Angie Morgan's Blog, page 26

Avoiding the “Us vs. Them” Trap

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The post Avoiding the “Us vs. Them” Trap appeared first on Lead Star.

I am Scared. I am Perplexed. I am Content.

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The post I am Scared. I am Perplexed. I am Content. appeared first on Lead Star.

I Hate This … And I’m Doing it Anyway

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I Hate This … And I’m Doing it Anyway.

“Angie, how was your practice today?”  my instructor asked as I left my hot yoga class recently.

“I hated it for the first 15 minutes.”  I said with a smile.  “But, I’m coming back on Saturday.  If I only hate it for 14 minutes, I’ll call that progress.”

He flashed a knowing smile back at me; he was a beginner at one point of his life, too.  He knows that discomfort is typically an unenjoyable experience, and that the reward comes through patience, persistence, and perseverance.

I’m choosing to practice yoga as part of my journey to cultivate behaviors that allow me to be my best in COVID times.  I know that in this pandemic I’ll continue to encounter challenges.  I also know that people – clients, friends, family, my children – are looking to me for the example.  I want to be in a place to honestly, and authentically, be positive and optimistic, which can be a struggle when it seems that lately we’re surrounded by so much negativity.

I also want to remember this next year of my life as one of profound growth … not profound frustration.  I know how much change can happen in a year – like last year, when I went through a divorce.  That massive life upheaval process took at least 12 months before I settled into my new context.  Having experienced that much growth in such a relatively short timeframe, I have a newfound appreciation for how much change can happen if you’re intentional about it.

In addition to yoga, which is helping me quiet my mind and feel more inspired, I’m developing these practices to help me strive for better emotions amidst COVID.

Journaling first thing in the morning (before I check my phone, power up my computer). In my journal, I’m listing three things I’m grateful for … even if it’s just a cup of hot coffee on my bedside table.
Deleting social media apps off my phone so when I’m waiting around, I don’t have to be distracted by political arguments on Facebook or manufactured outrage. When I tune down the noise, I tune of the peace and quiet.
Saying “yes” to things I typically say “no” to … like, “Mom, will you jump into the cold lake with me?” or “Do you want to watch me play Fortnite?”  My “yes’s” will hopefully lead to more interesting experiences that open my mind and enhance my life.
Significantly cutting back on wine from my life, which is a big one for me. At the risk of sounding like a drunk, I have to admit that I love wine so much.  A glass at the end of the day is my way of saying “You tried hard today, girl … good job!”  Knowing alcohol is a depressant, and knowing that we’re living in a pretty depressed COVID world, I don’t need things to weigh me down.  I need to look for things to pick me up.

If you can’t tell by the list, I’m going to be putting up a pretty good fight against some of the habits I’ve been building for a very long time, many of which I’ve grown quite accustomed to.  Some hold me back … and the new ones?  Well, I’m hoping they will bring me greater peace, strength, and joy in my life.

My best hope for you is that you find something, beyond the constrains of living that COVID brings, that might make you uncomfortable but hopefully lead to greater experiences and more optimism.  If you’re on this journey, too, I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at amorgan@leadstar.us – I’d love to learn about the changes you’re seeking to make and how you’re being intentional of enacting them.

The post I Hate This … And I’m Doing it Anyway. appeared first on Lead Star.

You Said What?

I updated my headshot a while back.  Or, at least I thought I did.  I showed it to my business partner, Courtney, who saw it and said, “Dude, what’s up with your shirt?  It looks like something you’d wear to a bake sale … not for delivering professional services.  Don’t go with it.  It’s a do-over.”

Ouch, right?

Well, not so fast.  Not only was she right, but the bake sale comparison sent me into hysterics.  She nailed the analogy and it still makes me laugh whenever I think of that comment.

One of the best things about our high-trust relationship is that we can be honest with our feedback … and, when the mood strikes us, we can throw a good, old-fashioned ribbing into the mix for shock effect and a laugh. (This doesn’t work for every relationship … but it works for ours!)

We know it’s taken years to build this level of trust to not take things personally.  What’s great about this level of candor is that it’s fast, direct, and leads to quick results.  I never have to wonder where I’m winning or where I can improve with Courtney; likewise, she expects and gets the same from me.

We’re hearing from a lot of you that feedback hasn’t been happening as frequently as needed in COVID times.  (And, in truth, it wasn’t happening as much as needed before.)  We also know many businesses are moving towards feedback cultures, ones that take time to build.

You might be wondering what it takes to build the level of relationship where feedback reduces defensiveness, is given right on time, and can be embraced … vs feared.  Well, let’s start with focusing on what you can control – you.

Here are three ways you can actively improve the frequency and quality of your feedback …all the while building your relationships.

Build Your Credibility.  People only care what you have to say if you are credible – meaning, they trust and respect you.  To build your credibility, focus on narrowing your say-do gap (the space between your actions and words).  Your consistency generates trust and conveys commitment, which means the weight of your word(s) are heavier when delivering feedback.  Besides, if you’re flaky, no one really cares what you have to say about anything.

Share and Tell.  You are the keeper of standards; share with people your expectations and tell them you’ll hold them accountable to them.  That way, when you give feedback on missed expectations, it was already made clear that was important so it’s no surprise when they get feedback.  Plus, if you’re going to hold someone to a standard, you better be modeling the example.  If not, you lack credibility and probably aren’t the best person to reinforce that expectation.

Lead with Love.  Yep, we said it – the “L” word.  Don’t worry, HR … we’re not talking romantic love.  We’re talking a genuine care and concern for the people around you.  When you invest in relationships, and work towards rapport, people know you’ve got their best interests at heart.  When you deliver feedback that’s designed to help someone, the quality and sincerity of the message improve.

Effective feedback takes time to develop; relationships take time to nurture.  There are no quick wins in this game; yet, there are actions you can take that move you in the right direction.  Don’t wait to get better at delivering feedback.  The sooner you can be intentional with your efforts, the better and faster you and those around you will improve.

The post You Said What? appeared first on Lead Star.

Let’s Get Back to Winning

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Let’s Get Back to Winning

Remember what winning feels like?  We do, too. 

 

What might be hard to believe is that we’re in pre-season.  We’re training for a race that doesn’t have a date assigned to it, a high-stakes competition that will test our minds, bodies, and souls.  (We’re registered … we just don’t know when it’s taking place.)

 

We know we haven’t been slacking in COVID.  Yet, in this place of disruption we’ve spent so much time responding to surprises.  It’s now time to take a step back, think broadly, and then recalibrate our actions so we’re aligned to the goals important to us and for our futures.   

 

This leadership moment is about resetting and recommitting to the disciplines of self-leadership.  We want you to win and we’re here to cheer you on.  Let’s go!

Get it WRITE

 

Whether it’s in a workshop or with a coaching client, the very first commitment we ask people to make is writing.  Our ideas are important, but not as important as a clearly articulated thought on paper that makes our visions more vivid and our goals more defined.   

 

Before you think about winning, define what success looks like for you.  During your week this week, write your answers to these four questions:

What’s your definition of success – personally or professionally.
What actions are you taking to achieve it?
What changes can you make to be more intentional with your goals?
What small changes – starting tomorrow – will you commit to?

Build Your Change Muscle

 

All change begins with a decision, followed by action.  Action is always the hard part because it’s uncomfortable.  Whether it’s starting a new diet, adjusting to a new work schedule, launching a new fitness routine, or even adapting to new technology, we know how hard it is to start something new and stick with it.

 

We’re huge advocates of incremental change – small, daily actions that can lead to sustainable habits.  So, don’t think you have to do a 180 to lead yourself to where you’re going.  Small shifts … over time … lead to great results. 

READ These Three Types of Books

 

While many of us are feeling jerked around in COVID times, as if much of our lives is beyond our control, here’s something you can 100% positively control each day – your reading.

 

Reading is a gateway to positive change.  New ideas can inspire your mind and ignite action.  Even the busiest of professionals can find the time to read.

 

When we think about reading, we have to expand our perspective on what we should, in fact, be reading.  Click here to learn more about the three types of books you should have on-hand at all times.

 

We’re excited to be companions with you on this victory march.  Keep leading from the front and staying engaged.

 

Our best,

 

Angie and Courtney

The post Let’s Get Back to Winning appeared first on Lead Star.

Champagne Wishes, Post-COVID Dreams

It’s taken me three months to chill out. 

 

Seriously.

 

Once I realized that in-person learning and consulting wasn’t going to happen in 2020, and it was going to be quite some time before I hopped on an airplane, I shifted gears into a new “busy” mode of activity designed to keep my mind and body active in this new grounded world. 

 

I established new business goals, created new life projects, and doubled down on my early to bed, early to rise work ethic that’s been my secret sauce all throughout life.  I treated each day as if gold stars were being passed out by a COVID-19 governing body for those who could be most productive during this pandemic.

 

A few weeks into this routine, when I found myself creating work for work’s sake, I took a good hard look in the mirror and asked myself “What the heck are you doing?”  (Okay, I didn’t really say heck.  I know you understand.)

 

I knew what I was doing.  I was working overtime in an effort to pretend I had control over my life’s circumstances.  Work’s my comfort space.  Not only do I think I’m good at it, but as a business owner and entrepreneur, I’ve often felt like it’s the only thing I can control.  In this COVID-19 space, I really needed this control. 

 

I talked with Courtney about this dilemma I was having.  We talked about what we really do control in this world (and it’s not much, just our own actions and our responses to circumstances) and, more importantly, what I was missing out on by focusing so much on my desperate attempt to achieve control. 

 

I realized quickly that there were other aspects of my life I wanted to pay attention to and this space afforded an opportunity to find a new rhythm.  After a 16+ year career of collecting air and hotel points, I needed to find a new groove.  One where I was able to continue to reinvent our company, building on the innovative coaching business Courtney and I are quite proud of, but also use the time when I’m not traveling to be less busy and, consequently, get better at being more present and in-the-moment.  (Something I’m really not good at.)

 

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot of time to turn inward during this unique space in time.  I’m learning so much about myself; in fact, here are the top three things I’ve discovered so far: 

I’m more creative when I’m less busy.  Courtney and I are doing some exciting work right now as we support our clients during crisis times and understand how we’ll contribute to a better normal going forward… I’m so grateful that this less-busy world allows my mind the time to explore ideas in ways I just wasn’t able to in the past.  These ideas aren’t just work-related, either.  I’m becoming quite a cook!  (That’s slightly exaggerated.  I think the reality is that I’m starting to cook more, and my “customers” are sending less meals back to the kitchen.)
I like my kids … a lot … and want to spend time with them.  Okay, so I love my kids – they’re great!  But now that we’re spending so much time together, I’m enjoying our random Tuesday evening conversations about current events.  I love learning about their ideas, opinions of TikTok, and how their minds work.  You may not have kids, but I bet you’re enjoying the depths of your most important relationships right now … and don’t want to miss out on this when we rebound back to “business as usual.”
There is no such thing as security – I need to worry less, live more.  I’ve learned that an employer, a client, our government, my bank account, can’t offer me security.  The only security that I really have is my talent and work ethic.  I need to use what I’ve been given to add greater value to this world; this will require greater risks.  I need to worry less about what I have to lose and focus more on what I can gain from new experiences and experiments.

I acknowledge that COVID has presented a lot of painful challenge and change for so many of us.  Yet, I also know that transformation can be an outcome of even the most difficult times.  Please, take the time to process what you’re discovering about you … and find ways to ensure that these ideas carry with you.  My hope is that we can all find ways to have meaning from this collective experience.

 

p.s.  What are your three discoveries?  I’d love to hear!  Feel free to email them to me.

We’re with you,

Angie

 

My boys and me … chilling out

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Say You’re Sorry Only When …

Say You’re Sorry Only When You’re at Fault.  That leadership principle resonated with many professionals when we started sharing this in the early days of Lead Star.  The idea behind this principle is that our apologies need to carry weight.  If we apologize endlessly, for scenarios we had no hand in creating, we communicate passively and chip away at our credibility and ability to influence. 

Say Your Sorry … is one of the 10 leadership principles Courtney Lynch and I wrote about in our 2006 best-seller, Leading from the Front: No Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women. 

As it’s Women’s History Month, we thought we’d share all of the leadership principles that we wrote about in our book, which serve as the true foundation of our work at Lead Star.

Meet and exceed the standards of others.  Lead from the front.
Make timely decisions – find the 80% solution.
Seek to take responsibility before you place blame.
True leaders dedicate themselves to service – take care of those you lead.
Think before you act – especially before you overreact.
When faced with a crisis aviate, navigate and communicate.
Courage + Initiative + Perseverance + Integrity = Success.
Don’t cry over something that won’t cry over you.
Say you’re sorry only when you’re at fault.
Always lead as you are.

These principles, which highlight the criticality of credibility, service, accountability, authenticity, decision-making and emotions, aren’t just relevant for women – they’re universal and allow you to develop your leadership style so that you position yourself for greater success. 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about them, or even creating a book group to discuss them, learn more by clicking here.

 

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Leading Your Career

Leading Your Career















“If you plan on being less than you’re capable of,

then you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.” – Abraham Maslow

Much of my coaching work focuses on ensuring professionals create a vision for themselves and honor that vision with action.  By action, I mean that they take the steps necessary to get them to where they see themselves in 3-5 years.

What I know for certain is that time passes.  (I know, I know … that’s obvious …  but wait for it.)

We can use our moments with intention and lead ourselves to the better we envision.  Or we can let life and the clock take over, which often means the dreams we have are never achieved.

It’s our nature to grow and progress.  But it’s nearly impossible to do so without a plan.

Possibly one of the most important things you can do is put a plan together for how you see your career evolving.  Why just career?  Well, in truth, you’re welcome to put a life plan together, too, though you’re likely at the stage in life where your career determines so much of your life.  (I hate saying that, but it’s true.  It should be the other way around, yet I know where many of us are: we’re in the thick of it and our career has so much influence over our days, weeks, etc.)

So, how do you create a career plan?  It’s important to begin seeing three essential qualities of a well-rounded career:

Job-Related Skills.  What are the job-specific skills you need to develop to remain valuable in your career?  Knowing these allows you to be relevant in your role.  If you work in IT, what technological skills do you need to develop?  If you work in manufacturing, what are new trends in automation?  If you work in HR, what are new innovations in training and development, or what types of benefits will be important in the future? 


Leadership Competencies.  What are the “soft skills” you need to develop to advance from your current role to one where there’s more responsibility?  Maybe you’re a great team member, but what skills do you need to develop to be a successful team lead?  Or, if you’re vying for an executive role, what skills will enable you to be a better enterprise leader, such as developing a strategic perspective or leading organizational change?


Experiences.  Look at your resume – what experiences are you lacking that will benefit you in the long run?  If you want to transition into sales, maybe you can take on a volunteer fundraising role in a community organization to develop that skill outside of work.  Or, if you want to be a vice president, maybe a role on a local board will help prepare you for that responsibility.  If you need to develop presentation skills, perhaps a local Toastmasters group could benefit you.

These three categories are interdependent.  As an example, if you have job-specific skills + relevant experiences, but haven’t developed your leadership skills, you might be missing out on trust building opportunities with your team.  Or, if you have been developing leadership competencies + experiences, but have neglected to stay current in your field, you might run the risk of becoming irrelevant.

A well-minded career takes time to nurture.  We’re here to help!  If you feel you could benefit from coaching and are interested in learning more about Lead Star’s coaching programs, let’s talk!  We offer individual programs, cohort-based coaching programs, as well as the Lead Star Network for women leaders.

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