Become a Great Leader, Not Just a Boss - Part 3

As part of my signature programme I coach many clients and I am frequently asked to advise on ways of improving their leadership skills. I thought I would share my best tips in a series of posts. (Click for Part 1 and Part 2.)

Here are another four quick tips:

Be self-motivated

Lead by example: those around you will pick up on your positive energy and motivation. You will create a team of self-motivated, proactive and energised people. Constantly take the initiative and always be willing to do more than the job you have been given. Doing more is an opportunity for you to practice more, and also a way to build your reputation.

Forgive people
Don’t hold grudges or be resentful. Treat every day as a lesson in experience and enjoy the lifelong learning. By asking – “what have we learned?” you re-frame negative past experiences into positives for learning and makes you a stronger leader.

Be happy and enjoy the success of others

Celebrate the achievements of those around you and enjoy spending time in the company of those who are successful and are achievers. It will be a great motivator for you and will attract happiness and success.

Treat obstacles as challenges which are a learning opportunity
A wise person said, “There are no problems, only opportunities”. Grab the opportunity to learn whenever you face a challenge. Enjoy the learning, because you know that you will gain something from it.

These skills can be learned and developed. You might already use these skills in your working life, but you might feel you can improve on them too. I can provide training, coaching or refreshers in how to improve your use of these skills, for your benefit and that of those around you.

Give me a call on 01497 820520 or email sallyherdman1@gmail.com to find out more.

Become a Great Leader, Not Just a Boss - Part 2

Skills Tips, Part 2

As part of my signature programme I coach many clients and I am frequently asked to advise on ways of improving their leadership skills. I thought I would share my best tips in a series of posts. (For Part 1, click here.)

Here are another four quick tips:

Always ask for and reflect on feedback
Feedback is a very useful tool in the development of the whole team. As the leader, you can set a great example for all your team to follow. Encouraging feedback makes the team feel they are listened to and opens the channels for positive, two-way communication. If you accept all feedback, and reflect and respond to it, you will learn and develop as a leader. At the same time your team will be following your lead and learning the positives of feedback loops.

Recognise the times when you need to behave differently
Do you struggle to get your views across to your team and make yourself understood? What’s the feedback from your presentations like? If you get feedback indicating your public speaking needs work, have you got the capability to make changes? Have you got the required skills or do you know where to go to get training and development and respond to those challenges? We can only change our own behaviour, so it is important to recognise the times when we need to behave differently and take action.

Believe in yourself
When the going gets tough you might find yourself thinking that only certain people are successful and great leaders, and you’re not one of them. Write down all the reasons why you should succeed and read through them every day. Start with 20 reasons: keep it simple to start with, for example, “I come to work every day”, and add at least two more reasons every day. This will bolster your self-belief and remove any negative feelings as to why you shouldn't be a successful leader.

There’s no I in Team 
I know this is a cliché, but is your behaviour tied up in your sense of self? Maybe you find it difficult to speak to your team as a leader because you dislike being the centre of attention. Take small steps to change this and do something different. Make different members of the team your centre of attention. Be interested in them and the challenges they face at work and how they manage. Gradually you will find that you will be the centre of their attention and that you have a more balanced view of how that feels. Your dislike of attention will disappear and interacting with the team becomes an enjoyable part of the day.

These skills can be learned and developed. You might already use these skills in your working life, but you might feel you can improve on them too. I can provide training, coaching or refreshers in how to improve your use of these skills, for your benefit and that of those around you.

Give me a call on 01497 820520 or email sallyherdman1@gmail.com to find out more.

Become a Great Leader, Not Just a Boss

Skills Tips, Part 1

As part of my signature programme I coach many clients and I am frequently asked to advise on ways of improving their leadership skills.  I thought I would share my best tips in a series of posts. These aren't in any order of priority, just as they came into my mind.

Here are four quick tips:

1. Be adaptable to change

There will be instances when you will need to make changes and be flexible in response to circumstances.  If you adapt to change quickly and easily you will not waste energy being affected by negative emotions such as frustration. 

2. Look at problems from a fresh perspective

Change desks or chairs or do something different to give you a different view on a problem.  If the accounts department has a problem, ask to sit in their chair so you can see the issue from that perspective.  While you work to appreciate their perspective, ask them to sit at your desk and see the problem the way it seems to you.

3. Don’t complain

Complaining is such a drain of energy.  It is very negative and it doesn't solve any problems.  Look forward and up the road to see the best possible way forward and focus all your energy on travelling in that direction. You will find that if you don’t complain, others won’t.

4. Be willing to help others

Be keen to help others in your team or your business.  Take time to ask everyone - from the coffee maker and cleaners to the executives - “How may I help you?”  Your example will cascade throughout your company and a very positive, helpful ethos will develop.  It will also be fun!

These skills can be learned and developed. You might already use these skills in your working life, but you might feel you can improve on them too. I can provide training, coaching or refreshers in how to improve your use of these skills, for your benefit and that of those around you.

Give me a call on 01497 820520 or email sallyherdman1@gmail.com to find out more.

What stops us from taking up new challenges?

We are all creatures of habit and feel comfortable following our routines. They are safe - if a little boring at times!

Business is the same: we keep doing what we do because it is what we know and are comfortable with. However, it may not be the most lucrative way to earn a living and can seriously hamper business success. What’s stopping us? Fear!

Fear of failure very often prevents us from being creative and stepping out of our comfort zone in the business world. Innovation is lost and we stagnate in our orderly world. It is often the precursor to the death of a business.

How do we overcome the fear and take on new challenges and try new things?

Start by doing something on a regular basis which is out of your comfort zone. Do something really small at first. For example, try walking down the street on the opposite side to the one you normally choose. Or reverse the order you put on your shoes or move your desk to a different part of the room. Little challenges which you overcome easily will give you confidence to move to bigger tasks without feeling stressed and anxious. Sit in a different part of the room from your usual spot, and take a look at your business from a different perspective.

Start looking for new and different challenges. Every time you take on a new challenge and conquer it you will get a satisfying rush of endorphins. Now the uncomfortable will become an exciting opportunity rather than a fearful experience to hide from. Write down all the benefits to you and your business of taking up new challenges and getting more creative and pin them beside your desk as a reminder.

Make 2016 the year you get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

A New Year - New Challenges, New Outcomes

Did you approach 2016 with the thought that you wanted to make changes, sell your business and move onto new challenges in the near future?

Are you thinking of retiring or handing the business on to the kids in the next 10 or 20 years?

What if you have just started a business and are full of enthusiasm for all you are going to achieve?

You may have started out with an image of what your business would look like when it is running successfully, but have you thought about what you want your business exit to look like? The ending seems very unimportant at the outset compared to the immediate demands of generating sales and an ongoing income. However, if you pay no attention to this, it could be that you end up with a job for life, as you still need an income and the business can’t manage without you. It’s very flattering to think you are indispensable, but it isn't really the path to a guaranteed income in retirement and some time to do those things on the bucket list!

The other risk is that you will have a business of no interest and value to prospective investors or buyers when you want to move on or retire. Those with small businesses have put all their hopes, dreams and energies into building up sales and generating an ongoing income but they can become too close to the business and find that they haven’t invested the time and money to ensure the business continues to evolve and is still an attractive proposition.

While you are pondering your New Year resolutions and outcomes you are looking to achieve in 2016, it is worth spending a few minutes jotting down your exit plans!

I have a proven track record in advising businesses, from starting up to exiting, and I can guide you through the best way to capitalise on all the skill, effort and expertise you have invested in your business.

I'm hosting a webinar on how to ‘Sell your Business for Maximum Value’ on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 at 12.00pm (UK time). You can find out more and register here. If you're unable to make that date, still register and I'll keep you informed of other times.

Thinking of a business exit strategy?

What’s your best way out for a happier future?

I'm working on a new program around the issue - or problem - of business exit strategies. Recently I have been working with decision makers, owners of businesses and mostly men aged 50+ who are thinking about selling their business - or just doing something different.

Often an event has precipitated this new line of thinking, or they want to sell their business to finance their dreams - because they have big dreams! If this sounds like you, or anyone you know, it would be great to talk with you to get your insights into this issue.

Please call (01497 820 520) or message me so we can make an appointment for a ten-minute conversation.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Are there any short cuts to your 'personal summit'?

What amazing things could you do in your life if you could overcome your fears?

Butterfly Group Meeting Wednesday, 20 May 2015 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Hereford

Your irrational fears could be holding you back in achieving what you really want out of your life. Don’t let these fears conquer you.

Join us on Wednesday and learn some key steps to boost your courage, motivation, self-esteem and confidence.

If it's your first time joining us, there's no need to pay. Please contact me for more information by phone - M: 07831 379562 T: 01497 820520.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can keep up to date with future ones by signing up to our mailing list – see the link on the right hand side.

About the Butterfly Group

Many women suffer from a lack of confidence or low self-esteem that keeps them stuck in less than satisfactory relationships and jobs. Financial pressures and family responsibilities can also make life seem hard. If this sounds familiar to you, isn't it imperative that you take some time out for yourself to learn what it is you really want out of life?

Debs Adams and I started the Butterfly Group as a way for women to meet and work out life's challenges together. Our group helps women support each other through monthly meetings held in Hereford. Each meeting focuses on a particular theme or issue to which all women can relate in one way or another. We offer coaching in a supportive environment in order to help you define your goals and make positive life changes. You owe it to yourself to reconnect with your dreams and ambitions.

If you are looking to enrich yourself in the company of like-minded women, our group meetings may be just what you are seeking. Imagine living life to the fullest and having the confidence to do all of the things you have always wanted to do!