Listen up.  Becoming an HBIC did not come easy. We are all (let’s face it) HBIC’s at home, but I am referring to work. What is HBIC you ask?  Head B*tch in Charge.

Now, we spent a lot of time working toward HBIC before having kids.  Being kid-less was an advantage, as the eighty hour work weeks were quite common.  The stress levels and quick decision making actually prepared us to be moms, which let’s be honest here, is the hardest job of all.

As our families expanded, the balancing act became more difficult.  Sacrifices are something that come along with “having it all”.  I use BIG air quotes when saying “having it all” because everyone’s ‘having it all’ has different meanings.  My meaning of ‘having it all’ is: having a loving, supportive husband; having a career path of my own which makes me feel smart and independent; and having kids that I get to spend time with.

It takes a certain drive and dedication to not only have your family to look after, but also have your work family to look after.  Everybody always wants a piece of you, and your time is limited.  A friend emailed me this week and the subject line read:   The thing about being a Director…..The body read:  When the F*CK do you have time to do YOUR work???  At the end of the day, you figure it out my friends.

If HBIC is something you aspire to be, here are some tips that helped us succeed:

• Sh*t is going to be tough, get used to it. It NEVER gets easy. Consider it a challenge.
• Be confident in your decisions, people are looking up to you.  Even if you don’t know what the hell is going on, pretend you do.
• Know what you are worth.  When you know, others will know.
• Build relationships and be respectful of peoples time.
• Do it because you love it.  Not for the money.
• Always do the right thing. People will have more faith in you and your decisions if you are not rotten.
• Open your ears! Listening gets you more than talking does.
• Know you will not be CEO making a ga-zillion dollars in a year (new grads tend to think this).
• Never say you are too busy.  Even if you are, I guarantee someone is busier than you.
• Don’t be a gossip pants.  Chances are you have no idea what you are talking about.
• Network… a lot.
• Always follow up. It shows you are on top of your sh*t.
• Take chances.  If you are passionate about what you do, others will be passionate too.

There you have it.  Now let’s go out and rule the world!

 “An effective leader does not control; she inspires and influences. As a leader I try to figure out what peoples dreams are.  In most cases the only thing holding them back is themselves.” – Candice Carpenter