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Leadership Skills - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coaching

18 Ways To Unlock Powerful Leadership Skills

November 15, 2023/in News, On the Blog, Professional Development /by Jenny Reilly

As leaders, we have the responsibility to guide and inspire. Here are 18 powerful leadership skills that will help you navigate the ever-changing leadership landscape successfully.

1. Ask Challenging Questions

Ask questions that ignite innovation and drive change. Challenge the status quo by asking tough questions and seeking connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Innovation often stems from these connections.

2. Balance Work And Life

Leaders often find themselves burning the candle at both ends to stay on top of professional and personal expectations. It is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize family and self-care time, as it sets an example of the value you have of your team members doing the same as well.

3. Build Trust Through Transparency

Transparency is the bedrock of trust in leadership, unlock the power of trust through open and honest communication. Share your successes and, just as importantly, your failures with your team. This vulnerability not only humanizes you but also fosters an environment where everyone feels safe to take calculated risks and learn from their experiences.

4. Celebrate Achievements And Win

Don’t forget to celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognize the hard work and dedication of your team members and acknowledge them publicly. Celebrations create a positive and motivating work environment.

5. Challenge The Status Quo

Don’t let outdated policies stifle innovation. Regularly evaluate and update policies as needed. Managing unconventionally and with confidence allows for adaptation and growth.

6. The Art Of Precision And Follow-Up

Leaders who shine exhibit unwavering commitment, meticulous attention to detail, and prompt follow-up. These traits not only set you apart but also inspire trust and confidence among your colleagues and team members.

7. Uncompromising Quality

Pledge to deliver nothing less than exceptional quality in all you do. Luck may play a role, but true success comes from a dedicated commitment to quality. It’s not just about chance; it’s about consistently delivering excellence in everything you do.

8. Tech Savvy Leadership

Leaders must embrace technology and adapt swiftly to stay ahead in the digital age. Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies that can enhance your organization’s efficiency and competitiveness. Be open to innovation and encourage your team to explore new tools and methodologies.

9. Your Presence Matters

Master the art of making a lasting impression through your impression and demeanor. Your appearance and posture make a significant first impression. Regardless of your industry, presenting yourself with care demonstrates your commitment to what you do and where you work. Stand tall (yes, as a vertically challenged individual standing at 5 foot 2 inches on a good day, I practice what I preach), make an effort about your physical appearance, keep your emotions in check, and always be ready to think on your feet.

10. Know Your Customers/Clients

The 80/20 rule reminds us to focus on the vital few customers who make a difference in your organization. Get to know them intimately, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their needs. It’s a strategy that pays dividends.

11. Lead By Example

Set the example that inspires others to follow. Your actions speak louder than words, and our determination will inspire those around you. What kind of leader do you want to be? Now, be that leader and demonstrate the traits you identify as key.

12. Optimize Your Workspace

Transform your environment for peak productivity and creativity. An organized office environment boosts efficiency and creativity. When you walk into an orderly space, you’ll find it easier to maintain focus and productivity.

13. Delegation Mastery

Empower your team by mastering the art of delegation. Delegation is a hallmark of effective management. Empower your team by delegating tasks wisely, building their skills, and allowing them to advance. Remember, the ability to delegate is the trait of a good leader. It enables you to build people’s skills and allows them to advance.

14. The Power Of Observation

Embrace your leadership prowess through the art of keen observation. As leaders, our ability to read people and situations is paramount. By actively listening, observing, and being mindful of our surroundings, we can gain a profound understanding of the needs and expectations of our clients, colleagues, and staff. Remember, talking less can speak volumes.

15. Consistent Action For Success

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” — Dwayne Johnson

Unlock your potential through persistent, unwavering commitment to your goals. In the pursuit of large or complex projects, persistence is key. Every step you take brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Keep taking those steps, one day at a time, and you’ll see its difference. Persistence and continuous action will get you to your end goal more efficiently and faster.

16. Feedback Fuels Growth

Regular feedback through one-on-ones and team meetings is invaluable and can be transformative in nurturing growth. Understanding the challenges of your team members (professionally and personally), showing empathy and support and creating a workplace where mental health and well-being are a priority will increase engagement and result in retention.

17. Humility Is A Strength

Great leaders aren’t afraid to admit when they ‘don’t know,’ ‘need help,’ or were ‘wrong.’ Embrace situations with humility – a tool for growth and collaboration that not only strengthens your leadership but also fosters a culture of openness within your team.

18. Time And Organizational Management Mastery

Efficiently manage time and tasks to supercharge your productivity and effectiveness. Effective leaders manage their time and organize their tasks efficiently. Share your preferred time and organizational management systems with your team to enhance productivity.

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

In our fast-paced working environments, these insights and reminders will help you stay ahead of the curve. As you continue your leadership journey, remember that the best leaders are always learning and evolving and are committed to growth, both personally and professionally.

If you want more information or support in strengthening your leadership skills, you can book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to find out how Jenny Reilly Consulting can help you. Or, please email askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

Professional Development in team meetings - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

Professional Development In Team Meetings: Twelve Months Of Topics To Cultive Team Success

September 15, 2023/in On the Blog, Professional Development /by Jenny Reilly

In the spirit of growth and development, I’ve prepared a roadmap to empower you and your team. I’m excited to share 12 strategic topics curated to ignite discussion and fuel your professional development in team meetings. Think of them as the building blocks of success, each topic adding a layer of strength and resilience to your team’s foundation.

The following topics can act as a 12-month professional development roadmap. I genuinely encourage you to take this journey with your team. Set aside an hour each month to dive into these discussions. The insights gained from these sessions can spark innovation, enhance communication, and foster a sense of shared purpose among your team members.

Month 1 – Tactics for Effective Communication

Active Listening: Focus on the speaker’s words, fully engage with the speaker, maintain eye contact, and ask clarifying questions when necessary.
Adjust Communication to Individual Styles: Explore adjusting communication styles to suit different team members’ preferences and needs.
Give and Receive Feedback: Foster a culture of feedback where team members are comfortable providing and receiving constructive input.
Do Your Homework: Emphasize the importance of preparation before engaging in critical discussions.
Identify common communication pitfalls: Strategize how to initiate and sustain productive conversations. Discuss how to use open and closed questions to achieve communication objectives strategically.
Maximize Non-Verbal Communication Cues: Discuss the role of non-verbal cues in conveying messages and intentions.
Understand the Other Person’s Perspective: Emphasize acknowledging and validating different viewpoints.
Encourage an Open Environment: Encourages individuals to freely share their thoughts and concerns by creating a safe space for sharing ideas.

Month 2 – Team Focus, Goals and KPIs

Identify your Team’s Area of Focus: Evaluate your team’s portfolio objectively and list all focus areas. By identifying your areas of focus, this will assist you in the formation of your goals.
Define Long- and Short-term Goals: Set S.M.A.R.T.E.R. (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Risky, Time-bound, Exciting and Relevant) goals.
Identify Core Team Key Performance Indicators: Your KPIs directly align with your goals and objectives. Your KPIs should be based on data that is reliable and easily accessible. Limit the most crucial KPIs as otherwise, you will create confusion and dilute team focus. Use your KPIs as a measurement tool and a basis for continuous improvement.

Month 3 – Team Building

Build Trust: Stress the importance of trust as a foundation for effective teamwork.
Change Management: Equip your team with strategies to adapt to and thrive in changing environments.
Define Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure each team member understands their roles and responsibilities.
Help your team develop a shared sense of purpose: Communicating the team’s mission and setting clear and measurable goals to keep the team aligned. As a standing agenda item on team meetings, ensure your goal progress is shared and discussed.
Set Team Guidelines: Establish team communication, decision-making, and collaboration guidelines.
Walk the Talk: Lead by example and foster a positive, constructive team culture.

Month 4 – Issue Processing to Solve Complex Problems

Define Issues and Problems Clearly: Encourage your team to articulate problems clearly, ensuring everyone understands the issue.
Plan Strategies: Emphasize the importance of planning and strategy development before diving into problem-solving.
Present Findings and Recommendations Effectively: Provide guidance on delivering compelling presentations that convey key findings and recommendations.
Prioritize Critical Matters: Discuss methods for effectively identifying and prioritizing critical issues to allocate resources.
Structure Complex Issues: Teach your team how to break down complex problems into manageable parts, making it easier to tackle them systematically.
Synthesize Insights: Teach your team to synthesize data into actionable insights and create practical recommendations.
Use Analytical Tools: Explore various analytical techniques and tools that can be used to gather data and insights.

Month 5 – Delivering a Compelling Message or Presentation

Demonstrating Strong Personal Presence: Discuss the significance of confidence and assertiveness in presentations.
Team–Oriented Presentation Approach: Encourage teamwork in presentations, allowing team members to complement each other’s strengths.
The Significance of Non-Verbal Communication: Explore the role of body language in effective communication.
The Trio of Effective Communication Principles: Highlight Clarity: ensuring your message is straightforward. Conciseness: delivering the message succinctly, avoiding unnecessary details, and Convincingness, making the message persuasive and compelling.

Month 6 – Optimizing Your Time

Always Build Upon Existing Work: Encourage reusing and repurposing existing resources to save time.
Become Proficient in Productivity Tools: Share tips and tricks for using productivity tools effectively.
Maintaining Efficient Document Organization: Share best practices for efficient data and information organization.
Minimizing Interruptions and Disruptions: Offer strategies for minimizing distractions and increasing productivity.
Overcoming Procrastination: Discuss methods to combat procrastination and stay focused on tasks.
Preventing Unproductive Meetings: Teach how to plan, conduct, and participate in productive meetings.
Understand how to set Priorities: Discuss techniques for setting priorities and managing workload effectively.

Month 7 – Leading Effective Meetings and Workshops

Establish the Groundwork for Collaborative Efforts: Provide techniques for setting a positive tone and fostering collaboration in meetings.
Maintain Focus in Discussions: Share methods to manage discussions effectively and steer them towards the intended goals. Teach strategies for redirecting discussions if they veer off course.

Month 8 – Foster Emotional Awareness and Intelligence

Emotional Management: Teach techniques for managing and controlling emotions, especially in high-pressure situations.
Personal Insight: Encourage self-reflection and self-awareness, helping team members understand their emotions and reactions.
Understanding Others: Stress the significance of empathy in building stronger relationships within the team and with clients or stakeholders.

Month 9 – Stakeholder Oversight

Identify Influential Stakeholders: Identify key stakeholders and their interests. Categorize stakeholders based on their influence and involvement in your projects.
Create and Enact an Action Strategy for Every Stakeholder: Develop tailored strategies for managing relationships and stakeholder.

Month 10 – Engaging in Productive Negotiations

Pre-negotiation Planning: Provide strategies for thorough preparation, including defining objectives and understanding the other party’s position.
Negotiation Execution: Explore negotiation techniques, such as creating win-win scenarios and managing conflicts.
Negotiation Conclusion: Teach your team how to bring negotiations to a successful close and secure mutually beneficial outcomes.

Month 11 – Fostering Collaboration Competencies

Encourage cross-functional learning: Encourage team members to learn about other organizational functions to enhance collaboration.
Prioritizing Seamless Communication Across Departments: Highlight the importance of clear communication and cooperation across departments.

Month 12 – Innovate and Embrace Change

Cultivate an Innovative Environment: Encourage your team to think creatively and embrace innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Maintain Flexibility and Readiness to Adjust: Teach strategies for adapting to rapidly changing circumstances and seizing opportunities.

The roadmap is flexible; if a topic doesn’t resonate with your sector, swap it out with one that aligns more closely with your team’s needs and professional development goals. The aim is to make it work for you, to tailor it to your unique challenges and opportunities.

If you make a meaningful tweak to a topic to fit your context or swap it out , I’d love to hear about it. Please share your experiences with me at jenny@jennyreilly.com. Your insights could be invaluable to others for their professional development. Your feedback matters!

If you want monthly leadership tips, sign up for my JRC newsletter.

Power of Saying No - - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

The Power of Saying “No”

May 15, 2023/in On the Blog, Personal, Professional Development /by Jenny Reilly

We often have a never-ending to-do list and constant requests from our team, colleagues, and stakeholders. It can be tempting to say “yes” to everything and everyone, but is that the most effective way to lead?

I love this quote by American novelist Anne Lamott:

“No is a complete sentence.”

It is a powerful reminder that you do not have to justify yourself when saying “no.” Setting and communicating clear boundaries is critical to being a successful leader. Saying ‘no’ to specific requests, projects, or collaborations can be a strategic decision that allows you to focus on your priorities and achieve goals.

Understanding the Importance of Setting Professional and Personal Boundaries in Leadership

It’s crucial to establish boundaries that help protect our well-being and enable us to achieve our goals. Two types of boundaries that leaders often set are professional and personal boundaries. While these may seem similar, there are key differences between them.

Professional boundaries are guidelines and limits leaders set to maintain appropriate relationships with colleagues, employees, and other stakeholders. These boundaries help leaders establish clear expectations for their behaviour, prevent conflicts of interest, and maintain impartiality in decision-making.

Leaders can create a healthy work environment that fosters mutual respect and trust by setting professional boundaries.

In contrast, personal boundaries are limits and guidelines individuals set to protect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Personal boundaries help individuals maintain their autonomy, protect themselves from harm, and communicate their needs and values to others. Leaders can avoid burnout, reduce stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting personal boundaries.

The main difference is their purpose and scope. As a leader, it’s essential to understand the differences between professional and personal boundaries and set them accordingly.

However, both boundaries are essential for leaders to establish and maintain their effectiveness and well-being.

By prioritizing professional and personal boundaries, leaders can become more effective and successful in their roles.

Five Techniques That Will Help You In Saying NO!

Does this resonate?

‘I have such a hard time saying no!’

Saying “no” is not a sign of weakness or indecision but rather a demonstration of your focus and commitment to your goals. By embracing the power of “no,” you can become a more effective and respected leader in your organization.

Prioritization Techniques: Prioritize your tasks and responsibilities to identify which requests or projects align with your goals and values. Use tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to help you decide better what to say “yes” or “no” to.
Active Listening: Practice listening when receiving a request or proposal. Ask clarifying questions to understand the scope of the project, the timeline, and the resources required. This can help you determine whether you have the capacity and expertise to do the task.
Saying “NO” with Empathy and a Smile: The most straightforward way I have found to say no is with a smile and the sincerest empathy and respect. Acknowledge the value and importance of the request, thank them for the opportunity, and say’ no.’ You do not need to explain why or give excuses. If necessary, you can suggest where help may be sought.
Setting Clear Boundaries: Set clear professional and personal boundaries and communicate them consistently. This can help you avoid being overwhelmed by requests or projects that do not align with your goals or values. Boundaries will also help you establish expectations about your availability and workload with your team or colleagues.
Saying “NO” to Say “YES” to Something Else: View saying “no” as a strategic decision that allows you to say “yes” to something else that aligns with your goals.

The Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a productivity tool that helps people prioritize their tasks based on urgency and importance. It is named after former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who famously said, “I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.”

The matrix consists of four quadrants, each representing a different level of urgency and importance:

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important – urgent and important tasks, such as emergencies or deadlines.
Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important – tasks that are important but not urgent, such as planning, strategic thinking, or personal development.
Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important – urgent but unimportant tasks, such as interruptions or unnecessary meetings.
Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important – tasks that are neither urgent nor important, such as time-wasting activities or distractions.

The idea behind the Eisenhower Matrix is to ensure you spend time focusing on Quadrant 2 tasks, as these are important tasks that often get neglected due to the urgent demands of Quadrant 1. By prioritizing Quadrant 2 tasks, people can work proactively towards their long-term goals and avoid being overwhelmed by urgent but less important tasks.

The Tomato Technique, Aka The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It is named after the Italian word for “tomato,” as Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer as a student to track his work intervals.

When I first heard about this technique decades ago, I was not initially attracted as I am allergic to tomatoes (actual fact). That being said, anything that I can try that will improve my efficiency and productivity, I will always give it a try.

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, called “pomodoros,” followed by a short break of 3-5 minutes. After four pomodoros, take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.

During each Pomodoro, you focus on a single task without any distractions or interruptions. The steps of the Pomodoro Technique are as follows:

Choose a task to work on.
Set the timer for 25 minutes and start working on the task.
When the timer rings, take a 3-5 minute break.
After four pomodoros, take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes.
Repeat the process until the task is completed.

The Pomodoro Technique can help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and manage your time more efficiently. It also encourages you to take regular breaks, which can help prevent burnout and increase productivity in the long run. Give it a try, and let me know how you find this technique.

The Power Of Saying NO: A Core Leadership Skill

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, saying “yes” to everything that comes our way can be tempting. However, learning to say “no” is crucial for leaders who want to stay focused, productive, and true to their values.

By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing your time and energy, you can avoid burnout, reduce stress, and make more meaningful contributions to your organization.

Remember, saying “no” is not about being selfish or uncooperative. It’s about owning your time and energy and making choices that align with your goals and values.

Saying “no” can also create opportunities for growth and learning. Turning down tasks or projects unaligned with your goals can free up time and resources to pursue more meaningful or challenging activities. This can help you build new skills, expand your network, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s important to remember that saying “no” is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. As your priorities and circumstances change, you may need to adjust your boundaries and make different choices about allocating your time and energy. By staying aware and intentional, you can continue to grow and evolve as a leader.

Finally, it’s worth acknowledging that saying “no” can be difficult, especially in cultures or environments where overwork and “yes-man” mentalities are the norm. However, by modelling healthy boundaries and prioritization, leaders can inspire others to do the same, creating a more sustainable and compassionate work culture for everyone.

I encourage you to reflect on your boundaries and priorities.

Are there areas where you could benefit from saying “no” more often?
How can you communicate your boundaries effectively and respectfully to others?

If you want more information or support on this topic, you can book a 30-minute complimentary consultation to find out how Jenny Reilly Consulting can help you. Please email askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

The Importance of Transitions

April 15, 2023/in News, On the Blog, Professional Development /by Jenny Reilly

“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.”
— William Bridges

This quote from William Bridges emphasizes the importance of transitions in our personal and professional lives. While some transitions can be challenging to prepare for, they can also give us energy, motivation, and inspiration. How we react during a change is critical to our success as leaders. We must focus on our leadership traits and how we react in different situations, primarily how we handle stress and unpredictability.

It’s essential to listen first, act consistently, and communicate transparently.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during a transition:

FOCUS on the next best step you can make and act on it.
THINK about the consequences of what you say and how you say it – before opening your mouth.
LISTEN to your team, ask questions, and be curious.
USE facts to back up your perceptions.
INVEST in what will put you in a better position to improve productivity.
CREATE a one-page document that includes your vision, values, strategy pillars, and targets – this will help you remain focused on what is critical to the triple bottom line and not get sidetracked.
FOCUS on what you are good at and what you can get results on that no one else can – delegate everything else, and don’t get stuck in the minutia.

Remember to be conscious of your time management, the talent you are surrounded by, and your operating rhythm to ensure you spend time on what matters most. Conduct a weekly review and preview of your priorities to stay on track and focus time quarterly on organizational operational and strategic issues.

Transitions can be challenging but can also be opportunities for growth and success. Embrace the change, focus on what you can control, and lead with clarity and purpose.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
— John C. Maxwell

If you have any questions or want to learn more on the powerful benefits of executive coaching to elevate your success, please contact us or reach out directly to jenny@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.

Year End Budgeting - Know Your Numbers - Jenny Reilly Consulting - Executive Coaching

YEAR END BUDGETING 2022

November 15, 2022/in On the Blog, Professional Development /by Jenny Reilly

2022 in Review

As the year approaches a wrap, it’s time to highlight your achievements and position yourself for 2023. Review and report on topics like your organization’s accomplishments, value creation, budgets, financial ratios, your competitor analysis, and the year ahead. Take time to create a full-year timeline with strategic projections and goals. Use the 2022 Annual Report Components infographic to serve as a guide for elements to include.

“A budget is more than just a series of numbers on a page; it is an embodiment of our values.” – Barack Obama

Know your numbers

Over this quarter, a primary client focus has been on analyzing financial reports and data to aid the decision-making required for 2023 planning. Understanding the budgeting process is crucial in evaluating opportunities and risks.

Understanding your numbers allows for more strategic decision-making. Your numbers can provide:

comparability,
verifiability, and
understandability

of the next best steps to take in your company.

As a leader, you are expected to have a thorough understanding of your numbers, prepare forward-looking financial reports, set financial targets, determine the usage of resources, and evaluate the costs and benefits of each option.

Business budgets help leaders run a successful business. A budget provides the opportunity to assess the actual budget against what was forecasted and planned.

Steps to take in preparing for 2023

Before developing your budget, it is normal practice to have a strategy session that will review relevant economic factors, sector issues/constraints/ opportunities, and management plans. Develop or review your 2023 budget (that should accommodate your short-term plans, normally one year in duration) and ensure each of your strategic objectives is related to your budget.
Your budget should address each of your strategic initiatives, including cash and payments, sales volumes and revenues, detailed inventories, labour, and production requirements.
Break your annual budget down into monthly budgets that will assist in planning and communication to the team.
If you are working on a unit or department budget, ensure you understand how the budgeting process interlinks with the various budgets in the business.

Can you answer the following?

What is your mission, vision, short- and long-term strategic objectives?
Have you recently conducted a position analysis of your organization?
Who are your current competitors?
Do you have a comprehensive forecasting and budgeting process? Can you explain when and how this process is performed?
How often do you review your annual budget, identify variances between your forecasted and actual performance and update as strategic initiatives pivot and change?

Understanding your budget will enable you to:

identify short term problems
promote forward-thinking
help in the coordination of units within a business
communicate budget guidelines
motivate your employees to promote better performance
monitor performance relevant to the budget
implement a system of control, levels of responsibility, and authorization

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or c-suite executive and have any questions about this month’s topics, or feel this resonates with you and you need executive support to project your budget successfully into 2023, please contact us, or reach out directly to jenny@jennyreilly.com and book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.