How Do You Define Success? Find a NEW Way July 16

Have you ever asked yourself: "What does success mean to me?" or "How do I measure my success in life?"

The answers that shape your reality in today's New Normal may be much different than the answers would have been in the past. This process of self-exploration may be more challenging as our paradigms continue to shift and we find that our old definitions of success and leadership don't serve us in quite the same way anymore.

The GOOD NEWS is that you can get access to experts and resources to help guide you on your journey towards your unique, wonderful definition of success!

My colleague, Kate Siner Francis, founder of the Life Fulfillment Formula and the Larger Visions non-profit, is presenting the World Changing Success Summit from July 16-27. Each of the 12 teleseminars will teach you skills and lead you to insights aimed at answering your most important questions about how to improve your leadership abilities and realize your vision all the while feeling empowered to do so.

The best part – it's FREE to register! Listen in from wherever you are by phone or on your computer. It's just that easy!

The World Changing Success Summit brings together visionaries and leaders like YOU, and the helping professionals who want to find a heartfelt answer to what will bring you more satisfaction and joy in your life. These experts include Suzanne Evans (on Authentic Marketing), Anne Merkel (on Balancing Mind-Body-Spirit) and Gayle Joplin Hall (on Busting FEAR). You will be taught powerful tools and essential skills that will help you:

● Lead from a more empowered place
● Effectively deal with conflict or other work challenges
● Create more prosperity in your life and business
● Inspire yourself!
● Collaborate and partner most effectively for your vision
● Clearly see how you get stuck and how to get free

I'm so excited to be a part of the incredible line-up of 12 fantastic speakers who are ready to help you make the difference you were born to make. My session is Reconnect to Your Purpose: The Benefit of Doing Less with More. We're all sharing powerful and practical tools to create the life you have always wanted to live! There is no other time than NOW.

Mark your calendar and sign up now because this amazing event starts July 16th. Join us for the World Changing Success Summit! Learn from these master teachers and creative experts how to flourish living the life you were meant to live!

Why I'm STILL Not a Cookie-Cutter Coach

Perhaps since I'm preparing to teach a Coaching Skills for Managers workshop this week, I've been thinking more about my own coaching approach and philosophy.

I'm reminded of an article I wrote almost two years ago called: Why I'm Not a Cookie-Cutter Coach. It was prompted by an encounter I had at a networking event at which I was challenged by an attendee to come up with my Top 5 Tips for Reducing Stress. You could imagine me experiencing a similar situation today; only the request would probably center on my Top 5 Tips to Find a New Job.

Ironically, my epiphany about this situation didn't come from a debate about the tips themselves; but from the frustration exhibited by the person with whom I was speaking. Somehow, his perception of my credibility changed because I didn't just rattle off 5 ideas from the top of my head. Instead, I chose to ask questions and learn more about the fictitious "client in distress" he described. You can re-read the article for more details and my response.

In the upcoming Coaching Skills workshop, I'll be discussing with participants how to strike a balance between probing (to learn of concerns, goals, needs) and telling (to share tips, recommendations, guidance) with their employees. Being mindful of this balance is important for both internal managers and external coaches -- both of whom want to help facilitate positive growth and results.

I stand by my earlier affirmation: I'm Not a Cookie-Cutter Coach. Each client is unique and each situation has different parameters. I'm not aware of any "add-water-stir, one-right-answer" that will work for everyone. I do know that I'm really good at listening, and can help others flip the script to achieve their biggest dreams. I know this is my calling because I enjoy asking provocative questions to learn more, and help my clients surface their true concerns, goals, needs, dreams, and aspirations.

Perhaps this makes me a "start from-scratch" coach? :)

What are YOUR Strengths?

Last Saturday, I exhibited at the first annual Essex County Health & Wellness Expo held at the Paul Robeson Center of Rutgers University-Newark Campus. It was definitely a right people, right energy event -- especialy given that providers, speakers and participants alike resisted our urges to stay inside on that rainy morning. However, by the time the clouds broke in the afternoon, we had already lifted our spirits and convened to share thoughts on how we can each improve our mind-body-spirit connection.

I thought it would be relevant to share one of the affirmation activities we participated in -- especially given we have entered fourth-quarter, a time when some may be planning for your annual performance review. Take a moment to complete three simple phrases with positive ideas to affirm your strengths and abilities:

1. I AM ... [insert positive nouns and/or adjectives that describe you]
2. I CAN ... [insert your positive skills or abilities]
3. I WILL ... [insert positive activities or tasks you will do this week to help achieve your goals]

What did you think of? How did it make you feel?

This affirmation activity aligns well with the leverage your strengths component of the Competent Advantage TM program. Ironically, a career coaching video-tip I recorded for Employ.com is now available on their website. Visit: http://www.employ.com/assets_new_index/videos/Ellis_Strength.html for more ideas on how to position your strengths in a review meeting or interview.

Thank you to all who supported our Passionately PINK for the Cure team. You can still donate at: http://www.komendonations.org/site/TR/Events/KomenTR?team_id=58260&pg=team&fr_id=1040

Do You Have a Career Portfolio?

No, I'm not talking about the newest collection from Coach or Tumi! Artists, photographers, architects, designers and writers have used portfolios for decades to showcase their abilities and talents. In today’s competitive job market, portfolios have become a useful tool for professionals outside the artistic arena.

The ability to effectively showcase your relevant knowledge and skills is critical, whether you are seeking a new opportunity or staying with your current employer. Along with a tailored resume, a career portfolio can provide further evidence of your professional qualifications and abilities.

What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a personal collection of information describing and documenting [your] achievements and learning. As a visual representation of your skills, capabilities and knowledge, it shows your potential to add value to an organization.

Why create a Career Portfolio?
You can use a career portfolio to:

• market your capabilities in a job interview
• support a request to your manager for a promotion or raise
• document the quality and quantity of your professional development
• demonstrate prior work or learning experiences for educational credit

Career portfolios have become a nearly universal requirement for the hiring process. But, if you already have a secure job (i.e., one that's not on the Endangered Careers List), you can view a career portfolio as your insurance against unforeseen shake-ups at your company. Keeping this self-promotion tool up-to-date also can be a good exercise in self-evaluation.

In upcoming posts, we’ll help you to organize your career portfolio and use it as a tool in your career development and advancement.

How will you step out of your "comfort zone" in 2006?

New Year’s is a time for both planning and reflecting. In our last post, we mentioned why it’s important to document our career highlights and low-lights. So, now I’m going to challenge you a bit.

What will you do differently in 2006 to advance your career objectives?

Sometimes it’s easy to coast, to take the familiar road on our way to professional success. There’s a somewhat famous expression (I apologize for not being able to reference the source) about the definition of insanity – doing the same thing, in the same way and expecting different results.

What will you do differently? I have a couple of thoughts or ideas – how about:

• Sitting with a new group of people at lunch (which could be a way to expand your network)
• Taking on a leadership role in a professional association (which could create a “safe space” to try out new skills)
• Learning to speak a different language or use new software (which could increase your marketability)

These are just a few examples. What do you have in mind?? Come on, I dare you!

Are You in the Right Job?

The activities in the What’s Your Competent Advantage? workshop are designed to help you examine the alignment of your strengths and driving forces with your current job or business endeavor.

In other words, are you using your best skills to fulfill your responsibilities? Or, do you spend most of your time doing tasks that are above (or below) your skill level?

Are you performing your functions with energy and enthusiasm? Or, do you approach your workday with lethargy and indifference?

In today’s job market, it can be challenging to find the “right” job at each stage in your career. However, contemplate the short- and long-term consequences of working in a job that does not challenge or inspire you.

• What does it do to your productivity?
• How does it impact your ability to progress through the organization?

As managers and team leaders, find ways to “check the pulse” on how people are aligned within your organization.

• How can they learn (and demonstrate) new skills or talents?
• Where are there opportunities for people to grow or advance?

Let me know what you think.