Few people doubt the important role mothers serve. A book by Stephan Poulter, The Mother Factor: How Your Motherâ€s Emotional Legacy Impacts Your Life, suggests that “There may be a direct link between our career success and our mothers.” (Hat tip, Anita Bruzzese.)

Alexandra Levit blogged about Anitaâ€s post about our mothers†influence on career success:

The bookâ€s thesis is that, whether we acknowledge it or not, our mothers leave an indelible impression on the people we become. Our ability to function in personal and professional relationships is based on our mothers†“styles.” Poulter defines the five major styles of mothering as:

* The Perfectionist Mother: whose family must look perfect in every way.
* The Unpredictable Mother: whose ups and downs can create lifelong anxiety and depression in her son or daughter.
* The “Me First” Mother: whose children come second or last.
* The “Best Friend” Mother: whoâ€s now in vogue but can wreak havoc.
* The Complete Mother: who provides guidance and shows compassion to her child.

For example, if your mother was a perfectionist, then you might have difficulty taking feedback at work. “Ninety five percent of the time itâ€s your emotional history spilling into the present,” Poulter says.

If this research is correct, I am even more lucky than I thought to have had such an encouraging, supportive, caring and giving mom. My mom was exceptional and unique in many ways. She had high standards for herself and others. She taught me to believe in myself, to set goals and work hard to achieve them. She was instrumental in helping me develop my soft skills, including writing, communication and common sense.

My mom demonstrated a strong work ethic and instilled that ethic, along with a can-do attitude that supports me to this day. I am so appreciative to have had that foundation upon which to build my life and career. I am so grateful…I continue to realize how much my mom taught me the longer she is gone. I think about her on Mother’s Day and every day.

photo by foxrosser

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