Renee Giarrusso's Blog, page 4

How Are You Taking Leaders and Teams To The Next Level in 2025?

Well, here we are, almost at the end of 2024!

The year has flown by, and it has certainly been a big year here at RG Dynamics.

Working with many new clients, we have been in flow running our 12-month signature Limitless Leaders Programs globally, along with our Gift Mindset Culture and Communicating with Impact programs and our Cook & Connect Team Retreats.

We have also been rolling out our Emotional Intelligence Program to leaders and teams, which helps boost EQ skills in the new world of work. Our 1:1 Executive Coaching programs are among a few of the initiatives.

Being an eternal optimist running my business and contributing to others has been a strategy that has helped me on my healing journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer in April this year. I am clear of cancer now and still have many more treatments to go, but this has reinforced that when you have a strong mindset and do what lights you up, it can help you face adversity and any challenge.

My book Gift Mindset has also received another award this year and has been translated and published in India, Vietnam and the Middle East, which is exciting.

We are currently partnering with many of our clients to assist in mapping out development strategies for their leaders and teams in 2025.

For over 18 years, RG Dynamics has trained and coached thousands of leaders and executives in over 24 industries through our tailored transformational programs.

Our tailored programs target cohorts of leaders (emerging to senior) and teams within organisations that are seeking growth and an immersive, transformational experience where learnings stick and are brought to life back on the job.

Working across so many industries, we see common challenges and opportunities and can bring this depth of diverse experience to what we teach and share in your organisation.

We are known for our passion for learning, our thought-provoking content and the energy and commitment we bring to every program we deliver.

Our sole purpose in starting RG Dynamics in 2006 was to make workplaces exceptional places to work where people can thrive, be on purpose and contribute by doing the things that light them up. That mission hasn't changed and has only become stronger.

The world is experiencing a skills shortage and development needs to be an ongoing journey. Not a one-off “sugar hit” where everyone feels motivated and ready to take on the world, and then nothing happens on the other side.

Learning is an active process and teams and leaders need to focus on development now, more than ever.

We learn by doing. Only knowledge that is used sticks in your mind. – Dale Carnegie

To date, we have designed and delivered over 4,000 programs. It all starts by mapping out your needs and organisational objectives in line with your capability. We then provide ideas and program options validated by a pre-program diagnostic to solidify focus areas, content, and delivery mode.

Being a connector, I love being a room where possible, so we do everything to make that happen! On agreement, we design the program and usually run it as a series of workshops, group coaching and Mastermind sessions. These can be face-to-face or a mixture of face-to-face and virtual, which many of our clients prefer.

As you head into 2025, please see a few of our signature programs below.

For leaders:

These programs take cohorts of leaders on a journey with topics and themes tailored to their objectives

Limitless Leaders Acceleration ProgramEmotional Intelligence ProgramPresenting with Impact ProgramCoaching for Performance ProgramFor Teams

These programs include 1-2 workshops and group coaching follow-up to embed learnings.

Cook & Connect 1-Day Team Building RetreatLimitless TeamsMapping Motivation for Team SuccessCommunicating with ImpactOrganisation & Culture

These programs can be run to teams or town hall style and include the 12 soft Skills of a Gift Mindset and other topics relevant to organisational success.

The Gift Mindset Culture ProgramSkill Pills

1:1 Leadership & Executive Coaching

Coaching services.

Coaching and mentoring are a relationship built on trust and is a very unique one. All sessions are non-judgmental and confidential. We will collaborate with you on your success to assist you in achieving the objectives you set out before commencing the mentoring and coaching program.

Please remember that all our programs are tailored to individual needs, and we ensure our programs complement and align with existing internal frameworks.

How are you growing your leaders and teams for 2025?

If you’re curious about exploring these, please reach out for a chat directly with me.
Book a FREE discovery call here.

Here’s to 2025, a year of learning, growth and transformation!

Lead to be limitless.

Identify and Eliminate Your Energy Vampires

For many years, I’ve been aware of and used the term Energy Vampires. These energetic distractions rear their ugly heads often when helping leaders ramp up productivity or teams looking at ways to minimise distraction. Energy vampires can certainly hinder our success.

In a nutshell, energy vampires are people or situations (which can include tasks, skills, and places) that drain our energy, leaving us feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. They can appear in various aspects of our lives, subtly depleting our vitality and making it challenging to maintain a positive outlook and productivity. Understanding the different types of energy vampires in personal and professional settings is key to protecting our well-being.

When energy vampires appear, they can dim our vitality, making it difficult to maintain a positive, productive mindset.

Our energy is king, and knowing who and what drains us is key to taking ownership of our energy and our lives both in and out of the workplace.

Illuminate what you do want,
Eliminate what you don’t want

Let’s unwrap the most common types of energy vampires in both the workplace and personally:

Relational (People)Situational

Professional Energy Vampires – People

In the workplace, certain people can drain your energy just as much as personal relationships.

A few include:

Unappreciative Colleagues: When our efforts go unrecognised by our colleagues and/or leaders, it can be demotivating. Over time, this lack of recognition can diminish our energy and engagement, making work feel like a burden and a place we don’t look forward to being at.Micromanaging Leaders: Leaders who challenge our every move, offer constant criticism, or undermine our autonomy can stifle our confidence and increase stress. This type of management style can lead to a feeling of helplessness and burnout.Toxic Coworkers: Colleagues who are overly competitive, manipulative, or engage in backstabbing can create a hostile work environment. Their actions, such as gossiping, taking credit for others’ work, or undermining teammates, can significantly drain your mental and emotional energy.Situational

Certain work-related situations can also act as energy vampires.

A few include:

Unrealistic Workloads: Unrealistic deadlines and a heavy workload with can lead to chronic stress and fatigue. When we’re constantly under pressure to perform, our energy reserves are quickly depleted, leaving little room for personal time and creativity. This can lead to burn out and resentment.Workplace Politics: Navigating a workplace brimming with politics, toxic culture or unclear expectations can be mentally exhausting. Constantly trying to stay ahead in such an environment can deplete your energy and morale.Low Work-Life Balance: When work prevents our ability to rest and recharge, it drains our energy both physically and mentally. Jobs that require excessive travel out of hours, demand long hours or intrude on personal time can lead to burnout.

Personal Energy Vampires – Relational

In our personal life, energy vampires can take the form of certain individuals who negatively impact our emotional and mental state.

A few include:

Toxic Relationships: Relationships where there may be manipulation, control, or emotional abuse. Being involved with someone who undermines your self-worth or constantly brings you down leaving you feeling powerless and mentally fatigued.Negative Individuals: These are those people who constantly focus on the worst aspects of life, complain frequently and see the glass as half empty. Their negativity can be contagious, leaving you feeling drained and emotionally exhausted after interactions.Needy Friends or Family: These are individuals who consistently require your time, attention, or emotional support without offering the same in return. They often depend on you to solve their problems or provide comfort, which can lead to a one-sided relationship where your energy is continuously depleted. You give a lot but may not get the same back.Misaligned Values: Our values change as we change. Often our values are different or deeply conflict with the values of others who may have originally had the same values as us. The relationship will be different now as you value different things, and this can show up as conflict or simply not enjoying that person company as much. I call this the unspoken break-up.Situational

Situations in your personal life can also act as energy vampires. Remember, situations can include tasks, places and skills.

A few include:

Lack of Boundaries: Whenever we fail to set clear boundaries, this can result in situations where our time and energy are constantly demanded by others, leaving us feeling depleted and overwhelmed.Overcommitment: When we take on too many responsibilities (often because we don’t say No), can lead to burnout. When we spread ourselves too thin, we end up neglecting our own needs, leaving little energy for ourselves.Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can come from personal circumstances. Factors such as career challenges, financial difficulties, health issues, or family conflicts can deplete our energy. This constant pressure wears down our mental and emotional reserves, making it difficult to cope with everyday challenges.

Energy vampires can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. By identifying and addressing these drains in both your personal and professional life, you can protect your energy and maintain a healthier, more balanced life.

To shield yourself from these energy drains, look above at the key types of energy vampires both relational and situational, and identify what ones are showing up in your life in and out of work. Read the summary and flip the cation points and minimise exposure to that vampire as much as you can.

As always, I’d love to hear what has come up for you.

Lead to be limitless

The Energy Advantage – Maximise Your Personal Energy

Our energy is king.

Being our best energetic self is pivotal to our happiness, health and success.

Since childhood, I’ve always been highly energetic and attracted to people who emit a similar energy. Even through my current health journey fighting cancer, I have maintained my energy, which has baffled my doctors.

The definition of energy or what I call personal energy, is in the eye of the beholder. To me personal energy is within ourselves and refers to the internal capacity that fuels our physical, mental, and emotional activities. It's the vitality that enables us to perform tasks, think clearly, engage with others, and maintain our overall well-being.

Working with leaders and executive teams, I always notice that at this time of year, many feel burnt out, run down, and in need of a break that isn’t always attainable. Taking the time to reflect and refuel your energy is key, and it will be the topic of a series of articles, including this one.

Give the world the best of you,
Not what’s left of you.What is the payoff of having high energy?

High energy levels can enhance productivity, focus, and creativity, allowing us to face and approach challenges effectively. It also supports emotional resilience, helping us manage stress and maintain positive relationships and interactions. Proper management of personal energy through balanced nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health practices ensures that we can sustain our energy across the five Dimensions.

Mental benefits:Enhanced Productivity & Focus: High energy boosts concentration, allowing us to accomplish tasks more efficiently and with creativity and grit.Stress Management: With more energy, we can be better equipped to handle stress and create and maintain a calm and positive mindset.Improved Mood: High energy contributes to feelings of happiness, motivation, and emotional stability, reducing the risk of depression and feeling flatSharpened Cognitive Function: Increased energy enhances memory, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.Physical benefits:Greater Stamina and Tolerance: High energy levels support an active lifestyle, improving physical fitness and overall health.Stronger Immune System: With sufficient energy, our body can better fight off illnesses and recover quickly from injuries.Healthier Lifestyle: More energy encourages good habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and better sleep, promoting long-term well-being.Increased Vitality: High energy fosters a sense of vitality and enthusiasm for life, enabling us to engage in daily activities and pursue our goals fully.What is the cost of having low energy?

Without sufficient energy, we can become fatigued, less motivated, and more prone to burnout, hindering our ability to live fulfilling and successful lives. Our energy can easily be depleted through illness, overwhelm, under or over connection with others or simply through a mindset and belief system that does not serve us. Self-awareness of knowing when we aren’t our energetic selves is vital for us to create change and avoid the below consequences of low energy.

Mental consequences:Reduced Focus and Productivity: Low energy impairs concentration and efficiency, making it harder to complete tasks in the time frame we normally would.Increased Stress: With less energy, stress management becomes difficult, leading to heightened anxiety, irritability and overwhelm.Mood Changes: Persistent low energy can contribute to depression, apathy, and feelings of hopelessness.Cognitive Decline: Chronic low energy can affect memory and decision-making skills over time.Physical consequences:Fatigue: Constant tiredness limits physical activity and reduces overall stamina.Weakened Immune System: Low energy can make the body more susceptible to illnesses and infections.Poor Physical Health: Lack of energy often leads to us not doing much. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to weight gain, muscle loss, and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.Slower Recovery: Physical healing and recovery from illness or injury may be delayed due to inadequate energy reserves.We can harness our energy across these 5 Dimensions (5D energy):Emotional energy – How we feel.Mental energy – How we think.Social energy – How we connect.Physical energy – How we function.Spiritual energy – What we believe and nurture.Learning Jolt:

Rate each of the 5 dimensions listed above 1-5 (1=low and 5=perfect)

Reflect on the 5 Dimensions of energy, check-in with each and look at where you feel energised and where you feel depleted.

Ask:

What is one thing I can do to move the needle towards a 5/5?

When I was a 5/5 in this area what was different?

Knowing where our energy is at is key, and topping up has huge benefits for us personally and professionally.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this article and what came up for you.

Lead to be limitless,

It’s R U OK Day – Not feeling OK? Strategies To Help You Respond

September 12 is R U OK Day!

For me, I believe we should be checking in with others and ourselves every day.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 42.9% of Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, and anxiety was the most common group of 12-month mental disorders (17.2% of people aged 16-85 years).

Burnout, overwhelm, anxiety, and poor mental health can affect our well-being and life in every area. These are all things that can sometimes not be visibly seen, and therefore, we need to reach out to others and be open when others reach out to us.

Being a natural “giver’ in my work and home life, it’s sometimes hard to ask for help, let alone be open and sharing with where I’m at. There was a time when I had to learn the hard way. I was feeling extremely overwhelmed and hit with a health issue, and it was only when a close friend kept on my back on how I was really feeling that I broke down in uncontrollable tears and shared what was going on. For two days, I felt shocking, and then I pulled myself together and felt more grounded and calm than I had in a long time.

Sharing how we are feeling doesn't always cure what’s going on, but connection is a human need and having support and care from others counts for a lot.

What I find when checking in with many people, both in and out of the workplace, is that sometimes the response to the question “Are you OK?” can be a bit vanilla with responses like “I’m OK, I guess”, “Yeah, I’m hanging in there”, or the most common one, “I’m not bad, thanks”.

It’s too easy to accept those responses, and if you are on the receiving end, it’s just as easy to have an automated answer, but is that really working for you?

There is a lot of focus on asking, “Are you OK?” but not much focus on how we could or should respond to make the most of this kind of check in from others.

When someone asks if you are okay or how you are really doing, you have a few options for how to respond, depending on your comfort level and the relationship with the person asking. If you are suffering in any way and someone asks if you are okay, it can be challenging to know how to respond.

Here are a few ideas:

Say thank you: Always say thank you for asking: It doesn’t matter how you choose to respond; I believe it’s essential to acknowledge their concern. You can say something like, “Thanks for caring about me. It means a lot.”

Ask for support: If you feel open and comfortable seeking help from the person asking, you can let them know what you need. An example could be, “Thanks, I really appreciate your concern. Right now, I could use someone to talk to and a bit of support.”

Be open and honest: If you feel comfortable sharing, you can be open and tell them how you're feeling. You might say something like, “I appreciate you asking; thank you. I've been feeling a bit down lately, but I'm trying to work through it.”

Express gratitude: People reach out because they care and usually have good intentions. If you don't want to share your current mental state or whatever it is that is going on, you can still express gratitude for their concern. For example, you could say, “I appreciate your concern. It means a lot to me that you asked.”

Engage a professional: When you feel comfortable doing so, you can always mention that you're seeking support from a mental health professional. You could say, “I'm working with a therapist to help me through this difficult time.”

Deflect with empathy: Sometimes, you may not be open or ready to talk about your mental well-being. This is where you have every right to deflect the question. Make sure your delivery is polite and authentic. You might say something like, “I'm okay, thank you. How about you? How's everything going on your end?”

Find someone you trust and seek their support: If you feel like you need someone to talk to, consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or a professional you trust. You can tell the person who asked that you appreciate their concern and have someone you're comfortable talking to.

Make your boundaries clear: Boundaries are simply rules around what and what isn’t okay. If the person asking is not someone you want to discuss your well-being with, you need to set boundaries. You could say, “I prefer not to discuss my state right now, but I really do appreciate your checking in.”

I will say I am not an expert at this, but over the years, I’ve come to realise I always support others more than I do myself. This is not sustainable. We all need support in different ways and from different people. When people check in, it’s almost an insult to brush them off when all they are doing or offering is support.

We need to remember that it's essential to prioritise our well-being and comfort when responding to such questions. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or need support, don't hesitate to reach out to someone you trust or a professional. Our overall health is essential; seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking care of your mental health is a non-negotiable, and seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.

Reach out to me if you need a chat or any support.

Lead and live limitlessly.

63. Working Through Adversity – Renée’s Health Journey

In this deeply personal solo episode of the Limitless Leaders Podcast, I thought I'd share my story of what has happened this year and my massive journey of healing. This episode is not just about my story, but about finding strength in adversity and the importance of mindset in navigating life’s unexpected turns.

I've had a lot of people ask me ‘What happened?', ‘How am I still working?', ‘How am I staying so optimistic?' and so much more.

Join me as I answer those questions and as we explore the gifts and lessons I've learned and the importance of mindset in overcoming life's toughest challenges. I open up about the fears, struggles, and triumphs I've experienced, and how I've managed to stay grounded through gratitude and purpose.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

Key Take Aways:

From navigating the emotional and physical toll of chemotherapy to finding strength in gratitude, normalcy, and the support of loved ones, I hope this episode offers powerful insights for anyone going through adversity.

Having a strong support network can make a big difference – the vital role family, friends and medical professionals play in providing emotional and practical support.Find out what your purpose is, something that you love doing and really focus on that to maintain your optimism and fuel your resilience.Focusing on what you have, rather than what's missing, can help in coping with significant challenges and changes that you go through.You need to learn to receive support from others and accept help, even when it’s kind of a struggle.Maintaining a sense of normality through everyday activities can offer comfort and stabilityThere’s a crucial difference between optimism and positivity, with optimism involving hope for both the present and future.Embrace the gift of gratitude. Discover joy and look forward to the little things even if bigger plans fall through.Take a step back and be really mindful of what your thoughts are. Maintain a positive mindset during times of adversity, and stay optimistic about future plans and opportunities.

 

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Android: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

 

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company websiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn

To leading the future,

Harness Your Thoughts To Embrace Change And Transition

Change is the only constant in life, both in and out of the workplace. We all encounter shifting situations and new faces, whether these changes are imposed upon us or self-initiated.

While some resist change, others embrace it, a reaction largely determined by our intrinsic nature and past experiences. Certainty is a fundamental human need, making resistance to the unknown a natural response. Change often makes us uneasy, propelling us into uncertainty and away from the familiar. This uncertainty can stifle decision-making, bringing forth new choices that challenge our sense of stability. Many fail to realise that our perception and reaction to change are profoundly shaped by our thoughts.

Our mindset, beliefs, and attitudes shape our responses, either facilitating smooth transitions or creating obstacles. By understanding this connection, it allows us to develop strategies to manage change more effectively, fostering resilience and adaptability. By identifying and altering our thought patterns, we can transform our approach to change, making it a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Our thoughts create the way we feel and our outcomes and actions.

“Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.”
– Robin S. Sharma

The power is in identifying and controlling our inner dialogue and the way we think about whatever change we may be facing.

I have worked with senior leaders and teams for almost 19 years. Here are a few tried-and-tested strategies for harnessing our thoughts for good when moving through change.

Mindset Matters:Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Those with a growth mindset view change as an opportunity for learning and growth, while a fixed mindset can lead to fear and resistance. Embracing a growth mindset encourages us to see challenges as opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experiences. It transforms potential setbacks into stepping stones for success.Optimistic Thinking: Focusing on the positive aspects of change can reduce anxiety and increase motivation. Try reframing change as a positive force where we can shift our perspective from fear of the unknown to excitement about new possibilities.Belief Systems:Self-efficacy: This is all about believing in one's ability to handle change, which in turn enhances confidence and proactivity. When we trust in our capabilities and who we are, we are more likely to take decisive actions and move through change successfully.Locus of Control: Individuals with an internal locus of control feel they can influence outcomes, leading to more effective change management. This belief empowers us to take responsibility for our actions and their consequences, fostering a proactive approach to change.Emotional Regulation:Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness exercises or activities that bring peace can help manage the stress associated with change. Activities such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and balance.Emotional Intelligence is all about identifying and managing one's emotions and understanding others' emotions, which can facilitate smoother transitions. Emotional intelligence helps us navigate interpersonal relationships during times of change, fostering empathy and effective communication. Take the time to know your emotions and triggers and those of those around you.Cognitive Strategies:Reframing: Changing the way we interpret a situation can shift our emotional response and behaviour. We can alter our perception and react more constructively by viewing change through a different lens. Look at change from all angles.Problem-Solving Skills: Developing effective problem-solving skills can reduce the uncertainty and fear of change. By breaking down challenges into manageable steps, we can tackle them systematically and confidently.Behavioural Responses:Proactivity: Taking initiative and planning can make change seem more manageable and within our grasp. Proactive behaviour involves anticipating potential obstacles and preparing strategies to overcome them. Look at obstacles as opportunities.Flexibility: Being adaptable and open to new experiences can ease the process of change. Flexibility allows us to adjust our plans and expectations as circumstances evolve, ensuring we remain resilient and resourceful.Our Support Network:Social Support: Leaning in on friends, family, and colleagues can provide emotional and practical support during times of change. A strong support network can offer encouragement, advice, and assistance, helping us transition smoothly through change.Professional Help: Seeking guidance from coaches and mentors can be valuable. Professional support can provide expert insights and strategies for managing change, enhancing our ability to adapt and thrive.

Change is inevitable. Whether it's a role change, company change, personal change or a transitional forced upon us, remember that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping how we experience and respond. By Adopting a positive mindset, leveraging our belief systems, regulating our emotions, employing cognitive strategies, and engaging in proactive behaviours, we can transform change into an opportunity for growth and development. Additionally, drawing on support systems can further bolster our resilience and adaptability, enabling us to navigate change confidently and gracefully.

62. The Courage To Be You with Joe Pane

Joining us in this podcast episode is Joe Pane, the Director of JP Coaching and Training Pty Ltd. Joe is an expert in emotional fitness, specializing in group trainings and keynotes.

He is the author of the insightful book, “Courage To Be You – Your Guide To Mastering Uncertainty,” which introduces the Emotional Fitness Formula (EFF). This transformative approach is built on five core principles: Identity, Life Stages, Values, Emotional Flexibility, and Perspective.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

 

Key Take Aways:

Joe's work is dedicated to helping individuals redefine their relationship with uncertainty, empowering them to lead more resilient and fulfilling lives.

Consistency is the key component of trust.The importance of always showing up.No matter what challenge we go through, hold on and you'll work it out.What defines us, owns us – the power of identity.Embrace all things with a healthy level of enthusiasm.Emotions don't respond to facts. They only respond to our interpretation of the facts.The outer conditions of our lives are an echo of who we have been.Success has 3 ingredients – Rejection, Judgement and Failure

Contact Joe Pane:

Joe Pane Website

Joe Pane on LinkedIn

Joe Pane on Instagram

Enjoy This Podcast?

Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

Please post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends! The world needs more people with the drive and leadership qualities to make the world a better place. We need strong leadership skills and a learner’s attitude today more than ever.

For more updates and episodes, subscribe to the Limitless Leaders podcast page!

To listen to the podcast, select your favourite link below.

Apple: https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnApple

Spotify https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnSpotify

Google https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnGoogle

Android https://www.reneegiarrusso.com/PodcastOnAndroid

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms:

Company website   Instagram   Facebook   LinkedIn   

To leading the future,

Leading with Clarity: How Setting Expectations Transforms Teams

We all know we need to review and renew expectations of ourselves and our team regularly.

Investing in the time to do this is often missed.

We can get caught up in the ‘doing’ of leading and working and fail to make what I call ‘being’ where we reflect and reset the why and how we do what we do.

We need to focus on the fundamental practice of setting clear expectations for ourselves and our team, no matter the team size.

Establishing and communicating expectations is vital for fostering a productive, transparent, and motivated work environment.

In this week’s blog, I’ll explore and expand on why this practice is vital and how you can effectively implement it within your business or the organisation you work within.

Why Setting Expectations Matters:

Clarity and Direction: Clear expectations provide a roadmap for our team, guiding them on what needs to be achieved and how. This direction helps align individual goals with the broader objectives and vision of your business or organisation.

Accountability and Responsibility: When expectations are clear and known, team members understand their responsibilities and the standards they are held to. This awareness promotes accountability and ensures that everyone is contributing their fair share.

Motivation and Engagement: Knowing what is expected helps individuals (including leaders) feel more secure in their roles. It reduces uncertainty and stress, allowing them to focus on their tasks confidently and enthusiastically.

Performance Measurement: Clear expectations serve as benchmarks for evaluating performance. They enable leaders to provide constructive feedback based on defined criteria, essential for professional growth and improvement.

Remember, people do what is ‘inspected, not expected’.

Improved Communication: Open discussions about expectations foster a culture of transparency and trust. It encourages open communication, where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and ideas. Communication is the key to deep and meaningful relationships and interactions.

For many years I have included the below framework in leadership and team programs.

To effectively set and align expectations within your team, consider conducting workshops that encourage open dialogue and mutual understanding. Simply work through the questions as a team and flipchart the responses. You can also use this framework 1:1, but from experience, when done collaboratively, this can build clarity, connection, and shared accountability.

Here are some practical questions to guide these sessions:

What is your expectation of your team?

Define the overall goals and standards you expect the team to achieve.Discuss the team’s collective responsibilities and how they contribute to the company’s objectives.Clarify the behavioural and performance standards expected from the team.

What is their expectation of you?

Encourage team members to articulate what they need from you as a leader to succeed.Discuss how you can support them in terms of resources, guidance, and feedback.Explore ways to enhance your leadership approach to meet their needs better.

As a leader, you need to meet these expectations.

Clearly define your role and responsibilities from the outset.Ensure that you comprehensively understand what is expected in your position, including specific tasks, deadlines, and performance standards.Regularly update your team on your progress, challenges, and any support you might need.

What is your expectation of each individual?

Identify specific goals and responsibilities for each team member based on their role.Set clear, achievable targets and deadlines tailored to individual capacities and expertise.Discuss the expected contribution of each member to the team’s success.Know each person’s strengths and motivations and tap into these.

What is their expectation of their role?

Ask team members to express what they believe their role entails and how they can add value.Discuss their career aspirations and how their current role aligns with these goals.Explore any gaps between their perception of the role and your expectations and address them collaboratively.

Gaining insights is great, but the magic is in bringing these insights to life.
Don’t make workshops a “sugar hit”; instead, make them an experience.

Conduct regular check-ins (1:1 Coaching) to revisit and refine expectations as needed. This ensures that everyone remains aligned and that any evolving needs or challenges are addressed promptly.

Keep a written record of the agreed-upon expectations. This serves as a reference point for both parties and helps track progress and accountability.

Establish a robust feedback mechanism where positive achievements and improvement areas are discussed. This will foster continuous development and reinforce the importance of meeting expectations.

Invest in training programs that help employees meet or exceed expectations. This could include skill development workshops, leadership training, or technical courses relevant to their roles.

Setting expectations for all involved is key to collaboration, connection and performance.

You can create a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team by fostering open communication and mutual understanding.

I’d love to hear how you progress using the framework!

Lead to be limitless!

61. Activate Your Strengths – Unstuck Your Career with Charlotte Blair

I'm thrilled to share with you this episode with Charlotte Blair, one of the longest established and most experienced Gallup Accredited strengths coaches in Australia.

Charlotte is a founding partner of The Strengths Partners and works with Individuals, Managers and teams across the world to help them discover and use their strengths to meet their business and personal goals. She is also the author of a great book entitled, “Career Unstuck: How to Play to Your Strengths To Find Freedom and Purpose in Your Work Again”.

Helping people get unstuck and love work again is Charlotte's focus. And she knows this through discovering one strengths, shifting mindsets, and leveraging some useful tools and frameworks, and finding a cheer squad to support you.

You can watch the podcast here, click the image below, or listen on your favourite platforms.

 

Key Take Aways:

We discussed the importance of identifying your strengths and taking action to shift the dial and get your career unstuck.

Don't be afraid to give something a go.If you don't ask you don't get.Discover and focus on your strengths and use these to mitigate your weaknesses.We are 3 times more likely to live a happier life if we use our strengths.You need to be able to identify your strengths and understand the role that they play.Believe in yourself, and celebrate what makes you, you.Don’t let other people discourage you in your path towards success.Don’t measure your success in comparison to others.

Contact Charlotte Blair:

The Strengths Partners Website

Charlotte Blair Website

Charlotte Blair on LinkedIn

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Leadership in changing times can be difficult, but you can adopt certain traits to get your team through it. You can also join mentorship programs to gain the skills you need.

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To leading the future,

Navigating Limitless Leadership: Embracing Spirituality in the Corporate World

In the ever-changing world of corporate leadership, the concept of spirituality may seem out of place. Along with the pandemic, AI and recently being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is something I never thought I’d be experiencing, let alone sharing my thoughts through writing and research.

Traditionally, discussions of spirituality have been narrowly focused on personal or religious realms, separate from our professional lives.

But never say never; as the landscape of leadership continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the importance of spirituality in guiding and shaping effective leadership practices.

For over 18 years, my team and I have worked with hundreds of leaders and teams, creating “Limitless Leadership,” that is, leadership of self and teams where we learn, unlearn, relearn, and evolve. Limitless Leaders continually learn and tap into the 5 Dimensions of Energy being: spiritual, mental, physical, social, and emotional energy.

Spirituality can mean different things to everyone, but for me, it’s about having a higher purpose, connecting to oneself and others, and coming from a place of empathy and compassion.

But what exactly does it mean to be a spiritual leader in the corporate world? And how can incorporating spiritual principles enhance your leadership effectiveness? These are questions worth exploring as we delve into the role of spirituality in corporate leadership.

At its core, spirituality transcends religious affiliations and encompasses a broader sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than oneself. It encompasses values such as compassion, empathy, integrity, and mindfulness, which are integral to effective leadership in any setting.

Spiritual leadership emphasises the importance of leading with authenticity, compassion, and a sense of higher purpose, rather than simply focusing on bottom line profit or organisational goals and strategy.

So, are you a spiritual leader?

Here are some questions I’ve shaped to help you reflect:

What is your leadership purpose?

Take a moment to reflect on your deeper purpose as a leader. Beyond achieving business plans and objectives, what drives you to lead? Connecting with a sense of purpose can provide clarity and inspiration, guiding your actions with a greater sense of meaning and fulfilment.

How do you cultivate authenticity in your leadership?

I believe authenticity is a cornerstone of spiritual leadership. Are you able to show up as your true self in your leadership role? Do you lead with transparency, honesty, and vulnerability? When you lead with your authentic self, I believe this can foster trust and rapport with your team, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Are you practising compassion and empathy?

Empathy and compassion are essential qualities of spiritual leadership.
Do you take the time to understand your team's perspectives and emotions? How do you demonstrate care and concern for their well-being? By practising empathy and compassion, you can create a culture of support and belonging within your organisation.

How do you integrate mindfulness into your leadership practices?

Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment or distraction. Do you incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, reflection, or conscious breathing, into your leadership? Mindfulness can help you stay grounded, focused, and resilient amidst the challenges of leadership.

Are you fostering a sense of community and connection?

Spiritual leadership focuses on the importance of fostering a sense of community and connection within your workplace. Do you try to build relationships and create opportunities for collaboration and teamwork? By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, you inspire greater engagement and commitment from your team.

“Always put people, before process, before progress”.

You may wonder, “What are the benefits of bringing spirituality into my leadership?”

I have a few insights into what I have seen first-hand using the above strategies with my team and clients and working with numerous companies to bring this in.

Enhanced Decision-Making: Spiritual leaders often make decisions guided by principles of integrity, ethics, and values, rather than solely focusing on short-term gains. By aligning decisions with deeper values and purpose, they create a more sustainable and ethical approach to leadership. Bringing in logic, heart (compassion) and intuition I’ve seen many leaders making more balanced and impactful decisions.

Resilience and Well-Being: Incorporating spiritual practices such as mindfulness and self-care can enhance leaders' resilience and well-being. By looking after your own well-being, you may be better equipped to navigate challenges and inspire your teams to do the same.

Inspiring Others: Spiritual leaders lead by example, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves and cultivate their own purpose and meaning. Embodying values such as authenticity, empathy, and compassion create a ripple effect that fosters positive change and transformation within their workplaces.

I have always been a spiritual person, so it excites me that there is finally an interest in and need for the role of spirituality in corporate leadership. Remember, it is not about imposing religious beliefs or dogma but rather about embracing authenticity, compassion, mindfulness, and purpose.

When we bring these qualities into our leadership practices, we can create more meaningful and fulfilling work environments, inspire greater team engagement and commitment, and ultimately drive sustainable success for our business or workplace.

So, are you a spiritual leader? This is a question worth considering as you continue your Limitless Leadership journey.

Lead to be limitless!