Thanks to Judi Adams, I discovered I’m Purple – I’m organized, task oriented, like leadership roles and I keep lists and thrive on seeing items get crossed off that list. It’s a good thing, because my job as Executive Director at the New Hope Crisis Center for Box Elder County requires those very attributes. Our advocates and case managers, on the other hand, are Blue: They care deeply about what people feel and value those feelings; they want everybody to feel OK and want everybody to be included.
Judi was both a Keynote Speaker and Workshop Presenter and the September Conference. She co-authored The Big Girls Club: Little Girl Rules for the Big Girls Workplace. She brought with her more than 25 years of experience in organizational development, collaboration and planning. And a barrel-full of energy, humor and fun.
In her Keynote Address, Judi reminded us that we need to avoid a “hoarding mentality”. We need to be less concerned about what we do than what we can do together – how we can help and support each other. She also reminded us to remain true to the vision of what our work consists of by being aware that what we do now within our community lays the groundwork for what that community will look like in fifty or a hundred years.
The breakout workshop was an exercise in discovering both what attributes we bring to our work as well as how to best communicate with co-workers based on their attributes. I’m Purple, the organizer; victim services staff is Blue, those who care deeply about others. However, as I look at myself and my staff, I see elements of all the four colors in each of us. I certainly see the spontaneity, creativity, and social gifts associated with Red with some, but not a great amount, of Green attributes like data driven, cautious, precision and isolation.
Understanding personality types is an important key to an effective organization. It’s also important that we recognize that each “color” (personality type) brings its own set of skills and talents. Each organization need the planers and the list makers, but it’s absolutely necessary that a shelter has a victim service staff who are mostly blue – empathetic and reds – creative.
How will I use the skills Judi taught me? First, when I’m looking for new staff, I’m going to pay more attention to the attributes the potential employee has instead of relying overmuch on education and experience. Second, when problems in staff arise, understanding their core attributes will give me an edge in finding the best way to discuss and resolve the issue. Third, as board positions open, I’m going to try to have all the colors represented. I need some more Greens.
Judi’s presentation gave me and the other attendees a creative and easy method to simplify the most complex dynamic in our lives: relationships and communication.
And yes, I’ve ordered the book for the shelter
Annette Macfarlane
Executive/Program Director
New Hope Crisis Center
Look at What Are People are Saying About The Big Girls Club: Little Girl Rules for the Big Girl Workplace!
“Thank you Judi and Gael! This is one of the best business, leadership, self help, motivational books I’ve read. For anyone (female or male), these wonderful rules are the foundational pillars you need to succeed in any environment; whether in business, at home or in your community. This book helped me to reawaken my inner big girl. So…I guess that makes me a born again big girl!”
Barbara (St. Simon’s Island, Georgia)
“I finished reading The Big Girls Club last night and thoroughly enjoyed the rules. As I read through the book, it was like a book on CD, as I could actually hear you …telling the stories. I think we all have known people like Jasmine, Wanda, Evelyn, Sally, Candy, Scarlett, Gina, Keri, Gigi and Debbie. But whether male or female the messages in and out of the workplace are unforgettable. My favorite being “practice being wonderful to each other at least 95% percent of the time so that during the other 5 percent of the time, your friends will give you the benefit of the doubt”
Darren
“I read the big girls club this week and I LOVED IT…I’m giving it to my DAUGHTER who will be entering the work world shortly (I hope) as she graduates from college on Saturday. i could relate to all those situations, with the exception of the working in all those high-powered jobs. but women are women, aren’t they? I especially liked the beware of women without women friends. I can relate. Keep up the good work and i cant wait for the other books”
Kitti (Chicago)
“Judi! Thank you so much for the Big Girls Club — I just finished it and I loved it. I love the Baby Jane Alert, especially — a talent I have to master (delivering the difficult news that your ringlets just don’t work as well over 75) and can only hope that my colleagues and friends (and husband) have the requisite skill after I’ve enjoyed an Asian lunch and have 14 black sesame seeds in my teeth as I walk into the big meeting/party.”
Liz (Boston)
“Judi.. my daughter Carrie and I also enjoyed the book. Good going!! My GRANDDAUGHTERS, 23 and 20, are going to read it. If you start out knowing about the club it should make life a little easier in the working world.”
Kathy (Oregon)
ALSO LOVED THE JASMINE STORY — reminded me of many younger women I’ve worked with (some not younger, but not very far along in the arc of their careers) and made me wish I could go back and level with them about what I can see holding them back…In the end, what I really like about your book (and you and Gael!) is the way you translate the basic rules of friendship into the workplace to remind us that we already know how to behave — we just forgot to bring it to work. Liz (Boston)
I WANT TO BE A BIG GIRL – Thanks for the book. I think it’s really well done. I enjoyed the format. All the way through I was thinking of the individuals I’ve known who were like your examples…And I have known most of them. I am also thinking of who I can share it with…It might do well as our Mormon book club offering…or maybe as an aid to the Relief Society presidency in dealing with various activities. …the things I reviewed, left me refreshed and ready to go into the trenches again…you and Gael have outdone yourselves.
Lisa (Santa Barbara)
..am ordering 50 copies for my women’s book club.
Anonymous