Category Archives: General Info

The end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Part 1

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I was very pleased to see the end of the US Military “Don’t Ask / Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy at the very end of 2010. The Policy basically stated that it was “OK” for those in the military to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender as long as they “did not tell” anyone , i.e. keep it hidden. What this basically amounted to was that GLBT people who wanted to serve in the US military had to keep hidden or lie about this very important aspect of who they are.

President Barack Obama signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, during a ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington.

Studies in the private business sector have shown that when people hide who they are at work, it negatively impacts their productivity. People need to keep track of who they have and have not disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity to, thereby distancing themselves from coworkers and team members. They worry more about if they may lose their job or be passed over for a promotion because of who they are, and that negatively impacts their productivity. But people who can openly bring their full selves into a supportive work place can optimize productivity and devote all their energy to their work. The “Degrees of Equality” report from the Human Rights Campaign provides the details of this analysis.

Hundreds of thousands of people participated in the 2009 March on Washington advocating for equality for LGBT people. Many spoke on the need to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Now better days are ahead for the US Military! The ending of the “Don’t Ask / Don’t Tell” policy means that the military can truly recruit the best and brightest talent, including those who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Studies have shown how many bright and talented people serving our country in key roles like linguistic intelligence have been dismissed simply because they came out as being GLBT. Data from the SLDN (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) shows that thousands of talented service people have been dismissed from our military, robbing our country’s defense system of key personnel.

In my next blog entry I will write about what may be needed by the military in 2011, and the lessons they can learn from the business world.

The Importance of Strong Partnerships

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In launching the Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer practice, I learned very early on that to maximize success, I needed to have a strong and diverse set of partners to assist in the many aspects of business start up and on-going operations. And these partners could include service providers, business partners, and even successful business people who simply provide encouragement and inspiration.

Therefore in this blog I would like to highlight and thank the following partners and encouragers: (and use the included links to check them out for yourself)

First, during this entire journey, Vickie Bevenour, the executive career coach and herself a successful entrepreneur, who was assigned to me by Right Management to lead me through a structured approach to maximize my success. Also to Kim Mills, an account manager for Right Management, who first recommended I engage Right Management’s services to assist with the business start up.

Jim Manchester of IYI Creative Services who not only designed, built and maintains my website, and set up my newsletter process, but also provides invaluable and creative advice of how to better utilize the web pages for selling and promoting my business.

Lorana Price and Dan Poindexter at Holy Cow Branding, who providing superb strategic branding consulting services and handled my business launch press release.

Former IBM colleague Sharon Hill, who encouraged and inspired me early in the process with her example of founding her own thriving speaking, writing and educational business Sharon Hill International.com. She also connected me with Holy Cow Branding.

Important in any venture is excellent banking services, and my Wachovia personal banker Patricia Madden-Renouard provided for all my business banking needs.

Experienced industry consultant Val Boston III of Boston and Associates, who welcomed me into the industry with his sage advice and also brought me in as a partner in a potential consulting engagement.

Pat Baillie, Associate Director of Training, at Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, the country’s leading organization for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) workplace equality, has been providing excellent training materials so can further enhance my skills.

The partnership between Global Roots and the Kamba Tribe in Kenya included a communal meal.

Any worthwhile venture needs to include a host of competent and successful associates, and the linking and intersecting with other successful professionals can help all us reach our highest potential.