Coaching For Leaders

Mark Sieverkropp walks through six steps that will help all of us start a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Mark Sieverkropp Author, How to Start a Conversation With Anyone Mark and I were both featured by Forbes as 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch in 2015 1. First Impressions last the longest John Corcoran spoke in episode 169 on what we can do to recover from a bad first impression 2. Practice the type of listening that makes a difference “...if you aspire to be a good conversationalist, be an attentive listener. To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other persons will enjoy answering. Encourage them to talk about themselves and their accomplishments.” -Dale Carnegie 3. Understand who people are by how they act 4. People like others who share their same interests 5. Do not hold your listener hostage 6. Remembering the conversation is crucial to growing the relationship Finally, follow-up by building upon your initial conversation and showing interest Learn more about

It’s one thing to put together a project management plan and determine who should do what when. It’s entirely another to lead a project. On this show, some practical strategy tips for project management. Susanne Madsen Author, The Power of Project Leadership* and The Project Management Coaching Workbook* Susanne Madsen International Susanne Madsen is an internationally recognized project leadership coach, trainer, speaker and consultant. Susanne specializes in helping project managers transform into leaders. “Most organizations jump very quickly from the idea stage to the doing stage.” -Susanne Madsen Project definition: it's key to determine the value the project offers to the organization Be strong enough to show weakness and ask the dumb questions Two problems in managing risk Not properly dealing with expected risks Paying little or no attention to unexpected risks Connect with Susanne on Twitter or LinkedIn Feedback Join the conversation: http://coachingforleaders.com/176 Comments, questi

You’ve been in the job for awhile. You’re maybe not feeling that same sense of motivation or fulfillment that you once did. How do you know when to move on? In this episode, five indicators that will help you answer that question. 1. When it’s beyond a bad day, week, or month. “Being a professional is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don’t feel like doing them.” -Julius Erving 2. When its not fulfilling anymore to solve problems. I mentioned Michael Hyatt's appearance on episode #40. “Great marketing only makes a bad product fail faster.” -David Ogilvy Every organization has the well-connected people who are marketing a bad “product” or at least a mediocre one. Are you solving problems, or are you window dressing? 3. When you’re living in Groundhog Day. You can become the cynic who says, “This is the way we do things around here.” 4. When you think the same way today that you did a year ago. You should, on occasion, be able to look back on a decision you made in the pas

Bonni and I respond to your questions on leadership resources and other topics that are top of mind for the Coaching for Leaders community. Bonni Stachowiak, Ed.D. Teaching in Higher Ed Question from Michelle: I've recently taken on a Training post...it's a new post and so I'm making things up as I go along. In episode 30 you recommend that Managers attend the same training as their team. I'm organizing a whole range of training courses in 2015 and at first I agreed with you that the Manager should attend with their team. The feedback I've had though is that if the Manager attends then people won't ask all the questions they should ask to seek clarification. This maybe a cultural point rather than a general training point. Are there some types of training that need the Manager to be present and others where it’s better than they are not present? For example : if it's about changing behavior then it's right that they should attend and if it’s about learning something that's new (new skills to do the job th

We've all seen bad meeting behavior, but do you know what to do? Donna Schilder shares five power steps for leaders and facilitators to get us towards a better meeting. Donna Schilder (LinkedIn) Leadership, Career, and Business Coach 1. What are some types bad meeting behavior we often see? Late arrivers Ramblers Side Conversationalists Note Passers Multi-taskers Non-participators Dominators Chronic objectors Gate-closers Off-the-wall commenters Eye rollers Sighers Personal attackers 2. How can leaders identify disruptive behaviors as they happen? Realize that your job is to create the agenda, lead the participants through the agenda, but also, to watch for and facilitate behaviors that prevent the meeting from being as successful as it can be. Now that you are more focused on what they are, you can watch for these disruptive behaviors. Scrutinize and reflect on meetings that don’t seem to be as productive as they should be. Watch for other people’s reactions. Are they rolling their ey

Workplace bullying is real for trailblazers. Col. Jill Morgenthaler had the courage to take command and shares leadership lessons for other trailblazers. Col. Jill Morgenthaler, USA, Ret. Author, The Courage to Take Command: Leadership Lessons from a Military Trailblazer* How a female US Army colonel tamed the males-only Egyptian Army “I’m not going to change the culture, but I can adjust the behavior.” -Jill Morgenthaler Sometimes bullies don’t know they’re bullies. Ensure that we don’t become the bullies ourselves. Aggressiveness vs. assertiveness. When people starting to show disrespect, he would stop it immediately. Hang back and watch when moving into a new situation. Ask people how they want to be rewarded. Never ask anyone something that you’re not willing to do. Feedback Join the conversation: http://coachingforleaders.com/172 Comments, questions, or feedback for future Q&A shows: http://coachingforleaders.com/feedback Next Q&A show is episode #174 on resources for leaders Thank you

Allison Clarke: What Will They Say? Allison Clarke attended 30 funerals in 60 days with the intention to discover how to live without regret. She captured her discovered in the book What Will They Say? and shared her key findings during this conversation. Key Points 1. Listen and lead others to their own answers. 2. Remember the value of face-to-face communication. 3. Do something unique and special for someone. 4. Make time for important people in your life. 5. Bring your courage to the forefront. Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

Bonni and Dave address questions related to strategic skills and other topics of interest to the Coaching for Leaders community. Bonni Stachowiak, Ed.D. Teaching in Higher Ed Audio question from Susan on how to develop strategic skills. Bonni recommended On Competition* by Michael Porter Question from Mark I just wanted to let you know I have been listening to the coaching for leaders podcast since somewhere around episode 100. Recently an opportunity came by to become team leader of the engineering department I worked in. Listening to the podcast for a while gave me enough mental support to take the step! Thank very much. I find that there are certain pro's and con's of assuming a leadership position coming from within the team instead of coming from outside the department of even outside the company. Maybe you can address this in an upcoming Q&A show. Dave also suggested a listen to the beginning of episode 120, with a more detailed response to a similar question Audio question from Diana Dave su

If you make a bad first impression, all is not lost. On this show, John Corcoran and I detail six things you can do when the first impression doesn't land. John Corcoran Smart Business Revolution Author of How to Increase Your Income Today by Building Relationships with Influencers, Even if you Hate Networking How to Recover From a Bad First Impression by John Corcoran first appeared on The Art of Manliness 1. Decide Whether or Not to Take Action 2. Take Swift Action and Apologize Immediately “If you’re wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.” -Dale Carnegie 3. Admit Your Mistake, but Don’t Dwell on It 4. Apologize Later, Even If Time Has Passed 5. Pivot 6. Be Consistent Over Time John appeared previously on two other episodes: How to Create Your Personal Networking Plan (episode 106) The Practical Pursuit of Work-Life Balance (episode 123) Feedback Join the conversation: http://coachingforleaders.com/169 Comments, questions, or feedback for future Q&A shows: http://coachingforleaders.com/fee

How much do you know about employment law? If you’re a leader in an organization, having a base knowledge about how to limit your liability is prudent. Today, three current hot spots in employment law and what you need to know. Laura Schiesl Partner, Molever Conelly PLLC 1. Social media One general best practice is to have a social media policy if you don’t already have one. Social media guidelines from the National Labor Relations board (see pages 22-24) 2. Employment classification Independent contractor vs. employees United States Department of Labor 6-factor economic realities test United States Department of Labor on independent contractors Internal Revenue Service Section 530 relief requirements California Department of Industrial Relations on worker misclassification 3. Wages and hours United States Department of Labor Overtime Pay Requirements of the FLSA Connect with Laura Schiesl on LinkedIn Dave recommended the book Law 101* by Jay Feinman and The Legal Seagull podcast by Neer Lern

Are you always hiring the perfect candidate, or will you hire the best fit? Yes, there’s a difference and today you’ll discoverer a new perspective on finding the right person for your team. Kelly Studer Career Stylist at KellyStuder.com The 70% Principle for the Perfect Hiring Fit by Kelly Studer Kelly and I discussed the HBR Ideacast on How Google Manages Talent Dave mentioned episode #153 with Bill Bliss on How to Start with Succession Planning “I got a bit of a reputation for being a tough, scary interviewer, and I learned over time that that wasn’t necessarily the best approach.” -Kelly Studer Share some of your own vulnerability and have a real conversation about some of the work they may be involved in. A great starting point is StrengthsFinder 2.0 Check out episode #89 with Steven Dosier on the Value of the StrengthsFinder Assessment. “The only thing worse than training someone and losing them is not training them and keeping them.” -Zig Ziglar Feedback Join the conversation: http://coach

If you work with or work in different cultures, Nathan Czubaj, author of Emails from Mumbai*, will inspire your attitude about what matters most. Nathan Czubaj Author, Emails from Mumbai* Senior Vice President, Dale Carnegie of Southern Los Angeles I wanted go somewhere that would really be different…that I could learn most about the world and most about myself. Preparation Talking to people is most helpful. Pick up some of the language, at least the greetings and please/thank you. Give yourself time for the mental preparation. “I’m never going to find the things that I’m used to. I need to get used to the things that I can have.” -Nathan Czubaj “I didn’t need all the things that I thought I needed. My definition of wants and needs changed radically.” -Nathan Czubaj Obstacles Some of the obstacles are how people do business that you would never expect. It was hard to impose my way of doing things and our Western way. People don’t always trust Westerners. What you’ve been successful with back h

Bonni and I tackle your questions and suggest thoughts and resources to improve your own professional development. It's the first Monday of the month and our Q&A show is back! Bonni Stachowiak, Ed.D. Teaching in Higher Ed Patricia says she's struggling with working with and working for micromanagers Bonni mentioned Drive by Daniel Pink* Wally asks, “Have you addressed the topic of leaders who believe their executive team can be productive by competing with each other rather than working as a team?” Bonni mentioned Susan Gerke's recent appearances on the show: 138: The Four Unique Types of Teams 139: How To Maximize Team Performance Dave mentioned the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Mike says he’s struggling finding enough time in the day to be everything to everyone. He says he also knows that’s impossible. “I do for the few what I wish I could do for everyone.” -Andy Stanley Dave mentioned OmniFocus, his task management system of choice. Bonni mentioned Michael Hyatt's idea

Is someone you care about - or maybe even you - working for a jerk? In today's show, my guest Tom Henschel from the Look & Sound of Leadership podcast helps us to navigate this difficult situation. Tom Henschel Host, The Look & Sound of Leadership Executive and Leadership Coach, Essential Communications How to know if it’s just you Test the waters, but be careful How to address it When you decide to talk, leave the emotion out of it Frame the business concern, not you as the victim Don’t take it personally Don’t speak for others You are not going to change your boss It’s not your place to get coaching for your boss Nothing you will do will likely change your boss’s behavior If you can accept that, what do you want to do? If it’s really a business issue, give the feedback Avoid being attached to the outcome Once the feedback is given, let it go Rehearse the feedback with someone trusted before you give it What to do when the boss is chaotic Calm down with someone who is chaot

The working world is very different than it was a generation ago, and all of us must adapt to be successful. Today, how promote yourself (and others) through intrapreneurship with Dan Schwabel, author of the New York Times bestseller Promote Yourself*. Dan Schawbel Author, Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success* Author, Me 2.0: 4 Steps to Building Your Future* “Smart companies create a good internal culture, and then it becomes really easy for them to communicate to the outside world.” -Dan Schwabel Practical Action or Advice Bring reverse mentoring into your next mentorship conversation or program Ensure that senior leaders are engaged with you next initiative before proceeding   Thank you for supporting the Carnegie Coach podcast, a sister show to Coaching for Leaders A new, daily show hosted by Dave Stachowiak One principle each day from Dale Carnegie's library The show will air Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Less than 10 minutes per show! Nothing is changing w

None of us can be great at everything and neither are our organizations. On today’s show, three key elements to consider for forming an effective alliance with another leader or organization. Guest: Aaron Kent CEO, Dale Carnegie of Southern Los Angeles Aaron was last on the show on episode #35: You Don’t Have to Be a Trainer to Know How to Hire One. Find Industry Overlap In the same world as you, but not in a competitive place with you Each party brings insight and resources that wouldn't be available to the other Focus on what you are best in the world at, and form alliances in other areas Aaron mentioned the book Good to Great by Jim Collins* Clear and Immediate Financial Value Overlap Identify where a win-win outcome can be that benefits both parties This doesn't necessarily mean a dollar for dollar match Be sure it's measurable Aaron mentioned How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie* Dave mentioned How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie* Dave mentioned The

Bonni and I respond to questions from the Coaching for Leaders community on how to handle difficult conversations and more. Guest: Bonni Stachowiak Teaching in Higher Ed Question from Leonardo I´m one of your fans, I listen your podcast every day and I see better results on my day job managing an emergency room in Brazilian Hospital. I'm a cardiologist and today I work as a manger also. I was listening the episode 143, about feedback, while I was driving to my job and I was thinking how difficult to me is receive a negative feedback. I think that what struggle in this situation is emotion and controlling the emotion to respond or give some excuse for that negative perception. When I give any feedback to my employees I saw this same problem. How do I train myself to be better on that? Episode #143: Accepting Feedback With Sheila Heen of Difficult Conversations Episode #107: Three Steps To Soliciting Feedback with Tom Henschel Lets Get Real Or Let's Not Play by Mahan Khalsa* Question from Dow Difficul

Michael “Coop” Cooper: Innovators + Influencers Do you feel like you are playing whack-a-mole, constantly putting out fires in your organization? Are others and you clear on the real reason for most problems? In this conversation, I welcome Michael “Coop” Cooper from Innovators + Influencers to share a 5-step strategy that will help you define problems so it’s clear what to do next. 1. Describe the situation There’s a lot of information in the situation that people don’t talk about. This does not have to take as long as most people think it does. 2. Draft a problem statement The problem we’re trying to solve is… Find the simplest statement possible. 3. Ask “Why is that a problem?” (REPEAT) Be aware of the thud factor and the pause. 4. Is this the real problem? Involve someone else 5. Is this problem worth solving? Will it save you time or money? Will it make your company/department more competitive/productive? Will this solution make your work or life easier in the long-run? Does

Guest: David Sparks Author, Presentations* MacSparky.com and MacPowerUsers.com David last appeared on episode #119 to help us get control of our email. Memorize the opening and the closing of your presentation Nail the beginning. Close strong. Utilize an effective remote A green laser shows better than a red one Keep the button options simple Dark the screen when you’re not referring to a slide Find one with an on/off switch David recommends the Kensington K72427AM Wireless Presenter* Tools to consider You need to learn to be self-sufficient Adapters Extension cord Duct tape Speakers for audio David’s final advice Think about your presentation as a story Your slides are not your script David and the folks of Apple have shared 11 free copies of David's book with our community. To enter to receive one, simply leave a comment at the link below with thoughts on one of two things: One thing you gained from this episode that you'll use for your next presentation day Someth

Have you struggled with the generation gap between you and today’s younger employees? Do you find millennials to be a challenge to lead? You’re not alone and today, some proven principles and practical actions you can take to engage the millennial generation. Guest: Chip Espinoza, Ph.D. Author, Millennials@Work* Co-Author, Managing The Millennials* Director, Organizational Psychology, Concordia University Irvine Who are the millennials? They were born between 1980-2002 range. These are many of our newer employees in organizations. “The millennials are the first generation that has not needed an authority figure to access information.” -Chip Espinoza There is a dynamic in the workforce of a generation that doesn’t know how to reach up working with a generation that doesn’t know how to reach down. “The people with the most responsibility need to adapt first in an organization.” -Chip Espinoza “Ambiguity is the millennial kryptonite.” -Chip Espinoza This generation is used to experiencing success and m