Manager | SeibCo, LLC

Rebuilding Bridges: Working for a New Boss That Used to Work for You

June 24, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Company restructuring offers new opportunities to become a great leader, even when you have been replaced as the boss.” Jeannette Seibly

A restructuring has flipped the script—a former employee or co-worker you once ignored or disliked is now calling the shots as your new boss.

Your initial reaction? Dust off your resume or escalate concerns to upper management.

But before making an impulsive move, consider this: adapting to these changes presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and leadership agility.

Successfully navigating this transition proves your ability to collaborate with anyone, under any circumstances—a desirable trait for all great leaders.

Tips to Develop a Positive Working Relationship

Acknowledge and Accept the Change

Extend a professional “congratulations” when the announcement is made. Words matter, but sincerity is key.
Proactively request a meeting to clarify expectations and roles due to the restructuring. Beware if the new boss insists there will be no changes—request the meeting to ensure alignment.
Set the tone for mutual respect—listening with intention fosters collaboration, regardless of past tensions.
Don’t expect instant rapport with the new boss. S/he may not readily trust you due to a lack of confidence or past interactions with you. Be patient and don’t undermine their progress.

Strengthen Professionalism and Awareness

Your biases, poor communication skills, and other bad habits may be why you were overlooked in the company restructuring. These must be addressed with your executive coach and therapist for you to excel.
This is a great opportunity for professional growth—attend workshops (and actively participate), engage in role-playing exercises, and listen to podcasts that sharpen emotional intelligence, adaptability, and objectivity.
Hire your own executive coach and use an objective job fit assessment to understand your inherent strengths and weaknesses. Confidentially, talk about how to become more effective.
Remember, awareness alone doesn’t drive change—your leadership style must visibly shift through consistent actions.
Be open to receiving feedback and coaching from the new boss, even when you disagree. Ask open-ended questions to discern the true issue.

Develop a Growth Mindset

It’s a new day when a company restructures (or is sold). It’s important to be a team player and stop participating in toxic factions or discriminatory cliques (inside and outside the company) that want to hold on to the old way of doing business.
Build emotional integrity: Demonstrating personal accountability signals to upper management that you’re invested in long-term success and future leadership opportunities.
Find an internal corporate or industry mentor to guide you through the restructuring, new working relationships, and new issues.

Rebuild Trust, If Possible

Reliability is key—consistently deliver on commitments and communicate challenges transparently.
Seek guidance from the new boss, even on familiar situations. These interactions offer fresh perspectives and demonstrate respect.
Support the new boss’s success, especially when s/he makes mistakes or poor decisions. Remember, your words and actions speak loudly.
Be an advocate if your former team members are struggling. Talk 1:1 with the new boss and encourage team members to do the same.
If met with cool indifference, remain professional—time and consistency will determine whether trust can be rebuilt.
Steer clear of office gossip. Instead, publicly support your new boss and contribute to a culture of collaboration.

Apply These Lessons for Long-Term Growth

Shift focus to measurable contributions: add value, showcase strengths, and position yourself as a team player despite company changes.
Leverage this experience to deepen your understanding of workplace dynamics and to mitigate biases. Learning how to work with and through others for team success is important.
Demonstrate ethical leadership and an inclusive mindset—your actions reinforce your credibility and growth.

Leadership is about navigating challenges, adapting with integrity, and fostering alignment. Embrace it. This can be your golden opportunity to elevate, expand, and excel your leadership.

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 their performance and reach new heights.

Grab her book, “Hire Amazing Employees,” and confidently redesign and use a strategic selection system to ensure people are placed in the right jobs.

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.

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.

Job Fit: How To Strategically Hire for Tomorrow’s Results

April 14, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Successful hiring requires aligning skills, values, and potential to ensure resilience and results.” Jeannette Seibly

In a previous article, I focused on what job fit is and what it is not.

To continue, it’s critical to remember, hiring today isn’t just about filling empty seats—it’s about building resilient, adaptable teams that align with your company’s vision and values — and producing intended results. In other words, it’s about selecting employees who will fit the job requirements.

Yet here lies the challenge: too many leaders fail to refine their hiring strategies. Instead, they rely on gut instincts, skip deliberate planning, and ignore the importance of clarifying roles or expectations.

Some might even view a low turnover rate as evidence of a flawless strategic hiring process. But dig deeper, and you will find disengaged employees—doing just enough to avoid attention while costing the business in lost clients, missed opportunities, and sagging morale.

To ensure your team thrives today and tomorrow, it’s essential to rethink how you hire, coach, and manage. Job fit success hinges on prioritizing agility, shared values, and innovation, while using appropriate tools that align seamlessly with your goals.

Do you want to make job fit happen?

1. Hire for Agility and Mental Flexibility

Adaptability is non-negotiable in today’s fast-paced world. Resilient teams navigate change, tackle complexity, and creatively solve problems. Seek candidates who excel in uncertain situations and can pivot when circumstances demand it.

Job fit assessments are invaluable for uncovering potential beyond the resume and interview. These tools evaluate how candidates think, process information, and approach challenges—providing clear insights into how they will drive innovation and thrive in dynamic environments.

2. Prioritize Purpose, Passion, and Shared Values

The strongest teams connect deeply to your company’s mission and values. Candidates that fit the job have purpose and passion and will contribute more than just skills; they bring energy, commitment, and alignment with your culture. However, uncovering these traits requires going beyond superficial interviews.

Use layered questioning techniques, like the Rule of 3, to explore motivations and ensure alignment. Additionally, integrity and honesty assessments add confidence that you’re hiring individuals who genuinely fit your workplace values.

3. Leverage Technology and Predictive Insights

With advancements in AI and analytics, hiring decisions can extend beyond resumes. Modern tools analyze behavioral patterns, validate job fit, and predict compatibility—helping you make smarter, future-focused decisions.

Still, balance is key. Use technology strategically, allowing it to handle tasks like pre-screening or scheduling, but maintain genuine human connection throughout your recruitment process.

Note: Throughout the pre-employment phase, ensure that all assessments and other tools used comply with Department of Labor standards to safeguard fairness and accuracy, as well as other legal requirements (e.g., EEO, ADA).

4. Expand and Diversify Talent Pipelines

To build tomorrow’s results-focused team, broaden your horizons. Go beyond traditional recruitment channels—explore overlooked talent pools, mentorship programs, and upskilling initiatives. Diversity and critical thinking will fuel innovation and strengthen problem-solving within your teams.

Remember, recruitment is just the beginning to discover whether or not the person will fit the job. To keep good employees, robust onboarding processes, clear career paths, and continuous coaching will ensure new hires who fit their jobs stay engaged and committed to your company’s long-term vision.

5. Redefine Success with Growth-Focused Paths

Candidates today seek more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for development opportunities and a meaningful future where they can make a difference. Attract top talent by emphasizing pathways for continuous learning, leadership advancement, and impactful growth.

Expand your definition of success to include sustainability, innovation, and community contributions. Equip employees with the tools to take ownership of their development, fostering engagement and inspiring long-term loyalty.

Hiring for job fit isn’t just about recruitment. It requires refining and leveraging your selection and onboarding systems, prioritizing job fit. This is how you’ll build teams that embody your company’s vision, agility, and shared values.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, boasts over 32 years of hands-on experience. Working with small and family businesses, her expertise helps leaders and bosses refine their hiring, coaching, and management practices and achieve their intended results. Along the journey, she has guided the creation of three millionaires and numerous six-figure earners, all while championing those ready to elevate their game to new heights.

How to Address Issues and Keep Positive Working Relationships

January 27, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Do you want to be right or effective? It’s a choice we need to make during every conversation.” Jeannette Seibly

There will be times when people do what they do and believe they are behaving appropriately. This includes saying something they believe is true (without supporting facts) or making a project more challenging (due to multitasking and not listening). As a team leader, what do you do?

A team leader has a remote team, and virtual meetings are essential. The problem? Many team members come unprepared, eat during the call, handle personal tasks, or have their cameras off. Instead of addressing the issue one-on-one, the team leader calls them out during the meeting and demands they behave in a way he believes is appropriate. The new problem? Once a person has been humiliated, they will not forget nor forgive!

Steps to Build and Keep Positive Working Relationships

1. Prepare

• Know Your Facts: Gather all relevant information and data to support your perspective.
• Understand the Other Side: Take the time to understand the other person’s viewpoint and the reasons behind it.

2. Use Mindful Communication Skills

• Active Listening: Listen carefully to other people’s arguments without interrupting. Always let them present first and share your own opinions last.
• Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings and perspectives. Be sure to use the words or phrases they used, or you could create further upset (e.g., if they use the word “I’m feeling upset.” Do NOT say, “I understand that you are angry.”)
• Clarity: Clearly articulate your point of view using facts and logic.

3. Adjust Your Approach

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Disagree in a private setting and choose a time when both parties are calm and receptive. If it is a group issue, address the group without naming names.
• Stay Calm and Respectful: Maintain a calm and respectful tone throughout the conversation. If you feel emotional, wait to address the situation. Your tone of voice, when triggered, will get in the way of future interactions.
• Focus on the Issue, Not the Person: Critique the idea, not the individual presenting it. This is key—too often, bosses like to focus on a personality trait, which may be incorrect and leave the person feeling misunderstood and defensive.

4. Be Collaborative

• Find Common Ground: Identify areas where you both agree and build on them.
• Propose Solutions: Offer constructive solutions or compromises that address both parties’ concerns. Remember, win-win-win is the key!
• Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to consider alternative perspectives and solutions. You don’t know everything, so it’s important to allow other ideas to develop before final decisions are made.

5. Follow-Up

• Clarify Outcomes: Ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the agreed-upon outcome. Write it down – memories are short!
• Express Gratitude: Genuinely thank the other person for their time and for engaging in the discussion.
• Maintain Professionalism: Continue to interact professionally and positively in future interactions. Be responsible for your tone of voice and say, “please” and “thank you.” Also, under all circumstances, avoid gossip!

Issues can lead to disagreements — they are a natural part of any working relationship. Handling them with empathy, respect, and a focus on collaboration can strengthen professional relationships and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, boasts over 32 years of hands-on experience. Her expertise helps leaders and bosses refine their hiring, coaching, and management practices and achieve their intended results. Along the journey, she has guided the creation of three millionaires and numerous six-figure earners, all while championing those ready to elevate their game to new heights.

Asking for Help Is Required to Achieve Intended Results

January 16, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Asking for help is brilliant!” Simon Sinek

“Recognizing the value of asking for help in hiring, coaching, and managing challenges shows strength and will contribute to your company’s growth.” -Jeannette Seibly

Too often, people believe asking for help makes them look weak. It creates barriers to achieving intended results and hurts our boss/leadership skills.

When stuck in a working relationship, situation, or strategic issue, we freeze, flee, or change the goal (which diminishes the intended result)—all because we failed to ask for help!

Yet, asking for help is one of the cornerstones of achieving your intended results. With only 10 percent of teams achieving their required results, it’s crucial that you, as the boss/leader, confidently ask for help, use the art of listening, and make the necessary changes!

Why do we hesitate to ask for help?

Lack of …

• Willingness. Ego can be a significant barrier. Leaders should remember that seeking advice is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Trust. Trust yourself and selectively seek insights from a few reliable people rather than broadcasting your query widely (e.g., social media or more than 2 or 3 people).

• Self-Awareness. Lack of self-awareness can lead to an inability to recognize when help is needed.

Seven Tips to Get the Help Needed to Achieve Results

1. Set Aside Your Ego. Take a moment to breathe and seek advice from the right sources. This is critical. Talk directly with the person(s) who can provide the help! For example, a training expert was asked, “I was told I needed to do XYZ when making a presentation. But at a recent workshop, everyone walked out. What happened, and what do I need to do differently?”

2. Don’t Wait Too Long. Anticipate the need for help early to prevent compounding issues. It’s harder to ask for help once you’ve sabotaged yourself (usually unintentionally), experienced a project failure, or damaged a relationship with a co-worker or customer. Ask for help earlier not later.

3. Listen. The art of listening goes beyond the words and includes asking open-ended questions to uncover deeper insights.

4. Don’t Wait for Clarity. (It seems counter-intuitive.) Seek objective feedback, especially when things seem murky and unclear. And remember, you asked for help. This is not the time to become defensive … you asked for help … this is the time to listen. Share in concise statements: The goal of the project or issue; What has been done to date; and What is slated for the future Then, ask for help: “What do you see is missing?”

5. Be Coachable. Stay open to learning and avoid letting ego and pride interfere with accepting help. Remember, your defensiveness will sabotage your success.

An author told me in a group meeting that bragging was nonsense to her, but then complained of poor book sales. She explained, “I don’t see the value and I’m too busy to learn how to brag.” Yet, marketing and self-promotion determine 90 percent of someone’s success as an author. Even after others chimed in, she refused their help! When you refuse to listen, people will stop helping you and your results will suffer!

6. Make Asking for Help a Habit. Seeking assistance regularly can foster your professional growth and build your leadership credibility. Also, it helps you produce results faster and easier each time while building your influence.

7. Make Your Requests for Help Clear and Concise. Clearly articulate what you need and be open to accepting a “yes” or “no” response. If a person is not available or is unwilling, ask someone else.

Important Question! How do you plan to incorporate these tips into your leadership approach?

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, boasts over 32 years of hands-on experience. Her expertise helps leaders and bosses refine their hiring, coaching, and management practices and achieve their intended results. Along the journey, she has guided the creation of three millionaires and numerous six-figure earners, all while championing those ready to elevate their game to new heights.