Category: career coach

Why is Growth so Painful?

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Look a plant’s life cycle. Each season parts die and/or are “pruned” in order to grow. Humans aren’t much different. In order for you and I to grow, we have to be willing to be “pruned” in certain ways also.
Change is uncomfortable. We want to know what’s next. The unknown scares us. Take for example this recession. Economic stability is fleeting. What job is really safe anymore? 
We are creatures of habit. When traveling in uncharted territory, we feel lost. We thrive on routine and when that is broken, sometimes so are we. Think of all the traditions you celebrate. It’s hard to imagine our lives without it. Tradition isn’t a bad thing, but have you ever questioned it’s purpose? Constant evaluation is key.

Growth is hard. Take for instance strength training. Your muscles need to be challenged beyond what they’re used to in order to slightly tear. These tears make us sore, but without them muscle can’t be built. Growth is a long process. It takes perseverance and drive. 

Growth starts with you. It begins with your attitude. You have to be willing to hear constructive feedback (yes, that means potentially negative comments) and accept it. Take responsibility and be your own catalyst for growth. Be willing to uncomfortable, break tradition and be patient knowing that in the end growth is a long-term investment. How will you challenge yourself to grow in 2012?

When Plan B is Plan A

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How often does Plan A happen? Does it lead to disappointment? What if we started looking more favorably at Plan B? How would that affect how we view our current situation? 
Here’s what that shift in mindset from Plan A to Plan B looks like:
Be Flexible. Things aren’t always going to happen the way you planned them to. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have plans. It just means be willing to respond to situations accordingly. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to circumstances. In my experience as a coach, one of the greatest assets I’ve seen in my top clients is the ability to cope. Flexible people cope more effectively.
Be Realistic. This economy forces us to be more creative and innovative with our resources. You may have to extend the time frame on your dreams. Be willing to make sacrifices short-term for what you want long-term. Having idealistic expectations leads to disappointment. Adjusting your expectations based on the context of your situation will help you view life more favorable. Changing your perspective changes everything.
Be Thankful. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, why not be thankful for what you do have? Your attitude is like the rudder of a ship that determines the direction traveled. Even if you are part of the 99%, there’s still a lot to be thankful for. Count your family and friends as blessings. There are a lot of people in much worse situations than you are. Honestly, in times of frustration, one of the best things you can do is reach out and help someone in need. What are you thankful for today? 

Switching from Plan A to Plan B isn’t about settling. It’s more of an attitude shift to help you cope with today’s challenges. The most successful people deal with failure the best. In fact, they’ve probably dealt with failure more often because they’re willing to face rejection. In my own life, most of the time Plan B worked out much better than Plan A. When you and I focus on the future too much, we fail to enjoy the present. I learned this lesson over time through my wife. She’s more flexible, realistic and thankful than me. Are you willing to embrace Plan B? 

An Introvert’s Guide to Networking

Scott Asai3 Comments
You’ve heard that building your network is important, but how do you do that? 
Seems easy for an extrovert, but what if you’re an introvert?
Rewind my life 5 years ago and I’ll personally answer this question for you…
When I started my business in 2007, I had few contacts. I heard networking was a good idea, so I joined my local Chamber of Commerce. After attending two events, I collected a ton of business cards yet left feeling tired and hoarse. Networking wasn’t for me. Next, I attended conferences, but left feeling the same way. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I made the switch from networking to connecting and everything changed.
Networking is a bad word. Connecting is building relationships. When I focused on meeting people, getting to know them and figuring out ways to help them succeed, results changed for me. Instead of chasing people at different events, I created my own, Career Synergy. My advice to you is create your own network group. If you don’t have a desire to do that, try these 3 easy tips:
Ask current contacts to introduce you to new contacts. Think temperature. Warm leads are better than cold ones. When introduced to a new contact through an old one, you have something in common to talk about. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions before telling the person why you’re so great. Start a relationship that can last over time. 
Quality over quantity. Sure, it’s a numbers game, but would you rather have 10 strong connections or 100 acquaintances? Strengthen what you have before you try to reach the masses. Relationships are meant to be long-term investments. Over time build trust to the point where you can refer others and vice versa. 

Follow-up. 10% is meeting the person. 90% is what you do after. Starting is easy. Finishing is hard. Most people don’t follow up, so if you do, you’re standing out. Mean what you say when you mention following up. That’s integrity. If your goal is to be a trusted connection, then follow up is crucial. Be a closer.

The next time you attend an event or get introduced to a new contact, try these tips. Networking is simply building relationships. Focus on that and you’ll be fine. When you’re ready to practice these skills in person, check out my network group or sign up for my workshop!

The Importance of Local Partnerships

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If small businesses really are the solution to our economic woes, how do we make that happen? 
Local partnerships.
Communities need to embrace businesses around them.
Business owners need to partner and work out deals to support each other.
Consumers need to spend their hard earned dollars in their neighborhoods.
Local is the new global. Look at an organization like Unique LA. Their push is to “buy local” and strengthen your community. If each city took care of themselves, we could turn this economy around. It’s going back to pre-internet times where you’d buy what’s around you. Picture links in a chain. We’re stronger together.
 
Networking is like forming a partnership. Local events draw local crowds. The same thing you and I do to build our personal network can be done on the local level. Connect online, but meet in person. It’s easier to build trust face to face. Aim to build local partnerships. It’s the pulse of your community.

Local growth is organic. Visit your local farmer’s market. Nothing fancy, just good product delivered consistently. Everyone starts small, but treat your customers right and they become your salespeople. It may take longer, but in the end it’s more sustainable.
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this at a group I created called Career Synergy. We have monthly network meetings where the motto is “relationships first, business second.” This inclusive community has a friendly, give-first attitude that’s infectious. Personally, I’ve invested my time building new and strengthening old relationships which I know will result in the collective success of the group.  

Wondering how to get started? Step outside your home and reach out to the local businesses in your neighborhood. Introduce yourself and offer your hand to support them. We can turn the economy around together, not apart. Nothing great is accomplished alone. Who will you partner with in your community?

What DWTS and Your Career have in Common

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Each week a celebrity couple gets excused from the competition, but is it just me, or are the wrong people getting sent home? When you add “America’s Vote”, it no longer becomes about competence, but popularity. How is this similar to your workplace?

Skills are vital, but politics and popularity rule. Look around your workplace to see who gets “promoted.” In DWTS, the judges play a more objective role, yet the viewers ultimately keep couples around each week. In the workplace, you are judged on more than just performance. How well do you get along with your co-workers? Do you stand out to other department managers? Have you given your supervisors a reason to look your way? Politics and popularity are part of the game. You may want to sit on the sidelines, but I suggest you participate.
Playing the game isn’t about selling your soul or going against your morals. It means your job isn’t just about you. It’s about the organization. You can be the most skilled worker, but if you can’t get along with your co-workers, do you think they will want to help you? It’s important to be socially and self-aware. For example, my wife and I are frequent Disneyland visitors and it never ceases to amaze me how unaware people are in the parks. Whether they stop right in front of a crowd or let their kids run wild, they’re blind to how their actions affect others around them. Today, take a step outside of yourself and think how your actions affect others. 

Your career is much more than experience, skill set and performance. Those are all very important, but remember how much “people” are involved. Some of the best leaders don’t carry a big stick. They don’t need to be the best performer or the smartest. Think of the best leader you’ve had…they were probably great listeners, cared for people, humble, confident, etc. Instead of thinking of how you can get ahead, pause and ponder how you can help others around you. What will you do to raise the level of your team?

How Zappos Changed the Game

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A couple of years ago, my wife and I took a tour of Zappos in Las Vegas because I wanted to meet their coach at the time, Dr. Vik. I was impressed how they picked you up at your hotel, dropped you off for a 1-hour tour of the company and brought you back for free! You may have heard of Tony Hsieh, CEO and author Delivering Happiness. What you may not know is Zappos started as a shoe company, but what turned them into a billion dollar company was their core values.
 

Take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers. Simple, yet revolutionary.
Currently I’m working with a business development team, Status Gro, and they’re helping me formulate a business plan. Since I’ve never tackled the hard questions about my business, it’s a challenging process, but I understand the importance. As for all the things we’ve worked on so far, I’m the most satisfied with our core values.


Relationships First – by valuing our relationships with employees and customers first, we will create long, genuine relationships that are about more than making a profit

Be Unique – acknowledge and express the unique contributions your strengths and style can make

Be Efficient – we will constantly evaluate our work processes and priorities to work smarter

Create Freedom – it is important that we allow enough flexibility for our staff to get things done, their way

Constant Growth – we will encourage our employees and customers to constantly challenge themselves to continue setting goals and pursue learning opportunities

Creating a culture before you hire employees attracts the right type of people. My core values are centered around my strengths. Core values are behaviors that shape the organizational culture. Whether it’s your personal or company brand, core values matter. Don’t wait until you need them, think about them now. What are your top 3 – 5 core values? 

The Next Level Networker

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Beyond being a connector (as Malcolm Gladwell mentioned in his book “Tipping Point“), how do you become a next level networker? Having more contacts? Strengthening your network?
 

The answer is: forming triads. What is a triad? A triad (explained in “Tribal Leadership“) is when you introduce two people to each other. There may be no direct benefit for you, but the idea is to create a bond between two people you know so they might form a connection. The indirect benefit of this is you being the source of the connection. If networking is truly about giving, not receiving, than a triad is one of the purest forms of connecting out there. 
The downside is your ego. Use the example of leadership. Most people desire to be labeled as a leader. Yet, the most effective leaders don’t talk about themselves as leaders, but are more concerned about developing those around them. The “followers” of the leader determine how effective the leader is. The hard part is true leadership is more about succession than success. 
You can apply the same principle to networking. You and I would rather connect for personal benefit, not to help others and get potentially nothing back in return. The challenge is to take your ego out of the situation and be focused on helping others succeed. Lately, I’ve experienced triads myself. It’s fun to connect two people who can mutually benefit from each other. Consider the larger your network, the more opportunities you can form triads. It doesn’t mean you have to physically introduce the two people in person (although it is the most powerful way). You can also do it via email or social media. 
Remember, think of networking as a lifestyle, not a task. If it’s a task, you’ll do it with an end in mind. Instead, why wouldn’t you want to connect with more people for the rest of your life? The next level networker isn’t concerned with getting the credit. Be genuine. What matters is the heart. What two connections can you introduce today?

The 2 Reasons Why You Lose Focus

Scott Asai2 Comments
The gap between aspiration and achievement is focus. Good intentions aren’t good enough when it comes to accomplishing your goals. What if you knew the two reasons why you lose focus?

 
Fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Remember trying something for the first time? If you don’t know what to expect it can sometimes prevent you from trying it at all. If you have a tendency to dwell on past failures, it makes it nearly impossible to succeed in the present. Don’t let fear stop you from staying focused on your goals. Instead, treat past experiences like a blank slate. The past doesn’t predict the future, so give yourself a fresh start by moving forward and stay in the present.
Greed. Picture this gambling example. The emotional gambler lets greed drive his/her decisions. They bet based on how they feel. Since feelings are unstable, they’re not a good gauge for making decisions. On the other hand, a logical person sets a plan ahead of time by setting a limit on how much he/she spends. This prevents you from making poor decisions based on what’s happening. In life, there are times we go for too much. Being ambitious is one thing, but being careless is another. Don’t get greedy when it comes to your goals. Set your goals lofty, but be realistic. Don’t get caught up in the chase. Remember what you’re after.

Imagine fear and greed at the ends of a spectrum. Staying focused means being disciplined enough to stay between the extremes. Increase your chances by asking someone to keep you accountable. Set milestones along the way to build momentum. Fear and greed are distractions. Stay focused on your dreams and they will eventually become reality . What’s keeping you from staying focused today?

Are you the hunter or hunted?

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In your career, there are times where you are the hunter and times where you are the hunted. As you grow, it’s your choice which role you want to embrace. Before making a decision, let’s look at the pros and cons for both: 
The Hunted
Pros: In order to be the “hunted” it means you’re on top. You’ve worked hard to be in this position and now someone wants what you have. In sports it’s beneficial to have a dominant team/player that everyone is gunning for. You either love or hate them. It brings more attention to the sport period. It’s the same in the business world.
Cons: Sometimes when you’re number one, you get lazy. Past success breeds complacency. There’s an arrogance that can follow success and take you down. If you’re too used to winning, your motivation dwindles and you stop doing the things that put you on top. Be careful not to become entitled and believe you deserve to be where you are. There’s always someone ready to take your place.
The Hunter
Pros: You have your eyes on the prize. Your radar is locked and you are ready to kill. It’s crucial to have a target and something to go towards. Focus brings the best results. Being the hunter means you’re motivated to work harder than everyone else to achieve greatness. Hunters don’t make excuses, they just want results.
Cons: Part of being the best means you know what it takes. It’s hard to strive to be the leader when you lack experience. Doubts creep in when you don’t see your desired results. It can be overwhelming and you question whether you have what it takes. At the same time, being a bit naive about a situation can cause you to take more risks in hopes to breakthrough.

This is a personal decision. For me, I prefer being the hunter. It keeps me hungry. I’d rather play to win, than try not to lose. As a coach, it’s essential to go towards a target versus avoid something. Choose the one that motivates you to be your best. Which one do you prefer? Hunter or hunted? Please share your comments below.

Do you REALLY want Feedback?

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Last night on America’s Got Talent I watched how contestants responded to the judge’s feedback. They love to hear praise from Howie Mandel & Sharon Osborne, but none of them are receptive to constructive comments from Piers Morgan (even though he spoke the truth). Have you noticed that we live in a world that only wants to hear positive feedback?
The problem with only receiving praise is you become complacent with no desire to grow. Hearing criticism is tough, but it’s good for you – it can motivate you to become better. Next time you want helpful feedback, try asking these questions:
What areas do I need to improve in?
What should I be focusing on?
What should I be doing more of?
Brace yourself because you may not like what you hear. Most people don’t want to listen to negative comments, because they take it too personal. Focus less on the messenger and more on the message. Use the feedback as motivation towards a new goal.
At the heart of the problem is a lack of awareness. Both self-awareness & being aware of how other’s perceive you. Knowing your strengths means you should also know your weaknesses. People who deny, are blind to, or are just plain naive miss out on crucial insight to improve themselves. It is a privilege to hear how you can get better. Take advantage of it.
True mentors point out your deficiencies so you can eliminate them. Be open and willing to listen to what others are saying about you. That doesn’t mean you don’t filter ignorant comments, but if someone is trying to help you by sharing areas that you can improve upon, listen closely and thank him/her for their concern. (The truth may hurt, but it’s still the truth.)

Leaders learn from teachable moments. They put aside their ego because they value growth. You can learn a lot more from your mistakes than you can from your success. Stay hungry by asking for feedback, then challenge yourself to make the necessary changes to become the best version of you possible!