Tips On How To Be More Creative In The Workplace

“The economic future of an organization depends on its ability to create wealth by fostering innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.” —Linda Naiman

Organizations throughout the world have one vision, and that is to succeed. Whether you lead a company that has seven or thousands of employees your goal is to be the best you can. Is your team creative enough to take you to the next level?

I consider myself very fortunate for working with leaders that are innovative and can be creative and flexible. I will take you back several years, where one of my mentors, boss, and leader helped me see things differently and shaped who I am today. Nothing was impossible, and everyone was heard, from creating a chalkboard wall to draw our visions and expectations, to challenge my thoughts and decisions. My coworkers and I always had the opportunity to voice our ideas and implement them, we were empowered.

If you want a team that has the energy and stamina to keep going, consider encouraging them with powerful communication and interactions. If you find yourself a micromanager, it’s time to reevaluate your dependency on being in control of every little situation. It’s time to let go, to explore new creative avenues.

Below you will find tips on how to build a creative team to help your organization get to the next level.

Don't Worry About "How"

When there is a vision that seems impossible, unattainable and hard, that’s when the magic happens. If you build a big picture and scale it down to manageable tasks, what once seemed impossible can become your golden nugget. Don’t worry about the how, if it excites you and your team, go for it.

Brainstorm

Have brainstorming sessions, but one secret keep them offline. Encourage everyone to give their input, however, have them do their own brainstorming on their own the week before the meeting on their own time. Have suggestion boxes with the primary objective as the theme and see where that takes your team. Then when everyone meets, you discuss the right ideas, visions, and goals. How powerful.

New Viewpoint

How open are you to new ideas? Start today by listening to everyone’s point of view. That doesn’t mean that you will adhere to all of the plans, however, when you start seeing things from a different viewpoint, you will become more creative.

Build A Diverse Team

We are all different, it doesn’t matter who we are and what we do, we all have profound magic inside of us. Start by encouraging creativity and build a team with a variety of different skills and strengths, and support healthy debate among them.

Have Fun

It’s all about being relaxed and flexible. Having fun during work allows one to be comfortable and that’s where one tends to get inspired with beautiful ideas. Encourage a playful meeting that brings everyone together with one goal in mind, to win.

In summary, consider asking, “what would be possible if this idea wouldn’t fail?” start with the end in mind and be flexible and empower your team. Are you a high performer? Contact me for a deep, career coaching conversation.

Until next week,

Coach Barb

Professional Coach

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Thoughts On How To Make A Difference In The Workplace

"When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference." Zig Ziglar

More than ever organizations are struggling to engage, empower and excite employees to make a difference in their company. It starts at the top, and it trickles down. An empowered employee is a productive employee. How do you start making a difference in the workplace? By keeping it simple and recognizing where changes need to be made.

I enjoyed working for different corporations and everything that I learned along the way. It was empowering to be able to make decisions even if mistakes were made. It’s how I dealt with errors that helped me grow. I was fortunate to have worked where I was respected and given the opportunity to make a difference. When I decided to write this blog, I took the time to explore what employees and employers can do to make a difference in the workplace.

This is what I came up with, feel free to comment below and add to my list.

Value & Respect Others

Make a difference in people's lives and experience positive outcomes at work. By being respectful and consistent, that alone will change the atmosphere.

Help Others Succeed

Not only helping them find their desired gifts but help them reach new levels of quality and progress in their work. By assisting them, you will be helping them be more active on the job and do the best work they can possibly do.

Empower & Involve Others

As leaders, we can make a difference at work by merely empowering others to make an impact. As they become empowered they become enriched and positively affecting their work experience.

Acknowledge Others

To create a spirit of acknowledgment and appreciation at work, just get into the habit of thanking and congratulating others. It makes their experience at work meaningful and powerful.

Bring Positivity To Your Team

It’s essential to avoid competitiveness, power, and control in an organization. Instead, build a team where authentic collaboration exists. Create a place where employees can communicate and interact with openness and respect. Always promote more profound levels of communication and team building.

In summary, make it your goal to bring to your organization a better work experience, it doesn’t matter the position you hold. Make a difference, make it meaningful and purposeful. Contact me today for a deep coaching conversation.

Until next week,
Coach Barb
Professional Coach


What would it feel like if you made a difference in your workplace?

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Quick Tips On How To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence

"No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." 

Theodore Roosevelt

You’ve pictured in your mind thousands of times to get up and leave your current job, but something deep inside of you doesn’t allow it to happen. You are probably experiencing high Emotional Intelligence. Practicing self-control and controlling your emotions is a sign of having high EQ and that will enable you to be more engaged and committed in the workplace.

I consider myself having high EQ, why? Because I have perseverance, self-control and I get along with others. I recently experienced a situation that I needed to act quickly and be extremely flexible. I missed a deadline for submitting a vital document, and I failed. I picked myself up, I admitted my wrongdoing and corrected my actions. I acted quickly and did my best to cooperate with my client. We all make mistakes, that’s true but how we deal with our mistakes is what makes a difference.

Let’s look at the two components, Intelligence, and Emotions. The two couldn’t be any more different, but together they become dominant. Daniel Goleman wrote the book, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ.” In his book, he points out to hire candidates who will thrive in your workplace, look for those who have a handle on self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy & people skills. If you know someone that wants to improve their EQ, below you will find quick tips on how to improve your emotional intelligence.

Become More Self-Aware

Start by understanding your strengths and weaknesses, as well as knowing how your actions are affecting others. Also, when you reach a point that you can handle constructive criticism you will be headed towards high EQ.

Practice Self-Regulation

Go to a place that you are able to regulate your emotions with maturity and exercise restraint when necessary. Also, practice the ability to express your feelings with absolute control.

Improve Your Social Skills

Start to build rapport and trust with others and realize that you can work well with your team and peers. Then start avoiding power struggles and backstabbing, and soon you will enjoy other people and have the respect of others around you.

Become More Empathetic

Having empathy, compassion and an understanding of human nature will allow you to connect with other people on an emotional level. The ability to empathize will enable you to provide exceptional service and respond genuinely to others’ concerns.

Stay Motivated

Be self-motivated. Become resilient and optimistic when you encounter disappointment, always look for ways to be driven by an inner ambition.

In summary, having a high level of EQ can lead to better business decisions, and best of all employees are more likely to keep their cool when under pressure, a win-win for everyone. I invite you to have a powerful deep discovery conversation with me. You can reach me via email. Have a fantastic day.


Until next week,
Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach




What would be possible at work if you focused on your emotional intelligence?

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How To Be A Great Listener In The Workplace

One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. 

Bryant H. McGill

Have you ever caught yourself thinking what you're going to respond? When do you realize that you haven’t heard what the other person was saying? You were not listening; it’s time to learn how.  I am sure that when you are having a conversation with a client, you want them to listen tentatively. It can be annoying when you are saying something significant, and the other person jumps right into another conversation about themselves without even acknowledging what you just said.  

I have to admit that I have caught myself saying, “oh no what did she just say?” Then I’ve gone into panic mode and try to fix it.  The moment is gone, and if I didn’t practice active listening, it’s game over. I soon realized that I had to pay more attention and learn how to listen.  I now consider myself the best listener there is because I practice the art of listening. Every person that I come in contact with is important to me, and I am looking forward to what they have to say.  

We need to retrain ourselves and learn how to listen.  The benefits of practicing active listening in the workplace are that it boosts your self-confidence because now you are part of an actual conversation.  Also, you practice being in the present moment and become more focused. You develop your real ability to grow and connect on a deeper level.

If you find yourself having a hard time listening, below, you will see five simple steps that helped me become a better listener.  Hope it will help you become a better listener too.

Have Time

We are all busy, and If you are in a hurry let the other person know.  It is better to get back to them when you know you can take the time to listen.  And it is better for you because you won’t have to stop what you are doing and run the risk of being late.  It’s a win/win.

Eye Contact

Keep eye contact.  If your eyes are wandering around the other person will feel that you are not listening.  To improve this what I do is that I focus on keeping eye contact, It takes practice, I suggest to start little by little. Be aware that you are maintaining eye contact.  

Don’t Interrupt

Have you ever tried to finish the other person's sentence? I think we have all done it, but it is annoying.  It’s not a race; you are just having a conversation. The way to stop yourself is to be attentive to the other person's thought process. It takes practice, but it is worth it in the end. Stop interrupting by jumping in and interrupting.

Engage

Ask questions don’t read minds. By asking questions, you start to have a compelling dialog.  Keep the conversation going by being interested. Always summarize what the other person just said, that keeps you focused on the story and helped you retain relevant information.

Be Genuine

Find the space in your heart to care what the other person is telling you.  By showing that you are genuine, it helps you grow as a person. I am one that likes to reach out to people all the time, and I genuinely care when I ask how they are doing, it boils down to this one crucial thing, that we all care in one shape or form for one another.  

In summary, nothing worthwhile comes easy.  And it is useful to have a meaningful conversation. Start practicing and watch yourself grow in the process.  Have a fantastic day. I invite you to have a discovery conversation with me. Email me today.

Until next week,

Coach Barb

Certified Career Coach

Do you struggle with active listening?

The Best 5 Powerful Skills To Develop In Business

"Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people." Jim Rohn

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, what matters is the skills you acquire to bring out your best in everything you do. Do you find your work meaningful and rewarding? If you answered no, then you must learn specific skills to bring meaning to the work that you do.

On my career journey, I have had the privilege of learning new things all the time. I have mentors that don’t even know that they mentor me, but I learn from everyone that crosses my path. What is one skill that we all need to have to succeed? Excellent communication skills come to mind. In my research and the books that I read, communication is the one skill that always comes up. That is why I am still learning new ways to develop and improve my communication skills.

Besides communication, countless other skills are necessary to be successful in any industry. Let’s explore the Top 5 Skills that I find essential, and that will make your life more meaningful and rewarding.

Essential skills to acquire and develop for success:

Good Communication Skills
The ability to present, to speak, to write, and to question.

Take Action
It’s not enough to have ideas, that’s where it all starts, but the magic happens when you do something about it. Make it happen, make the call, set the appointment, write the article, write the email and hit send.

Be Flexible
Be open to new ideas, be creative, don’t settle,

Build Relationships
Not only friends, but think of building stable working relationships with bosses, coworkers, vendors, suppliers, prospects, and clients.

Listening 

When you focus your conversations on listening to understand what the other person is saying, rather than listening to respond, your business relationships will improve drastically.  Develop your listening skills to enhance any relationship.  

In summary, always be analyzing your performance, see where you need improvement and take the time to develop core skills that keep you moving forward. For a Career Coaching Session, contact me today.

Until Next Week,
Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach


What skills do you consider worth developing?

How To Manage A Robust Sales Funnel

“Keep Your Sales Pipeline Full By Prospecting Continuously. Always Have More People To See Than You Have Time To See Them.” – Brian Tracy

Are you not getting enough sales? Then it’s time to revisit your sales funnel and create a robust sales process. If you are not familiar with a sales funnel, it’s a tool to help you manage your sales process; the main point is to control every stage and keep moving qualified leads and eventually having them become customers.

                     

Moving from the top layer all the way to the bottom layer will determine at what stage your current prospects are and what you need to do to close the deal. You need to know how you're generating leads and converting them into customers. 

Today I will share with you how to effectively manage your sales funnel to get winning results. As you might know sales is a numbers game, for instance, you might get 8 individuals that are interested in your product, but as they move through the funnel, only 4 will become leads, that is about 50% out of the 4 only 2 need a quote, and out of the 2 only 1 will buy your product. That is an example of a working funnel. If your target is to get ten sales, then you need to bring awareness about your product to 80 people

Generate Leads

First, you need to decide how you're going to get individuals interested in your product or service. Take a look at your marketing strategy, is it working? Are people interested in your business? The way you fill the top end of your funnel is through your marketing efforts. Marketing creates awareness and interest, therefore generating leads.

Create A Process

After you have your leads of interested people, it’s time to move them down the funnel. When they are paying attention to what you have to say about your products, the process begins. At this stage, your sales team will attempt to convert those leads into buyers.

Qualify At Each Level

Always be qualifying, you qualify by asking questions to keep them moving down the funnel and eventually buying your product. If you have a gaming business, you would ask questions like, “How often do you play video games? Or At what level do you play? You would always customize the questions depending on your product or service. However, the point I’m trying to make here is to keep qualifying.

The primary goal is to move the maximum amount of interested individuals through the funnel. The way you do that is to consistently be testing and analyzing and tracking everything that is going on with your process.

At the end of the day, when you have happy customers, they will become ambassadors for you and start filling up your funnel with newly interested individuals and eventually grow your business.

In summary, the more consistent you are, the more efficient you’re going to be. Always keep in mind that the size of your funnel will determine the number of sales you are going to make. Contact me today for an empowering career coaching chat.


Until next week,
Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach

How do you manage your sales funnel?

5 Easy Steps On How To Overcome Overthinking

“The sharpest minds often ruin their lives by overthinking the next step, while the dull win the race with eyes closed.” Bethany Brookbank, “Write like no one is reading”

Have you ever stopped yourself cold and had the feeling of analysis paralysis? Well, I have, and I know the feeling well. Analyze it; overthinking can lead to paralyzing your actions that turn into the lack of productivity, that's what overthinking creates.

For me, it all started when I would get cold sweats of the thought of just making a simple decision. “Should I call?” No, maybe I shouldn’t, it’s not the right time, or they will not understand me, I was torturing myself with negative self-talk. I realized that my over-thinking was taking over my existence. I have to share with you how I came out of that rut and escaped unharmed. I have the power and the momentum to continue with my actions.

Here are the five steps on how to overcome overthinking:

1. Recognize Negative Thoughts
2. Take Action
3. Keep The Momentum
4. Be Honest
5. Allow


Step 1: Recognize Negative Thoughts

Start by feeding yourself with positive thoughts, and when a feeling of fear or doubt sneaks in, immediately realize it and stop it in its tracks. Say, “no that thought is not supporting me,” and immediately think about something better. Tell yourself that this thought is not productive. It doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is that you can recognize it. It will give you a sense of power and allow you to be in control.


Step 2: Take Action

Call, write the article, make the decision and stick to it. Taking action is vital in this process, do the necessary things to keep going. When you work at it, you will feel empowered. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “ “Do the thing and you will have the power.”


Step 3: Keep The Momentum

Learn new things, read books, listen to motivational videos and reprogram your mind to focus on the right things and not give the power to fear and negativity. Become active and influential. Everyone is different, keep your momentum with what feels right for you.


Step 4: Honesty

Be honest with yourself and your feelings, surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Be honest about how you are feeling, for instance; you will never go wrong when you treat yourself right. The sense of freedom transforms you into having the positive feeling of doing what you set your mind to do, that will keep you from overthinking.


Step 5: Allow

Change is hard, don’t get stuck in your routine and negative ways. You can't have change unless you change. Allow yourself to be opened to positive change, for instance, allowing the positive vibration and letting it guide you. Let yourself explore new possibilities, journeys, and experiences.

In summary, by taking action you take control, and at the end of your journey, you will see that it wasn’t as big or intimidating as you thought. Are you ready to take control of your life? Start today by recognizing that you do overthink, and practice doing less of it daily.  Contact me today for a transformational chat. Have a fantastic day.


Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach

How do you deal with overthinking?