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Give Her the Gift of Growth This Mother’s Day
Tag: personal growth
How Can Leaders Take Charge of Limited Resources to Achieve Better Outcomes?
66 Percent of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96 percent of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
Begin with the end in mind. ~Steven Covey
It was a pleasure to speak on the topic Prioritizing Workloads at the HR and Business Leader’s Council of Florida
Education, Social Impact and Networking event.
A fitting topic as 66% of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96% of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
As we forge through the new year, it’s statistics like these and the impact on organizational and personal stress that led to the Council’s forward thinking to bring it to the forefront of the business leader’s mind.
How can we prepare? How can leaders take charge of their limited resources to achieve better outcomes?
Covey steered strategists to Begin with the End in mind. 🎯 Prioritizing limited time and resources work wonders. Most of all learn to say ‘No’
to time wasters and set boundaries. 🚫
Suffice it to say, there was much to synergize and Dave & Buster’s Inc.
provided the right space.
It’s time to take charge of your priorities. Stay tuned for more on the Urgent vs. Important Matrix.
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Understanding Emotional Exhaustion: 5 Key Signs
Self-care is how you take your power back
Lalah Delia
Long days at work, inability to meet financial needs, household chores, relationship strains. All these can take a toll on us at times. Here are 5 signs associated with burnout. Read and examine each. Then apply it to yourself.
1.Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from daily stressors, with persistent mental and physical fatigue.
2.Decreased Performance
Reduced productivity, struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, and experiencing a significant drop in work quality.
3.Detachment and Cynicism
Developing a negative, indifferent, or callous attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities. Feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
4.Physical Symptom
Experiencing frequent headaches, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, weakened immune system, and increased vulnerability to illness.
5.Lack of Work-Life Balance
Feeling constantly preoccupied with work, inability to disconnect, neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities.
Are you experiencing one, two, or a few of these signs? Stay tuned for practical solutions. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com
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7+ Ways To Prepare For A Public-Facing Leadership Role
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
More than two decades ago I started my first leadership role. Always facing an audience through years of athletic performance, the arts, other leadership roles, I was always confident. But this was different. In my HR Leadership role, I faced responsibilities on behalf of the company. No more hiding behind other senior leaders. My boss gave me no choice but to step up to my full responsibilities.
After going through a bout of nervousness that lasted months, I found that it got easier each time. Before long, I prepared for each meeting when I had to address employees performance, achievements and areas of development across the region with confidence.
On observation these days, we see politicians and society’s leaders in public service assuming new roles. Consequently, the question was raised; “can a person from behind the scenes excel in a new public-facing role?” The answer is absolutely!
Public-facing means a role where the (individual) exercises managerial authority or control of an entity’s activities.
Here are 7+ points to prepare for a public-facing leadership role. Focus on:
1.Communication Skills
- Develop clear, compelling public speaking abilities
- Practice articulating complex ideas simply
- Learn media training techniques
2.Personal Brand Development
- Build a professional, authentic public image
- Be consistent across different platforms
- Develop a strong personal narrative
3.Continuous Learning
- Stay updated on industry trends
- Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
- Cultivate emotional intelligence
4.Professional Appearance
- Dress appropriately for your industry
- Project confidence through body language
- Work on your on-camera and in-person presence
5.Media and Presentation Preparation
- Take media training workshops
- Practice handling tough questions
- Learn crisis communication strategies
6.Networking
- Build relationships with key industry influencers
- Develop a supportive professional network
- Seek mentorship from experienced public leaders
7.Digital Literacy
- Manage social media presence professionally
- Understand digital communication etiquette
- Be mindful of online reputation
Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability
- Develop thick skin for public scrutiny
- Learn to handle criticism constructively
- Maintain composure under pressure
Consistent practice and self-reflection are the keys to becoming an effective public-facing leader.
What has been your experience with getting ready for a leadership role? Did you use any of the above strategies? If so, what worked for you? Any other strategy that comes to mind? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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10 Ways To Help You Achieve Your Goals
Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar
Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.
If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:
1.Break Down Large Goals
- Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
- Create a step-by-step action plan
- Make each milestone specific and measurable
- Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal
2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan
- Write down your goals in detail
- Specify exactly what you want to achieve
- Include specific deadlines
- Identify potential obstacles in advance
- Create strategies to overcome these obstacles
3.Prioritize and Track Progress
Use tools like:
- Goal tracking apps
- Physical planners
- Digital spreadsheets
- Regularly review and assess your progress
- Adjust your plan if needed
- Celebrate small victories along the way
4. Build Accountability
- Share your goals with trusted friends/family
- Find an accountability partner
- Join support groups related to your goals
- Consider working with a coach or mentor
5. Develop Consistent Habits
- Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
- Practice discipline and consistency
- Use habit-tracking techniques
- Start small and gradually build momentum
6. Enhance Motivation
- Visualize success
- Create a motivational vision board
- Use positive affirmations
- Reward yourself for reaching milestones
- Maintain a growth mindset
7. Continuous Learning
- Acquire necessary skills
- Read relevant books/materials
- Take courses
- Seek mentorship
- Stay updated in your goal’s domain
8. Manage Time Effectively
- Use time management techniques
- Prioritize tasks
- Eliminate distractions
- Practice focused work sessions
- Use productivity tools
9. Practice Self-Care
- Maintain physical and mental health
- Get adequate rest
- Exercise regularly
- Practice stress management
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle
10. Stay Flexible and Resilient
- Accept that setbacks will happen
- Learn from failures
- Be adaptable
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Continuously reassess and adjust your approach
Follow these steps to achieve your goals as you step into a new phase of your career. Need help? Let’s connect
Cheers!
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Why Year-End Triggers Career Reflection
You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind. ~Hillary DePiano
The end of the year naturally invokes a period of career reflection, which serves as a psychological milestone that compels professionals to pause and assess their journey. As the calendar approaches its final weeks, individuals are instinctively drawn to introspection, triggered by a combination of cultural traditions, personal goal-setting practices, and an innate human desire for growth and meaning. This time of reflection is fueled by the contrast between the year’s accomplishments and unfulfilled aspirations, creating the opportunity for honest self-evaluation (hint …that common ideal weight loss plan).
Also read: Conquering Transition Doubts
The approaching new year symbolizes renewal and potential, encouraging professionals to reflect on their career trajectory, measure progress against past objectives, and recalibrate their professional vision. Factors like annual performance reviews, financial assessments, industry shifts, and personal life changes converge during this period, making it an ideal time to critically reflect on career satisfaction, skill development, alignment with long-term goals, and potential opportunities for growth or transformation.
Consequently, here are a number of pointers that discusses this period of reflection along with recommendation. Not a self-starter , we can help.
Natural Evaluation Period
- Annual performance reviews
- Reflecting on past year’s achievements
- Setting new personal goals
- Psychological reset moment
Emotional Triggers
- Holiday season brings perspective
- Family gatherings prompt life discussions
- Increased time for self-reflection
- Motivation from new year anticipation
Professional Burnout
- Accumulated workplace stress
- Desire for meaningful change
- Recognizing current job’s limitations
- Seeking personal fulfillment
External Evaluation
- Social conversations about resolutions
- Seeing others make bold moves
- Increased motivational content
- Feeling inspired by potential
Strategic Approach
- Budget reassessment
- Career growth opportunities
- Market trend observations
- Personal development planning
Motivational Approach
- Embrace fear as growth signal
- Start with small, low-risk steps
- Build confidence gradually
- Seek professional guidance
- Create solid transition plan
Recommended Actions
- Self-assessment
- Skill inventory
- Informational interviews
- Part-time exploration
- Professional coaching
- Continuous learning
Are you experiencing any of these signs? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Adapt the motivational approach along with the recommended actions. But if you need the expertise of a coach who can help. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate for a friend experiencing these signs and help him/her kick off the new year with a difference.
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From Fear to Freedom: Conquering Career Transition Doubts
Fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the process is its own reward. —Amelia Earhart
Fear is real. Sometimes it retards us. Most times it’s just in our mind yet causes us to feel stuck, unable to make the move that we desire. Common is the fear to leave a career, change jobs, or reach for that promotion as we question ourselves. So, we stay where we are and before long months turn into years, years into decades and we remain in the same place.
So what can you do about it? Here is a concise breakdown of career change fears and year-end motivation.
Why Year-end Triggers Career Reflection
Common Career Change Fears
1.Financial Uncertainty
- Potential income reduction
- Financial stability risks
- Fear of economic instability
- Concerns about supporting family
2.Identity Loss
- Defined by current professional role
- Fear of starting over
- Loss of established professional status
- Questioning self-worth
3. Skill Gap Anxiety
- Feeling underqualified
- Learning curve intimidation
- Self-doubt about adaptability
- Imposter syndrome
4.Comfort Zone Resistance
- Familiar routine feels safe
- Fear of unknown
- Risk aversion
- Psychological safety in current job
Are you experiencing any of these signs? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Talk with a trusted friend or coach who can help. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate for a friend experiencing these signs and help him/her kick off the new year with a different start. Conquer those transition doubts.
Cheers!
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Making Big Decisions: Head Or Heart?
Decisions. Decisions
A new year paves the way for ‘change’. As we approach 2025 many of us will make decisions that will impact our lives. Decisions in our entrepreneurship roles, decisions in our relationships, career (stay or go), and in our personal and professional lives.
The question was asked on social media about decision-making. When making decisions do you make them using your ‘head’ or ‘heart’. Respondents quickly chimed in with 29% preferred ‘head’, while 71% preferred ‘heart’. Decided to break down head decisions vs. heart decisions and analyze their roles and characteristics in decision-making.
Head Decisions (Rational / Logical)
- Characteristics:
- Based on facts and data
- Relies on analysis and reasoning
- Focuses on practical outcomes
- Uses systematic evaluation
- Considers long-term consequences
- Weighs pros and cons objectively
- Driven by logic and evidence
- Best Used For:
- Financial decisions
- Business strategies
- Career choices
- Investment planning
- Risk assessment
- Legal matters
- Technical problems
Heart Decisions (Emotional / Intuitive)
- Characteristics:
- Based on feelings and intuition
- Relies on personal values
- Focuses on emotional satisfaction
- Uses gut instincts
- Considers personal fulfillment
- Weighs emotional impact
- Driven by passion and purpose
- Best Used For:
- Personal relationships
- Creative pursuits
- Life purpose decisions
- Value-based choices
- Personal fulfillment
- Passion projects
- Meaningful connections
Which is Better?
Neither is “better” – both have their place
- Integrated Approach:
- Best decisions often combine both
- Head ensures practicality
- Heart ensures alignment with values
- Balance creates sustainable choices
- Context Matters:
- Some situations need more logic
- Others need more emotional intelligence
- Most benefit from both perspectives
- Decision Framework: Best Practice: Use Both
- Heart: Initial guidance
- Head: Validation and planning
- Heart: Final gut check
- When to Lean More on Head:
- High-risk situations
- Financial commitments
- Legal matters
- Complex problems
- Strategic planning
- When to Lean More on Heart:
- Life purpose decisions
- Personal relationships
- Career passion
- Creative endeavors
- Value-based choices
- Integration Tips:
- Start with heart to identify what matters
- Use head to evaluate feasibility
- Check back with heart for alignment
- Plan execution with head
- Monitor satisfaction with heart
- Warning Signs: Head-Only Decisions:
- Feels empty or unfulfilling
- Lacks personal meaning
- May lead to regret
- Could miss opportunities
Heart-Only Decisions:
- May be impractical
- Could be financially risky
- Might lack sustainability
- Could be too impulsive
Real-World Example: Career Change Decision:
- Heart: Identifies passion and desired impact
- Head: Evaluates market demand, salary, skills needed
- Heart: Confirms emotional alignment
- Head: Creates transition plan
- Both: Monitor progress and satisfaction
Recommendation
- Use a Balanced Approach:
- Start with heart to understand what you truly want
- Use head to evaluate feasibility and plan
- Check back with heart for alignment
- Execute with head’s planning
- Monitor with both heart and head
- Decision-Making Process:
- Identify the type of decision
- Consider the stakes involved
- Use appropriate balance of both
- Create evaluation criteria
- Make and implement decision
- Review and adjust as needed
- Questions to Ask: Head Questions:
- What are the facts?
- What are the risks?
- What are the long-term consequences?
- What resources are required?
Heart Questions:
- How does this feel?
- Does this align with my values?
- Will this bring fulfillment?
- What does my intuition say?
Points to Note
- The best decisions often come from balanced input from both head and heart
- Different situations require different balances
- Practice integrating both perspectives
- Trust both your logic and your intuition
- Monitor outcomes using both metrics
So there you have it. A thorough overview of when and how to make decisions with your head and heart. What type of decision-maker are you? Head or Heart? Do share, we would love to hear.
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10 Protocol Keys For Aspiring Leaders Attending Professional Events
Etiquette is what you are doing and saying when people are looking and listening. What you are thinking is your business. ~Virginia Cary Hudson
Navigating business events can be challenging, especially for aspiring young adult leaders. Learn the essential Etiquette Tips to help you make a great impression. Pay keen attention to the do’s and don’ts of professional conduct, from networking to dress code, and ensure you stand out for all the right reasons! Brief chat with Executive Coach, Maxine Barnett provides an engaging snippet. Focusing on the ensuing key points will propel your personal growth.
Dressing For Success
- Understand the Dress Code: Research and adhere to the dress code of the organization or event. If unsure, err on the side of being slightly more formal.
- Professional Attire: Opt for business suits, blazers, and dress shirts for a formal setting. Business casual might include smart trousers or skirts paired with a blouse or collared shirt.
- Grooming: Ensure personal grooming is impeccable. Hair should be neat, nails clean, and makeup (if worn) should be subtle and professional.
- Comfortable Footwear: Choose polished, comfortable shoes. Avoid overly casual footwear.
- Minimal Accessories: Keep accessories minimal and tasteful. Avoid flashy jewelry or anything that might be distracting.
Conducting Yourself
- Punctuality: Always arrive on time. Plan to be there at least 10 minutes early to settle in and prepare.
- Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. These non-verbal cues convey confidence and attentiveness.
- Active Listening: Show that you are engaged by nodding, smiling, and taking notes. Avoid interrupting the speaker.
- Clear Communication: Speak clearly and concisely. Be mindful of your tone and ensure it is respectful and professional.
- Preparedness: Come to the meeting prepared with any necessary documents, reports, or notes. Familiarize yourself with the agenda and topics of discussion.
- Participation: Contribute to discussions thoughtfully. Offer insights and ask relevant questions, but avoid dominating the conversation.
- Respect: Show respect for all attendees, regardless of their position. Listen to differing viewpoints and avoid any negative or dismissive behavior.
- Technology Etiquette: Silence your phone and other devices. If you must use a laptop or tablet, do so discreetly and only for meeting-related tasks.
- Follow-Up: After the meeting, send follow-up emails if necessary, summarizing key points or next steps. This demonstrates attention to detail and commitment to ongoing communication.
- Professional Relationships: Use the opportunity to build and nurture professional relationships. Network courteously and express appreciation for the time and input of others.
By following these guidelines, you, as an aspiring leaders can present yourself as professional, competent, and respectful participants in any business meeting.
Are there any points you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
I did it!
Imposter syndrome is a persistent unjustified feeling that one’s success is fraudulent. Imposter syndrome is characterized by doubt in one’s abilities—despite a record of achievement or respect from one’s peers—and a fear of having one’s unworthiness exposed.
Britannica
Congratulations on your promotion! Yet, as you step into your new role, you may find yourself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This phenomenon, commonly known as imposter syndrome, can plague even the most accomplished individuals, especially when thrust into unfamiliar territory without proper training or support.
As a new manager, you may be questioning your abilities, second-guessing your decisions, and fearing that at any moment, someone will expose you as a fraud. These feelings are not uncommon, but they can hinder your performance and diminish your confidence.
But don’t be afraid, for there is a way forward. With the right guidance and coaching, you can forge your way through these periods of uncertainty and emerge as a confident and capable leader. Through targeted strategies and personalized support, you can learn to silence your inner critic, cultivate self-assurance, and embrace your newfound role with authenticity and resilience.
During coaching sessions, you explore the root causes of your imposter syndrome, identify limiting beliefs, and develop practical techniques to overcome them. From effective communication and decision-making skills to building strong relationships and managing expectations, you will be equipped with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in your leadership journey.
Remember, you were chosen for this role for a reason. You possess unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives that have prepared you for this moment. Let’s connect. Together, we will unlock your full potential and empower you to lead with confidence, integrity, and authenticity.
It’s time to banish the doubts, embrace your strengths, and step into your leadership with conviction. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
Cheers!
Photo by Ono Kosuki on Pexels.com
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10 Thoughtful And Practical Gift Ideas For Women Leaders This Mother’s Day
The Perfect Gift for Her
Some gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all.
Tinku Razoria
Celebrations, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Selfcare Days…. no matter the occasion, it is always hard to find the ideal gift for the perfect mom, sister, co-worker, best friend to encourage or simply to say Thanks to one who did a kind deed. Here are 10 thoughtful and practical gift ideas for women leaders.
Gifts for Her
- Professional Development Books: Gift a selection of books on leadership, personal development, or career advancement. Choose titles that align with the recipient’s interests and goals, such as “Ditch It, Switch It“, “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg or “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown.
- Journal or Planner: A stylish journal or planner can help women leaders stay organized, set goals, and track their progress. Look for a high-quality notebook with inspirational quotes or customizable sections for reflection and planning.
- Online Course or Workshop: Invest in an online course or workshop that aligns with the recipient’s professional development goals. Whether it’s leadership skills, negotiation tactics, or public speaking, there are plenty of options available to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Executive Coaching Sessions: Provide the gift of personalized coaching sessions with a professional executive coach. This one-on-one support can help women leaders overcome challenges, set strategic goals, and accelerate their career growth.
- Membership to Professional Networks: Consider gifting a membership to a professional organization or networking group tailored to women leaders in their industry. This provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and access to valuable resources and events.
- Tech Gadgets or Accessories: Surprise her with a stylish and functional tech gadget or accessory that enhances productivity and efficiency, such as a smartwatch, wireless headphones, or a sleek laptop bag.
- Self-Care Package: Put together a self-care package filled with pampering essentials like scented candles, bath salts, herbal teas, and skincare products. Encourage women leaders to prioritize their well-being and recharge their batteries.
- Mindfulness or Meditation Tools: Help women leaders manage stress and promote mindfulness with gifts like a meditation app subscription, aromatherapy diffuser, or a set of meditation cushions.
- Personalized Leadership Assessment: Invest in a personalized leadership assessment tool or 360-degree feedback survey to help women leaders gain valuable insights into their strengths, areas for improvement, and leadership style.
- Inspiring Artwork or Decor: Choose a piece of artwork or decor that inspires and motivates women leaders in their workspace. Whether it’s a motivational quote print, a vibrant painting, or a decorative desk accessory, find something that resonates with their aspirations and values.
These gift ideas for women leaders combine practicality, inspiration, and personalization to support their professional growth and well-being.
Which gift pulls you in? Is there another or a few that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.
Connect now to gift that personalized gift of Executive Coaching or personalized leadership assessment today. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
Cheers!
Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels.com
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Develop Your Brand: A Blueprint For New Authors
Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.
Tim Ferriss
Many are the desires of the first-time author. Writing is the biggest. Often new authors find it overwhelming to write and see the manuscript to the end. When they do, the next step is often forgotten. Suddenly an author becomes and an entrepreneur – one in which they didn’t anticipate. Developing the book’s brand… yikes!
It’s important to the book’s success and target audience awareness. Essentially, building an author brand is very important because a strong brand helps you stand out, attract readers, and build a loyal fanbase. Here are six (6) steps to get you started:
Build Your New Author Brand
- Understand your Brand
- How do you distinguish yourself in the literary world?
- Discover your Brand’s Identity
- Reflect: Who are you as an author?
- Who is your ideal Reader?
- USP: What sets you apart?
- Create your author persona
- Define your writing style, tone tc
- Design consistent visual identity
- Create author Bio to showcase achievements, background, writing journey
- Build your online Presence
- Create author website to showcase books and engage with Readers
- Choose social media platform where target audience hangout
- Engage your Audience
- Develop content calendar
- Engage with Readers
- Connect with fellow authors
- Launch Book and Grow Brand
- Create buzz and Lunch or Re-Launch your book
- Collaborate to expand
- Keep learning. Keep writing.
- Be flexible and adaptable
There you have it. What has been your experience with the writing process? Do share. We would love to hear.
If you feel overwhelmed, let’s connect.
