chicagopaint

Aha Moments in Executive Coaching

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Breakthrough moments are what both clients and coaches live for. Hear about experiences that have transformed people’s businesses and lives.

Coaching Teams

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Coaching teams presents unique challenges for both teams and coaches. The results, however, can be so worth the effort.

Expanding Your Range

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Expanding your range as a leader, and a person, are critical to higher levels of performance. Getting there on your own is hard; getting there with the help of a coach can be transformative.

Keys to a Successful Coaching Engagement

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Learn what leads to transformation and growth for an individual or a team from working with a top-level coach.

Biggest Challenges for Executive Coaching Clients

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Coming to grips with hard truths isn’t easy, but growth can’t happen without that. Here’s how we guide that journey.

The Meaning of Kinetic Clarity

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Energy + Focus = Results. (It’s that simple — and so much more. And it can absolutely change your business and your life!)

What Kind of Leaders Do You Coach?

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Motivated ones, whether that motivation is to reach greater heights, or to save their job. In both cases, it’s necessary for the leader to deeply want to change and grow.

Navigating Complexity

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

How you handle complexity is critical to job success today. How well are you doing on that scale?

Leverage to Navigate Complexity

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

LEVERAGE The ability to influence a system, or an environment, in a way that multiplies the outcome of one’s efforts without a corresponding increase in the consumption of resources. In other words, leverage is the advantageous condition of having a relatively small amount of cost yield a relatively high level of returns. (Business Dictionary)
To Navigate Complexity you need Leverage

So you can feel it, right? You world just keeps getting more and more unpredictable, overwhelming, complicated, and intense. Unfortunately that is not going to end. We are in the Age of Acceleration. We call it a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, changing, and Ambiguous)

As leaders we need to accept this new age and state of being. There is no longer an EASY BUTTON to push. What that means is we have to learn how to navigate the complexity and surf the chaos rather than stay in a reactive place.

You need Leverage. You need to find ways to navigate that are more efficient and effective without needing more input or energy from you. The way to do that is to start from the inside out. You need to pause and reflect in order to get clear on what matters to you and find your fuel. Your fuel is your multiplier or leverage. You also then need to band together with others and find creative leverage working together.

Some tips…

It might seem counter intuitive, but schedule consistent “white space” reflection time.

Find your Fuel and Fill up your tank

Don’t go it alone.

The Value of a Good Ending

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

I just love a good ending. A solid period at the end of the sentence. Here in December, I take the opportunity to pause reflect on the past year so that I can put a good crisp ending on it. When I look back, I look for accomplishments and wins that may have faded off my radar as more pressing priorities and complexities come up. I also own up to challenges and bumps in the road so I can integrate the learning. Most of all, I get really focused on what I can wrap up, leave behind, and let go of. Because, quite frankly, I don’t have the time or the energy to drag things around that really don’t have importance or value anymore.

We are often so overwhelmed by complexity, that we don’t pay attention to endings because we’re already off on the next new thing. You may think you don’t have time, but it’s essential to make time to consciously complete.

So here are some ideas for you to pause, reflect, and complete so you can launch into a new year with a lighter load.

Look at all your to-do’s, business leads, projects, relationships, and responsibilities. Decide which of these needs to be completed or moved off your active to-do list.
Reflect on your challenges and mistakes in the last year. Decide what you need to take away and learn from them. Then trust that you don’t need to carry anything but the learning from this.
Look at any other areas for growth or development and maybe there are some bad habits or behaviors or beliefs that don’t serve you going forward. Write of lists of these things that you say NO to going forward.

I’ve included a great end of year reflection template for you to download and try out. I’d be interested to hear what your end of year completion ritual is.

For some of you, just getting clear on these is enough. For others, you may like a ritual to truly complete. You can write what you’re ending on paper that you throw away or throw in a fire (safely!). You can plan a hike to reflect on what you’re letting go as you walk up. Then when you get to the top, you can leave it up there. you can point towards what you’re creating. Or you can talk to a friend or coach to process through what you’re completing.

However you do this, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll feel clear and lighter as you let go.

Many blessings to you in this season of endings and new beginnings

About the experience of ending: John O’Donohue

Experience has its own secret structuring. Endings are natural. Often what alarm us as ending can in fact be the opening of a new journey – a new beginning that we could never be anticipated; one that engages forgotten parts of the heart. Due to the current overlay of therapy terminology in our language, everyone now seems to wish for “closure.” This word is unfortunate, it is not faithful to the open-ended rhythm of experience. Creatures made of clay with porous skin and porous minds are quite incapable of the hermetic sealing that the strategy of “closure” seems to imply. The word completion is a truer word. … When the person manages to trust experience and be open to it, the experience finds its own way to realization. Though such an ending may be awkward and painful, there is a sense of wholesomeness and authenticity about it. Then the heart will gradually find that this stage has run its course and the ending is substantial and true. Eventually the person emerges with a deeper sense of freedom, certainty and integration.

John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us, “Beyond Endings” p. 157

Winter Reflection Worksheet

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As a leader, it is essential to find time to pause and reflect. Your professional and personal development journey requires time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and themes. Pause allows for you to take a good look in the mirror and really see how you are growing and evolving underneath all the surface activity. It’s also a time get in touch with your inner wisdom and creativity as you reconfirm your vision.

REFLECT

Look back over the last 6 to 12 months and acknowledge all your growth, accomplishments, and experiences. Celebrate all your wins, big and small. Look at all the areas of your work as you reflect: relationship with your boss, peers, and direct reports; coaching and development; work productivity; work and life balance, etc. Also consider important elements of your personal life: family, friends, health, and recreation.

List all of your Wins, Gains, and Breakthroughs. Celebrate and acknowledge your character and your accomplishments.

List your Losses, Disappointments, and Breakdowns Engage your curiosity and compassion – not your inner critic.

List any lessons you have learned this past year that you want to carry forward.

“Everything about yesterday has gone with yesterday.

Today it is needed to say new things.”

– Rumi

RITUAL

Create a conscious transition to let go of last year. It might be a long hike up a hill (up reflecting on the past, down stepping into the future), burning up the notes of the past, anything! It can even be as simple as a good night’s sleep where you set the intention of letting the past go and waking to a new day. Whatever works for you!

“Yesterday is history,

tomorrow is a mystery,

but today is a gift.

That is why it is called the “present.”

Kung Fu Panda

DREAM

Imagine yourself 12 to 18 months in the future. Pick a date. Give yourself room to expand into your best vision for the future. When thinking forward, let your imagination go. What if you could create it exactly as you want it? What would that look like to dream big about your life and your career? This is an opportunity to create your most fulfilling vision for the future – make it count!

“May I have the courage today

To live the life that I would love.

To postpone my dream no longer

But do at last what I came here for

And waste my heart on fear no more.

John O’Donahue

Write a (specific)
list of ALL your
Wins, Gains, and Breakthroughs that occur in the next
12-18 months.

Write a Future Letter to a dear friend, family member or mentor.
Share what has transpired and what you have accomplished during the past year. Speak to how proud you are of the obstacles you overcame or the focus and determination you tapped into. Talk about what makes the success of this year matter so much. Why is this year important to you?

Create a Plan
Now that you are more conscious of where you want to be, start to consider what small (or big) steps you can take to move yourself closer to your vision. What conversations need to be had? What obstacles need to be overcome? What actions must be taken? What help do you need from others? Consider what is needed to close the gap between where you are today and where you want to be.

What is a mantra, song, structure, theme, or headline for the upcoming year?

Many, many blessings to you on your journey this next year!

With peace and courage in your heart, may you dream big
and manifest great joy, success, and meaning in the year to come!

– Barb

Dream before you Do

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

There is so much I need to do! I am moving at turbo, crazy, warp speed through my life right now. I know it’s the same for you too, right? I just received a very sweet, encouraging text saying ‘go go go…’ which is what I’ve been doing all week, and I just want to say ‘no, no, no!!’ But that’s what we do, we get up and go. We act. We move. We put one foot in front of the other tackling any action item that looks in the general direction of where we’re going.

I’m all for action. Movement and the doing of work and life is essential. But what I was just reminded of by one of my clients is that you have to dream first, then do. Why is that important? Dreaming is what helps us get clear about what we want, where we’re going, what’s important, and who we want to be. It’s the pause before the leap, the breath before the push. Without dreaming all the doing might be in the wrong direction, maybe for the wrong reasons, or maybe just busy work without any meaning.

I know you’re busy. I’m right there with you, but let’s see if we can take a quick minute to connect with what we really want before we ‘go, go, go’. Try these ideas on and let me know how it goes.

Take a mini mindfulness break and give your brain a break with some deep breaths
Ask yourself… what do I want? what’s my dream? what’s important?
Think about… who do I want to be right now? what personality qualities could be turned up?

If you want to make more time for reconnecting with your dreams, let’s touch base. I’d love to hear from you!

Have a great week!

Barb

Tell Me Why

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Art of Why

Hey… play with me a bit…

Why is the sky blue?
Why are you doing that?
Why not do that?
What’s your ‘why’?

One little word, so many different impacts. Sometimes asking ‘why’ comes off as a challenge, sometimes ‘why’ feels full of purpose. And sometimes it feels like the curiosity of a kindergartener. Interesting, isn’t it? Why talk about ‘why’? Well, it is a powerful word. In our work and life relationships, it can be used to build trust and connection, or it can be used in a way that creates friction and unproductive challenge. When I train coaches to ask powerful questions, I teach them to avoid using ‘why’. Try starting questions with ‘what’ or ‘how’ instead and see what happens.

Let’s play with it. I’m going to use a little more ‘why not’ for a while. I’ll be super curious what comes up for you. Here’s some things to try with your ‘why’…

Get curious… ask lot’s of questions, play like a 5 year old.
Ask yourself ‘why not’?
Get connected to your bigger ‘why’, your purpose or why you’re here
Wonder about the people and organizations around you –what’s their ‘why’?
Start your questions with ‘what’ instead of ‘why’

Have a fantastic weekend!

Barb

Gift of Today

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Hi!
I was driving my son to summer camp today and he said “I am dreaming so much about all the hiking we get to do this summer and all the great things we have coming up. And then I realized that today I get to hike too. Maybe instead of dreaming about all the hikes I’m doing later, I should just appreciate what I get to do today.” Is that just a brilliant lesson, or what? So I said “How about you get to do both? It’s completely wonderful to be excited about what is to come. AND, it’s important to be mindful and present of what’s happening now.” Have you seen the movie, Kung Fu Panda? I’m reminded of a quote from Master Oogway… “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift… that’s why they call it present”.

I don’t think any of us would argue that gratitude and appreciation are key ingredients to living a fulfilling life. Whether you are giving or receiving thanks, we know it improves performance, health, ability to manage change, and builds better relationships. Simon Synek talks about the selfless “good” chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin which are produced in giving and receiving thanks that produce “magic.. company performance far exceeding what individuals working only toward their specific goals can achieve.”

So on this day about 6 months away from Thanksgiving, let’s remember to make gratitude, giving thanks, and appreciation a daily practice. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

What are you grateful for in the past, future, and present?
Keep a daily gratitude journal or blessings basket
Write a thank you note
Acknowledge someone for their gifts and what they are doing to make the world a better place.

And here are just a few other resources for you to dig deeper into gratitude.

The Gratitude Essay , by Mike Perry, author of Roughneck Grace
In Praise of Gratitude , from the Harvard Medical School
The Grateful Brain , the Neuroscience of Giving Thanks, article from Psychology Today
Gratitude: A Deeper Appreciation , article from the Positive Psychology Program

I am incredibly grateful for my wonderful husband, my beautiful children, my dear family and friends. I’m grateful for my inspiring clients and business colleagues and the work I get to do in this world. I’m grateful for my health, my good fortune, and all the lessons I am learning from taking risks and when things don’t go perfectly as planned. In this moment, I’m grateful for summer and eating out of my garden. I’m grateful for the beautiful Colorado Rockies that are my home. And… oh… just now there is a gorgeous goldfinch that is flying around outside my window and some lovely humming birds too. Life is Good!

I know you are a grateful person! And sometimes life gets so busy and hectic that it’s hard to appreciate our current experience and see it for the gifts. If you (or someone you know) are struggling in bringing more positivity and gratitude into your life and want some coaching, please schedule some time with me here. I’m happy to give you some strategies and tips. And I currently have a few spots open in my coaching practice.

Barb

Courage to Make it Count

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

What does it all mean?
It’s not easy to make meaning out of something as horrible and senseless as the Orlando tragedy. It’s not easy to make meaning out of any attack, hardship, or misfortune. It’s easy to stay quiet and focus on other things. In the face of the utterly heart wrenching attack in Orlando I found myself speechless, numb, and wanting to every other thing on my list than thinking about Orlando. And I didn’t stay totally shut down either. The truth is, I am experiencing a huge range of emotions. Maybe you are too? I feel heart pumping anger, deep overwhelming grief, and terrifying fear. For a few days, I was so overwhelmed that I retreated to protect myself in all the little pieces and particles of my busy life. That’s the easy thing to do. It’s what we humans often do when things get crazy and senseless “out there”.

Fortunately, I managed to stay. I stayed open enough to listen to what others are saying. I allowed myself to be inspired by other’s words. I am hearing friends and colleagues experience their own anger, fear, and grief. And I’m finding some comfort in our collective experience of this tragedy. I am watching the world unite and respond, I am hear people choosing to engage. Strong leaders and ordinary heroes who have the courage to respond. We are collectively searching for meaning in this senseless attack. We all want for those beautiful lives to be remembered and honored. We want for their loss to be the seed of something worthy.

It takes courage to make meaning. It means you have to somehow accept what has happened and work to create something of value out of it. Even as I type these words, it’s insane to me to think about “creating value” out of senseless, violent act. To move forward from this in a way that matters does not mean we have to accept it. In fact, it’s just the opposite… It means we have to be brave enough to come out of our protective shells and experience the emotional roller coaster including the shattering depths of sorrow and loss. And we have to decide to respond individually and together. This is not an easy thing to do when everything in us wants to reject, or otherwise hide from the pain. Whether it’s a senseless act of terrorism, a toxic situation at work, or life threatening cancer, it takes courage to make it count. Next time you want to run and hide, (call me! …and) find the courage to engage.

Here’s how we work through this to make meaning together

Listen
Talk to others
Focus on our collective humanity rather than religion or politics
Have the courage to stay

Here are a few leaders I think are making meaning of this event with messages of integration, respect, and hope. I’d love to hear what you have to say too.

Dalai lama “Why I’m Hopeful About The World’s Future” http://www.dalailama.com/messages/articles/hopeful
President of Israel “United Against Fanatic Hatred” https://www.facebook.com/IsraeliPM/?pnref=story
Karen Kimsey-House “Say No To Fear (And Yes To Love)” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/say-fear-karen-kimsey-house
Chat with Bex Taylor-Klaus about Orlando and the LGBT community on MTV https://www.facebook.com/MTV/videos/10153814078506701/
Elizabeth Cooper Free Speaker Series on Queer Body Love http://thequeerbodyloveseries.com
Roxanna Kopp Smith has created a guided meditation for people struggling in the aftermath of this traumatic event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tD3118b8LM&feature=youtu.be

We are all Meaning Makers. Meaning Makers don’t choose just the happy events to make meaning from. We make meaning out of it all. We find a way to create forward.

Barb

Surfing the Chaos

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

So, I’ve just got to come clean. The last few weeks of my life have been on the edge of absurd in terms of commitments, big decisions, to do’s, and responsibilities. There have also unfortunately been some renegotiated accountabilities, several totally dropped balls, and at least one big miss. I know you all have been in this place of extreme chaos too. Between doing your own work, coaching others to do their work, all the internal processes and responsibilities, finding time to grow and develop, not to mention the professional networking and affiliations, it’s a lot to keep up with. Then sprinkle in your version of personal and community commitments for yourself, your family (including pets), your friends, and the list goes on. It’s a lot, I know. And it’s the new normal, isn’t it? All of these pieces and particles of our busy lives
are like waves on the beach. A constant ebb and flow and we adjust and get used to it. Then, from time to time, we run into a really, really, really, big wave. The huge, overwhelming set of life circumstances that threatens to pull you under, chew you up, and spit you back out broken on the beach. But what if, instead of paddling the other way or letting it pound you silly, you decide to swim right towards this massive wave of chaos? What if you ride it, surf it, or dance with it instead? You may still get thrown into the spin cycle, but you just might enjoy it.

The next time that extra big wave of crazy is headed your way, could be today, think about these strategies in dancing
with chaos…

Clearly Choose Your Yes’s and No’s It’s a good first step to block time to evaluate all you have on your plate and take a good look to see if you really must keep it on your plate, or if it’s something you can say no to, delegate, or de-prioritize in some way. It’s helpful to look at your values and life purpose in evaluating what stays and what goes.
Get Comfortable with Mediocre I’m serious! This is hard for all you perfectionist types. Lower your bar, adjust your expectations, let go of any kind of perfection you might have. You’re going to drop sh..tuff (period). Get used to it. Have you ever skied down a mogul run on the edge of crashing the entire time, and it didn’t look pretty, but at least you made it? It’s kinda like that. You are going for the finishers ribbon, not the gold.
Focus on What’s Right in Front of You, Now It is mentally and physically impossible to multi-task, aka worry, fret, juggle, or otherwise do it all. So, notice what’s right in front of you, right now, and do that really well. Now is all you have, so choose to be present.
Get Clear On What’s Most Important Think in terms of big themes, chunks, or groupings of stuff. What’s most important? What the priority? What is the Single. Most. Important. Thing.? Keep your eye on that. Block your calendar accordingly.
Keep Breathing Please take care of your mental and physical self. I’m not kidding… sleep, exercise, eat your vegetables, and meditate every day.
Roll with It Shift your perspective. What if you get curious about the wave, or consider the opportunity? Receive the luck and chance and gift of the chaos rather than sit in the denial, regret, and resistance.
Take Responsibility As you ride this wave and drop some balls.
Enjoy the Ride Surf and experience the ups, downs and emotional journey. You are not a robot on the board surfing this wave… you are HUMAN! Let the wave move you through thrills that tingle, breath-taking scary fears, heart-breaking sadness, or heart-pounding joy.

In CTI’s Co-Active Leadership Program, I learned to look at the chaos and rub my hands together in glee (yes, really…) because I know now that chaos presents a huge opportunity to create something new and extraordinary. It’s much better to dance with it than fight it. As my 12 year old son told me today, “Life is kinda like writing an essay with an ink pen… of course you’re going to make mistakes, but you just need to keep writing anyway.

Be well and have a ball surfing the chaos!

Love,

Barb

Who are your people

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

I just heard the news this morning that one of my friends is beginning a battle with cancer. She will literally be fighting for her life in the next few months. All I can think is that I’m so very glad she is surrounded by a strong community of family and friends to support her, and that’s what will make all the difference in winning this fight.

You might be wondering how this relates to corporate or business conversations about leadership. I believe my friend’s battle with cancer has everything to do with it. WE ARE HUMAN. Humans survive and thrive as relational beings. The only definition of leadership that really matters is how we connect and take care of each other and how we succeed together. My friend has been a leader all her life. She has built trust and relationships in how she cares for her family, friends, co-workers, and communities without expecting anything in return. And now, when she needs her tribe, we will find a way to be there for her in whatever way we can.

Last week I heard Simon Sinek’s keynote talk based on his book “Leaders Eat Last”. I think this story best sums up the dynamic that evolves between a true leader and their people…

“I heard a story of some Marines who were out in theater, and as is the Marine custom, the officer ate last, and he let his men eat first, and when they were done, there was no food left for him. And when they went back out in the field, his men brought him some of their food so that he may eat, because that’s what happens. We call them leaders because they go first. We call them leaders because they take the risk before anybody else does. We call them leaders because they will choose to sacrifice so that their people may be safe and protected and so their people may gain, and when we do, the natural response is that our people will sacrifice for us. They will give us their blood and sweat and tears to see that their leader’s vision comes to life, and when we ask them, “Why would you do that? Why would you give your blood and sweat and tears for that person?” they all say the same thing: “Because they would have done it for me.” Simon Sinek, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe” TED2014

So, I hope you can find 5 minutes today to think about your people, your tribes. Reflect on these questions, and as you do, know that you are taking time to be human and you are choosing to be a leader. Your life is so precious. Who you are in relationship with, how you relate to them, and what you accomplish together are truly the most important measures of your life’s success.

Who are your people? What relationships matter most to you? What communities and tribes do you belong
to? Who do you lead?
How are you caring for your people? What risks are you taking to protect them? How are you putting your people
first?
Let’s be honest… Where have you played it safe, overcommitted, gotten distracted, or let your tribe fend for
themselves?
What is one thing you can do now, today, this weekend, next week to build a stronger relationship with someone in
your tribe?

I’m sending you many blessings for the courage to take big risks for the sake of the people you love.

Be well and thanks for being part of my tribe.

Barb

Are you a Learnatic

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

This week I attended the ATD International Conference here in Denver with over 12,000 colleagues focused on leadership, learning, and developing talent. It was an incredible learning experience with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking with colleagues. I think everyone should attend a big conference like this from time to time to get inspired. I’d love to hear what you think of conferences and which ones you like.
My favorite new word is learnatic… someone who is crazy about learning (not just crazy). “A learnatic knows what to do when they don’t know what to do” ( www.themindgym.com) . So what does that mean? I bet a typical day for you has a lot of shifting, changing, and adjusting to new challenges and priorities, right? That means you have to figure out new ways to solve new problems all the time. It’s not the knowledge, or the “book learning”, or what you learned in college that helps you. It’s the ability to embrace learning. You have to trust that you can dive in, even when you don’t know what to do, and you’ll figure it out.
It is very clear that companies with learning cultures have more productive employees, more satisfied customers, and higher performance and market leadership overall. I believe for you, an attitude of learnacy brings more confidence, success, and joy in life. I think we all intend to be life long learners, but in our day to day challenges and struggles we forget. The speed at which our lives are passing by makes us want to pull in, keep safe, and minimize the risks we take. It’s in these moments that we need to notice what we’re doing and choose to be brave. We need to choose to be a learnatic instead. It may seem risky, but it’s worth it!
Here are four ways you can be a learnatic today…

GET CURIOUS
Just take a breath… Look around… Ask a question that starts like this… “I wonder what would happen if I…” or “What If…” or “What’s another way of looking at this?”
Keep asking curious questions all day long!

USE YOUR RESOURCES
In the middle of solving a problem or shifting, pause… take a breath… think of all the sources of information and help you have available. Now collaborate, research, and leverage like crazy.
Think like MacGyver!

STICK WITH IT
Stay with your challenge just a little bit longer. Think fail forward rather than fail and done.
Don’t give up!

PROMOTE NOT PROHIBIT
Enable, encourage, and say yes more today. Before you say no, stop and really think about it… is it necessary to say no?
Say YES!

Have a fantastic day being a learnatic! I have a lot more learning from the conference coming your way in the next few
weeks, so more to come.
Barb