Southern Style Leadership

Volunteer Spotlight: Alice Gordon

Key Volunteer Role: Conference Chair, 2012 Business Connections 

Background: Mobile, Alabama native, Alice Gordon, is an award-winning communications expert with extensive experience in corporate and crises communications with news outlets and at Alabama Power Company. For more than two years, Alice has served as a key leader on the company’s supply chain management team.

Don’t take her role lightly. Southern Company is an $17 billion company and spent more than 15% of its procurement dollars with minority and women-owned businesses in 2011. So far, a significant chunk of those dollars are spent between Alabama, Florida Pan Handle,  Georgia and Mississippi – Alice Gordon is squarely in the middle of it.

As a volunteer leader, Alice is involved with multiple civic and nonprofit organizations, including the SRMSDC (South Region Minority Supplier Development Council.)  She has agreed to share her perspective on service and leadership with us for The Relax Report. We encourage you to get to know Alice and her work at Alabama Power Company.

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Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): How has volunteer service made you a better leader?
Alice Gordon (AG):  Serving as a volunteer leader in other organizations has allowed me to exercise my skills that I have learned in our corporate structure here within Alabama Power. It is great.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity.  I must admit that we have access to some of the best leadership training available at Alabama Power.  Most of all of the nonprofit organizations I serve on are run efficiently but have small staff and require more creativity with limited resources. I use my skills to help them work through complex issues, address funding gaps and manage resources where needed.  I find this role exciting as it is challenging.

PUI: How is your engagement with other volunteer leaders and the staff of the organizations you serve?
AG: As I mentioned, this type of service can be challenging. Each day I strive to do my best to stay focused on organizational outcomes, improving processes and governance structures. These are fancy words, but what I am really saying is that we must run associations and nonprofits with more business savvy and accountability. My hope is that my  interactions with other volunteers and our staff would lead to more productivity, fulfillment with a splash of fun mixed in.  Fun aside, we also need to stay focused on making a measurable impact that can be counted in dollars,  people served and missions accomplished.  People that I serve with understand that I will be involved, engaged and vocal if needed to improve our overall impact and achieve goals.

PUI: Many of us hear the term “supplier diversity” and think of quota programs for minorities. How would you define supplier diversity and its importance to Alabama Power Company and the broader community?
AG:  Supplier diversity can be defined as the intentional inclusion and development of small and diverse businesses in the procurement process thereby finding the best product and services that are competitively priced with the best overall value. We feel that Supplier Diversity improves economic development opportunities for women, minorities and small businesses. I wake up each day with a relentless pursuit and question of how are we going to make a difference today for our company and improve the economic vitality of our suppliers and potential suppliers.  I use our Southern Company’s Southern Style approach of Total Commitment, Unquestionable Trust and Superior Performance as foundations in that pursuit.

At the same time, our company’s suppliers should represent the diversity of our customer base as much as possible. That means that my goal is not only to find the best products and services at the most competitive prices and best overall value, but I also want Alabama-based businesses, many of whom are minority, woman and/or veteran-owned, to do business with Alabama Power Company. After all, Alabama Power Company cannot deliver low cost reliable electricity and comfort without an exceptional base of suppliers – I’m proud to be a part of the team that helps deliver that value to the company and enhance business opportunities for the broader community since 1989.

PUI: What keys to success would you offer to new volunteer leaders seeking to make an impact in their communities?
AG:

My keys to success in volunteer leadership are:

1. Stay Relentlessly Focused: Keep your eyes on the goal – no matter what that goal is.
2. Stay Connected:  Early in your service role, identify people and organization that you want to get to know and set up casual “get to know you” meetings. Most people are very responsive to this sort of approach, especially if you can be clear about why you might find value in connecting with them.
3. Have Faith and Volunteer: Volunteer service can be taxing because you likely have a full-time and are juggling family commitments. Know that you have been delivered to the place you are for a reason and be bold in your resolve to succeed despite the odds. It really pays off down the road.

PUI: What will you do differently in your next volunteer leadership role?
AG:  In 2012, I have resolved to be even more intentional about where I put my time and energy. Specifically, my next role will be one that will allow me to deepen relationships with people that I can learn from and hopefully encourage along the way.  I want to be fully immersed in the three dimensions of relationship building with people in front of me, with me and behind me.

Are you a minority, woman or veteran with a business with the capacity to do work for Alabama Power Company? Click here to visit their supplier diversity program page. 

“Strategy & Communication: More Than Words” with Danny Markstein

Part 4: A Trusted Advisor
Volunteer Spotlight with Danny Markstein

Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): In a few sentences, please touch on the importance of your industry to the broader economy.

Danny Markstein (DM): Markstein Consulting is a corporate strategy and communication firm. We serve as advisors to our clients. We help them find the focus required to accomplish the key tasks that require their – and their organization’s – attention. Too often leaders can find themselves spending their days putting out fires rather than engaging in activities that will help their team or grow their organization. On the communications side, we assist clients who are having trouble articulating their value. We help them craft meaningful messaging, chart that clear path, address issues, and execute communications activities with their key audiences.

Clients usually come to us when they need objective perspectives and solutions to specific issues, and they lack the expertise or time (not necessarily in that order) to do it themselves. Our industry is important because good providers offer that objective perspective help clients address looming questions that can become extremely difficult to answer when you are so intertwined in the issues. We help put the next steps on paper and enable leaders and their teams to hold themselves accountable to specific activities and goals.

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This concludes our series of posts with advice from Danny – we hope that you enjoyed learning about Danny, and what he finds valuable about volunteer leadership.

Let’s recap our series featuring Danny Markstein:
Part 1: A Trusted Advisor
Consider Before Committing
Knowing When to Reach Out

Leading up to Projects Unlimited’s 5th Anniversary on April 30th, we have been releasing a series of posts from a recent interview with Danny Markstein, a committed professional and Birmingham advocate. This is our final post from Danny, but watch for more to drop from other volunteer leaders in the near future. Make sure to subscribe to the blog today!

“Knowing When To Reach Out” with Danny Markstein

Part 3: A Trusted Advisor
Volunteer Spotlight with Danny Markstein

Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): How do volunteer leaders and key executives know when they need outside help to develop a new strategic direction? What advice do you have to prepare them to take the next steps?

Danny Markstein (DM): One of the first signs that will tip off a volunteer leader or executive that they need to seek outside help to develop their strategic direction is when they feel or know that their organization has become diluted. Typically, they are engaged in a variety of activities, but the masters of none. Other common signs we see are when an organization’s message is unclear, and the community does not know what it does, or even that it exists. We are at a tipping point in our community at which we must reduce and eventually eradicate the duplication of services. All of these issues result in a leadership group questioning its organization’s relevance and strategic direction.

It can be hard to find focus when you come to the realization that your organization may be lost and possibly is not fulfilling its original mission. The advice I give is for the leader to step back and find a true understanding of what the organization was created to do; reevaluate your mission and vision and recommit. Say no – something that can be incredibly challenging for nonprofits – to things that do not help you serve your mission and constituents. It is very important at this time to clearly chart your next steps, focus on those steps, and hold yourself and your organization accountable.

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Want to learn more about Danny’s background? Go back to Part 1 of the interview to learn more about how volunteer leadership has helped him develop and why continuing to volunteer is so important to him; in Part 2 of our interview, Danny covers the advice he would give to someone thinking about joining their first board of directors.

Leading up to Projects Unlimited’s 5th Anniversary on April 30th, we have been releasing a series of posts from a recent interview with Danny Markstein, a committed professional and Birmingham advocate.

We have one final post with advice from Danny – subscribe to the blog and watch for it to drop next week. His final comments will touch on the importance of his industry – strategic planning and communications – to the broader economy.

Consider Before Committing

Part 2: A Trusted Advisor
Volunteer Spotlight with Danny Markstein

Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): What advice would you give to someone that will be serving on their first board of directors in the next few months?

Danny Markstein (DM): These words came out of my mouth just this morning: do not commit to volunteer service unless you are passionate and willing to dig in to do whatever it takes to get the job done. The reality is that there are so many needs in this community, it sometimes can be difficult to prioritize the various volunteer opportunities in front of you.

Today’s nonprofits have reached a critical phase of existence; faced with fewer resources with which to work with and smaller staffs, nonprofits are stretched and need volunteer leaders who fully are supportive. Do not commit unless you are dedicated. Our service-oriented community groups are strong, but they need soldiers. The perfect opportunity for you to give back is out there – you just have to find it and get involved.

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Want to learn more about Danny’s background? Go back to Part 1 of the interview to learn more about how volunteer leadership has helped him develop and why continuing to volunteer is so important to him.

Leading up to Projects Unlimited’s 5th Anniversary on April 30th, we will be releasing a series of posts from a recent interview with Danny Markstein, a committed professional and Birmingham advocate. We are really looking forward to this showcase and hope that you will enjoy learning more about Danny Markstein.

There’s still more to come with Danny. In our next piece, Danny opens up to tell us the common signs that tip volunteer leaders and key executives off that they may need to consider outside help – and, he’ll also offer some free advice for what to do after you have this realization. Thankfully, it’s not “panic.”

Part 1: A Trusted Advisor

Leading up to Projects Unlimited’s 5th Anniversary on April 30th, we will be releasing a series of posts from a recent interview with Danny Markstein, a committed professional and Birmingham advocate. We are really looking forward to this showcase and hope that you will enjoy learning more about Danny Markstein.

Volunteer Spotlight: Danny Markstein

Daniel H. Markstein, IV

Key Volunteer Role: Chairman, Magic Moments

Background: Danny and his wife, Eileen, founded Markstein Consulting, LLC, a corporate strategy and communications consulting firm in 2003. Danny specializes in strategic business planning, corporate strategy development, internal and external corporate communications, organizational dynamics and business process optimization.

Danny is best known for his integrated approach to strategic planning and a commitment to linking strategy to action. He is a trusted advisor to clients faced with organizational challenges and helps to mobilize strategic initiatives.

As a volunteer leader, Danny is involved with multiple civic and nonprofit organizations around Birmingham, including Magic Moments. We think know that Danny is wise beyond his years and appreciate the time he took to be a part of this volunteer spotlight.

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Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): We see that you are involved with multiple community oriented groups around Birmingham – so, what has been the most fulfilling part of your volunteer service?
Danny Markstein (DM): The best thing about being involved as a volunteer in civic and nonprofit organizations is the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact that we can have locally. Birmingham is a unique community. I have lived in cities in which outlets for getting involved with the local community simply did not exist. I am so grateful that it’s almost expected that members of this community become involved as a volunteers in the capacity in which they can.

Birmingham has no shortage of challenges – it is important to find ways to push our community forward. Volunteer service is a meaningful and impactful way to affect change quickly, and is something that I have found extremely rewarding by participating as a volunteer.

PUI: How essential has volunteer leadership been for your own professional development?
DM: Incredibly essential. Volunteer leadership provides opportunities to learn and grow in many capacities, depending on the type of volunteer work in which you are engaged. Volunteering has served me by broadening my horizons and exposing me to situations, people, and needs that I would not necessarily be exposed to in my career.

At the end of the day, even the most engaged person is living within a bubble. There is no way to touch everything, but civic and community engagement bring me back to the needs of my entire community. I believe that volunteer service has made me a better person and professional because it has left me with a broad and well-rounded understanding of my community, a byproduct that makes me a better consultant and advisor in my career.

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In the next piece of this volunteer spotlight, you’ll hear Danny’s advice for all of the future volunteer leaders out there. Stay tuned.

Defining Culture & Leadership

Volunteer Spotlight: David Gray

David serves as president and CEO of Daxko. He is responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction, growth, culture, and overall operations. Under his watch, Daxko was  named as one of Fortune Small Business magazine’s “7 Great Places to Work.”

Earlier in David’s career, he had the opportunity to conduct substantial consulting engagements for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, leading tech firms, and large governmental entities. Each experience allowed him to observe various corporate cultures and leadership approaches. He brought the lessons learned back to Daxko, using them to shape and build the unique culture that the company is now so well known for.

In addition to his position at Daxko, David is on the board of directors and currently serves as TechBirmingham‘s chairman. He and his wife, Susan, along with their three children, live in Birmingham. They are active members of the Birmingham YMCA and their local church. Follow Dave anywhere from Birmingham to Hong Kong on Twitter @DaxkoDave.

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Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): What has been the most fulfilling part of your volunteer service?
David Gray (DG): The most fulfilling aspect of volunteer service is the ability to make a difference for the organizations and community that I believe in.  Further, as Daxko has experienced success, it is our responsibility to ensure we are active participants and leaders in our community.

PUI: How essential has volunteer leadership been for your own professional development?
DG: I’ve found the boards I serve on to be a great source of professional networking and have benefited from establishing relationships with innovative people from a variety of industries and backgrounds.  It also allows you to hone your skills in strategy, leadership and execution often times with limited resources.

PUI: What advice would you give to someone that will be serving on their first board of directors in the next few months?
DG: Patience and participation! Many of us who are leaders in our companies are used to being able to make faster decisions with the expectation that those directives will be executed accordingly. However, with a nonprofit board made up of other volunteers, it requires patience to gain consensus and to wait on responses from busy people with other priorities.

Secondly, in order for it to be a rewarding experience, you must be an active participant. Go to meetings, engage in discussions and brainstorms, and volunteer to lead initiatives. You were asked to be on the board because someone believed you could make a positive impact, so go do it.

PUI: How do you see the technology sector having an impact on the work that volunteer leaders do?
DG: As I mentioned above, many nonprofit organizations are operating with limited resources and are dependent on part-time volunteers.  Effective use of the right technology provides efficiencies and communication capabilities that would make our work extremely difficult to accomplish otherwise.

PUI: In a few sentences, please touch on the importance of your industry to the broader economy.
DG: As the US economy moves away from traditional manufacturing and Birmingham’s economy suffers from the departure of banking and other industries, the technology sector can fill many of those gaps. Obviously, it is one of the fastest growing portions of our economy and allows us to remain at the forefront of the world stage.

Additionally, it is where some of the most significant innovations are occurring, and the approaches and techniques used within the technology sector can also benefit the thinking of those in other industries.  Finally, the introduction of new technologies often times greatly enhances and improves our lifestyle both at work and at home.

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PUI spotlights volunteer leaders of our client groups only. If you are interested in nominating someone for our spotlight, contact Julie today.

Leading with Style

Volunteer Spotlight: Ms. Melva Tate

Melva Tate, PHR, is a colorful human resource & career development professional based in Birmingham. She serves as the owner of Tate & Associates, LLC, and is also an activist, engaging speaker, serial entrepreneur, and networking “Diva” (she said it, not us!). What brought Melva to PUI was her work with the Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM). Melva believes in “building relationships where relationships matter” and she truly brings this mantra to life; living, working & serving by these words.

We are excited to share Melva and her insights as a volunteer leader. Melva gives an honest perspective (sometimes you just have to say “no”) on the topic of volunteer leadership with her Volunteer Spotlight interview.

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Projects Unlimited, Inc (PUI): What has been the most fulfilling part of your volunteer service?
Melva Tate (MT): Relationships hands down!!

I’ve developed some of the most rewarding relationships through my interaction with other volunteers. Several of these relationships have evolved from board member, to close associate, then to a deep friendship. Volunteer service has also provided diverse platforms for me to share my time, talents and treasures in areas where I’m truly passionate.

PUI: How essential has volunteer leadership been for your own professional development?
MT: Volunteer leadership has been hugely beneficial to my professional development. I’ve served in volunteer roles that were out of my “comfort zone” and gained valuable knowledge in areas that I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience.

Additionally, as a small business owner, volunteer service has opened several doors to help establish and grow my consulting firm and has unexpectedly been a huge return on my investment. Associate volunteers have served as my unofficial PR Team and will readily share my contact information with persons looking for a HR / career consultant. My willingness to “pay it forward” has reaped enormous benefits that I will never be able to repay. I’m forever grateful.

PUI: What advice would you give to someone that will be serving on their first board of directors in the next few months?
MT: I have four helpful tips to share with a newly tapped board member:

1. Have a full understanding of the organization’s mission.
2. Ask for, review and commit to a set of board expectations.  That’s the what, when, how and why.  What you’re asked to do should not be a surprise after you have said “I do”.
3. Talk to a former or current board member before your first meeting.  Personal insight beats anything written on paper.
4. Make sure the commitment will “fit” on your plate.  Be proactive vs. reactive in managing your volunteer time.  Otherwise your volunteer commitment will be a burden versus a blessing.

PUI: What will you do differently in your next volunteer leadership role?
MT: What next role? I’m done with volunteer leadership!! Just kidding!!! My ultimate career goal is to be a professional volunteer / board member. But seriously, I would follow the four tips shared above, especially having a very candid and open discussion with a former or current board member. I would also say “no” more often than “yes”. I encourage those who are asked to serve to feel empowered to say “no” if the timing or organization is not a fit. No may not mean never; just not right now. Remember – just say no!! (if that’s what you really feel).

PUI: Considering the current employment & economic landscape, how are you and your firm assisting those who are either looking for a job or for the perfect employee?
MT: My firm, Tate & Associates, is the parent company for two unique divisions: Strategic HR Partnerships and Strategic Career Advantage. We’re all about developing and connecting organizations with great talent and ensuring that talent has the skills and confidence to land and succeed in their job. This is especially critical with the state of our economy, and the long journey ahead to get those unemployed or under employed back to work. We make all areas of workforce work successfully for both corporations and individuals.

Enduring Optimism, part 2

Volunteer Spotlight: Gayle Lantz

PUI: Can you give us an example of a leader that you consider to be strong and effective? What is it about this individual that stands out to you?
GL: One of the most impressive leaders I coached was already extremely successful, but wanted to learn more and grow personally. He looked for ways to challenge his thinking and gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives. He modeled what he wanted his team to do. His focus was on growing people as much as growing the business. Service over ego.

PUI: How essential has volunteer leadership been for your own professional development?
GL: My volunteer leadership experience at Career Connections, and with other organizations, has always been mission driven. My strengths are visioning and strategic thinking. If I see a need I really care about and believe I can impact, I will take action – even if the vision isn’t entirely clear at that point. I like to start initiatives that can grow. So professional development has been more of a byproduct as opposed to a goal. But my volunteer leadership experience has been essential in helping me grow personally and professionally.

PUI: What advice would you give to someone looking to find a meaningful volunteer leadership position?
GL: Just start something. Don’t wait. If you feel strongly about a cause, need or mission, talk to other people with similar interests. Voice what you really care about. You can make an immediate impact. Adjust and grow from there. That’s what we did with Career Connections. The need for people to find work was critical. We could have taken days, weeks or months to plan an ideal approach, but we had immediate expertise and support to offer. So we said, “Let’s get started!” I wasn’t looking for a leadership role. I simply wanted to help. I think that’s the case with many volunteer leaders. The leadership role finds them. They take action because they feel compelled to make a positive impact. Progress beats perfection when you’re trying to make a difference.

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Gayle, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and provide our readers with such valuable insight from a proven leader.

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When you think of a strong leader, who do you think of? Why?

Leave a comment and let us know.

Need to go back? Click for the first half of the interview.

Enduring Optimism, part 1

Volunteer Spotlight: Gayle Lantz

Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, executive coach, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc.  She helps organizations and entrepreneurs get clear and focused so they can grow their business and themselves more quickly. She also helps individual leaders who want to take charge of their own career path doing work that matters and provides a lot of good insight & information on the WorkMattersBlog. Her services reach local, national and global markets. As a volunteer leader, she is co-founder of Career Connections.

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Projects Unlimited, Inc. (PUI): From your perspective, how can volunteer leaders truly affect positive change in a member-based organization?
Gayle Lantz (GL): By keeping a clear and compelling vision in view. It’s not about “pushing and pulling” people, but inspiring members to be a part of something important that makes a big difference. Engage members in conversations about what the organization is trying to accomplish. Let them know their voice is needed as you move in new directions. Stop trying to do so much yourself, or you’ll burn out.

PUI: Are there any unusual “off the beaten path” type qualities of effective leaders that you find to be particularly endearing and effective?
GL: One quality is enduring optimism. People always want to have a sense of hope. These leaders view challenges through a different lens – one of new possibilities.  They also constantly raise the bar, resisting status quo thinking. They expand their vision of what’s possible, and are on fire to make it happen. Instead of trying to go from A to B, they already see G or H down the path. They think bigger.

PUI: Have you noticed any trends in the roadblocks that are keeping individuals or organizations from reaching their full potential as leaders?
GL: Yes. The biggest roadblock is usually their own mindset. Some individuals and organizations hold themselves back based on fears, doubts — unwillingness to take risk, invest or make a mistake. Mindset matters as much as (and sometimes even more than) skills. Also, organizations can be too slow in their decision making – overcomplicating the process – so they miss opportunities to make a stronger impact more quickly.

Click for the second half of the interview.

How Do You Manage Your Work Flow?

Ask Yourself The Following:

1. Are you *still* using Post-its?

2. What about to do lists?

3. Feel like you are exchanging too many (avoidable) e-mails with your team?

4. How do you keep track of what your employees/employers are doing on a daily basis… without e-mailing them to inquire about the status of a particular project?

5. Do you track time spent on various pieces of your projects?

We manage our projects with Basecamp – take a look around. What benefits does our team see from using a project management software? Well, we pretty much agree with the buzz and could not put it much better ourselves.

“It’s the iPod of project collaboration.” – Joshua Peterson, via http://basecamphq.com/buzz

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We want to know how you all keep everything in order.

Do you have any tips for managing projects? Does your company or association use project management software?
If not, does your company or association have outlined project management practices to keep everyone focused and accountable?

Leave a comment and let us know.