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How to Get Past Failure and Move Forward with Confidence

June 17, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

We’ve all faced setbacks—some were frustrating, others downright humiliating. But instead of retreating and hoping no one notices (they will), the key is to get into action. Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a detour that redirects you toward better results.

6 Steps to Regain Focus and Drive Success

Reflect with Purpose. Complete the What Worked? / What Didn’t Work? exercise individually, then bring your team together to share insights. This ensures learning, not blame.
Extract Lessons & Adjust. Ask: What did we learn? What can we do differently? Example: If you went over budget, assign clear financial oversight next time. Remember, the key is to tell the truth.
Acknowledge Contributions. Go around the virtual table and recognize each person’s successes. Failure doesn’t erase progress—celebrate what worked and what was learned!
Engage in Honest Conversations. If the failure impacted customers or employees, address it directly. No excuses—just listen, learn, and align on next steps.
Prioritize Alignment Over Consensus. Waiting for full agreement as to what to do next is a fool’s game. Get alignment, make decisions, and move forward. Momentum matters.
Take Action—Now Stop searching for an escape route. Action builds resilience and dissolves resistance. The sooner you move, the faster you recover.

Failure isn’t the end—it’s a pivot point. The faster you embrace it, the stronger your leadership becomes.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Goal Accomplished! Now What?

June 9, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Success brings momentum. Don’t waste it—use it to fuel your next win.” Jeannette Seibly

You did it! You reached your goal—woohoo! 🎉 Now what?

Celebrate! Take a moment to enjoy the win. Share it with your team, friends, and family.
Choose Your Next Goal. What’s next? Pick a new project or find out what your boss or customers need.
Keep Going! Momentum is key. Don’t slow down—build on your success.

8 Ways to Keep the Momentum Going

✅ What Worked? What Didn’t? This step is a must. Every win and every mistake or failure teaches you something. Use this at the start, middle, and end of any project.

✅ Brainstorm! Don’t assume you know the best way forward. Listen to ideas and provide a safe environment so team members are comfortable speaking up. A theme or solution will pop up, even off-the-wall ideas have merit.

✅ Don’t Fear Risk! Take wild ideas and find five reasons they could work. You don’t have to use them, but they’ll spark new solutions.

✅ Think Like a Winner! Worried about the “what ifs”? Breathe. Start with your goal, set a deadline, and work backward. Break it into smaller steps.

✅ Review Your Plan. Run it by your coach, mentor, or someone outside the project. Then, share it with your team and boss. Aim for alignment—not consensus. Otherwise, you’ll stall.

✅ Get to Work! Make a system to track your progress. When you hit a wall (and you will), talk it out! Use “What Worked? What Didn’t?” to find missing pieces.

✅ Make It Happen! Just planning isn’t enough. Execution takes effort. Have key conversations along the way to stay on track.

✅ Celebrate Again! Another win? YES! 🎉 Don’t forget:

Thank your team.
Update your brags.
Do another “What Worked? What Didn’t?” to wrap things up.

Do You Know How to Build a Robust Team?

June 2, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

A strong, adaptable team is the backbone of any successful organization. A robust team isn’t just made up of skilled individuals—it thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to growth.

Core Traits of a Robust Team:

Resilience – They adapt and maintain momentum despite setbacks.
Strong Communication – Open, honest dialogue fosters alignment.
Diverse Skill Sets – Varied expertise ensures dynamic problem-solving.
Accountability & Trust – Ownership and reliability strengthen cohesion.
Continuous Growth – Learning and adaptation prevent stagnation.

So, how do you build one?

Step 1: Hire with Intention

The hiring process is where it all begins. Selecting the right people using a job-fit selection system ensures the best match for the role, making this the least expensive place to get it right. Using tools that assess skills, job fit, and long-term potential sets the foundation for success.

Step 2: Onboard Effectively

Even the best hires need proper acclimation. Design an 180-day Success Plan (“Hire Amazing Employees” Chapter 6). This ensures you use a strong onboarding process that fosters confidence, alignment, and connection to the team’s mission. Without it, new employees risk feeling disconnected, which leads to early disengagement.

Step 3: Train Continuously

Continuous training keeps a team viable regardless of someone’s education and certifications. The best teams evolve alongside industry changes, ensuring they remain competitive and engaged. Training is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing investment.

Step 4: Coach for Growth

Not all leaders and managers are natural coaches, but coaching is essential for sustained success. If coaching isn’t your strength, hiring a coach can help bridge the gap. A strategic coach guides teams in overcoming challenges while keeping momentum strong.

Leadership coaching plays a crucial role in fostering these qualities. A robust team doesn’t just happen—it’s built intentionally, with emotional integrity, strategic clarity, and a culture that empowers individuals to contribute fully.

Are You Stuck? It’s Time to Move Forward!

May 26, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Everyone gets stuck! Moving forward requires taking actions that make it happen.” Jeannette Seibly

Do you remember watching Wile E. Coyote in those classic cartoons? No matter how many times he slammed into a wall, he’d shake it off, only to hit the same wall again. Over and over. No new results.

Lately, I’ve been speaking with business professionals, bosses, and leaders who feel stuck, waiting, and hoping for change. When asked what actions they’re taking to move forward, every single one said, “I’m waiting to see.”

Many of us do this, wait and see. Feeling stuck can be excruciating—whether you need money, a promotion, or a resolution to a family drama. But waiting isn’t the answer. Staying stagnant drains your inner power and confidence. It limits your choices. It keeps you playing small, hoping for the best.

Getting unstuck requires action, step by step.

Get Unstuck Today!

Recognize the “Grass is Greener” Syndrome

Comparing your job, life, or circumstances to others can spark jealousy or frustration. You start believing that life would be better if only you had what they have. But the truth is—the grass isn’t greener elsewhere. It’s just different.

The solution? Get into action. Meditate to maintain momentum, work with an experienced coach, and commit to the steps that move you forward.

Change Your Perspective—Shift Your Mindset

A CPA named Darla was once a great employee. Then, she became negative and disengaged. After reviewing her job fit results (she was a great fit), I asked, “What’s the problem?”

Her answer? “I want to travel.”

I replied, “Then aren’t you in a perfect job that allows you to do that? Your workload is heavy in the first quarter, but after that, you can schedule travel!”

She paused, then agreed. A simple mindset shift changed everything.

Know What True Job Fit Means

Over 80% of people are in jobs that don’t fit them (Gallup). Too many believe they can succeed in any job, but that’s just not reality.

We get stuck thinking we should be our own boss or that we could get rich using someone else’s game plan or blueprint. But here’s the thing—many employed people do make great money when they manage their career choices wisely and invest their money well.

Want clarity? Use a qualified job fit assessment and work with an experienced coach. Then, take action before fear, doubt, and anxiety creep in.

Expand Your Responsibilities—Not Your Busywork

This isn’t about piling on mindless tasks. Busywork creates boredom, frustration, and emptiness—the very essence of feeling stuck.

Instead, focus on work that naturally aligns with your thinking, core behaviors, and occupational interests. Expanding responsibilities the right way keeps you engaged.

Want a change? Develop your brag statements, then pitch the job shifts that will serve you and your company.

Work Smarter—Not Harder

It’s time to ditch the trial-and-error do-it-yourself approach. I know—you think you’ve got it handled. But if you stay stuck too long, or keep experimenting without direction, you’ll drain yourself emotionally and financially. The essence of staying stuck.

Work with a coach who specializes in moving people forward. Stop relying on friends who just tell you what you want to hear.

Take David—a former executive fired after 15 years. He spent five years chasing opportunities, trying new roles, even buying a franchise. Exhausted and financially strained, he finally reached out to his coach (me). That conversation changed everything.

Now? He’s thriving in a six-figure job he loves.

Break Through the Ceiling—Before You Jump

Feeling maxed out can push people toward drastic decisions—selling their business, quitting their job, moving, or retiring. But making choices while emotionally drained can limit opportunities.

Before you leap, take time to talk it out with a coach. Do the brag work. Use an objective job fit assessment to clarify where you excel in today’s business world.

One young woman was pressured by her father to work for him, despite her own career aspirations. She hired me, followed the steps outlined in this article, and made her move. Years later? She’s still making six figures and loving her life.

You Can Do It Too

It all starts with the courage to say: “Yes! My goals and my life matter.”

Now, take actions that make it happen.

Tackling People Problems: A Leadership Imperative

May 15, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Good leadership requires having tough conversations that address people challenges – if ignore, the consequences can be very costly.” Jeannette Seibly

Leaders who proactively address people problems cultivate trust, inclusion, and accountability. In turn, performance, profitability, and workplace cultures thrive.

Leadership is often defined by the ability to make tough decisions, yet addressing people-related challenges remains one of the most avoided tasks in management. Many leaders hesitate due to unconscious biases, emotional discomfort, or fear of repercussions. However, ignoring these issues only amplifies their negative effects—eroding employee and customer trust, damaging morale, and diminishing productivity.

7 Reasons Why Leaders Delay Addressing People Issues

Avoidance & Discomfort – Difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, causing even experienced leaders to procrastinate. Worse still, some deny the impact the issue has on the company, customers, and team members, which allows small problems to snowball into major disruptions.
Optimism Bias – Hoping a situation will resolve itself without intervention can result in costly top talent attrition and client loss. Leaders who delay or ignore taking action risk undermining their own credibility and the company’s reputation.
Lack of Clarity – Without clear expectations, leaders may hesitate to define damaging behavior, fearing they are overreacting. So, they choose to do nothing.
Fear of Fallout – Pushback, legal concerns, or interpersonal conflict can make action feel risky, even though inaction allows problems to escalate.
Time Constraints – Addressing people issues often takes a backseat until they become too big to ignore, leading to reactive, rather than proactive, leadership.
Emotional Bias – Leaders may struggle to hold accountable top performers and other employees they once favored or personally valued, leading to inequitable decision-making.
Lack of Skills or Support – Without structured tools and objective data for addressing conflict, leaders usually default to avoidance. If they rely on others to handle the situation, the problem often grows worse due to lack of agreement about the true issue.

The Solution: Tips to Resolve People Challenges

Leadership and employees thrive in a proactive workplace culture. Waiting too long to address and resolve people challenges erodes trust and weakens outcomes. Leaders must learn to strip away assumptions, biases, and excuses to tackle these issues directly. And, keep in mind this is not easy to do.

Here’s how to address people problems constructively:

Identify the Core Problem – Is the issue behavioral, a misalignment, or a leadership blind spot? Objective assessments, such as job-fit evaluations and qualified 360-degree feedback tools, can clarify the root cause with valid data.
Assess the Impact – Who is affected? How does the issue disrupt productivity, team dynamics, or organizational culture? While ignoring it will widen the ripple effect, misdiagnosing it can cause great harm too. Talk with one or two trusted confidants to broaden your perspective.
Challenge Avoidance Patterns – Leaders must remove emotional biases from their decision-making. Examples: 1) relying on the first piece of information or gossip without delving into the truth; 2) refusing to consider contradictory evidence; or 3) allowing the group’s bias to override the facts. Executive coaching and job-fit assessments can provide clarity, but decisive action based on facts remains key.
Reframe the Narrative – Instead of believing tough conversations are hard, reframe to: these conversations invest in your company’s long-term success. While discomfort is inevitable, accountability fosters growth. Partner with an experienced executive coach and consult an HR or a legal professional to navigate complexities effectively and with confidence.
Provide Coaching and Training – Structured feedback models, coaching techniques, and communication strategies build leaders’ confidence in handling people challenges. Communication, emotional intelligence and integrity, and other interpersonal training provides for a workplace culture of positive and constructive feedback for everyone.
Develop Accountability & Follow-Through – Addressing issues is only the first step. Consistent follow-up—through coaching, retraining, role transitions, and interpersonal skill development—ensures lasting change. Reinforcement builds trust and shows employees they are supported and that you care.

Final Thoughts

Leaders who proactively address people problems cultivate trust, inclusion, and accountability. In turn, performance, profitability, and workplace cultures thrive. Emotional integrity, constructive feedback, and structured problem-solving require stripping away assumptions and biases. By embracing clarity and decisive action, strong leaders foster workplaces that are equitable, resilient, and empowered.

Strengthen Your Hiring Strategy with Step One Survey®

May 13, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

Conducting a thorough due diligence is crucial to the profitability and performance of your business.

Hiring today is more challenging than ever, especially with the dramatic rise in job seekers. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, particularly if you’ve experienced situations like:

Hiring someone who frequently shows up late and always has an excuse
Repeating costly hiring mistakes
Terminating an employee only to have them steal clients or sensitive data
Being ghosted by a seemingly perfect candidate
Realizing your new hire isn’t who they appeared to be during the interview

That’s why using a strategic job fit selection system—Interviews, Assessments, and Due Diligence—is essential. (Refer to Hire Amazing Employees, which also includes proven interview questions and tips.)

However, the third step—Due diligence—is a critical step that is often overlooked.

The tool that supports the Due Diligence process is the Step One Survey® — an honesty and integrity – direct admissions assessment, which reveals much more than a standard background check. It provides a valid insight into an applicant’s work ethic, reliability, integrity, propensity for substance abuse, and attitudes towards theft—including the theft of property, data, and time.

The assessment can be used at any point during the pre-employment selection process. It is online and only takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. I recommend starting early in the selection process to save you time and money, while ensuring the person you’re speaking with is the same person who will show up and thrive on the job.

It protects your bottom line. Many of my clients who use the Step One Survey® have impressive results. Some have reduced turnover by 100%, while others have significantly improved their hiring accuracy and lowered:

Workers’ comp and unemployment claims
Employee theft—both data and financial
Expensive hiring missteps

Please contact me with your questions!

Effective Decisions Require Navigating Through Uncertainty

May 12, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Making win-win-win decisions can be the hardest part of being a great leader and boss.” Jeannette Seibly

Every leader encounters moments of hesitation when making critical decisions. Sometimes, we lack enough information and must rely on intuition. Other times, we’re buried in data, stuck in analysis paralysis. Neither scenario is inherently better, but both will stall progress. Leading effectively requires clarity, objectivity, and confidence.

Making win-win-win decisions isn’t a flawless process—it demands fearlessness in asking open-ended questions, listening, and applying discernment. Keeping people aligned, staying committed to your intention, and navigating time and budget constraints can challenge even the most seasoned leaders. While collaboration is essential, waiting for consensus can stall decision-making. True alignment requires finesse, and is a skill that must be learned.

It’s easy to forget that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about making the best possible decision with the available information and, most importantly, effectively following through.

Common Decision-Making Roadblocks

Every leader faces hurdles in making effective decisions. These are some of the most frequent challenges:

Information Overload—When there is too much data, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters, leading to paralysis.
Fear of Failure – Worrying about mistakes or criticism can create hesitation and stall decisive action.
Emotional Bias – Personal feelings or outside pressures can cloud judgment, making it hard to stay objective.
Conflicting Priorities – Balancing short-term demands with long-term goals adds layers of complexity.
Lack of Clear Intent – Without a well-defined purpose, conversations spiral and decisions stall.
Perfectionism – The pressure to make the “perfect” choice can lead to excessive caution, sabotaging progress.

Overcoming these obstacles requires structure and intentionality. Leaders who stay focused, rely on clarity, and commit to action move forward with confidence.

Six Strategies for Making Effective Decisions

Clarify Your Intention. Start with a focused, actionable intention—keep it to 10 words or fewer. This keeps it free from emotional weight. For example, “Increase retention through job-fit assessments” is clear and measurable, while “Make everyone happy so they will stay” is vague and unrealistic. Your intention becomes the compass guiding your decisions.
Balance Objectivity with Facts. Don’t get distracted by flashy headlines or social media pundits—dig deeper to uncover the real story. Not all statistics are reliable (or legal), and not all data is relevant to your decision. Ask an expert, challenge assumptions, and focus on what truly matters.
Seek Focused Advice. Too many voices can create noise and confusion. Instead, turn to two or three trusted advisors with relevant expertise. Targeted insights sharpen your direction, while excessive consultation leads to confusion and paralysis.
Identify and Manage Emotional Bias. Emotions naturally influence decision-making, but unchecked, they can derail objectivity and cloud judgment. Common biases include:
- Over-Optimism – Ignoring risks in favor of best-case scenarios.
- Fear-Based Avoidance – Failure to face the issue head-on due to imagined criticism.
- People-Pleasing – Prioritizing others’ approval over making sound decisions.

Pause and reflect on what’s truly driving your hesitation. Use facts, seek diverse perspectives, and acknowledge emotions—without letting them take control.

Accept Trade-Offs and Keep Moving Forward. There’s no such thing as a perfect decision—every choice comes with trade-offs. Instead of fearing missteps, focus on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Progress is built on momentum, not a stop-start cycle fueled by fear, doubt, and hesitation.
Commit and Take Action. Good leadership requires movement. Once you’ve defined your intention, analyzed the data, gathered insights, and weighed your options, COMMIT. Now, take focused action. Insights are meaningless without execution. Confidence doesn’t come from waiting for certainty—it grows through decisive action, adaptability, and resilience.

Navigating through Uncertainty with Intention

Decision-making doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With structure and intention, you can move past fear and hesitation to make choices with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Every decision, whether perfect or not, is a step forward. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about learning, adapting, and forging ahead through uncertainty.

Complacency: A Leadership Blind Spot

May 5, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Leaders must address complacency in their teams each and every day or risk losing them.” Jeannette Seibly

In leadership, complacency is a silent disruptor. Complacency is self-satisfaction that ignores or fails to notice problems or dangers. (Merriam Webster) It creeps into companies, stalls momentum, and diminishes influence. Whether leading a team or managing a business, the challenge remains the same: growth demands continuous engagement from you and your team members rather than being self-satisfied and stagnant.

Complacency: The Risk That Goes Unnoticed

Complacency isn’t just about doing the same thing repeatedly — it’s about losing the edge. It’s the moment self-satisfaction turns into assumptions that everyone is engaged because they’re getting the work done, and routines start replacing critical thinking. Leaders who don’t actively challenge themselves or their team members risk missing opportunities. The reality? Complacent leaders often ignore what is in front of them — teams left without direction grow disengaged, mistakes increase, and unnecessary problems get created (e.g., working relationships).

Signs of complacency to watch for:

• Relying on outdated strategies without reevaluating effectiveness (e.g., hiring and selection system)
• Avoiding tough conversations or settling for mediocrity
• Failing to invest in personal and team development to ensure collaboration, and to appreciate and capitalize on differences effectively

When growth stops, so does engagement. A thriving workplace depends on individuals who actively shape direction, question norms, and embrace change. Building and maintaining momentum requires intentional leadership—whether steering a company or guiding a team.

How to Combat Complacency

Breaking out of a complacent mindset requires strategy and self-awareness. Here’s how effective leaders approach the challenge:

1. Stay Curious – Leaders ask questions and seek fresh perspectives. They push past “what’s always worked” and explore new approaches. They use the open-ended question approach to ensure everyone gets the chance to share ideas and acknowledge and learn from mistakes.

2. Create Accountability – Feedback loops keep teams sharp. Honest conversations prevent stagnation and complacency. It requires conducting effective meetings, using true brainstorming methods, and ensuring intended results are achieved more often than not.

3. Encourage Bold Thinking – Innovation comes from challenging assumptions. Leaders cultivate an environment where risk-taking is encouraged. Again, yes, the critical point with staying curious is needing repeating: When you stay curious and use the open-ended question approach will ensure employees are heard without ridicule. This is how valued ideas get expressed, created, and used for the benefit of achieving the intended results.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes – Recognizing small victories keeps energy high and reinforces momentum, which battles complacency. Learning how to self-promote and encouraging team members to do the same builds confidence and team trust.

Final Thought: Leadership Is a Choice
Leading effectively is an ongoing commitment—not a one-time decision. To combat complacency requires awareness, adaptability, and the courage to push past the comfort zone you’ve created. The key to sustained success? Stay engaged and stay open, and remember, yesterday’s approach will not guarantee tomorrow’s results.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Do Your Team Members Feel Safe Sharing Ideas?

April 28, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Do your team members feel comfortable sharing ideas? If not, it’s on you!” Jeannette Seibly

Psychological safety is an often-overlooked leadership issue. As a leader, you must create and ensure an environment where team members feel safe speaking up, taking risks, and expressing their thoughts without fear of punishment or ridicule.

How do ineffective leaders respond when team members voice concerns or make mistakes?

• Harsh criticism
• Micromanage
• Dismiss ideas
• Create fear, doubt, and anxiety
• Squash creativity
• Leave team members feeling unvalued, unheard, or disrespected

Leaders who foster psychological safety encourage innovation, honest feedback, and healthier workplace dynamics. Without it, team members may hold back ideas, hesitate to challenge poor decisions, or avoid admitting mistakes, leading to stagnation and inefficiency.

Strategies to Create Psychological Safety

1. Lead with Vulnerability – When leaders admit their own mistakes or uncertainties, it sets a tone that learning and growth are valued over unachievable perfection. Team members will feel more comfortable their challenges when you acknowledge yours. They bounce back from failure and mistakes faster with lessons learned.

o Hint: Practice storytelling with an executive coach—otherwise, meandering when sharing will lose your audience.

2. Encourage Open Dialogue – Actively invite team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Use open-ended questions and listen with authentic curiosity.

o Hint: Phrases like “What do you think?” and “I’d love to hear your perspective” create engagement. Be sure to truly listen!

3. Respond Constructively to Mistakes – Frame mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Instead of blame, ask, “What can we learn from this?” or “How can we improve next time?”

o Hint: Use the sandwich or direct approach for feedback, depending on the situation and the person. Remember to provide feedback in private.

4. Model Active Listening – Show engagement through eye contact, nodding, and summarizing what someone has said. Avoid nonverbal behaviors that signal distraction (e.g., multitasking, doodling, checking your phone, or tapping on the table).

o Hint: Stop multitasking, be present and mindful — focusing fully on the conversation in front of you.

5. Set Clear Expectations – Clarify that feedback, honesty, and risk-taking are valued. Team members won’t speak up if they fear negative repercussions.

o Hint: Regardless of the idea, say, “That’s great!” or “Wow, I never thought of it that way!” Then, follow up with “Tell me more.”

6. Recognize and Reward Effort – Celebrate contributions beyond successful outcomes, individually and as a team. Recognize everyone for trying new approaches, solving problems creatively, or helping others.

o Hint: Brag about their accomplishments and ideas to others—public recognition fosters confidence.

7. Promote Inclusivity – Ensure all voices are heard, including those who might be quiet or hesitant to speak. Encourage diverse perspectives and be mindful of power dynamics that could silence individuals.

o Hint: Go around the table at least twice to ensure everyone has a chance to voice their ideas. Ensure respect for all ideas.

Key takeaway: Psychological safety isn’t a one-time effort—it requires consistent reinforcement. When done right, it transforms teams and their results, encourages innovation, and strengthens trust.

Using Coaching to Improve Results

April 21, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Have you ever failed in a project or job? Consider it’s because you’re not coachable.” Jeannette Seibly

Do you want to elevate, expand, and excel? Keep reading …

Executive coaching can lead to extraordinary outcomes for leaders and management teams. The right coach helps professionals collaborate effectively, driving higher ROI, profitability, and retention while creating a workplace culture where people truly enjoy going to work.

Why Do Leaders Resist Hiring a Coach?

Many leaders hesitate because they fear losing control or being told what to do. But leadership development is critical, and overlooking it can limit success and stall progress. The most common concerns include:

• Fear of losing authority – Coaching is about gaining clarity and strategic guidance, not giving up control.
• Belief they should already have the answers – Many leaders feel they must have everything figured out, which leads to resistance.
• Perceived expense – Some view coaching as a cost rather than an investment in long-term growth and success.

A True Story

A business owner excelling in sales was advised to focus instead on being the boss. For a year, she struggled—her sales declined. With the help of an executive coach and a qualified job fit assessment, she discovered that her real super-strength was selling. She pivoted, and with coaching for her and her team, her company’s bottom line improved.

Why You’re Not Achieving Results You Want

You refuse to be coachable. Many people expect coaching to work like magic. Insights might feel good in the moment, but they fade. Success requires action—stepping beyond comfort zones. When you aim for BIG projects, you must be ready to leave familiarity behind and work with a coach. Remember, a coach is there to support you through this growth and help you work through obstacles.

“You will only grow as far as you are willing to be uncomfortable.” Jeannette Seibly

Common Roadblocks

• Momentum Loss – Initial excitement dwindles and progress stalls when ideas sit too long, get overanalyzed, or fear creeps in (“I have too much on my plate” / “I don’t have time” / “What’s in it for me?”).

• Fear, Doubt, and Worry. This deadly trio clouds judgment. And, when you let them take over, logic takes a backseat.

• Ego Sabotage – Pride gets in the way (“They should come to me” / “I shouldn’t have to work this hard”).

• Choosing the Wrong Coach – Many over-promise results due to a lack experience. Also, many treat coaching as a temporary gig until a “real job” comes along.

• Multitasking on Calls – You or the coach is trying to do other tasks, which leads to missed insights and weak execution (e.g., relying on only note-taking instead of listening).

• Over-Reliance on a Coach – A coach provides guidance, but the decisions and actions must be your own.

• Ignoring Inner Power – Discomfort doesn’t mean stop—it means there’s unfinished business to address.

How to Overcome Roadblocks

• Maintain Momentum – Capture ideas immediately, outline the action plan, and execute before enthusiasm fades. That means you’ve taken focused action within 24 to 48 hours!

• Shift Mindset – Instead of focusing on roadblocks, find five ways an idea could work. Over-reliance on emotions gets in the way of logically working through how it can work, or tweaking the plan, or finding another way to work through the obstacle.

• Embrace Humility – Work with a coach to call out ego-driven thinking and challenge limiting beliefs. This is critical since any successful leader has had to have conversations they would rather not have. Instead of ignoring them, they work with the coach and develop a plan to follow, and then actually follow it!

• Master Communication – Understanding different thinking styles enhances team collaboration and decision-making. Use a qualified job fit assessment to help each person better understand the diversity on their team and how to work together more effectively.

• Hire for Experience – A certification doesn’t guarantee skill—look for proven results and real-world expertise. Ask for references and call them – have clarity from your boss or board about what you need to work on.

Successful people work with their coach to leverage obstacles into opportunities. True growth comes from being coachable, staying accountable, and taking decisive action.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.