How To Play Chess And Win...Advice From The Pro

By Laura Sherman


Chess is more than just a game, it is a university of life lessons just waiting for you to discover.

Chess is a game, agreed, but is it more? I would answer a hearty yes!

Throughout my life I have used my chess skills in life to win. When you are facing an opponent over the chessboard, it is do or die. Even when you are down a piece, facing a seemingly unstoppable attack you must persevere. If you do, you will often win. Now there’s a skill that translates directly to life!

I learned to play chess when I was 9 years old. Soon I could beat my father. Rather than throw up his hands in defeat he drove me 60 miles to Hartford each week so I could study with a Russian master. A few months later I played in my first tournament. I was the only girl there, which could have been intimidating. However my father was there by my side, so I decided to conquer my fears.

Like an athlete pumped up for a meet I took each game seriously. Many eyes were on my games as I continued to beat two out of the three opponents I was given. I was awarded second prize. I’m not sure who was more proud, me or my father.

As I grew up chess came in and out of my life. I studied, took lessons and went out to explore the world with my new found knowledge. For me the world is very much a living, breathing chessboard, there ready to conquer. I have succeeded in many things that normally would have been “impossible”, but with my chess training I realized nothing is unattainable. You just have to want it badly enough.

So what does this have to do with workforce training?

Playing chess helps you to think outside-the-box and improve your problem solving skills. It can also improve you patience, self-confidence and tactical thinking to name just a few. As an adult you too can improve these skills and conquer any obstacles in the workplace or in life. It is all about attitude.

So I challenge you to play a game of chess once or twice a week. You will learn a lot! Then go apply those skills to your business and see what you can accomplish. If you have children, start teaching them as early as you can and play with them often.


Laura Sherman is a Chess Coach who teaches children the life lessons one learns from chess. For more information please visit her website @ http://yourchesscoach.com/

Copyrighted (C) by Laura Sherman 2008

How Business Leaders Use Sales Story To Impart Value And Increase Sales

By Annmarie Edwards

The Importance of Business Stories and Selling

Stories have their roots in our consciousness as a mean of imparting knowledge and ideas. Over centuries ago stories have stood the test of time in teaching values. Every story has a moral. People are more inclined to learn from the past in order to move forward in the future.

Stories and Marketing

Stories are value driven and help to create interest and excitement. People yearn to know how something came into being. Describing the beginning of a business, product or services motivate buyers as well as sharing the experience. People do get inspiration from stories. Business stories build connection with customers and help to solve their problems.

How Business Leaders Developed Their Business Story

I develop my story by writing down what I do and then asking the question: So What. Once I have gotten a great answer to the "So What" Question, I can then develop a story where the so what is the AHA of that story.

For example, all your life you have planned to take a dream vacation. Today is the day it all begins. Your car is packed and full of gas. You are off. Driving away enjoying the scenery when all of a sudden a red light appears on your dash. It is your oil light. Your trip has come to a sudden halt. Worry sets in. Will this setback keep you from continuing on your vacation or is it merely a minor set back?

And so it goes in retirement. You worked all your life to have enough income to kick back and enjoy life. All of a sudden interest rates change and inflation rears its ugly head. Will your financial "oil light" come on?

With cars, having a strong relationship with a mechanic you can trust gives you the peace of mind you need to make it to your destination. When it comes to money, having a solid financial advisor makes sense. Let's chat to find out if perhaps I am the right person for you. Call me anytime at.....(Jerry Edwards http://businessdistinctions.com/blog/)

Why someone buys a company's product is a compelling story. I show the emotional decision, the factors showing why they need this product and how the company's product or services enriches their lives. There are fictional or story-factional elements added to create these stories. I've attached my guide on this very topic.(Julie Ann Shapiro,http://www.gotdot.com)/
http://www.work.com/story-a-lization-campaign-for-marketers-14743

I think if you're always appealing to the emotional side of your demographic, you can't miss. Think feelings, think expression. When you're developing the story, you want to talk about how a product or service can not only improve business, but also improve your daily activities, workflow, etc. It's all about the perceived value of the product/service, and when there's an understanding that product or service will go above and beyond - make a difference in processes, thinking, etc. - the consumer will be more drawn in.(Jennifer Heigl, http://www.jenniferheigl.com)/

Business story touches people's lives across boarder. It expresses a benefit, communicate your passion, adds a personal touch and appeals to the emotions. Stories create the venue to increase sales while selling the value.

Annmarie Edwards is a workforce trainer who provides solutions for small businesses workforce issues. Her Energize your workforce program teaches companies how to motivate workers and improve their bottom-line.


Copyrighted (c) 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

What Jamaican Olympic Sprinters can teach the World in Leadership, Workforce Training and Sportsmanship

By Annmarie Edwards



"This Caribbean nation, which once got a few chuckles by fielding an Olympic bobsled team, is no joke when it comes to track and field" (http://www.nbcolympics.com/trackandfield/news/newsid=238925.html#sprinters+jamaicas+national+treasure)

What the world doesn't know about Jamaica is that Jamaicans take sports seriously from kindergarten up to the high school level. Preprimary students challenged one another in racing. On uneven grounds scattered with boulders and pebbles you can hear pounding feet as little ones try to beat their competitors.

Students at the primary and secondary level have the opportunity to show their competence in sports and other competitions through organized sports. School events are early starters for athletes who show early sign of excellence in representing their country. Coaches hand picked athletes who showed sign of having excellent sports record to compete internationally. It is not as easy as an onlooker would think. The process is hard and grueling but the outcome is well worth the effort.

"…how a nation of nearly 3 million known for its reggae music and beaches can produce such phenomenal runners." (Associated Press, August 10, 2008 (http://www.nbcolympics.com/trackandfield/news/newsid=238925.html#sprinters+jamaicas+national+treasure).

It is all about self-discipline in following guidelines, setting goals and work towards them. In any field of training whether it is sports, workforce or trade you have to have a plan of action and follow through with it. Showing the human spirit in whatever you do will help you to outperform your competitors on any day. Having a strong will to go beyond your drawbacks and focus your intent in achieving your goals is a guide for success.

Jamaican sprinters at the 2008 Olympic games show the world what hard work and self-determination can lead to. The size of the country doesn't have anything to do with performance. It is the mind of the people that makes the difference.

Sportsmanship is a trait Jamaicans aspire in showing spirit, determination, and camaraderie. The team spirit is eminent as players in the field work together for a common goal. The training leads up to excellence is a combination of hard work and spirit. There are dietary guidelines to follow as well as time earmarked for training. You've to build your stamina by following guidelines and having self-discipline in achieving your goals.

Mr. Golding the Prime Minister of Jamaica said that "the quartet showed the true meaning of confidence, determination and focus in capturing this elusive race. 'Jamaicans should take from this, a lesson to never give up as we are destined for great things and our success at Beijing China, is just the start," Mr. Golding said.(http://jis.gov.jm/officePM/html/20080825T100000-0500_16449_JIS_JAMAICA_HAS_REWRITTEN_OLYMPICS_HISTORY____SAYS_PM_GOLDING.asp

Mr. Golding, the Prime Minister of Jamaica speech is applicable to all field of training. Leadership needs to set the stage for excellence earlier on so victory in accomplishment is celebrated wholeheartedly. It is a time of bliss for Jamaicans in setting this world record in sports as well as teaching the world that self-determination and spirit can beat all the odds. A well deserve honor for Jamaicans.


Annmarie Edwards is a workforce trainer who makes commentary on workforce training and issues on her workforce blog. Stay tuned for more tips…

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How to Avoid Faulty Mistakes in the Workforce and Increase Sales

MRS LAUGHING PANTS NEWS


Seven Leadership Tips for Busy People


The workforce is the heart of any business. So why do employees lose their motivation, suffer from job burnout, and eventually leave jobs? Annmarie Edwards, author of 50 Tips To Energize Your Workforce offers business leaders seven tips on how to avoid workforce mistakes and increase sales.

1. Communicate. Keeping employees well-informed is central to running a successful business. Managers can use various methods to share information:
a) Memos
b) E-mail
c) Newsletters
d) Staff meetings
e) Departmental meetings
f) In-house bulletin boards

2. Be an active listener. Involve staff by asking for their input on projects, and by encouraging them to express any concerns they may have.

3. Promote teamwork. Empower employees through team building activities, which can help to create a sense of belonging. Team building can also improve productivity as teams are challenged to compete with one another.

4.A motivated and energetic staff is the key to productivity. By sharing the mission and vision of the company, employees will be motivated to work toward company objectives. They will be aware of what the company hopes to achieve in the short-and long-term. Also, how important their individual role is to the company's vision.

5. Innovation is a company's life force. Change increases productivity; provides opportunities for staff involvement; maximizes creativity, brainstorming, and collaboration; and capitalizes on varied skills and knowledge.

6. Since workers can experience burnout doing the same job for several years, cross-training employees can keep them intellectually stimulated. It may also protect a department from the negative effects of high turnover if businesses have pre-trained replacements.

7. Recognize milestones. Recognition and reward also influence motivation, commitment, and loyalty. Typically, workers will extend themselves beyond their scope of duty when they feel valued.


Annmarie Edwards is a workforce expert who provides solutions for small businesses workforce issues. Her Energize your workforce program teaches companies how to motivate workers and improve their bottom-line. Edwards's booklet "50 Tips To Energize Your Workforce," gives tips on how businesses can build their workforce and increase productivity.

Copyrighted (c) 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

Mrs. Laughing Pants Workforce Trainer Reveals Hot Secret In The Shower

News from Mrs. Laughing Pants Ink

How Taking A Shower Can Trigger New Ideas For An Online Workforce Training Blog

FLAT ROCK, NC (08/22/2008)-- Mrs. Laughing Pants the alter ego of Annmarie Edwards reveals the secret about the beginning of Online Workforce Training Blog. The idea of the Online Workforce Training Blog came to her while she showered early in the morning back in April 2007. Soapsuds blinded her eyes as ideas swarmed her mind like bees attacking its prey. Edwards jumped out of the shower into her bedroom with trails of water and soapsuds. She grabbed a notepad and pen and wrote as quickly as she could to capture the ideas for the blog as they flooded her mind.

Just imagine you're butt naked taking a shower with soapsuds all over your body and suddenly ideas of a new training program with characters flood your mind...what would you do? Asked Edwards.

This new Online Workforce Training Blog offers free advise to workforce training managers, HR directors, business executives, supervisors, and workforce staff. The Online Workforce Training Blog is a resource to the HR community and business leaders seeking information on ways to improve their bottom-line.

"This site offers great information for employers and employees alike. Very well written and very unique. Nice layout and nice format. I would definitely suggest this site to anyone trying to improve their work-related problems and their work environment. Great Site! Great Information! Great Job" (http://carolsbeadstore.com).

The Online Workforce Training Blog uses an artificial online learning lab with characters who act and solve your workforce issues. The blog is hilarious and attracts reviewers daily. Workforce issues on training and leadership are some of the topics addressed often on the Online Workforce Training Blog. The author use of personal stories are enlightening as well as touching. The use of storytelling helps to communicate the message of leadership, team building, values, and morals.

"Told me how to solve workforce problems fairly well. I had very little knowledge on this subject (since I've not worked in that area) before I visited your site, so congratulation on the information sharing. Site loaded nicely too. Keep up the good work!" (http://BusinessViking.com).

Online Workforce Training according to Edwards, "saves money and time and allows workers to train at their own pace." It is a proven method to use in training adults who are independent learners. Training adults with new skills, using an online medium can translate into an increase in productivity and sales. Workers will feel more appreciated when they have the skills to perform their jobs. Online workforce training helps to improve the overall well-being of workers while improving the bottom-line.

"Laughing Pants...I loved your site, great in-depth stuff here for those needing good business advise." (http://goodlifesystems.com).

About Mrs. Laughing Pants, alter ego Annmarie Edwards
Annmarie Edwards is a workforce trainer, keynote speaker, and author, working in areas of workforce development and training, and workers satisfaction. Visit her website for more information: http://onlineworkforcetraining.com

The Lion and the Mouse…A Story of Courage, Determination and Triumph

By Annmarie Edwards

What can you learn from the story of the lion and the mouse?



"No act of kindness should go unnoticed."

Courage is a human trait that helps you to confront your problems, face adversity in times of trouble, taking a plunge in trying something new and standing up for what you believe in.

Courage is about facing your fears and moving forward in spite of them. Learning to confront your fears and do the right thing is how you grow as a person (Tina Scwager & Michele Schuerger, Cool Women, Hot Jobs).


The lion and the mouse story although a fable has moral lessons. Our stereotypical ways sometimes get in the way of seeing the real value of the next person. The irony is although the lion did not want to let the mouse go he found himself in a predicament and guess who came to his rescue? The little tiny mouse. Is'nt this a great lessons for leaders?

Our road to success is defined and shaped by our own perspectives on life. As such, the journey towards success is a very personal and individual path. (http://www.the-success-factor.com/courage_success_quotes.htm).

Sometimes all an individual wants is a second chance. Some leaders are so caught up with their ego that they forgot about giving someone a second chance.

Listen to story here: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/aesop/index.html

Here is a scenario for you: You're at a meeting and your supervisors ask for suggestions on how they can improve clients relation. As soon as attendees gave their suggestions management toss it out the window. On one hand, management asks for input and on the other hand, they don't use the suggestions. What is the purpose of asking if you're not going to even think about the suggestions you received?

The lion and the mouse story although a fable is still making its impact on leadership even today. You can take the lesson learned from this fable and use it in your personal life. There is a moral in every story what is yours?

I'll get back to you soon with more stories. Stay tuned.


Annmarie Edwards is a Workforce Trainer who likes to share her personal stories to inspire others to succeed. Follow her blog and you might find what you're missing in reading.

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

Mrs Laughing Pants Leadership Style and Influences Part 1

By Annmarie Edwards

Little did I know the effect this small gesture would have on me as an adult that would shape the course of my life.

My grandmother Sitira knew what she was doing when she began praising me for everything I did. Little did I know the effect this small gesture would have on me as an adult. The more you praise someone the better he or she becomes. I found out in my early years with my grandmother setting the stage for my development as a kind and caring adult. Even water reacts differently when you praise it. Scientifically research proved that water behaved a certain way when you praised it.

Sitira the backbone of her community

Sitta was my grandmother's nickname, which suited her well. She was a no-nonsense person who took charge of things and got them done. She often acted as a middle person by selling produce grown by her community people and used the earned money to buy them groceries. Sitta rallied for people by helping to solve dispute, visiting the sick and shut in and helping people to save money. Sitta acted as a banker for people in her community. She provided them with the opportunity to save.

Sitta the Community Banker

Sitta taught people how to save money by pooling a group of forty people together. People in her group would contribute for example ten dollars for forty weeks. Every week someone different in her group would receive money. This would last for forty weeks until everyone in the group got their money. This was a sure way for people to buy the things they needed. My grandmother Sitta was a great organizer of people and events. Sitta influence has given me a sense of community. Because of Sitta's influence in my life, I love to organize people and events.

Sitta was also an herbalist. She knew exactly which herbs to use and their healing cures. Getting sick with Sitta was not an option because she knew which herb to brew. I remembered coming down with the measles and Sitta brew Tamarind bush and make a bath. I was healed in days. Sitta was a true healer she knew her stuff.

My leadership style is credited to grandmother Sitta who I fondly called "Granny". She laid the foundation for me as a leader by being the constant in my early life. Sitta taught me responsibility, kindness, compassion, boldness, and character. I learned how to face the dark and all my fears early on in my youthful years with Sitta. I was brave not knowing what to expect when I woke in the morning to take my long journey to the dam. This experience has taught me courage and as a result, I have moved many places and feel at home. I don't have a problem to move anywhere because I know there is always someone to welcome me home.

What did I learn from Sitta's influence?

I am a leader who inspires and motivates people to accept change. I am action-oriented always seeking ways to help people develop themselves in achieving their goals. I practice transformational leadership as well as other leadership style that fit the situation. Leading to me means developing people to assume leadership roles by maximizing their skills. I look at the big picture as well as the small details. I am a problem solver who accepts challenges and seek ways to find solutions.

As a leader, I value assessment as a tool to move my organization forward in planning and leading change. Sharing the vision is important to me by educating people to move beyond their fears and embrace new ideas for the good of the organization. I believe in recognizing people for their efforts by celebrating success every step of the way. My grandmother Sitta has laid a solid foundation in building my leadership skills. I credited all my success as a leader to this great woman who passed away many years ago.

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

Mrs. Laughing Pants Secret Revealed...

By Annmarie Edwards

Dear Reader,

Just imagine you're butt naked taking a shower with soapsuds all over your body and suddenly ideas of a new training program with characters flood your mind...what would you do?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope my personal story will inspire you as you read them. I love storytelling and that has been part of me over the years. While I was in the classroom, my students were my biggest fans. They connected well with me sharing my personal stories with them. Normally, before I began class I would share a story. I guess I won't ran out of stories because there are so many to tell. Living in the West Indies provided me with the experience I can share with others.

Instead of Ophrah, pulling the donkey it was I pulling my donkey


One story I shared with my class was the one with the donkey. I drew the donkey on the blackboard with two hampers (baskets). If you watch Oprah Winfrey show, you'll get the idea. She has a donkey pulling at the end of her show. Instead of Ophrah, pulling the donkey it was I pulling my donkey when I was six years old. I had to get up early in the morning and get water from the dam, which was five miles away from home. I would travel about twenty or thirty miles daily before going to school to get water. Just imagine a child waking up at 4 a.m. in the morning to get water. This is another post in itself.

I shared the donkey story with my class to teach caring, kindness and responsibility. Students in the U.S. have life easy than students in third world countries. Students here take things for granted while in other countries it is a way of life. The idea of the donkey got my students attention every time because they are not aware of what life is in other countries.

You might be thinking how the idea of Mrs. Laughing Pants came about. If you're like me I would be thinking the same too. Anyways the idea of Mrs. Laughing Pants the alter ego of Annmarie Edwards came about in April 2007 while I was taking a shower. It was about 10 a.m. in the morning.

Just imagine you're butt naked taking a shower with soapsuds all over your body. Suddenly, you've ideas flooding your mind and coming at you so quickly you've to jump out of the shower naked and grab a notepad and write them down. This happened to me back in April 2007 over one year ago. Everything came to me at that moment. The names of the characters and the idea of the lunch bag training crew came about.

The first name that came to me was Mrs Laughing Pan. I called my friend in California and shared this information with her. She told me to change Laughing Pan to Laughing Pants and that was what I did. The names were strange but they exist in some form in the workplace. You've people who know everything and they are the "knows it all." Also, you've people who like to solve problems so they are the "solve it," and the list goes on. Read the beginning of post here to read up the different characters. http://onlineworkforcetraining.blogspot.com/2007/04/taking-mystery-out-of-training.html

Mrs. Laughing Pants is a memorable character who uses humor to teach skills to people. "Laughter is an instant vacation and a smile is a little curve that straightens everything out" (http://www.bellylaughday.com/bellylaughdayhome/whycelebratelaughter.html). The intent of Mrs. Laughing Pant's character is to bring people together through learning and sharing. Leaders sometimes don't own up to their mistake and sometimes appear unhuman. Laughter is something everyone does. It helps to lessen stress and build emotional well-being. Humor makes people becomes human. It is one of our human traits that we engage in.

Mrs. Laughing Pants Next Stop

I am working on developing cartoon strips for Mrs. Laughing Pants and her Lunch Bag Training Crew. I have all the faces but I have to learn how to put bodies on the faces. I am struggling with this and I need help. I am thinking of having a contest and let my readers draw the cartoon characters for me. What do you think? Please share your views. I would like to post a cartoon picture with each post. I am a painter and I am learning how to draw cartoon pictures. As I said, I need help from my readers. Stay tuned for more stories from Mrs Laughing Pants…

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How to "Green Up" Around Your Office

By Annmarie Edwards


"U.S. businesses use 21 million tons of paper each year"

Staying green is critical to the survival of our planet earth. Nowadays people are more eco conscious in making wise choices on how to improve the survival of our planet. It is important for businesses to begin implementing ways to save the planet by using eco friendly products. Recycling cuts down on pollutants and helps to find ways to reuse items that would end in the garbage dump.



Inc Magazine in its June 2008 issue reported an alarming findings which indicated the U.S. businesses use 21 million tons of paper each year. That's several trees to cut down. Now is the time for businesses to stay green by saving our trees and set up an energy management plan. You can stay green around your office using these tips:

1. Have a recycling center at your workplace. You can choose a recycling area in your office and label bins where staff can begin to recycle papers, magazines, inks, bottles and cans.

2. Begin to use "Energy Star" products that will help to decrease your energy bill.

3. Put in place an energy plan and get your workers involve in saving energy.

4. Cut off lights and machineries that you're not using. This will save on your energy bill and help the environment.

5. Invest in solar panels that will help to reduce your electric bill.

6. Encourage staff to recycle plastic bags instead of throwing them in the garbage.

7 Research ways on how you can manage your garbage disposal. Get your workers involve by having a brainstorming session.

8. Make energy management a part of your company's core values. You can put up posters and have contest to encourage staff to stay green and improve our planet.

Playing your part in "Greening Up" your office is important to our environment. Everybody needs to do his/her part and the time is now! A plan to save the 21 million trees businesses destroy yearly is important. Greening up your office will help you to remove and recycle waste. By doing so, you will find new ways to help the environment through recycling. An environmentally friendly planet is what we need to stay green. So begin now to "Green Up" your office.

Enjoy!

Annmarie Edwards is a workforce trainer and author who is environmentally conscious. She writes about workforce issues regularly on her blog



Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How To Use The Art of Story Telling In Your Organization

By Annmarie Edwards



Is your organization going through a turbulent time of change? Are you having problems in getting your message across to your workers?

Developing the art of storytelling as a leader is an effective tool to communicate your company's message to your workers.

Effective storytelling is a leadership skill leaders can put in practice to get result in turbulent times when organizations are going through changes. Organization changes come about during layoffs, company expansion, closing of a special unit, downsizing of workers and business relocation.



Just imagine your workers going through one of these changes. Lack of motivation, frequent complaining, excess stress, late for work, noncompliance with supervisor, lack team spirit, anger towards others and so on. Some workers show sign of anger, stress, low self-esteem, and a sense of betrayal during time of change. You as a leader can change these negative reactions into positive ones using story telling.

As you note, command and control does not work but a true story that captures the mind and delivers the message you want will win workers over in less time than you anticipated. Story telling has an engaging factor that most workers can relate to.

Stories have emotion

In times of change, workers become emotional due to many factors. Factors that influence emotional turmoil can be the length of time on the job, moving to a new job location, getting laid off, and unable to deal with change.

As you see, organization change is a challenging time for leaders to get their workforce focus on the mission and vision of their organizations. Using storytelling in time of turmoil gives leaders the advantage of selling the organization mission, vision, goals and values. Storytelling is one of the most powerful forms of communication that impact workers over time.

Stories get workers to move in the direction you as a leader want them to go. Storytelling builds connection with leaders and staff. It is a safe way to get workers attention while spreading the company's message. Another benefit of story telling is that it provides comic relief to pent up anger and despair. Laughter provides an avenue of relief for people who are experiencing emotional stress. Why not develop this art form and use it to your company's advantage.

Annmarie Edwards is a workforce trainer, author and speaker who writes on workforce issues on her blog. Stay tuned for more info on workforce issues.

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

"The Devil Wears Prada"…Another take On Leadership With the Boss From Hell

By Annmarie Edwards


Miranda Priestly The Boss From Hell Finally Speaks Out In An Interview With Mrs. Laughing Pants





Leadership is a daunting task especially when you have a high profile job and everybody is breathing down your back. You have to meet deadlines, attend fashion shows in Paris, London and Milan on a short notice. Trekking international waters come with the territory as a fashion editor. The interesting part of this job is getting the scoop on the latest trend in fashion in advance before it hits the street.

What do you expect from an in demand editor who delivers quality products?

Here comes Miranda Priestly a character in "The Devil Wears Prada," a book by Lauren Weisberger, speaking her mind in an interview with Mrs. Laughing Pants.

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Thanks Miranda for taking the time to meet with me today. I know you've a busy schedule at Runaway and I value your time in coming here.

Miranda Priestly: Thanks for inviting me Mrs. Laughing Pants. It is always good to take a break sometimes. As the editor at Runaway, I keep everybody busy. All credit goes to my staff who works hard when I'm not there.

Mrs. Laughing Pants: That’s interesting! I would like to begin with your assistant Andrea Sachs. She claimed you're the boss from hell. Can you explain why she would say that?

Miranda: Andrea has too many excuses sometimes. I have a busy schedule as you note and I don't like excuses. As the editor of Runaway Magazine, I have to satisfy our clients. All of these clients are high fashion designers like Prada, Armani, Versace and the list goes on. As a high profile person I am constantly in demand. Meeting the needs of my clients are my top priority. I like my assistants to do their jobs. That’s all!

Mrs. Laughing Pants: I hear you Miranda. Can you explain if you don't mind why your assistants act nervous when you're around? Andrea claimed you barked at her if your coffee is cold and you make unrealistic demands. Is that true?

Miranda Priestly: I just like doing my job a certain way and it is too bad that she feels that way. There's no need to feel nervous around me. I never bite. That's nonsense talk. Do you believe that? Pause…I like my job in order and as human sometimes I snapped when I asked for something and I'm getting a bag of excuses. You see too many excuses!

Mrs Laughing Pants: While we're on the topic of assistant, I would like you to tell me how do you promote your assistants seeing this is a high profile job?

Miranda Priestly: Probably my assistants might not know this but I value their loyal service to me if they remain in employment with Runaway for a year. I have some contacts I can call a favor if my assistants want to move on to a different company. I can help them to get where they want to go.

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Correct me if I'm wrong…you mentioned you can help your assistants to get where they want to go, is that right?

Miranda Priestly: You're correct! To be honest the job is stressful at times. My assistants have to be available sometimes 24/7. It is a hard job.

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Thanks for explaining that for me. My next question is who was your mentor growing up?

Miranda Priestly: My mother died in childbirth; as a result, I had different people in my life. I would do an injustice if I name a single person. All the people in my life are my mentors.

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Thank you so much for answering that. My next question is can you describe your job?

Miranda Priestly: I have an early start everyday beginning at 4:00 a.m in the morning. I'm not just the editor, I'm the chief editor at Runaway Magazine. I am in charge of supervising a staff of editors, meet with fashion editors, and sign off on articles for the publication. I decide on creative and seasonal trends. Also, I meet with designers, visit fashion shows both here and abroad. I offer in put on hiring and firing staff. I also meet with staff weekly. That is my job role in a nutshell.

Mrs Laughing Pants: Thanks for sharing this information. You've a busy schedule. Next question is how do you delegate responsibility seeing you have so much to do on your plate?

Miranda Priestly: My staff comprise of a secretary, receptionist, two assistants, and four editors. They all have their job descriptions. My staff takes on some of my work responsibilities. For example, from taking calls, reading emails, travel on short notice, meet with clients, attend to my personal needs, write articles, visit fashion shows, scheduling and the list goes on.

Mrs Laughing Pants: Thank you so much for your time Miranda. I can't believe we're at the end of our interview. One last question… do you have anything you would like to say before we close this interview?

Miranda Priestly: Yes! If anyone is out there and is thinking about becoming my assistant make sure it is something you want. The job is stressful and demanding and I don't take excuses. Make sure you have the time to dedicate to your job. I'll make sure my assistants receive a high compensation for their work. That’s all!

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Is there anything you would like to clarify about your character? The word is out that you're spiteful with a vengeance and you drive your assistants over the edge with your unreasonable demands.

Miranda Priestly: I've been in this business for a while and I know people. It takes just a phone call to call a favor. Interesting what people say behind your back. It would be more helpful to me if my assistants tell me how they feel about me. I cannot make any change to my character if they are not honest and tell me as it is. There is no superhuman here. I recognize I'm not perfect but it is something for me to work on. I hope the next assistant will have a better experience and will come more prepared for this exciting job that a "million people would die for." That’s all!

Mrs. Laughing Pants: Thank you so much Miranda for taking the time to attend this interview. I value your time and I wish you the best in your job.


PS. This post is for entertainment only. The author is using a new twist in analyzing a story that debunk leadership. The author intent is to show the different perspectives on leadership from a character angle. The Devil Wears Prada talks about the unfairness of leading people in the workplace.

P.S.S You're welcome to read the book or watch the movie. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger


Guide to Energize Your Employee Workforce


Annmarie Edwards is an author, trainer, and speaker who writers regularly on workforce issues on her Blog. Stay tuned for more updates.


Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards

How to Read Books To Get Inspiration And Improve Your Leadership Skills

By Annmarie Edwards

What Good Leaders Do?

Good leaders are at the forefront in learning new information to improve their practice everyday. Leaders, who have the knowledge, experience more peace of mind, have fewer stress and increase their productivity.

The Importance of reading good books



Reading books that provide inspiration capture the reader's attention in their spellbound story line, are resources leaders can use to improve their leadership skills and connect with their employees.



The Last Juror, a novel by John Grisham is an interesting book for leaders. Although set in the South in the 1970, leaders can find useful information to strengthen their leadership skills. A leader can get wisdom from this story through the portrayal of the main character Willie Traynor who showed superior leadership skills in the time of trouble.

What do you expect from a twenty three-year-old college dropout? Traynor had a vision, he was willing to take risk and work hard. Are these traits part of good leadership? As you followed the story, you will find that in the time of change Traynor stepped up to the challenge of taking over Ford County Times that went bankrupt. Traynor did not have any money but he went to the only source he had and got a loan.

As you followed the story, what thoughts come to mind when you look at leadership? Leaders sometimes at the onset have to overcome challenges. Leaders have to take risk and do what they think is best for their business. Traynor did just that, he took the risk of buying a newspaper company that went under and build it from ground up.

Traynor took a personal interest in people by getting to know them on a personal level. He was meticulous in his work when profiling people who were under-represented. As a result, Traynor's good deed paid off. By taking an interest in people, he was able to connect with them on their levels and build his newspaper business. Traynor showed traits of a good leader.

In times of struggle, Traynor demonstrated courage and strength. He fought for the disadvantaged by profiling their success and stood up against injustice. At times even risking his own safety. A true leader takes on risk by showing courage and strength. By seeing Traynor in his role as a leader, you can learn leadership skills you can put in practice.

How to demonstrate your leadership skills

The Last Juror is about performing your leadership skills by beating the odds, take on risk, show courage, believe in your vision, step out in faith, and do what it takes to succeed.

John Grisham wrote a great work of fiction that is a resource for leaders in developing their leadership skills. The setting suits the story, in delivering a message that a leader can make a difference even during the time of turmoil. You can get more wisdom from this story by reading it.

Annmarie Edwards is an author, trainer, and speaker who writers regularly on workforce issues on her Blog. Stay tuned for more updates.

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards