Weathering the Storm

I woke up this morning to the sound of robins chirping outside my window. Their lovely singsong chatter came from a new nest, hidden beneath the leaves of the magnolia tree in my front yard. My 6 year-old son and I watched it being constructed just last week. If you've ever watched a bird making a nest, it's really kind of an amazing process. Twig after twig, strand after strand of grass are carried to the "construction site" until the nest is sturdy and strong.

I was quite relieved to see the nest, still in fine shape, following the monsoon-like rains we've had over the past few days. The birds had built an amazingly solid foundation that kept them safe in the midst of some pretty fierce storms. They made it through, the sun is shining once again, and life goes on.

Now that our own collective storm is passing - and signs do show that the Great Recession is finally coming to an end - how prepared are you to meet the opportunities that await? Are you looking ahead with optimism? Are you ready to shake off the gloom and fear that have been holding us back?

The recovery is coming. Be prepared. Your attitude - and your actions - will impact how you emerge from this powerful but passing storm.

Until next time...

Liz

Career Success Tip #17: How to Stand Out in the Crowd

Sometimes it really is the small stuff that makes all the difference.

On my drive home from an out-of-town meeting yesterday, I decided to make a quick stop at the bank. The branch I stopped at isn't my home branch, so this was my first time there. It was pouring outside and I made my way to the entrance of the bank with umbrella, purse, and car keys in hand, trying not to get completely drenched.

When I got to the entrance, there was a bank employee waiting there, holding the door open for me, smiling warmly and welcoming me. Now, while my local branch is full of friendly and helpful employees, no one has ever held the door and welcomed me in this way. I have to tell you, it felt very nice. This same fellow opened the door for me when my transaction was complete, thanked me for my business and wished me a wonderful day. Again, very nice.

Was this extra layer of customer service really necessary? Would I have noticed or missed being welcomed to the bank, had there been no one waiting at the door? Certainly not. But it was a lovely added touch that made me want to return to that branch in the future.

So here's something for you to consider: How do you differentiate yourself from colleagues and competitors? How do you make yourself especially valuable and memorable to your clients, boss or team?

To truly stand out in the crowd, you've got to go beyond simply doing your job well. Instead, you've got to go the extra mile and add value in a unique and impressive way.

After all, sometimes it really is the small stuff that makes all the difference.

Until next time...

Liz

What's Your Vision?

Last week, for the first time in years, I attended a yoga class. I loved it! It was somehow simultaneously invigorating and relaxing, and I left the class feeling calm, focused, and reflective.

I went with my neighbor, Linda, who has been encouraging me to join her for some time. Living right next door to me, Linda sees firsthand just how busy and - let’s be honest – how hectic and fragmented my life can sometimes be. Perhaps you can relate.

Do you wear more than one hat? Do you find yourself continually multitasking, as you strive to the meet the demands of your career, the needs of your family, and the desire to make a contribution to your community? Do you struggle to eke out a few minutes each day during which you can get a little exercise, eat a nourishing meal, slow down, flip through a magazine, or read a good book?

If so, it’s time to step back and ask yourself the following: What’s it all for? Where am I heading with all of this activity, all of this busyness? What do I want to achieve – and why do I want to achieve it?

Use the answers to these questions to start developing – or refining - your personal and professional vision. Your vision is what brings meaning and purpose to your everyday activities. It’s what guides and drives you. It’s what brings it all together.

It’s not enough to simply reflect upon these things. Dedicate some time to the process. Write it all down. If you’d like, I’ll be glad to send you my “Career Considerations” worksheet. This is a tool I’ve developed for my coaching clients and you can use it to create your professional vision, personal vision, family vision, organizational vision, community vision… well, you get the idea. Just call 800.846.4546 ext. 103 or send me an email: liz@bywaterconsultinggroup.com.

Until next time…

Liz

Keeping Up with the Joneses: How to Use Social Comparison to Up Your Game

Ah, the Joneses. Have you ever wondered just who these Joneses are? And why on earth do we try so hard to keep up with them?

The fact is, social comparison is one of the ways we human beings judge ourselves. We look to others’ achievements to assess our own accomplishments. We wonder: How am I doing, anyway? Am I at least as successful as the guy next door?

We compare and contrast ourselves to an array of other people - colleagues, competitors, family and friends. We look at their achievements and use them as a yardstick for answering questions like: Am I doing as well as they are? Am I as attractive? As thin? As smart? As well-liked? As wealthy?

And where does all of this comparison leave us, anyway? Well, that depends on what you do with it. Best case scenario, it works to motivate and inspire you. You think to yourself: If they can do it, so can I! Worst case, it can be completely demoralizing, as in, I’ll never be as good as they are, so why bother?

The key is to be aware of the social comparisons you’re making - and to harness these comparisons for your own growth. What does your competitor – or your colleague or your neighbor or your sister or whomever – do especially well? How can you learn from these people? Which of their strategies and techniques can you adopt in order to improve your own effectiveness?

Use others’ successes as inspiration - and take action to up your own game. Before you know it, the Joneses may be trying to keep up with you!

Until next time…

Liz

 

Happiness Matters

In these trying times, it can be truly difficult to stay positive. Smiling and feeling happy may not come as easily as they once did. Like so many people, you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed and worried about the future. It’s understandable. It’s also incredibly important that you push past all the doom and gloom and find your way to happiness.

Let’s be clear here. I’m not suggesting that you go into denial and pretend that all is perfectly okay. It’s not. There are genuinely bad things happening in the world. Economically, environmentally, politically… But there are also good things. And you don’t want to simply brush past those things as though they’re inconsequential. They’re not.

The point is, if you want to be truly successful and fulfilled at work and in life, happiness matters. Here’s why:

People like to be around – and do business with – positive people.

You will be more hopeful and inclined take prudent risks when you are feeling optimistic.

You will be more productive, focused and creative when you’re feeling happy.

You will be more likely to reach out to others – friends, family, business partners – when you feel good about yourself (which tends to go hand-in-hand with being happy).

You will be healthier. Studies show a strong correlation between happiness and both physical and emotional well being.

So get happy. It’s not so hard to do. Why not take a few minutes out of today’s busy schedule to simply chat with a friend, colleague or client? Try taking an invigorating walk during your lunch hour. Listen to your favorite music. Pet a dog.

These simple techniques will help brighten your day, lift your spirits and move you closer to achieving the success and fulfillment you deserve. Try them today. Chances are, you’ll be glad you did.

Until next time...

Liz

A Brief Moment of Swine Flu Hysteria (Or: A Lesson in Great Customer Service)

I am not a swine flu hysteric. Despite the media’s apparent swine flu obsession, I just haven’t bought in. Even when my 10-year old daughter came down with distinctly flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, upset stomach, you know the drill), I still didn’t panic.

Until, that is, I got the email. With the best of intentions, a friend emailed me that there was a case of swine flu in my daughter’s school. Worse yet, the little victim was very ill and had been admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Okay, that was enough to get me rethinking my decision to send my daughter to school that morning. Yes, her fever was gone but she was coughing a little and she didn’t eat much breakfast… Could she possibly have swine flu?

I called the doctor’s office. It’s a large office, with 7 physicians and thousands of patients. Yet despite the large volume of calls they’d been fielding from other concerned parents, they took the time to speak with me for nearly 10 minutes. And while 10 minutes may not sound like a lot, it’s more than enough time to reassure a worried mother. Incidentally, it’s also exponentially more time than most pediatric offices will stay on the line for almost any reason.

The nurse who spoke with me was professional, pleasant, and responsive to my needs. She didn’t dismiss my concerns or rush me off the phone. She took the time to hear me out and address each of my questions in turn.

The lesson: It doesn’t take much to stand out of the crowd by simply paying attention to your customers’ needs. Listen to what your customers have to say. Ask questions, engage them, and respond to their concerns. What better way to build strong relationships, retain customers, gain outstanding referrals, and meet with well-deserved success?

Until next time…

Liz

How to Lead Your Team to Top Performance

Success is rarely accomplished as a solo act. It requires the collective contributions of multiple players, working in concert to achieve meaningful goals. To be successful, whether as a business owner, line manager, or corporate executive, you’ve got to set your people up for maximum effectiveness.

This month’s Bywater Journal addresses the leader’s role in achieving exceptional team performance. Here are a few excerpts:

In today's turbulent times, it's more important than ever to get people aligned and working together. Individual workers are under ever-increasing pressure - and the demand for results is tremendous. If ever there were a time for teamwork, the time is now.

The following strategies will help you guide your team to unparalleled collective performance:

Provide structure. Assign roles, tasks, and projects so that each member makes a meaningful and important contribution to reaching the team's goals and objectives…

Provide good management. This one calls for some flexibility, as each team has specific needs and preferences around being managed…

Provide motivation. No matter how dedicated your team may be… they still need ongoing motivation to keep doing great work. Think about creative ways to reward your people for outstanding performance. When budget constraints limit financial bonuses, why not provide a nice lunch with the boss, a Starbucks gift card, or a simple note of thanks for a job well done…

You can read this article in full or sign up for future issues of the Bywater Journal. It's always jammed with insights and practical advice for improving performance... helping you reach your goals for maximum career success!

Until next time…

Liz

Discovering the Career of Your Dreams

Here’s a sad truth. Most people work simply to earn a paycheck. They need to eat, they need to pay their mortgages, they need to work. End of story.

Or is it? My professional experience over the past 18 years tells me that many people would love to find a more fulfilling, gratifying, and meaningful way to make a living. What's more, some of these folks are willing go out on a limb to find work that brings both financial and personal reward. Yes, it can be risky to switch gears mid-career. For these courageous individuals, it's worth it.

Does this sound like you? Are you looking for a new line of work, or simply wishing you had a more gratifying job? If so, check out Alexandra Levit’s Yahoo! HotJobs article, 6 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job.

I particularly like Alexandra’s suggestion that you take the time to learn about yourself - so that you can ultimately identify the job or career that best suits you. To discover the career of your dreams, you’ll want to find work that speaks to your values, your work style and preferences, your talents, interests, and strengths.

And don’t forget to factor in your passions. Alexandra suggests that you figure out “what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid.” This is great advice. Just imagine channeling your passion into work that you love, work that means the world to you. Imagine discovering the career of your dreams.

Until next time…

Liz

Effective Communication: Tip #5

To be a truly effective communicator, follow this simple piece of advice: Be nice. That’s it. Be nice when you speak with others. Be nice in your emails. Be nice in your texts and voice messages. You don’t need to be sappy or phony. Just nice.

Quick case in point: I just had a lovely conversation with Michael Port. If you don’t know who Michael is, he is a former actor turned marketing guru. He writes best-selling books, gives dynamic keynote speeches, and helps small business owners get more clients through effective approaches to sales and marketing.  

I met Michael a couple of months back at a networking event and we have remained in touch since then. When he and I got off the phone this morning, I felt very good about our conversation - even though I was challenged to think about things in a different way. The fact is, you can be incredibly effective in delivering all kinds of messages – good, bad, and everything in between – if you are being nice. Not insincere. Not indirect. Not fluffy. Just nice.

Pay attention to your communications over the next several days – with clients and customers, bosses and employees, business partners, vendors, family and friends. Focus on being kind, warm, engaging, enthusiastic, and genuine. You’ll find it’s not only an effective way to communicate, it’s also a great way to build relationships, enhance credibility and establish trust. Oh yeah, and it’s essential for meeting with success.

Until next time…

Liz

New Coaching Options Now Available!

I am very excited to tell you about my new array of private coaching options! I’ve reworked, revamped, and significantly improved my previous coaching offerings to meet a much broader array of individual needs, concerns, goals, and, of course, budgets. The best way to tell you all about it is to guide you to the latest press release and send you right over to my Private Coaching page, where you can get all the details.

Any questions? Call me! I’m here to help.

Until next time…

Liz

Step Away from the Blackberry… and Other Tips for Work-Life Balance

I had a really good weekend. The weather was picture perfect, I got to hang out with my husband and kids, and I took a couple of invigorating rides on my new bike. Very nice.

What does this have to do with career success? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. The fact is, it can be very difficult to step away from work for the weekend – or even for the evening – and simply enjoy life. For many people, it feels nearly impossible. Yet without adequate attention to relaxation and rejuvenation, you are on the fast track to burnout. And you simply can’t be successful if you’re burnt.

Here’s what I advise my clients to do at the end of each workday. If you’re not doing these things, why not give them a try? You’ve got nothing to lose (except, perhaps, for some serious stress and fatigue).

Put down the Blackberry. When you’re done working for the day, shut down your computer, turn off the Blackberry, and mentally “punch out” of the office – even if that office is in your own home. Remember, you’re entitled to have a life. No one’s going to give you permission to stop working. You’ve got to grant it to yourself.

Eat dinner! Don’t simply wolf down a Power Bar and a Diet Coke in front of the computer or during your evening commute. Go home, sit down – ideally with family or friends – and enjoy some good eats at a relaxed pace.

Honor your social commitments. The important relationships in your life will suffer if people can’t count on you. So don’t bail on friends or family in order to finish a work project – unless it is absolutely urgent and the exception to the rule.

Get some exercise. Whether you like to walk, run, lift weights, or play a little ball, exercise is vital for a healthy body and your overall well-being. Bonus: it will help you feel less stressed, better focused and more productive when you do get back to work.

The point is simple. Take care of yourself, manage your stress, and create a healthy work-life balance. These are the ticket to a successful career - and a fantastic quality of life.

Until next time…

Liz

Networking for Success

Let me be completely upfront with you. I don't do a whole lot of networking. At least, not in the way many of us think about networking - you know, picking just the right outfit for the occasion, milling around a roomful of strangers and perhaps a few acquaintances, asking about them and their business (Note: I did not say telling them about myself and my business), maybe following up with a potential new client or recommender. 

In reality, I just don't have much time for all of that. My coaching practice keeps me pretty busy and I have two children who hate to see me leave the house in the evenings. The answer, for me, is to be selective in where and how I choose to get out there, meet new people, make strategic connections, and follow up.

I'd suggest that you do the same. Be strategic in your networking efforts. Figure out where you can meet potential new clients, customers, business allies, employers, and so on. Pick an organization or two, become involved, take a leadership role, get visible! And remember to add value, first and foremost. Whatever you do, don't just get out there and start passing out your business card. This is a major turnoff for most people - and a real waste of paper, as your card will likely get trashed or shoved to the bottom of a drawer, never to be seen again. 

If you happen to live or work in the Philadelphia area, check out Jamie Broderick's Network Now. Jamie's a friend of mine and a fabulous networker and businesswoman. She's all about helping her members make great connections, gain visibility, and maximize their business success.  

Remember, networking is essential for career success. Be sure you're doing it wisely and well. 

Check back for more tips on networking for success. 

Until next time...

Liz

Success Strategies for Tough Times

This article was originally sent out to my newsletter recipients in December of '08. It's truly one of my favorite newsletters, as the ideas and tips were based upon an afternoon of lovely playtime with my then 5-year old son. Now here we are, almost 6 months later, and there are signs that the economic outlook is beginning to improve. (Thank goodness!) Read on, as the following strategies will help you meet with success in good times and bad.

There’s just no getting around it. Times are tough. The economy is in crisis, businesses are struggling, previously secure workers are now fearful of losing their jobs. The emotional impact can be great, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression - and a concomitant loss of focus and creativity. The potential effects on work performance consist of reduced productivity, innovation, and overall employee morale.

Yet there is opportunity for growth in the midst of these economic hard times. While it might go against intuition, success in difficult times calls for holding true to basic tenets of effective behavior. With the proper attitude and approach, you can indeed thrive in uncertain times.

In the interest of full disclosure – and to give credit where credit is due – I have to thank my 5-year old son for the inspiration for today’s tips. For it was during a delightful Sunday afternoon together – filled with game-playing, puzzle-assembling, artwork and general enjoyment – that my attention was drawn to the power of the basics. Here are a few tips I’d like to share with you:

Work as a team. Whether you’re putting together a Spiderman jigsaw puzzle (as we were) or advancing a new product to market, there’s nothing like the power of collaboration. Working together allows for faster progress and more creative solutions.

Be accountable. If you’ve made a commitment, stick to it. And while you’re at it, hold those around you accountable, too. My son didn’t waste a moment taking me to task when I tried to divert him from his much-loved game of Candyland. “But Mom, you promised!” And so I did.

Be supportive. When your coworker or report does something well, give him a well-deserved pat on the back. If he’s uncertain and needs a little encouragement, offer it up. I can’t tell you how lovely it was to hear my little guy comment on my drawing by saying, “Mommy, I love your work.”

Share resources. Lean times can mean limited access to valued resources. The temptation might be to get what you can for yourself and your team, even if that means leaving others empty-handed. Yet sharing resources (in my case, taking turns with the yellow crayon) with others means they’re far more likely to do the same for you.

Refresh yourself. Stressful times can take a profound toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Don’t forget to take some time to refresh and reenergize yourself at regular intervals. Your approach to refreshment may differ from my 5-year old’s (snacking on Cheerios and chocolate milk), so find what works for you. Then do it.

Be flexible. Challenging times call for flexibility and a willingness to do things differently. You may have to take on new responsibilities, modify your schedule, or work with a different set of people. Letting go of disappointment (for my son, that meant not finding his favorite program on TV) and being open to new opportunities will help you gain credibility as a resilient and cooperative team player.

Finally, at the risk of sounding rather Pollyannaish,

Be positive. Even the worst of storms passes with time. Remaining optimistic, grounded, and focused on the future will help you weather the hard times and move bravely ahead. I was so proud of my son, who had been feeling somewhat under the weather, when he declared, “I’m sick but I’m happy.” Now there’s an attitude that will serve him well in both good times and bad.

Until next time...

Liz

Welcome to Career Success!

After much prompting from clients, colleagues, friends and family, I am finally ready to embrace this 'newfangled' technology of the Blog. (Okay, maybe not so newfangled, but hey, I'm over 40, not much of a techno guru, and the mother of children still too young to teach me!) 

In retrospect, I'd say that starting this blog was a gradual process, although I didn’t recognize it as such at the time. Kind of like how a young couple doesn't realize that bringing home a puppy is really just a precursor to having their first baby. So, here’s how it went:

A few years back, I set myself up with a Linkedin profile and started making connections. Next, I was cajoled by my cousin, Brian, to set up a Facebook page. Okay, not so bad. Pretty easy, in fact. It started with friends and family, has grown to include some clients and colleagues, but remains fairly contained. Most recently, I entered the 'miniblog' world of Twitter. I have to admit, this is one of my favorites. Takes just a few seconds to post, keeps me from getting too wordy (really, just try typing more than 140 characters and see for yourself the everything-turns-really-red reminder to get to the point), and is a great way to share some wisdom, link to a relevant article or blog (hint hint), and engage in dialogue with folks you otherwise would never have met.

Okay, so that’s the background. Now let’s get to the important stuff. Why we’re here. I can tell you why I’m here and, with hope, that’ll be clearly connected to why you’re here, too. I am writing this blog to share with you my experience, perspective, and practical advice for doing your best work, feeling your best at work, and having the career of your dreams. Caveat: The career of your dreams may not be the career of your childhood dreams, such as being a prima ballerina, fire fighter, or chief of police. (Then again, it may!) The career of your dreams is more likely something that brings you, as an adult in the working world, a sense of satisfaction, meaning, purpose, challenge, and just possibly some real financial reward. It may be a career that allows you plenty of flexibility, so that you can have the type of work-life balance you prefer. The career of your dreams may be an executive position in Corporate America, a key position in your favorite non-profit organization, or perhaps an entrepreneurial venture, in which you run your own show.

We’ll talk about finding the career of your dreams and we’ll look at making the most of the career you’ve got (so that it’s as dreamy as possible). We’ll discuss the things you need to think about and do in order to be most successful and gratified in your career. Here are a few of the topics we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks and months. All are designed to help you do your best work, feel great about the work you do, and meet with maximum success at work, home, and everywhere in between:

Communication Strategies that Work: How to Talk, Listen, and Converse for Maximum Impact

Finding Balance: Achieving Peace of Mind in a Demanding World
 
Practical Goal Setting: From Intent to Achievement

Leadership in Good Times and Bad: 5 Skills Every Leader Must Have

Managing for Excellence: How to Inspire, Motivate, and Maximize Employee Performance

Conflict Mastery: Harnessing the Power of Creative Conflict (and Avoiding Conflict Nightmares)

Stress Management for Work, Home, and Everywhere In Between

Now, you may be thinking that these topics sound a bit like the titles of my speeches and, well, you’re absolutely right. Although my posts may not ultimately have the same titles or precise content as my speeches, they will address several key elements for maximizing performance: communicating like a pro, leveraging relationships (in a positive way!), managing stress, and being an influential leader.

If this sounds like information you can use in reaching maximum career success, visit often and please engage in the conversation. I’d love to hear from you!

You can also visit me on the Web at www.bywaterconsultinggroup.com. While you're there, why not sign up for my free newsletter? It's filled with practical tips for improving individual, team, and organizational performance. 

Until next time...

Liz