Yearly Archives: 2016 (Page 4)

It is easy to become complacent, whether in business, or in life in general. Every so often, it’s important to have a “reset” if you find that you have allowed your work or your personal life to stagnate. Being satisfied with the way things are, or believing you don’t have the power to change them, keeps you in a fixed mindset. When you’re ready to move something forward, like changing a relationship for the better, or increasing your business, it’s critical to switch to a growth mindset.

Here are some tips for making that change

1. Pinpoint the stagnant areas. Do you want to increase business? Do you want a happier marriage? Do you want to increase employee retention? Write down your goals, so that you can focus on where you want to go.
2. Question everything. Look at the way you do business, how you interact with customers, your overall business model. Question it. Remind yourself of why you do it that way, and reevaluate whether or not the model still works. Take a look at your relationships. Are you and your spouse in a rut of not talking or picking fights?
3. Come up with a plan. Here’s where you may need some help. Talk to people who will be affected by the changes and people who will need to change along with you. Discuss ideas you have, and get their ideas as well. Target specific steps that need to be taken to reach the goals of change.
4. Write it down. Document where you want to go and the steps you must take to get there. Be as specific as possible. Be sure that the people who must help you in the change buy into the goals and the plan to reach these.
5.  Make it part of everyday life. The hardest part of shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth one is living it out every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Keep your written goals and steps close at hand, and review them every single day. Over time, the new behaviors that will move your forward will become routine.

To stay in this growth mindset, it is important to regularly reevaluate your goals and the steps you need to take to reach them. It’s ok for goals to change, and it doesn’t make sense to keep working on goals that are no longer relevant. Regular evaluation will help you to stay focused and keep in that growth mindset that helps you move forward.

Decision making can often be stressful for anyone in a leadership position. We are often concerned that we may not take all the facts into consideration or may not have the correct perspective on the issue at hand. One tip to help you ensure you make the best decision possible is to be certain you have asked all the right questions. Asking the right questions helps ensure you are best prepared to make the decision at hand. Here are some ways to ensure you’ve asked all the right questions before moving forward on an issue.

1. Did you talk to the people who will be most involved? Often, the people who will carry out the day to day tasks or live with the day to day consequences of the decision you’re about to make will have a different perspective on the situation. Have these people give you the questions they would ask – you may be surprised at the new perspective you receive with this simple step.
2. Did you consider both the best and worst case scenario that could come from the positions you’re considering? Rarely do we see either the best or worst case scenario come to fruition. What actually happens usually falls somewhere in the middle, between the two. By considering both ends of the spectrum, you’ll be better prepared for the eventual outcome.
3. Did you question the timing? Sometimes, we feel rushed to make a decision that doesn’t really need to be made just yet. Sometimes, we make a decision that never really needed to be made. One question you should always consider is whether this is something that you need to take a stand on, or should you just let the situation play out.
4. Did you question the details? The old saying that “the devil is in the details” is quite true. One tiny detail you failed to consider could be the difference between the right and the wrong result.

It always pays to take a little time to ask the right questions. Not only will you make a better decision for having done so, but you will feel more confident in the decision you made and be better informed about the situation, and the results you can expect.

Good leaders are always looking for a way to gain a new edge. Any tool that can help you be more effective is welcome. One tool you may not have considered that has the potential to bring you great benefits is taking advantage of the guidance you can gain from having a personal leadership coach.

Personal coaching is new to a lot of leaders, but the concept has been around for a number of years. Personal coaches use their experience and skill to help executives and business owners develop into the leader they wish to become. Professional coaches can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas on how to handle the challenges you face in your business life.

How Do I Find a Coach That’s Right for Me?

Choosing the right coach is important to ensuring a successful partnership. Look for a coach that has a style similar to yours, but be sure he or she has some differences from your personal style, as well. We can always learn from those who handle issues differently than ourselves.

You might start by looking for a coach that specializes in an area where you have interest. Interview several coaches before choosing one. Don’t worry; they are accustomed to this process, and want to ensure a compatible fit as much as you do.

How Does the Process Work?

Your initial coaching session will be much like an interview, where the coach will want to learn about what you plan to get from the coaching process. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you face and where you would like to see growth. Your coach may also ask you to take some personal assessments to better understand you and your style.

Over the course of the relationship, you may have face to face meetings or talk over the phone. Keep a list of issues or things you want to discuss between meetings. Your coach will likely recommend articles and books for you to read that he or she has found valuable for others facing similar challenges.

Be prepared to evaluate the relationship in an ongoing way. Do your part to follow your coach’s advice, but be honest about what does and does not work. Over time, your coach should become better and better at helping you as you work together.

Many leaders have found personal coaching to be a valuable tool in developing themselves and growing their business. Even a few sessions of personal coaching may be just the help you need to move yourself, and your business, forward by leaps and bounds!

In today’s business world, there are many buzzwords surrounding the idea of effective leadership and executive management. One of the most recent catchphrases is “authentic” leadership. The phrase has been coined, in part, out of a realization that many business people act more as “bosses” rather than “leaders” and may struggle with the concept of leading in a way that is true to themselves. Here are some traits that help set apart “authentic” leaders from those who are in leadership positions, yet continue to act as bosses.

1. Authentic leaders create change. Anyone can become unsatisfied with the status quo when he sees it isn’t working. A true leader, however, creates change when the status quo isn’t working. Leaders are people who have tangible results.
2. Authentic leaders operate with integrity. The most effective leaders have a moral compass that guides their behavior. They are true to their word and have a genuine desire to make a positive difference. They treat other people the way they want to be treated in business and in their personal lives.
3. Authentic leaders act. They don’t ask others to do what they are not willing to do themselves. They work hard, without waiting for others to step up. One of their greatest qualities is their ability to inspire others to work hard because of their initiative.
4. Authentic leaders are involved. The best leaders usually have many other activities outside of work. They often raise families and are deeply involved in their communities. This variety of priorities and commitments gives them the motivation they need to keep making a difference. The best leaders are busy doing things they want to be doing.

The actions of a leader are what separate them from those who operate as bosses. Leaders motivate others to be their best selves because of the example that they set. If you strive to be a leader in your own business, find the activities and outcomes that speak to you and then set up your own life to have the authentic tone that will not only make you your very best, but will inspire others to be their best, as well.

Commitment is one of the most important aspects of success, regardless of the type of goal. Commitment, when it is true and deep, is a great fuel for moving forward. It is important to understand, however, even when you are deeply committed to a goal, you must have the systems in place to help you meet that goal.

Too often we want to rely on willpower to help us meet our goals. However, relying on willpower is often ill-fated, as it is a resource that runs out quickly. We only have so much mental and physical energy to support willpower, and soon we give into our old habits because we are drained of this energy.

Rather, to meet goals, it is important to have systems in place to help move you forward. These systems will operate when your willpower fails, helping you to stay on track.

A simple example is of the proverbial dieter, who has vowed to give up cookies. This dieter is much more likely to be successful if she ensures that she doesn’t have access to cookies in her home than if she buys cookies, ostensibly for her family, relying on her willpower to refrain from eating them. It is likely that there will come an evening, after a long hard day at work, when she is tired and hungry. The cookies on the shelf will seem to be calling her name, and it will be too much for her willpower to overcome.

Systems set you up to be successful. Systems can be routines that help you stay on track, or even support people who hold you accountable. Systems can also be substitutes, helping you to replace problems or obstacles with more acceptable means. Using the example above, support systems might include dieting with a buddy, while substitutions might include buying low calorie cookies to help avoid a feeling of deprivation, allowing the dieter to have a snack.

Change is difficult, and making real change takes a period of practice. Having the systems in place to help you develop the right habits and keep them, will help ensure your success in making the changes you need as a leader.

In business, as in life, change can be an unsettling, but necessary, fact. In a world where change can come quickly, and where your reaction must be quick, as well, knowing in advance how you will handle upcoming change can help you to make the best possible decisions for your business. Answering the following three questions can help you prepare to manage any change you’re facing.

1. How do you react to change in general? Do you fear change or embrace it? If you fear change, it is important to recognize this in yourself so that you can be emotionally prepared to deal with changes when these happen. It is important to ask yourself why you fear change. In most cases, fear of change is the result of some major life change in the past that had negative consequences. Spend some time evaluating the emotions behind your fears so that you can work to eliminate any irrational fear that hold you back. Conversely, if you embrace change too readily, it’s important to ensure that you take the proper measures to think changes through before you act.
2. What steps will you take before making decisions regarding the coming changes? It’s important to know what steps you need to take to make yourself personally comfortable. Do you need time to think? Do you feel more comfortable if you can seek the counsel of others first?
3. How will you evaluate the change? Each time change happens that affects your business, it is important to evaluate the impact, and make corrections as needed. For example, if you are losing a valuable employee, you must first seek a replacement for that employee. Then, after the fact, you must evaluate the new employee’s training and performance to ensure that nothing is slipping through the cracks. This post change evaluation is critical because it has the most impact on how the overall change will affect your business.

Change can be scary. As a leader, you have the opportunity to face change head on and minimize any negative impact that might come from it, or ensure that the change has a positive overall effect. To do this, it is critical to be prepared for change by understanding your personal reaction to it and by having a plan to ensure that the impact on your business is positive in the end.

The expectation in today’s world is that we are always connected. We have 24/7 access to news and social media and connect with our friends in an instant. This instant access has its perks, but it also has its downfalls. Taking a little time to disconnect from electronics can provide several important benefits. Consider these things you might gain from unplugging for a while.

Less stress – The requirement to be “always on” and “immediately responsive” creates stress. Unplugging for a while can allow you to destress and relax.

More intimate connections – When we’re always plugged in, we may connect with more people in a day, but the connections are more superficial. Take a little time to have a face to face conversation with someone you care about with no interruptions.

Greater mental focus – Constant connection often equates to constant interruption. When you really need to focus on something, disconnecting while you work may help you to do a better job and get the job done more quickly.

Easy Ways to Make Sure You Disconnect Regularly

Disconnecting from technology will be most beneficial if you practice it regularly. Here are some simple rules you can use to help you avoid being overly connected and allow you some time to recharge.

1. No phones at dinner. When you sit down with your family for a meal, make it a rule that phones are not welcome at the table. This allows you to have conversation with each other face to face.
2. Turn off your phone at the same time each night. There’s no reason to stay on the phone until bedtime every night. Shut down well in advance of bedtime to allow yourself to wind down.
3. Wait to look at your phone and computer first thing in the morning. Give yourself an hour to get ready for the day before you begin the day’s connection. Have coffee (or your favourite beverage), take a shower and allow yourself to wake up in peace.

Technology is a beautiful thing. But, it’s not so beautiful when it controls your life. Take charge of your connection time and recognize when enough is enough.

Many of us do an excellent job of taking care of everyone else, yet neglecting our own needs. In fact, many people actually feel guilty about doing things for themselves, especially if it means they might have to say “no” to the need of another, even temporarily, to do so. However, what many people don’t realize is that those people who must take care of others, whether their family, or their business, can be more effective at being the caretaker if they care for themselves first. After all, as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”.

Here are three reasons why you need to make time for yourself and make your own needs a priority.

1. You can avoid burnout. None of us can go on indefinitely without taking a little time away. Eventually, your lack of attention to yourself will result in poor decisions, frustration or giving up on your goals. By taking a little bit of time for yourself regularly, you can stay recharged.

2. You can look at problems with a fresh eye. When you take a little time away, you can often find perspective on your biggest problems when you come back to them. Very often, the things that seem impossible to solve or catastrophic seem much less problematic once you’ve stepped away for a little while.

3. You can help others more genuinely. When you are constantly meeting only the needs of others, you can begin to resent those who depend on you. Once you’ve given yourself a chance to have a little personal down time, you’ll find you are able to take care of others happily again.

Giving yourself down time doesn’t always mean doing something radical. Sometimes taking a moment to enjoy a glass of wine before moving on to your next task can be the break you need. Rediscovering an old hobby you’ve neglected can help to refresh your mind. Having a date night with your significant other or reading a book just for fun are also ways you can recharge and take care of yourself. Do whatever works for you….but make it a point to make your own needs as much of a priority as the needs of others in your life.

There are many techniques you can use to increase your chances of meeting your goals and being successful in your endeavors. Things like organization, keeping a calendar and learning to prioritize are all important skills when it comes to making the most of your time to ensure you complete the activities that will make you successful. But, there is one activity that you might be neglecting that could have a powerful effect on achieving your goals. This activity is visualization.

Simply put, visualization involves imagining yourself achieving your goal. Imagine how you will feel, look, or what specific qualities will exist when you have reached the goal you’ve set. For example, if your goal is losing weight, you might visualize yourself in the perfect outfit at the perfect size, or imagine yourself being able to run a mile, or reach the finish line of a marathon. If business success is your goal, you might imagine winning a business award, reaching a certain revenue, or having an office full of employees. Seeing yourself having what you desire can help you achieve it.

Here’s why.
Your brain has the capacity to grow and develop. When you learn something, you change your brain. This is something you likely already know. What you may not know, however, is that your brain, as powerful as it is, cannot distinguish between actually experiencing something and imagining it.
According to a research paper by the Coaching Academy on neuroscience and visualization, “if you exercise an idea over and over (in your mind) your brain will begin to respond as though the idea was a real object in the world”.* As your brain visualizes the achievement of something, it is training itself for the actual achievement. The longer you do it, the easier it is to visualize, and the more likely you are to take the other steps needed to make the goal happen. And, there’s other science to suggest that the mere act of visualization actually moves you toward your goal.

A study at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio compared people who worked out at a gym with people who had virtual workouts in their minds. They found that those who actually worked out showed a 30% increase in muscle strength, as might be expected. However, those who engaged only in regular virtual workouts showed a muscle strength increase of 13.5%.*

So, as you’re making your list of tasks for reaching your goals; don’t forget to include visualization of yourself achieving that goal in your daily routine. It just might help you get there faster and easier.

*www.activeacuity.com

Your own beliefs and internal voices have a powerful influence on your present and future achievements. We’ve often heard the adage, “if you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right”, and this truth can affect us more often than we may realize. One way to look at your beliefs and see where you can improve is to examine your mindset. Do you have a “fixed” mindset, or a “growth” mindset.

A “fixed ”mindset means that you inherently believe that your talents, skills and intelligence are fixed traits. You believe you already have all of these assets you will possess. On the other hand, a “growth” mindset means that you believe that these talents and abilities can be developed through effort, and that new talents and abilities can be learned.

Maybe you’ve never examined your mindset, and never thought about whether you believe your traits are fixed or malleable, but it can pay to work on developing a growth mindset. As you go through life, there will be new skills you will want and need to learn, and your mindset will have a big impact on whether or not you’ll actually learn and develop these new skills.

I will give you a simple example from a client of mine. Helen had never had any natural artistic ability when it comes to drawing or painting. She tried a few times as a kid, and quickly internalized the fact that the subjects were fairly unrecognizable compared to that of her peers. So, she chalked it up to something she wasn’t good at and moved on. She developed a very fixed mindset about her artistic abilities.

Recently, a friend of Helen’s convinced her to attend one of those “sip and stroke” parties at an art gallery, where a teacher instructs the class on how to complete a painting. She was prepared for a disaster, but went along to have some fun. The teacher deconstructed each aspect of creating the painting they were assigned for the evening, showing them how to complete it step by step. Helen had a great time, and at the end of the night was pretty amazed at her painting. It was a reasonable rendering of the intended picture, and she could see a definite reflection of her own style in my painting. Helen was happy with it, and it hangs on her wall.

Helen doesn’t have any delusions that she might be the next Picasso. But, she now has a growth mindset about painting. She can be taught, and can get better. So, she will try again. The very fact that Helen will try again guarantees that she will become more adept at painting than she ever would have if she had never decided to try.

Take this simple example and apply it to something in your life that you really want to accomplish. Take a look at how you have viewed your skills in this area and how much faith you have put in your ability to improve those skills. If you have a fixed mindset about anything that you wish to accomplish, you are holding yourself back.