, questions, commands and warnings. Your words and gestures make up the elements of language. Your messages are communicated by your voice, touch, silence, gestures and written forms such as books, email and web pages. Communication is affected by emotions, as well as by physical surroundings. It is not only what you say but how you say it. Communication is affected by your speech being quickly or slowly, if you cut someone off, or wait to speak, talk out of turn, or wait too long to bring up issues. Clenched fists may indicate anger. Frequent eye contact may indicate that you are caring. Your choice of words in a given situation tells if you are formal or informal, public or private, serious or relaxed, doubtful or hopeful. Your feelings such as pride, anger, impatience, joy and sorrow can all be expressed through your tone of voice.

Effective Listening Skills are important and essential to good communication.
1. Pay close attention to the speaker.
2. Never interrupt
3. Ask questions that show you're listening
4. Show you understand by reflective listening (Rephrasing what is said using your own words) Show that you are really tuned in. You may say. “Sounds like that made you really angry” or “It must have made you very frustrated” Take advantage of opportunities to express your approval. It will encourage further communication.

It is not easy to disagree with someone. But not expressing your position will not aid communication. 

1. Focus on the problem or issue (Not the person)
2. Explain your position (With concrete reasons)
3. Use “I” statements. Talk in terms of yourself. Example” I really feel frustrated when you ask me to cut my prices. I believe with the quality I give that my prices are very reasonable.” Speak honestly and openly without attacking others. You have the right to say “no” and state your needs and the changes you would like to happen. It is natural to become angry, upset or happy and satisfied. Be true to your feelings. Steer clear of being too passive and avoiding conflicts, too aggressive both verbally and physically, passive and aggressive by trying to control others in subtle and sneaky ways.

Good Telephone Habits:
1. Pick up after 2 or 3 rings.
2. Identify yourself and your organization. Ask the name of the caller.
3. Take notes and avoid asking them to repeat themselves.
4. Ask permission to place them on hold.
5. Always call back if your disconnected.

When your calling:
Leave a clear and concise messages. Include your name, your organization, day, time, purpose of your call and a number where you can be reached.

Business Meetings:
1. Share your agenda in advance. Plan on covering a few main points. Avoid overloading.
2. Invite only key people.
3. Choose an appropriate space.
4. Consider comfort with good lighting and comfortable seating.
5. Take minutes and distribute them after the meeting.

Presentations:
1. Research and organize your topics in advance.
2. Learn as much as you can about your audience.
3. Use video or audio aids to increase understanding and hold attention.
4. Prepare notes but don't read directly from them.
5. Rehearse your presentation, especially new material. 

6. Anticipate questions, try to prepare your answers

Letters:
1.Organize your thoughts before you begin.
2. Write a first draft.
3. Make necessary revisions.
4. Pay attention to tone, formal, familiar.
5. Organization
6 Correct spelling
7. Then write the final draft.

Memos:
1. Be polite and direct
2. Points should be explained clearly
3. Format should follow the organization's guidelines

Reports:
Understand your purpose before researching and writing drafts. Your structure will be the main importance so it will be easy to read.
1. Title and title page
2. Table of contents
3. Introduction
4. Summary
Proofread all written work. If possible have someone else proofread as well.

So how do you know when your skills have matured to the point that you’ve become an excellent communicator? The answer is that you’ll have reached the point where your interactions with others consistently use the following 10 principles:

1. Speak not with a forked tongue: In most cases people just won’t open up those they don’t trust. When people have a sense that a leader is worthy of their trust they will invest time and take risks in ways they would not if their leader had a reputation built upon poor character or lack of integrity. While you can attempt to demand trust it rarely works. Trust is best created by earning it with right acting, thinking, and decisioning. Keep in mind that people will forgive many things where trust exists, but will rarely forgive anything where trust is absent.  
2. Get personal: There is great truth in the axiom that states: “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Classic business theory tells leaders to stay at arms length. I say stay at arms length if you want to remain in the dark receiving only highly sanitized versions of the truth. If you don’t develop meaningful relationships with people you’ll never know what’s really on their mind until it’s too late to do anything about it.  
3. Get specific: Specificity is better than Ambiguity 11 times out of 10: Learn to communicate with clarity. Simple and concise is always better than complicated and confusing. Time has never been a more precious commodity than it is in today’s marketplace. It is critical that you know how to cut to the chase and hit the high points, and that you expect the same from others. Without understanding the value of brevity and clarity it is unlikely that you’ll ever be afforded the opportunity to get to the granular level as people will tune you out long before you ever get there. Your goal is to weed out the superfluous and to make your words count.
4. Focus on the leave-behinds not the take-aways: The best communicators develop the ability to get the information they need while leaving the other party feeling as if they got more out of the conversation than you did. While you can accomplish this by being disingenuous, that is not the goal. When you truly focus more on what you leave behind than what you take away you will have accomplished the goal. Even though this may seem counter-intuitive, by intensely focusing on the other party’s wants, needs & desires, you’ll learn far more than you ever would by focusing on your agenda.
5. Have an open mind: I’ve often said that the rigidity of a closed mind is the single greatest limiting factor of new opportunities. In my opinion a leader takes their game to a whole new level the minute they willingly seek out those who hold dissenting opinions and opposing positions with the goal not of convincing them to change their minds, but with the goal of understanding what’s on their mind. I’m always amazed at how many people are truly fearful of opposing views as opposed to being genuinely curious and interested. Open dialogs with those that confront you, challenge you, stretch you, and develop you. Remember that it’s not the opinion that matters, but rather the willingness to discuss it with an open mind.
6. Shut-up and listen: Simply broadcasting your message ad-nauseum will not have the same result as engaging in meaningful conversation, but this assumes that you understand that the greatest form of discourse takes place within a conversation, and not a lecture or a monologue. When you reach that point in your life where the light bulb goes off, and you begin to understand that knowledge is not gained by flapping your lips, but by removing your ear wax, you have taken the first step to becoming a skilled communicator.
7. Replace ego with empathy: I have long advised leaders not to let their ego write checks that their talent can’t cash. When cador is communicated with empathy & caring and not the prideful arrogance of an over inflated ego good things begin to happen. Empathetic communicators display a level of authenticity and transparency that is not present with those who choose to communicate behind the carefully crafted facade propped-up by a very fragile ego. Understanding the this communication principle is what helps turn anger into respect and doubt into trust.
8. Read between the lines: Take a moment and reflect back on any great leader that comes to mind…you’ll find that they are very adept at reading between the lines. They have the uncanny ability to understand what is not said, witnessed, or heard. Being a leader should not be viewed as a license to increase the volume of rhetoric. Rather astute leaders know that there is far more to be gained by surrendering the floor than by filibustering. In this age of instant communication, everyone seems to be in such a rush to communicate what’s on their mind that they fail to realize everything to be gained from the minds of others. Keep your eyes & ears open and your mouth shut and you’ll be amazed at how your level or organizational awareness is raised.
9. When you speak, know what you’re talking about: Develop a technical command over your subject matter. If you don’t possess subject matter expertise, few people will give you the time of day. Most successful people have little interest in listening to those individuals that cannot add value to a situation or topic, but force themselves into a conversation just to hear themselves speak. The fake it until you make it days have long sense passed, and for most people I know fast and slick equals not credible. You’ve all heard the saying “it’s not what you say, but how you say it that matters,” and while there is surely an element of truth in that statement, I’m here to tell you that it matters very much what you say. Good communicators address both the “what” and “how” aspects of messaging so that they don’t fall prey to becoming the smooth talker who leaves people with the impression of form over substance.
10. Speak to groups as individuals: Leaders don’t always have the luxury of speaking to individuals in an intimate setting. Great communicators can tailor a message such that they can speak to 10 people in a conference room or 1,000 people in an auditorium and have them feel as if you were speaking directly to each one of them as an individual. Knowing how to work a room and establish credibility, trust and rapport are keys to successful interactions.

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you couldn’t communicate? That means no tone of voice, no body language or facial expressions, no words, no alphabet. Nothing.

Effective skills in communication are necessary to maintain and increase the quality of our lives. If we can’t communicate effectively, we will be led in a direction we don’t want to go. We all have misunderstandings within our relationships. And it would be very easy to become confused, frustrated and disappointed simply because we are unable to communicate appropriately.

Broken and difficult relationships can be avoided by understanding the principles of communication, and the pitfalls we encounter.

When we know and understand the process of communication, we can actively implement the principles, hone our skills, avoid the problems and become the effective communicators that we all desire to be.

Interview Tips

Interview Tips

With the economy being topsy turvy, Here are some tips on your job searches

Interview Tips - Be Prepared to Answer Questions

 Tell me about yourself. Be prepared to respond to the question, "Tell me about yourself," by creating a 15-second "sound bite" that describes your professional background and strongest skills in two or three sentences. Vary your response according to the specific job opportunity and offer a brief description of why you would be a good fit for the position. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to rehearse with a tape recorder and then critique your answers.

 Tell me about your background, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses. Employers who ask this question are usually looking for a short synopsis of your experience. Be sure to demonstrate how you've developed professionally and be objective when listing your strengths and weaknesses. 

 How would you describe your most recent job performance? Hiring managers tend to ask this question in order to gauge your level of enthusiasm for the work that you do. They're also looking for a direct connection between your current position and the one for which you're applying. 

 What interests you about our company? This question seems straightforward, but it can sometimes be difficult to answer if you haven't thought about it beforehand. There are two important factors to include in your answer. The first is to use your knowledge of the company to show your sincere interest. Second, give a specific reason the position for which you're applying appeals to you (other than the fact that you need a job).

 Who was your most difficult boss and why? It's imperative to be as diplomatic as possible when answering this question. Avoid becoming too personal; instead, focus on your previous supervisor's management style and the manner in which he or she communicated. The interviewer is looking for some indication as to how well you would get along with your future boss, if you were hired.

 What outside activities are most significant to your personal development? Many employers ask this question to see what kind of balance you are looking for between your personal and professional lives. While it's good to list one or two activities, be careful not to list too many activities as the employer may wonder if outside interest will interfere with your work.

 Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years? Avoid mapping out a detailed plan when answering this question. Instead, describe what you feel is the next logical step or steps in your career path.

Interview Dos 

 Arrive on time or a few minutes early. 

 If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don't attach your resume unless you're told to do so.

 Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.

 Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly. 

 Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. 

 Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking. 

 Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position. 

 Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job opening. 

 Interview Don'ts 

 Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.

 If you don't understand a question – or need a moment to think about it - say so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.

 Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing. 

 Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally. 

 Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial – or even illegal – topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.

 Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.

The Joy of Positive Thinking

In today’s fast paced world, it can be difficult to take time out to remember the importance of one positive thought.  With high-energy situations, life becomes inundated with negativity, leaving one to feel overwhelmed, insecure and unhappy.  As you share your negative attitudes with yourself and those around you, it becomes imperative to change in order to move ahead.

It is important to realize that your reactions to any situation will directly reflect your attitudes for the day.  So the question that one should ask themselves is, how can I avoid getting into and staying in the negative?

Here are some pointers:

First, realize that every difficult situation is not necessarily negative.  Understand that although your situation is rough, your reaction to it is what makes it negative or positive.

Second, Make a note that things happen.  Life is good but with the good comes the bad.   Everything cannot and will not be peaches and cream.  For life would then be a fairy tale.

Third, when faced with negative situations take a moment to step back and evaluate.  Ask yourself what is really happening?  How am I perceiving this situation?  Is the situation negative or is my reaction to it negative?  Asking yourself these questions will give you an opportunity to calm down and react appropriately.

Fourth, take time daily to positively affirm your existence.  Say to yourself, “ I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul.  There is no one that can deny me my joy for the day.  My positive attitude is contagious and it is a disease that is incurable.”  Positive affirmations will keep you positive and it will create excitement all around you.

Fifth, stay away from negative people and negative forces in your life.  Do not allow yourself to be placed in a situation that you will perceive as negative.  You know you better than anyone else.  Make sure you control who you converse and associate with.  Place yourself in situations where you are comfortable.  If by chance you get into that negative situation and the above steps fail, remove yourself immediately.  This will prevent you from falling into your company’s negativity.  Remember, Birds of a Feather flock together.

Lastly, always take time to tell yourself, your spouse, and your children that a positive attitude will allow you to reach great heights of achievement.  Inform all around you that a positive mental attitude will bring you nothing but joy and happiness.

Negativity is a dead battery draining a new one.  It slowly takes away you energy without replacing it.  Your brain is like a computer, what you put in you get out.  If you continue to place negative in you negative will come out of you.

The only way to combat the negativity is to constantly implant positive.  The positive will cancel out the negative allowing you to live a more fulfilling life.

Let’s recap:

1-     Realize

2-     Make Note

3-     Step Back & Evaluate

4-     Positively Affirm Existence

5-     Stay Away From Negative People, Places & Things

6-     Inform All Around You

These 6 steps can assist you in relieving the negative that comes in your life.

For guidance into a more positive life, try repeating this prayer…

Father, I ask that you create in me a wholesome spirit.  Make me humble enough to accept my situations as they are and give me the patience and strength to deal with those situations I see as difficult.  I allow you to work fully through me to speak your word to others in the most positive and uplifting manner.  Lord, I ask that you give me the strength to stay in Your way.  To always see the positive in a situation instead of the negative.  These things I ask in Your name, Amen

Take a time out each morning to recite your Positive Prayer and meditate on the positive in your life.  This will surely bring you to the Joy of Positive Thinking.

Walk With The Creator, Stay Positive, Stay Uplifted, Stay Strengthened, and Be Blessed!

Your Sigma Image

Your Sigma Image

What Image are you portraying?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - LASTING IMPRESSION In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about us on a subconscious level, based on what they see, hear and sense. From business casual to the ultimate power look, tailor your presentation for success in today's Sigma's workplace. Sorors should learn to Project More Power, Confidence and Credibility! Uphold the standards of our founders through portraying the most positive and powerful image possible.

Sorors can begin by using some simple marketing techniques.
THE SIX P's OF PERSONAL MARKETING

• Persona — Make your public Image one to be noticed and admired
• Packaging — Make sure how you package yourself is appropriate for the occasion
• Positioning — Position yourself in image positive activities
• Presentation — Present yourself in a lady like and professional manner
• Promotion — Promote the sorority as something special to you
• Passion — Show your passion to move onward, upward and forward excitedly creating a passion in others

MAKE THE RIGHT STATEMENT EVERY TIME

"What you wear speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say," Dress appropriately in every setting. Do not wear a business suit to a social function and vice versa. Add polish and presence to the substance and outclass the competition

You are the message!

In the first thirty seconds people make judgments about you based on what they see, hear and sense. It's true that you never get a second chance to create a great first impression. Your personal appearance can be your greatest asset or your worst liability.

Knowing how to present yourself and the power of personal marketing is as critical as the degrees and business skills on your resume. Companies spend millions of dollars packaging their products. Think of yourself as the most important package you will ever market. Your image should consume someone's memory!

Increase your POWER, Confidence and Credibility, discover the key components of a winning image by portraying a winning image. Work to make You marketable and the rest is a cinch.