Author: Oil & Gas Admins International

Leadership Training at its Best – Equilibria and The Cowboy Solution

Equilibria & Cowboy Solution Experience logos

On May 1st, the Oil & Gas Admins International Leadership Team had the opportunity to participate in a phenomenal leadership program hosted by Equilibria and The Cowboy Solution. The purpose of the E-Colors and Personal Intervention Intentional Workshop for leaders was to experience how the E-Colors and Personal Intervention will impact the results individuals and their organizations are striving to achieve through powerful theory conversation and unique hands-on activities with horses.

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OGA with Don Hutson of The Cowboy Solution

All of the attendees left with a wonderful new outlook on how to be better leaders and how to build better teams for leadership. If you, your company or organization are looking for a fantastic and unique team building event, be sure to check out their programs in the links below.

The Cowboy Solution:

Equilibria

LEARN YOUR E-COLORS!  TAKE THE PDI SURVEY!

Learn about your behaviors to improve communication skills, build better relationships and work more efficiently. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  A great way to build better relationships with family members, co-workers, supervisors and team members.

Click the icon below to take the survey.

PDI Survey Button

JOIN US AT THE 2ND ANNUAL O&GA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND VENDOR EXHIBITION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE E-COLORS AWARENESS EXPERIENCE!

Lewis Senior, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Equilibria will lead a morning session providing techniques to help attendees manage personal behaviors that can enhance their ability to realize their potential as individuals and teams, either at work, or in other areas of their lives.

See more information about the event and how to register by clicking 2015 OGA CVE or by clicking the icon below.

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Success Matters: Embracing Radical Change and Sustainable Integrity

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Debra Womack-Bourghs
Debra Womack-Bourghs is the 2015 O&GA Global Executive Ambassador

People, in general, intrigue me.   To put a “Debra” twist on Forest Gump’s quote, “people  are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get until you bite into them (well, let’s just say, ‘get to know them’)”.

Have you ever met that admin that makes you wonder, “What were they thinking”, “Where did they find her” or how about, “hmmmm”? I had such an experience.

I was somewhere between “why” and “humm” when I first met this unique individual.  As I watched this sassy lady ace her learning curve, and radically adapt to the corporate culture, I was compelled to ponder the situation. My ah-ha moment came when I reached out to introduce myself to the new admin; and all I could say was “wow”!

This professional admin sported a beautifully cut suit, perfect makeup; she was the picture of poise and grace.  I honestly am ashamed of my stereotypical profiling, and consider myself blessed to call her friend.

This precious lady taught me a most valuable lesson about success!  We must embrace radical change and sustainable integrity.

Embracing Radical Change (Viewpoint)

  • Radical change is all around us.  If we are sitting static, we are dying.  Change is the only constant in the universe.  In this day and age, change is RADICAL.
    • Radical (www.google.com): 1. Of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference. 2. Thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: a radical change in policy of a company.
    • www.Thesaurus.com provides the following main entry for “radical change”: Quantum leap.  Definition: Sudden progress.  Synonyms: abrupt change, advance, breakthrough, giant strides, inspiration, jump, leaps and bounds, transilience.
  • Radical change is a two way street!
  • Break through stereotypes.
    • Allow for individuality.  It’s our diversity, uniqueness that adds the flavor to life.
    • Give room for culture, environment and beginnings.
    • What about you is strange, unique, diverse?
    • How would you like for others to think about you, what impression would you like to leave when you walk away?
  • Change your lens.
    • Can’t help but remember the adage of the woman who complained about how dirty her neighbor’s car was, until the day someone washed her windows.
    • What is your vantage point??

Sustainable Integrity (Core Deep)

Sustainable (www.merriam-webster.com):  Able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed.   (www.google.com):  Able to be upheld or defended

Integrity (www.merriam-webster.com): The state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire. 

  • www.Thesaurus.com  Definition: Honor, uprightness. Synonyms: candor, forthrightness, goodness, honestness, honesty, honorableness, incorruptibility, incorruption, principle, probity, purity, rectitude, righteousness, sincerity, straightforwardness, virtue.

In this industry, we commonly hear about the integrity of plays, derricks or reserves; today I challenge you to consider the integrity of your “personal development “ assets.

Here are some steps to consider:

  • Consider available resources when determining your integrity (sustainability):
    • Ask a friend
    • Journal
    • Draw a picture
    • Take a walk
    • Use your Employee Assistance Program
  • Objectively determine where you got off track. Understanding what derailed us often prevents a recurrence.
  • Write it down. Map out the road to getting back on track.
  • Leave a trail!  Now that you know the right direction, get to it!  Take that first leap of faith. One step at a time.
  • Share your story, success is contagious. Remember, your destiny always forges a trail for others to follow.

I was clearly uncomfortable with a new, strong personality, that seemed determined to upturn my apple cart. I almost missed an endearing acquaintance with an exceptional administrative professional.  Today I honor a lady who chose to not sacrifice her core integrity on the altar of traditional industry conservatism. By maintaining her integrity, keeping to her personal ‘true north’; this lady demonstrated her sustainable genuine core self. I challenge you to take a quantum leap:  Embrace radical change and sustainable integrity.

Debra Womack-Bourghs
Executive Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International

Fantastic Session Speakers Announced for the 2015 2nd Annual O&GA CVE!

O&GA International is very excited to showcase these dynamic speakers for the 2nd Annual Oil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition!  The conference speakers will share fantastic and interactive information in the career and personal development tracks.
See detailed session information and speaker bios here >>.

2015 2nd Annual Oil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition

SESSION SPEAKERS

Registration for the OGA CVE – Canada Region is now OPEN!

The 1st Annual Oil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition – Canada Region will be held Thursday, September 10, 2015 in Calgary, AB at The Calgary Marriott in the beautiful and energetic downtown district.  The location fits perfectly with this year’s conference theme “SUCCESS:  The Blueprint”.  

This one-day conference will give attendees information, tips and tools to help them take control of their careers and personal lives, and to elevate them to the next level and beyond.  Be prepared for dynamic speakers, educational sessions, personal and career building information, power networking, and a fantastic vendor exhibition.

To learn more and for registration and exhibitor details, please visit the website HERE.

OGA CVE CALGARY REGISTRATION FLYER

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Get to Know Oil & Gas Admins International at one of our Upcoming Events!

Oil & Gas Admins International is the non-profit trade organization dedicated to career and personal development and global networking opportunities for oil, gas and energy administrative and support professionals. Attend one of our upcoming monthly networking meetings and get to know more about us!

LEARN ABOUT: 

  • Upcoming programs
  • OGAP Certification  
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Global Networking
  • Conferences and Events
  • and More

TAKE A TOUR OF OUR HOST VENUES OFFERING:

  • Wine and beverages and light appetizers.
  • Free surface parking or validated parking  

DYNAMIC SPEAKERS:

  • Hear dynamic speakers give interactive presentations on career and personal development topics.

SEE OUR UPCOMING EVENTS BELOW!

GettoKnowOGA_Springhill_Suites GettoKnowOGA_Hyatt_Market_Street_The_Woodlands
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Houston/Baytown
April 16, 2015
Hyatt Market Street The Woodlands
May 14, 2015
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Houston Marriott West Loop by the Galleria
May 21, 2015
Hyatt Place Houston/The Woodlands
July 20, 2015
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OGA CVE Special Closing Ceremony at iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Ready…Set…JUMP!

iFLY_Houston_300dpi_CMYK_cOil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition attendees will have the chance to take place in a very special and interactive closing ceremony at iFLY Indoor Skydiving immediately following the conference!

After a full day of learning how to build the blueprint to become successful, attendees will take a very short shuttle ride to iFLY, get in their full parachute gear and take the very first ceremonious “JUMP” to begin implementing all of the wonderful knowledge they’ve gained!

Ausitn high camThis exciting event will include one drink ticket, appetizers, music, a chance to “skydive” in a safe and fun environment, and most of all, lots of fun to end a very important day!

REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE!  ALL THE FUN FOR $55.00!*
*conference registration is required

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We’re a part of the global oil, gas and energy industry, so of course SAFETY is FIRST!  Read the iFLY guidelines below.

 

Success Is a Renewable Resource

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Debra Womack-Bourghs
Debra Womack-Bourghs is the 2015 O&GA Global Executive Ambassador

For some reason I always picture success as a picturesque snapshot from paradise. The reality is that success often looks like something from a tragic drama. Trying circumstances just might be the beginning of our greatest opportunities for success.

In the mid 1990’s , I was faced with just such a opportunity. I met a woman in the apartment management business. She was a competitor, all 50+ jaded years of her life, and after a brief conversation, I realized this was the “ghost of future career” for me, IF I didn’t change my career path. After about 6 months of muddling about, I came up with a decision and haven’t looked back since.

  1. Who am I? (How well do you know yourself?)
  • What do you like to do?
    • I like running things, putting chaos into order, tackling insurmountable challenges, and getting and keeping folks on point.  I like working with people. Planning events, arranging travel, and doing it all over and over again.
  • What do you do best?
    • For me, taking care of people’s lives, careers, meetings and all things administrative.  I’ve learned to distinguish between my profession and co-dependency…there is a difference. Keeping it healthy is my “motto”.
  • What skills are you willing to further develop?
    • There is always room for improvement, and I just want to be the best I can be.  Accounting, bookkeeping, not so much.  Industry knowledge? Certifications? Current skillset? Bring it ON!
  • What are your least favorite abilities
    • Let me explain:  Due to my key abilities such as attention to detail, nearly compulsive level determination that all things balance out and demonstrated responsible ethics and behaviors; many folks recommended accounting and bookkeeping jobs.  However, I know myself! When I get tired, I transpose numbers, and while I was good at keeping records, I get bored with lines and rows and columns…not a good fit for a lifetime career.
  1. Where’s the market for your abilities?
  • Different location – different markets
    • Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a middle market and when there are downturns, often middle market areas are where the “layoff axe” lands.  I learned this after three layoffs in a three year span.  Houston was the closest big city, and I headed west!
    • Houston: As I began my job search, I was asked repeatedly, “In what area are you looking for administrative work?”  I would say something like, “Downtown, Humble area or even, I will travel anywhere I just need a job”, and frankly was puzzled by the puzzled look on each and every recruiter’s face.  I finally gathered the courage to ask, “What exactly do you mean?”  What they really wanted to know? What is your administrative specialty: Oil &Gas, Medical, or Legal.  I was astounded. I was NONE of those things…I was an administrative assistant.
  • Regrouping
    • The kind recruiter talked a bit further, and began red marking my resume’, which I promptly revamped, and at her guidance targeted the most lucrative field, Oil & Gas.  She sent me on a “temporary contract” assignment to ExxonMobil, I worked hard and the rest is my career history.
  1. Stuck in a rut? Ask for a leg up!
  • Speak Up (but be sure to go through the proper channels when possible)
    • I hit the ground running, moved up quickly and after several promotions (and role changes), I landed a long assignment of three-five years. After the seventh year, I realized I was a running on burnout, feeling trapped, bored, frustrated and needed a change.  I was the valuable asset that was easier to keep in place than move over to a new role.  What was I to do.  This asset needed an overhaul!
    • I talked to my manager, I visited with HR, I talked with my manager again, and was pleasantly surprised by what he had to say, and his willingness to make changes to remedy some of the issues I faced. But I still needed a change!
  • What I learned
    • When I realized I was stuck…I went back to step one in this article.  Yes, I had to rethink through my blueprint.
    • I spoke up, asked for help.
    • I took suggestions, incorporating what was applicable (use good sense). I made changes and compromises, all the while keeping my compass pointed to my true north.
    • I joined Oil & Gas Admins International in June 2014.  Best move ever!
      • Working with industry peers allowed me to renew appreciation for my employer
      • Networking helped me look at and manage the negative feelings of being “blocked in”
      • Using newly acquired soft skills I turned “burnout” into “re-ignite” and turned the negative to a positive
      • I walk into the “next chapter” with frustrations behind me and knowing I and my abilities are highly valued.

Our success is part of a journey; sometimes we hit gravel pits, washed out bridges, and fog that freezes us in place. When we keep in mind that the present situation is only a leg in the journey, and that the gauge of our success is the arrival at our final destination, we are compelled to focus on the positive, look for possibilities, and keep moving forward.  Whether it’s a hop, skip, tiptoe or crawl; just keep moving forward.  Don’t shy away from the tough times, use your networks, use your resources, use every opportunity.  Each success in your career gives you the courage and faith to move to the next success.

Debra Womack-Bourghs
Executive Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International