Despite living in an era of e-books, iPads and Kindles, there are still times when you pick up a certain book and it feels — well, almost magical.
A book may have a certain quality about it, in the feel of the paper or the colors of its design. It’s as though the book has a distinctive energy. There’s something about it that draws you in.
Liz Cornish’s new book, Pass It On: Priceless Advice from Highly Successful Women, is just such a book. It’s both brilliant and beautiful. From its remarkably distinctive graphics to its carefully chosen text, this is one of those exceptional books.
Cornish is straightforward in defining the book’s premise. “We’re in an evolving working culture,” she writes. “Women pay the biggest price. It’s no secret that we work harder, must perform better to net the same rewards, and come home to face the lion’s share of house and family work.”
The author is not about criticism but focused on making critical change. Her goal is to “pocket the successes” of women in the workplace and “help create a culture where it’s easier to become and thrive as a female leader.”
By taking the collective advice learned by successful women and helping to “pass it on,” we can produce a richer, more rewarding experience for all of us, Cornish says.
“We need more women leaders at all levels, using our full voices and hearts,” Cornish says. “Women are hard-wired to care for others. We use our words to deal with conflict. We can change the very nature of the dialogue at vey big, important tables.”
Cornish, who grew up in Lexington, starts this process by proposing 20 areas of advice received both through her work and through interviews with “several hundred wildly successful women.” Each area includes explanations and examples, drawing on the experience of women in leadership roles from CEOs to entrepreneurs.
Among the areas of advice:
Do what matters: Make it matter.
Tying into work that matters, you are more likely to dream bigger, dig deeper, take more useful chances. Even bad days are better. Deciding what matters is very personal, Cornish says. While for some it may be a cause or vision, for others it may be caring for family, clients or colleagues.
Create a fail-safe support system.
Too many of us fail to replenish our own energy, whether that’s through professional or physical support. Mentors and professional organizations can be critical. Equally important is maintaining physical condition, including exercising and eating right.
Seek “solitary confide-ment.”
For many, leadership is lonely and isolating — more so if you are a minority in your peer group. Carefully select an objective place and person (not your best friend) to let emotions fly and then get back into the game.
It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.
When the White House was selecting “house wines,” a small vineyard in Sonoma County was chosen. The wine purchaser years earlier had been traveling in California and told the vineyard owner that he had just landed his dream job. The owner, without knowing what the job was, said that called for a celebration. She offered a special tasting. The purchaser never forgot.
The devil is in the doubt — make the braver choice.
Within each of us is an internal mental board of directors. While 80 percent of that board may say “do it,” a very powerful 20 percent often says the opposite. When fear limits you from taking chances, it is a barrier to success.
Take hits with humor.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright dealt with seemingly overwhelming crises, including the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. When the Iraqi press called her “an unparalleled serpent,” she took the hit with humor by wearing a vintage snake pin to the next meeting with Iraqi officials.
This is a very easy, very fun read that has surprising depth. Liz Cornish’s enthusiasm pulls you through the book with speed, making it an adventure. Deb Viola’s creative and unique designs could not be more perfectly in tune with the author’s masterful storytelling and sharing.
Pass It On is an excellent means of accessing the inspiration, wisdom, experiences and knowledge of women in today’s workforce. Get a copy for yourself. Then, of course, pass it on.