Comments from the Chair: Linda Pharr
The Leadership Art of Showing Appreciation

Appreciation. 

Thanks. 

Recognition. 

Traditionally, this is the season to share heartfelt messages of gratitude to those who have positively impacted our business and our professional lives over the past year. 

But for many -- especially those struggling in these tough economic times -- there seems to be more of a sense of urgency just to get past this season than to truly embrace the potential of it.  In a recent meeting I attended, there was considerable conversation around this year’s declining engagement of executives and I couldn’t help but wonder if that would impact their ability to demonstrate their appreciation to those on the team who truly did the “heavy lifting.”  While this may not be the year for big bonuses, lavish gifts and grand celebrations, there is no reason to postpone or minimize recognition and gratitude for a job well done.

Demonstrating appreciation is an important leadership trait and strong leaders have the capacity to show and tell how much they appreciate their team members and can articulate specific reasons why.  There are few moments in a career more treasured than to be singled out by leadership to be recognized and thanked for specific contributions.

The art of showing appreciation works both ways.  As a team member, remember that the power of a note or message of thanks to the leader/s in your organization is energizing and leaves a lasting impression.  The gift of gratitude for their leadership may be just the spark that refuels your organization’s leader/s. 

When so much of the past year has been spent figuring out how to do more while spending less – here is a perfect opportunity to accomplish much while spending little.

On behalf of the WFF – and specifically speaking for myself – I am very grateful to each of you who have contributed to our organization through your time, talent and resources over the past year.  There are so many of you who are doing our “heavy lifting” and providing expertise, support, financial resources and commitment to our mission.  You energize us and keep us focused on our task:  Elevating Women Leaders.

I wish each of you a very Happy Holiday season and a 2009 that exceeds your expectations!

2009 Annual Conference Promises Strong ROI to Attendees
Relevant Education You Can Put To Work

With more than 50 educational tracks planned, this year's Annual Leadership Development Conference offers attendees the kind of practical skills and necessary insights to implement immediately in their day-to-day work life.  As companies struggle to maintain a commitment to professional development during tough economic times, the hard-hitting educational programming offered at this year's conference is attracting the attention of CEO's across the industry.

"This is a rare chance to experience topical sessions that influence business growth, such as doing business internationally, through cross-cultural and multi-generational teams and learning to mitigate risk" said Linda Pharr, WFF's Chair and Interim President.  "Our educational offerings are developed in partnership with prestigious academic institutions and accomplished thought-leaders to provide our attendees with best-in-class learning opportunities.  We know that this is the type of professional development that companies will be investing in during these tough times.  Additionally, because the conference will be held in Dallas (March 15-18 in Grapevine, TX) we believe we'll also see a lot of interest from local Texas companies who will take advantage of the programming without the burden of the travel expenses. 

The conference's agenda is geared for professionals at all levels and attendees are encouraged to take their WFF Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) to guide them to the right program choices.  For executives at the VP level and above, the new Executive Leadership Competency Assessment (ELCA) is now available to help chart executive progress against the WFF Core Leadership Competencies. 

More than 2,000 professionals are expected for WFF’s Annual Leadership Development Conference at The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.  Registration is open.  Early registration rates apply through January 30, 2009. 

Introducing the WFF Board Director Registry
More than 200 Board-Ready Women Included

An industry-first program, the WFF Board Director Registry, is a unique data base of highly skilled, board-ready executives whose backgrounds span all segments and sectors of the foodservice industry.  Currently, 200 women have been through a rigorous application and interview process, led by a board placement specialist .Their experience and professional bios are maintained within the WFF Board Director Registry, which continues to grow.

Companies or search consultants who are seeking a balanced boardroom and the benefits companies realize when they have more females on their board; now have a new resource available to them.  Through a confidential and personal process, led by WFF Board Consultant Deb Nelms, selected candidates that meet the criteria are linked to the right board opportunities.

"For many organizations charged with finding a talented female director to add to their board, the WFF Board Director Registry is a goldmine," said Carin Stutz, WFF Board Member and Executive Committee Member responsible for the Board Readiness initiatives.  "These women bring expertise in domestic and international enterprise-level strategy, corporate operations, finance and governance, marketing, sales, legal, HR, IT and consulting.  And because many of these women are not on other registries, there is a real missed opportunity if a search consultant or corporate officer doesn't source candidates from our registry.

For a limited time, there is no charge for an assessment of board needs and referral/s to women in our database.  For more information, contact Directors@womensfoodserviceforum.com or visit the WFF website at www.womensfoodserviceforum.com. 

Take Time to Nominate an Outstanding Individual
Nominations due December 30!

It’s that time again!

Every year WFF members get the opportunity to recognize the achievements and leadership of other outstanding individuals in our industry.

Members are now invited to nominate candidates for the following awards:

The Trailblazer Award is reserved for those individuals (male or female) who are dedicated to improving the foodservice industry through their support of gender diversity, creating new pathways for women in their company and the industry at large, implementing them at all levels of their organization.

The Leadership Award is given each year to a woman executive in the foodservice industry who shows exceptional leadership qualities within her company and the industry at large, and whose professional growth and achievements are recognized through career advancement.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to a woman business owner who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, within her company and the industry at large, and whose professional growth and business achievements have contributed to the foodservice industry.

Take the time to acknowledge the accomplishments of another.  Nominate a winner today!  All nominations are due by December 30, 2008.  Awards will be given at the 2009 WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference March 15-18, 2009 in Grapevine, TX.

Real Women. Real Stories.
WFF Members on the Move

Congratulations to the following WFF members on their promotions!

We are looking for more Real Women Real Stories to feature in this year's Annual Conference Program!  If you or someone you know has been elevated, please submit their name, title and contact information to Editor@womensfoodserviceforum.com.  Deadline is January 10. 

Over 1,500 Attend WFF Regional Connect Meeting
Attendees Experience New Risk-Taking Model

Despite snow, rain, sleet, wind and bone-chilling temperatures, over 1,500 WFF members and guests have gathered in 18 different locations since October to network and gain new skills in mastering the leadership competency:  Risk-Taking. 

One of the WFF Core Leadership Competencies, strategic Risk-Taking specifically involves making courageous and bold decisions that create a competitive advantage for the organization, while also considering possible barriers, potential outcomes and reactions from various stakeholders.  For many, Risk-Taking is a challenging core competency to master because it requires deeper personal analysis of one's risk-taking style (high risk taker or low risk taker), as well as an in-depth look at an individual's strategic and values foundation.

Through the new FAST-ACT tool (jointly developed by WFF and Foodservice Coaching Group), participants were encouraged to complete an assessment to determine their risk-taking style and move through a series of exercises designed to focus on their personal foundation that frames many key decisions individuals make today.

The tool was introduced by a facilitator and specific exercises in smaller groups were led by volunteer Table Leaders -- industry leaders from that particular location.  "As a table leader, I think it was a rare opportunity for me not just to support others in their development -- but to take the time to go through the tool for my own development,"  said John Buckles, VP and GM Yum! Team with PepsiCo Foodservice.  "What's great about this model is that it's applicable whether you're working on a business or personal problem," said Debra Bachar President and CEO, Blueberry Business Group and a table leader in Chicago.  "With practice, it becomes a natural process that will help surface key issues that can mitigate risk." more