14 Things Emotionally Intelligent People Do In Times Of High Stress

14 Things Emotionally Intelligent People Do In Times Of High Stress

You know the feeling: Everything seems to be falling apart and people are looking to you for answers, but you’re one question away from blowing up in front of everyone.

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

Everyone has stressful days in and out of the office, and it’s natural to have a negative emotional response in these situations. However, a person with high emotional intelligence (EQ) is self-aware enough to recognize those feelings and talk themselves down before they get pushed over the proverbial edge.

Sixteen members of Forbes Coaches Council explained how an emotionally intelligent person can rein in their emotions and maintain their cool in times of high stress.

1. Learn Your Triggers

In advance of a stressful situation and during a quiet time, write down your top stressors. Connect them to people and events. Then, come up with a cognitive and a behavioral way to refocus your energy when you’re triggered. Behaviorally, means removing yourself or breathing deeply. Cognitive refocus is replacing your anxious or angry thoughts with logic. Build your EQ through preparation. – Loren MargolisTraining & Leadership Success LLC

2. Create Some Distance

Recognizing that you are reaching your limit is already a bonus. The trick is to see before you go over the edge and takes steps to get some distance. Distance, in the form of a break, gives perspective and allows you to be more strategic and intentional about how you react to and/or manage the stress. – Rose CartolariRose Cartolari Consulting

3. Build Your Workplace Intelligence (WQ)

Sometimes, even those with admirable levels of EQ get pushed to the edge. Those able to step away from the ledge, without forcing someone else to take their place, are often grounded by keeping the mission the highest priority for themselves and their team. We call this “workplace intelligence,” or WQ, and it represents our collective ability to achieve results even in the most challenging times. – Mark S. BabbittYouTern

4. Work On Your Self-Confidence

As an influencer, nothing adds to your cause more than your confidence and belief in what you are standing up for. Confidence will empower you to set boundaries, improve your argument, and effectively hold others accountable without losing your cool in a discussion. Confidence typically arises from competence. Continue learning and growing as a person and as a professional to grow your confidence. – Ilean HarrisIlean Harris

5. Write It Out

One of the toughest attorneys I know channels her potential response to intense conflict into writing. Furiously writing out her response to another attorney or client, but not actually sending that writing to anyone, helped her create a powerful, productive habit. Nothing is sent out of this journal until logic rules over emotional reaction. – John M. O’ConnorCareer Pro Inc.

6. Consider The Impact Of Your Emotions On Yourself And Your Team

An emotionally intelligent person has the unique ability to notice their emotions as they arise. In the case of being pushed over the edge, they will understand the impact their emotions are having on their thinking ability and will notice and act on the need to manage those emotions, as well as their teammates’ emotions. Then they can relieve stress by talking about it or taking a break. – Brian TracyBrian Tracy International

7. Confide In Someone You Trust

One of the elements of emotional intelligence is social skills: the ability to communicate well, manage disputes, build and nurture relationships, and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. If such an individual is at the edge, then it’s time to access the company’s Employment Assistance Program (EAP) and confide in a counselor. If such a service does not exist, talk it through with a confidante. – Daisy WrightThe Wright Career Solution, Brampton/Toronto

8. Name, Then Tame Your Stressors

First, be aware of the trigger (person, event) that is pushing you over the edge. Name it and tame it. Then, get your brain and emotions in check by taking deep breaths, a short walk, a drink of water – anything to flush out the stress hormones. Then formulate a strategy to address the trigger. If it’s a person, tell them how they are (intentionally or unintentionally) impacting you. – Shoma ChatterjeeghSMART

9. Take An Anthropological View

Anthropologists learn the benefit of “third person.” The more you can observe human behavior, understand the culture, see conflict and stay neutral to the situation, the better you can remain calm, ask questions and disengage from taking anything personally. Step away to evaluate yourself, the situation, cause/effect, and how you are coming across to others. – Joanne MarkowGreenMason

10. Know Where The Edges Are

You can’t be pushed over the edge if you know where the edges are. Emotionally intelligent people understand their own hot buttons and limits, and they’re able to read their own cues and halt bad behavior in advance. This self-awareness isn’t magic – it takes time, attention and a willingness to learn from falling over the edge one time too many. – Darcy EikenbergRed Cape Revolution

11. Focus On Your Passion

Hopefully a professional with high emotional intelligence is in a career that they are passionate about pursuing. During difficult times, focus on why you are passionate about your career. Let your purpose keep you motivated through challenging situations. – Donald HatterDonald Hatter Inc.

12. Seek Awareness, Acknowledgement, Acceptance And Action 

Self-awareness is the first step in this process. Once we do this, we can acknowledge the emotions or triggers, accept them as they are without fighting against then, then decide on what action will create a win-win situation for everyone involved. Realize that how someone chooses to act towards you is a decision they make, and has nothing to do with who you are or your values. – Sharissa SebastianSharissa Sebastian – Life & Leadership Coaching

13. Build Resilience

Identify key practices that trigger a path to resilience when personal setbacks start to emerge. Bounce back by staying focused on a project/idea that excites you creatively to reboot. Keep a positive attitude and outlook to help you adjust better through challenges. Make a conscious decision to thrive in spite of adverse events, and allow these hardships to enhance your personal growth. – Rachel Lourdes MestreRachel Mestre LLC

14. Respond, Don’t React

It’s very easy to be drawn into the vortex of emotional reaction. To avoid this trap, respond instead of react. Three tools to use are time (ask for more time to evaluate and commit to reconvene), space (physically move – take a walk, get oxygen moving in you) and pause for reflection. Avoid reaction by creating time, space and pause, allowing your skillful response. – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)Coach Christine


 

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!

12 Clear Signs It’s Time To Pivot Your Business

12 Clear Signs It’s Time To Pivot Your Business

Change is a natural and expected part of running a successful business. Sometimes a startup — or external factors in its market or industry — can change in ways the founder didn’t anticipate, and in such cases, it’s necessary to take a different approach to your business operations.

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

Whether big or small, strategic pivots need to be carefully planned and well-timed. But, how do you know when your company is ready to evolve to its next phase? 

Members of Forbes Coaches Council offered their thoughts on when and how to pivot your business.

1. You Want To Make Your Business A Stronger Version Of Itself 

The desire to take your company to new levels of performance and profits requires change and adaptation. It requires a break from routine and old habits. It will require a mindset shift with a full understanding of the importance of evolving. Ask yourself, “What is really going to change to become better?” Then, set your goal in the next quarter to begin improving efficiency and remain competitive. – Maria PastoreMaria Pastore Coaching

 

2. The Market’s Overall Needs Are Changing 

As the market needs to evolve, you need to pivot your business to meet changing needs. This will become increasingly necessary as the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to bring about change and disruption with new technologies and business models. Keep an eye on both your customer needs as well as the evolving market so you can pivot and be where your customer needs you to be. – Larry BoyerSuccess Rockets LLC

3. You’re No Longer Serving Your Target Market 

Just like technology, business tastes are always changing. If your target audience is desiring a different way to be served, you must adapt or narrow your niche to a market that desires your product or service as is. The “this is how we’ve always done it” attitude will not serve your business and ensure its survival. – Niya Allen-Vatel, NCRW, CCTC, CCMCareer Global

4. You’re Spending Too Much Time Putting Out Fires 

It’s a huge indicator that your business needs to change when you feel as though you spend more time putting out fires on a daily basis, and leave everyday feeling likes nothing has been accomplished. When this happens, it’s time to take a step back, reassess and plan on a higher level. – Rosalee LawsThe Rosalee Laws Company

5. Your People, Process Or Profits Are Declining 

It might be time to discuss the possibility of a pivot if any of the following is declining: people, process or profits. Is employee retention declining? Is the culture becoming nit-picky or overly critical? Are there inefficiencies in process or execution? Is performance low? Are you behind on market trends, impacting your leads? Get outside perspective from trusted advisers, and take action. – Zheila PouraghabagherCollaboration Business Consulting

6. You’ve Stopped Growing 

Growth indicates what you’re doing is working. The moment your business stops growing, however, your business must pivot. Becoming fanatical about your key measurements will ensure you’re aware of the health of your business at all times. The moment productivity, efficiency or profitability declines is the moment pivoting must occur. – Dr. Stephen KalaluhiThe StephenK Leadership Team

7. You’re No Longer Seeing Results From The Things That Made You Successful 

The biggest indicator that your company needs to evolve is when you find yourself doing the same things you did before (those which made you successful), and you are no longer getting the results you desire. Many organizations make the fatal mistake of doubling down on their efforts. Doing the same things again, with more effort, and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. – Amy DouglasSpark Coaching, LLC

8. You Can’t See A Viable Path To Further Growth 

Successful companies are always striving to grow.  Growth can be measured by an increase in revenue, or it can be measured by an increase in efficiency. If you can no longer see a viable way to achieve growth, it is time to pivot. Sometimes companies just need to exert more effort, and other times they need to evolve or change direction. – Donald HatterDonald Hatter Inc.

9. Your Customers And Employees Are Leaving You 

Focus your attention on serving your customers and maintaining great relationships with your suppliers, vendors and customers. Know what they value, and stay ahead of your competition by creating a culture that is positive, open to creative ideas and invested in its people. If you’re doing this and you’re still experiencing high churn rate and losing customers to competitors, it’s time to pivot. – Beth KuhelGet Hired, LLC

10. What You’re Offering Is No Longer Relevant 

I know when to pivot when my clientele begins to change. This has happened many times in my business. Sometimes, it was because new education had changed my style of coaching and counseling. Other times, it was listening to my clients and what their changing needs were. If I did not change, then my services would no longer have been relevant to them. – Katrina BrittinghamVentureReady LLC

11. You’re Bored 

When boredom sets in and your get-up-and-go has gone, it’s time to examine your business. Here are two important questions to uncover the malaise: Why are you bored? This reveals the inner answer. Next, what’s changing in the business? Many times, processes or opportunities cause change. Don’t react because of boredom, but pro-act, pivoting for growth. – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)Coach Christine: Building Business, Leaders and BIG Lives

12. Your Intuition Is Telling You So 

The sweet spot in business is doing something that aligns with your natural gifts and who you are as a person. As people, we evolve and grow, which can mean our businesses should shift with us. When you feel yourself grow and your gut or intuition is telling you it’s time for your business to follow, listen. The more aligned you are with your business, the greater success you will have. – Lesha ReeseLesha Reese, LLC

 

 

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!

To Innovate Or To Tweak? 14 Ways To Help You Decide

To Innovate Or To Tweak? 14 Ways To Help You Decide

The only way to truly succeed as a startup is to give customers a reason to choose your business over your competitors.

 

Many entrepreneurs believe this means they need to create something completely new from the ground up. 

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

They’re laser-focused on innovating and presenting the world with something it’s never seen before.

While reinventing the proverbial wheel does work in some cases, it’s not always necessary to stand out from the crowd. In fact, some of the best and most successful ideas are simply improvements on models that someone else created.

How do you know whether your business needs to strive to break the mold, or just refine the one that’s already there? Members of  Forbes Coaches Council share their advice to help you figure it out.

 

1. Save Innovation For Your Products, Not Your Infrastructure 

Entrepreneurs are often so focused on cutting-edge products and being first to market, that they often overlook one of the most critical components of growth. A growing company must have repeatable processes and systems in place to run efficiently. Once clear processes are in place, the company can focus on creativity and innovation, knowing that the company infrastructure is sound. – Cheryl Amyx4CEO, Inc.

 

2. Ask Your Customers What They Want 

While it is important for entrepreneurs to harness innovative ideas, it is just as important to obtain insights about what customers actually want. This information may point entrepreneurs to making user-centric adjustments to existing services/products, as opposed to reinventing the wheel. Profitability may not be about the groundbreaking idea, but rather about execution. – Claire Simier KarsevarSimier Partners

 

3. Innovate Daily, But Choose Your Focus Areas Wisely 

The sheer volume of disruption facing every industry and sector forces entrepreneurs to innovate to stay ahead. While entrepreneurs should seek to incrementally innovate regularly, it should be prioritized and done thoughtfully in areas of core competencies. Entrepreneurs constantly face the “too much work, too few resources” challenge; they need to spend time and resources wisely. – Christie LindorThe MECE Muse

 

4. Carefully Evaluate Each Situation Based On Circumstances, Risk And Potential 

Today, margins are tighter, competition is greater and hiring high-quality employees is at a premium, so business must produce more, faster and better, and at a breakneck speed. Should you innovate or replicate? Here are several ways to evaluate both options: Why is change needed? What’s the market state and its future? What’s your competitive advantage? What’s your risk and ROI potential? – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)Coach Christine

 

5. Avoiding Innovation Interruptions 

Innovation at the right time can lead to invigoration. Innovation at the wrong time is just an interruption. The right time to innovate is just before the customer demands it. Customers are the gauge for innovation. Innovation can also be learned from watching other businesses and industries. Innovation is an interruption when the customer doesn’t need it. – Ken GosnellCEO Experience

 

6. Market Size Dictates Need For Innovation 

Making a 10% improvement on an existing product or service for a large market segment can produce a profitable business model. Innovation is risky and can be time-consuming, not to mention expensive. If you’re going to innovate, it’s best to determine the size market that may need or want what you are creating. Timing is key: It doesn’t matter how great the innovation is if you run out of funds before the market is ready to use it. – Lynda FosterCortex Leadership Consulting

 

7. Analyze Your Return On Investment 

Do a simple return on investment analysis. Ask yourself: Can I improve upon this system or idea? If the answer is yes, then ask: What would the investment need to be to do that? The investment includes time, energy and resources. Then, ask yourself: What would the benefits of doing this be? Finally, look at the costs versus the benefits, and make your decision from that place. – Kristin ConstableWinning Defined By You

 

8. Be A Futurist And Get Comfortable With Change 

Entrepreneurs should be in the continual state of innovation, examining what is working and not working. I advise clients to evaluate their projects and processes once a week to ensure they stay in business. By focusing on future trends and asking the right questions, they create a culture that is comfortable with change and around for years to come. Comfort doesn’t change the world.  – Lisa Marie PlatskeUpside Thinking, Inc.

 

9. Learn From What Others Have Already Done 

Innovation is exciting and entrepreneurs often prefer to start from scratch, but it’s not always necessary. There’s nothing new in this world. Many of the processes that entrepreneurs need to implement have already been tried and nearly perfected by others. Why re-invent the wheel when you can learn from their experiences? You’ll save time, money and effort, and you’ll get to market faster. – Monica DavisAtela Productions, Inc.

 

10. Take A Continual, Ongoing ‘Stance’ Of Innovation 

The most successful entrepreneurs take an ongoing stance of innovation, characterized by openness, curiosity, courage and experimentation. Innovation doesn’t have to involve a constant (and expensive) state of significant reinvention. But entrepreneurs need to commit to an innovation mindset, which will have a thousand smaller implications on the company as it grows and changes. – Glenn TaylorSkybound Coaching & Training

 

11. Find The Urgency, Then Innovate Around It 

Sometimes innovators are focused on what’s interesting or possible from their perspective, not from the potential customer’s perspective. To gain adoption of your new solution, you need to have a clear vision of solving a problem. So where’s the urgency in your innovation for your customer? If you can prove the need and urgency, you can find the market. Then innovate away! – Natalie HahnARIA Coaching & Consulting/Dirty Girls Consulting

 

12. Follow Inspiration, Not Desperation 

If your motivation to innovate is coming from a place of inspiration and insight, follow your flow and create new products and systems. When you feel like you must keep up with everyone else, or find yourself comparing to others, take a step back. If you feel pushed to create something new from a place of scarcity or desperation, you will burn out on time, money and energy. – Hanna HermansonDream Life is Real Life

 

13. Remember That Innovation Can Mean Minor Changes For Overall Enhancement 

Many mistake innovation for creating something entirely new. Innovation includes minor tweaks or additions to processes for overall enhanced business processes. Find simple ways to make your business run smoother that won’t break the bank. Technology offers many opportunities to do this with communication and task management programs. – LaKisha GreenwadeLucki Fit LLC

 

14. When A Process Doesn’t Work, Innovate 

Strategic entrepreneurs know there is no reason to reinvent the wheel unless the process is broken or something critical is missing. They can invest their time in more productive ventures. However, when the issue becomes, “I need this and it doesn’t exist,” or “I wish there was a better way,” it’s time to drive the change. – Laura DeCarloCareer Directors International 

 


 

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

 

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

 

 

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

 

 

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

 

 

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!

15 Essential Coaching Tips For Serial Entrepreneurs

15 Essential Coaching Tips For Serial Entrepreneurs

If the entrepreneurship bug has bitten you more than once, you may be what is typically referred to as a “serial entrepreneur.” You have several businesses under your hat.

It seems no matter what you touch turns to gold. 

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

You have the ability to make a successful undertaking out of a good idea. But, you can also lose sight of your current businesses with a new venture on the horizon.

1. Don’t Lose Your Passion

Being an entrepreneur can be exciting and challenging all at the same time. There is so much to do, and you and your company are often understaffed. However, don’t feel overwhelmed. Rely on your passion to keep you motivated. It is a tremendous feeling to accomplish something great which you are passionate about. – Donald Hatter, Donald Hatter Inc.

 

2. Stop, Put The Brakes On

Is it real or make-believe? Are you chasing the next sparkly idea or have your past endeavors been completed and wrapped up? The hardest part is finishing that final 10% of a project that just doesn’t get done, but we’re done with it, so we pack it in, all the while seeking the next thrilling creative adventure. If you’re a finisher, bravo! If not, examine the niggly threads and move on. – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle), Coach Christine

3. Be Strategic

Most of my clients are serial entrepreneurs. I encourage them to shoot for the stars and dream big. However, I also emphasize that we have limited resources, so we have to be strategic about how and when we implement new ideas. I have found that this approach prevents them from becoming discouraged by their serial ideas and gives them something to look forward to as they accomplish their goals. – LaKesha Womack, Womack Consulting Group

4. Build With Purpose

Serial entrepreneurs are often attracted to the next exciting thing. Their business mind tends to operate in overdrive. Instead of going after what appears shiny and the next best thing, strategically pursue opportunities that align with your big vision and/or goals. This will allow you to build with purpose businesses that complement each other, and not compete with your future. – Tameka Williamson, Celestial & Associates Consulting

 

5. Measure And Document Success

Serial entrepreneurialism can create reputation obstacles for you if you don’t understand how to communicate success tangibly. Some entrepreneurs love to find the next shiny object. Measuring success in every engagement can have lasting value, then your serial attention span will be forgiven. Documenting your success and expressing it helps reduce the objections some may have in working with you. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.

6. Keep It Simple

Simplicity, not complexity, is essential to success. It includes simplifying the day-to-day administrative tasks, systems and processes, as well as large goals. Simplifying goals enables entrepreneurs to focus on what’s important, rather than constantly diverting to what’s urgent. It also allows them to communicate a clear and consistent brand message to investors, customers, staff and suppliers. – Claire Simier Karsevar, Simier Partners

7. Find Your “Beautiful Enemies”

Positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar often refers to Emerson’s concept of a “beautiful enemy,” a friend who loves you and is willing to push back and tell you the truth. It is essential to find your own beautiful enemies. Don’t look for people who agree with every idea you have. Seek out mentors and partners who have your best interest in mind and are willing to argue with and contradict you. – Jessica Glazer, Center for Creative Leadership

8. Master Before Moving On To A New Area

It really comes down to focusing on quality over quantity. There is so much noise out there that you have to be the best of the best to stand out. You’re likely not going to have the best product or service if your time and energy are being spread too thin. Instead, focus on just a few areas and be the very best at those. Then, only once you have mastered that area, move on to a new one. – Kyle Elliott, Kyle Elliott Consulting

9. Prioritize Your Tasks

Do not get distracted! The life of an entrepreneur is like being on an insane roller coaster while balancing fine china on a tightrope. The best advice I could give is to pick your most important task and not stop under any circumstances until that one task is complete. You will always feel a sense of a pride and success if you can just get that one thing off your plate. –Stephynie Malik, Chique Speak

10. Do You, Do It Well, Do It Consistently

The best way to make money as an entrepreneur is to follow three simple yet profound steps. (1) Do you, which means be your authentic self. It is healthy to take notes from other leaders in your industry, but refrain from copying their exact model. (2) Do it well: Excellence breeds retention and referrals. (3) Do it consistently: Entrepreneurial success is found in hard work, when you can’t see the win. – Dr. Keita Joy Ductant, The Leader’s Life Coach

11. Make Mistakes Count

Track your data and learn from your mistakes. As a serial entrepreneur, you have a great deal of experience learning what is successful and what isn’t, but too often, I see serial entrepreneurs approach new opportunities with anecdotal evidence from their previous endeavors. Don’t guess at what went well and what went wrong. Know it! – Jim Judy, TryFranchising.com

12. Build Your Tribe Early

Most entrepreneurs worry about marketing their product, service, or offering until it’s too late. Seek out and build your tribe of supporters, team, and believers early. Figure out how to offer soft benefits and create a reciprocal value-based network. That way, you have an audience to help you promote that can help relieve the stress of bootstrapping and the lack of a budget to market. – Maresa Friedman, Executive Cat Herder

13. Get Clear On Your Strengths

Get very clear on your strengths and gifts. What are you really good at? What comes easily to you? What sets you apart from others? Why do your friends and family love you? What did your previous clients love about you or your business? Build on those strengths and skills and find the right line of business for those traits. This way, you can show up authentically and attract clients easily. – Frances McIntosh, Intentional Coaching LLC

14. Embrace The Volatility Of Your Emotion

Many serial entrepreneurs reluctantly ride the wave of emotions that comes with the entrepreneurial pursuit. They often want to “fix it” and make it better the next time around. They want less anxiety, less sadness, more peaks and fewer valleys. Ride the wave. Your strength is in how you manage the volatility of your emotion. All of it, the good and the bad, is worthwhile. –Indira Jerez, Indira Jerez

15. Make Sure You Are All In

You must be all in to creating something, many times to the detriment of social and special relationships. It’s an all-consuming passion which separates the winners from the “close, but no cigar” finishers. The pages of entrepreneurial business history are littered with names of talented dreamers who just lacked the drive needed to be successful. – Terry Powell, The Entrepreneur’s Source


 

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!

Seven New Strategies For Onboarding Modern Employees

Seven New Strategies For Onboarding Modern Employees

Employee onboarding is one of the most critical tasks for managers and human resources departments. Setting an employee up for success on — or in some cases, before — day one is key to their long-term success within the company

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

There are a lot of different onboarding strategies you can use during an employee’s orientation, but simply handing the new hire a copy of the employee handbook and benefits brochure doesn’t work. 

According to Forbes Coaches Council, these seven newer strategies will become more common among companies looking to effectively onboard today’s employees.

1. Assign Older Mentors 

With the brain drain of baby boomers leaving the workforce, I believe companies and organizations will begin to create relationships that will help drive wisdom into the next generations. The generational wisdom we lose every day in the workforce will negatively impact organizations unless they figure this out. Smart companies will now make this a key part of their onboarding practice. – John M. O’ConnorCareer Pro Inc.

 

2. Teach Strong And Dynamic Communication Skills 

The alarm rose, jarring human resource departments, when a 2016 Gallup report showed 68% of American employees were not engaged. Cutting-edge workplaces will power-up on communication skills, adding in values and empathy so new staff has strong, clear, dynamic skills. I recommend boosting all staff’s communication skills. Build your people and community, and foster culture improving your engagement. – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)Coach Christine: Building Business, Leaders and BIG Lives

3. Personalize The Onboarding Journey 

A tailored onboarding journey that matches expectations from both employer and employee is a good strategy for companies to use. By redesigning and streamlining the onboarding process and talent support, you can improve not only your business outcomes, but also overall talent satisfaction. – Izabela LundbergLegacy Leaders Institute

4. Implement Mobile-Enabled Learning 

Onboarding will incorporate touch points with new employees that are enabled by mobile technology. Information will be delivered by this means, as well as real-time measurement of the new employee’s engagement. Microlearning, a way of delivering content in small bursts, is one of the best learning methods for adults and will be used to teach job-related skills and help with integration. – Vanita BellenTrue North Coaching and Consulting

5. Infuse Technology Like AI Into Your Onboarding Process 

As with many traditional talent processes, I believe that we will begin to see more technology infused into the onboarding processes, such as a podcast series dedicated to onboarding employees, chatbots or the use of artificial intelligence to provide on-demand information on key onboarding resources. – Christie LindorThe MECE Muse

 

6. Ensure Early Cultural Acclimation 

As organizations continue to focus on increasing employee engagement, particularly for millennial and Gen Z hires, incorporating experiences that enable new hires to acquire knowledge and acclimate to organizational culture, values and expectations will continue to grow and become normalized as a strategy linked to increased levels of employee engagement, performance and retention. – Dr. Terri Horton MBA, MA, SHRM-CP, PHR, HCS, SWPTLT Consulting: Brand & Workforce Strategy

7. Create Apprenticeships And Programs For Current Students 

Because emerging industries are using new technologies, businesses are seeking to work with high schools and community colleges on work-and-learn programs that fill in skills gaps. The idea is to onboard the right kinds of individuals who understand the company culture because they learned within the company environment. Research shows that this model creates highly productive and loyal employees. – Kathleen HoulihanDream2Career

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!

13 Employee Benefits That Don’t Actually Work

13 Employee Benefits That Don’t Actually Work

Employees love benefits. They like to feel valued and appreciated by the company they work for. But, when these benefits are nothing more than a gimmick, they can have the opposite effect and make employees wonder if they are really getting anything at all in reward for their hard work and constant efforts.

Initially published through Forbes Coaches Council

From unlimited vacation time to employee discount programs, empty job titles and more, here are several employee benefits that are simply gimmicks and don’t actually benefit the workforce in any way, according to 13 members of  Forbes Coaches Council.

Employee job satisfaction has been constantly dropping over the last 20 years, with compensation and benefits among the top factors for the downward trend. As employers look to save money and cut costs, benefits are often the first thing to go even when they don’t intrinsically offer any mutual benefit to the employee/employer relationship.

1. Wellness Without Engagement

Many corporate wellness programs have shown no results whatsoever. Companies with successful programs encourage employees to become Engaged Healthcare Consumers (EHCs) by equipping employees with the resources to make smart, cost-efficient health-related decisions and provide options to improve health, including gym memberships, gamified wellness programs and voluntary disease-specific programs. – Dr. Josh Luke, Health-Wealth.com

2. Unlimited Vacation

Unlimited vacation tends to lead to employees taking less vacation, at least in North America. With no use-it-or-lose-it driver, most knowledge workers will keep working in order to serve commitments to customers and peers. It takes more chutzpah to ask for significant time off when all vacation is “at your manager’s discretion.” – Ronica Roth, CA Technologies

3. Employee Discount Programs

Employee discount programs fundamentally don’t work because they are about generating revenue for the company through the partnerships. Rarely are the services offered the best deals and rarely are they what the business’ employees want. So the company can say it’s offering a benefit and if the employee chooses not to use it, that’s their choice. – Larry Boyer, Success Rockets LLC

4. A Culture Based On Fun And Good Times

When a company touts Taco Tuesday and a beer tap in the break room as the reason someone should be eager to work there, your brand becomes diluted. While these are fun extras, messaging a culture of professional development, upward mobility and growth reflects positively on talent acquisition and retention efforts, as well as client support. No one is interested in doing business with a frat house. – Jeanna McGinnis, Mentor Happy

5. The Offer Of Secure Employment

Recruiters and hiring managers indicating long-term employment relationships help the applicant make the decisions to become employees. The reality is, there is no crystal ball forecasting this security. You can, however, do your own research and know your labor market and industry. The research will help you see the future, and investing in your own self and career will help realize it. – Gayle DraperIntentional Careers and Human Resources

 

6. Employee Of The Month

I have never found Employee of the Month programs to be beneficial. While it may make one person feel special for a short period of time, it serves as a demotivator for anyone else who has been doing a great job. I have always encouraged my clients and companies to be more instantaneous in their approach to recognition. Why wait to reward someone when doing it now will provide a better and longer lasting impact? – Dan Ryan, Ryan Search & Consulting

7. The ‘Top Dog’

When faced with earning at the top of the pay grade, employees become disenfranchised as there’s no room for growth. Leaders who appease by promising they’re the “top paid and most senior” compound the issue and create more distrust. Instead, work together, seeking new ways to validate and reward that the employee will find valuable. – Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle), Coach Christine

8. Special Titles

I just finished working with a client. As we reviewed their company structure it seemed like everybody had a unique title. The president told me that most of the positions were really the same. The different titles were a way to make them feel good; a benefit. That reminded me of the “everyone gets a trophy” philosophy. It creates risk when it comes to discrimination and other HR regulations. Titles should mean something and they should be earned.  – Brad Federman, F&H Solutions Group

9. Meals, Wi-Fi And Dogs

Benefits that appear to encourage employees to work longer hours could backfire. For example, Google has offered free food, free buses with Wi-Fi that transport employees to and from work, and the ability to bring their dog to work.  Some employees felt that the Wi-Fi on the buses was designed to encourage them to work during their transit and that meals were meant to incentivize them to work later. – Lisa Barrington, Barrington Coaching

10. Foosball Tables

Many companies opt for modern workspaces equipped with snacks and foosball tables. The intention is to inspire the workforce to feel more engaged at work. The result is meager because what employees really want is to feel purpose and passion for what they do. If the organization does not tap into a greater purpose at the leadership level, a foosball table is just another unnecessary expenditure. – Indira Jerez, INNERtia Project

11. Paying Cell Phone Bills

On the surface, paying an expensive cell phone bill sounds like a great benefit. After all, that has the effect of increased compensation. However, it doesn’t come without strings attached, since it usually means you are always on call. You feel like you should be taking calls or answering emails 24/7. Most people are better off if they can truly leave work at work. – Donald Hatter, Donald Hatter Inc.

12. Avoid “One Size Fits All”

Many companies understand the benefit of growth/development plans for individuals. In theory, this is great; however, if companies are using “one size fits all” plans, they become like any other perfunctory process and are not truly successful. Have a framework or plan for growth/development, train leaders to be flexible, adaptable and ask for input from the individuals. –Michelle Braden, MSBCoach, LLC

13. Open Air Forums

A few career clients of mine commented that a company’s “open forum” turned into a kind of public surveillance vehicle to surface problem employees among the management staff. That didn’t sit well with people who later found out what they said in these forums was used against them during evaluation time. If you are an employer, make sure your open forums are indeed open. Employees? Beware. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.

 

Meet Coach Christine

Christine coaches with ROI top-of-mind. Many companies who leverage her coaching produce quick and long-lasting results transforming people, processes and culture, impacting their bottom line. Clients have seen upward of 200% ROI.

Her time with clients generates powerful results in:

  • Business and Personal Development
  • Communication and Relationships
  • Sales and Sales Leadership

Watching and learning at the feet of titans of Canada’s Wall Street and other business leaders, Coach Christine was influenced by their success and built a corporate career and coaching business founded on proven business practices.

She is an award-winning business woman and contributor to Forbes publications; is an accredited coach with the ICF; a practitioner of Conscious Business practices; is certified by the IMPACT: Coaching with ROI program; holds her First and Second Degree Reiki and has studied Aboriginal healing for over 20 years.  Christine loves the adventure of travel and has a knock-out collection of snazzy women’s shoes.

When you want more, are ready to bust obstacles and build your juicy, big life, contact me, Coach Christine Culbertson.

Together we’ll step into your untapped potential.

YES! I Want More!