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Time for a Temperature Check: Assess and Elevate Your Performance

Step Outside Your Routine

Take a moment to step back from your daily grind. Imagine assessing how you perform, interact with your team, or manage your business from an outsider’s perspective.

This fresh viewpoint can be transformative – there’s always room for improvement. Consider these questions:

 

Performance: Are there any inefficiencies in workflow areas you haven’t noticed before? What tasks can be delegated or streamlined to improve your productivity?

Team Interaction: How effectively do you communicate with your team? Are there any recurring miscommunications or conflicts that need to be addressed?

Business Management: Are your business processes as efficient as they could be? Are there any outdated practices that could be updated or replaced with more effective methods?

Customer/Client Relations: How do your customers or clients perceive your service? Are there any areas where their feedback indicates a need for improvement?

Personal Growth: Are you setting aside time for your professional development? What new skills or knowledge could benefit you and your role?

 

Common Frustrations Professionals Face

Do any of these frustrations resonate with you?

1. Control: Struggling to manage your time or schedule, feeling like your position or business controls you.
2. People: Challenges with internal or external relationships.
3. Growth: Feeling stuck and overwhelmed, unable to improve despite your best efforts.
4. Money: Insufficient profits or stagnant career financial progress.
5. Results: Trying new strategies without seeing the desired outcomes.

 

Tangible Takeaways to Overcome These Frustrations

1. Regain Control:

(i) Prioritize and Delegate: Identify and focus on your most important tasks. Delegate less critical tasks to others who can handle them effectively.

(ii) Time Management Techniques: To manage your time better, use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (work in 25-minute intervals followed by a short 5-minute break which will help you maintain focus and productivity), time blocking (divide your day into specific blocks of time dedicated to particular tasks ensuring focus and efficient use of your time), or setting specific goals for each day.

(iii) Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to ensure a healthier balance and prevent burnout.

2. Improve People Relationships

(i) Effective Communication: Practice active listening, clear and concise communication, and empathy in your interactions.

(ii) Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts directly and constructively. Seek to understand the other person’s perspective and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.

(iii) Team Building: Invest in team-building activities that strengthen relationships and foster a positive work environment.

3. Achieve Growth

(i) Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing professional development through courses, workshops, or reading. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

(ii) Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) growth goals. Review quarterly and adjust them as needed.

(iii) Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to gain insights into areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.

4. Enhance Financial Progress

(i) Financial Planning: Create a detailed budget and financial plan for your business or career. Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs or increase revenue.

(ii) Diversify Income Streams: Explore additional income opportunities, such as side projects, investments, or new business ventures.

(iii) Invest in Yourself: Consider investing in skills or certifications to enhance your earning potential and career prospects.

5. Achieve Desired Results

(i) Review and Adjust Strategies: Review your strategies regularly. Identify what’s working and what isn’t and be willing to make necessary adjustments.

(ii) Focus on Execution: Ensure you have a clear plan and actionable steps to achieve your goals. Focus on consistent and disciplined execution of your plans.

(iii) Measure Progress: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure your progress and outcomes. This will help you stay on track and make informed decisions based on data.

 

You can improve your control, relationships, growth, financial progress, and results by addressing these common frustrations with practical solutions. Remember, minor changes compound and lead to significant improvements over time.

We all strive to excel in our roles and work with colleagues, team members, or employees who share our goals and operate with accountability.

Through my work with coaching professionals and consulting with organizations, I help leaders and teams excel. My focus areas include:

1. Driving Growth and Performance
2. Enhancing Leadership Skills
3. Creating Workplaces that Attract, Retain, and Develop Great Employees
4. Balancing Professional Responsibilities
5. Facilitating Transitions

 

Tactical Ideas for Immediate Action in each of these five areas follow:

 

1. Driving Growth and Performance

(i) Weekly Review Sessions: Dedicate 30 minutes at the end of each week to reviewing your week and previewing the following week. Review your progress on your past week’s objectives, set new priorities for the upcoming week, and plan for our meetings and deadlines in advance. Reflect weekly on what you are doing that works, what doesn’t, and at least one area in which you can improve.

(ii) Goal Setting: Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Set weekly and daily targets to maintain momentum and track your progress.

(iii) Feedback Loop: Establish a regular feedback loop with your team or a mentor. Constructive feedback can highlight blind spots and areas for growth.

2. Enhancing Leadership Skills

(i) Daily Reflection: Spend 10 minutes at the end of each day reflecting on your leadership actions. Identify one thing you did well and one area for improvement. This consistent practice will help you grow as a leader.

(ii) Leadership Development Plan: Create a personal development plan focusing on critical leadership skills you want to improve. Set specific, measurable goals and timelines.

(iii) Peer Learning: Engage with other leaders through networking events or forums. Learning from peers can provide new insights and strategies.

3. Creating Workplaces that Attract, Retain, and Develop Great Employees

(i) Employee Recognition: Implement a daily or weekly practice of recognizing one team member’s contribution. This can be a simple shout-out in a meeting, giving kudos in a communication channel, or a thank-you note. Recognition fosters a positive work environment and increases employee engagement.

(ii) Professional Development: Invest in training and development opportunities for your team. This will enhance their skills and show your commitment to their growth.

(iii) Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel safe to express ideas and concerns. Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback tools can be helpful.

4. Balancing Professional Responsibilities

(i) Mindfulness Breaks: Take three 5-minute mindfulness breaks throughout your day. Use this time to meditate, stretch, or breathe deeply. This practice can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

(ii) Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for activities. Stick to these blocks to ensure a balanced approach to your day.

(iii) Digital Detox: Set boundaries for digital device usage, especially after work hours. This can help you disconnect and recharge.

5. Facilitating Transitions

(i) Transition Planning: Allocate time each month to plan and document upcoming transitions or changes in your portfolio of responsibility or business. Identify potential challenges and develop strategies to address them. This proactive approach can ease the stress of transitions and ensure smoother operations.

(ii) Role Clarification: During transitions, clearly define roles and responsibilities. This helps set expectations and avoid confusion.

(iii) Support Systems: Establish support systems, such as mentorship programs or transition teams, to assist during periods of change.

 

Book your complimentary 30-minute consultation now or email us at askme@jennyreilly.com to schedule a convenient time.

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Thriving in Leadership: Balancing Professional Demands, Building Confidence, and Making Effective Decisions

Balancing Professional Demands with Personal Well-being

 

Striking the right balance between professional demands and personal well-being can be a significant challenge and is often a continuous struggle for many leaders. The pressure of leadership roles can often lead to an imbalance, resulting in burnout and reduced effectiveness both at work and at home. To combat the issue, we are responsible for our own actions and need to implement strategies that allow us to manage our professional responsibilities while also nurturing our personal lives. This includes setting boundaries, delegating more, and making time for family and self-care routines.

It’s not just about knowing what to do — it’s about finding the discipline to prioritize these actions and execute them amidst constant demands. Many are aware of the steps they need to take but find it challenging to consistently put them into practice. This is because the pressures and unexpected demands of leadership can often push personal well-being to the back burner. Recognizing this struggle is the first step toward making meaningful changes.

 

Some tactical takeaways:

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Define boundaries between work and personal life and communicate these to your team.

  • Example: Make it a practice to avoid checking work emails after 7 PM to ensure you have uninterrupted personal time in the evening. This simple action can help you unwind and mentally separate from work.

2. Delegate Effectively: Trust your team and delegate tasks appropriately to reduce your workload and empower others.

  • Example: Assign task responsibilities to trusted team members. You don’t have to do it all yourself, and this will allow you to focus on strategic and business development priorities. Remember, focusing on the business rather than in the business opens up opportunities for growth and efficiencies.

3. Schedule Personal Time: Prioritize personal time by scheduling it into your calendar like any other important meeting.

  • Example: Block out an hour each morning prior to your workday to practice self-care that will help you get centred and be more energized. This is the time you may decide to meditate, do some yoga, walk your dog, go to the gym, read the news, or read a book – whatever activity helps you start your day off on the right foot. As we move into June, if you have not booked your holidays for the year as yet – it is time to do so. Having something to look forward to is motivating and will help you get through the busy times at work.

4. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your balance and make necessary adjustments to ensure a sustainable integration of work and your personal life.

  • Example: At the end of each week, review your calendar for that week and note any wins, what worked well and what didn’t, and note what items you did not get to that should be carried over so they don’t fall through the cracks. Make note of any personal time that was compromised. Then, plan how to protect that time better in the future. The next step is to do a preview of the week ahead, review your upcoming meetings and appointments and determine what amount of preparation time you need to ensure is scheduled into your calendar. Decide on the top three items that you want to focus on over the next week, and ensure there is time in your schedule to work on these items. We can’t blame anyone else for our own self care – it is up to us to take the responsibility to manage our time and priorities and focus on what is important both at and outside of work. This weekly review and preview of the week ahead will help you stay proactive about focusing on what is important and maximizing your time and efficiency in getting things done. Balancing professional and personal demands is a continuous journey; there is no such thing as a 50/50 balance. You need to focus on what is right for you at any given time. While it may not always be easy to do so, it is certainly achievable with intentional effort and discipline. We can’t blame anyone else for how we spend our time – really, it’s true! It is up to us to take responsibility for managing our time and priorities and focus on what is important both at and outside of work.

 

Building Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

 

Do you ever experience imposter syndrome or lack professional confidence? A significant number of people do – up to 82% have faced feelings associated with imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. This internal challenge can prevent leaders from fully leveraging their capabilities and leading their teams with conviction. To build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome, leaders can focus on recognizing their achievements, seeking feedback, and continuously developing their skills.

 

Tactical Take-Aways

1. Acknowledge Achievements: Regularly reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments to build self-confidence.

  • Example: At the end of each week, document your key wins and milestones to review progress and reinforce confidence.

2. Seek Feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from peers and mentors to gain perspective and improve.

  • Example: Schedule quarterly feedback sessions with a trusted colleague or mentor to discuss your progress and areas of improvement.

3. Continuous Learning: Invest in personal and professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge.

  • Example: Enroll in a relevant course, plan to attend a conference, listen to related podcasts, read or listen to books that will help your development and enable you to stay current and competent.

4. Mentorship/Sponsorship: Find a mentor or professional sponsor* who can provide guidance and support as you navigate leadership challenges.

*A professional sponsor for a leader is a senior-level leader who actively advocates for, promotes and facilitates the career advancement of a less experienced leader or emerging leader within an organization.

  • Example: Identify a trusted individual who can offer personalized support and guidance for focused and relevant advice.

5. Positive Self-Talk: Practice positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts to build a resilient mindset. Research suggests that we have about 6,200 thoughts per day, and a staggering 80% of them can be negative.

  • Example: By actively working to replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, you can foster a more optimistic and productive mindset. Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome is a continuous process. By implementing some of the strategies, it will help you develop a resilient mindset and lead your team with conviction and confidence.

 

Effective Decision-Making in Complex Environments

 

We often face the challenge of making decisions in complex and challenging environments. The pressure to make the right choice can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with incomplete information and high stakes.

To improve decision-making, we can use structured approaches to gather and analyze information, involve key stakeholders, and evaluate potential outcomes. This helps in making informed and confident decisions. However, in many situations, time constraints and the need for immediate responses can make this process challenging. To overcome this, leaders should focus on preparation and adaptability.

 

1. Develop Decision-Making Frameworks: Create and practice using decision- making frameworks such as SWOT analysis or decision trees. Familiarize yourself with these tools so that they become second nature, allowing you to apply them quickly under pressure.

  • Example: Before major meetings, run through potential scenarios using a decision tree to outline possible outcomes and responses. This pre- planning helps you react more effectively in real time.

2. Build a Knowledge Base: Continuously update your knowledge and understanding of key areas relevant to your role. This can include industry trends, company data, and stakeholder interests. A well-rounded knowledge base allows for quicker, more confident decisions and will help you think critically and quickly in different situations.

  • Example: Dedicate time each week to review industry reports and internal data to stay informed and ready for on-the-spot decision-making.

3. Leverage Team Expertise: Cultivate your network of knowledgeable team members and colleagues who can provide quick, reliable input when needed. This will help you speed up the decision-making process and improve your quality of decisions.

  • Example: Establish who should be in your group to consult with quickly during critical moments of decision-making.

4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Practice the ‘slow burn.’ You may not have control over the events that occur, but you have complete control over how you choose to respond to them. Develop techniques to manage stress and stay calm when quick decisions are required. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and taking brief moments to collect your thoughts can significantly improve decision-making quality.

  • Example: Before making a snap decision, take a moment to breathe deeply and quickly assess the situation using a pre-determined mental checklist.

By implementing these strategies, leaders can enhance their ability to make quick, informed decisions even under pressure. Preparation, continuous learning, and effective use of frameworks and team expertise are key to overcoming the challenges of rapid decision-making.

 

Reach out today to learn more about coaching | +1-604-616-1967 | jenny@jennyreilly.com

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Setting the Tone for Success in 2024

Goal Setting and Planning:

If you have not already communicated your goals for 2024 to your team, it is time to do so. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals for yourself, the team and individual employees. As important as it is to have professional goals, your personal goals should hold equal weight. I do this exercise annually and revisit the goals quarterly to check in on progress made and determine if a pivot needs to be made.

Key Takeaway: Regularly revisit and adapt goals to align with your evolving priorities and aspirations.

Building Resilience:

Resilience is a crucial leadership trait in our current political and economic climate. Consider sharing strategies for building resilience in the face of challenges, such as promoting a growth mindset, fostering open communication, and providing resources for managing stress within your team. Highlight the importance of empathy in supporting employees’ well-being during uncertain times.

Key Takeaway: Promote a resilient mindset by encouraging your team to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Remote Team Management:

Roughly 50% of my clients are remote workers globally, and with remote and hybrid work becoming the norm for many, providing specific tools and techniques for leaders to motivate and engage their remote teams is top of mind. A focus on maintaining team cohesion, leveraging technology for seamless communication, and fostering a positive remote work culture is required to lead a successful remote team.

Practical Action: Implement practices that enhance team connection and well-being in the virtual work environment.

Professional Development:

Prioritize the professional development of your teams in 2024. Share resources and strategies for providing ongoing learning opportunities, coaching and mentorship. Consider incorporating insights, identifying individual development needs, and creating personalized development plans to help employees grow and thrive.

 

Reach out today to learn more about how Jenny Reilly Consulting can help you with your 2024 goals. You can book a complimentary 30-minute  consultation.  Or, please email askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

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Forging Ahead: Reflecting on 2023, Embracing 2024

Let’s start by reviewing our past year’s wins and challenges.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

  • What three things have you done well professionally and personally this year?

CHALLENGES AND LEARNINGS

  • Reflecting on the year, what areas or approaches did not work for you in 2023?

PROGRESS ON GOALS

  • If you set specific goals for the year, how would you describe your progress toward achieving them?

TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRIORITIES

  • In 2023, what activities or habits consumed most of your time and didn’t contribute significantly to your overall productivity?

PERSONAL ENJOYMENT

  • What activities or aspects of your work bring you the most joy and fulfillment?

SKILL DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR 2024

  • Regarding professional growth, what are two specific skill areas you would like to focus on developing in the coming year?

Refining Your Path to Success: A Four-Step Blueprint for Defining Your Key Areas of Focus in 2024

Step 1: Equip Yourself

  • Start by arming yourself with a pad of sticky notes.
  • Find a quiet place to be free of disruptions and ensure you have a clean, organized surface area to work on.

Step 2: Set Time for Thoughtful Reflection

  • Set aside a dedicated 20-minute timeframe for contemplation, allowing your mind to explore professional and personal aspirations for 2024.
  • Capture each idea on a separate sticky note, placing them visibly in front of you.
  • Generate a comprehensive list of ideas in the 20-minute timeframe.

Step 3: Transform Thoughts into Areas of Focus

  • The next step is to organize your ideas into thematic categories or focused buckets.
  • Once identified, prioritize these buckets based on their significance. Consider the potential impact on both your professional and personal spheres, adhering to the 80/20 rule – focus on the top 20% of activities yielding the most significant returns.

Step 4: Curate Your Top Priorities and Formulate SMARTER Goals

  • Shortlist your priorities to your top 7-10, transforming them into well-defined professional and personal goals.
  • Ensure your goals are S.M.A.R.T.E.R – specific, measurable, actionable, risky, time-keyed, exciting, and relevant.
  • For each defined goal, identify the first three actions you will take and block off time in your schedule to action your tasks.
  • This strategic approach sets the stage for a purposeful and successful 2024.

JRC December 2023 Newsletter - Jenny Reilly Consulting - Executive Coach

JRC December 2023 Newsletter - Jenny Reilly Consulting - Executive Coach

Reach out today to learn more about how Jenny Reilly Consulting can support you in strengthening your negotiation skills. You can book a complimentary 30-minute  consultation.  Or, please email  askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

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Key Negotiation Skills and Strategies For Successful Leadership

In leadership, negotiation skills go beyond being a mere asset; they form the very cornerstone of success. Whether your aim is to secure crucial resources for your team or adeptly navigate conflicts, the ability to negotiate effectively can distinguish between leadership that merely manages and leadership that excels.

Let’s explore key negotiation strategies and how honing these skills can elevate your leadership effectiveness.

1. COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING:

Cultivate and communicate a clear and inspiring vision to help guide and motivate your team. Be transparent in the issues and challenges you are focused on solving together.

Leadership Impact:

  • Strengthening team cohesion.
  • Fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
  • Building trust and rapport with team members.

2. ACTIVE LISTENING:

One of the most underestimated negotiation skills is the art of active listening. Leaders who listen attentively not only gain a deeper understanding of others’ perspectives, but also convey respect and empathy. This skill is particularly crucial in resolving conflicts where acknowledging different viewpoints lays the foundation for constructive dialogue.

Leadership Impact:

  • Enhancing communication and understanding within the team.
  • Mitigating conflicts through empathetic engagement.
  • Demonstrating genuine interest in team members’ concerns.

“Embrace the power of listening with the intent to understand, not just to respond.”

—Jenny Reilly

3. FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY:

Adaptable leaders excel in negotiations as they can navigate unexpected twists and turns. Flexibility allows leaders to adjust strategies based on evolving circumstances, turning challenges into opportunities. This skill is especially valuable when negotiating in rapidly changing environments.

Leadership Impact:

  • Successfully navigating complex and dynamic situations.
  • Inspiring confidence by demonstrating adaptability.
  • Capitalizing on unforeseen opportunities.

4. STRATEGIC PLANNING:

Negotiation, like any strategic endeavor, benefits from meticulous planning. Leaders who invest time in understanding their objectives, anticipating potential obstacles, and crafting well-thought-out strategies are better positioned to achieve successful outcomes. Strategic planning also instills confidence and competence that are vital components of effective leadership.

Negotiation Strategies - Jenny Reilly Consulting, Vancouver Executive Coach

Leadership Impact:

  • Achieving targeted goals with precision.
  • Building a reputation for strategic foresight.
  • Inspiring confidence in team members through clear planning.

5. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:

Leaders with high emotional intelligence navigate negotiations with finesse. Understanding and managing emotions, both their own and others’, allow leaders to create an environment conducive to open communication. Leaders who can empathize and connect on an emotional level often find it easier to influence and motivate their teams.

Leadership Impact:

  • Cultivating a positive and collaborative culture.
  • Inspiring loyalty and commitment from team members.
  • Enhancing overall team well-being and satisfaction.

6. ASSERTIVENESS AND CONFIDENCE:

Confidence is contagious, and assertiveness is a key negotiation skill that reinforces it. Leaders who can assert their needs and preferences, while respecting others’ viewpoints, command respect. This balance of assertiveness and respect forms the bedrock of influential leadership.

Leadership Impact:

  • Fostering a culture of accountability and decisiveness.
  • Gaining the respect and trust of team members.
  • Encouraging open communication and idea-sharing.

CONCLUSION:

In leadership, negotiation mastery isn’t just a skill; it’s the art of turning challenges into opportunities and conflicts into collaborations. Honing negotiation skills is not just a professional development goal but a strategic imperative for leaders. Leaders can navigate negotiations with finesse by embracing collaborative problem-solving, active listening, flexibility, strategic planning, emotional intelligence, and assertiveness. These skills secure favourable outcomes and contribute to building strong, cohesive teams and establishing a leadership legacy characterized by effectiveness and influence. As you navigate the complexities of leadership, remember: The true measure of a leader lies not just in what they achieve, but in how they inspire others to achieve together.

Reach out today to learn more about how Jenny Reilly Consulting can support you in strengthening your negotiation skills. You can book a complimentary 30-minute  consultation.  Or, please email  askme@jennyreilly.com to coordinate a convenient consultation time.

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