TEE 021: How To Coach Others – Linda Yates

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Linda Yates

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In episode 21 of The Executive Edge I will share with you how to coach others. A few weeks ago I was asked the question of what I do. A great question and it made me think about the coaching process. We all have different occasions where we may be assisting others in their role to accomplish a specific task or solve a problem. This episode will provide best practices, the process and framework to help you in all of your coaching roles.

Whether its a co-worker, employee, child, or friend there are steps to keep in mind. As an certified professional executive coach the process has some overlap. The following highlights from this podcast will give you what you need to be successful with all you may have to coach:

3 T’s to be aware
– Training
– Tools
– Time

What is the motivation factor?

Questions to ask those you are coaching

Best practices during “The Coaching Session”
– Private setting
– Turn off distractions
– Allow plenty of time
– Focusing on the goal
– Positive and friendly mindset
– Specific reason
– Express concern about performance (your concerns)
– Impact on you and others regarding the performance
– Acknowledge and listen to what is said
– Seek ideas to solve the issue
– Discuss the probability of the suggested solutions
– Agree on the solution and actions to take
– Follow up on the progress
– Praise positive results

Thank you for listening to The Executive Edge podcast! Please share your thoughts, comments and topics you would like covered in the comment section below. What would you like to learn more about in a training episode?

Blessing of a Work Ethic

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Linda Yates

Are you one that loves to work or are you one that runs from it? This ethic can be a blessing. Just like everything else, your perspective makes the difference.

I have shared bits about my background with you. I grew up in a family that valued work. My siblings continue to do so today. I am thankful that my parents taught me the power of this ethic. My life has been blessed in more ways than I can count because this principle was taught and lived.

I have found work as a solace when grief or disappointments have come up in my life. Some might even say I’m a workaholic. I’m working on that as well!

What in your life or business needs more of your focused effort? Perhaps a project you have been putting off? A relationship that needs strengthening? When you are passionate about your work then it may not feel like a task rather an opportunity. I can relate to that feeling as I speak.

Speaking in front of audiences is like breathing to me. I love it and I feel renewed from it. There is the work before and the work after the actual speech. Putting my head down and going to work on a speech that will inform and inspire is where the preparation pays off.

It is through our hard work that we realize the fulfillment of our goals. You can do anything you set your mind to. I have seen that in my life.

Teaching your children this value will pay off for them as well. Your attitude is everything. When a task needs completed, the way you attack that task will make all the difference. Embracing it and staying positive will make it go faster and give you deeper fulfillment.

Off to work I go!

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Linda H. Yates – The Image Energizer is a highly sought Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and Corporate Trainer. She has produced over 250 educational seminars on helping individuals and businesses uncover, realize and accomplish their goals. Host of The Executive Edge podcast and author of the audio course and workbook 6 Steps to ENERGIZE Your Personal Brand, Linda Yates believes that NOTHING is Impossible!

TEE 019: 2 Teenage Young Entrepreneurs Sound-Off

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Linda Yates

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How old do you have to be to start your own business? Episode 19 of The Executive Edge highlights not just one but two teenage young entrepreneurs along with Sonya Deros, the Program Manager for the Golden Bell and YEA program at the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

Our future lies in the hands of some amazing youth! These two young entrepreneurs are a great example to us all how we can uncover, realize and accomplish our potential.

Sonya Deros joined the Boca Chamber team in May 2014. Her focus is to expand the success and awareness of the Golden Bell Education Foundation and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. As a United States Coast Guard Veteran, Sonya felt the pull of the South Florida waters and left the snowy hills of New Hampshire to start her life in South Florida about two years ago. Her background was in hospitality. She was a successful Sales Manager/Event Planner at the Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College, and Membership and Marketing Manager for the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

Jordan Zietz is a student attending Pine Crest School. Jordan is currently enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and is a member of the National Junior Beta Club. He currently lives in South Florida, and lives with his 2 sisters and his parents.

Rachel Zietz is a 9th grader at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is fourteen years old and lives in South Florida with her family. She is also a member of the National Beta Club at her school and plays on two competitive lacrosse teams. She competes at the national and regional levels. As a lacrosse player Rachel excels in the attack and midfield positions. Rachel Zietz is also running her own company that she began in the 7th grade – Gladiator Lacrosse, LLC.

What we learned from this episode:
– That your age doesn’t matter in order to be successful.
– The two ingredients to realize success.
– YEA program that teaches young entrepreneurs.
– How family fun can teach success skills.
– How vision is critical to reaching our potential.

I know you will enjoy this inspiring and fun interview. You can check out Rachel Zietz’s website at www.gladiatorlacrosse.com.

To connect with Sonya to learn more about the YEA program send her an email at: sderos@bocachamber.com.

Thank you for listening to The Executive Edge podcast! Please share your thoughts, comments and topics you would like covered in the comment section below.

Systems Magnify Productivity

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Linda Yates

There are lots of ways to do our tasks from day-to-day. The most efficient path is through systems. Systems have the power to magnify our productivity in every task we undertake. You may not think that you use systems throughout your day. If I were to follow you around all day, (not in a creepy kind of way), I bet we would find all sorts of systems you have implemented. You might not even realize it.

When I moved to Florida years ago I stayed with a friend and they had in their entryway a plate for keys to go. I thought what a great idea! We instituted this process. As we come in and out throughout the day we drop our keys on the plate. This has solved the problem of searching for keys when running out the door to an appointment.

Another system is to park your car in roughly the same place or area each day you go to work. That solves having to look for your car at the end of the day. This is a simple example of daily systems to create efficiency.

Having systems in your business is smart. Implementing checklists is even smarter. I read this great book called “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande. In it he explores how checklists are important for every type of business. I have been utilizing checklists and the stress reduction has been awesome!

As I continue to grow and evolve these systems will be a critical piece of my business to grow. As new vendors and employees come to work with me the learning curve shortened. Systems give you clarity so that you can spend your time in more creative ways.

I challenge you to put in place systems. You can also change or drop them but having them will free you up to do more of what you want to do.

Benefits of Innovation

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Linda Yates

I am amazed at the inventions that others come up with. I have never looked at myself as an innovator. Yet, I value innovation and understand the strength it can be.

One of the things I’ve realized is that innovation doesn’t have to be big or move the earth. Even something as simple as a paperclip. Think about it. By bending a small wire into a shape that could hold a few papers together, that changed the ability to organize your paperwork.

As I have been building a business I realize that time is precious. Seeking out innovative ways to do different tasks is critical to my long-term success. I am so grateful for my laptop, phone and the internet! When I started working a long time ago, computers were slow. I would turn on the computer and while the computer was booting, I could go down the hall to pick up the mail before it had completed its process. Now, by just lifting my laptop screen I am able to be off and running to do my tasks.

Using our imagination is free and can be such a gift. Recently I met a CEO who is an inventor. His first invention was when he was 17 years old. He comes from a family of inventors. I interviewed him for The Executive Edge podcast – check it out here: https://lhyatesconsulting.com/tee-011-max-silver-innovation-way-success/

One of the ways I love to innovate is through cooking. The kitchen to me is like a chemistry lab. I love to make things from scratch. The opportunity to innovate occurs when a recipe calls for something that you don’t have. Thank heaven for Google! Thinking outside the box is how innovation can improve our reality.

Our brain is an amazing gift! The question of “what if” – is where we can tap into the possibility to enhance our life and business. I would love to hear how you have innovated. Who knows, you might give me an idea or two!

Passion

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Linda Yates

What are you passionate about? How do you define passion? My definition is that my heart, soul and mind become consumed and it makes me smile. There are a lot of different things that I am passionate about here is a list:
1. God
2. Family
3. Health
4. Work
5. People
6. Sun
7. Music

I believe that when passion exists – life is easier. All the tasks I have to undertake become lighter. The question then arises: Can you make yourself feel passion when it is lacking? I believe the answer is yes! Here are a few tips that I have implemented in my daily life when I need to feel more:

1. Get curious. When my energy is lacking I try to find something that I can learn more about.
2. Balance. There are some days that I get out of balance. Those are the days I stop and take a breath.
3. Say no. When I dig to find passion and it’s just not there, I say no. That is something hard for me to do – but at times necessary.
4. Set goals. By setting goals I am able to get excited and determination grows.
5. Reflect on what I love. As I reflect on what has inspired me in the past, I have more energy for what I’m currently working on.

Passion is the critical factor in pressing forward when you feel discouraged or frustrated. Asking yourself “why” will bring you back to your higher purpose. As you reaffirm your purpose, you will find renewed strength to move forward.

Passion is the spice of life. When you can put it in place into all areas of your life then the magic is yours to enjoy!

Integrity

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Linda Yates

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.

The Future

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Linda Yates

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.

Linda’s Success Tips: The Power of Taking a Deep Breath

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Linda Yates

Linda H. Yates – The Image Energizer shares the power of taking a deep breath and how it will help you be more productive and profitable.

When I was a young woman I had vocal lessons. Yes, singing is a major part of my life still to this day. When you take vocal lessons, a major focus is on how to breathe correctly. Through the years, I have come to realize that it is easy to hold your breath when you are feeling stressed or anxious. Perhaps you have noticed that this happens to you on occasion.

When you feel overwhelmed or something rattles you. Stop, take a deep cleansing breath then move forward. Oxygen provides a multitude of benefits. All of our systems work better when we tune in to how we are breathing.

Thanks for watching and sharing these success tips! I know that you can uncover, realize and accomplish more each day as you implement these tips! Please be sure to share your thoughts and comments. If you have any questions please put them in the comments below and I will respond personally.

Sign up for our FREE newsletter for more tips on how to energize your image and your life on www.LindaHYates.com. Have a wonderful week!

Listening – The Secret To Success

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Linda Yates

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.

lhyatesconsulting.com

Category Archives: Life Coaching