Blog - Page 4 of 60 - Wheeler Coaching Systems

Dec

2023

Leading Through the Holiday Stress

The holiday season. A time of joy, celebration, and…stress. As a leader, I am sure you understand all too well the struggle of managing stress during the holidays. It’s a time when our personal and professional lives collide, and the pressure to juggle it all can often feel overwhelming. Maybe one of these ideas will help decrease stress levels without adding to your already full plate.

Set Realistic Expectations

The level of work for both you and others can increase during this time. Whether the pressure of closing the year and meeting certain goals or personal pressures from family commitments. The holiday season is not the time to take on more than you can handle. Understand you and your team may not be able to accomplish as much during this time, and that’s okay. Be mindful of your limitations and communicate them to your team. This will help alleviate some of the pressure and prevent burnout.

Delegate or Purposefully Procrastinate

As business leaders, we often feel like we need to have our hands in every aspect of the business and everything is top priority. The truth is, you have a team for a reason. Trust in their abilities and delegate tasks to them. If you don’t have a team then look at what you have to do and decide what can I purposely put off until after this season? This will not only help alleviate your workload, but it will also empower your team members and make them feel valued.

Self-Care

We can get to the other side of this season and feel exhausted. Part of this is from not taking care of yourself during this time. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but it’s important to carve out time for self-care. Whether it’s taking a long bath, going for a walk, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe and recenter yourself, make self-care a priority. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with this busy time of year.

NO is Your Friend

Depending on your personality, this may be difficult, but don’t be afraid to say no. As business leaders, we often feel obligated to attend every holiday event and say yes to every request that comes our way. But the truth is, it’s okay to say no. Your time and energy are valuable, so be selective and strategic with how you choose to spend them.

Create a Supportive Culture

Regardless of the time of year this is important. During the holidays which can be extra stressful professionally and personally, fostering a positive and supportive work culture is important. Encourage your team to take time off and spend it with their loved ones. Offer flexible work hours or remote working options to allow them to handle personal holiday commitments. This will not only reduce their stress levels, but it will also create a sense of goodwill and loyalty within your team.

As you look at each of these areas, which one will help you navigate this season the best to reduce you and your team’s stress levels? Focus on that area to lead your team even better as you work through the holidays and enter the new year. Lead Well.

Nov

2023

Generosity: A Key to Team Culture

Since we are coming off the Thanksgiving season and entering the Christmas season I was thinking about how generosity can impact a leader’s team. Are you looking for a way to improve your team’s morale and foster a more positive work environment? Generosity as a leader is a key to creating that environment.

Being a generous leader doesn’t just mean giving out bonuses or perks to your employees. It’s about creating a culture of generosity within your organization that creates a ripple effect on your team’s dynamics and overall success.

So, how can you embody generosity as a leader? Here are a few tips to get you started:

Show Appreciation

Take the time to recognize and appreciate the hard work and effort put in by your team members. A simple thank you or words of encouragement can go a long way in making your employees feel valued.

Share Knowledge and Resources

Leaders who are open and transparent with their teams build trust. Share your knowledge and resources to help them grow and succeed. This builds trust and creates a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Encourage Giving Back

Generosity isn’t just about what you can give to your team, but also about encouraging them to give back to others. In my community, multiple organizations encourage this through a day dedicated to service or time off for the same purpose. Whether volunteering or supporting a charitable cause, fostering a culture of giving back helps create a sense of purpose and fulfillment among your employees.

Lead with Empathy

As a leader, it’s crucial to have empathy for your team members. Understanding their challenges and be supportive during difficult times will strengthen a sense of loyalty and trust within your team.

By embodying these traits of generosity, you can create a more positive and cohesive team that works together towards a common goal. When your team feels appreciated, supported, and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and productive, leading to greater overall success for your organization.

In addition to the benefits for your team, being a generous leader can also positively impact your reputation and your organization’s overall culture. It can attract top talent, improve customer satisfaction, and build a strong, reputable brand.

So, if you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level and create a more positive and cohesive team, consider embracing the power of generosity. Your team will thank you, and your organization will thrive as a result. Need help thinking into more ways to develop a generous culture? Contact me for a thinking partner call. Lead well.

Nov

2023

Gratitude in Leadership

This time of year gets me thinking about gratitude. Some of us this may come naturally, but for me I have to be intentional to focus my thoughts and be grateful.

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good emotion or a trend that’s come and gone. It’s actually a game-changer when it comes to leadership. When I cultivate an attitude of gratitude, I improve my mindset and well-being, set a positive example for others, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

So, let’s look at how gratitude can positively affect our leadership.

Focused on Present

First and foremost, gratitude helps you stay grounded and focused on the present moment. As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless to-do lists, deadlines, and challenges that come your way. But when you take the time to pause and acknowledge the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s a supportive team, a loyal client, or even just a beautiful sunrise, you shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance. This mindset shift helps you navigate through tough times with grace and resilience and helps you make better decisions and lead with clarity and purpose.

Strengthens Relationships

Gratitude also strengthens your relationships with your team. You build trust and loyalty when you appreciate your employees’ hard work and contributions. Your team members feel seen, heard, and valued, and they’re more likely to feel motivated and inspired to go above and beyond for you and the company. In a Glassdoor survey they found that 81% of people are more motivated to work hard when their boss appreciates their work.¹ Creating a culture of gratitude within your organization creates a sense of community and belonging, which can combat low morale and create a more positive and harmonious work environment.

Creates A Mindset

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” every now and then. It’s about embodying a grateful mindset in everything you do. It’s about taking the time to reflect on the positive aspects of your work and personal life, and practicing empathy and compassion toward others, especially during challenging times. Leading with gratitude sets the tone for a workplace where optimism, collaboration, and resilience thrive.

So, where do you start? Here are a few simple gratitude practices you can incorporate into your leadership style:

1. Start a gratitude journal: Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice helps you shift your focus from what’s lacking to what you already have.

2. Express gratitude to your team: Make it a habit to recognize and appreciate your employees’ efforts and accomplishments regularly. Whether it’s a personal note, a public acknowledgment, or a small token of appreciation, these gestures can go a long way in boosting morale and strengthening your relationships with your team.

3. Lead with empathy: When faced with challenges or conflicts, approach them with empathy and understanding. Try to see things from your employees’ perspectives and show appreciation for their efforts and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Remember, gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform your leadership style and elevate your team’s performance. So, embrace the power of gratitude, and watch as it transforms your leadership and team for the better. Need an extra resource to help you if you struggle with having an attitude of gratitude? Go here for a resource on winning the mental battle with gratitude. Lead Well.

https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/employers-to-retain-half-of-their-employees-longer-if-bosses-showed-more-appreciation-glassdoor-survey/ retrieved 11/22/23

Nov

2023

Leading More Experienced Team Members

In one of my first jobs, I was in charge of leading a group of volunteers who were just a few years younger than my parents. I was the one with the title and in charge, but really everyone else in the room had ten times the wisdom and experience.

Maybe you are in an organization and have been entrusted with leading a team of experienced people. This can be challenging and even intimidating. Allow me to provide a few ideas that may help you if you are in this situation.

Tap Into Their Experience

I didn’t know what I didn’t know about life, this community I was leading, or many other aspects of the situation. On one level, that served me well because I was willing to take risks, but consulting the wisdom of the people around me helped me be more calculated in my risk-taking.

You have the benefit of years of experience around you. Tap into it. When you get stuck and are unsure about a decision, gather feedback from your team. Learn from both the successes and failures of your experienced team to help everyone succeed. One reminder: when success comes, give credit to the team, and don’t take it yourself.

Set Clear Boundaries

I was an umpire for baseball when I was thirteen. At one point, an adult coach was yelling and arguing with me about a call I made. I could have caved, but I was confident in my decision and knew I had the authority, so I turned around and confidently threw the coach out of the game. I heard nothing else from him that game.

Maybe you got the position instead of someone else with more experience. This could create tension and a team member may try to undermine you. Use what author Kim Scott and former top leader at both Google and Apple calls radical candor. Pull the individual aside and have a conversation with both candor and care. Demonstrate care by trying to understand where they are coming from and candidly explain the issue and the line that was crossed. Balancing these will set and maintain clear boundaries.

Demonstrate Confident Humility

In his book Good to Great Jim Collins describes a level five leader as someone with intense drive and great humility. These two traits demonstrate this confident humility. As the leader, be willing to work as hard as your team. At times, work alongside them so you can understand them and what they do. Coming alongside the team demonstrates humility and a desire to learn.

Confidence comes from a clear vision. You have been entrusted with this role for a purpose. Do you know the purpose for your team? What do you want to accomplish with your team? What are you moving toward beyond the bottom line or some other practical goal? Why is what you do as a team so important? Get clarity on these answers and confidence will grow and overflow.

Develop a Learning Culture

“A shared vision . . . provides a rudder to keep the learning process on course when stresses develop.”

Peter Senge

The vision that gives you confidence should be shared with the team. As that vision becomes clear create a learning culture where you discuss the vision together. What will this organization/team look like in a year? Answer that together, establish the steps to achieve that vision together and you will have a team that is learning, unified, and doesn’t care about the age or experience of the leader. You will have a team going in one direction together toward a clear goal. When this is happening, you will be leading well.

How are you doing in each of these areas? Which one do you need to think into more? Contact me and I’d be glad to help you. If you find this helpful, please share it with others. Lead Well.

*Thoughts from others on this topic are below

https://medium.com/small-business-strong/how-to-lead-people-older-and-more-experienced-than-you-a16a564b11b2

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/269563

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-manage-people-who-are-older-than-you-0717

Nov

2023

Leading With Influence . . . Not Control

Confession: I am a recovering control freak. I don’t HAVE to be in charge, but I don’t mind leading, especially if there is not someone who wants to.

Recently I have been reading the book Herding Tigers by Todd Henry. In this book about leading creative teams, he makes a statement that applies to leading any team:

“Influencers teach principles; control freaks deal in absolutes.”

I am going to unpack this a bit for us to help us learn how to lead from influence instead of control. Let’s look at the ABC’s of leading from influence instead of control.

Appreciate Individuality

Each of us is different, and we are predictably different. Whether this is our personality and how we communicate or what gives us energy in how we approach our work. Everyone has various backgrounds and experiences; therefore, our individual perspectives can help improve a project in various ways. As the leader, take time to appreciate individual differences and allow people to reach the goal in their unique way.

Be Clear on Expectations

I am not suggesting that as we appreciate individuality we lead chaos. The best way to think of this is creating a fence. When we were kids and played on a playground if we had a fence we felt free to roam anywhere within the boundary. Your team needs a clear objective and a fence to clarify what lines not to cross. Remember, though, do not make the fence so small the team feels no freedom to use their individual gifts, talents, and unique ways of thinking.

Expectations create the principles to guide a team. The objective defines the result you desire. Be clear on both and allow your team freedom to get there how they want.

Consider Your Team’s Perspective

As a leader, you have multiple projects you manage and responsibilities to take care of. If you are not careful, you may fly in and dump your expectations without slowing down to consider the team. How much capacity does the team have? Do they need some training from you? Because of their personalities, do they need time to ask questions?

When delegating to your team or starting up a new initiative, slow down enough to listen and learn where they are. You probably are ten steps ahead and may need to slow down to meet them where they are. Walk with them awhile and give them principles to help them make their own decisions. Teach them how to think and don’t do the thinking for them. They will feel empowered and not controlled.

Determine What is Best for the Team

You have been thinking about your vision for months. You probably think it is a great idea. May I suggest you slow down a minute to get input from the team? If we plow ahead and dictate, people will feel controlled and not heard.

Paint the picture of where you want to go and then listen to what your team is saying. They may know something you have not considered. They have unique perspectives and as a group you must consider what is best for the team not just some individual’s ego. The team may not be in unanimous agreement, but if most agree the action is best for the team then move forward.

Control feels fast while influence feels slow. The reality is when we lead by influence more people take ownership and we build a team. Alone we can go fast, but with a team we can go far. When you look at these four areas, which do you need to grow in? Need help talking through some challenging issues with your team? Consider The Maxwell Leadership Game as a tool to help open up communication on your team. Keep growing your influence and growing your team. Lead well.

Oct

2023

Unleash Your Inner Fearlessness

Leadership is no cakewalk, is it? The constant pressure to innovate, keep up with the competition, and make pivotal decisions can leave even the most accomplished entrepreneurs on edge. Fear can easily creep in, stifling your potential for growth and hindering you and your company’s growth.

Well, fret no more! In today’s blog post, we’re diving deep into the realm of fear in leadership and uncovering ways to overcome it. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get ready to unleash your inner fearlessness.

Identify the Fear Factors
Fear can manifest in different ways, from the fear of failure to the fear of making unpopular decisions. Begin by pinpointing the specific fears that tend to derail your leadership. Awareness is the first step towards overcoming them.

Embrace Vulnerability
Leadership is synonymous with strength, right? While strength is indeed essential, embracing vulnerability can be equally powerful. Acknowledging your fears and sharing them with your team creates an atmosphere of trust and transparency, fostering a stronger company culture.

Leverage Prior Successes
Remember those times you conquered hurdles and achieved remarkable results? Take a moment to reflect on your past successes and remind yourself that you are more than capable of overcoming any challenge that lies ahead. Draw strength from your prior achievements.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Fear often stems from a fixed mindset, limiting your ability to see beyond the challenges. Nurture a growth mindset, focusing on continuous learning and improvement. Embrace the belief that you can develop your skills and rise above any obstacles.

Build a Support Network
Fear can be isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Seek out mentorship and surround yourself with trusted advisors who can offer guidance and support. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can inject fresh perspectives and provide the encouragement you need.

Take Calculated Risks
Fear thrives on the unknown, so arm yourself with thorough research and analysis. Ditch the overthinking and embrace calculated risks. Trust your instinct and make well-informed decisions, knowing that setbacks are often stepping stones to success.

Foster a Positive Environment
As a leader, the energy you bring to the table matters. Set the tone by fostering a positive work environment that encourages your team to take risks, learn from failures, and grow. An atmosphere of psychological safety empowers everyone to push their boundaries and contribute to transformative growth in every way.

Remember, fear is nothing more than an illusion that holds you back. Great leaders face their fears head-on and rise above them. By implementing these strategies, you will conquer your fears and unlock new opportunities that seemed impossible before.

So, business leaders, it’s time to step out of the shadows of fear and into fearless leadership. Which of these areas do you need to grow in? Need help thinking into how to break through your fear barriers? Contact me for a powerful coaching session to help you reach the next level. Lead well.