Leadership style refers to a leader’s methods, characteristics, and behaviors when directing, motivating, and managing their team. In 1939, Kurt Lewin identified three basic leadership styles: Autocratic, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire. When we dig into each leadership style, we will see they all have pros and cons. Autocratic leadership (authoritarian) is when a single leader has …
Mentoring is an essential part of personal and professional development. It’s a relationship in which an experienced and knowledgeable person guides and supports another person in their growth and development. Mentoring can provide valuable insights, knowledge, and support that can help you succeed in your career. Finding the right mentor for yourself can be challenging, …
Mentorship 101: Asking, Understanding, and Doing Read More »
As I consider what fosters and what inhibits my professional growth, one thing that consistently provides value is learning from others. Entrepreneurs learn by doing, and their experiences are unique and invaluable. As someone who values both learning and sharing, I decided to see what professional expertise I might gather to share with the awe-inspiring …
Last year, I became a frame rep and a common issue that I hear from offices that I visit is the need to find and keep employees on their team. I have spoken to several of my fellow colleagues and others that I know in the optical industry, and they have shared the same complaints. …
March is Women’s History Month — what would be a better way to honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the women in our field than by highlighting a few of their stories. Let’s celebrate the influence of women in optics and look forward to how females will shape the future of our industry. The …
In her OnStage Leadership program and Brave Leadership book, Kimberly Davis, challenges you to find your Super Objective. The OWA members who participated in the program—Dr. Beverly Bianes, Kristin Calimlim, Kristen Hopper, Courtney Myers and JaMarie Pfaff—we call it finding our superpower. We discovered that our superpower is something we have innate in us, it’s …
Each month brings a new guest along with insights and stories on trending topics that matter. The OWA Talks Podcast, created in 2020, is hosted by Sandra Mohr and Stephanie Espinosa. If you have not yet listed to an episode I would highly recommend it! Listen to the most recent episode on the OWA Talks …
OWA Talks Podcast: Chats Featuring Influential Optical Leaders Read More »
Planning for success in your career is a lot like planning for a big trip. Imagine you finally decide to take that “bucket list vacation” …. You’ve dreamt about it for years, selected your destination, spent hours weighing all the options and getting advice from friends, travel bloggers and maybe even a travel agent – …
Mentors, Coaches and Sponsors – Why You Need All 3! Read More »
To assist in renewing connections, making new connections, and personal growth we asked each committee for a summary of what they are planning for 2022. One of the easiest and best ways to get more out of your OWA membership is to join a committee! Volunteering with a committee will help you grow your network …
