IMPACT Learning Leadership

Do You Really Need A Coach?

2011-01-27T23:32:00.001-05:00

Are you one of the many business owners or leaders wondering whether a coach is the right for you?
The value of coaching has become widely accepted and coaches have become commonplace in US businesses. Successful senior executives rely on "confidants" to give them honest feedback - a critical element of good coaching. Increasingly, they have invited executive coaches into their management meetings to make observations about group dynamics and their implication for performance improvement, strategic planning and organizational decision making. Senior-level managers and small business owners who need highly efficient and creative performers and team members are using "business" or "growth" coaches. Career coaches are becoming a standard feature in the landscape of restructure, reorganization and mergers.

John Kotter,  professor of leadership at the Harvard Business School, attributes the exponential growth in business coaching to the following: "As we move from 30 miles an hour to 70 to 120 to 180...as we go from driving straight down the road to making right turns and left turns to abandoning cars and getting on motorcycles...the whole game changes, and a lot of people are trying to keep up, learn how, not fall off." He believes that coaches are helping leaders to stay on track and to "play the game" more effectively.

For the leader who is looking for a coach, a complicating factor is that there are so many types of coaches. There are executive coaches, business coaches, career coaches, life coaches, and more... And- the process, tools, resources and objectives can be very different for each "type".   The question may not be, do you need a coach, but instead what type of coach do you need. Be sure when you are identifying a coach, that you select the tupe of coach most suited to your needs.

What can you expect from a coach and how will you know if you have a competent coach? If you are considering hiring a coach, then you should read the following attributes associated with competent coaches:

1) Builds Trust and Rapport

You and your coach don't have to be best friends. Your coach must be able to perceive and appreciate the strengths, talents and unique gifts you bring to your work.

2) Listens, observes and analyzes

An effective coach is an excellent listener and observer. The coach observes every gesture, tone, hesitation, choice of words, body language, motion, innuendo, tactic, decision. A coaching session is not a casual "let's get together and chat." It can even be compared to receiving an MRI where you are viewed at every angle. The effective coach will then closely analyze what s/he observes, help you to determine specific developmental or business objectives.

3) Provides insight and feedback

The effective coach will tell you clearly and precisely what s/he perceives about your behaviors and their effects on the situation or on others. The coach will choose one or two critical behaviors, skills or situations on which to focus- either changing, improving, or enhancing. A skilled coach will provide you with a different perspective or alternative views so that you can more clearly understand the impact of achieving the coaching objectives.

4) Encourages alternatives and options

The skillful coach will point out the potential outcomes of your current behaviors/actions/ plans. S/he will help you to consider possible options and the risks/benefits associated with them and help you as you develop your action plans.

5) Is honest and direct

The competent coach is not afraid to "push back" or to share developmental feedback. S/he will encourage you to take action or make change, even when you resist.

6) Can share a breadth of experience, skills and knowledge

Look for a coach who has had business experience or who has coached others in similar situations. Does the coach have resources and tools? Be sure the coach can help you to develop those skills you are lacking, provide input into the business challenges you face and is willing to coach you on where you can seek out information and answers. Coaches do not have all the answers, but they can help you to look in the right places.

Check out this leadership newsletter

2011-01-23T00:22:00.000-05:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Leading-with-URGENT-IMPACT-.html?soid=1102656873904&aid=sUe5KsIZt6A

The Minute Millionaire You Must Read

2009-06-17T04:03:00.000-04:00

An absolutely "Must Read" this summer is the Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen.

It is a uniquely written book that teaches the key principles that can lead you to financial freedom. Whether you enjoy a book that is a "story" or a book that discusses how to apply concepts, you will find that this book will grab your attention.

The right-sided pages are written for those of us who prefer the more instructional approach. The left-sided pages are designed for those of us who prefer the "storybook" approach. Together, the pages of the book keep our attention and also teach us the "how to's".

It is a real winner in keeping your attention and teaching you how to achieve your financial dreams. go for it now!!!

Products For You To Begin Your Own Social Networking Business

2009-06-16T03:40:00.000-04:00

I found a great product that teaches you how to set up and maintain your own blog in several easy-to-do and understand steps. Everyone should have their own blog.

Free Video Tutorials To Help You Get Started With Your Very Own Blog

I also found another great product that you must have if you own a computer. It is an outstanding data protection service that provides on-line backup.

Online Cloud Backup for Everyone

Another website I liked is The Original PDF Creator.

Create PDFs As Easy As File

Being able to create your own pdf files using any program is criticla today.

Incorporating The Training into My Own Business

2009-06-15T03:35:00.000-04:00

Building and maintaining relationships across all of the socail networks will help me to establish myself and my company.

The Book Cash in a Flash: Fast Money in Slow Times

2009-06-14T02:48:00.000-04:00

(Bestselling authors Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen are back following their mega-hit The One Minute Millionaire with new strategies to generate cash quickly.)

Right now, everyone needs trusted, proven, practical advice and techniques for making money fast. In Cash in a Flash, two of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country show readers how to use the skills and resources they already have to generate permanent and recurring streams of income—all in 90 days or less.

Using their bestselling “two-books-in-one” formula, Hansen and Allen combine prescriptive information for developing the millionaire mindset and building wealth on left-hand pages, with the continuation of the inspiring fictional story of Michelle from The One Minute Millionaire on the right-hand pages. In this much-anticipated and timely sequel, Hansen and Allen provide a revolutionary approach to financial freedom—now.

Click Here for More Information about Cash in a Flash

On-The-Spot Coach

2009-06-13T02:29:00.000-04:00

I introduced my clients and contacts to a new offering: On-The-Spot Coach which provides leaders and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to obtain one-on-one coaching when they need it for situations thaey are facing that day.

The coaching is "On-The-Spot" and can be related to any situation, challenge or idea that they woudl like to discuss. Clients are reacting with a lot of excitement.

I am providing a free session to the first 50 folks who sign up for it on the website www.impactlearninginc.com

The Improtant Strategy & Tools for Marketing

2009-06-12T02:25:00.000-04:00

I have learned that it is important to utilize all sources of marketing, including direct mail, email, live networking and social networking to make noise on my business and products.

Social networking opens up the opportunity to connect to many more people than an individual can do utilizing the more traditional marketing methods.

Is it Really Summer?

2009-06-10T14:58:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe that it is already mid June and that summer is underway. Having a high school graduate is a new experience. I visited the college campus with my son as he registered for his classes this week. I was reminded of the excitement and the anxiety that comes with change as I watched my son's mood change throughout the day from "okay I have to do this" to "I love this place and can't wait to be here!"

As I think about the changes I have been making to my business and my life, I can say I have also felt that anxiety- "Okay, I have to do this." And now I can say "WOW, I am really loving this "makeover" and I can't wait to get it all going!"

My Nice Weekend

2009-05-30T02:29:00.000-04:00

Over the Memorial Weekend, my daughter’s club soccer team participated in an invitational tournament.

Several of the games were quite competitive. In the first game, we won, my daughter scored 2 goals and was awarded player of the game. It was exciting to watch and I was very proud. She scored another two goals in the second game.

Later, I listened to my daughter, who is in 9th grade, and her team mate share their stories of being high school soccer players. The teammate shared her disappointment that she had not scored any goals since entering high school.

My daughter then responded to her that she should just go ahead and score in the next day’s game and they pretended to visualize the score. I had been spending a lot of time lately sharing the importance of visualizing success with my daughter so I was very excited to hear her sharing that learning with her friend.

The next day, Alexis’ team mate scored her first goal with an amazing shot. It was the only goal of the game and was the reason we made it to the tournament finals. Later they talked about how Alexis had just told her to go and do it so she did. I have spent a lot of time the past years watching my children play soccer, basketball or other sporting activities, as well as performing on stage.

I have truly enjoyed watching them through their joys and disappointments. There is a quote that I remind myself and them to think of when they (or I) are faced with a challenge: “All things are possible to he (or she) who believes”.

Wow Now

2009-05-26T23:05:00.001-04:00

WOW NOW is more than a visualization of your goals and dreams. It is how you perceive your ultimate vision through all of your senses in the most vivid way possible. It is more than a goal, more than a dream. It is the ultimate desire for your lifetime success or legacy. I am another day closer to my WOW NOW. Visit www.impactlearninginc.com to see all I am up to as I attempt to achieve my WOW NOW.

My Business Goals & Action

2009-05-01T02:24:00.000-04:00

As a result of attending the Cash In A Flash Meeting, I have changed my entire business model.

I have incorporated multiple streams of income into my business model as well as changed form a linear-only stream to the inclusion of residual streams as well. A key learning from the meeting was that I needed to work from a perspective of abundance instead of one of scarcity.

This has changed my approach with the setting and executing business goals. My goals are loftier and my execution is more comprehensive and creative. I am energized with a very detailed vision of what my success will look like and what the impact will be on the legacy that I will leave. I am more focused and driven than I have been in a very long time.

I work closely with a team (and extended team) of extremely committed and talented people with diverse abilities that can be leveraged so that we can all achieve our visions of success. Finally, I am propelled by an unconscious, continuous state of positive energy that is driving me to an outcome that will exceed all my expectations

What I'v Learned FromThe 3rd Chapter of Cash in the Flash Book

2009-04-30T02:22:00.000-04:00

Chapter 3 provided the formula for success: S= M+H+T.

To be successful I have to engage my mind, my heart and my team. If I want to achieve my dream, I have to be sure my mind is on track – I have engaged all my senses and my intellect.

I also must be sure my goal is aligned with my values and that I can feel in my heart that this goal will truly allow me to live my values and to leave the legacy that is so important to me. Finally, no great thing was ever accomplished by a single person.

We all need other people to help us, support us along the way. Having a team of focused, determined and competent folks aligned and desiring to also achieve success will ensure my outcome.

From The 2nd Chapter of Cash In the Flash Book

2009-04-29T02:20:00.000-04:00

Chapter 2 of Cash in a Flash established the foundation for success.

It must start with a “Wow Now” vision that I can clearly sense in every way and keep front of mind as a beacon of light directing me toward my dreams. Next is to listen to my “Inner Winner” and not let the naysayers steal my dream.

I have always been very intuitive, yet I have not always listened to my intuition. Sometimes I have let others or my own insecurities lead me off track.

In Chapter 2 I realized how important it will be for me to listen to what my inner self is saying and to keep on following it no matter what barriers others may present. If I believe, I can do.

Chapter 2 also reminded of the importance of surrounding myself with a team of talented folks who can share the journey with me. Some of my best memories of success have an ongoing theme of working toward a shared vision with a “Dream Team”.

The right side of the chapter demonstrated that there will be challenges along the way and that one must always pay attention, listen to others and act in accordance with my values, again always keeping my dream in the forefront.

What I Have Learned From The First Chapter of Cash in the Flash Book

2009-04-28T02:18:00.000-04:00

Chapter 1 of Cash in a Flash got me thinking about the goal of making money- quickly.

I have always been more of a long term thinker/planner and less oriented toward planning for the very short term. Reading the first chapter made me realize that although I may be doing right things, I have not been doing them with a sense of urgency.

Only with that sense of urgency and a change of approach can I be successful in the short term. To set up my “financial kitchen”, I need to use a recipe that will use quick techniques that also result in a delicious “meal”. I need to move quickly, but not be in such a rush that I do not follow the process. I don’t want to “rush the gumbo and spoil the roux”.

This life changing 3 day event

2009-04-25T03:02:00.000-04:00

Day 3 came and I was amazed at how far I had come.

This has been the most impactful learning event I have had in 20 years. I am looking at myself, my talents, my goals and my plans all in a new way. I am energized in a way I have not felt in a long time. I love the High FIVE Dream Team and feel a real bond with my team mates- we will succeed. A part of me did not want the day to end, another part of me was soooo anxious to get back home and to get going. I hopped onto a red eye flying east and instead of sleeping on the plane, I found myself planning and organizing. I am renewed.

I plan to completed revamp my consulting business, I am going to focus on the concept of abundance instead of scarcity. Most of my life I have been exposed to a thinking model that had scarcity as a foundation. I worked in the corporate world where everything was competitive and where there always seemed to be a max, a cap or a limit.

Learning to start with the concept of abundance has changed how I look at everything and how I will manage my work and my life. I am leaving a changed person.

I met my Dream Team during the event

2009-04-25T02:57:00.000-04:00

One of the real highlights of Cash In A Flash was the creation of my Dream Team, consisting of Jonathan, Sonny, Neil and Rob. We all recognize that we are stronger together and can achieve more if we demonstrate true team work.

As Team Leader, it will be important for me to ensure strong communications and to keep us aligned and focused. I will work with the other CIAF Team Leaders as well.

what I've learned on Day 2 of Cash in the Flash

2009-04-24T02:48:00.000-04:00

Day 2 was amazing. I enjoyed all the speakers who met with us. I began to feel a bond with all the other Cash in a Flash folks and found that I wanted to get to know more of them. I really enjoyed learning more about social networking which will be invaluable to the way I will work in the future. I also was reminded how important it is to leverage talents and find work/projects that I enjoy.

I was reminded of the importance of looking for my low hanging fruit if I really wanted to make Cash in a flash. For me this would mean focusing on what I already know and have a talent to do.

I also learned that people will be interested in "buying" knowledge associated with what I am good at. Having multiple streams of income is key to long term success, but for cash in a flash, I need to focus on the low hanging fruit.

My first day attending the Cash in the Flash event

2009-04-22T02:44:00.000-04:00

Day 1 was amazing.

When I first arrived at the meeting, I was expecting it to be the usual "training workshop".It took only a short time to realize that the day would be anything but typical.

Mark and Bob were so engaging and so passionate, I could not believe how quickly the day passed. The highlight of the day was being placed with my Dream Team.

It was immediate "Positive Chemistry" and a shared goal between us that would prove to be very powerful. I learned that I am ready to achieve my dreams and that I really can do it.

Bob and Mark provided me with a new way of looking at myself, my talents and my path toward my dreams. I also learned that giving is the certain way to also receive.

Before I attended Cash in a Flash

2009-04-20T02:40:00.000-04:00

Before Cash in a Flash I was a traditional consultant working with large and small corporations, helping them to develop their leaders and their organizations, as well as to help them adapt to changing business conditions.

My website was very linear- come and visit for information only. I considered it a place clients could come and learn about IMPACT Learning, Inc. It was not designed to be interactive or to sell products or services.

With the downturn of the economy, many of my clients were finding it necessary to cut back on expenses. Funding for external consultants was greatly reduced. I became concerned that this year would be a tight year for my business.

For a very long time, my husband and I have had dreams of financial freedom, having both the time and resources to better serve our community. We aspire to make a real difference in the lives of those who experience hunger and homelessness and also in the lives of women who have experienced abuse and need help so they can have a full and happy life.

I joined the Enlightened Wealth Institute about 2 weeks prior to the CIAF meeting. I had heard Bob Allen speak and really bought into his message of multiple streams. I became committed to working toward the goal of being an enlightened multi-millionaire in a short period of time by expanding into new areas. I had just started the learning process provided by EWI when I learned about the CIAF meeting. I love Mark's books. I felt that God had presented this opportunity in answer to prayer and I knew I had to be there. Before CIAF, I knew I had to make change, I just did not know what or how.