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To Achieve Great Results, You Need a Winning Attitude!

April 12, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit fatido from Canva — “A healthy relationship with ‘winning’ will guide you to achieve amazing results.” Jeannette Seibly

Winning isn’t everything, but a winning attitude is required to achieve amazing results. The bonus? It also feels great when you win.

But many people today have conflicted feelings and attitudes about winning. They find it more comfortable to conform to peer pressure and not rock the boat, which can get in the way of winning for them and their teams. While it keeps them from overshadowing others, there is a huge personal and professional cost (e.g., overlooked for promotions, not selected for key opportunities, low self-esteem, confidence, etc.).

Why is having a winning attitude vital for you?

It builds your confidence and mindful awareness.
It increases your ability to take the initiative, be coachable, and be resourceful.
It creates healthy self-esteem while improving your results.
It makes you promotable while having more fun and making more money.
It provides you the courage to ask for help, hire a coach, and influence others.

Remember, especially when you want to throw in the towel and say, “I give up,” it’s not about whether you win or lose. It’s about your attitude towards winning. It’s about enjoying the process of gaining new knowledge, skills, and awareness that comes from a winning attitude. And these experiences are priceless.

4 Tips for You to Create a Healthy Winning Attitude

Take Initiative. Too often, people dream the dream but fail to honor the commitments required. Instead, they blame people and situations to excuse their unwillingness to make a plan and follow it. To achieve any goal, focus on what’s important to you, get in the game, and go for it! That’s what taking the initiative looks like when you’re in action.
Do the Work Instead of Creating Excuses. We all love our excuses. But they get in the way of winning! When the process isn’t working, don’t let it deter you from achieving the goal! Don’t change the goal; instead, change the process. Remember, the process rarely looks like you think it should! It requires stretching your comfort zone into a new one or leaving behind the old one.
When Obstacles Occur, and They Will, Become Resourceful! Everyone hits a wall. Sometimes it’s a massive one. But giving up isn’t an option. Instead, be flexible, resourceful, and resilient. Adopt the winning mantra, “I can do this, and I do it.” Now, take it day by day, step by step, and moment by moment as you move forward. Yes, there will continue to be bumps in the road. But they don’t need to stop you.
Celebrate the Wins with Gratitude, not Ego. When you win, it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge your accomplishments! Add the achievements to your resume and bio. Bragging in a humble manner works! Don’t forget to say, “Thank you!” to those that helped you along the way! (You didn’t achieve it without them!)

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. As an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant, keynote speaker, and author for over 29 years, she guides others to make a positive difference. Feel stuck in a political work situation? Want clear advice on how to get out of it? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about having a winning attitude and achieving amazing results: We often rely on our excuses for not achieving fantastic results. The truth is, we need to adopt a winning attitude and stop accepting mediocrity. It’s not hard, and there are no shortcuts. The reward is that it feels great when you achieve amazing results! You just need to do the work! What do you want to accomplish in Q2? Let’s do it! Let’s Chat!

Have you hired a team that doesn’t have a winning attitude? Oops! But it could have been avoided by improving your interviewing skills. So grab your FREE copy of the best 16 Must-Read Tips for Productive Hiring Interviews.

Effective Leaders Don’t Use These 7 Excuses!

April 5, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo credit Empato from Canva — “Leaders must be accountable and stop offering excuses for their poor results.” Jeannette Seibly

Many leaders say and do things they believe will make them look good! But worse, they often blame others, thinking it will excuse their poor results!

The problem? When leaders don’t take responsibility for their results, teams and bosses feel demoralized and not valued by these thoughtless excuses that make them the scapegoats.

If you want to be effective as a leader, you need to remember “words matter!” Actions and “no excuses” do too!

It’s up to you to roll up your sleeves and get involved in creating solutions, not excuses!

Don’t Use These 7 Excuses!

“I need better people to get the job done.” It’s time to do a better job of hiring the right people for job fit! Improve your interviews and selection tools.
“My team doesn’t know what they’re doing.” Just because a person has a certificate doesn’t mean they have the experience to use the skills! Effective leaders provide continuous training and opportunities to develop people and their “hands-on” technical, financial, operational, and people skills. Examples include diversity, listening and asking questions, budgeting, critical thinking, project planning, execution, etc.
“If this person doesn’t work out, I’ll just fire the person and hire a new one.” Have you calculated the cost of a hiring mistake? It’s very expensive.
“If I just had the right team, the client wouldn’t have canceled the contract.” Unfortunately, ineffective leaders lack the interest, experience, and coachability to get the intended results! It’s important to remember that every successful project has a technical/financial side (e.g., budget, plan, online project calendars) and a human side (e.g., assigning tasks based on job fit, brainstorming ideas, managing team conflict). Effective leaders have learned how to manage both simultaneously.
“My boss is an idiot. We need better resources and a larger budget to get the job done.” I’ve seen leaders fired over this statement, not for the obvious reason! It’s because they did not take the initiative and find the resources to get the job done by working with and through their team! Effective leaders are accountable.
“We’re stuck, and no one is helping.” If you’re waiting for someone to rescue you (e.g., boss, vendor, or co-worker), they’re waiting for you to ask for help! Don’t delay! The answers to your questions are in others’ heads, not your own. Talk with your executive coach, professional network, and brainstorm with the team. Only pick 1 or 2 suggestions and run with them!
“I’m too busy to deal with it now.” Busyness is a popular excuse that conveys “you’re ineffective as a leader.” Remember the famous quote? “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Your primary job is to provide the resources, coaching, and clarity when your team needs help to get the job done. It’s how unprecedented results are achieved! It’s what effective leaders do!

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. For the past 29 years, she has been an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant, keynote speaker, and author. Having challenges finding, hiring, and keeping top talent? Don’t wait! It won’t get better the longer you wait! It’ll only get worse and more expensive. Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about effective leaders and excuses: Many leaders say and do things they believe will make them look good. They use these as excuses for their poor results! The problem? Most teams and bosses don’t hear these excuses and instead feel the blame! If you want to be effective as a leader, you need to remember that “words matter!” Actions do too! Need help improving your effectiveness as a leader? Let’s Chat!

Is your boss tired of your excuses for why your team is not performing? Then, it’s time to update your hiring practices. To improve your interviewing skills, grab your FREE copy of the best 16 Tips to Conduct Effective and Productive Hiring Interviews Today.

Assumptions Limit Leaders’ Ability to Influence Positive Results

March 22, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit designer491 via Canva — “Too often, we allow assumptions to get in our way. The truth is, we can stop them but usually don’t!” Jeannette Seibly

Leaders often take the tiniest bits of information and make various assumptions. The problem? It lacks accurate, objective data. These assumptions cause a lot of mischief, brouhaha, and negativity in the workplace. Also, these assumptions influence the ability to work with and through the team to achieve intended results. Sadly, once they occur, they are often irreversible.

The truth … we are often wrong about our assumptions. Yet we use them to justify how we treat people and view situations. And as a current or future leader, these assumptions can sideline your career.

With his boss’s support, a young man presented at his company’s board meeting. The presentation went well. The problem occurred when a board member said, “S*#T.” So, the young man mimicked him, believing it made him sound business-like. Based on this one utterance, the board assumed he didn’t have the career maturity or potential they had hoped for. His career was sidelined and he was never told why!

These types of issues occur too frequently when we rely on our assumptions. Here are some ways to avoid this career trap and cause your results to improve dramatically.

Seven Tips to Reduce Assumptions and Improve Results

Check the facts. Read more than the salacious headlines from news media by deep diving and researching for the truth. In addition, ask for guidance from mentors and/or your executive coach.
Embrace listening and curiosity. Leaders that listen objectively, ask good questions, and engage others in conversations are more successful. Why? People feel honored to be asked, heard, and valued! It reduces assumptions and creates new possibilities.
Stop making things mean so much. When you overreact, you lose objectivity for people, situations, and things. Just because someone didn’t smile at you or return your “good morning” greeting doesn’t mean they are upset with you. Stop. Ask, “How are you today?” Then, listen. Often, their reaction had nothing to do with you!
Stop invalidating people for the risks they take. Example, a condo owner listed his home $50K above market. His neighbors assumed that he was taking an unnecessary risk and that it would not sell! But when his condo sold at $20K above-market a month later, his neighbors increased the equity in their homes! (You’re welcome!) This is an example of a win-win-win! Where have you listened to someone who invalidated you and/or your risk based on poorly informed assumptions?
Learn how to negotiate. It’s good to negotiate a price when buying certain items. Some businesses will allow these types of transactions, while many will not. Remember, the critical factor in making it a win-win-win process is setting aside your assumptions (e.g., they won’t give me what I want). Keys: Do not become emotionally attached to your position, price, or how it should work! This ensures a rewarding outcome for both parties.
Develop emotional intelligence. Stop making everything about you. If others can easily trigger you, work with a therapist to become more astute as a leader. If you’re black and white in your thinking, learn how to include the human factor in your decisions.
Stop inferring or making assumptions about people’s personalities. This is true when hiring, coaching, and managing people. For example, we infer that if a person didn’t bring a pen to a job interview, they don’t come prepared to meetings! Or when a person makes a mistake, they are in the wrong job. Nonsense! Get real! Use qualified job-fit assessments to discover a person’s true job fit traits and how to coach them for success.

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. During the past 29 years, she has become an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant, and keynote speaker. Still unable to achieve the results you need to keep your customers, team, or job? Don’t wait! It won’t get better without help! Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about making assumptions. We’ve all heard the saying, “Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.” The problem is, we still do it way too often! This trap hurts our relationships, results, and ability to keep great talent and customers! Do you need help overcoming this insidious habit and mindset? Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Overcome your assumptions during the hiring and selection process. It’ll increase your retention, revenues, and results! To improve your interviewing techniques, grab your FREE copy of 16 Tips to Conduct Effective and Productive Hiring Interviews Today.

Hey Results Producers, Why Aren’t You Producing Required Results?

February 22, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit MissTuni provided by Canva — “Indulging in our comfort zones impedes our ability to produce amazing results.” Jeannette Seibly

Believe it or not, you’re the reason.

You’ve allowed yourself to get in your own way! You’ve accepted mediocrity. But mediocrity doesn’t keep customers and a great team, or get you promoted. It also disrupts others’ perceptions of you as a valued leader, boss, or team member.

The good news?

Many of you have already:

Become results producers who can produce the required results.
Received the right coaching from your boss, team, and/or coach.
Developed the insights, experience, and skills needed to make a positive difference.
Moved past perceived limitations and other issues that generally get in the way.

So, what’s in the way? Hubris, ego, and excuses now dominate your mind and get in the way of achieving the required results (e.g., resolving team conflict, going the extra mile for a customer, learning a new skill, etc.).

You may say, “But I’m tired. I want to be comfortable. I want to do the minimum to keep my job.” Consider none of that is true. Instead, pay attention … the most interesting phenomenon is that you feel energized when you become a results producer producing the required results!

How to be Energized and Produce Required Results

Take the nudge and get energized to get the most out of this article! Go beyond just reading these examples and take focused-action on a project or task, or complete a difficult conversation. This movement will cause you to be a results producer that produces the required results!

Be Coachable. Yes, there are bad coaches out there! But don’t let that stop you from finding the right coach! Then, listen. Take responsibility for correcting any actions that have taken you off track with your team, customers, and/or boss! (Apologies work wonders when not accompanied by excuses!) Remember, every results producer, leader, and boss has a coach! It’s up to you to be coachable … whether you feel like it or not!

Example: An author was a good mystery writer and won awards. Yet failed to sell books. Every time the coach would tell him to focus on selling and give him doable ideas, he’d come up with a list of excuses. His favorite is, “I just don’t feel it would make a difference.” Needless to say, he has 100s of books sitting in his garage.

Work With and Through the Team. We all have teams, bosses, and customers for whom we are responsible for providing excellent service! The issue is that when you have a challenge or problem, you rely on the familiar thought, “I’ve got it all handled.” Consider you don’t, and you fail to get into the type of action that produces required results. Instead, learn to work with and through others to get the job done well (e.g., delegate) and stop settling for mediocrity. The mark of a great results producer and leader/boss.

Example: A general manager proudly shared the 40% turnover in his management staff. “I now have the right team in place and have it all handled.” The consultant who was listening replied, “You’ve been saying that each year for the past four years. How is this year going to be any different? You’ve been unwilling to get real about the issues that cause the turnover and poor results.” (Hint: The real issue was the general manager’s inability to lead a team to produce required results.)

Distinguish Leadership Blind Spots that Impede Your Results. Going above and beyond is often needed to become and remain a results producer. It also requires working with your coach and identifying blind spots that impede your progress on an ongoing basis. Example: after attending a great motivational event or listening to a great speaker, you believe you can now move mountains. Yet days go by, and pretty soon, even the smallest hills look impossible. What happened? You allowed your blind spots to get in the way and relied on work/life circumstances to stop you.

Example: A business owner was not coachable and hated having her blind spots pointed out. Yet she was willing to spend every dollar she had in her business account to take a program with a renowned motivator who had built a million-dollar business. She hoped to learn from her and attended all the sessions. Several months later, she shared the outcome with a friend; and she was angry and upset. There was no positive difference in her business and finances. Finally, later in the conversation, she confessed, “I have to get real and take responsibility for not doing the work and taking the coaching. But it was an expensive lesson.”

These three powerful keys to are required to become a consistent results producer. It starts by going beyond your comfort zone and standard excuses!

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. During the past 29 years, she has become an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant and keynote speaker. Still unable to achieve the results you need to keep your customers, team, or job? Don’t wait! It won’t get better without help! Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about being a results producer that produces required results: this can be a tricky conversation when you rely on excuses and life circumstances to get in the way of achieving required results. Sometimes it only takes a tweak here and there, and you’re back on track. Other times, it entails a come down to reality conversation to become the results producer you know you can be. Do you want clarity? Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Being a top influencer in 2022 is a great goal. Yet we allow our life circumstances and feelings of “not now” to get in the way. So STOP indulging in the excuses! Instead, get into action today and grab your FREE copy of Eight Tips to Increase Your Ability to Influence.

How to Conduct Effective and Productive Hiring Interviews Today

February 8, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit aleksandrdavydovphotos via Canva — “Today, there are millions of job seekers looking for new positions! If you want the best, use the best hiring interview practices!” Jeannette Seibly

I’ve been interviewing people for jobs for well over 30 years. It was my first job out of college. While the economy and types of jobs have changed dramatically during this time, many hiring practices have not! The challenge is that many companies must level up their hiring and interview practices to attract top talent.

Americans are quitting their jobs in record numbers, and economists say the Great Resignation will likely keep up well into 2022. (CNBC)

And now, with so many job seekers on the prowl for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, your hiring practices need to improve. Or, you’ll miss out on attracting and keeping top talent.

16 Tips to Effective and Productive Interviews

Leveling up means updating your strategic hiring process. Start by reviewing the procedures and tools used and upgrades NOW (e.g., applicant tracking system, job fit assessments, training interviewers, background and reference checks, etc.). The quality of your hiring process impacts candidates’ willingness to show up, ready for the interview.

First steps. These are a must and often overlooked:

Review and update your company’s vision and mission. I’m sure it’s been a while!
What are this year’s short-term goals (Q2 and Q3) and long-term (Q4 and Q1-2023) goals? Then, review with the management team and get into action. Top talent wants to work with companies that have goal-focused and results-oriented intentions.
Review and update job descriptions and related policies to reflect employment changes (e.g., diversity, onboarding, working from home options, etc.).
Create a 180-day Success Plan for each position. Keep it simple and focused.
Update structured interview questions and selection tools used (e.g., benchmarks for job fit assessments, etc.).
Train all interviewers. Hold them accountable for following the process and ensuring positive candidate experiences.

Second steps. Do the prep work before the interviews:

The process starts when an applicant applies and before the interview. Be sure your ATS is interactive and provides links to answer “knock-out” questions and complete initial assessments. It’s essential that you readily respond via email, chat, or video.
Don’t wing it. Reread job description and structured interview questions before each interview. Hiring biases and gut reactions are stronger when you are not prepared. Remember, there will be new biases. Examples: Job candidates are being interviewed in their homes and not in a professional setting. Or candidates are leaving their old jobs without new ones.
Send out ATS reminders with time and date, length of the interview, name of interviewer(s), and job title(s), plus the URL for the virtual interview.
Test virtual connections. Request job candidates to “test” the URL connection before the interview and resolve issues. Remember, home internet connections may not be up to speed with Today’s conferencing requirements.

Third steps. Conducting the interview:

For virtual interviews, be sure everyone is visible on your monitor during group interviews. They must stay on video and not multi-task!
Turn off electronic devices and other distractions. When everyone does this, the interview is more productive and saves time.
Start the interview by introducing yourself (20 seconds). If in a group, have each interviewer provide a 20-second intro. State name, title, and how this job impacts their area. For example, “Today I am (or, we are) conducting the first set of interviews for XXX position. This interview will take approximately 1 hour. Have you scheduled this amount of time for our conversation?” (If no, reschedule to ensure consistency in the interview process.)
Ask your prepared, structured interview questions. This structure helps compare candidates and is a legal requirement.
Deep-dive into the job candidate’s answers by using Rule of 3. It’s essential to know the quality of their skills and their ability to use them in different situations. Also, their response lets you know the training requirements for this person to succeed.

Example of Rule of 3:

What is one specific challenge you have faced?
How did you resolve the issue?
What specifically did you do?

At the end of the interview, not the beginning, share the information below. Remember KISS (keep it simple and smart). Here’s why: You want job candidates to tell you who they really are … not what they think you want to hear.

Vision and mission of the company
Job title and top 3 to 5 job responsibilities (do not negotiate now)
Quick overview of 180-Day Plan with a specific focus on Q2 and Q3
DO NOT conduct salary and benefit negotiations until it’s time to make a job offer
Share what will happen next with selected candidates (e.g., future interviews with team members, reference and education verifications, job fit assessments, etc.)

NOW! And, I cannot say this enough! Follow-through as promised! If you don’t, job candidates will share their less-than-positive interview experiences on social media! And, you will lose out on hiring top talent.

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. During the past 29 years, she has become an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant and keynote speaker. Recently, she was able to add another brag. She has been an Authorized PXT Select/PXT Partner with Wiley/Profiles International for 30 years, guiding companies to hire the right person the first time. Have questions? Need help? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

Note from Jeannette about conducting effective and productive hiring interviews today: Preparation is vital. The quality of time spent on the 16 tips listed will impact your company’s bottom line, customer and employee satisfaction, and your ability to sleep well at night! Are you uncertain how to begin? Experiencing roadblocks? Need help with interview training or assessment selection? Contact me today.

Being a top influencer can attract top talent and have you seen as a great boss. So become aware and develop the skills now! Grab your FREE copy of Eight Tips to Increase Your Ability to Influence.

Focus on These Top 5 Attributes and Watch Your Sales Increase

February 1, 2022 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit gustavofrazao via Canva — “If your salespeople are continually leaving money on the table due to poor negotiation or numerical skills, it’s time to get real about how you hire and manage salespeople.” Jeannette Seibly

Great salespeople have the attributes required to succeed in their jobs. They genuinely love what they are selling and have a genuine interest in their customers’ growth! They enjoy increasing sales results!

Given that we all want great salespeople, what is the #1 challenge to hire and manage them today?

First and foremost, too often, the person they hire is not the person they interviewed. So, how did they get hired? They looked the part and talked the talk! AND … You failed to use objective data to ascertain the actual ability, interest, and thinking style required to call, prospect, and close sales!

After talking with several business owners and consultants that manage great salespeople, they mentioned 5 top attributes (yes, this is not a scientific study, but it can provide important insights for a great year).

Top 5 Attributes of Successful Sales People

Hire for job fit. Job fit is crucial when hiring the right salespeople the first time. Nothing drains the energy of a top sales team and their customers more than hiring the wrong people. The challenge is hiring people with the thinking style, sales behaviors, and occupational interests that fit the job requirements. If they do not fit the job, you cannot train, motivate, or coach anyone to be a great sales success. Design a strategic hiring process and use objective data. Now, pay attention! Remember, you lose customers, not because you have a lesser product or service, but because they are tired of training your bad hires, over and over!

Be present. Being present in all conversations is a top attribute great salespeople have developed. It starts with excellent listening skills! It’s essential to emphasize that multi-tasking is a myth … physically doing or mentally thinking of other things during conversations! Instead, train your sales team to engage their full attention in the conversation by actively listening and asking great business questions. These probing skills will uncover additional information and allow people to feel heard. And remember, this is all done before offering solutions.

Know your products and systems. Having a genuine interest in what you are selling and talking with people is critical. Otherwise, the buyer will experience “buyer’s remorse.” When your sales team is well versed in the legalities, systems, and other nuances of using your products and services, your customers will develop trust and rave about their results. Develop this attribute by keeping your team up-to-date with 15-minute morning sessions and monthly training programs.

Be persistent and persevere. Not everyone is ready to buy when your sales team meets with them. Develop easy-to-use systems to stay in touch regularly. Send prospects (and current clients) periodic articles or other noteworthy gems. Show up at networking meetings, and trade shows ready to brag in a business-savvy manner. Stay in touch on social media by “Liking” their posts and accomplishments. This is how persistence and perseverance pay off.

Develop great relationships. This attribute is more important today than ever before. Over time your sales team needs to be a resource for current and future clients to answer their questions. Always follow up and follow through within 24 to 48 hours. Building credibility and integrity is critical. These can be easily sabotaged when you and your sales team fail to treat people as VIPs (very important people).

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals. During the past 29 years, she has become an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant and keynote speaker. Recently, she was able to add another brag. She has been an Authorized PXT Select/PXT Partner with Wiley/Profiles International for 30 years, guiding companies to hire the right person the first time … including hiring and managing salespeople! Have questions? Need help? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about the top 5 attributes of successful salespeople: some people love selling while others look for the fastest way to a better paycheck! During the hiring and selection process, you must uncover if the candidate will call, prospect, and close a sale. Use objective data instead of relying on your gut or intuition (which is often wrong). The reason you lose customers is that they are tired of training your bad hires over and over! Do you want to learn the fastest and best way to select the right salespeople the first time? If yes, contact me for a confidential conversation.

Being a top influencer in 2022 is a great goal. But now, you need to put the right action plan into place and follow it! So get started today with your FREE copy of Eight Tips to Increase Your Ability to Influence.

How to Stop Tactless Remarks from Hurting Your Leadership

December 28, 2021 by Jeannette Seibly

AndreyPopov via Canva — “Words matter … so choose your words responsibly.” Jeannette Seibly

It only takes a second to blurt out a tactless remark, but it can take hours, weeks, and even years for your team, boss, or customer to forget … if they ever do.

As a leader, your words reverberate throughout the company and impact your team’s results. You have a choice … your words will either inspire or deflate others.

The words you choose will impact the results you, your team, and your business strive to achieve.

Words Matter to Achieve Team Results

Here are 7 common tactless remarks guaranteed to create conflict, frustration, and poor results. So again, choose your words wisely.

Yeah, but…! This only invokes debate, defensiveness, and poor solutions! Listen with an open mind and heart. You will learn something new!

“That’s stupid.” This tactless remark is a great way to block others from wanting to share their ideas and solutions! While you may not want to hear their ideas, get over it. It’s your job as a leader to listen. Instead, ask, “That’s interesting…how would that work?” Now ask yourself, “What new insights did I learn?”

“I have the wrong team.” Although this is a common remark, it’s doubtful you have the wrong team! In reality, there may be one or two underperforming team members not committed to the goal or causing team conflict. It’s your job to get everyone on the same page. While training and developing your team, you will uncover the real issues that have hindered progress. Now, it’s time to have the tough conversations without blaming others.

“I hate this project or customer.” Expressing this remark hurts your team’s ability to produce intended results. When you “hate” something, you limit new ideas and make bad decisions. It also limits your ability to be a positive influencer. Work with your executive coach and a mentor to transform this mindset.

“I never liked working here.” Did you know, according to Gallup, that over 70% of employees are in jobs that don’t fit them … including leaders? (Numbers are now climbing!) Use a qualified job fit assessment to clarify the reason for your dissatisfaction. Now, get back in action and build the leadership skills required to engage your team and produce dynamic results.

“My team or customer or boss is a moron…jerk…narrow-minded (the list is endless)” Insulting someone’s intelligence or labeling them hurts team productivity and results. And, unfortunately, your team (and others) will mimic you! Remember, there will be times you must effectively work with and through others to achieve win-win-win outcomes. So, make it a practice to facilitate good working relationships along the way!

[absolute silence]. When tragedy, terminal illness, or a life difficulty happens to a team member, saying something is better than saying nothing. Pick up the phone (don’t text or send emails). Let the person know, “I’m sorry” or “My thoughts are with you” and “Let me know if you need anything.” You only have this one chance to let the person know they are valued. Your effort, or lack of, will impact your team members and their results for a long time. In these situations, silence is not golden.

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals for almost 30 years. Her brags include being an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant, and keynote speaker. Recently, she was able to add another brag. She is now an international Amazon Bestselling author of, The Old Wooden Rocker. Have questions? Need a speaker or facilitator? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette: How to Stop Tactless Remarks from Hurting Your Leadership. Every leader has made tactless remarks, even if it was only one time. While it may only take a moment to make a tactless remark, it can take hours, weeks, and even years for the team or person to forget. Apologize immediately when this happens. If the issue is still hanging around, call me now for a confidential conversation … let’s get it fixed now before it’s too late!

Know you’re making a difference by being a positive influencer. Learn how to share so that others will listen. Get your FREE copy of Eight Tips to Increase Your Ability to Influence

How to Develop Your Blind Spots into Savvy Leadership

December 21, 2021 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit AJ_OP via Canva — “Undistinguished blinds spots sabotage your ability to be a savvy leader.” Jeannette Seibly

Are you impatient? Fearful of conflict? Easily triggered? Turn your blind spots into strengths and grow your leadership savvy.

All leaders have blind spots. These are complex and many times impossible to distinguish. Yet, left unidentified, these weaknesses can be costly to you, your company, your team, and your customers. You will sabotage your impact, results, and career options. Therefore, it’s critical to identify them and develop your leadership savvy by working with your executive coach.

How Do You Define Blind Spots?

Leadership blind spots are the specific areas where a leader … even a very successful leader … is missing something. A blind spot can be a lack of attention to a certain area or a part of your skillset that never really developed. ALL leaders have blind spots. Exceptional Leader’s Lab

No matter how hard you try to be self-aware and mindful, you cannot readily self-identify your blind spots.

Self-analysis is of little value since, by definition, it’s nearly impossible to know what your blind spots are and the impact they have on others.

The challenge is to hire the right executive coach to uncover your blind spots before they damage your leadership reputation and future opportunities.

What Are the Top 10 Leadership Blind Spots?

While some blind spots may be easy to spot, according to Inc. Magazine, here are the top 10 blind spots.

Which ones do you recognize for yourself?

Top 10 blind spots are:

Going it alone
Being insensitive of your behavior on others
Having an “I know” attitude
Avoiding the difficult conversations
Blaming others or circumstances
Treating commitments casually
Conspiring against others
Withholding emotional commitment
Not taking a stand
Tolerating “good enough”

“Identifying your blind spots and overcoming these hurdles are critical to developing your savvy leadership.” Jeannette Seibly

How to Flip Blind Spots into Savvy Leadership

Use assessments and 360-degree feedback to discover your inherent strengths and weaknesses (aka blind spots). There are three types of assessments: 1) assessments that uncover how you want to be seen, 2) assessments to show how you really are, and 3) assessments that show how others see you. All three provide you with great 20/20 vision. But, now, the real work begins. Work with a qualified executive coach to review the assessment results and guide you to develop a laser-focused action plan.
Hire the right executive coach and LISTEN. Listening is crucial to improve your influence and leadership savvy. It eliminates the typical trial and error that otherwise occurs. Do NOT focus on conceptual conversations regarding the merits and demerits of your blind spots. Just listen, and then, implement.
Engage with an industry mentor. The right mentor(s) is an invaluable source of information and will be knowledgeable about your company, management team, and industry. The right mentor can also guide you through complex situations and sticky political relationships.
Listen to your team’s feedback. Your team does want you to succeed. However, while you may believe you want to hear feedback from your team, honestly, in many cases, you’d rather not. Use a qualified 360-feedback assessment to encourage your team, and yourself, to talk through the feedback results. Then, most importantly, learn from and implement these invaluable insights.
Dial-up your humbleness. Take part in emotional intelligence workshops. During these programs, set aside your ego since it can be your most significant hurdle to overcoming blind spots and developing savvy leadership. Remember, authentic practice is required to achieve mastery!
Improve your all-important communication skills. Your ability to write, speak, and talk with others is critical to your success. Don’t fall into the trap of “I have it all handled.” Instead, take workshops designed to recognize your biases (aka blind spots) and develop your inner confidence.
Identify triggers and biases. We all have them. To uncover triggers and biases, work with your executive coach to talk through the issues and develop ways to handle them when they arise. (Note: You may also need to work with a licensed therapist to remove the very stubborn barriers.)

A Note from Jeannette about how to develop your blind spots into savvy leadership. If you are impatient, fear conflict, and easily triggered, keep reading! Even if you believe you’re not, it’s essential to realize that ALL leaders have blind spots. An important goal for 2022 is to turn your blind spots into strengths and grow your leadership savvy. If you’re stuck and uncertain about how to get started, contact me for a confidential conversation.

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How to Be a Strong and Effective Facilitator and Leader

December 14, 2021 by Jeannette Seibly

Photo Credit patpitchaya from Canva — “What does your company need to address to meet the new people, technology, and global market demands? Learn how to facilitate these changes to elicit the best from everyone.” Jeannette Seibly

The #1 way to become a strong and effective leader is by facilitating good working relationships, regardless of the person, situation, or other factors.

Years ago, a general manager told me I didn’t know what the “bleep” I was talking about because I was a woman. Yes, he really did say those words. Fortunately, I had a smart male co-worker guide me through how to respond. He said, “Go visit with him … listen and learn!” Even though I didn’t want to do that, I did. From that point forward, I was on only person the general manager would work with!

At the time, it would have been easy to claim discrimination. And that would not have resolved the underlying issue. The general manager didn’t trust working with women at a managerial level! But, because I was able to set aside his remark and meet with him, I learned about his goals and how I could facilitate guiding him to achieve them. This meeting started the positive process of building a strong and effective working relationship.

Here’s what I’ve learned during my career.

5 Tips to Become a Strong and Effective Facilitator

Develop Strong Skills and Competencies. Get back to basics and develop a solid working knowledge of your profession. Learn how to work with and through your team to get the answers needed for great results. You will become a great results-producer and an expert facilitator by doing this. And others will now see and listen to you differently.

Learn How to Self-Promote. Be present to your results and the impact they have on others. This ensures that your efforts, and those of your team, do not go unnoticed … a great confidence booster! Share your results with your boss; on your resume, bio, and performance appraisals; and during interviews.

Give Respect to Get It. Treat others with respect. Yes, this can sometimes be hard … especially if you get triggered by what someone said or did. Remember, taking responsibility for your reactions and triggers instead of blaming others is critical. It’s the primary hallmark of a great facilitator who can create positive change.

Become an Influencer. Be For, Not Against. Complaining or rallying against something or someone will only create more resistance. For example, stating a negative creates more negative reactions. So instead, create a positive mantra, “A strong team excels together.” Now, make sure your actions and words support the new mantra.

Be Coachable. Take workshops, hire an executive coach, and read history. It will help you understand that you are not alone in your quest to be a strong and effective facilitator and leader. In addition, lifelong learning will help you develop the objectivity and compassion needed to work with people with different points of view.

A Note from Jeannette about becoming a strong and effective leader. The critical success factor I’ve experienced over and over in my almost 30 years of being an executive coach and facilitator is that those who excel as leaders develop excellent facilitation skills. These skills normally translate into excellent working relationships. Becoming a master facilitator takes work. If you’re stuck and unclear on what to say or do in difficult situations, contact me for a confidential conversation.

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Build Confidence by Not Allowing Self-Doubt to Sabotage Your Career

December 7, 2021 by Jeannette Seibly

“Overcoming self-doubt requires believing and trusting in yourself … as you are … right now.” Jeannette Seibly

Have you ever wanted to do something and the “little voice in your head” said, “NO! You’ll fail! You can’t! You’re not smart enough! You’re too old! You don’t have what it takes to succeed?”

Everyone has self-doubts. They occur when fear or uncertainty creeps in! But don’t let your self-doubt become the predictor of your goals, career choices, or leadership.

Building confidence is an inside job and erases self-doubt. It’s developing a belief and a trust in yourself each day … where you are … right now.

7 Ways to Erase Self-Doubt and Build Confidence

Replace Negative Self-Talk with Your Brags! Internal mind chatter often gets in everyone’s way, especially when attempting something new. To overcome this, complete the Brag! work in It’s Time to Brag! Business Edition. Wow! Look at what you’ve already achieved! Remember, no matter what you’ve accomplished in life … and you’ve already accomplished a lot … self-doubt can sabotage your career if you allow it! So now, before you second-guess yourself, again, offer your idea, manage team conflict, and/or ask your boss for that promotion and pay raise!
Banish the Fear of Feeling You’re Not Good Enough. We all experience the “Imposter Syndrome” when not feeling confident, especially women. This happens regardless of all the credentials and other awards you’ve won! When it occurs, talk it out with your executive coach. Uncover the real reason for your fear (e.g., getting your boss’s approval, managing a difficult team member, hiring the right person, etc.).
Be Willing to Learn Something New. Yes, everyone started their career “not knowing how to do or accomplish something!” However, the ones that succeeded were willing to set aside their ego, admit they didn’t know, and learn the basics. They were also ready to practice and become masters while working through mistakes! Remember, when you set aside your ego, you learn at a faster and more advanced level!
It Doesn’t Need to be Perfect … Just Very Good. This can be difficult for successful people to grasp … and, it doesn’t mean overlooking mistakes. Also, it doesn’t mean accepting mediocrity. Remember, perfectionism creates unnecessary stress, team conflict, and missed milestones. So relax, trust in the process, and allow your team to work their magic!
Use the “Rule of 3” to Make the Best Decision You Can. Create 3 must-haves for your project, new vehicle, or next job. Now, get three different quotes or create three options for fulfillment. When selecting a book editor, I remember I found three viable candidates and had each submit their proposal. Then, I decided on the one that met my criteria. Remember, the cheapest isn’t always the best one!
Accept Negative Feedback Graciously. When you receive negative feedback, instead of allowing self-doubt to take hold, get the specifics of the issue. Be open to feedback. It’s how you improve. Ask, “What were your 2 specific concerns and why are these important?” Listen and learn. Now, incorporate these as appropriate. If you’re not willing to learn from negative feedback, your self-doubt will win!
Just Because You Fail, It Doesn’t Mean You Should Stop Trusting or Believing in Yourself. Of course, there will be times you fail (we all do). But it may be time to get real. If you’re unwilling to take focused-actions designed to achieve the results, work with your executive coach for other options. For example, if you’re reluctant to sell, being a financial planner will not be a successful career choice today.

Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has guided the creation of three millionaires and countless 6-figure income professionals for almost 30 years. Her brags include being an award-winning international executive and family business management consultant, and keynote speaker. Recently, she was able to add another brag. She became an international Amazon Bestselling author of, The Old Wooden Rocker. Have questions? Need a speaker or facilitator? Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.

A Note from Jeannette about erasing self-doubt. Everyone experiences self-doubt when faced with uncertainty, especially when attempting something new. Learning to erase these fears builds confidence now and guides you in future endeavors. Are you stuck and uncertain where to begin? Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Want to be an influencer? Have your ideas heard and valued by your boss and team? Get your Eight Tips to Increase Your Ability to Influence