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.

It's Day 12 & I Feel Empowered

Today is Day 12, and I'm proud to have made it this far. To where? For what? It's Day 12 of the Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge. This has been a series of guided meditations (audio & video) led by davidji to help promote a daily meditation practice.

While I've recognized the benefits of meditation, I hadn't yet committed to a daily practice. As you know, I've committed to my daily affirmations and review of my vision board. My approach was more of a "just-in-time" meditation practice -- using it when I specifically wanted (or needed) to relax and regroup. Two things from the meditation experience have struck me personally, so far:

1. davidji's concept of "RPM" -- "rise, p**, meditate" which means you basically meditate FIRST before any other brain-related activity. I'll admit that I didn't start the challenge that way; but have been pretty diligent about doing so for the past 5 days or so. This morning I felt like I had to remind myself to start the meditation first -- only then did I realize that I'm still formulating it as a habit [also possibly because I hadn't followed the RPM concept last Monday??].
2. Today's focus for the meditation was Ego & Limiting Beliefs: neither of these concepts are new to me. What did strike me was the suggestion to "be kind to your ego." Perhaps it's because one of my 3 Words for 2010 is also kind. I think it was a good reminder to allow and accept all aspects of the self -- to witness/observe without judgment -- so that true transformation can be possible.

The additional guidance and breathing mantras around limiting beliefs also were very powerful for me today. The suggestion to "breathe in possibilities, and breathe out limitations," for example, really resonated and made me feel empowered. [yes, even the coach needs reinforcement and reminders!] I did feel lighter at the end of the meditation as if loads had been lifted from my shoulders.

That's all for now ... I may revisit this later as the meditation experience continues. Feel free to share your meditation experiences with me here or you can always tweet me on Twitter. Namaste!

Coach Colette Goes Global in 2010

Last January, I took inspiration from social media guru Chris Brogan, and followed his suggestion to refine and refocus my key goals and intentions for the year into 3 Words. Of course, I've just now realized that I didn't share with you my 3 Words for 2010. They are KIND (to myself and others), GLOBAL (partnerships and relationships) and JOY (in experiences and encounters).

You can trust that I have been focusing on those words - using the same affirmation strategy as last year, a daily task reminder that appears in my Outlook - which brings me to the point of this article: Going GLOBAL. The thing I'm (still) learning about consistently setting intentions and making affirmations is that you never know exactly how the results will appear. Yes, even the coach can have a "Duh!" moment or two! :)

My first GLOBAL result was working this spring with a fantastic consulting associate from Paris who helped design training materials and activities for one of our Change Management client engagements. The next GLOBAL result was connecting with a dynamic UK-based training firm to explore new business opportunities.

My next GLOBAL connection came early summer via an introduction by a colleague to Enrique Mesones, the founder of Smart Connections, a global executive search, strategy consulting and venture firm. Nearly 10,000 elite executives from top-tier universities around the globe have registered for the Smart Global Network -- a free, membership-only networking environment to view the hottest business projects around the globe, attain business funding, and receive optimal executive education. As a result of my intentions, affirmations (and yes, expertise) I'm now an Executive Coach with the Smart Global Network!

My next GLOBAL activity is one that brings me great pride as it's a chance for me to continue my work with my "rowdy" librarians! In September, I'll be facilitating leadership and advocacy training in Brussels as part of the Global Libraries Initiative sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I'm still learning exactly what it will involve; and will share more info as things progress. I'll also aim to blog and tweet as much as I can while I'm on the road.

I'm excited by all of these things that have happened in 2010. They are wonderful yet unexpected connections ... and so I will keep making affirmations around my 3 Words for 2010, and aim to let go of figuring out "how" things will manifest.

What are your thoughts? Do you have examples to share of when unexpected (positive) things "appeared" in your life? If you make affirmations, how do you "let go" of the results? Comment here or tweet me on Twitter!

Believe the Hype - Coach Colette is the NY Career Coach Examiner

If you're following me on Twitter, you may have noticed some tweets with links to Examiner.com. Just let me confirm – the rumors are true! I am the NY Career Coach Examiner.

I’m sure you’re not surprised that I’m writing about my passion for this subject and I can’t think of anything better than to share that passion with the millions of people who are perusing Examiner.com's content on a daily basis. Well, maybe one thing better, which leads me to my next point.

I would like to invite you to subscribe to my articles so you can stay in the loop; simply click on this subscribe link and you'll be notified whenever I publish a new article. Also, feel free to forward this link to anyone else you think might enjoy my articles. As always, thanks for your support!

In case you're wondering, I'll still continue to blog here about Competent Advantage and Stress Management topics, plus other insights gained from my coaching and consulting clients. [yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief now, LOL! :-) ] But, if you do have career-related questions, feel free to post them here or use the Ask Coach Colette feature on the website. I'll post and respond on my NY Career Coach Examiner site.

VOTE to Help Coach Colette Get on Oprah's New Network

I’m reaching out to my followers, friends and fans to ask for your support, vote and assistance with spreading the word about my latest endeavor – my video audition for the new Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).


In case you didn't know, one of my BIGGEST dreams is to have my own TV show. I really enjoy being able to help leaders like you via different media outlets (think of my TV and radio appearances, and my podcast channel). So, when I learned of the opportunity to submit a video audition for the new OWN I jumped at the chance!

The video features me briefly discussing my Competent Advantage™ coaching philosophy and my goal to help leaders across the country achieve their BIGGEST dreams. I’d love it if you would take a look at my video, and vote to help me have this video seen by the casting agents and Oprah. The URL link for viewing, VOTING and SHARING the video with your network is:

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=15164&promo_id=1

Or, you can search for “Colette” under the audition entries if you have any problems with the link. As an FYI, it may take some time for your vote to be added to the system.

THANK YOU in advance for your support. Please spread the word if you can. I’ll keep you posted on what happens! Cheers, Coach Colette

Earn More, Save More with our NEW Money & Career Coaching Tool

Here's a video describing my NEW multimedia coaching tool: Your Money, Your Career -- How to Thrive in Any Economy.

Your Money, Your Career will help you discover your strengths and realize new ways to promote your accomplishments to key decision makers in your industry. Your Money, Your Career also will help you reduce your anxiety about saving and investing and improve your personal relationship with money.

But, you must act quickly to reserve your copy BEFORE JUNE 30 to take advantage of our pre-launch pricing at http://bit.ly/moneycareer2.  Also, you can join us TUESDAY, JUNE 29 at 8PM ET for a FREE preview call to ask questions of all four contributors. Sign up for the call at http://yourmoney-yourcareer-preview.eventbrite.com/
 

 
Your Money, Your Career features audio downloads, my Competent AdvantageTM career assessment, a financial workbook AND a 30-day step-by-step action plan! It was created by four nationally recognized experts: yours truly, Coach Colette, financial coach and author Jacquette M. Timmons, and two other career coaches Jodi Brockington and Malla Haridat.
 
With a single purchase, you'll get a personalized game-plan -- to help you manage every aspect of your money and your career, in the New Normal. Reserve your copy online NOW to take advantage of the pre-launch pricing at: http://bit.ly/moneycareer2.

Then join us on the FREE Preview Call on Tuesday, June 29 at 8 PM ET!

Are You Following the Evidence -- in Your Career or in Life?

Did YOU know? While only 16% of all men are over 6'2" tall, 57% of Fortune 500 CEOs are over 6'2". I learned this interesting fact during a recent presentation by Laura Liswood, author of The Loudest Duck.

What does this data suggest to you? Do you see any correlations in your organization?

Let's face it -- we get bombarded with lots of data (or evidence) on trends that are happening in the workplace and the world beyond. How can you figure out what information makes sense for you, or for your team? Following the evidence is about just that -- looking at data or statistics or even anecdotal information and evaluating it to see:

1. Is it valid (i.e., do you trust the source?)
2. Is it applicable to your team or organization?

In advance of our upcoming LIVE Follow the Evidence Diversity Training on Tuesday, June 15 (9am-12pm) here in New York, I thought I'd share the recording of the preview telecast.

Our process suggests you take a proactive instead of a reactive approach to gathering information, and seeing how your diversity management strategies work or don’t work and need to be adjusted – not just relying on "long-standing" but never proven traditions.

This time, we're speaking about it in terms of diversity. Yet, this evidence-based approach can be applied to all aspects of personal, team and organizational growth. You'll be more effective if you relentlessly seek new knowledge and insight, so you can keep updating your assumptions, skills and knowledge, and ground your decisions in the latest and best knowledge of what actually works.

How do YOU follow the evidence?

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.

Can You Make the Case for Diversity in the New Normal?

The team at InStep Consulting continues its focus on building sustainable teams -- this time, from a different perspective: Diversity.

We recognize that we're now living in the New Normal. Technology has changed nearly everything we do.


Budgets are tighter, time is tighter; and there's a growing need to integrate everything -- communications, knowledge, programs, systems, tools and TEAMS.

The New Normal requires that people work with each other -- perhaps in ways they haven't done so before. Even so, can you make the case for diversity in the New Normal?

If you're serious about making headway for your team this year, join Coach Colette Ellis and Tim Mulvaney on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM ET for an informative, FREE teleclass: Follow the Evidence: Make Your Case for Diversity in the New Normal.

Learn how to follow the evidence -- that is, not what you THINK about diversity, but what you can DEMONSTRATE or PROVE -- to create practical solutions that work for your team.

This teleseminar is based on models and strategies Tim and Colette pioneered as Adjunct Professors at New York University, for their graduate-level course: Managing Diversity - An Evidence-Based Approach.

Want to learn how to be a DSI -- a Diversity Scene Investigator? Then, register NOW and let Colette & Tim teach you how to Follow the Evidence!

Coach Colette Expands Wellness Offering to Enhance Your Wellbeing

The team at InStep Consulting is excited to announce that Coach Colette is now an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant through The Chopra Center for Wellbeing. This is a wonderful complement to the Stress Management certification. Now, in addition to offering Wellness seminars and coaching, we're also able to share information about high-quality Ayurvedic products.

Designed by the world's leading experts in the field of mind-body medicine, the Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultants program provides me the tools to help you benefit from the healing practices of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old healing system from India that is the basis for the Chopra Center products and services. Derived from the Sanskrit words ayus meaning life, and veda meaning wisdom, Ayurveda, the wisdom of life, offers a proven guide for attaining happiness, vitality, love, and purpose.

As a Consultant, I receive exclusive training resources, guest consultation tools, and (yes) commissions on product sales. I also have agreed to conduct myself with integrity and responsibility and uphold a personal commitment to be in service to you. And, I will NOT mislead or create false expectations regarding the value of any Chopra Center products.
 
It's important for you to know that I've been approached by others to recommend wellness products. And, I've chosen to align myself and my brand with The Chopra Center for Wellbeing. For more than a decade The Chopra Center has been teaching the world how to achieve perfect health by creating harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
 
Led by world renowned authors, physicians, and educators Deepak Chopra MD and David Simon MD, The Chopra Center for Wellbeing has served millions of people around the world through its educational programs, services, and natural products.
 
I look forward to continuing to inspire you to greater health and sustainable results in 2010 and beyond!

Namaste,
Coach Colette

The writer of this blog receives compensation when books or products featured herein are purchased from a link to the Chopra Center.

Coach Colette to Speak at Women For Hire NY Career Expo - April 15

Social Media & Your Career: What's Your Strategy?
In today’s 2.0 world, social media has become a primary means of communicating information – like it or not! And, you know that to successfully market any product, image is everything. We decide what to buy based on the impression we have about a product’s quality and reputation. Often, we form our opinions from the product’s packaging – details we find on the label or features we've seen in a commercial.

As you know from our Competent Advantage TM program: "If you are embarking on a job search or seeking to advance in your industry, you are engaging in self-marketing. And, the product is YOU! The quality of your professional pitch can dramatically impact your success."

So, which social media outlets have you chosen to create a buzz about you and your accomplishments? LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook? Whom are you hoping to reach? What image or presence are you seeking to create?

All of these questions suggest that you develop a Strategic Social Media Strategy to help get your information in front of the “right” people in your target industry. For example, you need to be aware of the content of YOUR tweets and posts AND the people with whom you are linked — as 70% of HR executives indicate that they have disqualified candidates due to information they have found out about them via Internet searches. The implication here is HR executives do make judgments based on things they see/read about you on any website — even if it's not your own.
Want more ideas/suggestions?

On Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM, I’ll be leading a Power Seminar at the upcoming Women For Hire NYC Career Expo called: Social Media & The Job Search. Join me to learn 5 Key Tips to incorporate social media into your career management strategy.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.womenforhire.com/career_expos/spring_2010/new_york

In addition, you’ll be able to meet Tory Johnson (founder of Women For Hire), connect with top employers and receive a resume critique. All that—and more—and it’s FREE! I look forward to seeing you in New York on April 15th!









The writer of this blog receives compensation when books featured herein are purchased from an ad.

Get Teambuilding Tips for the Tight Economy: March 30th

The team at InStep Consulting continues our focus on teams by offering free, quarterly teleseminars to help you define and execute your team's strategy. If you’re serious about continuing your team's progress in the tight economy, gather your core team members in the conference room and join other strategic leaders on Tuesday, March 30th at 1:00 PM EST for the next 2010 Team Visioning Event!

Here is a video that tells you a bit more about the session and why you should consider attending.




The energy on our January call was phenomenal! This time, we’ll be revisiting your key intentions and top priorities and checking on your progress on your SMART goals. We’ll also explore more ways to keep your team motivated and on-track, especially in a down economy.

As Napoleon Hill says, "A group of brains coordinated in a spirit of harmony will provide more thought energy than a single brain." So, register NOW to join us on March 30th at 1:00 PM EST and Bring Your Team's Future into Laser Focus!

Leaders: How Do You Keep Team Members Motivated & Engaged?

How do you keep your team members motivated and engaged? The question is an important one for team leaders and managers to consider, especially since U.S. job satisfaction is apparently at its lowest point in two decades. And, this employee dissatisfaction appears to go beyond the survivor guilt often associated with employees who observe their friends and colleagues lose their jobs.

Source:

I Can’t Get No...Job Satisfaction, That Is: America’s Unhappy Workers

Research Report #1459-09-RR

The Conference Board

I share this information not to alarm you, but to help you consider the potential impact on you and your team.

Here are two questions for you to consider as you refine your goals and priorities for this quarter and during the year:

• Do individual team member objectives align with the overall priorities? Identifying and mapping individual objectives to team/organizational goals can give team members a “line of sight” from their role and responsibilities to the greater purpose of the organization. It also helps to level-set expectations so that everyone is on the same page about what’s being expected.
• How do you reward performance? If your messaging indicates that achieving team goals are important, and yet your incentives tend to reward individual performers more, there could be a disconnect. This isn't to say that you shouldn't reward high-achievers; just make sure you're walking your talk and clearly communicating what are your performance expectations.

As a leader, one of your priorities might be to create the right environment for your members to succeed – and exceed their goals. My priority is to continue sharing compelling ideas and strategies to help you and your team to achieve sustainable results in 2010 and beyond.

I’d love if you would share your 2010 team building intentions with me. I've created a Team Building & Visioning Survey to understand which issues are most important to you as a leader. As a thank you for your input, I'll share a free recording of our last Laser Focus Team Visioning teleseminar. As always, post your comments here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Leaders Beware! Don't Let Key Intentions Disengage Your Team

I’ll bet you never thought that setting POSITVE intentions or defining POSITIVE values for your company or team could throw your employees/members off track. Well, the research proves that this can definitely be the case – if your team views your behavior as being inconsistent with those key intentions or values, or if your actions make you appear to be hypocritical.

Maybe it’s not “rocket science” per se; but I’ll admit to having a little “A-HA! Moment” as I read about the research conducted by Sandra Cha (McGill University) and Amy Edmonson (HBS). Their research was published in 2006 Leadership Quarterly: "When Values Backfire: Leadership, Attribution, and Disenchantment in a Values-Driven Organization." Yes, I know it’s been a few years; but I think it’s still valid.

What led me to this research today was an HBS Working Knowledge article Corporate Values and Employee Cynicism with a Q&A with the authors. Perhaps the article grabbed my attention given that I recently facilitated the Bring Your Future into Laser Focus! Team Visioning teleseminar designed to help teams set their key intentions and SMART goals for the year. And, now I’m hoping folks won’t get in their own way!

There’s a good chance that people who either participated in the session or who have downloaded the audio are on the right track given that we discussed the value in ensuring that your key intentions are:

• Aligned with your overall purpose and needs you’ve identified from your target market

• Valuable to provide the most impact in the most efficient ways

• Innovative, based on something new you’d like to offer or a new group you’d like to serve

One of the disconnects raised by Cha and Edmonson occurs when there is tension between stated intentions (or values) and the interpretation of those intentions (or values) by team members. For example: perhaps everyone on the team has reached agreement on the what [“We intend to provide a high level of customer service to all of our clients/customers regardless of the level at which they use our services/products.”]. Yet, maybe the team has yet to agree on the how – what it will mean to execute on and fulfill that intention. So, setting and agreeing to key intentions is only a first step; there also has to be dialogue between leaders and their teams, and decisions made on how key intentions will be fulfilled.

Another topic we discussed in the Team Visioning session was how to set SMART Goals that flow out of your key intentions. Another pitfall from the research to look out for is when goals (or values) seem to conflict with one another. Here, team leaders may need to give members some flexibility in how certain tasks are accomplished; or perhaps re-visit the “R” from SMART or the realistic nature of the task.

In the session, we also talked about the importance for leaders to be transparent with members about goals that may be considered stretch goals – targets that are outside the normal realm of how things are done. It’s great to help and encourage people to exceed targets. We also want to level-set expectations so everyone is on the same page about what’s being expected of them. No one likes to be set up to fail.

As a leader, one of your key intentions for 2010 might be to create the right environment for your members to succeed – and exceed their goals. One of my key intentions is to share compelling ideas and strategies to help you and your team to achieve sustainable results in 2010 and beyond.

I’d love if you would share your 2010 key intentions with me – either comment here or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Have You Defined Your 2010 Social Media Strategy?

Have you defined your 2010 Social Media Strategy? Whether you are a job seeker, career changer, career builder or aspiring entrepreneur, it's important that you consider which social media outlets will best help you create a buzz about you and your brand this year. The good news is there are resources to help you!

Tune in on Sunday evening (1/24/2010 at 5 PM EST) to hear my pals from "down under" - Career Success Radio hosts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross as they discuss how to select YOUR best social media platform (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.) and how to leverage your social media platform in YOUR job search, career management or business development.

Guest experts include: Daulton West Jr., Melissa Martin and Coach Colette Ellis.

In addition to sharing how these platforms differ, I'll also be offering tips on how to create YOUR best 140-character pitch to share with the Twitterverse! You may recall this discussion from last February - well, you'll be able to build on those ideas to include the new developments and Twitter companion sites that have been created since then (e.g., TweetMyJobs.com).

If you are able to listen in live, the Career Success Radio phone lines and chat room will be open. Ring in via (914) 338 0714 and get expert career advice. You can also listen to the show recording HERE on the blog via the widget below.

If you have a job-search or career related question, tweet us in advance: @Coach_Colette or @careerradio. One question will be selected to be answered live on air the show. And, the Career Success Expert Panel will answer questions in the online forum.

Nonprofit Leaders: Are Your Clients & Volunteers Telling Your Story?

Once upon a time ... So, we know that storytelling is important to building relationships with potential supporters and volunteers. People want to know more about what your nonprofit organization does, and what impact it's having in the community. The more they learn, the more they will begin to trust you -- and that trust can lead to support in the form of their money, resources, or time.

So, what can make it difficult? One challenge for nonprofit leaders is finding those compelling anecdotes that make great stories. How can you capture the success stories that demonstrate the value you're adding to your constituents?

One of my clients helped me to discover one resource that may help you: GreatNonprofits.org.

This site enables nonprofits to share their profile with clients and volunteers who then post reviews about their experiences with the organization. GreatNonprofits.org intends to "help other people discover trustworthy nonprofits that are making a difference."

This could be a great way for nonprofit leaders to collect first-hand accounts from clients and volunteers and extend their nonprofit organization's online presence (there's even a connection to Facebook). If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit organization, take a peek at GreatNonprofits.org and see if your organization is listed -- there are over 1 million listed nonprofits, and 2,800+ organizations that already have been reviewed.

Has Your Team Defined its 2010 Vision?

Join Coach Colette for FREE Team Visioning Teleseminar: January 28, 2010

Does Your Team Have 20/10 Vision? FREE Teleseminar: January 28

I'm excited to announce that InStep Consulting is kicking off 2010 with fun, relevant programs. Our featured event this month is our upcoming FREE teleseminar on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 1:00 PM EST. It's a Team Visioning event called 20/10: Bring Your Future into Laser Focus!

In the teleseminar, you and your core team members will get help to:

• Clear the Deck and focus (like a laser) on your team’s TOP priorities
• Identify ONE thing you can do that day to help propel your team towards its most important goals
• Create a visioning tool that will keep your team motivated throughout the year to stay on track

I'm including a widget so that you can register online and also share the info with your core team members.

Now that you’ve had some time to catch up on things from the holiday and get a sense of what’s on your plate this year, there’s still time to Bring Your Future into Laser-Focus! Think of all the POSITIVE energy that will be created by having everyone on the line all being laser-focused on our top priorities and goals!

As suggested by motivational author, Napoleon Hill: "A group of brains coordinated in a spirit of harmony will provide more thought energy than a single brain."

I can't wait to speak with you and your team on January 28th at 1:00 PM EST!

NEW Podcast: Have More Intimacy in 2010 ... Financially Speaking

We're kicking off 2010 with an exciting feature -- a Competent Advantage TM podcast that is available for listening and download right here on the blog!

This podcast is a recent interview conducted by Coach Colette of Jacquette Timmons, founder of Sterling Investment Management and author of a great new book, Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate.

In the podcast, Colette and Jacquette discuss the importance of coming clean about your financial habits and preferences -- first, with yourself, and then with your partner. Jacquette also shares tips on how to begin those honest conversations with your mate, and how to avoid the emotional and financial pitfalls often caused when love and money interact. Click below to listen or download the podcast.

Once you've listened to the podcast, let me know your thoughts and reactions -- here on the blog or tweet me.
 
Also, consider: What conversations about money do you need to have with yourself (and/or your mate) to achieve greater financial security (and intimacy) in 2010?

Be Fearless About Your Goals: TV Interview of Coach Colette

In case you missed watching it live, you can still see the interview of Coach Colette on Fearless Business TV by show host, Valerie Gurka. The segment is about setting SMART Goals for 2010.

The other guest expert on the show is Jake Matthews from 10e20 - who offers strategies to leverage Social Media to market your business or side hustle.

The last segment is the ULTRA LIGHT LAUNCH with Graham Lawlor from Ultra Light Startups - who provides practical tips on how to pitch to business investors. This segment also features Jennifer Takaki from The Pickle Club - who dellivers a 1-minute pitch for her online community.

Hope you enjoy the show! Let us know what is your favorite part.

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

What Matters Now: Take Time to Reflect

I was fortunate today that I changed my view on Facebook to "Pages". As I scrolled down the list, I came across a post from Seth Godin's blog describing a new FREE ebook called What Matters Now. It contains brief but compelling ideas from over 70 big thinkers (Elizabeth Gilbert, Jacqueline Novogratz, Guy Kawasaki).

The ebook includes many simple truths, plus several ideas to make you go "hmmmmm ..." as you reflect on 2009 and prepare for the New Year. I'm taking on Seth's challenge to help spread these ideas to 5 million people.

I'm only half-way through the ebook, but thought I'd share my TOP 3 Ideas so far:

1. EASE: Even as a stress management coach, I can chuckle at Elizabeth Gilbert's suggestion to make time to "meditate but secretly nap" to ease off the gas and build in some "me-time." I can't be mad at her because sleep is SO important, and is also rejuvenating for your soul.
2. 1%: Jackie Huba and Ben McConnell talk about the "One Percenters" -- the small group of folks who spread the word about new ideas, trends and concepts. Even as a vegetarian, I had to love the "Bacon Salt" story that spread like ... porkbellies? My question to YOU is: Who will be YOUR One Percenters in 2010? In my career and business coaching sessions, I've called these people your champions -- those people who will go the extra mile to create a buzz about your talents and accomplishments.
3. UN-Sustainability: Given that my mission involves helping people achieve sustainable results, I was particularly intrigued by Alan Webber's flipping of the script. He suggests we identify and un-mask the UN-sustainable systems that "represent the dead weight of the past." From this essay, my question to YOU is: What will be UN-sustainable for you in 2010? What dead weight do you plan to lose?

Download the ebook NOW, and as you read the ideas and concepts share your favorites here on the blog; or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

AGENDA for Land Your Dream Job Teleclass - TONIGHT

Join me tonight at the FREE Land Your Dream Job teleclass TONIGHT at 8PM EST: http://bit.ly/4yWsMZ.  Here's the agenda of what you can expect:

• Introductions – Coach Colette Ellis and Simone Kelly-Brown of Own Your Power
• Coach Colette's Career Transition Story
• Intro of Competent Advantage™ Model – Exercises/activities:

            o Your Core Values: How They Relate To Your Work

            o Your Top 3 Strengths: How They Add Value to Target Market

            o Your Top 3 Champions: How They Can Help You Make Connections

            o Your WOW! Factor – How to Create a Buzz and Get Noticed

• Creative Visualization: Life With Your Dream Job
• Q & A and Info about FREE products/tools

Tweet me your search questions and join the discussion on Twitter using the #LYDJ hashtag.

Professional Holiday Parties - Tips to Help You to Shine

As the holiday season is now upon us, it seems timely to share some tips and ideas to help you navigate the professional holiday party scene. As I have shared many of these tips before, I thought I'd encourage you to (re)review my blog post: Tis the Season to be Jolly ... NOT for Career Folly.

You'll notice that the post was written in December 2005 (yes, I've been blogging for over four years now!). I think the tips are still appropriate; what do you think?

In today's economy, I'd probably add a few more suggestions:

• Determine which of the events will give you your "biggest bang for the buck." You'll want to budget for holiday events just as you would any other networking events. Survey all of the events in your area that interest you, and prioritize them in order of relevance to your 2010 personal/professional goals. Perhaps one well-selected "high-ticket" event will expand your network more than several lower cost ones.
• Be a connector – help others to meet relevant contacts in your network. Networking is also about what you can give -- and, 'tis the season to give! If people see you as someone who is helpful, they’ll be more likely to help you. This relates to my next tip ...
• Be conscientious about your follow-up. LISTEN more than you're speaking when you meet new people. Take note of their interests and goals. For those people with whom you'd like to stay in contact, make time to share information that would be helpful or interesting to them.
• When someone asks, “What’s new?” be prepared with an answer that might make someone say "WOW!" We all have experienced some challenges this year; and yet, inspiring stories are always good to hear. This might require some additional thought -- think of the good things that have happened this year; think of the positive people in your support circle; think of the small wins you've already achieved. I'm confident you can come up with a couple of ideas.

Please share your thoughts, ideas and other survival tips here on the blog or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

And, BEST WISHES to you and yours for a

HEALTHY, HAPPY, JOYFUL, ABUNDANT HOLIDAY SEASON!

Coach Colette Helps You Land Your Dream Job on December 10

In 2009, the battle for talent was fierce. The trend will likely continue into 2010. Are you ready? To be successful in a job search, you must be able to let the right people know what skills you have to offer. Can you position yourself strategically so that key decision makers will pick YOU?


Join us for a FREE, practical teleclass to learn how to leverage your top skills and talents, and communicate your WOW! Factor to prospective employers. This teleclass is co-sponsored by the Own Your Power Community.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Register NOW - Click HERE

Post your career and job search questions here on the Competent AdvantageTM blog, or tweet them to @Coach_Colette using the hastag: #LYDJ.

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!

Words of Thanks from Coach Colette

I can't believe that another year has almost concluded. I'm sure I say this every year; but it really does seem like it hasn't been that long since I created my 2009 vision board. Now, it's Thanksgiving and nearly time to get my vision for 2010 in focus.

As I reflect upon this past year, here are a few of the things I'm most thankful/grateful for:

• I'm grateful for the opportunity to have spent much of this past year traveling the country and getting to meet so many wonderful people who are dedicated to improving their communities.
• I'm grateful for the chance to collaborate with some fantastic, talented people in the design and delivery of training programs for our mutual clients.
• I'm grateful for the clients who have included me into their worlds and allowed me to be a part of their future vision of a better world/work environment.
• I'm grateful for all of the people who participated in my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration - both in person and virtually. These include my friends who helped me, their friends who shared favorite memories and thoughts, our extended family, and the people who worked to make the event a success.
• I'm grateful for my parents, and for each celebration (large and small) we're able to share together.
• I'm grateful for my friends who continue to stick by me and cheer me on in my efforts (despite my mood or actions).
• I'm grateful for my own persistence and perseverance (ok, stubborness!) that enables me to continue even when I'm not sure of the outcome.

I'll close with the last part of the daily affirmation I've read to myself this year:
I give thanks for the immediate, complete, divine fulfillment of my desires. This or something better comes forth with perfect timing according to God's rich good for me.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your special ones!

Making a Change? What is 1-Degree of Transformation?

What a ride! In the past month, I've been to Minneapolis, MN; Long Beach Island, NJ; Decatur, IL; and St. Louis, MO. The PLA - "Turning the Page" Tour (and one team building retreat) really made me qualify for road warrior status! It's been fun, though. I love traveling the country and meeting my rowdy librarians -- and, yes, they know that's how I refer to them! :-)

The sessions I facilitate help public library directors and trustees demonstrate how they help solve community issues. I help them develop compelling stories about residents who have benefited -- or whose lives have been transformed as a result of a library service (like FREE access to computers).

Over the past year, I've talked a lot about transformation with participants. And, I've cautioned them to not be overwhelmed or disheartened by the word or concept -- because it can seem really big. "How can I find people in my community whose lives have been transformed?!" My advice has been to focus on the impact of even the most basic of services.

What do I mean? The person who submits a successful online job application via a free computer at the library may have experienced a significant economic, personal and/or professional impact from a "basic" service (computer access). The transformational story shares the before & after situation of this person - with facts and anecdotes that will "hook" us into wanting to know more about what the library does.

In St. Louis, we also discussed the challenge of transforming opinions or perceptions. "If the people in my community think our library only has books, how can I let them know we do so much more?" Again, we cannot be discouraged because the task seems daunting or too much to take on. We can focus on making the smallest change first -- the 1-Degree of Transformation (not to be confused with 6-Degrees of Separation, LOL!).

I began using this phrase and participants really seemed to respond. What's the 1-Degree of Transformation that will begin moving things in the right direction? I think it's a relevant strategy to consider for your work with other people, as well as for your own goal setting and personal development. For example, here are some questions to think about:

• Clients/Colleagues/Supporters:
• What small change in behavior/perception would be most relevant right now?
• What would making that small change do for your working relationship? 
• How can you help facilitate that small change?
• Goal Setting/Personal Development: 
• What small change in your behavior/perception would be most relevant for you right now?
• What would taking that small step do for your outlook on your situation?
• How can you make that small change?

What do YOU think? Let me know your thoughts and reactions to this 1-Degree of Transformation. And, as you try it out, let me know how it goes -- either comment here on the blog or tweet me at Coach_Colette.

Competent Advantage Blog Gets a Makeover!

Fall has definitely arrived here in New York City. Although you may wonder how I even know this given my recent travel schedule - now that the PLA Tour has resumed! Last week, I was hanging with the librarians in Minneapolis -- ironically during the big Vickings-Packers game, and the first Twins-Yankees playoff game.

Here in the Big Apple, the leaves are beginning to change and fall from the trees. There's a distinct chill in the air that I can feel as the wind blows through the bulky sweater I've now started to wear over my clothes. ANYHOO, I thought I'd leverage the theme of change and give the blog a fashion-forward makeover, LOL!

You'll notice in the header that I've included the logo for the Competent Advantage TM Career Workbook. I thought it might be helpful for you to see the model on a regular basis, to give more context to my article posts. I've also re-ordered some of the links on the right toolbar - to give you a better sense of why I've included them. They are primarily links to other resources, like my podcast channel, aStore (book recommendations) and partner websites. Take a look at the changes on the blog, and let me know what you think!

I'll be traveling the country through November, mostly facilitating leadership and communication sessions for the rowdy librarians! :-) So, please don't feel like I'm ignoring you. Feel free to follow and tweet me on Twitter so we can stay in touch more often. OK? Cheers, Coach Colette

85 Broads Goes the Extra Mile to Fight Breast Cancer

Yesterday was the Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure. It was phenomenal to be in the company of survivors, family members and supporters of this cause. There were so many great people with great energy! Here's a brief update and photos from the day's festivities.

First, I'd like to send a huge THANK YOU to the team at Ducale restaurant on Columbus Avenue. They hosted our 85 Broads - Komen NYC team for a wonderful pre-race breakfast. As we were power walking, many members remarked about how great were the coffee and (fresh-squeezed) orange juice. Here are some team members at the breakfast.

Here's a group photo of the 85 Broads - Komen NYC team in front of Ducale before we made our way to the starting line.

THANK YOU to Krista for bringing the 85 Broads water bottles that kept many of us refreshed as we ran and power walked the Race!

And, I'm so excited to report that the 85 Broads - Komen NYC team has exceeded its fundraising goal of $3,500 USD! On behalf of the team, I'd like to send a big THANK YOU to all of our donors!! The great news is that we can continue to receive donations until October 31, 2009. I'd love to see us go the extra mile and raise $5,000 before then!

Because, TOGETHER, we WILL Run Breast Cancer out of Town!

Coach Colette is Back in the Classroom

It's Back to School season, and the Coach is back in the classroom - virtually and in person! In addition to my client seminars (and the upcoming PLA "Tour"), I thought I'd share info on two upcoming public events. Would be great if you're able to join me.

1) Tuesday, September 15 - 12:00 PM EDT

Guest on Power Women Magazine - Blog Talk Radio Show

You can listen to me chat LIVE with host Deb Bailey at www.blogtalkradio.com/powerwomenmag. Dial in to ask me questions about how you can achieve sustainable results in your career and personal life: (646) 929-0160; or TWEET ME your questions in advance of the show and I'll respond on-air.

Power Women Magazine is an online publication about women by women for women on issues that are important to women worldwide.

2) Tuesday, September 22 - 6:30 PM EDT

Speaker at Downtown Women's Club - NYC Chapter Fall Kick-Off

What has poor communication cost you in your career, business or personal relationships? Learn how to Achieve Communication Breakthroughs! Join me for an interactive presentation as I develop your skills to:

• Resolve interpersonal challenges diplomatically
• Communicate goals and expectations clearly
• Motivate others to share in your vision

DWC-NYC is a chapter of the Downtown Women's Club business network that makes professional networking affordable, effective and fun!

I look forward to seeing YOU in September! :)

85 Broads-Komen NYC Team is Half-Way There

You can only imagine how excited I was to log into the 85 Broads NY - Komen Race for the Cure page this morning and find out we've achieved nearly 50% of our fundraising goal!


That's right our 28 team members have secured 42 gifts to bring us even closer to our $3,500 target. I'm so proud of the efforts of these fantastic women in our FIRST year of building a team (in only 2 months, I might add). I can't wait to walk with everyone on Sunday!



I'm also grateful to the supporters who have brought me 37% of the way towards my $250 Challenge. And, my FREE Assessment offers still stand for donors who contribute to my Challenge before Race Day on September 13th. Read my earlier blog post for more details on how to claim your Thank YOU!



Together, we WILL Run Breast Cancer Out of Town!

Stress in the City: Is Cuddling the Answer?

Forbes recently released its report on America's Most Stressful Cities. Topping the list for the second year in a row is Chicago -- followed by Los Angeles, New York, Cleveland, and Providence, RI.


Life factors considered in the study of 40 of America's largest metro areas were:

1. Unemployment figures (Bureau of Labor Statistics - June 2009)
2. Cost of living figures (Council for Community and Economic Research)
3. Median home price declines (National Association of Realtors - 2008-2009)
4. Population density (US Census)
5. Number of sunny and/or partly sunny days (NES-DIS - 2007)
6. Air quality figures (US EPA - 2007)

As a native New Yorker, I can appreciate our ranking in the Top 5 of metro areas. However, you know that I'm a big proponent of finding creative, proactive ways to manage your stress. A lot of this has to do with your self-perception and self-talk.

Most of the life factors on the list are not things we can actively control -- EXCEPT that we do have a choice about where we live. In today's tight job market, you may challenge me on that a bit. "I HAVE to live here because of my job." But, remember, once you start to view your situation in terms of what you "HAVE" to do, you've already given yourself an extra burden of stress. The choice still exists; hopefully you're able to choose your best option at the particular moment in time.

From the career/job search perspective, I've written before about the value of focusing on the things you can control - your physical and online career presence, and your marketing collateral.

From the personal wellness perspective, I've written about the importance of flipping the script to create a more positive viewpoint. That may mean changing how you think about your situation, letting go of the "SHOULDs", or allowing space for things to be less than perfect. [I know, the horror!]

Social supports are important, too. One interesting link in the article was to a video about a new trend of hosting Cuddle Parties. Apparently taking heed of the value of physical touch in reducing stress, these parties have been held in the New York and San Francisco areas.

Would you attend (have you attended) a Cuddle Party? Comment here or tweet me your response and to share other ways you deal with stress.

Support our Komen NYC Team, Get FREE Career Tools

I've decided to create a fantastic offer to help YOU AND the 85 Broads NYC/Tri-State Chapter team for Komen Race for the Cure.

From today through RACE Day (September 13, 2009), I'll give away one FREE Competent Advantage TM Assessment or e-Workbook, or one FREE Stress Management Health Assessment to anyone who supports my $250 Challenge for the Komen Race for the Cure.

If you are able to contribute:

• Up to $15.00 you will receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Career Assessment


• From $16.00 to $25.00 you will receive a FREE Stress Management Health Assessment


• From $26.00 to $30.00 you will receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Career e-Workbook

For more information about these tools, please visit our InStep Consulting Online Shop.

All you have to do is visit my Komen page before September 13th, make a pledge to contribute and send a copy of the email that confirms your contribution. Send the confirmation to [info-at-instepconsulting.com]. (Limit one FREE tool per donation.)

Thanks in advance for your encouragement, support and participation. Together we will Run Breast Cancer Out of Town! Regards, Coach_Colette

Coach Colette & 85 Broads Will Run Breast Cancer Out of Town

DID YOU KNOW? One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer knows no boundaries -- not age, socioeconomic status, geographic location or ethnic background.

As chair of the 85 Broads NYC/Tri-State Chapter Health & Wellness Committee, I'm so excited that we have launched our FIRST annual team for the Komen NYC Race for the Cure!

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM, the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its 19th Annual 5K Run/Walk in Central Park. On that day, over 25,000 New Yorkers (including over 1,600 breast cancer survivors) will come together to run breast cancer out of town!

How Can YOU Help?

1. If you live in the New York area, become a part of our team. REGISTER online by August 31, 2009 at http://www.komennyc.org/race. Be sure to click on the "Join a Race Team" tab and select the 85 Broads NY as the team you wish to join. Click HERE for the direct link.


2. Consider making a contribution to support my $250 Challenge. DONATE online by October 31, 2009 by clicking HERE for the direct link.


3. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to support the Komen Race for the Cure. Share this post with your social networks.

While there is no minimum fundraising amount, if every participant were to raise $250, Komen Greater NYC would be able to award as much as $500,000 more in grants to local community breast health programs and provide more funding for research.

I'll keep you posted on the progress with my $250 Challenge and the 85 Broads NY team as a whole. And, I'll be thinking about how to prepare myself for the race day. I haven't decided if I will walk or run .... any suggestions? Tweet me your ideas!

Thanks in advance for your encouragement, support and participation. Together we will:

NEW Podcast: What's Your Personal Brand?

Summer is upon us; but the InStep Consulting team realizes that even if you're on vacation, you're still seeking relevant, helpful information in today's tight marketplace. So, we're continuing our NEW podcast series, InSide the HR Studio, to offer an insider's perspective on career transition and success.


We have a special guest InSide the HR Studio - Kaliym Islam, Vice President of DTCC Learning. His career has spanned across internal Learning & Development to his current role in which he oversees the design and delivery of the company's external training programs and products, including e-learning, instructor-led training and documentation. These efforts help to strengthen DTCC's relationship with its customers by keeping them abreast of the varied financial products and services it offers.


In the podcast, Kaliym and I discuss strategies to Create a Buzz and define your personal brand in the workplace. We also talk about the ways to leverage social media tools (like blogs and podcasts) to communicate that brand to a wider audience. Kaliym shares personal stories about his ascent within DTCC and how he created an "advisory board" that has provided great insight as he has navigated his career.


Tune in to the podcast to find out what Kaliym's personal branding motto ICEM stands for. [HINT: the "I" stands for Identify -- but you'll have to listen to the podcast for the rest of the terms and how the motto can help YOU define YOUR personal brand!]

Then, share your thoughts here or tweet me your brand on Twitter!

VOTE for InStep Consulting in MyBizCounts Contest

Coach Colette and the team at InStep Consulting are seeking your support! Please VOTE for our mini commercial in the MyBizCounts.com Contest sponsored by Sage Software, Inc.

You can submit ONE vote per day from TODAY until July 31, 2009. The Top 20 commericals at the end of the voting period will enter the final round to compete for $20,000 in cash and over $4,000 in software prizes! If we win, it will expand our capacity to help YOU achieve YOUR GOALS even more! We'll even take your input on the types of products and services you'd like to see us develop should we win this contest.

FYI: when you get to the voting page, our video is in Row 3, second from the left!

Thanks for your support! :)