Leadership

A time for healing

Leave a Comment / Courage, Culture, Leadership, Mindset / By / / , , ,

I must admit I'm tired, it's been an emotionally exhausting 48 hours.

Sometimes things don't go as planned.  I'm taking my own advice today and choosing to not be consumed by the negativity, to focus on what i can control and to just be in the moment.  Yesterday was rough - but the silver lining was that I was honored to speak at Annual Women's Achievement Awards hosted by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. A HUGE shout out to their Executive Director - the AMAZING Renee Miller (I grabbed a selfie with her before I left). She and her team did a great job of bringing together some of the most inspiring women I've ever met.

Women who challenged the status quo.

Women who stood up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves.

Women who helped people and families when they were in their darkest hours.

Women who are changing the lives of others, who are breaking barriers - who are simply raising their hand to say "it's my time - and here I am."

The energy in the room was infectious. I met some new friends, have a few coffee (or wine!) dates lined up and even ran into a long time colleague Pauline Handy from back in my insurance days - we had never met in person until yesterday!  Talk about a gift!

I needed yesterday far more than they needed me as a keynote.

The day was healing.

The day gave me hope.

That morning I posted on my social that I had lost hope in humanity.  I was being honest - it's how I felt.  I felt let down, gutted and afraid.

I needed that sisterhood - and the energy from several awesome men in the audience who snuck up to me after my speech and told me they "got me", they understood my words and they also understood what needs to be done.

I didn't hold back in my keynote - I didn't dim my light.

I talked about equality, I talked about leadership, I talked about inclusion and the importance empowering others to use their voices for the greater good.

The healing begins - but the work isn't over.

I deeply believe in women's rights - but more importantly I believe in human rights.

We come together when we build bridges not walls.

We come together when we lift others up, not when we pull or push them down.

I hate to admit it but I don't think America is ready for a female president - especially one of color.  Many of my friends told me that - and I didn't want to believe it. Yet - here we are.

She was held to a different standard.

She fought a great fight, given the circumstances she was tossed.

And now we move on.

I'm not sure what the future will hold - but I know I have what it takes to get through it.

I'm worried about the affordable care act, women's health care, public education, the economy, avoiding wars and I'm worried about the division, the racism and the violence.

It's the hand we've been dealt.  It's not our first rodeo.  My grandmothers got through earning the right to vote, the great depression, world wars, the civil rights movement, Roe V Wade, the availability of birth control and hell - prohibition!  Sadly they died before marriage equality was passed but I'm so incredibly grateful my daughter was sitting in the Supreme Court that fateful day to watch it become official.

I'm going to channel my daughter today - on her forearm is tattooed:

"You rarely win, but sometimes you do." Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird.   

It means - you stand up for what you believe in, even if you think the odds are stacked against you.  Because sometimes - you will win those battles and they will be worth it. You persist.

Things always don't turn out how you imagine - but that doesn't mean you give up.  

There is always hope and there is always a fight to fight.

Find your tribe, surround yourself with likeminded people - find that healing energy, that inspirational energy - that empowering energy.

It's going to be ok.

Thank you again Renee for yesterday - you were my guardian angel that I didn't realize I needed.

A time for healing Read More »

6 Pillars of High Performance

The 6 Pillars of High Performance

Leave a Comment / Courage, High Performance Habits, Leadership, Mindset / By / / , , , , , ,

The 6 Pillars of High Performance Read More »

Mentor vs. Coach – What’s the Difference and Which do I Need?

Leave a Comment / Culture, Fun Stuff, Small Business, Tips / By / / , , , , , , , , ,

Whether you are stuck in a rut or crushing your goals – having a mentor or coach who helps you with your personal development can be a game-changer. The first step of course is finding someone you are comfortable talking to – but how do you know if you need a mentor or a coach – and what the heck is the difference?

A mentor or coach can support your drive for greater self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and enhanced confidence in managing challenges, especially in uncomfortable situations. But they really aren’t the same.

Mentoring is defined as “A process of direct transfer of experience and knowledge from one person to another”. We often think of a mentor as a seasoned professional who provides guidance and direction to a mentee—usually a junior–level person with similar interests who may aspire to the position of the mentor. The mentor has already achieved success within the industry and is voluntarily sharing their expertise with a colleague. This doesn’t just apply to the corporate world, if you are starting your own business, you may find a mentor who took a similar path to what you want to take or who is already in the industry you plan to work in. Mentors typically aren’t paid; they volunteer their time to help mentor others.

Coaching is defined as “A method of achieving set goals. A coach helps their clients achieve specific, immediate goals as defined by the organization or the client”. If you are an employee, your company may hire a coach to help you, but as an entrepreneur, you may hire a coach to help you with a specific goal or skill. You may hire a coach to help you launch a business, write a book, improve on your social media or writing skills, etc. Coaches are paid for their work because it’s their job – their main business is coaching others.

Key differentiators

Relationship: Mentoring is oriented around relationships – yes, you might focus on learning things and improving competencies, but over time it becomes more about the bond and rapport you develop vs. business issues.

Coaching is more task-oriented. A coach is there to help you become more proficient in certain areas or skills you are lacking – for example if you suck at doing presentations, you might hire a public speaking coach.

Drivers: Mentors are development-driven, focusing on the future by sharing their past experiences and what they learned to help the mentee.

Coaches are performance-driven, focusing on the present, and improving or acquiring new skills that can be used immediately.

Duration: Mentoring doesn’t usually have an end date; it’s understood that there is a significant time commitment from both parties as you move from acquaintances to building a strong fellowship – mentoring can last years or even decades.

Coaching typically has a defined end date. You set a specific schedule to meet and it ends when the trainee masters the skills or goal that’s been defined. Of course, you can keep adding new goals to work on, but there is a defined start and end for each commitment.

Key take-a-ways:

  • Mentoring is a long-term process based on mutual trust and respect. Coaching, on the other hand, is for a short period of time.
  • Mentoring is more focused on creating an informal association between the mentor and mentee, whereas coaching follows a more structured and formal approach.
  • A business mentor has the first-hand experience of the mentee’s line of work. A business coach, however, does not need to have a hands-on experience of the kind of work the coachee is engaged in.
  • The topmost priority of a business mentor is to help develop skills that are not just relevant for the mentees in their present job, but also for the future. For a business coach, the biggest priority is to improve performance that impacts the present job.

Need help finding a mentor? Did you know that there are actually 8 levels of mentorship – check out this cool article on how to find a mentor? Finding the right business coach requires some legwork as well, here are 16 tips to help you find the right fit.

Now that you understand the difference, go forth, and find your new coach or mentor. Thinking of starting your own business or need some coaching in marketing, sales, or operations –  we may be able to help!

Mentor vs. Coach – What’s the Difference and Which do I Need? Read More »

Leadership: What\’s the Real Scoop?

Leave a Comment / Culture, Uncategorized / By / / , ,

I’m sitting on a plane to Hawaii right now. A well-deserved….and needed vacation with my better half. Last night before I left, I was chatting with my business guru buddy, Robin Bienemann from Crimson Rook, about leadership. She said: lots of people talk about it (leadership), write about it – but what is it really and how do you transition from manager to leader?I’m paraphrasing as this XX year old brain forgets what I said 2 seconds ago. Sorry Robin. Anyway, it got me thinking – hey there’s a blog in here somewhere. Ergo – today’s latest.

When I think of leaders, I think of the following:

  1. My first business mentor, Art Weber of Sir Speedy Printing in Winston-Salem NC. I started there as a customer service rep through a temp agency making 8 bucks an hour – give or take a few pennies. I was a stay at home mom, looking to get back into the working world – oh and with a divorce on my mind. Mr. Weber pulled me aside early on and told me I had what it takes to make a great salesperson. He changed my world. Mr. Weber ran a tight ship, expected nothing less than perfection. He was, and is, well respected by his family, his employees, and his community. A true leader. Thank you Mr. Weber for the inspiration, the knowledge, and the confidence you instilled in me almost 25 years ago.
  2. My Dad – Bill Hageman. We had a rough relationship but in the end, he was a leader. Involved in his community, teacher, volunteer, and single parent after my Mom died at the age of 45. He never followed – perhaps he was too ornery or stubborn to do so. He instilled in me a sense of defiance, risk taking, and altruism. Dad also died too young at the age of 66 – I often wonder what his retirement years might have been. Would he be running Bernie Sanders’ campaign in CT? Probably, as he always said There’s always someone out there who has it worse off than you do…so suck it up– He took care of those people, and us.
  3. Onto the famous – Richard Branson. I love his leadership style: Employees first, clients second, and shareholders third. For him a job shouldn’t be a chore, but an adventure in life. Something to be savored. He has a zest for life, a passion for his company and let’s, face it –he’s just damn cool. I want my employees to feel like Branson’s employees. Except I would be one cool dudette vs. one cool dude.
  4. Pope Francis. Ok – so the Catholic girl in me survives. I’m far from a loyal one, but I do love our latest Pope. He is so incredibly transparent and true to his word. Even my daughter the self-proclaimed I’m now an atheist after years of catholic school adores this guy. He’s changed the way us non-practicing Catholics view our heritage. I might even head back to church. Chelsea (aka the atheist daughter) might even join me. To be continued…..
  5. Last but surely not least it’s all the visionaries out there. The folks that care about their team and believe in their companies or their causes. The ones who haven’t given up – they decide to be generals and not drill sergeants – the leaders of tomorrow. Keep it up – we need you. In the end being an owner or leader of a team does not make you a LEADER. Leaders are visionaries –managers are doers and implementers. The world needs both – but I can tell you when a company or cause lacks a leader, it will struggle and ultimately perish.

That’s my PSA for the day – hope you enjoyed it.

Aloha!

CD

Leadership: What\’s the Real Scoop? Read More »

Leadership: What\’s the Real Scoop?

Leave a Comment / Culture, Uncategorized / By / / , ,

I’m sitting on a plane to Hawaii right now. A well-deserved….and needed vacation with my better half. Last night before I left, I was chatting with my business guru buddy, Robin Bienemann from Crimson Rook, about leadership. She said: lots of people talk about it (leadership), write about it – but what is it really and how do you transition from manager to leader?I’m paraphrasing as this XX year old brain forgets what I said 2 seconds ago. Sorry Robin. Anyway, it got me thinking – hey there’s a blog in here somewhere. Ergo – today’s latest.

When I think of leaders, I think of the following:

  1. My first business mentor, Art Weber of Sir Speedy Printing in Winston-Salem NC. I started there as a customer service rep through a temp agency making 8 bucks an hour – give or take a few pennies. I was a stay at home mom, looking to get back into the working world – oh and with a divorce on my mind. Mr. Weber pulled me aside early on and told me I had what it takes to make a great salesperson. He changed my world. Mr. Weber ran a tight ship, expected nothing less than perfection. He was, and is, well respected by his family, his employees, and his community. A true leader. Thank you Mr. Weber for the inspiration, the knowledge, and the confidence you instilled in me almost 25 years ago.
  2. My Dad – Bill Hageman. We had a rough relationship but in the end, he was a leader. Involved in his community, teacher, volunteer, and single parent after my Mom died at the age of 45. He never followed – perhaps he was too ornery or stubborn to do so. He instilled in me a sense of defiance, risk taking, and altruism. Dad also died too young at the age of 66 – I often wonder what his retirement years might have been. Would he be running Bernie Sanders’ campaign in CT? Probably, as he always said There’s always someone out there who has it worse off than you do…so suck it up– He took care of those people, and us.
  3. Onto the famous – Richard Branson. I love his leadership style: Employees first, clients second, and shareholders third. For him a job shouldn’t be a chore, but an adventure in life. Something to be savored. He has a zest for life, a passion for his company and let’s, face it –he’s just damn cool. I want my employees to feel like Branson’s employees. Except I would be one cool dudette vs. one cool dude.
  4. Pope Francis. Ok – so the Catholic girl in me survives. I’m far from a loyal one, but I do love our latest Pope. He is so incredibly transparent and true to his word. Even my daughter the self-proclaimed I’m now an atheist after years of catholic school adores this guy. He’s changed the way us non-practicing Catholics view our heritage. I might even head back to church. Chelsea (aka the atheist daughter) might even join me. To be continued…..
  5. Last but surely not least it’s all the visionaries out there. The folks that care about their team and believe in their companies or their causes. The ones who haven’t given up – they decide to be generals and not drill sergeants – the leaders of tomorrow. Keep it up – we need you. In the end being an owner or leader of a team does not make you a LEADER. Leaders are visionaries –managers are doers and implementers. The world needs both – but I can tell you when a company or cause lacks a leader, it will struggle and ultimately perish.

That’s my PSA for the day – hope you enjoyed it.

Aloha!

CD

Leadership: What\’s the Real Scoop? Read More »