One Bold Move a Day: Meaningful Actions Women Can Take to Fulfill Their Leadership and Career Potential
Shanna A. Hocking
McGraw Hill (November 2020)

“We are not our best intentions. We are what we do.” Emily Dickinson

The title of this book refers to a simple concept: In order to accelerate your personal growth and professional development: make at least one bold move each day. Shanna Hocking explains that a Bold Move “is one that [begin italics] challenges you to grow [end italics]. Sometimes it’s about capitalizing on an opportunity and sometimes it’s about creating that opportunity for yourself. A Bold Move might look like a radical shift in your life, or it might bed barely noticeable to others. Bold Moves can happen at work or at home, to friendships, relationships, and even in loving yourself.”

For all manner of reasons, men tend to be more willing and able to make a Bold Move than are women. Although the subtitle of this book suggests that Hocking wrote this book primarily for women, I think that almost all of the information, insights, and counsel — with only minor modification — will also be of substantial value to men, especially those whose direct reports include women.

Of special interest to me is what Hocking has to say about “Bold Mindset Shifts” in Chapter 1. There are four: Gratitude, And, Happiness, and Progress. “Each of these four mindsets individually plays a special role in the process of continuously showing up for yourself and others. They also represent a significant shift in how I approached my world and life, and they will provide you with a context and encouragement to successfully put yourself out there and follow through.

“Each mindset contributes in a different way to your success, but all complement each other and together they will become the foundation to your Bold Move Mindset.”

These are the recommended Bold Moves that conclude Chapter 1, based on the material just provided :

o “Look back over the four mindsets. Which one will you try this week? How will you get started?
o “Write down one of your wins from this week in your calendar or phone.”
o “Creáte an ‘AttaGirl’ folder for yourself (either a paper or email version — or both!) and find two things to add to it.”

To derive the greatest benefit from this book, I strongly recommend that you highlight key passages and that you keep a lined notebook near at hand in order to record your comments, questions, page references, and (especially) notes with regard to the set of three Bold Moves suggested at the conclusion of each chapter. These two tactics can facilitate, indeed expedite frequent review of key material later.

Several years ago, I saw a film (What About Bob?) that stressed the importance of taking “baby steps” when attempting to achieve a major objective, in this instance mental health. I mention this term because many Bold Moves are in fact bold moves such as calling a friend you haven’t spoken with for quite some time. “I’ve been thinking about you and just wanted to call and check-in. How’re you doing?” Or it could be introducing yourself to strangers at a party or reception. Or it could be complimenting someone during a group discussion: “That’s an excellent idea” or “I’m so glad you’ve raised that question [or] expressed that concern.” Most people are reluctant to take even baby steps. Hocking’s material can help to overcome that reluctance. For many people, at least at first, taking an initiative (e.g. speaking up, asking for assistance, expressing a preference, correcting an error, expressing disappointment) is very difficult.

Hocking provides a step-by-step (baby step-by-baby step) process and thoroughly explains the HOW and WHY of each step. There is an old saying that “the best way to eat a whale is one bite at a time.” That’s true for teams as well as for individuals. Just keep in mind that the ultimate objective is to solve a problem or seize an opportunity, NOT to eliminate hunger. Over time, if you are sufficiently committed as well as alert, you can embrace countless opportunities each day — every day — to strengthen your Bold Move Mindset. No comment or gesture is “small” of insignificant if it contributes to your growth.

Women may have a greater need for this book than men do. However, the fact remains, [begin italics] everyone [end itaics] needs to develop and nourish their capabilities in terms of gratitude, inclusion, joy, and improvement. I presume to add empathy and candor.

Thank you, Shanna Hocking, for this Bold Move: creation of this book. Sharing what you have learned and cherish is a gift of incalculable value.