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Leadership Caffeine: In Pursuit of Your Potential

Being driven is a necessity in life. No one is going to push you as hard as you push yourself. You can’t expect others to motivate you, that’s your responsibility.

When things don’t go your way, don’t make excuses, figure out what you can do differently and move on. You can’t control all your circumstances, but you can control how you choose to look at and deal with them. There’s so much to learn from the “down” times even though it’s difficult to see that while you are going through it. 

Just continue to GROW FORWARD…

In my experience as a coach, no one trait determines success or failure more than attitude. I’d go as far as to say attitude determines whether you should work with a coach or a therapist. Nothing frustrates me more as a coach than a client with a “victim” mentality. It’s always someone else’s fault, there’s always an excuse or their obstacle is just too huge to overcome. I realized quick why I wanted to be a coach when I got to sit in a client “seat” with both a coach and a counselor. I found myself wanting to speed the pace up, figure out what action I could take next and move forward! I admit, I have a difficult time when I coach a client who has “cyclical” thinking.  

My ideal client is one who will take responsibility for his or her shortcomings, is hungry to learn and is willing to try different things. You can’t change your circumstances, but you can change your perspective on how you view them…

That’s my opinion, but what do you think?

I’m curious to hear from other entrepreneurs…what’s your journey been like?

I believe the higher you move up the “totem pole” the less you actually deal with customers and the more you deal with employees. It can cause real headaches, but it’s the reality of the job. Know this going in and if you’re not willing to play the mediator, don’t take the gig!

Which of the 10 do you struggle with the most? Why?

What do you think?

Even with profit loss, the last thing you should cut is your budget. Instead invest in your current workforce by spending money on training. Your employees will feel valued and appreciated which translates to better customer service for your customers. 

Doesn’t this sound like an oxymoron? How can you possibly be active while you wait?
 
In Coaching, the focus is on the process before the results. Create the right process and the desired results will follow. We live in an instant gratification world. We want it and we want it now! We aren’t trained to wait, even when circumstances force us to.
 
Last week, my beloved Lakers defended their NBA title and Sasha Vujacic (whom isn’t my favorite) applied this principle. Up by two points with 13 seconds left, barely used Sasha gets fouled, steps to the free throw line and calmly sinks two free throws to go up by 4 points, eventually sealing the victory. After the celebration, a reporter stated that he saw Vujacic practicing free throws 3 hours before each game! He didn’t get much playing time, but when his name was called, he was ready.
 
Let’s apply this to your career. Unless you’re Taylor Swift, these past couple of years haven’t been as prosperous as you’d like. During the “down times”, what are you doing to prepare yourself for the moment? Are you challenging yourself to learn something new? Actively building your network? Gaining experience in your field of choice on a volunteer basis?
 
There’s much to do while you wait. The question is, “Are you ACTIVE while you wait?”

What are you doing to prepare for your moment of opportunity?

Mentors guide us by showing us their way. Most learn best through watching someone else’s example, so you can learn a lot from the experience of a mentor. Here a 5 easy steps to choose your next mentor:
 
1) Mutual Admiration
Find someone who excels in an area that you are interested in. Notice if they show interest and see potential in you.

2) Clarify Expectations
What do you hope to receive out of this relationship? Communicate to your mentor what you want to learn and see if it’s a good fit.
 
3) Be a Student
Be willing to adjust to your mentor’s availability. Ask questions and listen. Soak up as much information as you can.
 
4) Remove the Pedestal
Don’t expect perfection or you’ll be disappointed. When you “look up” to someone, the only place they can go is down.
 
5) Times Change
Strive to have several mentors in a lifetime. As your mentors change, so should you.
 
Seek out mentors that you can learn from, but be realistic about what he/she can offer. Look for someone who is willing to show and tell you. Because you learn best through example; find an “example” that best suits you!
 
What’s your experience with mentors? Please share your comments!

Need help finding a mentor?
Partner with Coach Scott to identify your strengths, accomplish goals faster & boost your confidence! E-mail Scott to start Growing Forward today!