#743 essentials

One of my mentor's mantras is to "travel light."  She may carry a phone and a car key, but never a purse.  She may bring along an iPad or a pen to a meeting, but never files or anything bulky.  She is very intentional about keeping her hands free to greet people and being unburdened with "stuff" that may detract from her ability to converse.  She makes a good point that men carry what they need in their pocket, and women should do the same.

Contrast that with Queen Elizabeth II.  She could certainly leave the palace with nothing in tow, but she has chosen to carry a purse.  Craig Wilson in USA Today* observed that she: "once again carried her now-famous and mysterious purse to all her Diamond Jubilee events...She's been carrying that purse for 60 years now, and so far, no one has ever seen her open it."  Obviously Queen Elizabeth has chosen to make a statement, fashion or otherwise, and the purse is part of that story.

The premise extends beyond just purses and applies to both genders.  There is no "right" way to make an entrance or to approach a meeting.  Bring it all and be prepared.  Bring just essentials and travel light.  Carry paper if it works for you.  Make a statement and be high tech.  

The choice is yours to make.  Just spend a minute thinking about it and opt for a decision instead of the default.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

*Source:  Fumblers of the world: Organize yourselves!  The Final Word by Craig Wilson, USAToday, 6/13/12