A friend of mine is learning to fly a glider and last week he did a perfect landing! I overheard him telling a friend about it.
The instructor said, decide where you are going to land and then utterly keep focus on that spot BUT when you are about 10ft from the ground, your focus MUST be at the far, far end of the runway. That way you get a smooth ride and a great (and safe) landing. Hmm….
In an equally nosy manner, I heard some-one speaking on a packed commuter train to London from Cambridge the other day about the doom and gloom (Chicken Licken eat your heart out!) in the market, the desperate situation in the financial sector and that there really was no option but to hope for the best and sit tight! Now, it is a fact that there is uncertainty in the market, the economic outlook is less than rosy, points are dropping of the NASDAQ and the FTSE, left, right and centre; however if we believe that we are in a difficult spot with no means of navigating out, that there is no way of, or that we can’t take action to make a difference, well that’s exactly where we are – in a tight spot without any means of getting out! That’s right for sure!
A great friend reminded me of the oft quoted Henry Ford’s ‘Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." How true – in which case – for the man on the train in the pit of doom and gloom and the people fuelling his woes - better get sight of that goal again PDQ!!
Recently, I heard Richard Branson speak and he argued that business is not about “balance sheets, money, profits and loss” but “to create something that you’re really proud of, something that the people who work for you can be really proud of”. OK, so in this market (any market in fact) it would be rather foolish to not care for the financials, cash flow (is king!) and P&L however, having that truly motivated and therefore creative and innovative workforce, can make the most powerful of differences in terms of market share, reputation, and ultimately profits.
I was very privileged to work with the most fantastic group of people (you know who you are!) last week who achieved and set plans afoot which were extraordinary and more importantly, I’ve no doubt will be successful. With the right focus, strategy, and dare I say passion and enthusiasm, anything and everything is possible.
So, to recall Henry Ford, don’t lose sight of that goal, the obstacle of recession, trouble in the markets and economy have been with us before and will be again.
And whilst we can’t help you land a glider perfectly (though I know a man who can) if you or your organisation would like some assistance with the landing spot and a smoother ride ahead, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Enjoy the summer!
Warmest,
Kate
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Friday, 4 January 2008
New Year - what does 2008 hold for you?
Making the right choices;
A few little words stood out last week, ‘being constantly concerned about other people’s perception of you will never make you happy’! That was the sentiment anyway - I was reading Russell Brand’s autobiography, half-way up a hill in Tuscany – so that may not be word-perfect!
At this time of year, a time for reflection, review and looking to and planning for the year ahead - as individuals, managers, chief executives - it is sometimes easy to be swayed by others views and doing the same thing. Not rocking the proverbial boat! I work with many clients to make choices that are for them, truly for them and not what they believe others desire from them. How they should behave, what they should drive, how they should live etc……. be true to you and the rest will follow.
I was party to a conversation just before Christmas about ‘choices’. One individual in the debate was of the belief that some things we just ‘have’ to do, and he believed that there was no choice in certain situations; his example was the following; a friend supporting a large family and large house with correspondingly large mortgage, and commuting to London from the home counties, and working for a boss that he dislikes….. One of my colleagues rather artfully assisted him in changing his thinking… having a large family – a choice, a large house with a large mortgage – a choice, commuting to London - a choice, working for a boss you dislike – a choice……all of the above can be changed if you truly want to.
Of course these are all choices, each and every one and whatever it is that we are doing in life, there is always a choice…
A few little words stood out last week, ‘being constantly concerned about other people’s perception of you will never make you happy’! That was the sentiment anyway - I was reading Russell Brand’s autobiography, half-way up a hill in Tuscany – so that may not be word-perfect!
At this time of year, a time for reflection, review and looking to and planning for the year ahead - as individuals, managers, chief executives - it is sometimes easy to be swayed by others views and doing the same thing. Not rocking the proverbial boat! I work with many clients to make choices that are for them, truly for them and not what they believe others desire from them. How they should behave, what they should drive, how they should live etc……. be true to you and the rest will follow.
I was party to a conversation just before Christmas about ‘choices’. One individual in the debate was of the belief that some things we just ‘have’ to do, and he believed that there was no choice in certain situations; his example was the following; a friend supporting a large family and large house with correspondingly large mortgage, and commuting to London from the home counties, and working for a boss that he dislikes….. One of my colleagues rather artfully assisted him in changing his thinking… having a large family – a choice, a large house with a large mortgage – a choice, commuting to London - a choice, working for a boss you dislike – a choice……all of the above can be changed if you truly want to.
Of course these are all choices, each and every one and whatever it is that we are doing in life, there is always a choice…
- People will always give you differing opinions on which choice you should make.
- You will never know if you made the right choice.
- Someone will always feel you made the wrong choice.
- Not all choices have a “right” or “wrong” answer.
- Any choice can be “right” or “wrong” depending how you treat them.
- What you choose is not as important as how you choose and what you do with your choice.
- You can live with any choice you make.
- You can take responsibility for any choice you make.
- Only you can make your choices.
- Making a choice is an act of will that shapes your life to your dimensions.
- Everyone inevitably makes “wrong” choices sometimes but that’s okay.
- You are the choices you make in life and your future will be determined by them.
So, because you know what happens if you put off thinking about the important stuff i.e. you then put off making things happen.
A few thoughts to help you on your way;
How do you decide what you really want? Try considering your options at each of the five stages that go into every decision.
Usually, we choose so fast that we don't realize just how detailed the process is. But when you think about it, there really are five parts to every decision:
- Identify the issue
- Think through possible solutions or alternatives
- Evaluate the ideas
- Take Action act out the plan
- Learn for the future
For example, during a rather smart meal at Christmas I was confronted with some oysters – which I really don’t like.
Identify the issue (how to not eat the oysters and not offend the host), Think through (feed to the dog, slip into handbag, give to some-one else, be honest), Evaluate the ideas (dogs outside! don’t want oysters in new handbag, paper napkin!), Take Action (honesty won - apologized elegantly – then gave to nephew!), Learn (find out before hand what’s for dinner to take pre-emptive action or carefully position dogs).
So, have a wonderful New Year – filled with all the success, prosperity and excitement that you deserve. For an executive coach to assist you along the path and avoid whatever your own ‘oysters’ maybe, call or email me and I’d be delighted to speak with you. http://www.the-x-fusion.co.uk/, or 01763 853 924.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Do you boost your team into the New Year with renewed vigour!
Will you really celebrate the end of the year with your team to propel them ahead into 2008? And will it truly reflect your values?
During the festive season, even if you don’t have a specific religion, ‘’goodwill towards man’’ is, I think, a fine sentiment in its own right. And after all it is the end of the year, the calendar one at any rate. Therefore if that gives us an opportunity for a little review – what did you do well, what did your team do well, what did you do in spite of the odds rather than because of them– then let’s use it! Let’s spread a little goodwill - there’s a new year ahead!
In your business, is the festive season a time for celebration - the successes of the year, the highlights, the lowlights ………. or just an excuse for a good knees up and a drink or six and the potential opportunity to give some-one a quick peck on the cheek that you couldn’t possibly do at any other time of the year!! Whatever it is, it could be that if you apply a little thought and application – you may get as much as you give.
Last week, I worked with a fabulous team and in the afternoon of day one of the workshop - we did an exercise on alignment. What I mean by that is that we worked out how well the team was on plan, on target and more importantly, as a group were their beliefs, values and vision in sync. Despite all of us having got up very early and been rowing (great team-building exercise!) in temperatures of c4degrees – the exercise revealed some business actions that needed to be acted upon immediately and more importantly issues that could make a difference to the bottom line PDQ! This was a high performing team performing well and for them we discovered how they can be even better. For teams that are less cohesive the results of this sort of intervention can be revolutionary - galvanising them into much, much greater achievements or changes that make the difference! One of the most common reasons for difficulty in organisations and within teams is that values and beliefs are different and therefore having and sharing a vision or mission becomes almost impossible.
At this time of year, for whatever reason, there is a nice warmth and positivity hanging about the place and therefore why not use this perfect opportunity to not only thank your teams and employees for this year’s efforts but more importantly get a little clarity to get them focused on the right things for next year – which reflect your values - as leader, manager or CEO.
Despite the financial wobbles that are occurring on the other side of the pond and despite the continued - how to put? - incidents that our new government seem hell bent on producing each and every week - keeping your team and company focused and not put off by economic fluctuations, competition, or anything else that may distract them...... would very possibly be a great thing to do this side of 2008.
So,
When did you last thank your team - and specific individuals within it - not just a wee comment by the water-cooler or an after presentation comment, a short note of thanks in a card or email if you really must. It goes an awful long way to motivating people and is free to boot ( apart from a little of your time perhaps)!
When did you last gather as a team, group or company to discuss your company vision, your values & beliefs - what is it that makes you tick as a team, as a company - what do you collectively believe in and therefore what do you need to achieve it (I hear echoes of ‘what is she talking about’ – this sort of discussion - even for the most cynical of you out there - could make the difference to you hitting target or not!).
When will you sit down with your team to discuss the learning and outcomes of 2007 and what that means for 2008?
What went less well and have you learned not to do it again?
What went well and how can you repeat that performance?
What should you start doing?
And finally, those same questions for you, the leader, what are your values, what did you do well, what did you do less well and what shall you not do again, continue to do and start doing?
Tis the season to be jolly and as I sit here at my desk, there seems to be more than the odd bit of festive clutter gathering. Christmas is but a pantomime and an organic turkey away, so with all that flurry of anticipation – thank your teams, establish what your values really are - ensure that everyone is in alignment and start the New Year with a flourish!
Goodwill towards all men and have a highly successful 2008!
Kate Tojeiro is an Executive Performance Coach & MD of X fusion; www.the-x-fusion.co.uk
During the festive season, even if you don’t have a specific religion, ‘’goodwill towards man’’ is, I think, a fine sentiment in its own right. And after all it is the end of the year, the calendar one at any rate. Therefore if that gives us an opportunity for a little review – what did you do well, what did your team do well, what did you do in spite of the odds rather than because of them– then let’s use it! Let’s spread a little goodwill - there’s a new year ahead!
In your business, is the festive season a time for celebration - the successes of the year, the highlights, the lowlights ………. or just an excuse for a good knees up and a drink or six and the potential opportunity to give some-one a quick peck on the cheek that you couldn’t possibly do at any other time of the year!! Whatever it is, it could be that if you apply a little thought and application – you may get as much as you give.
Last week, I worked with a fabulous team and in the afternoon of day one of the workshop - we did an exercise on alignment. What I mean by that is that we worked out how well the team was on plan, on target and more importantly, as a group were their beliefs, values and vision in sync. Despite all of us having got up very early and been rowing (great team-building exercise!) in temperatures of c4degrees – the exercise revealed some business actions that needed to be acted upon immediately and more importantly issues that could make a difference to the bottom line PDQ! This was a high performing team performing well and for them we discovered how they can be even better. For teams that are less cohesive the results of this sort of intervention can be revolutionary - galvanising them into much, much greater achievements or changes that make the difference! One of the most common reasons for difficulty in organisations and within teams is that values and beliefs are different and therefore having and sharing a vision or mission becomes almost impossible.
At this time of year, for whatever reason, there is a nice warmth and positivity hanging about the place and therefore why not use this perfect opportunity to not only thank your teams and employees for this year’s efforts but more importantly get a little clarity to get them focused on the right things for next year – which reflect your values - as leader, manager or CEO.
Despite the financial wobbles that are occurring on the other side of the pond and despite the continued - how to put? - incidents that our new government seem hell bent on producing each and every week - keeping your team and company focused and not put off by economic fluctuations, competition, or anything else that may distract them...... would very possibly be a great thing to do this side of 2008.
So,
When did you last thank your team - and specific individuals within it - not just a wee comment by the water-cooler or an after presentation comment, a short note of thanks in a card or email if you really must. It goes an awful long way to motivating people and is free to boot ( apart from a little of your time perhaps)!
When did you last gather as a team, group or company to discuss your company vision, your values & beliefs - what is it that makes you tick as a team, as a company - what do you collectively believe in and therefore what do you need to achieve it (I hear echoes of ‘what is she talking about’ – this sort of discussion - even for the most cynical of you out there - could make the difference to you hitting target or not!).
When will you sit down with your team to discuss the learning and outcomes of 2007 and what that means for 2008?
What went less well and have you learned not to do it again?
What went well and how can you repeat that performance?
What should you start doing?
And finally, those same questions for you, the leader, what are your values, what did you do well, what did you do less well and what shall you not do again, continue to do and start doing?
Tis the season to be jolly and as I sit here at my desk, there seems to be more than the odd bit of festive clutter gathering. Christmas is but a pantomime and an organic turkey away, so with all that flurry of anticipation – thank your teams, establish what your values really are - ensure that everyone is in alignment and start the New Year with a flourish!
Goodwill towards all men and have a highly successful 2008!
Kate Tojeiro is an Executive Performance Coach & MD of X fusion; www.the-x-fusion.co.uk
Monday, 16 July 2007
'And the difference is ? '
A lawyer friend of mine was invited on a ‘jolly’ as he described it, in Cambridge, a marquee on the riverbank, champagne on tap, canapés, strawberries and cream on a balmy afternoon. That was the perception or expectation in my friend’s head at any rate!
It transpired to be a few people crammed onto a punt - no champagne – a few beers and several punnets of warm strawberries which my rather dapper, affable friend was left holding, squeezed in between two giggly young girls. Nothing against the giggly young girls - just not perhaps the Henley-esque experience that he was expecting or maybe hoping for!
Perception, misperception is a common occurrence and where coaching is concerned it happens often. So, may I offer you some clarification?
I reflect on three meetings;
The first was a client, a very capable CEO. He joined the organisation less than 18 months ago and it was significantly loss making, he took this ailing company to becoming very saleable organisation and a deal concluded early this week (a multi-million pound deal, I will add). Did I see a confident, ballsy, excited individual, proud of his recent achievement? I did not! Admittedly, as many of you will testify taking a company through an exit is no mean feat - exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, exciting, tedious and any other descriptive you care to mention (some of which are best left unwritten!) however the exit and perhaps the anticlimax hailed the start of a new era.
Do you ever have that feeling when you have heaps to do or even one specific thing to do and hard as you try you can’t seem to make the first step to tackling it, head-on or even from the sidelines in stealth mode? This is where we started.
The session enabled the client to articulate the real issues that were going on and therefore reveal the path ahead. Some-one else really probing, asking challenging questions and making one accountable for ones actions - that makes a huge difference to how one moves ahead and progresses. More importantly having an impartial and unbiased supporter that will be metaphorically speaking ‘on your side’ through the ups and downs, and also providing a softer cushion of support when it’s required.
An email later arrived from the client saying ’I've come back determined, energized and focused on my great achievement and on the positives, and to milk both for all they are worth!‘
That was coaching. My client shall remain nameless and I was the coach.
Meeting number two, is with a highly regarded entrepreneur, hugely successful businessman, published author, public speaker and generally great bloke.
The two meet at a disceet location in London, they discuss business, aspirations future strategy, global poverty…..
This man is charismatic, steely sharp and incredibly generous with his time and advice. He asks the most incisive of questions and really gets to the heart of an issue – evoking one to really explore all avenues and most importantly really hone in and focus on where one is headed.
From a position of great experience and knowledge, the entrepreneur imparts advice, encouragement and methodologies as to how the other might significantly grow their business in a supportive yet challenging way.
Specific, measurable suggestions that not only enable but also inspire! Topics covered are wide and varied; people, motivation, target market, USPs, finance, legal, marketing and the myriad of other issues facing companies and executives today.
I walked out onto the Strand positively bouncing with excitement and renewed vigour and drive (I still am in fact!).
That was mentoring and I was the privileged mentee and it was a gift.
Meeting number three;
An individual that I know well has been hugely successful in business (and continues to be) and has great friends and family.
Some 20 years ago, my friend grew up with alcoholic parents and lost his mother when he was eighteen in a tragic accident (doubtless caused by the alcohol abuse). At certain times in life this causes him to not only find a given situation very challenging but also he finds it extremely difficult in knowing how to handle it.
He sees a psychotherapist regularly and is slowly overcoming and being able put aside some of the pain.
This is counselling (or therapy), the friend shall remain nameless and the psychotherapist is a member of the British Association of Psychotherapists. Occasionally coaching will stray into areas of our psyche that require the services of a specialist counsellor or therapist – a good coach would always point out that they were not best placed to assist and refer on in such situations.
There is often some confusion defining coaching, mentoring and counselling. There is a time and place for each and the results and outcomes from each intervention can be extraordinary and potentially life-changing. However, they are each very different and it is essential that the boundaries of each aren’t blurred as this is when the wrong intervention can cause entirely the wrong outcome!
My lawyer friend was subsequently invited to the British Grand Prix by a generous corporate organisation; this reality super-ceded his expectation! Use coaching, mentoring or counselling at the right time in the right place and you will find that your expectations are more than likely surpassed too.
Kate Tojeiro is an Executive Performance Coach. Contact her at www.the-x-fusion.co.uk
It transpired to be a few people crammed onto a punt - no champagne – a few beers and several punnets of warm strawberries which my rather dapper, affable friend was left holding, squeezed in between two giggly young girls. Nothing against the giggly young girls - just not perhaps the Henley-esque experience that he was expecting or maybe hoping for!
Perception, misperception is a common occurrence and where coaching is concerned it happens often. So, may I offer you some clarification?
I reflect on three meetings;
The first was a client, a very capable CEO. He joined the organisation less than 18 months ago and it was significantly loss making, he took this ailing company to becoming very saleable organisation and a deal concluded early this week (a multi-million pound deal, I will add). Did I see a confident, ballsy, excited individual, proud of his recent achievement? I did not! Admittedly, as many of you will testify taking a company through an exit is no mean feat - exhausting, exhilarating, frustrating, exciting, tedious and any other descriptive you care to mention (some of which are best left unwritten!) however the exit and perhaps the anticlimax hailed the start of a new era.
Do you ever have that feeling when you have heaps to do or even one specific thing to do and hard as you try you can’t seem to make the first step to tackling it, head-on or even from the sidelines in stealth mode? This is where we started.
The session enabled the client to articulate the real issues that were going on and therefore reveal the path ahead. Some-one else really probing, asking challenging questions and making one accountable for ones actions - that makes a huge difference to how one moves ahead and progresses. More importantly having an impartial and unbiased supporter that will be metaphorically speaking ‘on your side’ through the ups and downs, and also providing a softer cushion of support when it’s required.
An email later arrived from the client saying ’I've come back determined, energized and focused on my great achievement and on the positives, and to milk both for all they are worth!‘
That was coaching. My client shall remain nameless and I was the coach.
Meeting number two, is with a highly regarded entrepreneur, hugely successful businessman, published author, public speaker and generally great bloke.
The two meet at a disceet location in London, they discuss business, aspirations future strategy, global poverty…..
This man is charismatic, steely sharp and incredibly generous with his time and advice. He asks the most incisive of questions and really gets to the heart of an issue – evoking one to really explore all avenues and most importantly really hone in and focus on where one is headed.
From a position of great experience and knowledge, the entrepreneur imparts advice, encouragement and methodologies as to how the other might significantly grow their business in a supportive yet challenging way.
Specific, measurable suggestions that not only enable but also inspire! Topics covered are wide and varied; people, motivation, target market, USPs, finance, legal, marketing and the myriad of other issues facing companies and executives today.
I walked out onto the Strand positively bouncing with excitement and renewed vigour and drive (I still am in fact!).
That was mentoring and I was the privileged mentee and it was a gift.
Meeting number three;
An individual that I know well has been hugely successful in business (and continues to be) and has great friends and family.
Some 20 years ago, my friend grew up with alcoholic parents and lost his mother when he was eighteen in a tragic accident (doubtless caused by the alcohol abuse). At certain times in life this causes him to not only find a given situation very challenging but also he finds it extremely difficult in knowing how to handle it.
He sees a psychotherapist regularly and is slowly overcoming and being able put aside some of the pain.
This is counselling (or therapy), the friend shall remain nameless and the psychotherapist is a member of the British Association of Psychotherapists. Occasionally coaching will stray into areas of our psyche that require the services of a specialist counsellor or therapist – a good coach would always point out that they were not best placed to assist and refer on in such situations.
There is often some confusion defining coaching, mentoring and counselling. There is a time and place for each and the results and outcomes from each intervention can be extraordinary and potentially life-changing. However, they are each very different and it is essential that the boundaries of each aren’t blurred as this is when the wrong intervention can cause entirely the wrong outcome!
My lawyer friend was subsequently invited to the British Grand Prix by a generous corporate organisation; this reality super-ceded his expectation! Use coaching, mentoring or counselling at the right time in the right place and you will find that your expectations are more than likely surpassed too.
Kate Tojeiro is an Executive Performance Coach. Contact her at www.the-x-fusion.co.uk
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