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  • Helping You Overcome the Negative Self Talk of the Inner Critic

    Helping You Overcome the Negative Self Talk of the Inner Critic

    Many women struggle with negative self-talk, also known as the inner critic. This voice inside our heads can be relentless, telling us we’re not good enough, smart enough, or attractive enough. It can hold us back from achieving our goals and living our best lives. But the good news is that we can learn to overcome this negative self-talk and cultivate a more positive and empowering inner dialogue.

    At its core, negative self-talk is a habit that we’ve learned over time. It’s often rooted in our past experiences and the messages we’ve received from others. But just because we’ve learned this habit doesn’t mean we’re stuck with it. By becoming more aware of our inner dialogue and practicing self-compassion and positive affirmations, we can begin to shift our mindset and overcome the inner critic. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for doing just that, so that we can start living more confidently and authentically.

    Understanding the Inner Critic

    When it comes to negative self-talk, the inner critic is often the culprit. This inner voice can be relentless, constantly criticizing and berating us for our perceived flaws and shortcomings. It can be difficult to recognize and overcome, but understanding the inner critic is the first step in combating it.

    The inner critic is a part of our subconscious mind that is responsible for protecting us from harm. It is often formed in childhood as a way to help us navigate the world and avoid danger. However, as we grow older, this voice can become distorted and turn against us, causing us to doubt ourselves and our abilities.

    The inner critic can take many forms, from the voice that tells us we’re not good enough to the constant worry that we’ll fail. It can be triggered by specific situations or events, or it can be a constant presence in our lives.

    To overcome the inner critic, we must first learn to recognize it. This means paying attention to our thoughts and identifying when they turn negative. We can then challenge these thoughts by asking ourselves if they are true, and if there is evidence to support them.

    It’s also important to remember that the inner critic is not a reflection of who we are as a person. It is simply a part of our subconscious mind that can be retrained to be more positive and supportive. By practicing self-compassion and reframing our thoughts in a more positive light, we can begin to silence the inner critic and cultivate a more positive mindset.

    Identifying Negative Self-Talk

    As women, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk that can be incredibly damaging to our self-esteem and mental well-being. This inner critic can take many different forms, from the voice that tells us we’re not good enough to the one that constantly compares us to others.

    One of the first steps in overcoming this negative self-talk is to identify it. We need to become aware of the thoughts and beliefs that are holding us back and keeping us stuck in this negative cycle.

    Here are some common signs of negative self-talk:

    • All-or-nothing thinking: Seeing things in black and white, with no shades of gray. For example, thinking that if we’re not perfect at something, we’re a total failure.

    • Overgeneralization: Taking one negative experience and applying it to everything. For example, thinking that because we failed at one thing, we’re a failure at everything.

    • Personalization: Taking things personally that have nothing to do with us. For example, thinking that someone’s bad mood is our fault.

    • Catastrophizing: Imagining the worst-case scenario and believing it will come true. For example, thinking that if we don’t get a promotion, we’ll never be successful.

    • Mind-reading: Assuming we know what other people are thinking or feeling about us. For example, thinking that someone doesn’t like us because they didn’t say hello.

    Once we start to recognize these patterns of negative self-talk, we can begin to challenge them and replace them with more positive, empowering thoughts.

    Embrace Your Journey Towards Positive Self-Talk

    As we journey together towards dismantling the powerful grip of the inner critic, remember that you’re not alone in this battle. Negative self-talk is a common struggle, especially for women. It’s a subtle enemy, always ready to strike when we’re at our most vulnerable. But it’s in your power to transform that voice. With every step you take in recognizing and reframing your negative self-talk, you’re laying the foundation for a more confident, authentic, and empowered self.

    Understanding and overcoming the inner critic is not an overnight process, it’s a journey. It’s about adopting small changes every day, challenging every distorted thought, and above all, showing kindness to oneself. Remember, the voice inside you that whispers ‘you’re not good enough’ doesn’t define you. Instead, let your resilience in this journey speak volumes about your strength.

    By choosing to engage with this process, you’re already displaying an incredible amount of bravery. You’re refusing to be defined by the limitations your inner critic has set for you. That’s not just commendable; it’s transformative. So, continue to courageously traverse this path, knowing that with each step, you’re closer to cultivating a nourishing inner dialogue that will foster your growth, rather than hinder it. Here’s to you – the real you – not the version clouded by the inner critic, but the empowered woman ready to embrace her authenticity and potential.

    If you are ready we are ready to support you.

    Register for the upcoming Slay Your Inner Critic 8 Week Group Coaching Program

    Find out more below.

    bit.ly/Registerforsyic

    Or for questions or 1:1 Support book a discovery call:

    https://calendly.com/manifestingyourexcellence/30min

    See you on the other side!

  • Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy?

    Are you struggling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy?

    Do you often feel like an imposter, despite evidence of your competence?

    If so, you may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome.

    What is that anyway? We hear it said so much, but what does it really mean? Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual doubts their accomplishments or abilities, despite evidence of their competence. It is often associated with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, and can cause an individual to remain silent or self-critical in order to prevent being exposed as a fraud.

    Sound familiar? Definitely does for all of us at Manifesting YOur Excellence. At many points in our lives we have been faced with the anxiety, lack of productivity and even depression that can come from this phenomenon.

    Imposter Syndrome can feel like a heavy burden, and can be difficult to overcome. But with a few helpful tips, it’s possible to tackle the issue head-on and start to feel better about yourself. Here are five tips we have used and shared with people just like you in our practice to help you start to feel more confident and secure in your abilities.:

    1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognizing that you are experiencing Imposter Syndrome is the first step towards overcoming it. Acknowledge your feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, and remind yourself that they are normal and not a reflection of your worth.
    2. Challenge Your Negative Thoughts: Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, it’s important to challenge the negative thoughts that are causing them. Ask yourself if your thoughts are actually true, and remind yourself of your successes to help build your confidence.
    3. Celebrate Your Accomplishments: Take time to celebrate the accomplishments you’ve achieved and remind yourself that you are capable of succeeding. It’s important to recognize your hard work and give yourself credit for it.
    4. Reach Out for Support: Connecting with a trusted friend, coach or mentor can be a great way to work through Imposter Syndrome. Talking to someone can help you see your accomplishments in a new light, and you may be surprised by the amount of support and encouragement they provide.
    5. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a close friend, and be gentle and kind in your self-talk. Remember that everyone is flawed and everyone makes mistakes, and try to focus on the positives.

    Imposter Syndrome is a common feeling, and it can be difficult to overcome. However, with a little effort and self-compassion, it’s possible to start feeling more confident and secure in your abilities.

    If imposter syndrome is not addressed, it could lead to chronic self-doubt, decreased self-confidence, and a lack of motivation. In the workplace, this could lead to decreased productivity and lower performance. Without the proper support, you may also be more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

    If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, know that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support, and remember to be kind and gentle to yourself. And if you’d like to take the first step towards overcoming Imposter Syndrome, why not try one of the tips mentioned above?

    Ready to do it with some support? Click the link below to book a quick call with us today to see how we can help you reach your goals:

    https://calendly.com/manifestingyourexcellence/30min

    P.S. We have an online group coaching course called Slay Your Inner Critic that focuses on helping individuals overcome their imposter syndrome and increase their confidence and self worth. Through a combination of reading, discussion, and activities, participants will learn to recognize their strengths and value, and gain greater self-awareness and understanding. Topics of discussion include strategies to identify and address imposter syndrome, building a positive self-image, and developing helpful coping skills. Through this course, participants will gain the skills and understanding they need to embrace their unique qualities and achieve their best potential. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about the Slay Your Inner Critic 8 Week Online Group Coaching program please sign up for the Open House. You will learn more about the coaches and how this program can change your life as it has so many others.

  • Exploring the Benefits of Coaching and Therapy: Which Option is Right for You?

    Exploring the Benefits of Coaching and Therapy: Which Option is Right for You?

    When it comes to personal development and growth, two great options are coaching and therapy. Coaching is a more practical approach to helping people reach their goals, while therapy is a more therapeutic approach to helping people with their challenges and struggles. Coaching is all about helping people develop their skills and talents to reach their desired outcomes.

    It focuses on identifying and optimizing strengths and finding solutions to obstacles that may be preventing individuals from reaching their goals. Coaching is a much more solution-focused approach than therapy, which is more focused on processing the past and understanding why certain behaviors are occurring. Therapy, on the other hand, is a process of exploring the underlying causes of iissues and behaviors. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space to process emotions and experiences. In therapy, individuals can gain insight into their beliefs and thought patterns, and learn new ways of responding to their environment.

    The best way to know when to use each approach is to assess your individual needs and decide which one will best serve your goals. If you are looking to develop your skills and overcome obstacles, coaching may be the best way to go. However, if you are looking to explore underlying issues and gain insight into your behaviors, therapy may be more beneficial. Ultimately, both coaching and therapy are great tools for personal growth and development. Knowing when to use each approach can help you get the most out of your efforts and reach your desired outcomes.

    Ready to start your journey? Not sure where to begin? At Manifesting Your Excellence we have a team of trained and certified Coaches and Therapists who are caring, nonjudgmental and eager to help you.

    Click the link below to book a quick call with us today to see how we can help you reach your goals:

     

    https://calendly.com/manifestingyourexcellence/30min

    See you soon!

  • The Impact of Inclusiveness on Employee Engagement

    The Impact of Inclusiveness on Employee Engagement

    Inclusion has a significant impact on employee engagement in the workplace. When employees feel included and valued, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work, leading to higher levels of productivity and overall job satisfaction. In contrast, a lack of inclusion can lead to disengagement and a negative work environment, ultimately harming the success and culture of an organization.

    One way that inclusion promotes employee engagement is by fostering a sense of belonging. When employees feel like they are a part of the team and that their contributions are valued, they are more likely to feel motivated and committed to their work. This sense of belonging is especially important for employees from diverse backgrounds, who may otherwise feel marginalized or unsupported in the workplace. By promoting inclusion and diversity, organizations can create amore welcoming and supportive environment that helps all employees feel valued and included. Inclusion also helps to create a culture of trust and respect within an organization.

    When employees feel that their ideas and perspectives are valued and considered, they are more likely to trust their colleagues and leadership. This trust is essential for building strong and productive teams, as it allows employees to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and collaborating with others. A culture of trust and respect also helps to reduce conflict andimprove communication, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

    In addition to fostering a sense of belonging and building trust, inclusion also helps to create a more innovative and adaptable organization. By embracing diversity and encouraging different perspectives, organizations can tap into a wider range of ideas and approaches, leading to more creative and effective solutions. This is especially important in today’s business environment, where the ability to adapt and innovate is critical for success.

    Three simple actions that organizations can take to create as a step toward an inclusive workplace are:

    1.    Implement policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion: This can include training programs, employee resource groups, and diversity and inclusion committees. These initiatives can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees, and encourage the valuing of different perspectives and backgrounds.

    2.    Engage employees in discussions about diversity and inclusion: Encourage open communication and dialogue about diversity and inclusion within the organization. This can involve soliciting feedback and ideas from employees, and giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences.

    3.    Make diversity and inclusion a priority in the hiring and promotion process: Consider diversity and inclusion when making hiring and promotion decisions. This can involve implementing diversity targets and goals, and actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups. By building a diverse and inclusive team, organizations can create a more positive and productive work environment for all employees.

    Creating an inclusive workplace requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization. By implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion, engaging employees in discussions about diversity and inclusion, and making diversity and inclusion a priority in the hiring and promotion process, organizations can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. This is essential for building a productive and engaged workforce that is able to meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment.

  • What is the connection between self confidence and courage?

    What is the connection between self confidence and courage?

    What is the Connection Between Self Confidence and Courage?

    Glad that you asked!

    Let’s take a look at the connection between courage and self-confidence.

    Trust us, there’s an important reason why we’re exploring this idea today.

    Take a moment to think back on a time when you were scared to do something but you gathered up your courage and did it anyway.

    Maybe it was walking away from a bad situation. Maybe it was working through a problem that seemed impossible at first glance. Maybe it was overcoming a fear of yours, facing it, and coming through ok at the other side. Maybe it was overcoming a big physical or mental challenge like running your first 10K race or acing a big exam. It doesn’t matter what it was, as long as you think of something that took courage to do.

    Think about how you felt after you did whatever that courageous thing or act was. It felt pretty amazing, didn’t it?

    Maybe you were a bit exhausted from the effort, or relieved that you did make it through to the other side. Mostly though, that adrenaline started pumping through your system and you felt incredibly proud of what you’d accomplished. That in turn made you feel elated and good about yourself and your own ability to do other courageous things. In other words, you gave yourself a big boost of self-confidence. That right there, is one

    of the connections between self-confidence and courage.

    You can boost your confidence and feeling of self-worth by getting into the habit of doing courageous things. There’s also a second connection. Once you’ve gotten that boost of self-confidence, you start to feel more courageous and then you are ready to tackle the next hard thing on your list.

    In other words, self-confidence and courage can work in either a self-propelling cycle or spiral. Do something courageous and your self-confidence increases.

    As your confidence goes up, it will be easier to do something courageous. And on and on it spirals. This is an important concept to grasp and it’s something that you can use to your advantage. What it means is that by simply getting in the habit of doing something that scares you or that seems hard at first glance and having the courage to give it a try anyway, you can put this self-propelling spiral of increased self-confidence

    into motion.

    From there on out, every little thing you do that’s either courageous or increases your confidence in yourself, will make it easier to keep going and keep improving on both counts. The only hard part is getting started, and frankly, that isn’t all that hard or scary, is it?

    We won’t downplay the anxiety that can come with taking that first step at all. One way to push yourself is to speak back to that little voice we like to call the Inner Critic and tell it that you appreciate it for trying to protect you but you are courageously taking over from here.

    What can you do today that takes a little courage?

    We can think of one major thing that you can do, you can start learning and implementing the tools and strategies that we teach in the 8 week online Group Coaching Program Slay Your Inner Critic. When you finish the course you will feel empowered to courageously rise to the opportunities that created fear for you before and have increased self love and self confidence.

    If you are ready we are ready to support you.

    Register for the upcoming Slay Your Inner Critic 8 Week Group Coaching Program

    Find out more below

    bit.ly/Registerforsyic

     

    Or for questions or 1:1 Support book a discovery call:

    https://bit.ly/syicinfocall

    See you on the other side!

  • How to Choose Your Current State Selling Priorities

    How to Choose Your Current State Selling Priorities

    There are a lot of people writing about how to sell during the pandemic.  Or what does it look like when the world “re-opens” from a sales perspective.  I have spent a lot of time researching and reading current trends and predictions from some of the top consulting firms and wanted to weigh in on this topic.  But, in true Happy Leader Enterprises fashion I want to take a slightly different approach.  I am going to break this down into what remains the same (because if you aren’t doing this already you should) and what will likely change.

    I also feel like we all need to be cautious in taking any projections as fact.  I think if there is one thing everyone agrees on right now, it’s that we have never been through this before.  We will continue to take lessons from this experience, and what we forecast now, may still need to evolve and change.

    Let’s begin!

    What Should Stay the Same:
    Don’t Stop Selling:
     
    An empty pipeline takes longer to refill then continuously adding to the pipeline.  Think about it.  If you have a pail of water that is catching the rain.  And the pail is full.  Every time it rains, it gets topped up and never runs dry.  However, if for some reason it doesn’t rain for a long time, and the bucket dries out, it will take a while to fill it back up.  Sales leads and business development is the same, you need to be filling the pipeline each day and ensuring that it never goes dry.  It is always better to have a pipeline that is too full than a pipeline that is empty.
    Mindset, Mindset, Mindset:
     
    Sales is a head game.  It was a year ago, it is now, it will be a year from now.  The best sales people know how to play the game and not get in their own way by letting negative thoughts take over on the bad days.  They understand mental toughness.  A great sales person has strategies in their back pocket for what to do on the down days and how to ride the wave on the high days.  This mindset will help right now as well.  Even though it may be tested.  Remember; you know the value your product brings… keep bringing value and mission and you will be better able to help your customers come with you!
    Your Customer is King:
     

    Without your customer you don’t have a business.  This means they are king (it does not mean they are always right).  However, you want to treat them with king level value.  Appreciate their business, be grateful for their time, understand they could choose to buy from somewhere else.  Consider their experience, consider their current needs, consider their current emotional state, how can you bring more value to them?  How can you make their life easier?  How can you save them money?  How can you save them time?  If you can save them time, money and make their life easy… you may also be king to them!

    Balance Optimism and Realism:
     
    As leaders, we need to be optimistic.  We need to believe what is possible.  Always!  We need to balance that belief in possibility with the realism of what is actually happening.  If things are not going well, we need to be able to see that.  If there are obstacles in the path, we need to look at those obstacles, challenge them, but admit they are there than, find a solution for them.  There are obvious challenges right now, so being honest about those challenges is needed, while also creating optimism about how you are handling them, or even how you intend to.
    Reflect and Measure:
     

    Slowing down enough to take time to reflect is always critical.  Right now, it is no less critical.  You need to take the time to reflect, evaluate and act.  You need to take the time to measure what is working and what isn’t working.  Understanding KPI’s may be slightly different right now, and measuring success may have different metrics, you need to measure to know the new normal and then have a starting point on what to reflect against going forward.

    What May Change:
    How Your Customer Reaches You:
    It is safe to assume that for the time being and likely into the future there will be less people “walking” into a business or for an outside account rep to walk into the business of a client.  With people working from home for the indefinite future, how your customer reaches you will likely change.  This needs to be considered in your marketing plans.  As an example; as a grocery product, if you normally sampled in stores, they are predicting more than 31% of people will continue to order online.  How will you reach customers if not through sampling?  Grocery stores; how can you still offer sampling to online orders?  There is a high prediction for more online interaction for customers, have you identified what that looks like for you?
    Your Messaging to Your Customer:
    Tone is likely going to be critical for a while.  I really caution people right now to make sure your tone and message makes sense.  I know you likely had a 12-month marketing plan; you may want to reevaluate it.  Ask yourself; how will my customer react to this?  As an example, I saw an online coach market for “Surviving the Pandemic” however the image chosen was of her laughing.  It didn’t sit right.  Does your imaging match the tone and message needed?  You may also need to plan in the short term, since current events are changing quickly and what sits well today, may not sit well tomorrow.
    How You are Filling Your Pipeline:
     
    This is going to be something that direct sellers and account managers are very much going to have to reflect on.  The reality is, there is some space to be had on social media, however that message space may get crowded.  There may be limited networking events to meet face to face for a while.  How else can you connect and reach out to your customer?  What is your approach to gain their attention and interest?  How are you optimizing your website for cell phone use?  Is there a way for you to connect to your customer online?  Over the phone?  How will you attract your inbound traffic, as outbound attraction will be significantly different?
    The Length of Your Sales Process:
     
    As we start to re-open the economy the length of the sales process for some companies may shift.  Predictions of consumer behaviour are predicting a decline in some areas, but an overall decline in people’s spending plans at least for the near future.  Knowing this, it may take you longer to work through a sales cycle especially, if you traditionally have a short to medium length cycle (less than 1 week to one month).  Knowing that people may make decisions more cautiously, they will likely reply on additional information and research, seek more time to make a decision and not feel good about any “pressure” sales approaches.  Look to ways to increase urgency in the buying cycle by increasing value and connecting to the value a consumer will gain for THEM if they buy sooner, not for you.
    The Engagement of Your Team:
     

    Engagement of sales teams is usually closely connected to their success.  Sales people (especially great sales people) like to win and feel great when they do.  Knowing this and creating other measures of success will be critical outside of just getting the sale.  Managing closely how your sales teams are feeling in the face of these changes and challenges will be key to their engagement.  Sales people need to see the path to success, and since it may be grey right now, you will need to be prepared to support them through this journey.

    Melissa Maloney, Founder of Happy Leader Enterprises is a Sales and Operations expert with over 20 years of experience driving a winning sales culture.  If you would like Happy Leader Enterprises to support your business with your current and future sales strategy connect with Melissa directly at melissa@melissamaloney.ca or visit www.happyleader.ca
  • Organizations Move at the Speed of Trust

    Organizations Move at the Speed of Trust

    I posted the original version of this post almost a year ago.  Obviously, a lot has changed since then, and in the business world the last 6 weeks have felt a year long to most of us.  I felt there was a need to update this and re-post.  Given the fact that trust in our teams is more needed than ever in the work from home world.

    Speedy decisions and constant change have become the norm during the reality that is now.  Leaders are being challenged daily with the ability to not only deliver a quality product, but to also support their teams through what most are saying is the most challenging time in business history.  Leaders that can build trust with both their employees and their customers throughout this time, are going to see those efforts pay off.  The rules have changed, and the bullseye is moving, pretty much, daily.  The question becomes… are you going to lead from the front in this situation?  Or are you going to lag a little behind and follow?

    In order to stay in the lead, or in order to get in the lead you need to have a strategy.  That strategy likely involves changes, and it also likely has many moving parts, both of these things require trust.  If you don’t have a team of people you trust how do you move a project forward?  If your people don’t trust you, how do you get them onboard with changes?

    This factor for trust is so limiting that it is critical to ensure you have a plan with your leaders, or with yourself on what you do to create an environment and a culture that fosters trust.  Only then will you be able to get farther ahead.

    Here are 5 techniques I use to build trust with my workplace relationships (they can also work with all relationships… the great thing about trust- its universally needed!).
    Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
     
    I have added this 5th approach and made it the first strategy, because right now, I believe this is the ONE MOST CRITICAL THING YOU NEED TO DO!  You need to communicate often and you need to communicate clearly.  This may mean you are communicating that right now you don’t know.  It may mean you are communicating that you have nothing to communicate.  However, people are scared, anxious and looking for answers.  The right strategy in the current state is more information then less, and recognizing that if people have a gap in the communication then they will fill that gap with their own stories.  In the current state- those stories will likely be negative and not positive.  Trust is built on the backs of communication.  Remember this.
    Do what you say you will
     
    This is the simplest way I believe you can create trust.  If you say you will do something, do it.  Without being reminded.  People are more likely to forgive error then they are to forgive incompletion.  Knowing this, create a system for yourself (or let me help you do it) so that you can ensure the simplest things are followed through on.  This will go farther then you likely expect!
    Give people a chance to show you what they can do!
     
    Too often leaders (and parents) don’t give people the opportunity to demonstrate how amazing they are.  When you micro-manage a project, or you only delegate limited tasks, you limit the chance for people to show you how amazing they are.  If you don’t give people the opportunity to take on something of importance and value (once they have earned the privilege) then they will feel like you don’t trust them.  This level of empowerment needs to be laid out in a way that breeds success, but that also demonstrates a level of risk as well.  In the current state, trusting that people are doing their best from home will go a long way.  Creating too many “check ins” will make people feel you don’t trust them.
    Be consistent
     
    With trust, consistency is key.  People need to know what to expect in order to be able to execute with confidence.  If one day an action or behaviour generates one response and another day it generates a different response, how is trust to be built?  This is one of the most important things a leader can do, act consistently and act with intention.  Reaction is the nemesis of trust.
    Be on their side
     
    One of the easiest ways that we can build trust it to build an emotional connection with employees that allows them to see we are on their side!  This is super important with the youngest workers.  They have an innate need of feeling safe in order to help create a culture for their success.  I suggest you show people you are on their side, by allowing them an opportunity to share what they feel regularly at meetings, creating a safe space for them to provide you with feedback, and also by understanding what is important to them in their lives (and helping them get it).  I have created a tool to help you with this.  Reach out and I can send it to you!

    Creating trust needs to be built into every person’s development plan, but it also needs to be an intentional operational decision as to what trust looks like in your workplace and how will it be strategically attained.
    I would love to support you in your trust culture, reach out anytime!

    Melissa Maloney is the founder of Happy Leader Enterprises; a consulting firm committed to helping your organization impact its culture through efficiency, effectiveness and engagement.  Check out more posts and resources at www.happyleader.ca

  • Now is NOT the Time to Stop… It is the Time to Plan!

    Now is NOT the Time to Stop… It is the Time to Plan!

    Over the last 3-weeks business owners of all sizes have been challenged on a daily basis to create new strategies, and develop ways to keep business going in the midst of what will likely be the biggest challenge of our generation.

    These challenges have had businesses scrambling to figure out “work from home” procedures, identify if their team needs to be downsized, and also how to navigate the constantly changing messages and communication that all key stakeholders need.
    Some businesses currently have not seen a loss of business or revenue, some have already shut their doors. Although the unknown seems to be the only known thing right now, I think another thing most people are now coming to terms with is that business is going to change.
    McKinsey and Company have now released an article that suggests what business need to be doing right now is to have a separate “Plan-Ahead” team. This team is different from the current strategy team. It is a dedicated team that they suggest looks at your business in segments (1 to 2 weeks ahead, 1 to 2 quarters ahead, 1 to 2 years ahead, and the next normal”.
    Although some companies may be able to manage the current crisis with a “stay calm and carry on” philosophy, most businesses are facing potential restructuring, the need to identify new ways to diversify, or potentially an entirely new business strategy to stay in the game. This is a daunting task of reflection and planning for any business, but as a small or medium size company, without the resources or the people to focus on this, how do you actually make this happen?
    As someone who has worked in change leadership for a number of years, I find the ADKAR model for change is one that is easy to understand, and right now easy to understand tools are what we need more of in our back pockets!
    A- Awareness- recognize the need for change
    D- Desire- participate and support the change
    K- Knowledge- know how to change and identify what the change will look like in terms of skills and behaviours
    A- Ability- implement the change on a daily basis
    R- Reinforcement- Sustain the change over the long term
    This change model is flexible and offers a lot of room to move around in it. However right now when the top consulting firms are recommending fast and swift change, decision making and action. We need to NOT get stuck in what we are currently doing as the ONLY way to do business.
    What we know about change leadership is that it is more about managing the emotions around change then it is about managing the change itself. I would invite you to be open to the fact, that right now as a small business owner, emotions are high (as expected) and there is a possibility that managing our own leadership mindset is being challenged.
    Knowing that when our own emotions are high, we don’t think at our best, I think it is a great time to consider getting some support.
    Having someone who can look at your business from a balcony view, allows for a perspective that is hard to get on your own. You are an expert in the product you sell, the service you offer, or the solution you give to others.
    Let someone who is an expert at navigating change, business development or event client experience response help you through these challenging times. If there is a time to prioritize the energy and time you have to give; now is that time. Pulling back on pushing the business forward will not accelerate your business. However strategically spending your time on what you do best and getting support from others on what they do best is what is needed.
    We will get through this together, you do not need to do it alone!
    Here as your partner in developing the future of your small business, and planning for the days ahead.
    Melissa Maloney is the founder of Happy Leader Enterprises; an operations and sales expert and Co-Founder of All Women L.E.A.D. Happy Leader Enterprises is committed to helping you build your business through EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS and ENGAGEMENT.
    Happy Leader Enterprises would be proud to be part of your Plan Ahead Team. We are now offering 2 hour “Everybody Wins” strategy consultations. Book yours today: