Tag: Courage

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365 Coaching Tips: 205th, 206th & 207th

July 24th Coaching Tip: Ask Questions, Solve Problems.

Today I was asked to be a part of a “sales training” program with a goal of helping sales personnel learn how to ask better questions. If great questions are asked, this typically helps identify pain or problems that need to be addressed; these problems that need solved many times can trigger an emotional response from the buyer/prospect/client. As a salesperson, if you can solve a problem, at a cost that is acceptable to the buyer/client, then you are adding value. If you can NOT solve a problem or the cost is too high, the buyer may delay, drag their feet, distrust you, select someone else, etc.

What are some questions that you might ask? Try these on for color: what is it that you’re wanting to get accomplished? How committed are you to achieving this? What’s been in the way of this not getting resolved in the past? If I take the time and give you a practical solution and fair cost, are you willing to move forward? I’m sure that you have solid questions that work for you. Notice that when you create an emotional response, i.e. a joyous smile, a deep breath or sigh of relief, a stream of tears, etc. Stay present, in silence. They will usually open up and tell you more. Ask questions, solve problems.

July 25th Coaching Tip: Annual Infusion of HOPE.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My bone density test results were conclusive, and the treatment plan began. For a number of years, I took some daily meds and it also helped reduce my hot flashes. But in 2023, it was time to stop the daily meds (now that the hot flashes are gone) and move to an annual infusion for treatment. The first infusion hit me like a ton of bricks, i.e. couldn’t move for a couple days. Then in 2024, I drank more water and also took some Tylenol, and I felt much better after the infusion. Today was the day for my 3rd annual infusion; I intentionally hydrated well, did not work out, stayed out of the sun, and took some Tylenol. Hoping that these infusions will help stabilize my bone density; both my mother and grandmother shrank as they aged. I’m trying to be proactive by 1) ensuring my calcium input is at least 1,200 mg/day, 2) vitamin D is at good levels, 3) staying active and moving daily, and 4) strength training 2-3 times/week to help ensure the muscles around the bones are “in shape.” This infusion and these four items are my 5-point plan of HOPE for my ongoing wellness fight vs. osteoporosis.

July 26th Coaching Tip: Etiquette Matters.

Open doors. Smile at strangers. Allow others to merge. Merge in wisely. Take your turn in lines. Return dirty dishes to kitchen sink or dishwasher. Pick up your trash.

Etiquette matters, and people see what you do in how you act and in how you leave things. There’s a phrase about staying at someone’s home: “leave it in better shape than the way you found it.” This etiquette might be as simple as leaving one fresh flower in a glass, and then cleaning up the house as you depart, leaving it like you found it. Etiquette matters on the golf course. Let others play thru, if you are playing slowly. Let the person putt who is farthest away. Be quiet when others are stepping up to take their golf swing.

Etiquette matters; it is witnessed, even if no words are spoken. Actions matter.

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365 Coaching Tips: 181st, 182nd and 183rd

June 30th Coaching Tip: Midyear 5R’s.

With it being June 30th, now’s the time to ask yourself and your team some questions. How much time did you take today or will you take (soon) to your reflect on your progress of what you wanted to accomplish in 2025? Who helped you accomplish key priorities? Who have you thanked? Who have you coached and further developed? What goals and priorities came up a bit short? And what might you continue to excel with during the 2H2025?

Now’s the time to review the first six months of the year by embracing five R words: Reflect. Recognize. Reward. Restart. Recommit.

July 1st Coaching Tip: Be Your Own Advocate.

As a 60-year-old with osteoporosis, I must advocate for myself. What does that mean? Although my primary care physician nor my endocrinologist did not call me to 1) schedule my annual blood test, 2) schedule an in-office appointment, and 3) schedule my annual infusion, I called them multiple times. My two previous annual injections were done in mid-May 2023 and June 21, 2024, so it’s time…right now. But first, the doc wants to see me and have my blood test results. And I want another bone density test, since it’s been three year (July 2022), to see if the two annual injections actually helped, stabilized or had no impact on my bone density. Advocate for yourself; if you don’t, who will be your wellness advocate? Have the courage to do it yourself.

July 2nd Coaching Tip: Stuff Happens. How do you respond?

How do you respond when “stuff” happens? Today, as I inspected the work on a project, I noticed three things: two were easy decision, but the third could have been close to catastrophic. Calmly handling all three with good listening skills, asking more questions to gain agreement on next steps, allowed us to get all three situations taken care with no drama. The potentially catastrophic issue was actually done by a third party; I slept on it, and then felt like they needed to know about it. Drafted an email and sent it to the third party, they responded professionally, didn’t “own it”, but they do now know that something happened. Bottom line, remember that stuff happens. How you respond is crucial; people may judge you during those moments and choose later to be a bit cautious with you. Respond calmly, get buy int, and have a plan.

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365 Coaching Tips: 166th, 167th and 168th

June 15th Coaching Tip: Rest Before Trips.

Knowing it was the Sunday before heading to New York City for three days of work, it was time to rest. And when I say rest, I mean resting in bed for most of the day, doing absolutely nothing. This will be my third trip to the City in 2025; rarely do I sleep well, almost always I ate too much of the incredible food, and I walk alot of steps. It was time to rest before this trip. And as you travel for your work trips or your vacations across the globe, the first couple days can be quite taxing on the body, i.e. new bed, new timezone(s), new social interactions, delayed flights, different transportation modes, etc.

June 16th Coaching Tip: Listen Intently.

I have the pleasure of coaching a large team who helps guide and care for a small number of very affluent, large clients. This team has crushed all of its YE2025 goals, and it’s only mid-June. So now what? Coast til yearend? Improve on something? Keep growing?

We had each team member share their answers to 1) what should we double down on and do even more in the second half of 2025, and 2) what must be fixed that no one is taking the time to fix. As I listened intently and paraphrased back what we were hearing, the individuals on the team around the team felt heard, uplifted, and ready to keep growing in the 2H2025. The leader agreed to spend one on one time with everyone to assess their personal and professional growth. If you want buy-in, “seek first to understand to be understood.” Listen Intently.

June 17th Coaching Tip: Celebrate With Others.

One guy with over 40 years is setting off to his retirement. Another gal in the crowd was celebrating 38 years of service. And I was sitting there with 13 years. We all celebrated these decades of experience that we’ve shared with our colleagues, clients, and the Company. The retiree shared words of wisdom, even using the short phrase of “be decent.” Not at performing but being decent to one another. Celebrate with others as they achieve milestones. It’s their moment to shine. CELEBRATE!

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365 Coaching Tips: 163rd, 164th and 165th

June 12th Coaching Tip: Get Insurance Proof.

Ever hire a contractor and ask them, “can you please provide a copy of your valid insurance?” If you don’t, you should. Recently, we hired a contractor to remove some dead and splitting trees. Before he started, I requested a quote in writing and a copy of his insurance. Fast forward to the day that the contractor and his crew were working in the trees. And yes, you guessed it, the lead man was up in the tree when the other side of the tree started going down (these trees were splitting and it’s exactly why I was having them removed). The lead man was taken down and the entire job stopped; thankfully, they quickly called for an ambulance, he was checked out at the hospital, and released with nothing more than a scrape. Everyone was ok and for that we are all grateful. A couple days later, a copy of the valid insurance was emailed to me. Lesson learned: ask and received insurance before contractors work on your job.

June 13th Coaching Tip: Go Til Then End.

It’s game 4 of a best of 7 series in the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers have a 2-1 lead in the series, they are playing at home in this 4th game, the crowd is roaring and the Pacers are winning by 5 points starting the final quarter. But something happened, and the Pacers lost their mojo. The OK City Thunder reached deep and tied the game with eight minutes remaining. Then Indiana made a run, winning by four points with three minutes left. But the Pacers let the game slip away again in the last couple minutes and ended up losing by seven points. Think thru this: up four, lost by seven, which is an 11-point swing in a matter of minutes. Leaders, teams, people, kids, and everyone else: go til the end. It’s never over until it’s over. Be resilient and keep your dream of winning alive. Note: That loss led to OK City winning the next 3 of 4 games, winning the championship.

June 14th Coaching Tip: Connect.

Mom and I made a plan of connecting and heading to my brother (Grant) and his wife’s home on the lake nearby. Three of his daughters and their men joined us for a yummy early Father’s Day afternoon dinner. Then Mom wanted to go see her horses race at Hoosier Park. Instead of just the two of going, I decided to reach out to friends and we had a total of nine of us at the track. Although the horses didn’t win, we had a full day of connection with family and friends who really matter. Was it on “Father’s Day”? Nope, it was the day before. But we made it work. On Father’s Day, we intentionally drove out to visit the cemetery where my father is buried. We connected with him, the good Lord, family and friends this weekend. Connect. Being isolated and reducing social connections can lead to dire situations; instead, intentionally connect, with purpose, and it may just bring you better health, resilience and wellness.

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365 Coaching Tips: 157th, 158th and 159th

June 6th Coaching Tip: Get Your Sleep.

Tomorrow is a big day. I’ve been training for months to hopefully compete and run faster than I did one year ago in my first ever Senior Games. This being my second time, I knew that I needed to eat properly, hydrate well, and get my sleep (over 7 hours). When I left my house for the 3 hour drive, I loaded up the cooler with “my food, my drinks” and checked in to the hotel around 6pm. And I was resting, in bed, by 8 pm, and woke up the next morning with exceptional sleep and resilience.

Prioritize your sleep for top performance. Lack is sleep can many side effects, including reducing your life longevity. Get your sleep.

June 7th Coaching Tip: Compete With Yourself.

I challenged myself and competed against no one. That’s correct. No one.  BUT, I ran faster in the 100m, 200m and 400m than I did last year/2024 at the Indiana Senior Games. Sure, we had competition, but I had no one in my exact age bracket (60-64 years old) to compete against, so I just set out to beat myself. And that I did. I ran the 100m nearly two full seconds faster that 2024’s time, and I did run the 200m two seconds faster while running the 400m almost four seconds faster. So proud of myself for improving even though I’m a year older. It’s a amazing what you can do, if you simply compete with yourself in a healthy manner.

June 8th Coaching Tip: Talk It Over.

Lots to do? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Having a hard time prioritizing? Maybe your stuck? Talk it over with your partner or friend or spouse, and a plan comes together quite quickly. Why is that? Because most of us know exactly what we need to do and sometimes, we just need to say it out loud to someone we trust. Research indicates that when we write down priorities, and then share them with someone, we are much more likely to complete them. We feel this innate responsibility to honor the commit to thy self and your trusted person. In my situation recently, my partner had alot going on, alot. We were able to get my partner’s three key to do’s done in less than an afternoon. Although I wasn’t feeling the best (lil exhausted from the senior games), me simply allowing my partner to talk it over helped out bunches. Talk it over. 

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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: 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: 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?

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365 Coaching Tips: 112, 113 and 114

April 22nd Coaching Tip: Leaders Want Coaching.

This evening after work, I talked to three good, long-term friends who are making huge decisions about careers and job transitions. One was a guy that I used to play with when we were kids (less than 10 years old), another is a woman who I’ve known well for 10 years because we have had some thoughtful and deep conversations over dinner, and the other was a guy that I’ve known for nearly 13 years and I’ve been his “bestie” as he made 3 career changes. Why did they all call me? Not sure, I can’t speak for them. But all three said, “I just knew I needed to talk this over with you, Jen; you listen well, ask great questions, and yet, still let me make my own decision.”

Who trusts you with very important decisions? How are you showing up for them? What can you do to be more helpful to those who need a confidant? How do you make time for them when you’re so busy? I’m not sure if the planets aligned or what, but somehow someway, I was able to work in 3 conversations last night with these wonderful people. Two of the conversations allowed me to “walk & talk” and get my steps in. These 3 are leaders in their families and the primary bread winners, so career decisions, incomes, bonuses, and the art & science of negotiation need thoughtful prep and practice. Leaders want coaching; but more importantly, these three just needed a long-term friend who they trusted to listen to what was going on with them. Leaders want coaching…and friends who listen.

April 23rd Coaching Tip: Don’t Miss Birthdays.

Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday, the 29th is my uncle’s birthday, and my grandmother’s birthday is May 24th. How do I know that? Because when I hear about an important birthday (or anniversary or key date), I simply add it to that calendar day as an event and select repeat “every year” in my iPhone. It takes just a few moments but it’s so appreciated by the birthday person when you remember and reach out to call them. Yes, I said call them. Facebook has a good way to remind us of birthdays, but in my opinion, it’s a somewhat lazy way to click on a pre-made “happy birthday” emoji and then click send. Seems a bit unemotional and disingenuous.

My recommendation is to pick up the phone and call people on or near their birthdays. Call them the day before and ask them about their b-day plans or call them the day after to ask what the best part of their b-day was. Bottom line: don’t miss birthdays!

April 24th Coaching Tip: Heavenly Birthdays.

Today would have been my dad’s 86th birthday. Many in our family reached out and connected with my mother, who is 84 years old now and was married to dad for 63 years, to share fond memories and wisdom that we all got from my Dad. Some of our family members didn’t know what to say/text to mom; they were uncomfy to bring up Dad. We encouraged all the family members to share fond, funny and good memories of Dad.

I learned alot from this lil exercise. Send love, positivity and goodness on heavenly birthdays. Celebrate the life of those who have passed on. Share the stories of how they impacted you while they were on earth, alive and thriving. Remember those heavenly birthdays.