What We're Reading Now

Four Great Questions

14 May 2013

Allison read The Eleanor Project web site and reflected on four great questions we should all be able to answer about ourselves.

Tags: allison read, communication, happiness, women and leadership

Terry Beige and Jennifer McDonald started The Eleanor Project with the goal of changing the perception of what is beautiful and confronting the ideal of female beauty “pushed by Hollywood and glossy magazines.” They named the project after Eleanor Roosevelt – “a woman with a magnificent brain, a loving heart, and an unconventional beauty.” I’ve enjoyed learning about the different women they’ve profiled since January 2013.

I was delighted when Terry asked if she could do a profile of Barbara Linney and me. A lot of the work we do at Allison Partners is based on the lessons I learned at home from a mother and father who were both consultants and coaches in the area of physician leadership and organizational development. As we celebrate the 13-year anniversary of Allison Partners this month, I find myself pausing even more than usual to acknowledge that we wouldn’t be nearly as far along in our development without this mentorship from my parents. They’ve also been part-time team members as client needs outpaced our capacity and I’m so grateful for their support on every level.

Terry’s suggestion of profiling mama and me together felt like a wonderful tribute to her support of my personal and professional development as well as a great way to celebrate her retirement from the American College of Physician Executives after 22 years as the Vice President of Career Development. (We’re proud that working part time at Allison Partners is one of mama’s many retirement pursuits.)

As I was answering the four standard Eleanor Project questions, I was struck by the fact that these are good questions for all men, women and even children to be able to answer about themselves.

1. How would you describe yourself?
2. What inspires you?
3. What makes you feel powerful?
4. What is your favorite part of yourself and why?

Knowing ourselves, understanding what makes us tick, and celebrating our unique qualities is an important part of the self-awareness that allows for meaningful leadership development. And if you’re going through a tough time or find yourself momentarily down in the dumps, I can attest to the fact that reading your answers to these questions can help you to start mapping out a route to a happier place.

Talk about these questions with your family, friends, and coworkers. I think you’ll have some pretty great conversations and thoroughly enjoy theirs answers and yours.

p.s. You can find a new Eleanor profile every Monday and Thursday. I bet you’ll enjoy the diversity of women and their answers to the questions and I know Terry and Jen would value your recommendation of women to include in the future.

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