Tips for working women

You don't have to be Superwoman. That's the message from five women - all members of the National Speakers Association - who have put together a morning workshop full of survival tips for working women.

'I don't have to' Women's Workshops for Work and Play will be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Westhaven Marina, on Thursday March 7.

Running from 9 am to noon, the seminar costs $75 and discounts are offered for groups of three or more.

The five aim to pass on the sort of tips, fail-proof systems and confidence picked up from their own experiences of trying to be a super heroine in the office as well as home.

Among the broad topics covered during the morning are how to make yourself the top priority without feeling guilty; how to start every day happy and stay that way; and how to enjoy what you have and get more of it.

Also examined is handling difficult people and dealing with corporate politics.

Women are often "falling apart at the seams as we try to cope with everything life throws at us," says one of the group, author, speaker and solo mum Janice Davies. Her presentation, 'I don't have to be nice', focuses on communication and "being honest to yourself, without putting anybody down".

The other four presenters are Romancing the Frogs author and financial adviser Talia Mana, who workshop is titled 'I don't have to go without'; self-styled "creative monarch" Pat Armitstead ('I don't have to keep everybody happy'); Shift Your But and team specialist Ann Andrews ('I don't have to play games'); and Getting a Grip on Time author and time management specialist Robyn Pearce ('I don't have to squeeze everything in').

From fatigue, burnout and general ill-health to depression and bi-polar disorder, each admits they have endured personal difficulties as a result of being, they say, either too nice, getting caught up in other people's games, trying to please others, squeezing too much in, or going without.

"Between us five ladies," says Davies, "we have 235 years of life experience, 165 years as working women, 104 years of mothering experience, 11 children and six grandchildren. I could say how many husbands, which we counted for a laugh."

They've also written six books, recorded various motivational audio cassettes and spoken in New Zealand and overseas.

"We've all been there, done that and are still doing it as we juggle career, work, partners, children, fitness, well-being, relaxation and the other boring things like food shopping and cooking," says Davies.

But they are not trying to "have it all", she says. "We're trying to have the best life we can."

The five hope to hold their workshops for women every couple of months - what happens depends on feedback to their debut effort. But they are expecting to strike a chord.

"In a fast-paced society we women need to remember to treasure and nurture ourselves, share tips and words of advice, just like our grandmothers did," says Davies. "Except instead of recipes, we're exchanging survival tips."

Talia Mana