In Part V of our Learning to Lead series, we’re going to talk about discernment.  Discernment is the ability to see what is not obvious, hear what is not being said, and then with that information, apply action to create a positive outcome.  Perception is a key element in discernment, and it is a skill that develops more over time.  

In Part lV of the Learning to Lead Series, we’re going to talk about the “story.”  Everyone has a story, the summation of how they got to the place they are today.  So much is revealed when someone shares their story.  It discloses among other things, a person’s struggles, ideologies, passions, triumphs, frustrations, pride, and perspectives.  We can learn so much more about a person by their story than we do by any resume.  

In Part lll of our Learning to Lead series, we’re going to lean into the language of leadership.  Most people think of language as verbal skills.  Maybe even body language.  But language also encompasses our actions.

Time to celebrate the progress you have made over the past five days as we work towards ending 2022 on a high note. Let’s review this week’s coaching challenges.

In Part ll of our Learning to Lead series, we’re going to look at some of the actions great leaders take to elevate their game.  If we accept a role as a leader, it’s necessary to always be working on ourselves first before we can have the knowledge and expertise to support others on their path.  We need to walk the walk!

In Part I of our Learning to Lead series, we’re going to start off with the small changes you can immediately implement in order to start creating strong leadership behaviors.  If we want to see change, we start with ourselves.

Over the next several days, we’ll be presenting a multi-part series called Learning to Lead.  Leadership development is truly my passion and I love working with business and community leaders.  I spent more than 30 years of my career leading large teams.  It was equally as challenging as it was rewarding.  I strived to be the best leader I could be, and often times it was not easy.  It takes a commitment of time and effort to continuously learn how to lead at a higher level.  But when you are able to start mastering and applying leadership skills, and you see the profound impact it can have on the people you lead, there’s nothing like it!

The need for perfection can be destructive.  I speak from experience when I say that attempting to be a perfectionist can destroy momentum, create feelings of being “less than” when you can’t be perfect, and be downright exhausting.  And let’s be honest, perfection isn’t real.  It can also create unrealistic expectations for those around you.  While we all want to do our best, the drive to always be perfect isn’t practical.  Sometimes done is better because it’s still progress, and progress moves us forward!

Good Morning! There are only 50 days left in 2022 and I hope you’re following along as we countdown the final 100 days of 2022 using daily coaching challenges to help you finish strong - you can join us anytime. As you take the time to review the past several days, congratulate yourself on any of the coaching tips you’ve adopted. These are all meant to support you in finishing 2022 strong! While change can be hard, it can also be very rewarding. Time to give yourself a high five!

The decisions we make about our commitments, the time we’re willing to devote to them, and how much time we intentionally spend with the people who matter the most to us, all define how our legacy will look and be remembered.

What’s a legacy?  Of course, there are different definitions and opinions.  What does legacy me to you?  Is it the wealth or possessions you have amassed?  The business you built and will pass down to a family member?  The children you raised?  The amount of charitable contributions?  Time with family?  The trips you took or service hours you logged?  

As social beings, most people get energy being around others, especially if it’s with folks who share the same desires.  There are bowling leagues, book clubs, Mommy & Me groups, and so many others.  Why not start a “Goals Group?”  A collective of like-minded people who want to support each other with goal setting, check-ins, and sharing progress along the way.

Today I just want to throw an idea for you to consider.  What are some of the things you’d like to do in 2023?   I’m not trying to rush things, but if you have some big plans or goals for next year, it might require some time to get the plan in order.  Is there research to do, an application to file, a deposit to be budgeted for and paid to reserve your spot?  

During a coaching session with a client last week, I could see within 30 seconds of starting our Zoom call that she was distraught.  She had red blotches creeping up her neck, her face wash flushed, and she was talking so fast she ran herself out of breath.  At my first opportunity I broke in, “Okay, we need to hit the pause button.  Now, close your eyes and let’s do some breathing.”  After a serious of deep breaths, I could see she was calming just a bit.  I continued “now, before you open your eyes, as clearly as you can, describe how you are feeling.”  Without hesitating, “I’m overwhelmed!”  “Yes,” I responded, “I see that.”  With a few more prompts, we were able to get to the main cause of the overwhelm, which provide a starting point.  

Time to celebrate the progress you have made over the past five days as we work towards ending 2022 on a high note. Let’s review this week’s coaching challenges.

When we step out of our everyday routines and take a risk, it can be intimidating.  It can create fear and anxiety for many people.  Let’s press into that feeling for a moment.  Is the concern that we might not be ready to take a leap or are we waiting for someone to give us permission?  

When was the last time something worked out perfectly, flawlessly, without something getting a little sideways?  Things not working out the way we planned, happens.  A common reaction is to lose our patience or throw up our hands and give up.  We don’t like to not have things go as planned.  But what would happen if we allowed impatience to be replaced by persistence?

Yes, three weeks.  It’s so hard to believe.  With as busy as most people are, the holidays add an extra layer of “to-dos.”  It’s my goal to help you with some organizational tips that just might alleviate a little stress and allow you to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday a little more.

We limit our lives to what we think of ourselves.  If only we could live beyond the limitations and barriers we put in our own way!  Understanding this about ourselves is the key to opening ourselves up to greater possibilities.  

While there is so much research available that shows the harm caused by negative self-talk, we need to also remember how self-doubt can be equally as detrimental.

This week we focused heavily on networking and I would love to hear what you’ve worked on - please let me know in the comments or email me anytime! High Five on sticking with your daily coaching challenges for one month! There are only 60 days left in 2022, how will you make a difference in your goals?

In Make Your Bed, Little Things That Can Chare Your Life…And Maybe the World, retired Navy Admiral William H. McRaven shares the ten principles he learned during his Navy SEAL training. Each of these principles, while some may seem so basic, can change you. If you let them. McRaven recounts his training days with such heart, passion, and humility, that you can’t help but be moved. Whether you’re a corporate executive, a stay-at-home mom, or a student, there’s something in it for everyone.