Cacica Yve's World: Imitate Shamelessly and Often

Cacica Yve's World: Imitate Shamelessly and Often: "I've found the one of the fastest ways to learn anything is to imitate a role model. Think about how you learned to walk, speak, write the a..."

Imitate Shamelessly and Often

I've found the one of the fastest ways to learn anything is to imitate a role model. Think about how you learned to walk, speak, write the alphabet and even to tie your shoes. In your early years, learning by imitation dominated.



So how can you apply this to your leadership journey?

• Business schools have students read biographical articles and books about leaders they admire so that they can learn their secrets to success at the rate of one per week.

• Entrepreneurial women accelerate their success threefold by emulating mentors.

• Interns cultivate greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence by working outside their comfort zone and imitating successful managers in the organizations where the complete their internships.

Have you ever heard the quote "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have?" If management can see you fitting into an environment, they will likely think of you when a position opens up.


Imitating what you admire in others and want to acquire for yourself requires becoming a student of human nature and behavioral science. As a student of human nature you are now ready to spot the best of what anyone has to offer.


How can you start on this experiential learning curve? Select someone you interact with on a regular basis that has some characteristics that you would like to acquire. Take time to think about recent experiences you may have had with this individual. Focus on what this person did that peaked your interest. Was it the way they handled a particularly sticky situation? Was it how they lead a team effort? What was it that caught your eye? Reflect on how you can imitate the way they handled the situation. Where can you apply this knowledge? Actually contact the individual, compliment them on how they behaved and ask questions about your observations.


You can also apply this method to people who frustrate or annoy you. Seriously, if you apply this to people who frustrate you it will change the way you see a whole host of people who, at some point in time, got on your nerves. My point is, that you can learn from everybody. So keep an open mind, you never know what you might learn. Peace

Cacica Yve's World: When Should You Update Your Résumé?

Cacica Yve's World: When Should You Update Your Résumé?: "I'm often asked when should you update your résumé. My best answer is 'when something significant is worth noting.' Say you’re a college stu..."

When Should You Update Your Résumé?

I'm often asked when should you update your résumé. My best answer is "when something significant is worth noting." Say you’re a college student with little experience, you just made the Dean's list... now is a good time to pull out your résumé and note that accomplishment under education.


You changed your contact information; note it on your résumé. What I have found is that often times you’re asked to submit a résumé for a variety of reasons and we sometimes forget to read it before attaching it to emails and later find that it’s not as up-to-date as we would like it to be.

A good rule of thumb is, don't note past employment that goes back more than ten years, unless it’s relevant to the position you are applying for. Tailor your résumé to the job you’re currently seeking. Note accomplishments as concisely as possible. It's not a job description so do not cut and paste this information on to your résumé. Quantify whenever appropriate. Proofread, proofread, and proofread. Did I mention the importance of proofreading? It really does matter!

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I recently heard from a trusted friend that certain members of my community were questioning my commitment and involvement in a council I joined.  I find it interesting that my commitment was in question or that I was being singled out in a meeting in which I was not present.

I have to date attended all the council meetings and have given what I thought was constructive input and yet I was not being characterized as an outsider with no direct ties to the community.  My question is, who defines community?  What criteria (or hoops do I have to jump thru) is used to measure this commitment?

For those of you who clearly believe that the center of your world is defined by a particular neighborhood or a four block radius... let me introduce myself.  I was born in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia.  Until third grade, I lived in the Fairhill section of the City and attended Welsh Elementary.  From fourth to nineth grade I lived in West Oak Lane attending Pennypacker, Lewis & Germantown High.  The last high school I attended was Mastbaum.  I later married and purchased property in West Kensington, which I have owned for the past 29 years. 

I've resided in Fairmount, Fairhill, West Oak Lane, West Kensington, Logan, Parkwood, Northern Liberties and Oxford Circle.  I've worked in West Kensington, Fishtown, Old Kensington, and North Philadelphia.  I was educated at Temple University in the heart of North Philadelphia. 

Again, I asked what defines a community?  I believe that I belong to the Latino/Hispanic Community, the education community, the University community, the Philadephia community, the neighborhood community... to many communities.  Perhaps its that I actually have expectations, standards, values, and beliefs that might intimidate others.  Perhaps I like to challenge the process, push beyond my limits of comfort, push others beyond their comfort zones?  Is it my healthy disrepect for the impossible that scares others?  Or is it that I am challenging others beliefs about what is acceptable and more importantly was is no longer acceptable?  Hmmmm I wonder.  I can't help but think about that old saying, "No good deed goes unpunished!"