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Be accountable – no excuses!

Focus on Accountability

In March 2020, when the spread of the Coronavirus started to rise in North America, it shook the foundations of our professional and personal lives. How we worked, where we worked, and how we went about our day-to-day activities changed overnight. I spent a great deal of consulting time in crisis management mode in businesses. In this unique period, we needed to focus on crisis management tactics; however, we also had to keep a close eye on the continuation of action towards goal attainment required for the bottom line.  

 

Be An Agent of Change

To be an agent of change and accountable for your results, no matter what is going on around you (yes, even a global pandemic), you have to be 100% focused on the objectives at hand and the finish line. 

 

I love the following definition of Accountability:

 

‘A personal choice to rise above one’s circumstance and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results – to See It, Own It, Solve It and Do it.’ 

– The Oz Principle

 

Accountability does not occur if you see a problem that needs to be resolved but do not step up, own it, solve it, and follow through by doing it.  I have embraced Jack Welch’s, the former CEO of General Electric‘s concept of ‘boundarylessness’ when it comes down to be accountable. 

 

accountable

Encourage Accountability

To encourage accountability and growth across an organization, he advocated that employees needed to stop seeing boundaries or silos of responsibility in an organization. When everyone in an organization is focused on core goals, a remarkable synergy happens whereby you see a greater level of communication, transparency, collaboration, and attainment of results. Everyone knows that what they are working on will lead to goal attainment, are accountable, and the results that they are expected to achieve. When this is clear at all levels within an organization, and individuals understand how their action moves a goal forward, then in turn, the organization benefits as accountability increases exponentially.  

Relentless Accountability

When individuals, teams, and units focus on achieving results, this helps foster an accountability environment that motivates employees to ask, ‘What else can I do here to make it better?  This question, in turn, strengthens innovation, continuous improvement, client satisfaction, individual and team performance, quality, responsiveness, and organizational competitiveness. 

 

Questions to ask that will help foster an attitude and mindset of Accountability 

 

 

  • How else can we improve quality?

 

  • What else can we be doing differently to empower staff and build our team/s?

 

  • How else can we maximize effectiveness?

 

  • What else can we be doing to attain better results?

 

executive coach

 

Accountability Tools

The tools that I use both in consulting and in my own company to track accountability include:

 

  • Outcome scorecards, or a software dashboard with indicators to track progress
  • Weekly progress check-ins to stay aligned, discuss results attained, and provide feedback
  • Process write-ups and checklists to help determine what is working and can be repeated
  • Project Plans, or software such as Trello or Asana help outline all activities, who is responsible for what, and when it has to be done by – excellent reference tools for all team members

 

Accountability = Results:

  1. Focus on what matters most and is of the highest value.
  2. Record your goals, assign scheduled time to work on a plan to provide structure and discipline to ensure you get the job done. This will enable you to focus on execution. 
  3. Stay on top of your daily schedule and focus on three things to move your goals forward at the beginning of your day. Relentless consistency will ensure you follow through and get the scheduled job done.

accountable

 

Accountability Challenge for You!

Over the remaining days of 2020, make a pact with yourself to focus on improving your level of accountability and result attainment. Let’s be accountable for our results – no blame game for what does not come to fruition. Let’s simply make it happen.  

 

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Resilience Is Your Superpower

Jenny Reilly On Resilience

Jenny Reilly discusses the importance of professional resilience and how events in 2020 have been a test in resilience for all of us. Being resilient enables you to bounce back when things do not go as planned and helps you handle what life throws your way.  Jenny describes resilience, why it is needed and strategies to develop and strengthen your level of resilience. For more information on participating in Jenny’s TEC Canada Small Business Peer Advisory Group in Vancouver, strategic business consulting, or executive coaching, please reach out to askme@jennyreilly.com or phone +1-604-616-1967.

 

RESILIENCE IS YOUR SUPERPOWER

 

2020 a Period of Great Resiliency

Resiliency is a relevant topic for us all today, as we navigate our way working through:

  • the global pandemic
  • the second lockdown in British Columbia, Canada
  • the state of the worldwide economy
  • the media coverage of our neighbours across the border. The angst around the lead up to and aftermath of the US Presidential election, and now Trump refusing to concede to Biden 
  • a new way of working and socializing where virtual meetings make up our days, wearing a mask, standing six foot apart, and reducing our professional and personal connections is our ‘new norm.’

 

Corporate Resilience

 

Resilience Is Amazing

I have the opportunity to consult with small to mid-size companies and coach resilient small business owners and C-Suite leaders. I believe that RESILIENCE IS A REAL SUPERPOWER, almost like a muscle; we can build on our level of resilience to ensure it is beneficial in our professional and personal lives.

 

In this challenging time of COVID-19, for many, we have had to reassess our positions, or businesses, and be conscious of our vulnerabilities concerning the pandemic. We have had to foresee disruptions, leverage resources quickly, and ensure we have a real focus on our reserves and cash position.

What is Resilience?

Resilience helps us get back up after we have been knocked down, allows us to try again, and handle whatever life throws our way.

 

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Why do we need to be resilient?

Being resilient enables us to move forward after a failure or disappointment. A resilient individual acknowledges a situation, learns from an experience and then can move on. 

 

Being resilient enables us not to be paralyzed by an event, nor permit it to destroy our self-worth or confidence; instead, a resilient individual sees the opportunity for growth and a positive future. Resilient individuals are motivated and committed to moving forward in their professional and personal pursuits.  They have a compelling reason to get out of bed each morning and take the next best step, rather than the alternative of dwelling and fixating on the past. Resilient individuals focus on events that they have control over and do not worry about the unforeseeable or uncontrollable. 

 

Now that being said, I appreciate entirely that being resilient is not easy! Having a resilient mindset enables us to fail and be okay and acknowledge that life is not a perfect upward trajectory of professional and personal success. Being resilient enables us to aim high and go for our big hairy audacious goals, despite the risks involved.

 

Resilience after Covid

Building your Resiliency Superpower

Resiliency does not come naturally; however, the good news is that you can strengthen your ability to have a resilient attitude and positive mindset. 

 

Step 1: Self Awareness

  • A good night’s sleep will help you manage your stress levels. You will wake with energy and be able to cope with demands and challenges more effectively.
  • Balanced nutritious meals throughout the day. Eating well will ensure you do not become ‘hangry.’ Simply put, when we take care of what we put into our body, we can deal better physically with challenges as they arise.
  • Getting in even a 20-minute walk daily (preferably outside rather than on a treadmill), being in the outdoors and moving will help your refresh, which in turn will increase your ability to focus and increase your levels of productivity.  
  • Being nice to yourself, by that, I mean stopping the negative self-talk as it occurs. This cognitive adjustment will help you change the way you think about situations and pivotal events as they occur. 

Step 2: Awareness of Others:

  • Responding and acting thoughtfully, calmly and logically with your colleagues and clients. Being a hothead, not listening or jumping to conclusions does not help anyone. How you react in a situation is your choice, so make it a priority. Being knowledgeable about those around you and aware of their needs is hugely beneficial.

Step 3: Being Conscious of the Resiliency Gap

  • Knowing how resilient you are and measuring that against the resiliency levels of others around you may show a resiliency gap. Once a gap is identified, you then need to and work out how you can shorten it.  This action’s payoff will be three-fold and be seen in long-term engagement, increased focus, and better bottom-line results.

 

Resiliency Self-Assessment and Personal Strategies

Three questions to rate your resiliency on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest):

 

  1. How resilient are you intellectually?
  2. How resilient are you emotionally?
  3. How do you cope when a door closes for you (maybe imagine the proverbial slammed door in your face)?

 

In each of the above three areas, what could you work on to increase your resiliency level in the future?

 

The following five questions can assist you in identifying your professional vulnerabilities and where you can be more resilient:

  1. Does this second lockdown pose an additional threat to my position or business?
  2. What disruptions can I foresee and prepare for in advance?
  3. How healthy are my financial reserves?
  4. What resources could I leverage quickly if needed?
  5. How will my team and customers/clients be impacted?

 

Resilience at Work

Building Your Resilience

Building upon your ‘Resiliency Superpower’ will help you see the positive possibilities moving forward. Although there have been many negatives that we have had to navigate through COVID, living through a pandemic has also provided the opportunity to hit a ‘refresh’ button on our professional and personal lives. What has the pandemic made possible for you? In what areas will you now focus on in your business and personal life moving forward?  

 

Make everyday count!

 

For more information on Jenny Reilly Consulting, please email askme@jennyreilly.com, call +1-604-616-1967, or book a 15-minute discovery call directly through my Calendly appointment schedule. 

 

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Leaders Watched Globally and Evaluated – the US Presidential Election

The US Presidential Election

Were you like me last night, glued to the votes rolling in for Biden and Trump? Nerve-racking, shocking, depressing… should I go on about the US Presidential Election.  This morning at dawn, TV back on for an update? 

 

This process has been fascinating to watch. We have witnessed leadership attributes, many questionable against what we as a society deem as qualities of a good leader.

 

There is extensive leadership theory to draw upon, in addition to one’s own leadership experiences, working with, or evaluating from afar what we deem as positive or negative leadership characteristics. 

 

US Presidential Election

 

Leader Characteristics

You may agree or disagree with the following characteristics; however, bear with me:

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A POOR LEADERCHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER
  1. An individual acting only in their interest 
  2. Bulling and belittling
  3. Continually interrupting
  4. Ego driven
  5. Evoking violence and racism 
  6. Fabricating and lying
  7. Going off on unfounded tangents
  8. Incompetent
  9. Ridiculing, demeaning and abusing
  10. Scandalous 
  1. Credible and competent
  2. Demonstrates integrity
  3. Empathetic
  4. Excellent communicator
  5. Honest, transparent and trustworthy
  6. Innovative with a focus on continuous learning and improvement
  7. Positive influence with the aim of making a positive impact 
  8. Respectful
  9. Self-Aware 
  10. Value-driven, with a compelling ‘why’

 

Even though we are living through a global pandemic, global warming, increasing terrorism, natural resource scarcity, and an imploding economy – the ridiculousness of some of the leadership antics watched leading up to the election captured more of the spotlight.

 

Leadership Context

Although leadership context changes over time, fundamentally, specific practices, actions, and behaviours remain essentially the same that demonstrate healthy and robust leadership practices. I believe an exceptional leader ‘walks the talk’ and leads by example. They can articulate their ‘why’ and promote a shared vision. Leaders acknowledge that the journey is one of continuous learning, and they endeavour to do better and be better.  Engaging and motivating leaders encourage individuals to step up, not be frightened of failure and persevere. 

US Presidential Election

 

US Presidential Election Announcement

So, as we await the final US Presidential Election announcement of 2020, please don’t lose track of how you want to lead and be perceived by your peers and colleagues. 

  • Credibility is foundational – this is one non-negotiable. A useful mnemonic to remember is DWYSYWD Do What You Say You Will Do – it is that simple.

 

  • Values speak volumes and drive commitment in organizations. Values are what you care about and how you operate as a leader – what are yours?

 

  • Forward-looking with a long-term focus enables leaders to identify optimistic possibilities. What are your leadership goals for the remainder of the year and 2021?

 

  • Trust in your leadership capabilities and competence is essential.  Developing trust will help you get things done, develop and nurture relationships, bring people together cohesively, and be a cornerstone of your brand. Trust comes from demonstrating leadership traits such as clear and analytical communication, consistent behaviour and being open and candid. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), where would you rank the trust that others have in your leadership capabilities and competence? What areas can you focus on improving?

 

As we await the US Presidential Election results, remember it is not over till it is over — stay tuned!

 

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Business Owner, Entrepreneur or Intrepreneur – let’s have the same objectives!

Professional Growth for Business Owner, Entrepreneur and Intrepreneur

Working through COVID in remote or hybrid models has opened up the channels for individuals to demonstrate greater creativity in their positions, be proactive in thinking ahead, and be more flexible as they have had to manage the day to day challenges of working and living during a pandemic. Increased autonomy provided an opportunity for professional growth. The pandemic has allowed many to change their mindset when approaching work and look at it from an intrepreneur’s perspective rather than an employee.

For business owners and entrepreneurs during the last ten months, we have needed and relied on our employees to help with new cadence, processes, and ways of business, whether working remotely or with PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment). 

 

‘The best type of employees to have are those that have acted like an intrepreneur through COVID.’ Jenny Reilly 

 

Intrepreneurs operate within a company and possess the entrepreneurial spirit that is often referenced when we talk about creative, flexible, and problem-solving individuals. 

An intrepreneur has the same outlook or mindset as an entrepreneur or business owner; they can identify gaps and provide solutions, take action before it is needed, and are always looking for ways to improve or innovate to make things better. 

 

intrepreneur

North America

During the last ten months in North America, the number of business decisions required was amplified as we adjusted to the new way of work, team interaction, virtual client service, and the differing levels of self-isolation. Intrepreneurs with the following mindset qualities assisted leadership through this turbulent time by being:

 

  1. Open to opportunities, challenges, and alternate ways of doing business 
  2. Resilient, patient, resourceful, and creative while pushing through adversity and times of challenge during COVID.
  3. Always on the lookout for solutions to existing or potential problems. Looking for connections that others may miss. 
  4. Relentlessly consistent in taking action to improve processes and efficiencies.
  5. Courageous in trying new things, not being frightened to fail, bounce back with improvements, pivot, and try again.
  6. In pursuit of continuous improvement until a problem is solved. 
  7. Authentic, sincere, respected, and humble. Developing trust and commitment quickly.

 

Intrepreneur

Individuals who have transformed themselves into an intrepreneur through COVID have redefined how they approach work. This new approach to work, mindset pivot, and results have improved confidence levels, purpose, and commitment to the company’s success. 

 

intrepreneur

Encourage your staff

How can you, as a leader, encourage staff to adopt an intrepreneurs mindset?

What support and training can you provide to your team to support their leadership journey?

How can you encourage the uptake of a new perspective while adapting to the world of work’s unique rigours during and post COVID?

Contact Me

Reach out to me if you are interested in learning more about how you can encourage intrepreneurship within your business model, or book a 15-minute strategy consultation through my Calendly link here.

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Goals Set your Direction & Systems Help you Make Progress

Your days are jam-packed; however, you often feel by days end that you have accomplished little as your time has been spent on low-value tasks, putting out fires, and getting caught up in the day-to-day business minutia. There is never enough time to focus on what is important; your goals are defined; however, you can’t seem to make progress on moving them forward. Sound familiar?

 

You Can Get Frustrated Before You Make Progress

If you are frustrated by your progress on moving goals forward, it is time to reset how you are prioritizing the work that needs to be done on your goals, the processes you have in place to focus on the ‘next best step,’ and systems to enable you to work smarter, not harder on the work at hand.

 

Goals set direction and can help keep you organized.

 

Processes outline what you need to do – step-by-step actions.

 

Systems help you achieve your goals and make progress – a critical component for all, no matter what industry you are in or the position you hold.

Make Progress at work

Implement a System 

The implementation of process, technical and time management systems are critical to enabling you to make progress on your goals. I have outlined below systems that I use daily:

 

Process System

  • I utilize the 80/20 rule when determining goal focus. Using the Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, I appreciate that 80% of my business outcomes are usually a result of 20% of my efforts around my top goals. So, when working on my goals daily, I commence working on high-value tasks associated with a top-level goal, which in turn provides the greatest return on my time investment. When using the 80/20 rule, a simple trick is to ask yourself daily when mapping out your schedule: ‘What goal focus should I concentrate on today that will provide the greatest impact?’. 

Technical Systems

  • The client CRM I use is HubSpot. The project management software I use is Trello to manage goals, task assignments, staff communication, the delegation of tasks, reporting, and metrics. 

Time Management Systems:

  • When scheduling my time, I allocate a minimum of two hours daily to focus on high-value goals that significantly impact my consultancy. I block of uninterruptable time chunks in my Outlook calendar and couldn’t live without my Full Focus Paper Planner to keep me on track. By having this identified time blocked out daily, I make guaranteed goal progress. You need to remember two words that go hand in hand with your time management systems, RELENTLESS CONSISTENCY – this will help you move forward in your goal attainment and track if you make progress. 

 

7 Steps To Help You Stay On Track And Make Progress:

  1. Determine your goals; they set your direction
  2. Under each goal, detail the associated tasks and timelines
  3. Set critical milestone dates, and ensure reporting metric expectations are communicated
  4. Detail the strategy as to how you will approach and achieve the goal
  5. Focus first on the top 20% of goals that will provide the most significant impact.
  6. Set aside time daily to work on ‘the next best step’ of the goal. Do this in uninterruptable time chunks. The daily allocation of time will make a significant difference in your goal timeline.
  7. Be relentlessly consistent – action should be taken daily for the greatest momentum

 

Make progress in life

Atomic Habits 

If you have not read Atomic Habits, I encourage you to do so. James Clear’s reference around the importance of small habits making a big difference is critical to address procrastination and move your goals forward. An example in his book given is one that I often refer to with clients, ‘The effects of small habits compound over time. For example, if you can get just 1 percent better each day, you’ll end up with results that are nearly 37 times better after one year.’ Now that is progress!

Evaluate Your System

I hope this article has motivated you to evaluate your current systems to ensure they are working to your best advantage—work smarter, not harder, for greater productivity, balance, and increased results. Be relentlessly consistent in your actions; small steps compounded make a significant difference to your bottom line. 

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