How Do You Define Success? NEW Video

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to participate in an amazing video series called Self-Made Successful Women, hosted by Saloua Ibaline.

SMSW is a platform on which inspirational women share their personal journeys and really open up about their life challenges. Most importantly, they give us a clear vision of the true meaning of success.

I had the chance to chat one-on-one with host Saloua, and share my story of how I define success [HINT: it's about alignment], and how I overcame a pivotal challenge in the re-branding of my coaching business.

I invite you to watch the video interview and let me know how YOU define success!

Step It Up with Me October 13-26

It's time to Step It Up and get moving! Yes, it's fall in the northern hemisphere. Why not take advantage of the cooler (yet still sunny!) weather (at least here in NYC) to get in more steps outside.

Join our Start Within - Coach Colette team in the Fitbit Step It Up USA Challenge.

Commit to move more: See how many steps you can get in 2 weeks! 

Track your progress: Check your dashboard to see how your activity (walking, running) adds up!

Visit the website to connect your Fitbit; search for and join our Start Within - Coach Colette team. 

Post pictures of yourself as you get moving. Connect with me on Instagram and use the hashtag #StartWithin. Are you up for the Challenge?!! :-)

What's Your Biggest Challenge Dealing With Stress?

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

A Brief Reflection on 2010



Sam Javanrouh, http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/

Today, my daily Enneagram message inspired me to take some time to reflect on 2010. The message had a compelling reflection prompt and a personal exploration question all wrapped into one! So, I thought I'd share them both with you:

• Reflection Prompt: Reflect on 2010 to see how you've grown and what issues still block your way to deeper transformation.
• Exploration Question: Has there been a theme during 2010, and do you see a pattern for your future challenges [and opportunities]?

For me, I believe that I have grown spiritually by committing to and completing the Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge. Since August, I've been meditating and/or reciting my gratitude list nearly every day. And, I use the mantras I've learned to "flip my script" and counteract any negative self-talk. I believe that this new perspective has continued to motivate me to explore new possibilities for my business and be open to attracting new potential partners.

You know that as a coach I believe in transparency; so I'm choosing to share my personal transformation challenge (of letting go) with you. I believe I'm blocked in allowing certain things to manifest in my personal life. It is a continual process for me to affirm my future vision, set my intentions and LET GO of the exact manner in which these things will manifest for me personally.

The primary theme for 2010 is based on one of my 3-Words for 2010 -- global. You've read about my global library project, plus new global partnerships I formed this year. I do intend to deepen and expand my global relationships in 2011, and do more traveling as well. I need to get out (of my office) to explore the world and continue to expand my horizons.

I'm sharing this small excerpt of my 2010 reflection and 2011 visioning, even as I've been aiming to unplug during my snowy "staycation" this week. I'm still pondering what will be my 3-Words for 2011; and have yet to create my 2011 vision slideshow. But, I didn't want the year to end without a quick message to you. Thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts and insights with me this past year.

"Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose one knows not, though one senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people." -- Albert Einstein

Here's wishing you a Fantastic, Fun, Healthy, Happy New Year!

I look forward to interacting with you in 2011.

Dealing with Change in the New Normal

As we wind down the summer and gear up for fall, I thought I'd share a mini case on how my team has been helping our public sector clients manage and respond to changes this year -- in the New Normal.

 

CLIENT SITUATION: Here are some challenges faced by our client, a collective of multi-site human service organizations:

• Budget and funding allocation modifications are causing changes in programming, staffing and Center operations
• Centers will need support and oversight from active, capable board leaders who can implement changes successfully
• Centers will need directors who can capitalize on opportunities to collaborate with new partners and seek out new sponsors and financial support

OUR RESPONSE: Here is how we responded to their situation:
 
Center Directors and Board Leaders participated in a 2-day Leadership Training designed and facilitated by InStep consultants that focused on Dealing with Change, Project Planning and Board Governance. The training included visioning exercises, goal setting and action planning. Initial feedback after training indicates that 94% of participants felt very or well prepared to develop a strategic vision and successfully manage changes at their organization (compared to 48% before training). As suggested by one of the training participants: “The training show[ed us] that weaknesses will be[come] strengths after implementing the changes necessary to become a successful agency.”

 

A subset of the training participants also took part in four, 3-hour Group Coaching sessions led by InStep consultants over a 9-week period. These sessions helped participants build upon skills they gained in training, and get timely input on their specific issues and new challenges that surfaced since the training. Upon completion, 77% found the additional coaching to be helpful towards achieving the goals they'd identified at the start of the program. More than half were able to accomplish between 75% and 100% of those goals over the 9-week coaching period.

 

As one group coaching participant remarked: "I have learned to focus on one particular task, as well as seeking assistance from the people around me. I have learned to become more verbal and take the role of the leader - gained confidence as tasks or targets were completed."

For me, personally, I enjoyed watching all the light bulbs go off -- that's how I describe the "A-HA!" moments that happen in group coaching or training sessions. Often, those bright ideas surfaced from peer learning as the participants engaged in dialogue and shared similar experiences. I sometimes witnessed reduced anxiety merely from recognition of "I'm not alone" in certain circumstances.

Was it "perfect"? No transformation ever is -- it's an ongoing process. Will they still experience challenges going forward? Absolutely! Hopefully, they will refer back to techniques for dealing with change from their training or coaching experience (e.g., their ideal vision) to help propel them forward when times get tough.

How are you and your organization dealing with change in the New Normal? How are you keeping all team members informed and aligned with your vision -- even as you may need to flex or adapt to our evolving environment? Post your comments here, or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter.

How Do You Respond to Change?

One of my associates came across an interesting animation today from Movement Vision Lab on dealing with change -- and the power of having a clear vision.

Finding tips/strategies to manage and respond to change has been a frequent request from clients this year. So, I thought you also might find some value or insights in this brief video. You know, it might make you go, "Hmmmmm ...."



What are your thoughts, reactions? Can you recognize the various characters on your team? Comment here on the blog below or tweet me on Twitter @Coach_Colette.

Coach Colette Helps to Form Nonprofit Action Network

I'm delighted to let you know that my company, InStep Consulting LLC, has created an alliance with a diverse group of highly-skilled consultants called the Nonprofit Action Network. This multi-disciplinary group is dedicated to helping nonprofits address operational and funding challenges to achieve sustainability in 2010 and beyond.

Each of the 16 Nonprofit Action Network members brings a unique skillset and years of experience to our clients, having worked with over 370 different nonprofit organizations. Specific areas of expertise include:

• Brand Development
• Executive Coaching
• Financial Management & Fundraising Strategies
• Governance Training & Consulting
• Marketing Communications
• Organizational Development
• Planned Giving & Endowment
• Social Networking
• Website Design & Development

The Nonprofit Action Network works with clients on three distinct levels:

1. Providing individualized, direct services to create healthy, thriving nonprofits.
2. Assembling diverse teams to provide a multi-pronged approach to meet client needs.
3. Serving as thought leaders in our areas of expertise, advancing issues that are important and relevant to nonprofits through public speaking, articles and other media.

In addition to our own consulting practices, members of the Nonprofit Action Network are committed to making the world a better place. In 2009, we have proudly provided hundreds of hours of pro-bono services to the nonprofit community.

So, check us out online and meet the members of this fantastic new team! And, spread the word, if you know of nonprofit leaders who can benefit from our multifaceted expertise. Thanks!

Know the 9 Early Warning Signs that Stress is Negatively Impacting Your Life?

It's Your Time to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life! This is the theme of 2009 National Women's Health Week, a health observance from May 10-16 coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) to empower women to make our health a top priority. Important steps include:

• Getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.
• Eating a nutritious diet.
• Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

It is also important to be aware of warning signs that stress (about finances, job status, personal life) may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being --or that of someone you care about. These signs include:

1. Persistent Sadness/Crying
2. Excessive Anxiety
3. Lack of Sleep/Constant Fatigue
4. Excessive Irritability/Anger
5. Increased drinking
6. Illicit drug use, including misuse of medications
7. Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
8. Apathy - not caring about things that are usually important to you
9. Not being able to function as well at normal tasks

If you or someone you care about is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone. These are common reactions to stress, and there are coping techniques that you can use to help manage it. These techniques include ways to:

• Manage your reaction (e.g., deep breathing, meditation and positive thinking); or to
• Re-think your situation (e.g., creative visualization, journaling, self-esteem building).
• You can also take positive action to change your situation - on your own, or with the help of a coach or counselor (e.g., problem solving, communication role-plays, goal-setting, action planning).

Women are often the caregivers for our spouses, children, and parents and we forget to focus on our own health. But research shows that when we women take care of ourselves, the health of our family (and our community) improves.

I thought we can use some inspiration to Spring Cleanse ourselves for a healthier mindset. So, I found an article by Swami Saradananda about the yoga principle of Saucha (physical and mental purification). Enjoy - and here's to your health! :)

Poll on Poverty for Blog Action Day

I must admit that I did some self-coaching today before posting this poll. I'd already registered the blog as part of Blog Action Day last week and created my reminder to make a post before October 15. Now, all left was to write the post. And, I was stuck! Why?

I was feeling guilty -- how could I ask people to consider ways to alleviate poverty when many are dealing with potential career and/or financial stressors? Well, after reading ideas on the "What Can One Person Do?" page, I realized that I fell into the same trap of powerlessness that I coach and train my clients/workshop participants to fight against. Imagine that!

It then occurred to me that sometimes putting the focus off ourselves and onto others can be a good way to gain perspective on our own lives. How many times have you been inspired by stories of others who have overcome great obstacles in their lives? It also occurred to me that focusing on a greater cause such as alleviating poverty may bring oneself closer to identifying personal goals and values -- a key component of the Competent Advantage component "Know Yourself."

Then, I recalled something that was said at the memorial service I attended on Sunday (loosely paraphrased): "Pick something -- stand for it -- and be the change you'd like see happen."

So, today, Coach Colette picks "finding ways to level the global playing field." I'm sharing this post and poll to facilitate a global dialogue, brainstorming, idea sharing, best practice exchange on the subject. What do you think? What will you do?

What are the Economics of Love?

Hope you had a great weekend! I attended a Bastille Day celebration on Smith Street in Brooklyn yesterday.


I thought I'd share a link to an article by Ben Stein in yesterday's New York Times about the "Economics of Love." In it, he makes comparisons between high-quality bonds and high-quality love (i.e., stay away from the "junk" in both situations!).


I guess I found it a bit ironic to receive the article link from a friend today, given my recent podcast and last blog post about managing the stress of urban dating. Of course, when we focus on something, it becomes almost inevitable that everything we see/hear seems somehow related. Perhaps this is more of a personal journey than I'd like to admit!

In my life balance board on MOLI, I've posed a similar question: how do you maintain the balance between your business and social (personal) life? I've talked about my challenge of taking off my coach hat when I go to social functions.

I'm wondering if this is a unique challenge for entrepreneurs/business owners; or does everyone have various hats (or maybe masks) that they wear to protect themselves in social settings??

Leadership Training Update: The Sagamore

I'm back in NYC after last week's library leadership training events at The Sagamore. The picture from the last post truly didn't do justice to the landscape and scenery. Here's a shout out to Shannon and the team at The Sagamore -- thanks for making PLA and our participants feel so welcome and special! I must admit that it was cool to be back in my home-state -- where my "Ellis, like the Island" introductory joke was met with at least a chuckle!

Once again, we had some rich discussions in my enhancing project leadership sessions. We discussed the challenges of being a team of one -- library leaders who manage the shop on their own. How can you create effective teams? How do you not burnout as you balance your many responsibilities?

I typically encourage them to think broadly about their potential team members -- volunteers, board members, trustees, students, et al. In many cases, a librarian has had an "a-ha" moment about someone to approach that s/he hadn't considered before. I also suggest they tap into the passions (WOW! Factors) of others when including people on projects -- assigning tasks that they will be excited and inspired to perform. I feel I can personally relate to their stories having founded my own practice/firm.

Even in the beginning, I spoke in terms of "we," even though I hadn't really established my network of associates and consultants. It was partially to create a more established business presence; however, it also helped me personally as it motivated me to find those team members so I wouldn't be working in a vacuum (and have to keep disguising my voice on the phone -- just kidding!). That's what makes this PLA project so fun for me (aside from the fun, "rowdy" librarians *smile*) -- the great people I get to work with on a weekly basis.

In the sessions, we did acknowledge that it can be difficult to delegate responsibilities to new team members once you've found them. Why? Because we become very efficient when we're a team of one. We figure out very creative ways to keep all of those (red, rubber) balls juggling in the air. What's wrong with that? Well, nothing -- except that your new team members may have their own ideas about how to "juggle" and perform their tasks. In the sessions, we discuss how important it is to set people up to succeed, by providing the right resources, training and support. And, also by getting out of their way when necessary -- giving them permission to do it their way. Is this always easy? Absolutely not! But, true leaders know this and they accept the responsibility.

So, I'm "off" from PLA until the end of the month. I'm looking forward to our next event in Hershey. Until then, I'll be getting ready for the GLF Retreat in St. Maarten!

Outrageous Transitions: Career Twists & Turns

Thanks, Soni, for sharing your herstory with us!

Your comment about sudden stops and turns intrigued me. My career turns have been the transitions I've made across different industries. Over the years, I have transitioned from Law to Nonprofit to Corporate HR to Consulting to Entrepreneurship. It's been an exciting (and often challenging) journey!

One of the biggest challenges to overcome was convincing potential employers of my transferable skills (those abilities that would add value to their team regardless of the organization in which I learned them). I also had to become good at connecting the dots -- helping employers to understand the logic behind my career decisions.

But, enough about me! What about YOU? What outrageous career transitions have you made? What twists and turns have you had on your journey?

Or, have you had sudden career stops -- life or professional changes that caused you to leave the workforce? What was it like to come back? Share your experiences so we all can learn and grow!

Ever Made an Outrageous Career Transition?

While planning for the new year, some of my core advisors [thanks to AH, LSJ & SR!] and I were trying to come up with a slogan that would inspire us to keep focused on our goals. We all know how positive self-talk can give us courage to deal with various professional and personal obstacles. After some consideration and discussion, we decided to keep it simple. Our slogan is:

BE BOLD in 2007!

Each of us is free to use the slogan individually and share it as a gentle reminder to help each other press on despite challenges or naysayers. I thought I'd share it with you to begin a discussion that's been on my mind lately -- career transitions.

Have you ever made an OUTRAGEOUS career transition? You know, the type when you first told people the move you wanted to make they said: "What?!? No one's ever done THAT before?" or "Are you CRAZY? They'll never hire someone with your background?" I invite you to post your stories -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- and I will do the same. It's a great way to give encouragement and help each other avoid potential pitfalls.

Speaking of making bold transitions, my pal Diane Danielson (founder of Downtown Women's Club) would love to hear YOUR opinions on workplace issues like "opting out" out of the workforce. Take a few moments to complete her survey at: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB226447M65N8.