Your Leadership Coach

The word for the week is "Interruptions.” Everything takes longer than expected and it’s usually because of unplanned interruptions.   It’s a fact that refocusing after an interruption takes valuable time and is unproductive. About twenty years ago, I began planning for interruptions.   Boy did it make my life easier.   I was less frustrated and overwhelmed because I added in time for interruptions on my things to-do list.   If I knew something would take me an hour to complete, I planned for two.   If by some miracle I wasn’t interrupted, I could move to the next item on the list. I also learned to handle interruptions without being too rude.   The t elephone is a great tool if used effectively.   Learn to interrupt politely—“how can I help you today?”   I’m so sorry, but I must get back to this project, can we schedule a time to talk later? Turn off the sound on your email account.   When focused on a task, I turn off th...

The phrase for the week is "Stop, Prioritize, Act.” When clients or friends share they are feeling overwhelmed, I understand that it could stem from exhaustion, anxiety, worry or a feeling of helplessness. In my line of work as a consultant and executive coach, it is usually a 'things to-do list' that has gotten totally out of control.   There are countless reasons for a person to feel overwhelmed. One solution is to reframe what we tell ourselves.   Instead of saying, “I’ll never get all this done in time,” reframe the story to list all the things you know will get done.   Negative thoughts are just not helpful in this situation. Now is a good time to press the pause button and set two or three priorities for today, three for tomorrow and so on.   Taking deep breaths really help.   If you can’t jump into a yoga class, take a quick walk around the block, put on some relaxation music or just move to another location with something fun to read for ...

The phrase for the week is "Don’t Forget What You Already Know.” How many times over the last year have you heard yourself saying? ·          I knew she would say that? ·          I knew that wouldn’t work but I thought I’d try it anyway? ·          I can’t believe they voted that down? Is it that we forgot what we already knew about the parties or situation?   Of course not, it’s much like retroactive interference.   That occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember previously learned information.   It’s when you become so focused on your own idea that it’s like a lunar eclipse in your mind.   The only thing you can see is your idea and the outcome you envisioned. The solution to this affliction is to press the pause button and ask yourself, “What do I already know about this scenario and how can I best...

The phrase for the week is "We Are What We Practice.” What patterns emerge in your behavior time and time again that you wish were different?   What if  you are chronically late, for example?    How do you change this behavior if you practicing being late everyday?--late to work, late to meetings, late to bed...   It creates stress, embarrassment and shapes your personal brand reputation.  Consider this process for changing this. You must first realize the consequences of any poor behavior.   If y ou’re in denial and haven’t acknowledged there is a real problem, ask those around you for feedback on the one thing you might change to enhance your personal brand.   Until you can acknowledge your role in the behavior and want to change, it will continue. Once you acknowledge there is a problem and you want to change it, you must interrupt the pattern in a dramatic way.   Let’s use the example of being chronically late.   To int...

The word for the week is "Timeliness” Be on time.   Start on time.   End on time. A few observations on punctuality: ·          Demonstrates your level of self-respect and respect for others. ·          Provides a sneak peek into your organizational skills. ·          Your time management skills are on display. If a meeting starts at 9 a.m. and you walk into the meeting at 9 a.m.--you are late. I respect my time and the time of others.

The phrase for the week is "Meditation Works.” Begin the week by tapping into the spiritual you! The answers you seek will be revealed. Be open. What I like best about meditation is it can be like a mini vacation without leaving home.   Because you must focus and quiet your mind, you eventually reach a higher level of awareness and inner calm. I was surprised to learn that you can meditate anywhere and at any time.   I find it hard to meditate unless it is perfectly quiet, but others can meditate amidst utter chaos. There are countless techniques for meditating, find one that works for you and practice each day this week.  If you meditate regularly, consider taking your meditation to the next level and go deeper than you have in the past. I meditate with purpose to connect with all knowing voice within.

The phrase for the week is "Stand Firm.” Individuals with any measure of success are without question, engaged in some level of risk taking.   Not reckless risk, but strategic risk--supported by research, a strong network and faith.   For a business enterprise, these calculated risks result in increased market share, an innovative product design, and can distance the company further from their nearest competitor.   This week, identify a project, initiative or idea you’ve been considering.   Do the required research to support your position and the opposing points of view.   Be clear on how this can move the organization from point A to point B.   Be clear, be confident and stand firm. I do my research and I stand firm on my ideas and decisions.