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365 Coaching Tips: 154th, 155th and 156th

June 3rd Coaching Tip: Falling Behind Happens.

Ever felt like you are falling behind? That’s how I feel right now about this daily blog. I’m behind, but I will catch up, bit by bit. How is the real question? Making it a priority again for 15 minutes over the next couple weeks, since I am not traveling. I have no reason to be distracted, none. Since June 3rd, I’ve been traveling to southern Indiana for the Indiana Senior Games, then got a bit sick, flew to Florida, then to Bloomington three times over the last three weeks to check on the house remodel project there, then to New York for a three day work trip. Falling behind happens, but now it’s time to catch up. And I will, bit by bit. My strengths of discipline and focus, along with responsibility, will kick me back in to success.

June 4th Coaching Tip: Softball is Soaring!

The NCAA Women’s College World Series has viewership; eyes are on the game and I’m thrilled for these gals. They sure deserve it. And now, Major League Baseball is doubling down on softball, announced on May 29th, for the inaugural season for Women’s Pro Softball. Why is this important? Because women are playing and watching softball…and those same eyes just might watch MLB baseball more in the future, too.

What’s soaring in your life? What should you invest in? Right now, MLB thinks it’s wise to invest in softball, purchasing a stake in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and I agree 100%. Viewership matters, and they will show some editorial stories, enhance and embrace their social media, and even show some AUSL games on MLB TV.

June 5th Coaching Tip: Plants Need You.

Water those plants. Fertilize those plants; get them the proper amount of sun. Keep the bugs away, and for sure, pull out the weeks.

As you lead your team, which colleague needs some water, as you are noticing that they are a bit drained? Which teammate needs some sunshine, and on the stage a bit more? Which person needs a few weeds pulled around them, so that they can soar?

As a leader, are you paining enough attention to what every person on your team needs? If not, go home and do some checking on your plants. They need you, and so does your team.

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365 Coaching Tips: 151st, 152nd and 153rd

May 31st Coaching Tip: Introduce Yourself.

We joined our friends yesterday for dinner at a private club that they recently joined. As we were seated, I noticed that one of the restaurant greeters at the club had injured her right arm. After we were seated and ordered drinks and appetizers, I got up to go back and introduce myself to her. Why? Because I felt bad for her arm injury and wanted to learn more about her. She told me what happened and what are the next steps; she impressed me with her positive outlook and that she’s getting a pink cast for the summertime. We then discussed my 2007 injury when I broke both wrists on a fall; shared with her how important the three people who cared for me. We had much in common with our wrist/arm injuries, and yet I could have simply ignored her and walked on.

Then this morning on a short walk, I met a college guy that is staying in a condo for a couple month’s while he completes an internship. He was curious about the area, where to go to meet people, and real estate. He asked me what I did for work, and I told him alot, i.e. Caterpillar then to Merrill Lynch, and now also real estate investing. I’m so glad that I met Mo today; he’s from Toledo and this is his first time away from Toledo. We’ll keep an eye out for him now that we both introduced ourselves. Be intentional, kind and introduce yourself.

June 1st Coaching Tip: 529’s.

If you don’t understand 529’s, join the crowd. I’m NOT a financial advisor and I’m not giving you 529 advice and investment advice. I am encouraging you to understand what a 529 is, how it might help someone with education costs, or how it might help someone in the future with their retirement. Get informed on what is available for people that are important to you. 529’s are worth understanding.

June 2nd Coaching Tip: Returning From Vacation.

On Sunday evening before I returned to work on Monday (after taking a week off), I quickly checked my work calendar and quickly checked my inbox. This helped me get into the proper mindset to ease back in to work on Monday. Plus, in reviewing my emails, I could tell that one of the most important items that needed to be completed while I was out, welp, it didn’t get done. It sat idle for 4 workdays. Thank goodness I spotted this on Sunday evening, as it allowed me to prioritize this first thing Monday morning. I also blocked my calendar to take time to get caught up, connect with some colleagues, and remind/confirm others of upcoming appointments that are happening this and next week. How do you return from vacation? Do you have a process? My Sunday, intentional, quick check-in sure works for me.

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365 Coaching Tips: 148th, 149th and 150th

May 28th Coaching Tip: Six Questions for Your Budget.

Talked to my godson recently and he mentioned how important it was that I taught him how to budget in minutes. It was one of those moments for me that I actually don’t recall; however, for him it was a moment that mattered to him, and he’s shared the budgeting tips with his friends for years now.

Let’s get the ball rolling here by answering these questions about your income and expenses to help you establish your budget. 1) What is your total income? 2) What is your net income (after taxes, 401K, health insurance and social security are deducted from your paycheck, if applicable), 3) What do you want to save for and why? i.e. $5,000 emergency savings account or $40,000 for a home downpayment or $15,000 for a few months off to study or travel. 4) What are your monthly mandatory bills, i.e. food, housing, utilities, cell phone, and car or transportation expenses. 5) What are your discretionary monthly bills, i.e. health insurance, dining out, clothing, entertainment, gifts/parties, etc. 6) What is your monthly debt that is NOT housing, i.e. Visa, Mastercard, loan payback to parents and friends, etc.

Once you understand these six questions, take 5-10 minutes to answer them. Your MONTHTLY net income needs to be MORE than all of your MONTHLY mandatory, discretionary and debt. If you are positive, then you have the ability to save even more. If your expenses are higher than your net income, then you must a) find ways to increase your income (work a second job, have a side hustle, etc.) and also find ways to reduce your expenses. For example, during my 25 years at Caterpillar, I made my lunch in the morning and took it to work most days that I was in the office. Let’s assume that I saved $7/lunch during the 25 years, working in the office those days that I brought my lunch of 180 days equates to a $31,500 savings just by bringing my own lunch. Another cost saver that we still implement is that we go out to eat one evening a week. And, since I’ve been 21 years old, I contributed to my company’s 401K and the companies matched my contribution. Experts call this, “pay yourself first” by having it automatically deducted from your paycheck, and you won’t notice it since it never becomes a part of your discretionary budget. Know how to answer these six questions on your budget.

May 29th Coaching Tip: Get Yourself A Mentor.

Yes, I’m 60 and I found my mentor for my next couple decades. We met back in 2012 when he hired me to be the VP of Marketing for a tech startup. Fast forward to 2025, he has been working with a number of tech startup companies, helping 20-30 year old entrepreneurs build up their company and grow it, to ultimately sell. He’s 10 years older than me and I look forward to learning what he did from 60 to 70 years old, and then implementing many of his tips and tactics. He’s family oriented, enjoys makes memories, very health and sports focused, lives in the same areas (Naples, FL and Carmel, IN) as me, etc. I look forward to learning from my mentor, as we both agree, our best chapters in our life’s book are ahead of us. Get yourself a mentor.

May 30th Coaching Tip: Celebrate Your Wins.

After selling two homes recently, it was time to celebrate. One of the homes in Westfield, IN, was sold to a couple who was well prepared, and we closed on a price $6,000 over list price (we had 4 offers in 48 hours of the listing) in just two weeks. The other home in Delray Beach, FL, also sold to a young couple at list; although they were not as prepared, my realtor helped them actually get their financing completed to finalize the closing before the end of May.

Why celebrate? Because I challenged myself to buy both of these homes during COVID when times were a bit weird and unknown. Fast forward to 5 years later, selling these two homes is allowing me to do another project closer to my college home of Indiana University. We are in the midst of remodeling a 95 year old farmhouse with a green metal roof; the nearly 10 acres has a couple barns, a “she-shed”, and a chicken coup. We will celebrate there soon with a house and barn warming party, complete with a DJ playing music, and having fun with the indoor pickleball and basketball courts. Celebrate Your Wins!

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365 Coaching Tips: 145th, 146th and 147th

May 25th Coaching Tip: Explore.

Invited some friends to come over to Indianapolis and Carmel, IN for the weekend to go explore downtown Carmel and then join us to see the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Our group of nine total ranged from 8 years old to 63; two black men in their 30’s; a married couple; and another couple. My bestie and I went to explore the parking situation a couple days prior to the Indy 500 since it’s sold out; we have four different groups coming in for the race, so we had to have a common location for everyone to show up. It worked! We all showed up between 8:30-10:40am, had an early tailgate, then walked to the race Sunday morning. One of the guys wore a hat with the word “Explore” on it. He was exploring; he had never been to the Indy 500, not even a fan, but he was ready to explore.

Now in my sixth decade, I’m all about truly making memories and giving people the chance to see and experience new things and/or things that I deeply love and cherish. By the end of the evening, I had received the sweetest thank you’s from all involved. Explore!

May 26th Coaching Tip: Memorial Day.

Although I haven’t lost anyone directly close to me in the line of military duty, we choose to honor those who have lost their lives. Today, I am wearing my Navy t-shirt. My grandfather George was called to Navy duty in the last year of WWII when he was 33 years old, married and had a son (my father). My partner’s dad was a Navy pilot after WWII. We choose to honor them, as their efforts definitely helped us have the freedom to celebrate today.

May 27th Coaching Tip: Get Checked Out.

Couple months ago I noticed a dark spot on my left arm had developed. It was close to a spot that I had removed a few years ago. In no real rush, I scheduled a full dermatology checkup for when I returned to Carmel in mid-May. Welp, the spot that I thought was concerning was actually a good ole age spot; however, the doc found a basal cell spot on my right arm. Glad he checked me over, because I had not even noticed it. Today, I got it removed, just one week after it being noticed. Be courageous and intentional regarding your wellness; don’t wait, get checkout out. (My father had multiple spots of skin problems, and his ears took a toll due to him being outside so much as a farmer, worker, and horse trainer. He regularly visited the dermatologist and had them addressed.)

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365 Coaching Tips: 142nd, 143rd & 144th

May 22nd Coaching Tip: Our High School Class.

Thanks to some of the gals from our 1982 graduating class, they have created a group for our class on Facebook. Not only do they keep us up to date on our classmates and their parents, but they also post positive and uplifting messages. Our class was special in high school from 1978 to 1982…and still is special. Even when we were teenagers, we bonded together. I don’t remember fighting; I remember support, fun times, community involvement, fellowship and Christian activities, high achievers, and academic as well as athletic accomplishments. If you are in touch with your high school classmates, good for you. Keep it rolling! If not, can YOU be the one that brings the classmates back together? Our high school class continues on our tradition of caring…4 to 5 decades later.

May 23rd Coaching Tip: Know Your Boss.

As an employee, it’s to your benefit to understand and know your boss. Of course, you’re already thinking that “no, it’s their responsibility to know and get me!” For the relationship to work, it should actually be both ways. For example, my boss mentioned to me that she appreciates how I email her a summary of what’s going on during our monthly one-on-one. Now I do that summary email the day before we meet, so that she can quickly read it before our one-on-one. Plus, she remembers it better, too. And during our one-on-one, since it goes quicker, it gives me time to ask her what she needs me to do for her and the team. This two-way share is important to us both; we’re on the same page. Take time to get to know your boss and how they operate.

May 24th Coaching Tip: 112th Birthday Wishes.

Today would have been my grandmother’s 112th birthday. Although she passed in 2003, some 22 years ago, we had sweet memories of her today that my brothers and I shared with our mom. Our grandmother was a stunning gal, married a dapper guy from East Chicago Emerson and Univ. of Michigan. She was a stay at home mother with two kids, also was a substitute teacher, got involved in local politics, the Red Cross, had some real estate holdings, and was widowed at 50 years old. She didn’t stop. She kept right on going and gave us three grandkids one on one time that we were reminiscing about today. It was a sweet share to say a happy, heavenly birthday to our grandmother.

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365 Coaching Tips: 139th, 140th and 141st

May 19th Coaching Tip: Parks are FREE.

What a way to introduce your kids to free entertainment by simply taking them to a park. Teach a child how to go find 10 different leaves or six different bugs or five different weeds or wildflowers. Ask them to go make a friend with someone else. Time them as they run or play. Parks are free and simply go underutilized.

I’m always amazed when I go to Central Park in NYC; no matter the time of the year, it’s busy and bustling. Mostly with adults. Adults realize how important it is to be outside, soaking up sunshine, laying on the grass, listening to the birds chirp, running or walking on the many paths. If we as adults get it, then let’s make sure that our children get those experiences early in their lives. Parks are free and might be one of the best educational experiences that kids can have.

May 20th Coaching Tip: Practice The Script.

Today I worked with a couple young advisors who are learning how to care for clients of their colleague, a senior advisor who is expecting to wrap up working in the next couple years. As these two are meeting the clients for the first time, they are simply listening and taking notes. For the second meeting, we are now working on scripting and practicing questions for them to ask these clients. They landed on asking them about their family tree. We agreed that who doesn’t like talking about their family tree. And the second question would be to ask permission to reconfirm the beneficiaries on record for their accounts. We practiced these questions and relief came to them with smiles. Then we added another part of the script. After these meetings with the clients, the young advisors would call clients back, at the request of the senior advisor. This ties the effort together, and the client is understanding that the senior advisor is still in charge, but delegating work to be done. Take time to practice the script. It will drive more confidence and comfort for all parties involved.

May 21st Coaching Tip: Stand Up to Greet People.

Recently as a client, I went into an office and was greeted warmly and professionally by a couple of the company’s colleagues. They both stood up and came out of their offices and workspace to greet me. But a third colleague just looked at me and stayed seated in his work cubicle. It immediately created an uncomfortable situation for the two who had greeted me, knowing that I was a client.

Coaching tip for today is simple: when a client approaches you, stand up and greet them. A simple handshake or even a quick standup and smile at them are both appreciated. If you don’t stand up, you may be sending a signal to that client that they don’t matter. Stand up.

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365 Coaching Tips: 136th, 137th & 138th

May 16th Coaching Tip: Weather Warnings.

Pay attention to the weather and the warnings. For most of the week, the news and weather channels were warning parts of the country about incoming severe thunderstorms that could create tornadoes. This is how quick the weather changed on a nice spring afternoon. At 4pm til 545pm, I was sitting outside with my neighbors chatting and watching a softball game. As I jumped in my car to head to my 6pm haircut, I called those same neighbors quickly and said, “The weather in the west looks ominous. Can you guys take down my flags and move some stuff inside?” They got in to motion quickly. By 630pm, my haircut was done and I drove to get some groceries to then head north to our lakeside condo. As I was looking west and also at the radar, the storm looked like it was going to stay south as I was driving a bit north. But all of the sudden the tornado sirens started blaring and I knew that I needed to get to the condo quickly to be safe. I drove quickly to the condo…only to find out later that the worst winds were happening right as I was entering my condo. Pay attention to weather warnings; it can be a matter of life or death, as more than 30 people across the Midwest died that evening.

May 17th Coaching Tip: Take Lazy Day.

This coaching tip is simple. Sometimes you just need a lazy day. Take it. You have to listen to your body. Being good to your body is a vote for YOUR overall wellness. Take a lazy day.

May 18th Coaching Tip: Avoid The Head-On Collision.

It was a lovely Sunday morning as my mother was driving from her home in Kentland, IN to make a quick stop in Lafayette and then travel on to meet our family for a baby shower in Pendleton, IN. This will be her 7th great grandchild, and these events are beloved by my mother. As she was just 20 minutes in to her trip, some type of truck started heading directly at her. She avoided the head-on collision and the side-swipe, she quickly reacted, but both tires on the passenger side hit the curb and immediately went flat due to the sudden impact. My mother got her car pulled over at a gas station very close by, regained her composure, and although she was shaking a bit, called me to tell me what had just happened and that she was ok.

She and I quickly developed a plan to get her car insurance involved to fix the tires/get the car towed, and then my partner and I got the wheels literally rolling. My partner drove to the exact location where my mother was; mom was already identifying who had the tire size available and who was open to install them on a Sunday afternoon. Fast forward to 7pm…my mother and I did make it to the shower a couple hours late, then returned to pick up her car with two new tires. The biggest decision she made all day: avoid the head-on collision.

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365 Coaching Tips: 133rd, 134th and 135th

May 13th Coaching Tip: The Pacers Are A Team.

By now, you are probably realizing that my love for basketball has me utilizing basketball analogies in some of my coaching tips. Last night, the Indiana Pacers soundly won their 7-game series versus the #1 seed, Cleveland Cavaliers. Very few of the NBA experts selected the Pacers. But, the Pacers have pulled together since the NBA All-Star break in February, and have been on a winning roll. They are winning! How? From my point of view, they each understand their role, their bench celebrates wildly and regularly, and 5-7 players each night score in double figures. They are a TEAM, achieving more than any of the experts expected. They have a couple NBA all-stars on their team, but they have a number of role players who are stepping up, accepting their role, and executing under pressure at a high level. They are the first team ever in NBA history to go to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals as a 7th seed and 5th seed. Never ever been done; leave it to a team to get it done!

May 14th Coaching Tip: Your Network Matters.

It’s one thing to have “Facebook friends” and “Linked In” connections, but it’s a whole different level when you can reach out to important people in your network to get a meeting with them. That happened today and yesterday. I wanted to gather some insights and feedback on an idea that I have, so I quickly shared why I wanted time with them, and they agreed to meet with me…and were also prepared to discuss with me.

Over 14 years ago when I exited Caterpillar, my career coach was instrumental in making me really leverage people in my network that can make a difference. And sure enough, one of those key people helped connect me with my current role at Merrill. It was pure timing. He and I had just connected on what I wanted to do, and then a week or two later, an opportunity was discussed while he was at dinner. He recommended me, then called me the next day. The rest is history; I’ve been at Merrill for nearly 13 years. Your network matters!

May 15th Coaching Tip: Thank you notes.

Today, I received the nicest thank you note from a former colleague who reached out to me for some help. She was wanting to implement a number of technology and process changes with her team this week. After I heard about her successes with the team already and also hearing her say that there may be some resistance, she and I discussed her strategy; we landed on B & B, i.e. to get their Buy-in, give it to them in Bite sizes. So we worked on a timeline of what the team had already accomplished, reminded her to celebrate those wins, and then what further process and tech changes to implement over the next few months…in bite sizes…not all at once. Wanting her to be successful, I shared with her a quick 7-minute video that might just help her know what she was truly requesting and connected her with another leader who had already successfully implemented these tech and process changes. It worked! She thanked me today for helping her think over her initial plan, nudging her to slow down just a little and give them B & B with a timeline and examples. I played a small part in her success, but was smiling when I got her thank you note.

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365 Coaching Tips: 130th, 131st and 132nd

May 10th Coaching Tip: Say No to Price Increases.

Ever had that feeling when you’re feeling taken advantage of? For example, maybe your internet bill keeps creeping up higher and higher, then all of the sudden, the $35/month jumped to $50/month to $75/month? Welp, that just happened to me. Services that are doubling in costs may be ok to some people, but I’m saying no. I switched and locked in a 4-year guaranteed rate of $55/month with unlimited data and 1G. Say no to price increases that make your skin crawl. Have the courage to say no, take a few minutes and make the change, and take care of YOU!

May 11th Coaching Tip: Mothers love Mother’s Day.

Mothers love mother’s day. Why? Because it is ALL about them. And all they want is to be recognized, be around their kids and grandkids, share a meal, play a game, tell some stories, laugh, and spend time together. It’s pretty simple, and yet, why is that so many people miss it or “underthink it” or forget to even get a handwritten note, card, flowers, a treat for their mom? Not sure I understand, but it’s easy to resolve. Put a reminder on your calendar a week prior to Mother’s Day to help you be prepared and make it about her. Mothers love mother’s day.

May 12th Coaching Tip: The Best Want Feedback.

At the end of my day today, I coached one of the best female advisors in our company. She felt a bit stuck, as she mentioned that she hadn’t got much done since our convo in January. However, she is growing via referrals, especially with women, and plans to hire 1-2 more talented teammates by midyear. She’s also adding an intern for the summer. We also discussed how a couple of her teammates cannot get out of the day to day work, and do the more important work. By the end of the call, we had identified 3-5 prioritized things that she and her team can do this summer with the intern to help automate her practice to free up time for teammates, focus on the clients that she wants to replicate, and refocus the amount of time spent with segments of her clients. By the end of the call, she was smiling and was ready to set up the next call. The best leaders want feedback. They also want to be heard. Listen, listen, and then lean in.

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365 Coaching Tips: 127th, 128th & 129th

May 7th Coaching Tip: Are You Magnetic?

This past week, I had the pleasure of coaching a multi-generational team in Naples. As we wrapped up, one of the women looked at me and said, “I’m so pumped up to go make change. You’re magnetic!” I was completely caught off guard but somehow had my wits about me to smile and thank her.

Are you magnetic? It means that you’re attractive or alluring, as a person. I’m pleased that I had that impact on her. However, it’s my responsibility as a coach to follow up and see if the magnetic feeling is now carrying over into this week with execution. Most of us have a few magnetic people in our lives. What we do with that magnetic feeling is the ultimate test.

May 8th Coaching Tip: Training Someone Else.

As I flew home this evening on a plane that was just 1/3 full, we had a funny, senior flight attendant who really took to the microphone. He explained what we needed to do as we entered the plane: space out and only 1-2 people per row. Everyone complied. Then he explained that he was training a new flight attendant, as it was her first flight, and he requested that everyone should give her some grace. The passengers clapped and were kind to her. As she made drinks for everyone and brought them to our seats, he stood behind her and watched her as she delivered them all.

We’ve all been there, that moment when you’re a new employee and you don’t know everything. But whew, does it ever help when you have good training and a willing mentor/partner to quickly give you feedback as you begin your new role. Help someone out by helping train them. It might make you a better leader and colleague, too.

May 9th Coaching Tip: Gardening Is Like Leading.

My grandmother could get anything to grow and her flowers in her yard were always vibrant. My mother has similar skills and has won numerous flower and garden awards. This weekend, I was trying to emulate their skills. Out came the flowerpots, in came the annuals, dirt, and fertilizer. Identifying which flowerpots would be in the shade with which flowers was important from the beginning of my potting process. I set aside four window boxes because they are all in the shade and they need shade loving annuals (impatients). The other pots would need partial shade or full sun.

As I was potting, I was realizing that gardening is much like leading. It’s important to provide the right amount of sunshine, pot size, fertilizer, soil, and water…or the flowers and plants don’t thrive. Similar to people, leaders need to make it a priority to really understand who needs what (sunshine, fertilizer, etc.) and when, all in an effort to help them grow and develop into the teammate or colleague that they can become. Seeds turn into seedlings, then to small plants, on to medium to larger flowers/plants, and ultimately their time runs out at harvest or die due to cold weather. If you care for your people like a gardener cares for their garden, you should reap great rewards. Are you a gardener of people?