Category: Leadership

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365 Coaching Tips: 265th, 266th & 267th

September 22 Coaching Tip: Stuck? Change It Up.

Numerous coaching sessions are about my clients being “stuck”. They are doing ok, but they seem to be stuck and not really growing but not losing business either. Most times I will ask them, “when you have been stuck in the past and what did you do?” I ask those two questions to get them thinking positively about a time when they became unstuck and progressed forward. They usually share that they changed things up a bit, i.e. they hired a coach, they changed their office and included a dashboard somewhere, they created a competition on their team to reward the new behavior, they took a vacation and came back with clear thoughts, etc. Bottom line, they changed things up a bit.

It happened to me recently. I was stuck on a design project; I kept going and doing the same thing for 2-3 weeks. Then I did something totally different, really got feedback, and changed my thinking. I’m already feeling the new feeling, and it’s invigorating.

September 23 Coaching Tip: Turn Them Loose.

Talked to a couple of my coaching clients recently about their experience with their interns this summer. They both were absolutely blown away by how thorough and helpful these interns were for their teams. Both leaders mentioned that these interns were professional, got projects done quicker than the team expected they would get them completed, and that they asked for more work that could truly help the team and the clients.

In my experience of leading interns since our group hired 100-200 interns/year when I was at Caterpillar in the 1990’s-2000’s, we found that if you give them big projects, get them to critically think about the potential results, learn how to go ask questions from experts, and grow from feedback, they were quite valuable “part-time hires.” Some of our high school interns would work for us their junior and senior years in high school and then would add another three to four more internships while they were in junior college or college. By the time these interns were graduating from college, they were very familiar with many of the facilities, the processes and systems, numerous employees, the work culture, and the performance expectations.

If you have interns, give them direction and projects, and turn them loose. They’ll get stuff done for you quicker that you had imagined.

September 24 Coaching Tip: Get Both Sides of the Story.

Ever have someone call you and said that, “you said this, you said that…” and yet they have never talked to you nor asked you what you actually said? That happened to me recently by a leader. This leader launched into what I did, without remaining curious, and never asked me for my input on what I did. So being the wiser of the two, I chose to listen to them opine on what I did…then I calmly summarized what they said, and then clearly slowed down and said the following, “now that I think I understand what you are saying, let me tell you what I actually did.” It was interesting how what this leader had heard was very different than what I did and said.

As a leader, it’s your responsibility to 1) support your people, and 2) get their side of the story. Don’t just think what someone else says is correct and accurate.

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365 Coaching Tip: 259th, 260th & 261st

September 16, 2025 Coaching Tip: Sick? Stay Home.

A group of 12 of us friends gathered over the previous weekend. We are all now in our 60’s. One of the 12 (who is a non-practicing MD) showed up and had a very evident cough. We all mentioned our concern and she kept indicating that she wasn’t sick, that the coughing was due to her asthma. We all knew better and tried to keep our distance from her. Throughout the weekend, I kept my distance, even sitting at the dining room table or going outside for frequent walks or going downstairs to just get away. However, she kept coughing and didn’t care how it might impact us.

Fast forward to this morning…seven of the 11 are now sick with sore throats and coughs. Seven of us, in our 60’s, are now sick due to a non-practicing MD who brought in her crud, coughed frequently around us, and then that spread quickly across our group of friends. Obviously, what’s done is done. Her lack of awareness and empathy for us is deeply concerning. Stay home if you’re sick.

September 17, 2025 Coaching Tip: Stay Home, Rest, Hydrate.

We all tell others to rest up and hydrate, get your vitamin C, blah blah blah. But, when you get sick, do you do that? Indeed, I did do that today. I worked 1/2 day at home, drank a lot of water and hot tea with honey, took 1500mg of Vit C, went on a couple, short, outdoor walks to get some fresh air and Vit D, and yes, took a nap.

Follow your own advice that you give others; when you’re sick, stay home, rest, hydrate.

September 18, 2025 Coaching Tip: Remember Anniversaries.

Again, a pro-tip is to use your iPhone or whatever calendar system you have to never miss key dates like birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. Today was my brother and his wife’s 43rd anniversary. It’s not just another day; it’s THEIR day. I reached out to them both; had an important text exchange with my sis-in-law and reached out to my brother, offering to send them some treats or dinner. They had already beat me to the punch, and my brother had picked up dinner and brought it home for them to enjoy. He appreciated my offer. Remember others; they’ll appreciate it.

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365 Coaching Tips: 262nd, 263rd and 264th

September 19th Coaching Tip: Keep The Faith.

Let’s go down history lane for some context regarding what has been happening recently.

On 8/21/1960, my parents were married and by 7/4/1961 and 11/8/1962, they were the proud parents of two young boys. During the Fall 1963, my mother (Barb) tragically lost her dad to a heart attack. A month later, the President of the USA (JFK) was assassinated. Mom and Dad maintained hope and pressed forward thru those two deaths and had me on 8/22/1964. I’m so grateful that they were resilient and pressed forward with optimism about growing and raising their family. By 1968, more political strife happened with both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy being assassinated. Three behemoths were murdered as my parents were raising their young family. And my mother lost her dad, knowing that he would never spend time with us as we grew up.

In the early 1970’s, the Vice President of the USA (Spiro Agnew) resigned in Oct. 1973 from his VP role due to a variety of problems. Keeping up hope, my grandmother (Bernice) and her gal pals went to the January 20, 1973, Presidential Inauguration for President Nixon. By that next summer, President Nixon was being investigated, and he also ultimately resigned in Aug. 1974

During that same timeframe, my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Not knowing how MS would impact our young family, my dad realized he needed to be much more available to help raise us kids and work at home on the farm, so he bought 20 horses and started his hall of fame career in harness racing. He raised, bred, trained, raced, owned, and sold 100’s of harness horses until the day he died in 2023.

Keep the faith, people, keep the faith. Just about the time we think we are the only ones going thru something horrible or depressing, step back, pray, reflect, and look at history. We humans have a tendency to repeat our same sins over and over. Keep the faith.

September 20th Coaching Tip: Provide A Moment.

It’s Dad’s weekend at Indiana University. Although I would LOVE to go to the highly anticipated game (#9 Illinois versus #19 Indiana at 730pm E), I’m making the decision to rest some more, so that I can keep on enjoying this Fall weather even more.

I have two great tickets, and one of my cousins let me know that her girlfriend and dad (at IU) needed two tickets. I quickly made the decision to sell them for $100/each, knowing this was a moment for this father-daughter combo. A memory they both will never forget. It’s a perfect autumn day on IU’s campus, warm weather, and an evening game with two ranked opponents. Doesn’t get much better than that. I’m glad to help provide this moment to them while watching the game on TV and resting.

September 21st Coaching Tip: Sort!

Today was a day to sort thru someone else’s stuff. I had waited over 10 months to do this, and today I needed some natural movement exercise without doing too much (since I’m recovering from a cold). I gave myself two hours to do the sorting, and I got to work. Piles for 1) trash, 2) Goodwill donations, 3) keep and utilize, and 4) pickup by others. By the end of the two hours, I was pleased to find a few items that I can utilize. In the evening, I took a carload of items to Goodwill. I still have a pile of trash, and we will get too that over the next month. I need to make a call to an organization who will come on site and remove it for free.

My tip for anyone is to set an amount of time and SORT. You’ll be glad you did. I think people can delay this important sorting due to emotional ties and memories to the things; when your head is clear and ready, set a timer and SORT.

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365 Coaching Tips: 256th, 257th & 258th

September 13th Coaching Tip: No Response, Best Response.

Ben Franklin was a master at so many things, including communication. He reflected in his writings and attributed sayings, by suggesting that “…it may be better to avoid pointless arguments and prioritizing goodwill over winning” as a wiser approach. Pointless conflicts and arguments often bring no true winner and can isolate or alienate friends and family from each other. Listening with no response is many times a way to learn and be more aware of a situation, without causing further stress or conflict.

In my coaching work, I’ve many times reminded myself and those that I coach that we have one mouth and two ears and two eyes. That’s a ratio to keep in mind: four to help you watch and listen, only one to voice your opinion. I embraced that all week, as I was around a couple people who were loud and boasting opinions that I didn’t agree with. I had no response, and it was the best response. For my overall wellness, it’s a healthier choice for me, too.

September 14th Coaching Tip: Early To Rise.

Our weekend was a blast in SW Michigan with my 1983 IU teammates. With us all departing on a Sunday morning and our checkout to be completed by 10am, a couple of us decided to get up early (6:00am) and we set up a yogurt bar with fresh fruit, Michigan raw honey, cinnamon and granola. We also had the coffee brewing and some Swedish muffins and pastries (from our shopping yesterday), as everyone would be moving quickly, packing their cars, and heading out. It all was easy to eat or to make it quickly so that they could take it with them. We wanted them to have ease…this early on a Sunday morning.

When thinking of others, be aware of the entire situation. Everyone had a blast all weekend. However, everyone was ready to get on the road to head home. Early to rise was the right thing to do. We returned back home by 12pm, because everything was ready for checkout at 830am, instead of 10am.

September 15th Coaching Tip: Work Those Relationships.

It’s my goal to know and appreciate my new neighbor at the house we are remodeling. Today, my neighbor was out mowing so I walked up the hill to greet him. After complimenting his yard and mentioning that I need to care for my yard a bit better, I simply thanked him for mowing and making it all look nice.

Then, I shared a common story; then he mentioned that he just got a heart stent. So then I shared that my mother got six stents more than seven years ago and she’s doing pretty good. As I walked away, I turned around and asked him what his favorite candy is for Halloween. He said he liked it all; I asked him to narrow that down, and he said anything except those Easter peeps marshmallow things. Then he said, “Reese miniature cups, Snickers, 3 Musketeers.” You know that I’m going to be handing him some of these the next time I see him; my goal is to keep working the relationship. It will benefit us both.

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365 Coaching Tips: 253rd, 254th & 255th

September 10th Coaching Tip: Slow to Anger.

Children in America are threatened weekly with some type of gun violence at school. Today, as I was walking into the break room at work, I noticed that the news was on the TV; the breaking headline was that a prominent and young public figure with millions of followers had been assassinated with a single gunshot. It stopped me in my tracks; I was thinking, “not again…more gun violence during the daytime”. By the time I got home after work and then relaxed in the evening, I was noticing the amount of anger due to this specific assassination was at a very high and intense rate on social media and TV media. The anger was like an inferno. As I laid it down that evening, I prayed for peace, kindness, and understanding. I prayed for our nation to heal and see just how costly gun violence is in our communities and to our overall well-being. I then prayed for wisdom, asking for help to be slow to anger.

September 11th Coaching Tip: Never Forget. Never.

Yesterday, I was stopped in my tracks as I went to the break room with the horrific news of an assassination of a young leader. And 24 years ago, on 9/11/2001, I was on a short walk from one conference room to the next at a facility in Mossville, IL (That was during my Caterpillar Inc. career). I turned my head to see what the breaking news was on the TV’s in our cafeteria; then I noticed that a small group was gathered around the TV’s and someone mentioned that a plane flew into the World Trace Center Towers in NYC. It didn’t feel right at all; nothing about it felt right. Learning just a bit more from the news, I then pivoted out of the cafeteria and headed back to my office. What would I do in a tense moment like this, as a new and young leader, leading a huge $20mil project with about 100 teammates. Timeliness, communication and understanding were going to be critical. A couple of us jumped up on a table in the middle of our large group, gave everyone a quick update on what was happening in NYC, and then we offered the rest of the day off to everyone on our team. (We already knew that this airplane going into the Towers in NYC was terrorism; it was NOT a mistake.)

As I drove home, I stopped at the grocery store quickly and bought two things: peanut butter and water. I knew that IF we all had to buckle down and stay home for a while, I could live on water and PB. I will never ever forget where I was and how I felt that day on 9/11/2001. Fast forward 24 years later, now I work for Merrill Lynch and ML lost employees that horrible day in NYC. Never Forget. Never.

September 12th Coaching Tip: Travel With Your Friends.

My bestie (Kim) and I jumped in the car together and headed north to be with our Indiana University women’s basketball teammates from our Big Ten Championship season in 1983. Some of our teammates got together in early April in Tampa for the women’s Final Four; now this weekend is in southwest Michigan, steps away from Lake Michigan. Kim and I were in the car together for nearly three hours of drive time. Then we all had lunch and walked to grab some ice cream. With our tummies full and then on a complete ice cream/sugar high, I went for a walk to see the neighborhood and check out the access to the Lake Michigan beaches that were nearby. The next day had us getting up slowly, with a light rain, to enjoy a full breakfast together at the large dining room table. Once the rain cleared, six of us piled into one vehicle and we shopped at two farm stands and one Swedish bakery. My goodness did we ever have a blast buying fresh and incredible food. And on and on the fun times continued. Came back to chili being made and served with a “chili toppings bar”. College football games were on, and then it was another sit-down dinner made by my bestie; she roasted over 10 veggies, of all colors. It was a beautiful display of food and friendship at that dinner table that evening. Travel with your friends! Make those memories. Even cooking and eating together are times well spent.

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365 Coaching Tips: 247th, 248th & 249th

September 4th Coaching Tip: Embrace To Expand.

One of my coaching calls today was with four ambitious leaders, who are building something special for their business. They are already growing quickly and now they are embracing a key piece of the company’s strategy to help recruit talent to their team and the company. They are truly embracing to expand their business as well as the company’s overall business. They are unique; instead of resisting or fighting the company strategy, they are aligning and embracing what the company wants to get done. Now these four are viewed even more positively by senior leaders, since they are trying to help ALL grow.

As a coach, I often find many of my clients who are resisting something; resisting feedback, not holding their team accountable, or they lack desire to partner up to grow. Whatever it is, they are resisting it. I had a blast coaching these four leaders who are embracing (not resisting) growth. Sky’s the limit for them! Embrace to expand.

September 5th Coaching Tip: Simplify Selections.

Many of the grocery and retail stores have so many selections that it’s a bit overwhelming. Today, I went to Aldi’s after work for some key groceries and staples for the kitchen cabinets. I had my list and walked in with one bag; this simplified my process of shopping and I was in and out of Aldi’s in less than 15 minutes.

Next door was the Best Buy store. They have so many TV’s on the walls there, and I knew exactly what I wanted: a 65″ and a 43″. I had measured the walls that they were going to be hung on BEFORE I went to Best Buy. When I walked in, I indicated to the salesman what I wanted. He ordered them, brought them out to my car with another salesman, and I was on my way. By knowing what I wanted, and doing some prep before I left home, it made my shopping much more simplified and efficient.

September 6th Coaching Tip: Little By Little.

As we remodel this 95-year-old home, we continue to make progress bit by bit. Today was all about adding essentials, like lamps and small side tables. Those are essentials, as we have our phones, drinks, TV remotes, etc. that need to be easily accessible, reachable and laying in plain sight. Litle by little, we are progressing; I have no intention of buying 5-10 lamps or side tables at a time. We will add more tomorrow. For example, the kitchen needs key spices like cinnamon and garlic. The upstairs bathrooms need items like deodorant, lotion, etc. We will get there, bit by bit, little by little. There’s no need to rush, but instead, do it methodically.

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365 Coaching Tips: 250th, 251st and 252nd

September 7th Coaching Tip: Full Moons Are Special.

My godson and I will text each other photos when there is a full moon. Sure enough, at about the exact same time, he texted me a photo of his son sitting in front of the fire, while they were both admiring the full moon. Meanwhile, we were at the lake, doing the same admiring of the full moon glistening over the lake. I texted him a photo. Those full moons are special; it connects my godson and me. Keep them special!

September 8th Coaching Tip: Dinner With Mom.

Today, two years ago, my dad mowed the lawn before sunset. He came in, had some dinner with mom, watched TV, and went to bed. But soon after laying it down, he came out and let mom know that he wasn’t feeling well. A few hours later after my mom drove dad to the emergency room at the hospital, my dad died suddenly of heart failure. He died in the ER, with my mom at his side. They had been married for over 63 years.

Tonight, we drove an hour to meet mom for dinner at good, yummy and reliable Olive Garden. We had wonderful, quick and pleasant service. The soup was delicious, and we all took home leftovers. But most importantly, we three spent time together. Honoring my dad and letting mom know that we are here for her. She felt the love and admiration that we have for her. It was a simple yet special dinner.

September 9th Coaching Tip: Took Bereavement Today.

Although my dad died two years, it hit me this month, this week, yesterday, and this morning. I’m not crying and regretting anything; I’m just thinking of my dad alot, all of his teachings, all of his accomplishments, how quickly he passed, and how mom is gracefully handling life these last couple years.

Just knew I wasn’t going to be able to concentrate well this morning, so I took a half day to grieve/honor dad/not work. That’s the first time that I’ve ever done that in my corporate career of over 38 years. Yes, the first time ever. Know thyself, know your limits.

FYI, I also had three important people in my life (a longtime work friend, a cousin, and my godson’s daughter) with birthdays today. I made it a point to talk to all three of them, and even stopped by to visit my godson’s daughter and give her some treats. Make the effort!

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365 Coaching Tip: 244th, 245th & 246th

September 1st Coaching Tip: Get some Vitamin D

Everyone that I’m around these last few days is loving the weather. 50’s over night, 70’s during the day. Open the windows in the evening and sleep well. Sit outside, get some Vitamin D naturally, and enjoy the sunshine without breaking a sweat. This is the perfect weather to get some Vit D. Get outside and walk, get outside and play a little. It’s the best prescription that money can buy: it’s FREE.

September 2nd Coaching Tip: Use Your iPhone Calendar.

We all have alot going on, alot. I leverage my iPhone calendar to help me plan for events that I don’t want to miss. For example, my iPhone calendar reminded me today that estimated taxes are due soon (actual due date is September 15). The payment was processed today and will be sent to the IRS on the 13th. On Sept. 9th, I have three special people with birthdays, and it’s also my dad’s date of death. I put those four items in my iPhone calendar as annually repeating, so that I never forget. Real estate taxes are due on different dates in Florida (November 30), Illinois (June and September), and Indiana (May and November). Again, I put annual reminders for the beginning of each of these months on my iPhone calendar, so that I don’t forget. Use your tools to help drive efficiency in your life, reduce stress, and never/rarely miss important items.

September 3rd Coaching Tip: Go To Funerals.

After work today, I took a minute to eat, breathe, take a short walk, and then headed north for more than an hour to go to a small town for a funeral. My dad’s cousin, Judy, passed away. She and her husband lived on a farm, and Judy was a teacher. They had harness racing horses, and that provided a common bond between these cousins. My dad would have been there, if he were still alive (he passed 9/9/2023). Just felt that I needed to represent our family and show up like my dad would have done. My mom was pleased that I went, and my brother Brett and his wife Candy also made the trip. Judy’s boys were pleasant and thankful that we made the effort to be there. Some 50 years ago, we all played together in the yard at my great grandmother’s home and at family reunions. Go to funerals to honor others…and be reminded of younger times, too.

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365 Coaching Tips: 241st, 242nd and 243rd

August 29th Coaching Tip: It’s Football Season.

It’s the start of football season, with Auburn traveling to play Baylor on Friday night during primetime. Football in America is now a viewing/entertainment “thing” on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. It’s on high school fields all across America on Friday evenings. The NFL is on Thursday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoon and Sunday and Monday evenings. College now plays some games on Thursdays or Fridays, but most games are on Saturdays.

It’s alot of football. And I’m learning, it’s alot of distracted people who are eating, sitting, and now gambling. One 30-something male friend told me that most of his friends are now addicted to gambling, because of the easy access to bet anytime, on any sport, from the palm of your hand with your mobile device. Be aware that it’s football season; but also be aware of the amount of time, energy, and betting that you may or may not be doing. Be aware.

August 30th Coaching Tip: Support Local Businesses.

With all the shopping options today, I still like to support local businesses. For example, I had some furniture delivered today and it made me smile that it was from an Indiana owned furniture company. If we want our towns and cities to thrive with local businesses, then WE must support them. WE must buy merchandise there and refer others to go there. Yes, most businesses have an online presence and sell merchandise online. However, we can do both: buy online and go into their stores. Support local businesses.

August 31st Coaching Tip: Support Women’s Sports.

Stayed up late tonight to watch our women’s pro basketball team, the Indiana Fever, play the Valkyres in Northern California. The Fever are the hottest ticket in women’s team sports right now; their own phrase is, “every game is a home game” because of the amount of eyes that are currently on the women’s game and that Caitlyn Clark plays for the Fever. And the Bay Area in CA is also supporting their first-year women’s team, as every Valkyres game this season has been a sellout. How about that? Amazing support for these women pro athletes. Makes me smile; keep supporting women’s sports…middle school, high school, college, and pro. They deserve all the eyes on their games!

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365 Coaching Tips: 238th, 239th & 240th

August 26th Coaching Tip: Be First to Meet Your Neighbors.

We’ve got a place that we’re remodeling and been working on since Thanksgiving 2024. None of the neighbors have come over and introduced themselves; however, to be fair, it’s mostly contractors that are there, and we have only been there quickly and sparingly over the last 10 months. However, here in August, we are spending time there working on the getting the home all set up on the weekends. I’ve noticed that the neighbor across the street has children that go to school, as I’ve seen the school bus multiple times. And, they have off fireworks every Friday night thus far. Who knew, right? The neighbor to north sits on his front step and quietly watches us work as he smokes his cigarette.

Today, he was out mowing, and as I was driving away, I waved to him. He drove the mower toward me; I got out of the car and walked towards him with my hand to shake his and introduce myself to him. After an hour of listening to him share history about our connecting properties, we walked the property lines and he then shared more about the previous owner and what had happened on the property. Then, he started telling me about his recent retirement and his health challenges (pneumonia, heart stents, aneurysm, etc.). He really opened up…and never asked one question about me. He simply opened up.

I was SO glad that we spent that hour together; he now has my name and my cell number, and he will call me if he sees anything out of the ordinary. He likes what we are doing to improve the property (it’s a farmhouse on 10 acres with an old chicken coup, she-shed, and two barns). He is going to mow even closer now to my property line, after he cleans up the fence line. Be first and intentional to meet your neighbors. Fences make good neighbors and so do thoughtful, purposeful and pleasant neighbors.

August 27th Coaching Tip: Trust, but Double Check.

As we remodel this home, I had ordered the carpet months ago, when the guys installed the hardwood flooring. I decided to swing by the carpet business after work, and re-check my order on the “status” of it and the pricing. I found that the order had NOT been placed for the carpet; it was actually a godsend. We reviewed the selections, and the sales lady and I realized that I could save thousands of dollars and make a decision that I was actually happier with. I trusted the process and the sales woman, however, so glad that I double checked because it all ultimately worked out.

August 28th Coaching Tip: A Year After my 60th Birthday!

It’s been just a bit more than a year since my 60th birthday disco party. I’ve rewatched many of the videos from that fun, meaningful and energetic evening. And today, I jumped on the scale and weighed a couple pounds LESS than I did last year (that was my goal). I also had a surprise visit from two friends that I met while flying back from the Taylor Swift concert and my quick early birthday visit to London last August. It was good to see them; they were enjoying a trip with some of their dear friends to some local wineries and figured out a way to squeak in a visit to say hello. Reminisce and soak up those memories; it’s only been a year after that fun and frolicking 60th birthday party.