| By Azriela Jaffe Jo
Condrill exudes the confidence necessary to write a new book titled, "A
Millennium Primer: Take Charge of Your Life."
Some of the most pivotal moments in this personal motivator's illustrious
career happened right in this area.
Condrill progressed from a part-time job in Texas as an editorial assistant
for Airman magazine to supervising military officers in the Pentagon in less
than 10 years.
As the Cold War was ending, the Army began a new role as world peace keeper.
At the Pentagon, Condrill was involved with building the first information age
Army. She was eventually selected to become deputy to the division chief for
logistics, plans and operations.
When Condrill retired, the Army presented her with its highest civilian
award, the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.
Accomplishments also include leading a group of 3,000 members of Toastmasters
International in Washington to top ranking in the world.
Condrill is not singularly focused on her work, either. She's
eminently proud of the four young adults that call her "Mom."
This alumnus of the Army War College has some fond memories of the short time
she lived in Carlisle.
"I applied to attend the war college in 1991 when my job in logistics, plans
and operations at the Pentagon involved the 'war fighters.' I was a civilian and
had not served in uniform. To be more effective, I wanted a deeper understanding
of the military mind; to know more about the operational army."
The war college prepares Army personnel for senior level positions. Entrance
to it's 10 month course is highly competitive. Students number more than 300,
including some foreign officers, a few civilians and a few women.
Condrill retired from the Pentagon in 1997 and formed a small business,
Goalminds, providing communications and leadership seminars to national
associations, government agencies, city and county departments, schools and
colleges.
In January 1998, her first book was published: "101 Ways to Improve
Communication Skills Instantly." It is in its third printing and has
been translated into Chinese and Spanish. "A Millennium Primer" was recently
released by Goalminds.
Her second book coaxes readers to dream big dreams and design the lives they
wish to live. A woman who carved out a career as a leader in the Pentagon knows
something about creating a designer life. Condrill advises: "There are no
straight lines from where you are to where you want to be. Life is not a linear
process with steps following each other. Rather, it is an intricate weaving
back and forth, in and out, of dreaming, planning, rewarding, enrolling,
analyzing, evaluating. "
The most effective route I have found is reading, learning from others, and
setting my sights high. Once set upon something, commitment, determination, and
persistence can take over. The difference between success and a near miss is
often knowing when to be flexible and when to stand firm."
The military environment abhors indecisiveness. Condrill coaches her readers
to use the power of decision-making to shape and control their lives. She
reminds readers: "We do not realize how powerful we are. We blame our choices
on outside influences. How many times have you heard someone say 'I had no
choice' or 'I couldn't help it?' Was it true? Or did the person just not
understand the power of his or her choices?"
Condrill has left her powerful mark on the world and on the military.
For information about Condrill's books and seminars, call (800) 697-5680,
send e-mail to Condrill@aol.com, or visit
the web site www.goalminds.com.
Azriela Jaffe specializes in business and workplace issues. Responses
and questions may be mailed to her at 793 Sumter Drive, Yardley, PA
19067, or e-mailed to az@azriela.com.
Copyright © Sunday Patriot News, July 2, 2000, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (with
permission).
|
