Monday, December 27, 2010

My Travels in Coaching


My travels in coaching have taken me on somewhat of a fishing expedition this year.  I have spent some time reflecting on my journey and have had some eye-opening thoughts.  I'm going to let you in on what I learned this past year:
  1. keep focused on the main thing - it's easy to get distracted and go off a tangent because there are so many things to do as an entrepreneur
  2. work your numbers monthly - I need to stay on top of my bookkeeping - not my favourite thing, but I do need to do it more regularly (watch for this as a goal in 2011)
  3. there are many people out there excited about their business - I learned a great deal from them by asking questions and listening
  4. be selective - by attempting to be involved in everything, I would have no time to work with clients properly or on my business at all, let alone find time for family and balance
  5. people are ready to share - experiences, challenges, ideas, referrals - I just need to ask and do the same in return
Now, if every time I went fishing, I caught fish like these, I would never have to buy fish again.  Taking time to reflect and look at your business from a different vantage point can help you see new things, or old things in new ways.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind

So I have started reading a second Napoleon Hill book:
Grow Rich! With Peace of Mind.


Couple Things...I always thought it was piece of mind, not peace of mind.  Now it makes sense to me.  I guess I focused on the saying  'give you a piece of my mind'.

Already this book is amazing!  Thanks to Joe DiGiorgio from HoldPlease( a cool company that promotes your messages, services and products through your voicemail and phone answering system).  He gave each of us in our 'wicked' group a copy for Christmas.

I am going to share with you what I learn, as I am learning it.  Later ...when I am done, I will post it as a slideshare presentation on my LinkedIn Profile.

Here is the first one:
"Every adversity has within it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit."

Think about that....look for the positive in anything that you attempt.  Although you may not get there or find that you were not as successful as you had hoped, what did you learn that you could apply to the future? Where did that situation take you instead of the destination that you envisioned? What does that mean to you now?

I'll keep reading and keep you posted!

Cheer

Christmas Cheer & Good Wishes to You!

from Leadership Solstice

Monday, December 13, 2010

The New Year


The New Year is right around the corner.
Are you ready to get it started on the right foot?

You have already taken some time to review 2010...what was good, what worked, the challenges you overcame, the obstacles that got thrown in your way, the new things you tried, the new people you met, the old friends you got to catch up with...and so much more!  It's definitely a time to celebrate.

Sometimes I will sit back and try to review everything all at once...it can be hard to do - I can easily skip or gloss over things that were really impactful at the time, but because they are now a part of me, I don't give them the importance or reflection time they deserve...kind of like the fireworks in the image above - exciting when it happens and then they are gone only to be a memory I recall in the future.

The whole key is to keep the important events, people and goals front and centre.  By using the 100 DAY START UP, you can do this.  Click here for more details.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Surround Yourself

Picture yourself in the middle of this circle.  You are the leader of this new team.

You have empty chairs around you.
You get the opportunity to select your own team.
Who are you going to choose?

As a leader, who you surround yourself with makes a huge impact on product or service your clients will receive.  As a leader, you need to surround yourself with experts in each area of your responsibility.  Why?  Good Leaders know that they are not the expert at everything, and they need great people around them to lead...to help them accomplish the agenda set out before them...to create the best product or service for their clients...to know that they can count on the team to execute.

Now take a few minutes and do the exercise. Who would you want on your team?  Why do you want that particular individual there?  What will they bring to the table, that you need at the table?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Are You the One?


Would you like to listen to world class speaker discuss leadership and making changes in the world?

Every year the coaches over at Solution Linx Online Coaching host a leadership simulcast.  They are offering you the opportunity to participate, in person or by teleconference, in facilitated leadership discussions featuring audio/DVD from:
  • Chip Heath
  • Mark Sanborn
  • Jim Collins
  • Tony Dungy
  • Steve Uzzell
  • Connie Podesta
Click here for more information.  This is a great way to experience Leadercast in small chunks...the main Leadercast event will take place in May 2011.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Z's of Leadership


And our last installment on the alphabet of leadership.  I hope that you use these words as references for reports, presentations or conversations.  Don't forget to comment and add yours!

Zest-for life, for leadership


Zigzag-agile, can move around the issues

Zealous-a fighter

Zip-vigorous, energetic

Zenith-like a light, a beacon

Zero in on-focused

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Y's of Leadership



Yearn - wants more for themselves and others

Yesterday - looks back and applies learning forward


You- a huge priority for every leader

Yet-not settling down

Yes-said to encourage and develop

Yours-ready to go to battle for you

Friday, December 3, 2010

The X's of Leadership


Hard to find X words so I made up my own




Xtreme - maxed, focused

Xtra-goes further for everything

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The W's of Leadership


Wonder-has a sense of exploration


Will-tries, helps

Work-ready, willing and able

Why-asks all the time, wants to discover underlying issues or opportunities

Which-gives options, never settles

Walk-the talk

Monday, November 29, 2010

The V's of Leadership



Values-the basis of life, lives and breathes, makes all decisions with them as the sounding board

Vision-has it, helps others to see it


Verve- has zest for life

Vibrant-personality, projection, full of life

Vigor-energetic

Visible-out with the team, with clients, investors

Friday, November 26, 2010

The U's of Leadership



Understanding-thinks things through and asks questions when things are not clear, offers a shoulder

Umpteenth-has patience...goes over and over again  ( I know, I made the word up!!, but it's true!)

Upstanding-emulates dignity, honor, respect

Uncluttered-has compartmentalized and prioritized

Ultimate-to the max, effort, play, work, everything

Unceasing-gives all, never ending

Undaunted-does not let things get in the way, unafraid

Unlimited-sees potential in others and the organization


Unity- is the center, hold it together - people, company, focus

Urgency-has this sense, innate understanding

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The T's of Leadership



Trustworthy-can keep confidences locked up, holds the keys


Touching- thoughtful

Track record-proven

Teamwork- insists on it, lives it, breathes it

Tact-diplomatic

Talk-can do it well, also listens

Target-has numbers to meet and executes to do so

Teach-works with others to help them learn

Tenacious-hangs on when needed, does not give up

Thank you-shows gratitude often

Think-uses their brain, engaged with their heart

Thoughtful-thinks of others, takes time to reflect, contemplate

Thrive-is happy and excited to work

Time-spends it as efficiently as possible, makes space in their day for others

Total-commitment level

Tough-gets through things, makes the hard decisions, has the difficult conversations

Treasure-is one

Transparent-same person in every role

Truth-lives and breathes it

Monday, November 22, 2010

The S's of Leadership



Smart- uses the resources available


Sincere-you can trust what they say

Servant-serves others through leadership

Sound-solid judgement

Social-takes part in activities in the organization and community to get to know others, build relationships, provide support

Selfless-puts others first

Say-has one, listens to others

Steps-measured goal setter

Storyteller-knows the culture and repeats the stories to ensure it endures, tells own story to help others grow, is an active participant in the story of others

Strive- looks for excellence, to grow, get better

Sacrifice-makes them, helps others understand them

Secure-confident

Seeds-sows and reaps, cultivates others

Self-esteem-not lacking and uplifting

Significant-makes a contribution

Skills-uses all they have

Spirit-giving, inspiring, good-natured, encourages the spirit of others

Stability-provides this to others and the organization

Stamina-goes the distance and them some

Straightforward-does not dance around the truth, honest

Stretch-works tom push beyond reach

Studious-always a student of business, community, family, life

Suggest-looks for ways to share ideas but is not overly attached to them

Succession plan-ready to help others grow, looking for their own replacement

Success-wants it for the organization, the stakeholders and finally, understands that it is measured in so many different ways

Support-provides it for others

Sure- confident

Friday, November 19, 2010

The R's of Leadership



Right-knows to do what's right and do it right too

Ready-always prepared

Roots-knows the history and culture of the organization and cherishes it

Run-moves quickly and still can slow down

Regular-consistent and also normal, like everyone else

Reach-stretches themselves beyond, the organization too

Respect-gives it, earns it

Reputation-understands the importance of a sterling one, strives to uphold it

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Q's of Leadership


You know, there are actually more Q works than N words!


Quick- moves with speed, decisions, actions


Quiet-makes time for peace, reflection

Question-asks them all the time, answers even more

Quality-provides top-notch products, responses

Qualified-has put in time to gain the necessary experience to be a good leader

Monday, November 15, 2010

The P's of Leadership


Practical -thinks in terms of what is required by all


Persistent-works through issues to resolution

Productive-gets things done

Pro-active-looks ahead to see obstacles and prepare in advance

Peak performance- in good shape, mentally ready to perform

Passionate-focused and fired up

Possible-thinks anything can be done

Perspective-keeps focused on reality

Peace-quiet time to reflect, also keeps calm in sticky situations

Perceptive-can read people, events

Play-takes time out for fun, also has fun at work

Positive-looks on the bright side...

Power-understands that leadership brings responsibility to get things done

Potential-has room to grow and realizes that others do to

Promote-looks for succession planning, ability to move others ahead

Promise- his word is his bond

Push- moves ahead, projects, people, agendas, organizations

Friday, November 12, 2010

The O's of Leadership

Optimistic-finds the positive side of situations

Opportunity-looks for a way through in every situation


Over and over --what gets repeated gets remembered, leader do over, go over whatever it takes to get the job done
Original-unique experiences, one of a kind

Open- listens to others, shares stories about themselves

Objectives-focused on results

Objective-can see many sides to an issue

Observe-pays attention, can sit in the background and watch, understand

Outgoing-ready to participate, build relationships

Own- takes it, wants it

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The N's of Leadership


OK - this was another letter that took some thinking...you would think that for such a common letter, the words would flow.  Got any to add???

Now- ready to get things done without waiting


Nurture- sees where care is needed for growth

Need-understands what the business and the team requires to excel

Next- always looking to the future

Notice- pays attention to the small things

Network - builds relationships, has access

Monday, November 8, 2010

The M's of Leadership

Mentor-develops others


Mindful-uses their knowledge about others

Magic- creates an amazing atmosphere

Master- takes ownership, is really good at many things, an expert in few

Most- wants the best

Me- takes themselves out of the equation and works for what is best for the team

Make- creates

Mastermind - looks for other minds to work with to move the organization forward

Maverick-steps outside the box...likes others to too

Measure-looking for results, wants to know the numbers

Motivating- an inspiration

Friday, November 5, 2010

The L's of Leadership

Listen - ears, eyes and heart open
Love- leads with passion and consideration of others
Learn- always ready to take in more
Lean- ready to prop you up, takes care of others
Lead- at the front
Load-carries the weight on their shoulders
Leaps of faith-finds people, products to take a chance on
Level-headed - keeps cool
Limitless- boundless energy, enthusiasm, appreciation of others, care, loyalty....

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The J's of Leadership


Gotta tell you that the J's were difficult....if you can add more I would really appreciate it!


Jubilant- happy, ready to celebrate success
Journey- knows that life's path can take you anywhere
Justice-fair
Journal- takes time to note important information, goals, successes, reflection



Monday, November 1, 2010

The I's of Leadership

Intelligent -has a solid grasp, speaks well, writes well
Inner voice-has one and listens to it
Inviting-ready with an approachable demeanor
Innovative-experimental, looks for new or next steps
Inspire-helps others motivate themselves with words, actions and presence
Intertwined-like destiny, all parts of the leader's life is intertwined
Integrity-act with it always, the basis of their value structure
Ideas -always flowing, always listening to them, the master at putting the ideas that come together Imagine-likes to use their imagination and visualize, dream, describe, excite
Important-is needed but not irreplaceable, knows where they fit and why, knows others have meaning and contribution too
Improve-looks to continuously get better
Incredible-just marvelous, sometimes unbelievable
Industrious-works hard
Influence-by words and actions, can have people do the right things right Initiative-starts on their own Interested-engaged, wants to play a part, included
Intuition-follows their gut feelings
Invested-mind, soul, heart and sometimes wallet are part of the business

Friday, October 29, 2010

The H's of Leadership

Helping Hand-waiting to assist when needed, jumps in
Host-takes care of customers and team members as invited guests
Hear- not only listens but digests the words, feelings, visual cues
Heart-uses it in all decisions
Happy-joyful person, positively focused
Hours-puts them in
Habit-leadership skills built over time
Humor-has a sense of humor, has fun
Honest-integrity is key
Hard-works hard, plays hard
Head-has it screwed on straight
Healthy-keeps self fit, mentally, physically and emotionally
Hero-can be one, but recognizes them amongst the team first
Honor-has a sense of commitment to others and himself
Human-understands humanity, including mistakes, foibles and misses
Humble-not full of themselves

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The G's of Leadership

Goals-written, measured and tracked,for themselves, for the business and insists on them for the team Good-is just a good person
Growth-wants it, looks for it, for themselves, for the business and for others
Grace-has style and and meets every challenge with calm, diplomacy and sensitivity
Gives- time, energy, thoughts, care, love
Gamble-willing to take a risk
Generous-prepared to give
Go-moves forward
Great-wants the organization to be great, wants that for every stakeholder
Guts, gutsy-takes chances, works with instinct

Monday, October 25, 2010

The F's of Leadership

Fair -not necessarily equal, but looking to create balance

Fundamental-gets what the business is about
Fun -plays, enjoys life, likes humour, gets a joke, laughs and smiles
Forgiving-realizes humanity, moves on Foster-develops an engaging environment that promotes growth
Focused - eyes, mind, heart trained in a specific direction
Feedback-gives and takes, as well as implements constructive information
Faith-has it, shares it, develops it, in themselves and others
Fire-works with passion, propels them forward
Forward-looking - keeps eye ahead and seeks out opportunities

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The E's of Leadership

Energetic-almost to the point of overwhelm, and can channel it to direct focus and attention to the right things
Empathetic-listens to and relates to the experiences of others
Enthusiastic-shows positive reactions and eneryg towards ideas, commitments, accomplishments and plans
Eager-wants to get moving
Eyes-listens with them as well as sees...a lot
Earth-connected, a center point
Ethics-has them, lives an ethical life
Effort-gives to the max
Edge-likes to walk a fine line sometimes, on the edge, also can. Be edgy in ideas, thinking, trying new things
Effective-gets things done
Encouragement-always has a word of support ready, can see when it is needed
Engaged-locked in, a vested interest, present
Enjoyment-gets joy out of all aspects of life
Enterprising-tries new things, looks for the out of the ordinary
Equality-treats people equally
Evaluates-people, projects, talent, teams and then makes decisions on how to best utilize what or who has been evaluated
Experience-has it, shows it, always looking for more

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The D's of Leadership

Distinctive-known for something
Determined-works to get to the best result possible
Decisive- makes decisions
Daring-takes a leap, a risk, a gamble...simply tries
Do - action
Drive-push, passion, forward momentum
Daily-at it every day, without changing who they are
Dedicated-ditto above + emotional attachment
Definite-makes solid decisions without wavering
Delegate-knows how to get things done well through others, and others willingly participate because they realize it is in their best interest
Deliberate-action and thoughts on purpose
Dignity-has it, treats others with it, always
Demonstrates-walks the talk
Dependable- reliable
Desire-wants to, passionately
Detail-knows the answers are in the small things...searches through and understands minute information
Develop- builds people, business, relationships
Different -not the same as the rest
Diligent- works hard
Direct - does not beat around the bush

Monday, October 18, 2010

The C's of Leadership

Constant - applies a particular amount of energy to everything
Consistent- the same, always
Character- what they are made of, their values
Competitive- with themselves , with others, in the business, with the team
Compassionate-cares for others
Care, including careful- thinks with the heart, thinks things through
Challenge-takes on, gives, meets, exceeds
Contemplative- thinks things through
Coach-guides others to find the best within themselves
Calm-still, thinking, contemplative
Capable -able, ready to go
Celebrate-looks for ways to show gratitude, underscore successes, be together
Charity- works for others who need them
Change-an agent, ready to switch, move, try new things
Committed-wants the organization and the team to succeed
Connected-linked to others, to the business
Credibility-acts with integrity, upholds reputation
Create- artistically works with others
Cultivate- builds, grows, harvests
Culture-values that keep the keel even on the water, basis for decisions
Caped crusader - sometimes they are just a superhero!

Friday, October 15, 2010

The B's of Leadership



Brave - courageous, takes risks
Bold-tries new things, gets change rolling
Boost-uplifts everyone, everything....never tears down
Be-is present
Business- the reason why
Believe - has a focused heart
Balance - has a time focus that provides for family, community, work and life
Bet- takes chances, measured ones
Blueprint - has a plan, makes a plan, likes to plan, for self, business, development, time
Brilliant-has a inner light that shines brightly outward
Bring- takes their A game everywhere - bring it!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The A's of Leadership

The A's of Leadership

Assertive: wants to get it, supports the entire effort, and future involvement of the team


Assertive vs. Aggressive : what results meets the needs of the business, not my needs first

Action oriented: finding opportunity for actions that move the organization towards it's goals

Asks: questions to determine needs, set others up for success

Able: committed to execution

Answer: has one or finds one, not an expert in everything, but has good resources

Adventure: ready to try new things, relishes the journey

Accept: limitations as well as resolutions and moves forward, people as they are and works with the team to develop their talents and abilities; also accepts responsibility for their role

Agile: ready to change quickly, ready to learn and flex, adapts to change

Monday, October 11, 2010

The Alphabet of Leadership


Over the next few weeks, we will discover the words that talk about leadership, qualities of a leader, actions of a leader and even a few 'leaders do not'.  If I miss any along the way, please feel free to add.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Getting Change In Motion

Easy Steps....


The change has 'come down' from command central. Your job is the make sure it gets implemented. What do you do ?

1..start the conversation with your group

2..explain the change or new process...you need to get buy in

3..get the group working in the new way.  You will need to encourage, follow up, answer questions and most importantly, work in the new way.  You need to model the change, be the example everyday so that your team will see how important the change is to you, their leader.

4...ask questions of the team to find out how it's going? What are the obstacles? How can you remove them?

5..provide the feedback to others. This will help your team be heard as well as provide new insights for the change-developers...possibly helping others eliminate obstacles along the way to implementing the same change.

6..celebrate successes. Build milestones into the change process so that the team can see progress along the way.

7..move on to the next one!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Create Opportunities



How do you get others involved? Create opportunity. Opportunity for engagement will drive the success of your business, build for the future, develop a succession plan, instill confidence and you will have fun! Imagine fun at work!


When problem-solving or making decisions, including others is a way to expose up-and-comers to situations that could help them grow. The ability to understand the alternatives and options at hand when making decisions that affect the business can help the budding leader to relate situations and consequences at the same time.

Brainstorming with your group is another way to create an opportunity for team members to learn about each other, form new connections and build more solid relationships. Watching how the group interacts is an opportunity for you, as the leader to observe behaviour - who is participating or not, taking over or letting things slide by, who is engaged or not, who is the nay-sayer or advocate for solutions.

As an observer you can also determine if the brainstorming is active or passive. Active brainstorming is when the entire group or majority is participating, ideas are flowing, you are observing innovation in action, ideas are built upon rather than dismissed. Passive brainstorming takes place when there are few engaged participants in a larger group and they are carrying the direction of the session by looking for agreement rather than new ideas or challenges.

After brainstorming there is usually a plan to develop and carry out. Brainstorming is used to solve problems, start new projects. Asking group members or team members to develop the plan they would like to implement becomes an opportunity for growth and empowerment. It will be easier to get buy in if the plan comes from colleagues as opposed to from the top down. Implementation and roll out will take place as the newly empowered leaders will follow up to ensure execution is up to or exceeding company expectations.

Will you gain opportunities by giving them to others? Absolutely. You will be seen as the people developer, the opportunity creator. You will develop your own assessment skills to ensure that you are creating the right opportunities for the right people.

Creating opportunities comes with a certain level of responsibility. You need to ensure that you are matching the opportunity to the correct individual. Helping them understand that the opportunity is now in their hands and the outcome is their own. Following up to ensure that they have exhausted the gift to it's fullest potential.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Get Out of a Tough Spot

Whether it is with a colleague, boss or family member, getting into a tough spot is usually an unexpected situation. Emotions kick in – questions about what to say; how to disagree respectfully: if there is a side to take, how to do it; an unwanted guest or person in view, what to do now. How do you keep control?


Let the event or conversation take place. Do not try to control it or you will end up defensive and not prepared to let the organic result come through.

Listen and stay present. The last thing you need is your mind wandering off covering old ground or thinking of what to say next. Do not try to anticipate what the other person is going to say. Instead, listen and give an honest response to what is being said. Your answer needs to be what you want to say, not what you think the other person would like to hear.

Be positive with the other person, recognize their ability to take part in a difficult situation – the tough spot – and resolve the issue at hand or simply hold a polite conversation. Give credit where due, and leave your personal feelings aside.

Trust your instinct. In tough spots, easy answers usually arise. The gut response usually makes the most sense. Relax and go with it.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Lead a Life of Service


There is a relationship in life to service. By living a life of service, you are in fact following a path that provides for others. It is a selfless life. Not selfless in the manner of giving everything away (unless you want to). In business, service is how we take care of our customers or clients, how we take care of each other -co-workers, colleagues, peers, leaders, support teams.

Service can be described in the following ways:
• A way to make others happy
• A transaction in exchange for payment, either for a product or experience
• The opportunity to care for others
By taking the description of service and applying it to our companies and our teams, you can begin to form a structure or even parameters to develop a service-oriented value base. By developing a service culture or atmosphere, you will then start relating how the organization operates to the benefit the customer will derive. The golden rule -treat others how you wish to be treated, or treat others how they would like to be treated, certainly lend themselves to a service environment. Understanding that service is for both internal and external customers, the rules still apply.

Should the type of customer influence our level of service? Absolutely not! The goal of a service-driven organization is to build confidence in the company- both internally and externally, and to empower good decision making based on a service philosophy. Internally, team members will make decisions in the best interest of then external customer. Externally, customers will make the decision to purchase your product or service on a regular basis.

Service requires skill. Service requires the ability to communicate, including verbal and written skills, listening skills, ability to empathize, get buy in, commitment to achieve and execute as well as admit mistakes, correct them and move forward.

Service requires patience and the ability to resolve conflicts, the ability to introduce and implement change, the ability to create a vision and build a plan to reach that vision. Service sounds a lot like leadership. In fact, leaders are in the service business.

Service provides confidence, builds relationships and creates opportunities where people can be empowered, develop and grow. Teams understand how to build relationships because of the service model they embody everyday and have a mechanism for making decisions because of the value set that service provides.

Whether you have chosen a life of service or fallen into it, you can begin to see that life and the experiences life brings lends itself well to service of others. Leaders frequently call upon stories, past experiences to teach others lessons that they have learned along the way. Sharing is service. Being available is service. Lending a hand is service. Providing feedback and open, honest communication is service. Service comes from the most authentic part of us. Service does not single out anyone but instead creates an equal footing for all. Do you lead a life of service?

Sunday, September 12, 2010

the Mastermind experience

Calling All Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs!
Time to Open Up the Conversation....

Join the Mastermind Experience today!


Teleseminar and in-person groups now forming.
Start Date:  October 2011

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Life Lessons of Leadership

My seventeen year old started a part time job in a factory. He was amazed at the ages of those who worked with him. This was a line operation, so whatever one person did, it would impact the rest of the team.


My son came home and explained that he was told to slow down, he was going too fast. He was making the others work too fast, they would get too much done and have to do more on the next shift.

My son was disappointed. He said he never wanted to work in an environment like that when he grew up. He said he was a leader and leaders don’t work slowly, they get the job done and move onto something else. He wanted to be in a motivating, productive and innovative environment.

I challenged him on that thought. If he was the leader of the line, or the plant for that matter, what could he do as a leader to change things? My son thought for a minute and came up with the following:

He would challenge the team to finish in a specific time frame and provide rewards like still get paid for eight hours if they finished in seven. Or accident and mistake free bonuses. This way he could create healthy competition and improve efficiency and productivity at the same time.

I was impressed. Even though his seventeen year old brain said OK to what the team wanted, he was able to step outside and look for alternatives. His next life and leadership lesson will be attempting the change the line...will he try? Or will he be respectful of the team and simply drop hints and examples?

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Culture Interview

Interviewing for new positions or open positions in the company can be an arduous task. Whether it is to fill an existing role or a new position, or to meet an internal or external candidate, the same attention needs to be paid to a very specific detail - company culture.


What is culture? In any company, culture is the way the organization and the players in the organization behave. Culture is how behaviour lines up with values. Culture is propagated by storytelling, passing along information, sharing experiences. An organization and its leaders recognize the behaviour of values and share honestly with their people if they are off the tracks. Leadership is examples, living the culture and modeling the way. It is essential when bringing candidates into the organization that they can fit into the culture and enhance it with their presence.

When preparing to interview, look over the role requirements, the candidate’s history and the experience they bring with them. Questions to prepare can have a somewhat standardized format for all candidates because the questions that follow the original one will lead to more information.

Role requirements are critical to understand. Not only the physical work, also the mental work, leadership and management that will be required. When reviewing this information, having the candidate qualifications nearby can be helpful. This can be part of the question formulation process.

Questions need to include the words that are prevalent in the organization. Every company has a "lingo" of its own. Using this lingo helps the candidate understand the necessary participation and engagement that will be required to be successful in the position. With external candidates, using and defining the lingo can be helpful, providing the candidate with more company information.

Initial questions lead to more in depth behavioural questions. Looking for explanations as to why something occurred or was reacted to in a certain way or how results were obtained can help both the interviewer and the candidate Find common ground.

Many forms of interview processes can reflect the culture. A high team-involved company would benefit from using team interviewing. A highly customer focused company such as a retailer would benefit from seeing the candidate in action, selling on the sales floor or even merchandising. Just as a journalist would be required to show a portfolio, any other candidate can be put through their role in order to see how they would act/react in the organization. This provides the organization with a clearer view of what they will be getting in terms of performance in the future.

After the interview is completed, asking for any culture-based questions can help clarify a potential fit both the organization and the candidate. The candidate should leave with a clear understanding of whether they would be able to work in that company for the rest of their career. That fit would make the difference.

   

Friday, August 27, 2010

Know Yourself

As creatures that think and walk and talk, we often think that we know ourselves.  Self-awareness is a key leadership competency.  Leaders though, know all about that - except do we take into consideration other aspects of ourselves, not just the 'work-leader' characteristics.

Ask yourself these questions:
  1. Do I have a healthy body?  Exercise and eat properly?
  2. Do I have a healthy mind?  Take time to focus on things other than work?
  3. Do I have a peaceful soul?  Find time to meditate or relax and clear the mind?
  4. Do I have healthy habits?  Enjoy time with family and friends, travel and explore?
Determine which area needs work and put a plan in place to help yourself move in a new direction.  You will find that you will have more energy, better focus and a clear mind.

Check out Wellness Coaching at Solution Linx Online Coaching to help get you started.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Lead, Follow or....

Having trouble deciding how to handle a situation?  Whether it is at work or at home, even in your community life, there is always one way to handle a situation -

Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way!


You need to decide what role you will take.  Will you be the leader?  Make the decisions and focus the group on execution?  Or will you follow - be the support to another, putting action to the plan?  Or lastly, will you get out of the way - let things happen around you without participating, being involved? 

There will be times when you need to be in each role. Sometimes the role of the leader is to just 'get out of the way' and let the team do what they need to do.  There can even be times when other leaders step up and you get to follow - like it or not - and while that can be a humbling experience, it can also be a space in time that you can observe others, and learn from their leadership and team dynamics.

So consciously decide everyday what you will do - Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Coaches Network

Relationship Coach, Life Coach, Wellness Coach....all coaches!

Connect here - send your logo and a short note about your niche and location, and after review, we will post the details on this blog for others to access. 

Also, posting in a network can help connect clients to coaches once the client has successfully reached their goals and are ready to work in a new area of their life.

If you are looking for a coach - send a quick comment and we will set up a FREE Discovery Session along with finding the right coach for your current needs.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Who Are They Anyway?

B.J.Gallagher wrote the book 'Who Are "They" Anyway?'.  A quick read that really sends home the message that you really own your own destiny, your own decisions and your own place in the scheme of life and work.  Finding "they" is a difficult task - blaming others or circumstances can be easy, but in the end is really only doing yourself a disservice by now owning up to looking in the mirror and taking on blame or eliminating the excuse yourself!  Go on....get rid of 'they' and live an 'owned' life with 'you'.

Monday, August 23, 2010

You Set the Bar

The Bar

Whatever you decide to do and however you decide to do it, you set your own bar.

Will it be high? Or will it be low?

The bar is yours!

'I am wrong', you say. You say the company sets the standard?

Well, I am sure they do? But who is to say that you cannot exceed the expectations set out? Why do you need to be the one who meets not exceeds the level set out for you?

No one will ever know where you set your bar. The point is that You will hold the prize for best in class in your own mind. Your work will be what you stake your reputation on, the bar being the measure by which you build the height of your reputation.

What will you decide to do?

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Leadership 2011

2010 Leadercast Event Logo

Is it already time to start thinking about next year?  Well, planning life in cycles, the kids are going back to school shortly so it's time to start planning what is coming up in the next 6 - 12 months.

One of my favourite events is called "Leadercast" - put on by Giant Impact out of Atlanta, Georgia.  The 2011 event will take place on May 6th - and it can be picked up by simulcast around the globe.  Last year there were over 65,000 participants due to technology and like-minded individuals finding a place to connect and grow as leaders - for themselves, their businesses and their communities.

Stay tuned here (read as 'subscribe to this blog or follow me on Twitter @linxcoach) to be kept up to date on who will be speaking and inspiring the world next May.

The theme for the new year will be 'Voices of Change'.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Get Inspired

With my past experience and surfing the Internet, I have always looked for sites or businesses that inspire me.
I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderful leader named Don Soderquist.  He now operates a leadership center in Arkansas.  It is called the Soderquist Center and their philosophy is quite straight-forward:

'No matter what business you are in, values matter'.

As simple as it sounds, it is not always true.  The Soderquist Center provides many services, and best of all, it provides a newsletter that keeps you focused on developing your leadership through the examples of others.

Take a few minutes and surf the site, you can connect with them on Twitter or Facebook, or just check back every once in a while to see what's going on.  This is not a paid blog.  I am sharing my resources with you!

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Letters of LEAD


Lead - looking up LEAD in Webster's Dictionary, you will find an abundance of definitions for the word.  All have to do with guiding, being in front, directing activities.  None of the definitions take apart the letters that make up the word lead and apply the actions to it.   For example:

L stands for listen
E stands for encourage
A stands for action
D stands for decision-maker

or...in another set...

L stands for learning
E stands for empower
A stands for able
D stands for delivers

What are the letters of LEAD for you?  Add and share - would love to compile as many as possible!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Professional Success Coaching Relationship


A coaching relationship is a two-way street and when Solstice Group Coaching becomes a participant in  a relaotionship with you, the client, your role will be focused on making success coaching time a priority. Professionall Success coaching participants will connect to the answers that are within themselves - looking to become a more authentic leader, a better mentor, to change old habits and develop new ones, to buildd a successful business, and to finally, create the life they want to live. 

When participating in professional success coaching, clients are prompted to be honest and look inside themselves for the answers. Clients should be prepared to be open-minded when offered creative suggestions and be ready to change if necessary. Professional success coaching focuses on leadership, although clients do not necessarily have to be a CEO or bear any title to act like a leader every day of their lives.


Connect with Solstice Group Coaching to learn how Professional Success Coaching can move you and your business toward the vision you have for the future.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Leadership and Life Connect



Visit Solstice Life, the sister blog to this one!
Discover personal growth, learn to be authentic, share experiences in development, growth and simply the turning points in life.

Recent posts include:
Share your thoughts - would love the feedback and the followers!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

It's My Birthday!

My Gift to You!

Yes, today I move along the timeline to start a new year in my life. I try to take time at the beginning of the year to map out what I would like my goals to be, then on my birthday I check-in with myself to see how I am doing.

So far this year, I am behind on 2 goals and ahead on 3.  Not bad (last year was worse).  I have left behind some toxic emotional baggage that was affecting how I led myself and feel lighter and better for it.

I thought I would leave a gift here for you....just something to think about.

Find Power...

In your mind

Learn from mistakes and move forward

Look for opportunities to grow

Take a chance and do something new

Find Power...In your body

Push your boundaries of strength

Tap into your energy stores

Eat right and get SLEEP!

FInd Power...In your heart

Think of memorable moments

Say I love you

Be grateful!

Find Power...In your leadership

Be true, authentic

Live gracefully

Follow your dreams.



Monday, August 16, 2010

Get More Out of Your Team


If you want to get more out of your team for any of these reasons:



• Because the number of people on your team has been reduced and yet you’re expected to produce the same or better results.
• Your team is not producing the results that are expected from you. You are concerned that your bosses and/or superiors or other stakeholders and peers are not going to be happy about that.

• Members of your team are undermining each other or worse undermining you, causing conflicts and frustrations for you and you’d like to turn your team in to a well oiled machine...

Then, I’d like to help you squeeze the most out of your team by offering you a special one-on-one "Modern Leadership Mastery Coaching Session".


During this session we will…


• Create a crystal clear vision for the results that you want your team to produce, for the way that you’d like your team to interact with each other and for the kind of people you would like to have on your team.

• Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success with leadership and team building.

• You’ll leave the session renewed, reenergized and inspired to create a powerful results-driven team that gets things done so that you can be the office hero and still have a flourishing personal life.


Claim Your Free Coaching Session - send a comment below and answer the following questions:


1. How long have you been in this leadership position?

2. What are the biggest leadership challenges you're facing today?

3. On a scale of zero to 10 how important is it to you to get better results from your team?

4. What are your ultimate aspirations and goals as a leader?

Be sure to also include your name, phone number and email address when you reply so that someone from my office can get back to you and schedule your session within the next 24 to 48 hours.  The personal information you provide will not be posted on the blog - only comments about the blog will be posted!

Looking forward to helping you build the organization visualize everyday!

For more information on leadership coaching visit Solstice Group Coaching.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

If You Only Read One Book this Summer....

Robin Sharma has written a number of books.  By far, this one, in my opinion is a must read.
As in all books written as parables or fables, there are places where you can see yourself, characters or characteristics you can relate to but usually not for the entire journey through the book. 

With The Leader Who Had No Title, I was inspired and could see my new self every step of the way.  I have never been to war or had to deal with depression and post-war mental syndromes - a tough and harrowing experience I am certain, but I was able to take the references and apply them to the struggles I have had in my life.  Quite simply, you need to take the journey that life has set out for you.  It is truly the decisions that you make that make the difference in the experiences you will take from the journey.

My favourite part is the tablets.  You will have to read the book to find out.  I have never cried reading a leadership book before....Enjoy!
                                                   

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Business Breakthrough...Are Your Ready?

If you’ve been working to grow your business for a while now and things aren’t happening as fast as you want, then I’d like to help you create a MAJOR business BREAKTHROUGH.


Here’s the scoop…


I’ve heard from a lot of small businesses that are having an especially difficult time getting their business to grow fast these days. After hearing about so many people’s struggles, I decided to do something about it…

I’d like to invite you to take advantage of a special, “Business Breakthrough” coaching session where we’ll work together to…


• Create a crystal clear vision for your ‘ultimate business success’ and the “perfect lifestyle” you’d like your business to provide

• Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging the growth of your business and keeping you working too many hours.

• Leave this session renewed, re-energized, and inspired to turn your business into a highly profitable, revenue-generating machine that practically runs itself.


If you’d like to take advantage of this very special, very limited, and totally FREE 30 minute “Business Breakthrough” coaching session, comment below and answer these questions…
1. How long have you had your business?
2. What kind of product/service do you provide?
3. What are your revenue goals for the next 12 months?
4. What was your business revenue over the last 12 months? (ballpark)
5. What do you see as the major challenges holding you and your business back from growing at the pace you want?

6. On a scale of 0-10, how important is it for you to overcome your challenges and achieve your goals today?

7. Full Name

8. Email Address

9. Phone #

10. Time Zone


NO Personal and Confidential Information will be posted to the Blog.  This is for contact only.


Let me know the areas you would most like to work on:
Marketing
Sales Process
Turning Your Team Into High Performers
Cash Flow Strategies
Customer Service
Systemizing & Streamlining Processes
Leadership & Delegation
...Anything else you can think of that will move the needle for your business.


Again, to take advantage of this offer, simply comment below and answer the questions listed above.

Warmest Regards,


Lora
Professional Success Coach
Solstice Group Coaching