Category Archives: Leadership Skills

Integrity

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Integrity

The late 90’s were a period of testing for me as it relates to integrity. I recall once a co-worker who I will call “Cindy” commented that I had and showed great integrity. That statement has been a measuring stick for me through the years that have followed.

This trait seems to be lacking in many organizations and individuals. When you try to take a shortcut around integrity you only end up hurting yourself. I saw this firsthand. I had a senior level manager tell me that he heard that my position with a company I was working for might be eliminated. Instead of asking the owner of the company if this was true, I allowed myself to go down a path with an employee that did not show integrity. I should have confronted the situation.

That experience taught me a great deal. The first lesson that faith and fear cannot live in the same space. Second, I sold my integrity based on the fear of losing a paycheck. Choosing the right can be a lonely path. Keeping your integrity intact, is the path to peace.

Currently, I am reading a book called Integrity Selling – Ron Willingham. In this book he shares several Integrity Selling Success Principles. One of my favorites is:

“Selling success is more an issue of who you are than what you know. While knowledge is necessary, sustained success comes to the person who’s driven by strong values and ethics.”

This statement is so true. We buy people. When we make the decision to trust or invest our resources, the who is the deciding factor. If you desire to build a stronger business or happier life check your values. Integrity does not have varying degrees. You either have it and show it or you don’t.

I know that when you have integrity success will be sure to come.

Adding Value

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stock-appreciation

The term value has several meanings. What we value also varies from person-to-person. Years ago, I worked for a company that taught accountants, attorneys and IRS agents how to perform valuations to determine the worth of a company. Through this experience, I learned the financial value of business and goodwill.

I saw this happen as I worked hard to make a positive impression to thousands of audience members throughout the country. I employed some guiding principles to make a positive impression.

Here are a few of them:
1. Being cheerful to everyone
2. Protecting my energy
3. Doing what I said I would do
4. Staying hydrated
5. Being responsive

Because I was serious about my role and I cared about those I served, my value went up to those I interacted with. People will remember how you made them feel. If you care for others and it shows in your actions your value will increase. In all our personal and professional roles, the more value you give the more successful you will become.

When you buy products or services you have an expectation of value. Your customers also have expectations. The opportunity to grow your business comes from communicating this to your customers. What are some ways you can increase your value today?

You may not own your own company but may be working for someone else. By adding value in your job your social capital will increase. The law of sowing and reaping applies. The more you sow the higher yield you will reap.

Whether it’s financial or social adding value will equal success in the long run. May you win the race!

The Future

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2012-10-22 12.12.03

What would you like your future to look like? This may be a question that is hard for you to answer. For years, I struggled to articulate what I wanted in life, business and the future.

Now, I can say I know what I want the future to be. Setting goals has always been a part of my DNA. If you have never set a goal in your life I challenge you now to set one. About a month ago I was listening to a speaker that spoke of writing down 101 goals or things to do by the age of 80. I took this challenge. It was a lot of fun to think about all the different areas of my life and list what would be meaningful for me to achieve.

Here are some of the items on my list:
1. Travel to all my Bucket List destinations
2. Be Debt Free
3. Interviewed by Oprah
4. Set up a foundation for youth
5. Own a Jet Ski

As I listed these items I began to visualize them already in my life. I can’t wait to cross them off as each year passes.

At times, planning for the future may be a frightening thought. The future may seem bleak or scary. When you start exercising faith, you will be able to see past the trial right now. There are good things to come. One way to insure positive happenings, is to work on your goals each day.

Your mindset is the key to unlocking a positive future. Take a few minutes and track your thoughts for the past 30 minutes. Were they more positive or negative in nature? If they were negative it is imperative that you start feeding your mind positive thoughts.

Here are a few suggestions to turn negative thoughts around:
1. Count your blessings
2. Smile at a stranger
3. Think about your favorite things

We are what we think about. That is why I have decided that planning and working everyday on my goals is the best strategy to a fulfilling and happy life. If you would like me to help you craft your future, please email me at linda@lhyatesconsulting.com. We will begin your journey to the future of your dreams.

Servant Leader Who Inspires

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Have you ever had a leader that inspired you? I know I have. I have been fortunate to have had many such leaders. The common trait with each of these leaders is that they serve me.

As a member of Toastmasters International, I have seen first hand great leaders that have blossomed before my eyes. There is a difference in motivation when a leader is self-serving rather than serving others. What is the key to success? The following are what I have seen servant leaders do:

1. Stay focused on the individuals that they have responsibility over. Whether it be in a corporation or member association, those who lead are the most successful when they look to empower others. When that happens they as a leader look even better.
2. Great listeners. Those who are effective leaders listen to those they serve.
3. Make the hard decisions. To be a great leader there are days you have to stand alone. Servant leaders are there in the beginning and will be there at the end.
4. Being an example to emulate. Those leaders that are the most successful realize that their actions speak louder than their words. Their integrity leads their life and is not stuffed in a drawer.
5. Keep balance. Leaders understand the need to keep balance. They draw their strength and energy from a variety of sources and realize when they start to get out of balance.

You can learn how to become a servant leader. A servant leader uses their head and heart in leading. Being a powerful leader starts with humility. Keeping the perspective of who you serve will be the catalyst to success.

Listening – The Secret To Success

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listening-babe
This past weekend I was cleaning my desk and came across a personality profile assessment I had taken years ago. As I reviewed this assessment one of the concerns or potential problem areas mentioned was my ability to listen. This assessment is now seven years old. I hope that if I were to take it again today listening would not be an indicator for concern!

As a coach and consultant, listening is critical to success. Listening – deep concerted listening is a skill we all can get. One of the best ways I have found to build this skill is to check-in and see if I’m present in the conversation.

To check-in I reflect back in my head first, what the individual I was talking to said and then reflect back to them what I heard. Another strategy I use is to turn-off and away from all distractions.

When meeting with a client on the phone, I turn off email and other noise making alert devices. That enables me to focus on what someone said and to seek for the meaning of what is not spoken.

Great leaders are great listeners. Thus if you want to aspire to leadership opportunities then working on your listening skills is imperative. Another benefit of listening is that your confidence will increase.

Listening is a fundamental principle and if applied to every part of our life will enhance our experience. If you want to connect on a deeper level with your children – stop talking and listen. Ask open-ended questions and then stay focused on their answers. The more you do so the deeper your relationship will become.

I am grateful for the lessons I have had in business and life on the importance of being present and focusing on how to be a better listener. Now when I take an assessment, listening will be one of my strengths rather than a concern.

Confidence In Every Season

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confident-dog

A few weeks ago I was speaking with a client and she made the comment she always wants to remain relevant. I have thought a lot about this statement and realized, being relevant is a derivative of confidence. Having confidence through each stage of our life will empower and open possibilities.

The question then, is how do we achieve or maintain confidence throughout the different stages we go through? The following are some strategies:

1. Keep setting goals to achieve. As we push our self to achieve our goals, we allow our self to keep growing. I believe if you are not climbing, then you are sliding. I have also found this is one of the secrets to life.
2. Try something new. Whether you succeed at something new, the process of trying and stretching will build confidence.
3. Do something everyday that scares you. This is like trying something new. By conquering fear you will have a big boost to your confidence.
4. Do your best. When you know deep down that you have given your all, then your confidence with grow.
5. Healthy daily habits. Take stock of your daily habits. Are they helping you reach your goals or are they stunting your growth? If you need to change your habits, begin in a small way and set a goal to apply them into your daily life.

Years ago I started a new job in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. I realized my confidence was shaky even though I had been hired. I decided each day I entered the parking lot for work, I would greet the parking attendant with a smile and warm hello. What was amazing about this experience was it set the tone for the rest of my day in a positive and confident way.

Strategies For Sleeping Like A Baby

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good-nights-sleep

The power of a good night’s rest will assist you in achieving your goals and dreams. I find that when I don’t get a good night’s rest my day and even week goes amuck. As I have gotten older I have come to learn the rhythm of my body and what can help or hurt my ability to sleep well.

For several years I averaged roughly 4-5 hours of sleep each night. Day after day, week after week I noticed a few things started to happen. I noticed my mind wasn’t as sharp, I saw weight gain, and became more irritable and lost a lot of energy.

Once I took a step back and began changing my lifestyle and habits these symptoms began to change. When you have young children and they keep you up at night you begin to covet a good night’s rest. Here are some of the strategies I use to promote the best sleep possible:

1. Disconnect from email and electronic devices at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
2. Eating dinner by 7:00 pm
3. Evening bedtime routine
4. Retiring to bed about the same time every night
5. After a stressful day, filling the tub with hot water and essential lavender oil.

If you want to have the best health possible, you should strive to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. If you are a night owl, then start by retiring 15 minutes early and you will notice a difference in the way you feel the next morning.

Keeping balanced will be the avenue to reach your goals and objectives. Having a good night’s rest is a foundational principle in achieving balance. Happy dreams my friends.

Linda’s Tips – Know Your Audience

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When you have been asked to speak one of the first action items on your list should be to know your audience. By being familiar with your audience you will be able to present relevant, timely and engaging information.

Some of the questions to ask before speaking in front of your speaking opportunity are:

What is the age range of the audience?
What type of professionals?
Are all of the attendees in the same industry?
What are some hot topics going on with the audience at this time?

I made the mistake once of presenting to a group who I thought were Twitter users. As I asked the question about Twitter I got blank stares. Part of my presentation had a segment devoted to Twitter. I had to quickly take that out. If I had asked this question before I got on the stage from the meeting planner I wouldn’t have had to scramble during the presentation.

Getting to know your audience before you step up on the stage will create the framework for a successful presentation. Your audience will fall in love with you and want an encore performance.

Thanks for watching Linda’s tips. These tips will assist you in uncovering, realizing and accomplishing your potential. Sign up today for our FREE Newsletter www.LHYatesconsulting.com.

Daylight

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Sunrise Daylight

If you have been following my blog you probably realized that I have a fascination with light. Light in all forms empowers and energizes me. Today I would like to share my insight about daylight.

Being raised on a farm and ranch taught me that daylight is the opportunity to work and accomplish your goals. Seasons come and go. Light increases and decreases each day throughout the year. Taking advantage of the daylight and using its power to achieve your dreams is a life skill to master.

As my children have grown up it has been interesting for me to watch them give up staying up late at night. Now I see them taking advantage of the morning to get a jump-start on the day.

Setting the habit of getting up early is one of the most common habits of highly successful individuals. Try it for the next week and watch your productivity increase higher than you can imagine.

Just as a new day dawns the possibilities are endless. Each day as we embrace the light and the power it provides, our harvest over time will be fruitful and lush. The evening will be a time to relax, reflect, and celebrate a day full of accomplishment.

74% Fear Public Speaking

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Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. The National Institute of Mental Health found that 74% of the population fear public speaking. That statistic is huge! I would love to hear if you share this fear. If you do, what techniques do you use to manage that fear?

A few months ago, I was hired to consult with a client who suffers from extreme stage fright. I told them that the secret to managing this fear is to work with it rather than fight it.

Here are some tips that I have found useful as I speak:

1. Take the anxiety and turn it into energy. This has been referred to as taking the butterflies and making them fly in formation. They are still there but directing their energy gives you power.

2. Deliver your speech as if it were a gift that you are giving. Visualizing your performance as if it were a present that you have been excited to share turns the focus from your nerves to being excited to share.

3. Practice. Being prepared is critical to managing your fear. The more you practice the more comfortable and conversational your speech will become. Practice giving your speech to your dog or kids.

4. Exercising. Getting your blood flowing is a great way to manage the fear.

5. Visualization. See yourself receiving applause. See your audience smiling at you. See yourself smiling back. Great performances start off in the mind.

It doesn’t matter if this is your first speech or your 50th. These tips will empower you to deliver an engaging presentation. I know that you are more powerful than you can imagine.

If I can assist you in tapping into that power please contact me via our contact form. Glossophobia doesn’t have to hold you back in achieving your dreams!

Image: Big Heart on Fire