Carson V. Heady's Blog, page 16

Master the Art of Career Storytelling: Create a Walking Deck That Opens Doors and Lands Opportunities

Do you have a career walking deck? I get the privilege of mentoring and sponsoring many great professionals and a great walking deck can make a huge difference in articulating your unique value proposition.

It was fascinating when I recently met a colleague for the first time, and she told me she felt she knew me from my walking deck, which was being sent around as the “gold standard” of Microsoft walking decks. Mine is a conglomeration of all of the great ideas I’ve ever seen!

My deck is 9 slides. Slide 1 – picture and title. Slide 2 – Personal slide (I added this after seeing many decks, and it gives you the chance to post family pictures, pets, hobbies and other things about you personally that could resonate with others and make you human).

Slide 3 – The Big Picture. I post my StrengthsFinder and my one sentence career goal along with a brief relevant bio.

Slide 4 – Performance. The “Why Me?” Slide. Often, I see people show companies or titles they have been in but they do not list tangible results, unique experiences and impact that helps de-risk a hiring manager’s decision. You want a hiring manager to read this and envision you in the role. Write it to the relevant experiences you’ve had that will translate well to whatever you want to do next.

Slide 5 – Tentpole wins or projects. Mine celebrates the stories of my biggest wins that are now case studies.

Slide 6-7 – Perspectives from former managers, colleagues and team members.

Slide 8 – What do I bring? All of the relevant skills and experiences I have that I believe fit the role I’m going for.

Slide 9 – 30/60/90 for the specific role I’m going after, if applicable.

The walking deck, when strategically used, becomes an appetizer before conversations, especially in interviews or informational meetings. The goal is not to spend the entire time discussing it but to send it in advance to give the other person a chance to digest and ask questions about what resonated.

I’ve found that the walking deck can be a valuable tool for gathering recommendations, learning new skills, and connecting with potential team members.

The key is to become the obvious choice for the opportunity you seek. Sometimes, even when you’re the obvious choice, you don’t get it – but you get back up and go after the next one.

The key to career navigation is to get on the right radars, learn the right things, and persist in creating valuable relationships with people who need your unique skills and experiences.

Here is an external-facing version of my deck, where I have removed all company names and private info:

https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQH8hjerRKARzw

Good luck!

#CareerDeckSuccess #StrategicCareerMoves #WalkingDeckWisdom #UniqueValueProposition #CareerJourneyInsights #MentorshipMatters
#CareerDevelopmentTips #NavigatingOpportunities #ProfessionalSuccessStories

Stop Settling: How Competing Against Yourself Transforms Your Career

“Oh well, you know, I’m doing just as well as everybody else; nobody’s hitting goal, so it’s not that big of a deal.”

Every time I hear this, my blood boils. This is the wrong mentality. Success doesn’t come from comparing yourself to others or skating by at the same level as your peers. It comes from pushing yourself, competing against your own potential, and relentlessly striving to be the best version of yourself.

In this article, I’ll share why mediocrity is the enemy of greatness, how to break free from the pack mentality, and how you can unlock your true potential. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in personal stories from my career to show you how adopting a mindset of self-competition has been my game-changer.

The Danger of Settling for “Good Enough”

Settling for mediocrity doesn’t just hurt you—it hurts your team, your organization, and your customers. When you say, “I’m doing as well as everyone else,” you’re giving yourself permission to coast. This mindset is a slippery slope to stagnation.

Instead, ask yourself:

Am I pushing myself to be better today than I was yesterday?Am I finding ways to add more value to my customers?Am I truly leaving it all on the field?My Personal Turning Point: Missing Goal

I’ve missed goal one year of my life. While I could point to two factors beyond my control as contributing causes, the truth is, that’s irrelevant. What mattered was how I responded.

That year, I studied diligently what worked and what didn’t. I analyzed every misstep, reflected on my strategies, and made a commitment to come back better. The following year, I obliterated my goals. Missing the mark was painful, but it fueled a transformation that made me stronger and sharper.

Obsess Over Relationships and Resources

I believe this to my core: if you obsess over relationships and resources, you’ll never have to worry about results. Relationships—with customers, colleagues, and mentors—are the lifeblood of long-term success. Resources—tools, knowledge, and skills—are what empower you to deliver.

In one of my largest deals, I leaned heavily on both. By nurturing executive relationships on LinkedIn, creating a cadence with stakeholders, and leveraging internal resources, I closed a nine-figure deal that transformed my career. This wasn’t luck; it was the result of relentless effort and an unshakable focus on relationships and resources.

Your Goal: Elevate Yourself and Others

Your goal isn’t to be like everybody else. It’s to:

Use your unique skills and superpowers to deliver wins for your customers.Inspire and elevate your team by setting a standard of excellence.Continuously grow, learn, and evolve.

The truth is, there are thousands of people lining up who may want your job more than you do. What sets you apart is the drive to be better every day and to leave a lasting impact.

Practical Steps to Compete Against YourselfSet Personal Benchmarks: Define clear, measurable goals for yourself that go beyond your company’s targets.Reflect and Learn: After every success and failure, take time to analyze what worked and what didn’t.Leverage Feedback: Seek input from mentors, peers, and even customers to identify areas for improvement.Invest in Growth: Read, attend workshops, and stay ahead of trends in your industry.Focus on Value: Ask yourself daily: How am I adding value to my team and my customers?The “All In” Mindset

To succeed, you’ve got to have that special something driving you—a relentless passion, an insatiable curiosity, and a commitment to leave no stone unturned. Whether it’s your first deal or your biggest, approach every challenge with the mindset that failure is simply not an option.

Key Takeaways

Compete against your potential, not your peers.Focus on relationships and resources—the results will follow.Learn from every experience, good or bad, and use it to fuel your growth.Bring your unique strengths to the table to deliver value.Never settle for mediocrity; always push for greatness.

The question isn’t whether you’re doing as well as everyone else. The question is: Are you truly giving it your all? The path to success isn’t about being better than others—it’s about being the best version of yourself. When you commit to relentless growth, focus on relationships, and strive to leave it all on the field, success becomes inevitable.

So, are you ready to compete against yourself and unlock your full potential?

#SalesMindset #ContinuousImprovement #BeYourBestSelf #SalesLeadership #CareerGrowth #CustomerSuccess #Motivation #DriveForGreatness #RelentlessPursuit

9 Years Strong: Overcoming Pain, Doubt, and Excuses to Break My Personal Fitness Record

I DID IT. For the 9th straight year, I set a personal gym/workout record. This was the hardest one yet as I pushed through pain, exhaustion, and every excuse in the book. When life throws obstacles, you move.

From frequent pain in my knees, foot, ankles, wrists, elbow, back and shoulder to more frequent uncharacteristic days without the drive to get up before everyone else and push myself to do it, it was never in the bag.

After a spring trip walking all over the streets of New York City in dress shoes, my left foot was never the same – the plantar fasciitis hasn’t subsided.

I’m stiff and sore. I’m a workaholic with a wife and 3 kids, but I make the time—both for me, and so my wife still finds me attractive! I’ve never felt “good enough” in life, which has been the blessing and catalyst that propels me to push through anything to succeed. It was a family member’s comment about my weight 20 years ago this week that changed my life for the better.

You need those personal goals that nobody cares about or knows about, like writing books, working out, gratitude journaling, etc. because sometimes they help you get out of bed in the morning. Motivation comes from within.

There are days when your workout is interrupted by a sick kid or one who wants to play. There are days when you don’t feel 100%, much less 50%. I know I push myself too hard and play through pain when I shouldn’t.

But there are also days where you seize the opportunities – hitting the treadmill on conference calls, listening to the Bible or Audible while lifting weights or watching a show on the exercise bike.

I’m very grateful to Microsoft for giving us funds each year for health and wellness. Because of this, I created my own home gym in the pandemic.

Microsoft’s motto is “Just move.” How you move is personal to you, and whether it was answering the bell after my 5 AM alarm, walking or lifting during conference calls or even getting a stepping machine for my office, I do what I can every day. That’s all I can control.

I’m very aware the day will come when I can’t do this anymore, whether I set the bar too high or my body won’t allow it, but that day is not today.

What are your goals you keep close to the vest?

“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” Back to the Future.

#FitnessJourney #PersonalAchievement #MindOverMatter #WorkoutMotivation #GymGoals #GratitudeChallenge #SelfDiscipline #WellnessWednesday #JustMove

🎯 “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino: A Timeless Masterpiece

I had heard of “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino before but, for some reason, never picked it up—until now. Wow. What an incredible, original story! It was not at all what I expected.

I can’t help but wonder how differently I might have viewed it had I read it as a much younger man. That said, perhaps I wouldn’t have appreciated its depth and wisdom as much back then.

The book blends profound life lessons with deep elements of faith, offering a perspective on success that transcends sales and touches on how we live and interact with the world.

Its brevity makes it a quick read, but don’t let that fool you—it’s powerful. The audiobook is equally impactful and beautifully narrated, bringing the wisdom of the scrolls to life.

Top Takeaways & Quotes from the Scrolls:

“I will greet this day with love in my heart.” – Love is the ultimate key to success in every endeavor.

“Today, I begin a new life.” – Each day offers a fresh start and the opportunity to improve.

“I will persist until I succeed.” – Resilience is the foundation of achievement.

“I am nature’s greatest miracle.” – Embrace your uniqueness and purpose.

“I will act now.” – Success lies in action, not just intention.

These timeless principles remind us of what it means to lead with heart, faith, and perseverance—not just in sales but in life itself.

If you’ve been putting off reading this, don’t wait another day. Whether you’re new to sales or a seasoned veteran, this book has something to offer. It’s more than a guide to selling—it’s a guide to living.

What’s your favorite lesson or quote from this book? Or, if you haven’t read it yet, what’s stopping you?

#Leadership #SalesWisdom #FaithInAction #TheGreatestSalesman #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Motivation #BookReview #OgMandino

Chasing Perfection: Why the Pursuit of Excellence is the Key to Success

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi

Do you fret so much about making mistakes that it hampers your job performance? If you’re a leader, do you allow your team to make non-fatal mistakes as part of their growth? These questions aren’t just philosophical; they cut to the heart of what drives individual and organizational success.

The Perfectionist Paradox

At the top of organizations, leadership hierarchies, and sales teams, you’ll often find the perfectionists. These Type A personalities strive for immaculate work and unparalleled productivity. They’re always “on,” always strategizing for the next conquest.

But here’s the paradox: perfection doesn’t exist. Knowing this can create a variety of responses.

For the ambitious achiever, accolades and rewards never seem enough. They chase an elusive sense of fulfillment, constantly raising the bar but never reaching the plateau of happiness they envision.For the cautious contributor, standing out feels like a liability. They aim to blend in, avoiding the soaring expectations that come with high achievement.

This tension between ambition and caution creates a spectrum of mindsets, each with its own approach to risk and reward.

The Risk-Reward Spectrum

On one end of the spectrum, some embrace risk, diving headfirst into challenges with little regard for failure. On the other, fear of mistakes can paralyze decision-making, preventing individuals from realizing their potential.

The key to navigating this spectrum? Balance.

True perfection is unattainable, but stretch goals and a focus on process over results can drive remarkable outcomes. By aiming high and coaching others to do the same, you can foster an environment where even “falling short” often surpasses expectations.

The Pitfalls of Mistake Avoidance

Fear of mistakes can derail both individuals and teams. Here’s how:

Second-Guessing Processes: Overthinking can lead to abandoning proven strategies, causing results to suffer.Short-Term Fixes: Taking shortcuts might solve immediate problems but can derail long-term success.Supervisory Overreach: Overbearing leadership can stifle creativity and autonomy, undermining team confidence.

As a leader, your role is not to enforce perfection but to cultivate an environment where excellence thrives.

Leadership’s Role in Chasing Excellence

Instead of focusing solely on results, consider these strategies to empower your team:

Prioritize Process Over Numbers: Are team members following best practices? Are they diversifying their pipelines and managing their responsibilities effectively?Allow for Individuality: Trust that your team members earned their roles for a reason. Let them leverage their unique talents while providing constructive feedback.Encourage Risk-Taking: Create a culture where non-fatal mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not career-ending events.

By giving your team the freedom to innovate and execute their strategies, you harness their potential while maintaining alignment with organizational goals.

Excellence: The Art of the Possible

Excellence isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a probability, a result of aligning a strong process with an indomitable will to succeed. When teams are empowered to chase perfection through effective strategies and processes, they often achieve excellence as a natural byproduct.

Remember, excellence is defined in many ways and achieved in even more. But the road to excellence requires resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace imperfection.

Take Action TodayAre you focusing too much on results at the expense of process?Are you allowing your team—and yourself—the freedom to learn and grow through mistakes?What stretch goals can you set today to elevate your pursuit of excellence?In the relentless pursuit of perfection, we discover that true excellence lies not in flawlessness but in the courage to strive, adapt, and grow through challenges.By embracing imperfection as an opportunity for learning and empowering ourselves and others to focus on the process rather than the fear of mistakes, we unlock the potential for extraordinary outcomes.Whether as leaders guiding a team or individuals chasing ambitious goals, the key is balance—where the pursuit of perfection serves as the spark that ignites our journey toward achieving excellence in every facet of our lives.

#LeadershipMatters #ExcellenceNotPerfection #GrowthMindset #Empowerment #ProcessOverResults #ChasingGoals #TeamSuccess #FearlessLeadership #ContinuousImprovement

Why Is It That in Sales, Nothing Is Ever Good Enough?

The Unyielding Pursuit of “What’s Next”

In sales, there’s a pervasive sentiment that success is fleeting and often overshadowed by the next big ask. One might wonder, “Why is it that no matter how much I achieve, it’s never enough?” This is a question that resonates deeply across the sales profession, from rookie representatives to seasoned leaders.

Imagine this: you’ve consistently exceeded your goals, smashed records, and done everything asked of you. Yet, instead of basking in your achievements, you find yourself staring at loftier targets and hearing echoes of, “What’s next?” Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.

The Superstar Syndrome: Celebrated Today, Forgotten Tomorrow

Salespeople often live under the shadow of their last success. Like superstar athletes, we’re cheered in the moment, celebrated as heroes, only to face the relentless question, “What will you do next?” This mentality isn’t just about external expectations; it’s embedded in the DNA of sales organizations and metrics-driven cultures.

Success in sales often feels like a double-edged sword. On one side, there’s the thrill of accomplishment and recognition. On the other, there’s the weight of ever-increasing expectations. As one sales professional put it:

“I’ve exceeded goals, grown year over year, and done literally everything asked of me. While it led to good early bonuses, now my goals are so high I cannot reach them. It feels like in sales, it’s never enough.”

Let’s unpack why this happens and how to thrive in this high-pressure environment.

The Downside of OverachievementThe Mold Isn’t Made for You

Rules, processes, and structures in sales are typically designed to manage the majority, not the exceptional few who consistently outperform. When you’re an overachiever, you become an outlier. The systems designed to measure and reward performance often struggle to accommodate your trajectory. As a result, expectations for you rise disproportionately.

Take the classic example of productivity increases:

A salesperson who sold 500 units last year is expected to sell 750 this year.A peer who sold 100 units is expected to sell 150.

The gap in expectations grows, and the burden on top performers becomes unsustainable. Few leaders stop to question the logic—or the long-term impact—of this approach.

The Repercussions of Excellence

Excellence often brings unintended consequences:

Higher Targets: Your achievements set a new benchmark, not just for you but for your entire team.Strained Systems: Processes that work for the average performer may falter under the demands of a high-achiever.Loneliness at the Top: When you’re outperforming peers, it can feel isolating.

In short, the more you achieve, the harder it becomes to maintain the pace—and the more disconnected you may feel from the system that’s supposed to support you.

Why It Feels Like “Never Enough”Management’s Role in the “More, More, More” Mentality

Some managers, under pressure to deliver results, perpetuate a culture of “more is better.” They repeat the same demands placed on them, without considering the individual contributions or circumstances of their team members.

This creates a cycle:

High-performing reps are pushed harder because they’ve proven they can deliver.Goals are raised to unrealistic levels, with little acknowledgment of the diminishing returns of continuous overachievement.Burnout sets in, leading top performers to question their long-term future in the role.Peer Dynamics and the Status Quo

Not everyone aspires to be a top performer. For many, achieving consistent, manageable growth feels more sustainable. As a result, high-achievers often find themselves out of sync with their peers. The status quo doesn’t share your pain—or your drive—because their aspirations and challenges are different.

Thriving in a “Never Enough” Culture1. Persevere and Adapt

To thrive, you must find ways to adapt:

Build alliances: Connect with influencers in your organization who can provide advice, advocacy, and insight.Manage expectations: Recognize that your early successes might take time to translate into long-term rewards. Be patient as compensation structures catch up to your contributions.Stay resilient: Focus on what you can control. Take each day as it comes and celebrate small victories along the way.2. Align with Supportive Leaders

Seek out managers who:

Understand your frustrations.Provide constructive feedback and guidance.Advocate for fair compensation and realistic goal-setting.

A supportive leader can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of a high-pressure sales environment.

3. Focus on the Big Picture

Remember, success in sales isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about:

Building long-term relationships with customers.Adding value at every stage of the sales process.Supporting your team and peers.

By focusing on these broader goals, you can derive satisfaction and fulfillment beyond the numbers.

4. Celebrate Yourself

Even if your effort and contributions don’t feel like they’re enough for others, ensure they’re enough for you. Take pride in:

The value you deliver to customers.The effort you put into every deal.The growth and learning you achieve along the way.

Sometimes, celebrating a job well done—even if you’re the only one celebrating—is the most rewarding thing you can do.

Final Thoughts: Redefine What “Enough” Means

In sales, it’s easy to feel like nothing is ever enough. But the truth is, you define what enough means.

Focus on what you can control: your effort, your attitude, and your impact.Advocate for yourself: seek fair goals, compensation, and recognition.Find fulfillment in the process, not just the outcomes.

Above all, remember that every sales role will have its challenges. Your ability to adapt, persevere, and maintain a strong sense of self-worth will determine your long-term success.

Even when it feels like the world isn’t enough, make sure you are enough for yourself. That’s the only metric that truly matters.

#Sales #SalesTips #SalesLeadership #SalesMotivation #SalesStrategy #SalesTraining #SalesProcess #SalesSuccess #SalesPerformance

Mastering Sales with Authentic Relationships, Empathy, and AI Integration

What if the key to your success isn’t about selling more—but about building deeper relationships?

Every sale, every deal, every opportunity starts with a conversation. But it’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you make people feel. Are you positioning yourself as a trusted partner, or just another seller trying to hit a number?

In my latest conversation with Chris Schraf on Salesman on Fire, we explored how authenticity, empathy, and transparency are the real game-changers in sales. Whether you’re in a formal sales role or simply trying to influence and inspire in your career, these lessons apply to everyone.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion: Sales is Everywhere

Whether you’re convincing your kid to eat veggies or influencing a C-suite executive, sales is part of everything we do. It’s about communicating effectively and creating value, no matter the scenario.

Authenticity Wins

Be you. Bring your unique perspective and skills to the table instead of trying to replicate someone else’s approach. Authenticity fosters trust and sets you apart.

Empathy Builds Trust

Sit in the pain with your customers. Understand their challenges, acknowledge their frustrations, and work collaboratively to solve them. Empathy isn’t just a strategy—it’s the foundation of meaningful relationships.

Tone Matters

Your energy and confidence are contagious. Speak with purpose, positivity, and authenticity. Tonality can either inspire trust or diminish it—make sure your tone reflects your intent.

Relationships are Everything

Having a direct, trusted relationship with decision-makers, such as CIOs or CFOs, can make all the difference. Build trust at every touchpoint and aim for meaningful connections.

Leverage Internal Advocacy

Sometimes the most important sale is the one you make inside your organization. Rally your team to support your goals and unlock resources to better serve your customers.

Use AI to Scale, Not Replace

Tools like Sales Navigator and ChatGPT can optimize your outreach, but they can’t replace the personal touch. Use technology to amplify your efforts, not substitute genuine interactions.

Know Your Customer’s Ideal Relationship

Ask your customer what success looks like to them. Understand their goals, their challenges, and their vision for an ideal partnership. Then, deliver on it.

Closing Thoughts

Success in sales—or any role—isn’t about the deal; it’s about the relationship. When you approach each interaction with authenticity, empathy, and a clear value proposition, you earn trust, build credibility, and open the door to long-term partnerships. Let’s redefine what it means to succeed in sales by focusing on the human connection at the heart of every deal.

Actionable Steps You Can Take Today:Build Authentic Relationships – Reach out to decision-makers and create a connection based on trust and transparency.Leverage Empathy – Sit with your customers in their challenges and show genuine care for their success.Be Human – Bring your authentic self into every interaction, whether internal or external.Use Technology Wisely – Incorporate AI tools to optimize your outreach, but always add a personal touch.Enhance Your Tonality – Practice speaking with confidence, positivity, and energy to influence your audience effectively. Join the Conversation

What’s your biggest takeaway from these insights? How have empathy, authenticity, and relationship-building impacted your success? Let’s connect and discuss in the comments below!

Additional Resources“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie – A timeless guide to building relationships and influencing others.AI tools like Sales Navigator and ChatGPT – Enhance your outreach and messaging.Carson Heady’s other sales-focused content – Available on LinkedIn and YouTube.

#SalesLeadership #EmpathyInAction #RelationshipBuilding #AuthenticityInBusiness #SalesSuccess #EmotionalIntelligence #AIForSales #CustomerSuccess #TrustMatters

Mastering Modern Selling: How to Leverage Data to Drive Sales Success

Unlocking Sales Success: How to Leverage Data to Drive Results

In today’s data-driven world, sales professionals are sitting on a goldmine of insights that can propel their performance to new heights. But the challenge lies in not just having data but knowing how to wield it effectively.

Denise Natali, a seasoned expert with a rich background in intelligence and sales, shared transformative strategies on the most recent episode of the Mastering Modern Selling podcast about using data to create meaningful customer connections and strategic outcomes.

What if you could:

Stop wasting time on irrelevant activities?Truly understand your customer’s world to position yourself as an indispensable partner?Use data to craft a narrative that wins deals and earns trust?

Let’s explore how you can turn raw data into a powerful tool for sales success.

Walk in Your Customer’s Shoes

Map the Decision-Making Journey: Identify who influences decisions in your client’s organization by leveraging tools like LinkedIn and CRM insights. Look beyond the obvious. Paint the Bigger Picture: Understand not just your solution’s value but the broader challenges your customer faces. Ask questions like, “What’s your biggest roadblock to achieving your goals?”

Be a Trusted, Valuable Advisor

Personalize Your Approach: Use social selling data to learn about your customer’s preferences, values, and professional history. Tailor every interaction. Prepare Relentlessly: Role-play scenarios and anticipate objections using real-time data. Build confidence with every customer interaction.

Use Data for Strategic Impact

Analyze What’s Missing: Don’t just focus on what’s in the data; ask, “What isn’t here that should be?” This could reveal critical gaps or opportunities. Leverage AI as an Enabler: Use AI tools to handle admin work and generate insights, freeing up time for selling. Tools like digital assistants can identify patterns and suggest next steps.

Balance the Art and Science of Sales

Master Emotional Intelligence: Understand the emotions driving your customers’ decisions. Build trust by genuinely listening and empathizing. Adapt and Innovate: The world is dynamic. Continuously refine your strategies by combining data-driven insights with creative problem-solving.Practical Steps to Implement TodayConduct a Data Audit: Review your CRM data and ask, “What is this telling me? What’s missing?” Identify gaps in customer knowledge.Use Social Selling Tools: Spend 30 minutes daily researching prospects on LinkedIn to uncover interests and values.Automate Admin Work: Explore AI tools to streamline scheduling, email follow-ups, and activity tracking.Collaborate with Your Team: Host a brainstorming session to align on data insights and customer pain points.Prepare for Each Interaction: Before any customer meeting, create a data-backed hypothesis about their needs and verify it during your conversation.

Data isn’t just numbers; it’s the foundation for building meaningful relationships and delivering transformative results. By blending preparation, creativity, and technology, you can transcend transactional selling and become an indispensable partner to your customers. As Denise aptly shared, sales success lies in combining the art of storytelling with the science of data analysis.

Are you ready to unlock your full potential?

Tom Burton Brandon Lee Fist Bump

#SalesStrategy #DataDrivenDecisions #AIinSales #SalesSuccess #CustomerJourney #TrustedAdvisor #SalesLeadership #ModernSelling #SalesInnovation

Connected Teamwork Practices: Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Unlocking the Power of Connected Teams: Insights from Episode 62 of the Connected Teamwork Podcast

How do we stay connected to our authentic selves, each other, and our purpose as a team? The Connected Teamwork Podcast by Growth Leaders Network explores practical tools to foster connectedness and thrive together.

Episode 62, hosted by Hylke Faber and Carson V. Heady, dives deep into the foundational practices for team connectedness—starting with self-care and balance.

The Foundation of Connected Teams

Carson and Hylke begin this episode by introducing the concept of the 12 Team Connectedness Practices. These practices, rooted in Hylke’s book Taming Your Crocodiles and its sequel “The Connectedness Quotient,” offer a structured way to nurture individual and team connectedness. The practices are divided into three categories:

Connecting to OurselvesConnecting to OthersConnecting to Purpose

The first practice, “Take Good Care of Yourself,” forms the bedrock of all connectedness. According to Hylke, this starts with self-acceptance and cultivating balance in life.

Self-Care: The Starting Point for Leadership

Hylke describes self-care as essential to being present and effective. He introduces the “Connectedness Quotient (CQ),” which measures how deeply we are connected to our values, emotions, and higher intelligence. Self-care involves:

Acceptance: Embracing all aspects of ourselves, including challenging emotions.Balance: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and mindfulness to maintain energy and clarity.Reflection: Taking moments to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

Carson emphasizes that leaders often struggle with prioritizing themselves amidst the demands of metrics, deadlines, and expectations. He shares the “balcony view” approach—stepping back to assess priorities and delegate tasks—as a way to regain clarity and focus.

Practical Tips for Self-Care and Balance

Both hosts provide actionable strategies for integrating self-care into daily life:

Interrupt Momentum: Pause and breathe when overwhelmed. Take a short walk, listen to music, or meditate.Schedule Breaks: Block time for focused work, reflection, and personal care.Find Joy in the Process: Approach tasks with curiosity and creativity rather than rushing to completion.Customize Self-Care: Identify activities that bring joy and meaning—whether it’s exercising, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies.Infusing Joy into Work and Life

Joy, as Carson highlights, is a powerful motivator. He encourages leaders to:

Discover Their “Why”: Understand personal and team motivations.Create Micro Wins: Set daily non-negotiables to achieve meaningful progress.Incorporate Passions: Blend personal interests into work routines for balance and fulfillment.

Hylke adds that joy stems from knowing one’s strengths and using them purposefully. He compares this to cooking a Thanksgiving meal—the process can be as fulfilling as the outcome when approached with care and creativity.

Practical Advice for Leaders

For those struggling with self-appreciation, Hylke and Carson recommend:

Start with Gratitude: Appreciate the present moment and your strengths.Prioritize Deliberately: Focus on tasks that align with your values and goals.Be Kind to Yourself: Avoid judgment and give yourself permission to rest.Instill Discipline: Use tools like daily planning and intentional scheduling to maintain focus.The Importance of Connectedness

The episode closes with a call to action: Reflect on what you learned and identify one team member to appreciate. Simple acts of recognition and gratitude can deepen connections and elevate team dynamics.

By starting with self-care and balance, leaders can unlock their potential and create a culture of connectedness within their teams.

#Teamwork #Leadership #SelfCare #Connectedness #TeamBuilding #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipDevelopment #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth

From Ego to Elevation: How Humility Transforms Leadership and Inspires Success

Years ago, I had an ego problem. It was glaring me in the face in my 20’s and yet I refused to see it.  Can anyone truly connect with a leader who comes across as consumed by self?

One valuable lesson that still sticks with me today came when I wrote a column for my organization’s newsletter. My editor handed me back a proofread copy with every instance of the word “I” circled. It was glaringly clear: I was talking too much about myself. My perspective. My accomplishments.

As an only child from a small town who had been bullied by a couple of kids in school, was scrawny until late high school and had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, I had a longtime chip on my shoulder, causing me to overcompensate for my insecurity with cockiness and arrogance for far too long.

Being humbled in my career, having a family and finally rekindling with my faith have made me far more focused on servant leadership, elevating others and ensuring those I serve are the heroes – not me.

What I learned:

True leadership isn’t about you – it’s about others.

Servant leaders elevate, empower, and shine the spotlight on their teams.

You’re not the hero of the story. Your people are.

Are you leading to serve or to be served? Are your conversations filled with “I” or “we”?

Key Takeaways:

Humility builds bridges where ego builds walls.

Focus on lifting others, and watch how they rise.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice; it’s about creating space for others to be heard.

Let’s remember: the best leaders are those whose success is measured by the success of the people they serve.

#LeadershipMatters #ServantLeadership #EgoCheck #TeamSuccess #HumbleAndHungry #FaithAndFocus #GrowthMindset #PeopleFirst #ElevateOthers