1. Get started
It's important to get straight to work with understanding where you are as regards expressing yourself right now. I want you to begin what will be an open list for the next 7 days: "areas I'm not expressing myself sufficiently right now are..."
Open lists are the best, since time and again the best ideas we have tend to come with time. As with all coaching, it’s important to know where you’re starting from. So let’s have it. Remember, this is between you and nobody else, so be honest!
2. Tools of the trade
Let's start to chunk down a little, starting with work - and if you don't work outside the home, you could apply this to any domestic or community work you do. "What do I need at work to perform at my best?" Write down your answers. E.g: positive feedback, meetings that begin and end on time, flexi time, further training, etc
Now move on to home and personal life and ask the same question, "what do I need in (X situation) in order to perform at my best?"
3. Take responsibility
Take responsibility for your thoughts, beliefs and emotions. Use "I" statements for clarity. Then it's clear who is saying what - "I want some coffee;" "I think it's too late to go;" "I am happy." A variation on an "I" message uses "my" - "my opinion, my belief, my preference is" etc.
Statements such as "I think we feel," "It seems we," or "I believe we," are statements which try to speak for a group. This is presumptuous, since you can only speak for yourself with honesty. If you want to find out others’ opinions and views, ask them. Remember, responsibility begins with YOU!
4. Establish your aim
Everything you write, on paper or electronically, must have a specific reason for being written. If you can't think of a reason, don't waste time on it at all! Decide what information is necessary in achieving your aim.
Don’t swamp the reader with too many details and options – just give them (i.e. you) the outcome of your thoughts by applying your expertise to the information. Decide what is relevant, and state it precisely and concisely.
5. Give specific feedback
If you're bothering to give someone feedback, be specific - generalized statements leave them shortchanged and don't allow you to express your true thoughts and feelings.
"Oh, that was very nice/you’re always good/ saved the day again" never quite hits the mark. Think back to the last time you had such feedback – did you feel just a little shortchanged?
Wouldn’t you have felt more recognized if your achievements (the best bits) were hauled up and repeated for all, and you, to hear?
When you give feedback, whether they’ve been a star or failed massively, pick at least 3 specifics where they succeeded, things they did well, something in their manner or character that shone through. Remember, a minimum of three.
Saturday, 29 September 2007
5 Tips for Career Success
Sue Clarke's Top Tips for nurturing your career:
1. See yourself as others see you.
It's easy to forget when we go about the daily grind at work that everything we do speaks volumes about us.
Just for a minute, imagine that a secret camera is following you around, watching your every move and listening in to your conversations. Imagine too that the footage is going to end up on the MD's desk. When it does, would what he or she sees and hears make you cringe in the slightest? Do you need to lift your game?
If so, what do you need to do, or stop doing, right now? Make a new commitment: 'I'm great on camera!'
2. Make a positive difference.
Look for ways that you can make a difference and contribute to the success of your company.
How can you help your company make money, save costs, make procedures smoother, raise customer satisfaction, make your team stronger…?
How can you share your ideas and your knowledge to the benefit of your company?
Get involved. Seek out new challenges. As the American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'The world belongs to the energetic'. And remember The Pareto Principle: no matter what you do, 80% of the rewards result from just 20% of the activities - so act strategically and make sure your fifth shines the spotlight on your strengths and positive attributes.
3. Use Performance Reviews properly.
Most companies offer annual, or more regular, performance appraisals that give you an opportunity to discuss your performance with your boss. They focus on what you do well; what you could improve. Most review systems then follow this with a formal performance rating. If this happens with you, make sure you know what you need to do in order to achieve the next level of rating.
Ask your boss to be specific. For example, ask: 'What exactly do I need to be doing differently in order to get to the next performance level, and how will you measure me?' Make it clear to your boss that you want to have detailed advice. Don't accept a woolly answer.
Be sure you know exactly what things are going to be rewarded. Your goal is to leave the room with a clear understanding of what it is you need to do, how you need to change, and how you will be measured. Then focus on this accordingly - go do what you have to do.
Be the best! (Oh, and if your company doesn't do reviews, have the conversation with your boss anyway.)
4. Think beyond your immediate sphere of influence.
You may be liked and respected by your boss and your team, but is that enough? Who else is aware of your existence and what you can do? No matter how supportive your boss and team are, they might not like to spread the word about you too positively in case someone else sees you and wants you. It's human nature - we don't like to let go of a good thing, no matter how unconsciously we do it. So get your light out from under that bushel!
How can you raise your profile and be more visible, communicating what you do and what you are capable of doing to significant others in the company?
Consider volunteering to represent your area in a company initiative (and take a positive, active role), or giving a presentation on your team's work and how it contributes to the company (and ask for suggestions on how it could contribute more), for instance.
Develop a wide network of contacts
Your career will be influenced by your relationships with others just as much as your competence on the job. Make sure you take every opportunity to keep getting to know people and what they do. Think about how they could help you, and even more important, how you can help then.
Get a mentor
Approach someone more senior in your organisation, not in your direct management tier, who you respect. Ask them if they will mentor you.
5. Invest in yourself.
Gone are the days (if they ever really existed) when you could expect your company to take responsibility for your development. You are responsible for yourself and your career: your success and your future are in your own hands.
Source training courses and workshops that will develop you or fill gaps in your skills and knowledge. If your employer is not able or willing to fund you, pay for yourself. As well as taking control of your own development, you'll make sure you attend events that you really do need. Go bespoke and get a career coach. As well as skilled performance coaching, you'll have a creative sounding board for your ideas and a totally objective viewpoint.
Build your confidence, overcome obstacles, develop your working relationships…Get help exactly where you need it, when you need it. Focus on what you need to focus on; tackle what you need to tackle. It's safe, it's fast - and it's fun!
1. See yourself as others see you.
It's easy to forget when we go about the daily grind at work that everything we do speaks volumes about us.
Just for a minute, imagine that a secret camera is following you around, watching your every move and listening in to your conversations. Imagine too that the footage is going to end up on the MD's desk. When it does, would what he or she sees and hears make you cringe in the slightest? Do you need to lift your game?
If so, what do you need to do, or stop doing, right now? Make a new commitment: 'I'm great on camera!'
2. Make a positive difference.
Look for ways that you can make a difference and contribute to the success of your company.
How can you help your company make money, save costs, make procedures smoother, raise customer satisfaction, make your team stronger…?
How can you share your ideas and your knowledge to the benefit of your company?
Get involved. Seek out new challenges. As the American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'The world belongs to the energetic'. And remember The Pareto Principle: no matter what you do, 80% of the rewards result from just 20% of the activities - so act strategically and make sure your fifth shines the spotlight on your strengths and positive attributes.
3. Use Performance Reviews properly.
Most companies offer annual, or more regular, performance appraisals that give you an opportunity to discuss your performance with your boss. They focus on what you do well; what you could improve. Most review systems then follow this with a formal performance rating. If this happens with you, make sure you know what you need to do in order to achieve the next level of rating.
Ask your boss to be specific. For example, ask: 'What exactly do I need to be doing differently in order to get to the next performance level, and how will you measure me?' Make it clear to your boss that you want to have detailed advice. Don't accept a woolly answer.
Be sure you know exactly what things are going to be rewarded. Your goal is to leave the room with a clear understanding of what it is you need to do, how you need to change, and how you will be measured. Then focus on this accordingly - go do what you have to do.
Be the best! (Oh, and if your company doesn't do reviews, have the conversation with your boss anyway.)
4. Think beyond your immediate sphere of influence.
You may be liked and respected by your boss and your team, but is that enough? Who else is aware of your existence and what you can do? No matter how supportive your boss and team are, they might not like to spread the word about you too positively in case someone else sees you and wants you. It's human nature - we don't like to let go of a good thing, no matter how unconsciously we do it. So get your light out from under that bushel!
How can you raise your profile and be more visible, communicating what you do and what you are capable of doing to significant others in the company?
Consider volunteering to represent your area in a company initiative (and take a positive, active role), or giving a presentation on your team's work and how it contributes to the company (and ask for suggestions on how it could contribute more), for instance.
Develop a wide network of contacts
Your career will be influenced by your relationships with others just as much as your competence on the job. Make sure you take every opportunity to keep getting to know people and what they do. Think about how they could help you, and even more important, how you can help then.
Get a mentor
Approach someone more senior in your organisation, not in your direct management tier, who you respect. Ask them if they will mentor you.
5. Invest in yourself.
Gone are the days (if they ever really existed) when you could expect your company to take responsibility for your development. You are responsible for yourself and your career: your success and your future are in your own hands.
Source training courses and workshops that will develop you or fill gaps in your skills and knowledge. If your employer is not able or willing to fund you, pay for yourself. As well as taking control of your own development, you'll make sure you attend events that you really do need. Go bespoke and get a career coach. As well as skilled performance coaching, you'll have a creative sounding board for your ideas and a totally objective viewpoint.
Build your confidence, overcome obstacles, develop your working relationships…Get help exactly where you need it, when you need it. Focus on what you need to focus on; tackle what you need to tackle. It's safe, it's fast - and it's fun!
5 steps to Building Your Business
Step 1
Who are your ‘buyers’? Be very clear about what people you want to attract to your products or services.
Step 2
Be able to clearly state what you do and the benefits of working with you.
Step 3
Tell everyone you know what you are doing and invite them to refer people to you for a free consultation/chat/session.
Step 4
Create a marketing system that works and fills your pipeline with prospects.
Step 5
Always follow up, give more in value than you receive in cash, hold on to your vision and never ever give up!
Who are your ‘buyers’? Be very clear about what people you want to attract to your products or services.
Step 2
Be able to clearly state what you do and the benefits of working with you.
Step 3
Tell everyone you know what you are doing and invite them to refer people to you for a free consultation/chat/session.
Step 4
Create a marketing system that works and fills your pipeline with prospects.
Step 5
Always follow up, give more in value than you receive in cash, hold on to your vision and never ever give up!
Five Top Networking Tips
1. Know what you do, why you do it and who will benefit.
2. Create a network of people who have access to your niche market.
3. Understand the power of leverage.
4. Build relationships with your clients and your networks by keeping in touch with them regularly.
5. Be a giver – always be willing to give even more than you gain.
2. Create a network of people who have access to your niche market.
3. Understand the power of leverage.
4. Build relationships with your clients and your networks by keeping in touch with them regularly.
5. Be a giver – always be willing to give even more than you gain.
Coaching At Work
Do you manage a team of people?
Do you manage other managers or do you run a business with partners or staff?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then read on.
Making work, work for you
You know how sometimes you clearly delegate tasks to others and yet they often misunderstand and you don’t get what you wanted? And you know how difficult certain individuals can be about hearing your ideas and taking on board your opinions or requests?
Well, what if you could guarantee that you would always be heard and understood? What would it be like to delegate anything at all and 99.9% of the time get the results you were after?
I imagine you are thinking that’s some geographically inaccessible type of utopia. Think again. With the right kind of tools you could become a master your communication and be respected as someone who listens, understands and values their team and knows exactly how to inspire the very best in them. You could become a "coach at work."
Becoming a "coach" at work is absolutely necessary if you are to grow your team, increase productivity and motivate a workforce who feel valued and acknowledged.
Be the coach
The good news is that everyone can become a "coach at work." We have created the Coach at Work Toolkit, which provides you with the fundamental tools you need to be able to coach others in a way that wins their support and their loyalty.
By learning coaching skills that will allow you to understand the best way to work with each individual member of your team, there is no reason for you not to grow your team and your business.
The programme is tailored to fit your individual needs and that of your company. We design it specifically around the tools you need in your individual situation. An initial conversation will establish your needs and you’ll help us to design your perfect programme.
Because we bring the programme to you, you’ll avoid having to spend valuable time travelling and we’ll fit in with your timetable.
Moving forwards
From training you to become a "coach at work" we can take the programme to the next level. We have a uniquely designed workshop for teams to show them how to align their own personal values with that of their companies. We can show them how to use their own unique strengths in the workplace and encourage the strengths of others.
We can create teams that support and encourage each other to be the best that they all can be.
If you want a culture of co-operation, a team that is cohesive and powerful; if you want to make a real difference to the way your work with others, then you’ll benefit from everything the Coach at Work Toolkit has to offer.
To arrange your complimentary call with Francine to discuss the benefits for your company, email Francine@fionaharrold.com
5 special quotes for Coaching at Work
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel you too can become great"
Mark Twain
"Catch people in the act of doing something right"
Ken Blanchard
"Good treatment of workers results in similar treatment of customers"
Todd Englander
"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family"
Virginia Satir
"Modelling may not only be the best way to teach; it may be the only way to teach"
Albert Schweitzer
Do you manage other managers or do you run a business with partners or staff?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then read on.
Making work, work for you
You know how sometimes you clearly delegate tasks to others and yet they often misunderstand and you don’t get what you wanted? And you know how difficult certain individuals can be about hearing your ideas and taking on board your opinions or requests?
Well, what if you could guarantee that you would always be heard and understood? What would it be like to delegate anything at all and 99.9% of the time get the results you were after?
I imagine you are thinking that’s some geographically inaccessible type of utopia. Think again. With the right kind of tools you could become a master your communication and be respected as someone who listens, understands and values their team and knows exactly how to inspire the very best in them. You could become a "coach at work."
Becoming a "coach" at work is absolutely necessary if you are to grow your team, increase productivity and motivate a workforce who feel valued and acknowledged.
Be the coach
The good news is that everyone can become a "coach at work." We have created the Coach at Work Toolkit, which provides you with the fundamental tools you need to be able to coach others in a way that wins their support and their loyalty.
By learning coaching skills that will allow you to understand the best way to work with each individual member of your team, there is no reason for you not to grow your team and your business.
The programme is tailored to fit your individual needs and that of your company. We design it specifically around the tools you need in your individual situation. An initial conversation will establish your needs and you’ll help us to design your perfect programme.
Because we bring the programme to you, you’ll avoid having to spend valuable time travelling and we’ll fit in with your timetable.
Moving forwards
From training you to become a "coach at work" we can take the programme to the next level. We have a uniquely designed workshop for teams to show them how to align their own personal values with that of their companies. We can show them how to use their own unique strengths in the workplace and encourage the strengths of others.
We can create teams that support and encourage each other to be the best that they all can be.
If you want a culture of co-operation, a team that is cohesive and powerful; if you want to make a real difference to the way your work with others, then you’ll benefit from everything the Coach at Work Toolkit has to offer.
To arrange your complimentary call with Francine to discuss the benefits for your company, email Francine@fionaharrold.com
5 special quotes for Coaching at Work
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel you too can become great"
Mark Twain
"Catch people in the act of doing something right"
Ken Blanchard
"Good treatment of workers results in similar treatment of customers"
Todd Englander
"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible – the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family"
Virginia Satir
"Modelling may not only be the best way to teach; it may be the only way to teach"
Albert Schweitzer
Five Ways To Know Your Niche
1. Know Your Outcome
What will your business ultimately achieve for your clients and for you?
2. Know Your Purpose
What's the point of doing this? For the sake of what? Ask yourself what would be missing if you didn't do it.
3. Know The Right Actions To Take
Have a plan of action that you consistently follow on a daily basis. Building a business takes planning and time. Know how to use your plan to escalate your productivity.
4. Be True To Yourself
Make sure your outcome is in alignment with your personal values. Will this business allow you to live your life in a way that satisfies and fulfils you, and creates financial security?
5. Build Your Network.
Understanding the Power of Networking is a vital component of any new business.
What will your business ultimately achieve for your clients and for you?
2. Know Your Purpose
What's the point of doing this? For the sake of what? Ask yourself what would be missing if you didn't do it.
3. Know The Right Actions To Take
Have a plan of action that you consistently follow on a daily basis. Building a business takes planning and time. Know how to use your plan to escalate your productivity.
4. Be True To Yourself
Make sure your outcome is in alignment with your personal values. Will this business allow you to live your life in a way that satisfies and fulfils you, and creates financial security?
5. Build Your Network.
Understanding the Power of Networking is a vital component of any new business.
Five Steps To Take Control Of Time
Step One
Know your desired outcome at all times. Each week look at what you want to achieve by the end of it. At the end of the week notice how much time you actually did spend achieving part of your desired outcomes.
Step Two
Be sure of your purpose. Why do you want to achieve this outcome? What will it provide you with? What’s its main purpose?
Step Three
Take the necessary actions. Is this easier said than done? What are the necessary actions you would have to take?
Step Four
What will you have to say no to? If you are sure you of what you want and why you want it, what will you have to eliminate in order to make the time you need to achieve your outcome?
Step Five
What would be the benefits to you and those around you if you knew how to tame your time? Staying focused on your reasons will give you the motivation to take control of your time, and your life.
Know your desired outcome at all times. Each week look at what you want to achieve by the end of it. At the end of the week notice how much time you actually did spend achieving part of your desired outcomes.
Step Two
Be sure of your purpose. Why do you want to achieve this outcome? What will it provide you with? What’s its main purpose?
Step Three
Take the necessary actions. Is this easier said than done? What are the necessary actions you would have to take?
Step Four
What will you have to say no to? If you are sure you of what you want and why you want it, what will you have to eliminate in order to make the time you need to achieve your outcome?
Step Five
What would be the benefits to you and those around you if you knew how to tame your time? Staying focused on your reasons will give you the motivation to take control of your time, and your life.
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