Azione-Scopo Blog

Taking Collaboration Virtual

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:04:25 +0000

There are great articles, studies, and presentations on how to make collaboration work for you and your teams in business. Most of it for co-located teams. But building trust is key for collaboration in all teams, especially the anywhere working team. How is virtual collaboration building different? One way to encourage and practice collaboration as [...]

Skill Building Series: Can’t Change What You Can’t See

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:53 +0000

Self awareness is the foundation of any powerful / successful leader. We are not often given the time nor opportunity to increase our self awareness.

In this world of action and results - who has time for reflection?

You do! That is, if you want to improve your leadership skills. You can not change that which you are not aware.

That is what Brian discovered after the reviewing the results of his recent 360 feedback survey. It wasn't just one thing that needed to change, it was a lot of little things. What surprised Brian the most, was that he wasn't even aware of his behaviors, let alone their impact.

Read more to learn what simple tool we used to start making change happen!

Skill Building Series: Interpersonal Savvy

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:18 +0000

Leaders In The Weeds: It's A Problem

Lucy has recently been promoted to Senior Director of her global team. She is a strong action oriented worker, but she often finds herself spending time overseeing meetings and processes and checking the data analysis of her staff. Not only is she having difficulty keeping up with her workload, her staff was starting to complain that she was running the show and not valuing their contributions to the work.

When Lucy came to me, she recognized she needed help to break her habit of managing the processes and data and get into more of a leadership mindset. So we started by identifying what leadership meant to her in her new role.

Read more about the solution and action plan.

The Power of Why?

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:00:25 +0000

Having trouble getting work done? Having trouble connecting to others? Have you lost your motivation?

Look a little closer at your WHY

Over the past several weeks I've noticed a theme forming in many of my interactions with people. As we discussed concerns, issues, or obstacles they are facing I found myself continuously asking the question 'Why?' And that one word, that one question began a conversation and exploration that helped to remove the obstacles.

That small word holds a big punch when you don't know the answer.

Skill Building Series: Team With Clashing Cultures

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:52 +0000

About The Skill Building Series

The anywhere worker is designing, building, and leading the future of anywhere work. There are many skills needed to be successful as an anywhere leader. In this serious, we will meet several virtual / anywhere leaders who have sought coaching. In each session we look at the presenting problem, the desired outcome, and an action plan. Not surprising is the need for these skills in any leader - anywhere.

Clashing Comfort Zones and Time Zones: It's a problem

June is the most organized and efficient project coordinator that I've ever met. So when she came to me with a feeling of overwhelm and frustration that something was impacting her ability to do her work, I knew something had changed. A recent reorganization placed June on a new work team.

Read more about the solution and action plan.

Skill Building Series: Are You A Stick In The Mud?

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:05 +0000

About The Skill Building Series

Are You a Stick In the Mud? It's A Problem

Gerald has been successful in his position as a regional sales manager, but in the past few years he's been having trouble keeping up with coworkers. As one of the more tenured employees, newer managers often come to him to get the history of the business. But when they recommend a new way of doing things, his philosophy is 'if it's not broken, don't fix it.' Once the man with the answers, now he is starting to become known as a 'stick in the mud.'

Read more about the solution and action plan.

Your Turn: Pay It Forward Challenge

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:55:14 +0000

Free Virtual Hugs

I challenge you to pay it forward. What is 'it?' Many things: appreciation, respect, recommendations, praise, thank you - all of that - and more.

Why? To Make A Difference

Many small business owners are struggling to keep the lights on and muscle through these rough times and into the blue skys ahead. They, as well as many of you, devote hours to creating great content - for free! Whether it's a blog like this one, a newsletter, photos, or videos - a great deal of the internet is free.

Your personal note or message will make a difference and possibly keep that favorite blogger of yours inspired and creatively productive.

One Thing You Need to Succeed in 2012

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:01:21 +0000

Do not follow blindly. Think. Think differently. Think for yourself!

What one thing do you need to make 2012 a success?

The answer is unique for everyone. But before you answer that question, you need to be very clear on what success means to you for 2012.

avoid calendar bloat – get more done!

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:23 +0000

Have you ever heard the saying 'if you want something done, give it to a busy person?' Well, I am here to challenge that saying.

How Anywhere Workers Manage Isolation

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:00:53 +0000

Isolation

We've talked about isolation before on this blog, but maybe not enough.

Isolation is one of the big obstacles for anywhere workers. It's not only a social concern - staying connected to others, but also a productivity concern. Isolation can lead to or influence your motivation. Your surroundings, your structure, and your connections are all important in staying motivated.

So how does an anywhere worker manage isolation to stay creatively productive?

Happy Holidays

Linda.DeLuca — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:52:05 +0000

My wish for you this season....

INNER PEACE

Powerful Virtual Performance Reviews

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:18 +0000

Performance reviews are a perfect opportunity to make an investment in your company's most valuable asset: your people. Whether virtual or co-located, your team members will benefit from a well defined and valued performance process. Here are tips to making your virtual performance reviews a success through purpose and presence.

Gifts for the minimalist anywhere worker

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:00:50 +0000

Many anywhere workers I've encountered are also followers of a less is more philosophy - the simple and sometimes minimalist lifestyle which includes only what you need. So what do you get a minimalist anywhere worker for the holidays?

How to Ace that Virtual Interview

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:00:07 +0000

It's a global world, a virtual world, and a cost conscious one - especially in business. Organizations around the world are conducting job interviews as well as interviewing consultants and contract workers by phone and video. Are you ready?

Here's How to Ace a Virtual Interview

Your Hidden Leadership Strength: Coaching

guest writer: Deb Denis | — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:31 +0000

Coaching is an often hidden but powerful leadership strength.

You too can be a coach.

Chances are, in fact, that you already are. Did you know that coaching is one of the most effective leadership styles for getting results? For anywhere workers who wear many hats, you do this all the time: when you’re asking questions to determine what your client needs, for example.

What is coaching style?

Coaching is a state of mind and I’m not trying to be zen here, it really is about entering a conversation with intention, a specific intention to help the other person find the answer instead of giving them the answer or telling them what to do. Linda used coaching style to determine what was most important to me when crafting an announcement for an upcoming workshop. As an Anywhere Worker, you probably have the opportunity to do the same thing, on a regular basis.

New Sole (Soul) for Your Business

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:46 +0000

Spring and fall are two times of year that automatically instill a need to refresh. Whether you are doing spring cleaning or getting ready for the winter season, you take a look around your home and life and assess what needs to change and what stays the same.

I was looking in my closet as part of the fall transition time and realized I had some winter shoes that were looking a little worn. Some of them need to be thrown out and replaced completely while others just need some attention and maybe to be resoled.

As I was sitting on the floor in my closet sorting my shoes I began to think about how this also applied to my business. What things in my business have I been doing or working with that are just worn out and need to be replaced? What things need to be resoled? I came up with a list of areas to assess. I hope this will help you in doing the same.

A Good 4 Letter Word: CASH

Linda.DeLuca — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:27:38 +0000

This 4 letter word is actually a good word - especially for the anywhere worker who wants to keep financial stress managed

CASH IS GOOD

Often people interested in becoming an indie worker or starting a small business ask me how they can afford it. They ask about funding and business plans and how to convince the bank to approve a loan. They become stressed and financially overwhelmed even before they start planning. I respond with one word: CASH.

I've learned a few lessons in my years of independence that I would like to share with you:

how to ooze charisma

Linda.DeLuca — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:00:56 +0000

Charisma. Some people seem to ooze charisma from their pores. Others try hard but end up more sleazy than charismatic. As a virtual leader and business owner, charisma is a desirable quality. A quality that I believe can be developed with practice and a genuine desire to help others.

Charisma is...

I define charisma as a special personal quality of an individual making him/her capable of influencing or inspiring others. You know that feeling you get when you talk to someone and you feel better about yourself just because you did? That's charisma. You want it, don't you?

What charisma is not: flashy, showy, power wielding, self-centered, judgmental, win-lose, pushy, or boring.

productivity secret: working hard on the wrong thing

Linda.DeLuca — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:47:53 +0000

Do you feel like a hamster on a wheel? Are you exhausted at the end of the day but haven't moved forward on your project? Let me tell you a secret you may not want to hear: you're working on the wrong things. You may be working really hard on those things, but they are the wrong things! Stop wasting your time - you can't get it back.

The objective here is to work only on those things that help you reach your goals in your life of business and business of life. However, you need to use a critical eye to determine if you are overusing your strengths. Sometimes we spend too much time making something perfect. Sometimes we need to check to facts one more time. The question is - are they really getting you closer to delivering that project? But that's not the scariest part. The real secret time wasters are hidden.

breaking through your comfort zone

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:47 +0000

In your life of business, you either keep moving forward, or you are left behind. Moving forward usually involves moving out of your comfort zone. It means doing something you haven't done before. It means you'll be uncomfortable and maybe even afraid. It involves taking risk.

As someone who has broken through many levels of comfort zones, I know this can be very difficult, especially if you see yourself as risk averse. There is a way to expand your comfort zone without jumping off a bridge or creating unnecessary stress.

define yourself through action

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:16 +0000

define yourself through action, not by the label you give yourself or others give you. what are you doing? View an existential approach to coaching as seen through photos and statements of people moving from labels (and thoughts) to action! ~your existential coach, Linda

Back to School – The School of Life

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:00:16 +0000

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." ~Albert Einstein

The kids are back. Now it's your turn.

Refresh your productivity with the excitement of 'back to school.'

I know you can feel the excitement in the air - even at your age. The smell of newly sharpened pencils. The feel of a fresh new notebook waiting for your brilliance to appear like magic in it's pages. The anticipation felt standing on the corner waiting for the school bus. Who will your teacher be this year? What will you learn?

The Hero’s Journey: Starting a Small Business

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:12 +0000

It is a hero's journey to go from an employee to an anywhere worker starting a small business of your own. This journey doesn't start the day you quit your job, it starts much earlier. If you are considering this path, take these 7 steps as a calculated risk approach.

Know your quest.

The hero's journey starts with a quest. what is your quest?

1. Assess your current situation: This includes

Connect with Your Inner Critic

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Your inner critic can be very helpful - or hurtful. The inner critic can help you to become a better person / manager / partner; or can keep you from growing -letting life and opportunity pass you by. The difference? How you connect with, relate with, and respond to your inner critic. Take the critic and make her an ally.

Just as you would develop a relationship with a friend, connecting to and turning your critic into an ally takes time and deliberate focus. The result is a more creative, innovative, and healthier you!

How to develop a healthy relationship with your inner critic

4 keys to staying productive – anywhere

Linda.DeLuca — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:41 +0000

You wouldn't run a marathon on M&M, or without training first, would you? And you won't be a productive anywhere worker without training either. Being an anywhere worker is a lot like running a marathon. There are long hours, changing environments, and stresses on our minds and bodies. If you are any anywhere worker, you know what I'm talking about!

If you think I'm going to tell you about a new app, or how to stay connected 24/7 with your own WIFI hotspot - you are wrong! Those things are great, but before you even get your geek on, you need to establish good foundational behaviors. It's the fuel and training of the anywhere worker.

Azione-Scopo Blog

Taking Collaboration Virtual

Skill Building Series: Can’t Change What You Can’t See

Skill Building Series: Interpersonal Savvy

Leaders In The Weeds: It's A Problem

The Power of Why?

Skill Building Series: Team With Clashing Cultures

About The Skill Building Series

Clashing Comfort Zones and Time Zones: It's a problem

Skill Building Series: Are You A Stick In The Mud?

About The Skill Building Series

Are You a Stick In the Mud? It's A Problem

Your Turn: Pay It Forward Challenge

Free Virtual Hugs

Why? To Make A Difference

One Thing You Need to Succeed in 2012

Do not follow blindly. Think. Think differently. Think for yourself!

avoid calendar bloat – get more done!

How Anywhere Workers Manage Isolation

Isolation

Happy Holidays

My wish for you this season.... INNER PEACE

Powerful Virtual Performance Reviews

Gifts for the minimalist anywhere worker

How to Ace that Virtual Interview

Here's How to Ace a Virtual Interview

Your Hidden Leadership Strength: Coaching

You too can be a coach.

What is coaching style?

New Sole (Soul) for Your Business

A Good 4 Letter Word: CASH

CASH IS GOOD

how to ooze charisma

Charisma is...

productivity secret: working hard on the wrong thing

breaking through your comfort zone

define yourself through action

Back to School – The School of Life

Refresh your productivity with the excitement of 'back to school.'

The Hero’s Journey: Starting a Small Business

Know your quest.

Connect with Your Inner Critic

How to develop a healthy relationship with your inner critic

4 keys to staying productive – anywhere

4 keys to staying productive

My wish for you this season....

INNER PEACE