Tag: Intentional

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365 Coaching Tips: 295th, 296th & 297th

October 22nd Coaching Tip: Get Caught Up.

As I drove home from work today, I realized that I forgot to update my notes today and leverage our CRM tool for my key activities. When I got home, I grabbed my work cell phone and put 30 minutes on my calendar first thing for tomorrow morning to quickly get done what I had forgotten to do today. We all forget to do things from time to time; it’s how you handle them moving forward. Get caught up, quickly. This will help declutter your mind and will also build confidence with your colleagues and clients, indicating that you have integrity and are reliable and dependable.

October 23rd Coaching Tip: Quick 15 Minutes.

Today I visited with two women who needed clarity on their business growth and organizing their work week. In a matter of 15 minutes with each of them, we jumped in quickly. They gave me an update on what they had been working on since I visited with them for one hour each over the last couple weeks.

I was proud of these women, because they both are committed to personally growing their businesses, and I could feel their willingness to get better. They both emailed after our 15-minute efficient session today and were so happy to be coached. They are already starting to feel the progress that they were desiring. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a quick 15-minute accountability check-in.

October 24th Coaching Tip: Thinking Ahead.

Knowing that I had a one on one with my boss today, I got her my update a couple days ago. When we met today for 30 minutes, we both were prepared. Thinking ahead, in early November, I’ll be heading to a conference in Florida to learn from national experts on a wide variety of topics; I’ll also be speaking in three different breakouts on three different topics. Yes, three. Today, I really took some time to prep on how I would be organized with my thoughts, focused on being easy to understand for the benefit of the audience, and be relaxed as I’m getting ready now to help reduce any stress.

As a professional that others rely upon, are you thinking ahead? Are you prepared? Are you remaining relevant or are you falling behind? Think ahead. You’ll thank yourself. Always stay present when you are with your clients. Do both: think ahead AND be present.

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365 Coaching Tips: 292nd, 293rd & 294th

October 19th Coaching Tip: Let It Rain.

We finally got some rain. The ground was very dry; as the farmers harvested their fields, the dust was heavy. I was thinking about planting some trees and perennials, but it had been too dry. The rain sounded so pleasant as it hit the metal roof that I even got up to open the windows to hear it rain. Sleeping with those windows open was good; I slept a bit longer and also deeper. Let it rain, let it all soak in. The good Lord has perfect timing with all things and the rain today was one of many perfectly timed things.

October 20th Coaching Tip: Embrace AI.

It’s here and it’s not going away. What? AI. It’s here. It’s everywhere. For example, when you order something on Amazon, pretty soon, you then get similar products recommended. If you ask Siri a question on your iPhone, you soon receive relatively accurate info on the topic that you asked about. Here’s what happened to me today: 1) I looked at an advertisement for a piece of jewelry, 2) clicked on the 15% and provided my email. Within minutes, I was receiving ads of similar looking jewelry but by different brands. It happened within seconds.

At work, our company has made the decision to rollout Microsoft Teams and AI is included via “Copilot”, which is like having a virtual, personal assistant on your laptop. Those who are utilizing it are getting work done much faster and it is saving time on projects, processing, and handling client inquiries. My thoughts are if you don’t embrace AI and others do embrace it, you’ll be far behind and it’ll be hard for you to catch up. BUT, always remember that humans want to be noticed and loved. So do both, embrace AI and love others.

October 21st Coaching Tip: Racism Is Roaring.

Both of my godsons have let me know that in the last few days, they have been subjected to racial comments. These men are now in their mid-30’s, and they both are indicating that they have never heard comments like they are hearing now. For example, one of them said a black lady yelled at him and told him to go back to Mexico. The other said that as he was bartending, and a white man was saying racist stuff that he had never heard. He was speechless.

As racism roars, I’m proud of my godsons for not engaging with those racists. I’m proud they both just moved on. Racism comments are unacceptable, and yet leaders in our country think that it’s ok to be selectively racist. Be better. As our mothers and grandmothers taught us, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Be intentionally better, treat others with respect and kindness.

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365 Coaching Tips: 286th, 287th & 288th

October 13th Coaching Tip: Check The Weather.

As I was packing and prepping for the work week, I repetitively checked the weather forecast for New York City. Flying there on a Tuesday, walking to work across Manhattan to three different buildings, I wanted to ensure I had the right clothing for comfort and warmth, and of course the Fall breezy days. I also was checking the weather for the weekend, since we have football tickets to a home game for Michigan State at Indiana University.

I packed efficiently and noticed that as I went thru the entire week with work and dinner clothing needs in NYC, as well as working out and sleep gear, I had packed just one extra tank top. The two extra scarves that I took worked well, as the sun went down in the evenings and I wore them to stay warm as I walked back from work and taxi drop offs.

As for the IU football game, intense weather alerts had been issued for game day. However, as I kept an eye on the weather very closely, it appeared to me that there would be no rain or threat of bad weather until about halftime. Sure enough, that’s exactly how it played out. I went to the game, stayed til halftime, then drove to our newly remodeled home nearby to watch the second half. Meanwhile, as I was making the short 12-minute drive home, IU officials postponed the game and had all of the fans leave their seats and take cover under the stands. Check the weather; it can be a simple check on your cell phone to help you be safe and sound.

October 14th Coaching Tip: Business Decisions.

In the last few days, I have a rental property that has been available for a few weeks. Surprisingly, we have not had much interest; however, in the last few days, I have received two rental applications after my realtor showed it to them both. Both of these men felt they were going to be selected and communicated well with me. But, business decisions are just that: business decisions.

My CPA helps me with my taxes and making good tenant decisions purely on the data that he reads in the rental applications. Both tenants made alot of money and were going thru divorces. One (let’s name him “Mike”) had a higher credit score than the other candidate. Mike also had nothing on his background check and was less pushy in the process. My CPA recommended that we go with Mike. Although the other tenant had no pets and Mike had a cat, Mike was willing to pay a non-refundable pet deposit, too. Use data intentionally to help make great business decisions.

October 15th Coaching Tip: You have options.

My mom got a recall notice on her Mitsubishi SUV. She called up her normal dealer and they were indicated that they didn’t know how to fix it. So, mom called me; I reminded her that I used to be in charge of warranty and recall notices for Caterpillar. She had forgotten about my warranty experience, so I reminded her that she can take her Mitsubishi to any Mitsubishi dealer to get the recall fixed. 

Today, she proudly called me as she drove home from another dealer and said they got it done in 40 minutes and had been doing them all week. Remember, you have options. Use them! 

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365 Coaching Tips: 274th, 275th & 276th

October 1st Coaching Tip: Love me some Yankees.

When I was a kid, we used to watch the Major League Baseball playoffs at elementary and middle school and then watch more baseball games when we got home at night. That’s when I fell in love with the Yankees. A homerun king, Reggie Jackson, caught my attention by hitting three homeruns in one game. I was smitten! And since that evening as an eighth grader, I have been a Yankees fan. (On October 18, 1977, in the sixth game of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees outfielder Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a row off of three consecutive pitches from three different pitchers.)

“Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss reinforces how important it is to go see difference place. My recommendation is to expose your kids to winners, and losers, to new terrain, to new foods and new cities, etc. Oh the places that you will see as well. I’ve taken friends and family to the new and former Yankee Stadium. I was able to go to two games with my niece Katie and my nephew Kyle; niece Ally and I went to one game. Let’s Go Yankees!

October 2nd Coaching Tip: Get To Your Destination.

Today starts a 5-day vacation. We are making our annual Fall trek to Michigan. We both have family and stories from Michigan, so we enjoy wandering thru MI in the Fall, stopping at farm stands, taking in the views of barns, wineries, orchards, farms, lakes, etc. We made the decision to be on the road (with three stops) nearly 6.5 hours to get to Traverse City. On the way, we stopped at a road-side farm stand and I bought one apple, small jar of local jam, local potato chips, and a pint of blueberries for $2. Yes, just $2!

Our goal was to get to our destination, so that we can truly enjoy our short stay up north, visit with some family, and see more sights. Today, we head to a town that we’ve never been to before: Charlevoix, MI. Can’t wait. Get to your destination!

October 3rd Coaching Tip: Communicate Clearly.

At 8:15am this morning, an electrician called me from one of my house projects (and we were eight hours away in Michigan). After a quick and thankful greeting, “happy Friday, thanks for calling me first thing in the morning”, we got to work. By communicating clearly what I needed worked on in three locations in the garage, outside, and in a barn, we were able to be on the same page. I then called my contractor, and he indicated he would be there in a few minutes. Why did I call the contractor? Because I spent a few minutes with him a couple days ago explaining what I needed the electrician to do. We three were all on the same page, because I had taken the time to 1) clearly identify what I wanted, 2) told my contractor in advance, too, and 3) told the electrician and also asked him for feedback.

A few minutes after the electrician and the contractor spoke, the electrician called me back and gave me an idea that would save me money and save him time and be just as effective. Communicate clearly…and let people know that you truly want their ideas and feedback. It works!

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365 Coaching Tips: 271st, 272nd & 273rd

September 28th Coaching Tip: Pray.

Yesterday during the fourth quarter of Indiana’s road game at Iowa, IU’s quarterback walked out on the field with approximately two minutes remaining, and he quickly prayed. (It was a pressured packed moment. The game was tied, 13-13, after Iowa had just missed a field goal.) I noticed it and I was glad that the TV cameras caught the moment. A few plays later, the IU QB thru a rocket of a pass (with eight Iowa defenders rushing him) to his receiver, who ran straight to the end zone. As soon as the receiver crossed the endzone for the touchdown, the IU QB purposefully prayed again.

When the pressure is high or when you are hurting or need extra help, pray. Just pray.

September 29th Coaching Tip: Find The Positive.

Lots of people around us right now are negative. Negative about life, politics, fairness, etc. Meanwhile, I’m choosing to be aware of the negativity, and embracing the positive side of life. For example, I woke up this morning, read my devotionals, took a shower, drove my car, got a haircut, worked at a consistent pace all day helping others, celebrated a colleague’s retirement, learned from others, took some training, went on a walk, talked with my mom and partner, and am looking forward to tomorrow. That’s a good day, full of positive vibes.

Did I climb a mountain? No. Did I win the lottery? Nope. Did I solve brain cancer? Absolutely not. But I had a full day. I’m embracing what is good and positive. Are there bad things happening? Yes, every single day. I’m very aware of it; two mass shootings yesterday by former USA Marines. Government shutdown is a potential this week. Our human brains are not taking the time to read about nor understand history, which may indicate that bad things from the past may indeed happen again. Find the positive, be aware of your surroundings and make the choice not to focus on only the negativity.

September 30th Coaching Tip: Quarter End Results.

It’s that time once again, the end of another quarter. What are you most excited about for the future quarter and 2026? What are you most proud of that you have accomplished in the last three months? What got in the way of achieving a goal? How do you reset for this next quarter? What will you celebrate and who will you celebrate it with?

As I reflect on these questions, I’m most excited about picking up new coaching clients and traveling to Michigan and Naples, FL. I’m most proud of maintaining my coaching workload and picking up new clients from two colleagues who retired recently. Yes, I did get that darn cold in mid-September, which set me back two to three weeks on my fitness and ability to attend some fun events. With this quarter ending, my resetting is in motion; we are planning travel, warm weather fun times in Naples, an early Thanksgiving, a couple work trips and a strong focus on staying healthy. Soon we will celebrate with one of our neighbors, as she is working on her PhD; and we will celebrate my accomplishments at the National Senior Games in basketball shooting and sprinting. Those are my quarter-end results and reflections.

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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 Tips: 268th, 269th & 270th

September 25 Coaching Tip: Drink Water.

I’m now on week two of this lingering cough from the cold that I had last week. I’m noticing that my body is working overtime still; my heart rate is a bit elevated and my energy is a bit lower than usual. Thus, I’m really focusing on drinking alot. Water, vitamin water, hot tea with honey, tonic water. Drinking water keeps you hydrated and in my lil ole opinion, keeping me moving and a-grooving, living and a-loving!

September 26 Coaching Tip: Open the Windows.

It’s truly beautiful Fall weather, dropping in to the 50’s over night and rising to the 80’s during the afternoon. Because of my cold, I’m intentionally opening the windows to help with my sleeping and to also “air out” the house from all of my coughing.

Soon it will be late Fall and colder, with no real opportunity to open the windows. Open up the windows, let the stink out, and the fresh air in.

September 27 Coaching Tip: Get Some Sunshine.

I’ve been intentionally getting outside to walk slowly in the sun, to catch some normal Vitamin D. Walking is free and the best exercise for nearly everyone. And sunshine is free, too. Why not combine them both, as I recover from this cold and cough, and do things that are healthy and free. Get outside and get some sunshine! It’s healthy and superb for your long-term wellness.

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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: 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!