What are the Top Qualities of a Senior Leadership Team?

In this NEW video -- one of a series of six videos I've produced on Teamwork & Motivation -- I share the top 6 characteristics I feel are important for senior leaders like you to develop as you lead your companies and teams into the New Year and today's ever-changing marketplace.

Qualities of a Senior Leadership Team

• Which qualities are most relevant to you? 
• Did you learn these traits 'on-the-job' or acquire them in other ways? 
• What was the most challenging characteristic for you to develop? 

Let me know your thoughts and experiences here in the comments or tweet me on Twitter.

Dangers of Discussing Salaries at Work: eHow Video

As we approach year-end, it's that time again: performance reviews! Tempted as you might be to share details about your review at the office, be aware that not everyone is comfortable discussing their salary with other people. By discussing salaries at work, you run the risk of offending your coworkers by asking about their salary or compensation package.

Instead, why not focus on preparing for the conversation with your manager or team leader. Check out my How-To video for three tips to help you negotiate being paid a salary that accurately reflects what you’re worth:

The Danger of Discussing Salaries at Work -- powered by ehow

This video is one of a 10-part series of how-to videos I've produced on eHow.com with tips and ideas to help you be happier in the workplace (and beyond!). Watch the whole video series on Improving Workplace Morale!

Let me know in the comments if this information was helpful for you and feel free to share any ideas that you've come up with on your own.

Coach Colette is Fearless About Goal Setting - December 17

Hope you're having a great week. As you look ahead to 2010, what are your TOP 3 Priorities?

In 2009, many people were impacted by the downturn in the economy. Yet, hope springs eternal! There are many glimmers of hope to create new opportunities in 2010. Are you READY?


To be successful in growing your career, business (or side hustle), you must be able to reach the right people to let them know how your skills and talents add value and meet their needs.

Can you identify your next best GROWTH OPPORTUNITY?

TOMORROW, tune in at 11:00 AM EST for my appearance on Fearless Business TV, an interactive web-TV show hosted by Valerie Gurka. I'll be sharing tips to help you set SMART goals for 2010 and narrow down your long-term priorities into small, achievable steps.

Here are the details:

Thursday, December 17, 2009

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Watch ONLINE - Click HERE

Coach Colette Reflects on 2008, Plans for 2009

Earlier in the month, I asked you: "How will you make 2009 better than 2008?", and to reflect on your Highlights and Low(er) lights of 2008. It occurred to me that I hadn't ponied up and shared my own insights.

So, I've decided to rectify that today by sharing some of my highlights for 2008, and the areas I want to channel some energy into to make 2009 a fantastic year! Here you go:

Highlights:

• Being selected as a national facilitator for Turning the Page on behalf of the Public Library Association, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - traveling the country, meeting lots of FUN librarians, working with a great group of dynamic facilitators and cool PLA staff
• Leading two Stress Management sessions at the JI Group Good Life Festival & Retreat in St. Maarten - enough said!
• Co-sponsoring Get Canned! 2008 with Suzanne and the team from Milk & Honey Events - volunteering my coaching skills at a fun event to help job seekers and networkers who attended in the snow!
• Having an InStep facilitator teach two more successful Public Speaking courses for OBT - watching the trainees speak from the heart at the Debate Days is always a great reminder of why our public sector clients need our support

Areas to focus on for 2009 (FYI, these are based on my results from taking the Competent Advantage TM Business Assessment [yes, Coach Colette does "walk the talk"]):

• Creating an action-oriented plan to attract more revenues in 2009
• Creating an action-oriented plan to market our services more effectively in 2009
• Regularly requesting feedback from my peers, clients in 2009

On a personal note, I'm still working on the Passion Test. I must admit that what they say about the "cognitive dissonance" that's created by introducing new ideas to the brain is true [quoted from PT, introduced by neuroscientists Waldman & Newberg]. Of course, this all makes sense -- just re-wiring my brain to believe this is OK, LOL! :)

I'd still love to hear your insights and reflections on 2008, plans for 2009. Please post here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

How Will You Make 2009 Better than 2008?

I've begun my period of year-end self reflection, and thought I'd share some thoughts and ask about your insights. Know Yourself is the first key component of the Competent Advantage model, as we know it's important to learn about the motivators, drives and values that inspire us and keep us going when the going gets tough.

Two external sources have been helpful for me on my self-reflection journey:

1. I came across a great article on the E-Myth Blog that offers some questions to help Identify Your Primary Aim. The "A-HA!" moment for me was the suggestion to forget about my business and focus on what I really want in LIFE (Yes, even the Coach can have a "DUH! Moment"). Otherwise, my business will become more like one of those "jobs" that many struggle to avoid.
2. While at the Library, I checked out a book to really help me drill down on these concepts called: The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Life Purpose.

SO, as you reflect on 2008, how would you evaluate your accomplishments?

• What were the highlights? As strange as it may seem, it’s important to take note of things that you did well. Don’t be shy – write them down! Why? Because descriptions of your professional successes can come in handy at your year-end performance review with your manager, or on your next interview with a recruiter. And, keeping a journal of your personal wins can be very inspiring when you need a quick pick-me-up! Besides if you don’t write them down, you may forget subtle details that could make your story that much more compelling.


• What were the low(er) lights? It’s just as important to keep track of the things that didn’t go quite as well as you would’ve hoped. Why? Having a clear sense of what areas you’d to like improve can help you focus and channel your energies. It also will help you identify the resources you’ll need to make the changes become a reality.

Based on your reflection, what personal and professional goals will you set for yourself in 2009? Remember, that I'm offering you a FREE incentive to SHARE your goals with me in our 2009 Personal & Professional Development Survey.

What resources and experiences will you seek out to help you accomplish those goals? How about ...

• Classes, training or books


• Mentors or trusted advisors


• "Stretch" assignments or new opportunities


• Professional associations or social networks

As a life-long learner, I'm excited about continuing my year-end, self-reflection journey (it's really been an active and ongoing process this year). I know it will help me be a better advisor, business owner, coach, consultant, friend and person in 2009 -- and beyond!

I'd love to hear about your insights and reflections. Please post here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

In Interviews, How Do You Back that Asset Up?

To keep on track with our getting back to basics strategy on career and personal development, I thought I'd provide some tips to answer an "oldie but goodie" interview question: What are your strengths (and weaknesses)?

Check out this quick video featuring my hints on how to respond to both sides of the question. And, let me know what you think -- post your thoughts and comments here, or tweet Coach Colette on Twitter.

Has the question about your weaknesses ever tripped you up? When, sharing your strengths, how do you back that asset up? [just checking to see if you're really paying attention here, LOL!]

Given we're at the end of the year, how would preparing to answer this question help you in a performance review conversation with your manager/supervisor?

Watch the video and let me know if you get some clues or ideas!

Ready for Your Year-End Review?

Now that fall is in full swing, are you ready for your year-end performance review? If done well, these review meetings can help foster your career growth. How prepared you are to have the performance discussion with your manager will be a significant predictor of the outcome. Will you be able to:

1. Reference specific accomplishments and contributions you made to the organization this year?
2. Suggest relevant developmental opportunities (coaching, training, or mentoring) to build on your strengths?
3. Recommend ways to expand your role or take on new responsibilities in 2007?

Where would you like to be in your career this time next year?

Tell us some of the strategies you'll use to get ahead in 2007. Take our Career Goals survey.

In the meantime, PLAN AHEAD! Create your roadmap and equip yourself with the skills to get there!