Issue Coaching™ Business Influences!

What causes tunnel vision?

2023-10-05T14:36:00.001-07:00

Credit: Adobe Stock

As an instructor of all ages of children and adults, I have often wondered what causes people to continue in a belief even when evidence appears to refute their point of view.

Here is my opinion of what happens from my observations:

· No one likes to be corrected or made to be wrong. It puts one on the defensive, creates discomfort, especially if the correction is done in a group.

· Holding to an idea is like a security blanket. In order to shift an opinion, one has to feel safe. The internal dialogue may go like this, “If I was wrong about that, what else could I be wrong about?” It creates insecurity.

· A change could create internal conflict, and the person thinks, “I avoid conflict at all costs!” Typically risk averse, non-confrontational behavioral styles can feel like this.

· People can feel manipulated if they changes their mind.

· People who want to control everything may have difficulty with an open mind. The world may begin to close in and create anxiety.

· Wishful thinking enters the idea. Much like children who discover who Santa Claus really is, the wishful thinking aspect can continue the illusion.

· One’s identity is tied into the belief. An example is a retired man who doesn't adapt well to the new retirement routine because they still see themselves in a work mode.

What's an antidote?

What is essential to learning something new or different is to make mistakes. However, our American culture doesn’t allow much room for that—we’re off seeking the “right” answer.

Rather than combat these styles of thinking, it may be helpful to shift our perception and acknowledge that no one needs to be right; we may just need to be different. This line of thinking only works when danger or threats are removed from the situation. Unfortunately, an immediate turn to violence is all some people have been raised to know. Here is where teaching critical thinking in school is important. Also, real debate is essential to understand evidence and facts.

Encourage students to participate in debates based on documentable research from multiple sources. Encourage discussions at the dinner table or among friends. Be sure to lay out ground rules before you begin; for example, no name calling or swearing.

Find out how they reached their conclusion. You will learn a lot about the speaker in this process, and that will improve overall communications.

Delivery of the information is also important. We must remove judgment from the topic and come to a logical conclusion based on the research posed. This is difficult and is a learned behavior. Be patient. Good luck, and let’s all communicate to better understand each other. MC

A take on the correlation between coaching and high performance . . .

2022-06-01T19:28:00.002-07:00

A take on the correlation between coaching and high performance . . .

This is a question often asked by people who do not have a coaching experience. As we learn easily from examples, my analogy for the relationship between coaching is with sports figures, Olympians, and fitness gurus. Sure, they can train by themselves. The coach is an assurance policy they will produce the best outcome from an objective perspective. Performance progress is about improvement and advancement from the last episode. The coach is the witness and expert to call out what needs improvement and what is excellent. For example, the coach may demonstrate technique, yet may not be scoring a 10 on their own style. They are experienced and studied to know without being the best athlete themselves.

The role of the coach:

The coach is a witness and sounding board.
A coach encourages and inspires the pupil to keep moving forward.
A coach questions and promotes thought into action.
A coach challenges the pupil beyond self-limiting beliefs.

Years of research and interaction with clients show me the top five issues a coach responds to regarding a client’s performance at work and on a personal level—

Belief
Environment
Fear factor

a. Imposter syndrome Smartest person in room

i. Prove to oneself they are worthy

b. Procrastination

i. Fear-based behavior
ii. Don’t want to make a bad decision

1. Self-Victimization
2. Steeped in criticism

c. FOMO—Fear of Missing Out

i. Too much emphasis on what others think about oneself.
ii. Fear of left behind, abandonment
4. Tolerances

a. Sap energy
b. Distractions
5. Temperament
a. Persistent
b. Optimistic v pessimistic
c. Self-definitions of achievement and success

These manifest in negative or positive self-talk and body language. They can be culprits for self-sabotage.

The coach holds up a mirror to the client so he/she can see themselves for who they really are in a safe space. No criticism only room for improvement and powerful questions that bring issues to the foreground. Course corrections are made with the full commitment of the client; the client knows that coach has his/her best interest always. The trust must be established. The relationship is sacred and promotes growth, understanding, and fulfillment on one’s own terms.

You put your life in his hands. The ultimate trust bond.

How does your work environment, even as a solopreneur, create a high-performance impetus for you to thrive?*

*When you send me an email with a response, you will receive a complimentary 30-minute coaching session for any issue you desire. Eager to serve you to be your best self. Mc

Why is this topic so critical?

This is how we begin to build an award-winning culture in the workplace and at home. That will be our next entry.

Why Is Service Still A Business Issue?

2022-04-22T14:04:00.002-07:00

Zoom in on a loving couple sitting silently at the dining table. Each deliberately cutting their meal and chewing slowly. They've been together for years, yet the spark has left the "building!" But, they have their reasons to stay together.

So, What's the point? Love is not enough.

Humans form bonds and need relationships to thrive.

It's a defense mechanism from our early evolution to band together for protection and expediency to share resources.

Recognize this built-in, invisible anchor to start a relationship, no matter how fleeting, and you will be a STAR! People respond to this attention, a.k.a. service! This is the start of repeat business and loyalty!

Service is a human relationship.

To care is a crucial ingredient. Unfortunately, stress and bottom-line thinking dominate many minds. People work at jobs that can be unfulfilling or tedious at best. Unappreciative managers or lackluster leaders don't review employees on how well their values align with the company-given the company has stated values.

10 ways we can imbue our society with platinum service:

Care about our actions as we move through the work day. Empathy is expectation #1.

It's not enough to say, "We value your time . . . " then leave them in a waiting room for three hours!

Use kindness to buoy up someone who may need a boost. This is always remembered.
Address issues with the idea of resolving them, not sending away the customer!
Post value statements in the workplace when possible.

Assert value statements as part of initial training and reinforce them frequently.
Let team members know this is part of their job.

Give team members authority to handle situations. Perhaps, you let them resolve issues under a dollar amount or time frame. This requires trust and respect toward your team. For example, Nordstrom's retailer gives associates a dollar amount to be able to refund customers, no questions asked.
Consider the phone message customers are exposed to. Use that moment to share some date or company special that's important, not that you're helping other people.
Treat people with respect (even if they're a jerk!).

Address customers by name.
Ask for their name first before the insurance card! Medical offices are terrible at this especially when people are vulnerable going to a health provider.

Answer a telephone when you are ready to address the customer's call.
Text messages and anonymity have provided a distance that can feel like one is invisible, so it doesn't matter what happens. FALSE!

A robotic response still produces an effect and lingers that could cost your company money.
Know the person can feel your attitude through the phone. The connection is about feelings!
Try it yourself. Smile while talking with someone and see if the tone of the call changes.

Get rid of a get-what-you-pay-for mentality! Consider every word and action you express is a $50 bill! Let the customer feel special to you.
Provide positive feedback when you do receive platinum service. Write a note or speak to a manager.
Think of service as it relates to the military. We thank people for their service! What does that mean?

Our goal must be to spread the platinum service model. Once experienced, people will get it! It feels good!

If nothing else, please remember and practice this:

—the customer never feels your pain.

The customer doesn't care if your computers don't work or you're on the other line helping others-you're not helping them! They will remember the frustration (how they felt) when they tried to reach you.

Your vocal tone matters. Be concerned, and take their name, the issue, and number (with pencil and paper if needs be!) with a promise to connect with them with a solution. Then, do what you say you will do to establish trust and close the loop.

That response creates satisfaction.

You want their experience to be fantastic. Afterall, that's how we create fans!

Meanwhile . . .

. . . Back to our disconnected couple from the beginning. What else do you think they need to salvage their relationship? Likely, (besides more sex) the qualities you list are what will make you a master service provider!

Feel free to send me your lists. I enjoy your feedback. For every email response, I will personally send you my proprietary What Professionals Do checklist. Thanks. MC

The New Work Space—Move out of the chaos and into THRIVE mode

2022-01-31T12:20:00.001-08:00

We can move out of the chaos and into THRIVE mode.

Leave survival behind because the focus is entirely different than the perspective of survival.

The COVID environment encourages us back to the learner’s or beginner’s mindset. We can have a fresh perspective on our business. We can be open to new ideas. How have conditions change? How can we serve our customers and clients differently?

Take stock in your routine processes:

• Training
• Knowledge transfer
• Reward systems
• Leadership development
• Product research and development
• Personal growth
•. Add. your own.

Do this next step, and you will have a valuable compass for the coming year:

Write one way to change what you already do. That’s your new perspective going forward!

Develop a new skill, Pivotal Thinking™ as a process. It is a tool for your new approach.

It’s a method to change the way you think about your work. Its purpose is to create mastery. When we create mastery, we create confidence. When we pursue our lives with confidence, we break through barriers and achieve our highest purposes.

Put aside conventional wisdom for the morning. Open your leadership style to robust and thought-provoking proven methods to advance your people, processes and profitability all founded “on purpose.”

Pivotal Thinking™ rests upon the following foundation:

• Perspective
• Purpose
• Performance
• Communication is an urgent element on your critical path.

Pivotal Thinking™ provides you these opportunities:

• Stimulates strategic thinking to your spheres of influence.
• Creates “why” and “what” people rather than “yes” people.
• Aligns productivity with your leadership style.
• Challenges yourself and others with thought-provoking, innovative ways to “fall forward” while building a viable organization.
• Encourages fact-based thinking throughout the organization. This leads to tighter engagement and therefore results.
• Take away these fresh methods you can apply to your company circumstances instantly.

Send in your list of changes to your processes and earn a complimentary business analysis and coaching call.

Connect at https://www.PositivePotentials.com

THRIVE mode 1/31/22

My Challenge to You . . .

2021-11-30T15:44:00.005-08:00

We constantly must "sharpen the saw" as Steven Covey said. That way we are prepared for opportunity when it shows up.

Courtesy of ZORO

Here's a simple and fun challenge for you:

List three words that contribute to your success or you would like to develop.

Your entry will earn a complimentary coaching session when you submit it to coachcubas@gmail.com. (Please put "challenge" in the subject field.)

You will be acknowledged in my upcoming blog post!

You have until March 30 to submit your responses. Best of luck. MC

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Supply Chain?

2021-10-21T16:28:00.004-07:00

Catastrophes have benefits!

If you had a precise ordering or client contact process in place prior to COVID-19, you have a better chance of weathering the disruption it caused.

Here's an example:

One of the benefits of the pandemic is the revelation of gaps and weaknesses in companies with weak or no systems in place. Small businesses especially are hard hit because entrepreneurs who run them may be doing freelance, seat-of-the-pants management style.

Here's my challenge to you: (This requires some thought, pencil and paper. The eye-hand coordination rather than using a PC reinforces the learning.)

Consider this as a visual task—Do you have a supply chain? What does it look like?

Create a flow chart of your business process from first customer contact, delivery, through employee hiring. When you do this exercise in earnest, it will provide you with a clear path to plug the gaps and improve the process.

Map (draw) your process and you’ll see it! What is the first touch point to engage with you?
This is known as a critical path. Where are the gaps and bottlenecks? That’s where you’re losing money and time. (Hints—ads, outreach, rewards, referrals) Are these where your customers "hang out?" If not, reassess and be more specific to your audience.

Consider employees and outside vendors as part of your audience. When they leave the office, they talk to people about how they feel about their work. Are they appreciated? How do you know? When was the last time you offered your employees a positive experience?
Who is the "keeper of the keys" and codes? What's the back up for them? What is your chain of command, especially if you're not there?
Redundant systems are essential. Plan D when the power goes out!
What happens when your power goes out? Train your team to create back up forms so they can use pencil and paper. No more, "Our computers are down!" You can't afford that attitude.
Consider the message on your phones. People don't care that you're helping others or where you are—you're not there to help them when no one answers! Give them some information to soften the blow like when you'll return their call or visit you at an event, for example.

This is where the adjustments start. Once you've documented the path, have your team provide input. Call on your outside vendors as well. This is a terrific reason to get in touch.

Set a date to return the input.
Then, provide a summary report of the findings. This approach is collaborative and can reignite enthusiasm.

To be continued . . . .

This assignments will support you off to a positive start. Let me know how I can help. Reach me at (480) 510-7166 or coachcubas@gmail.com.

Good luck! MC

PS—Please share this information with colleagues who can use a PocketCoach™! mc

Critical path resource: https://templatelab.com/critical-path/

Discover how Parsimony in Motion Builds Confidence

2021-10-16T14:36:00.004-07:00

PocketCoach™ chose this challenge for you. Think of it as a game when you start out.

Definition: Parsimony means stinginess or close to the vest. I change the meaning to mean CONSERVATION!

Start small. Think recipe.

Here are the requirements:

1. Assemble all the parts.

2. Create a big picture draft of how all the parts work together.

3. You can only touch or move an item once.

4. Step back and assess how well you accomplished your task.

5. Consider what you could do differently.

What 1. does that make you do? Think and Plan! This step is often overlooked.

What 2. does is show relationships between the parts. Creates focus.

What 3. In a low resource environment, you will conserve resources when you focus like this.

What 4. You must evaluate your performance.

What 5. Identify what learning took place for the next time.

There are many benefits to Parsimony in Motion™:

order to begin a project
less stress
increased confidence in your abilities
and getting "unstuck"

To further challenge yourself and to notice how you advance, keep a weekly log of your challenges and record them for a review at the end of 60 days. Up the ante each time and finally apply the method to an actual project you want done.

Send in an example to me and receive a complimentary PocketCoach™session. Let's discuss your success! MC

Set the Pace for Executive Development

2020-11-09T15:06:00.003-08:00

All bets are off on the way we did business in the past. This is a perfect time to reassess our definitions of success, leadership, and expression of values.

A small company must define what it means to be an executive within its context. Here are questions you can begin to ask:

Where does the authority originate?
Is this a top-down organization or a matrix relying on all people to respond to issues?
What is the scope of the executive’s actions?
How does this executive’s position impact the organization?

A simple view

A simple view is to introduce how each tier of team member functions within the organization. This is best accomplished at on-boarding new members.

In this way, people can see how they may flourish within the matrix of the company. This is a time to drill down on the components of job descriptions and how they interact with others. This tactic provides more certainty to an otherwise sketchy view of a new hire or someone newly promoted.

The core value with this process is communication. In this way, participants can begin to understand their role within the company and how it impacts the whole picture. This can be a discussion point for the. 30-day review. The manager can assess how the person acclimates to the position and where they may want to advance.

Provide the tools

Applications like Evernote or MS OneNote are excellent ways to coordinate team members as they gather and store information. It is a focal point with easy access.

These simple steps set a positive pace and provide new people with a level of comfort to develop their confidence.

Offer An Executive Coach

This is an excellent time to offer an executive coach to set people on a supportive positive path. The coach is their “Jiminy Cricket” to answer questions they may be shy about asking a manager. All interactions are under confidentiality and provide a sturdy foundation to build trust. When you assign a coach, the subtext to the team member is that you are invested in their success and support their success.

You are assured of a bountiful payoff when you lead this way and set the pace for fulfillment. -MC

Resilience is founded upon emotional intelligence

2020-04-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Resilience is founded upon emotional intelligence. Understanding basic principles can ease our next transitions, personally and professionally.

Let’s define terms.

Resilience is observable. It is an energy and ability to rebound and adapt one’s circumstances after failure, damage, or injury—adapting to life’s twists and turns. One sees the glass half full.

Test yourself

You can measure your resilience by how long it takes you to “get back on the horse” after you’ve been thrown! Do you dwell on the loss or pain, or do you refocus on what must be done to move forward?

What is emotional intelligence?

It is one’s ability to observe oneself in an environment and recognize the impact you have on it and others and the reverse—the impact on you—It is an assessment of where you fit into a situation.

To be resilient, the emotional intelligence skills and traits that will help you are listed here:

Emotional self-awareness
Self-regard
Impulse control
Stress tolerance
Optimism
Flexibility.

Tips: Make a list for yourself and write an answer how these traits can help you now. Have your team members do so, too. Then, compare notes in a conference call.

How can we build resilience?

Whether we are working with family members or team members, these steps can apply.

What you do with the information you gather will color the members’ responses.

Team members must be allowed to express their feelings. We must acknowledge what people are feeling.
View mistakes as “Learning Labs” by asking questions—here’s what I know, here’s what happened, so what will I do differently next time? Use the outcome to grow.
Allow room to muse and hypothesize to stimulate critical thinking skills.
Reward behaviors you want repeated.

Emotional intelligence traits will serve you well as we rebuild our society, encourage family members, and reframe our businesses.

They will affect our attitudes and actions, and outline our vision of the future.

The greatest gift that will emerge from these traits, in working with others, is trust. We’re in this together with whomever is in our sphere of influence. MC

Design Thinking is All A-Buzz

2020-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Design Thinking is a process method to encourage a wide perspective into a personal field. It supports people to be well-rounded. It was developed at Stanford University. Design Thinking reminds me of Humanities taught in the 1970's-2000s. This multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving and decision sharpening is decades in the making.

Learning research shows how such thinking stimulates emotional intelligence.

From a scientific (rather than a popular) standpoint, emotional intelligence is the ability to accurately perceive your own and others’ emotions; to understand the signals that emotions send about relationships; and to manage your own and others’ emotions. It doesn’t necessarily include the qualities (like optimism, initiative, and self-confidence) that some popular definitions ascribe to it." John D. Mayer

Daniel Goleman popularized the term in his book, Emotional Intelligence: why it can matter more than IQ. Subsequent Goleman books focus on the relationship between emotional intelligence and business leadership. Source: HBR’s articles, “What Makes a Leader”.

"The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: they all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence. It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant. They do matter, but… they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions. My research, along with other recent studies, clearly shows that emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership. Without it, a person can have the best training in the world, an incisive, analytical mind, and an endless supply of smart ideas, but he still won’t make a great leader."

The Design Thinking (DT) method and Emotional Intelligence interact well. They provide space, time, and process to absorb what is in the ecosystem or company culture as well as the world at large. These are the dominant observable skills:

Empathy•Definition•Ideas•Prototype

The prototype manifests the ethereal ideas and we test from here. Guido Stompff , Design Thinking Instructor—“How can we know what we want, until we see what the options are?”

Next steps . . . think like an architect or designer without judgment and removes politics from this creative space.

All options are open. The outcome may be a composite of all the parts. Consider how these elements can boost your company model into high gear.
Bring this strategic strength to your team. Virtual Mastermind Projects are designed with your teams in mind. Use VMP™ to focus the teams attention. The beauty of this platform is it is egalitarian regarding input at the table.

A major benefit for the organization is everyone is on an equal plane so no intimidation or pulling rank is eliminated. This open environment invites the collaboration and creativity so many companies desire yet don’t have the courage to provide.

Companies that adopt DT, will have a distinctive advantage from those who use the same formats. Let me know when we can begin establishing your creative center for your team Looking forward to seeing your business unplugged!

A Simple Tip for Best Results in 2020

2020-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

Happy new year! I love the turn of the page for the new year. It's like the memory of my fresh box of crayons when the new semester started in school—now I have a clean slate.

My first step into the new year is a self-awareness assessment. I remain optimistic and remember it’s not where I start, it’s where I finish!

Here are questions I ask myself re: my business:

· What must I stop doing to start . . . (goal statement)

· Where can I cut waste?

· How can I remain motivated throughout the year?

Once I write the answers to these questions I can begin mapping and take next steps. These answers help me focus.

The magic is in clarity and simplicity.

Best regards,

Sizzling, Optimized Leadership Skills Can Be Learned

2019-11-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

When was your last oil change on your vehicle? Likely, you follow a timeline to continuously service your vehicle.

So, when was the last time you participated in a routine upgrade for your leadership skills?

In our accelerated business pace, keeping up is a challenge. Surpassing expectations is even more difficult. Also, some people have difficulty with self-assessment. Consider how you feel when you have answered the self-check items below. Results can be revealing.

Here's a quick self-check for you:

__I read a book last month.

__I listened to a podcast pertinent to my business.

__I attended a webinar or forum to support my leadership growth.

__I enjoy learning about people in my company.

__Praise is easy for me to share.

__I learned something about myself from my last review.

__My time management skills are optimal.

__People respect my opinion.

__I am eager to learn from others.

__My expertise is at the top of my field.

Please mark Y=yes or N=no and tally your score. Assuming you provided honest answers, which comment is an area of growth you'd like to address. Coaching is an ideal option for continuous improvement. You can visit my website for more information. I am eager to serve your professional "oil change!"

Are you Wowing or Wooing Prospects?

2019-11-25T13:32:00.001-08:00

Here is my bold statement:

"Too much revenue is exhausted on wooing clients and not enough revenue is used to retain existing customers."

With the various media outlets—social media, broadcast, print, banners, you name it—marketers have bought into the fear of being left behind (FOLO) or missing something. If not managed effectively, this process fragments marketing efforts and creates waste.

When I coach with clients, we must have a plan. Call it what you want—business plan, marketing plan, overview map—this is a blueprint for outreach and strategy to move it forward into reality.

The reactionary wants to lure new customers with bright shiny objects (think lure in fishing)! Once on the hook, how is the customer or guest treated from this point. Experience shows that the newly lured customer is lucky to receive a thank you or acknowledgement that is beyond an auto responder. Or, they are subsequently bombarded with emails and offers without getting to know them first.

Let's turn our attention to retention! This is a worthwhile investment.

Recently, SmartBrief stated that loyalty programs don't work. What did they find?

Rather than encouraging the existing folks to be an energy force, they are often neglected. Here are a few reasons these wowing programs don't work:

They appear insincere. There is no "face" to the process, just digital log in.
The programs can be cumbersome and make the prospect work too hard to join in.
They can create "bad habits", especially with coupons—the consumer learns to wait for a coupon to act!
My personal favorite is the company that has perpetual sales, every week. That tells me they're overpriced to begin with if they have to keep marking things down. Continual sales cheapen a product. Perception rules and it looks like the items weren't wanted.

See how this relates to what you're doing. It is simple, perhaps not easy, to show customers, guest, clients that you appreciate them:

Tell them! Communicate with a personal message with a voice. Email is impersonal unless you add a personal touch. A simple audio clip is worth the time to produce.
Allow them special access to events and new products, not available to the general public.
Give them a special price, and turn that into value to continue to return for more.
Make referrals matter to existing customers. Translate what they enjoy, love, or need so much from you that everyone in their spheres of influence will hear about it!

Keep the wooing going!
Like all relationships, people want to feel appreciated and cared about.

Effective tips to lead remote or non-traditional teams

2019-08-04T19:56:00.002-07:00

Use the T-N-T Approach=Touch ‘N Technology

People often think that software will remedy everything they need to accomplish a project. They must realize that setting up the software is based on knowledge they must know to be successful. The software only facilitates what it is programmed to do. An example is project management software. The project lead must know project management principles in order to set up the program.

Consider what apps and software you can use when you have a remote team to manage.

My preferences are Evernote and recently discovered Mendeley to communicate with my team:

Evernote is simple, clean, and has a free version. I love the highlighter feature and the timer for follow up. The beauty of the systems is the ability to organize the materials in a way that you think so retrieving information is easy.
Mendeley is a “library” and organizer. It has a research component that could be helpful to the team.

More than the software tools you use, set the tone for meetings and feedback. It is attitude that will bind a team together. Give permission to explore and make mistakes. It takes off the pressure.

Build upon Judy Feld's "Menu of Practice-Building Methods"—In-Person and Remotely:

Choose as many as you like, from either or both sections. They all work!

1. In-person:

One-on-one meetings with prospects/breakfasts/lunches
Networking groups
Track casual meetings and request the notes.
Encourage team members to teach classes
Volunteer work broadens perspective.

2. "Remote" methods:

Marketing letter (i.e. send three ways to do research on a specific topic, plus personal letter)
Newsletters are compact ways to stay connected and provide information all at once. (email, social media link, fax, or mail)
Have a tab on the company website for your team.
Use Facebook Live for meetings.
Encourage radio and TV appearances to build team members’ confidence.
Write articles for publications inside the industry.
Telephone "networking"—have buddies practice “pitches” on the phone.

Volunteer work (virtual)
Lead tele-classes to support your subject.

Treat a launch like on-boarding experience—Welcome to the family!

a. Use onboarding to instill your expectations.

b. Clearly define your role in the matrix—not to be a micromanager or team parent! Team members will value that you trust them.

c. Identify cultural morés that may impact a schedule like holidays

d. Assign buddies so they can “noodle” through ideas with immediate feedback.

e. It encourages collaboration and a sense of belonging.

f. Expectations

i. Codes

ii. Rules

Use strong vision statement

Begin your introduction with a strong vision statement and how the team’s different talents will support the project.

Ask what each member brings to the vision and accomplishing the tasks.

Assess that the leaders on the team are role model examples and not just a high performers or overachievers that take over.

Identify who is on the team—learn the person styles so you can maximize communications with them.

-Provide a chart

-Indicate specialty skills as they relate to the project

Demonstrate how you will support the team with clear expectations and directions.

Assign buddies. This will encourage teams to figure things out themselves without constantly turning to you.

Use an ice breaker with the group: An example is ask what character they would be from the Disney vault with a paragraph description of why they chose it! Either have them submit responses for next meeting or take 2-3 volunteers who are ready.

Leading a remote team is different than on site for many reasons:

Identify the team leader

If it is you, then be aware of what communication style you put forth to the team and are how you are perceived.
Ask for feedback in simple Q & A. This is where emotional intelligence awareness is a bonus.
Announce how you will bring everyone together to celebrate at the end? Provide something to look forward to rather than just a deadline.
You do not have the benefit of non-verbal cues, body language cues for responses
Hard to read energy levels through a screen.
Observe and assess interaction through a team activity.
If on-screen see who is connecting—eye contact, outreach
Use gamification, fun, and reward.

a. Create a personal mantra or tagline for the team to be displayed

b. Define your role in it.

c. Reinforces data through repetition.

Refresh existing members and renew annually.
Establish mentor track:

a. Identify who is vocal
b. Identify who volunteers.

Conference in different time zones or use on-demand video and have the conference accessed by a specific time.

Add your own criteria to produce your desired outcome. Encourage engagement and interaction, not just digital reporting.

These can be effective ways to reach out to the community and build the business through interaction. This approach encourages real engagement and the team learns the roles everyone plays.

Let me know how I can assist you. MC

The Poison in Office Gossip

2019-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Coaching allows me access to many different work environments. That is how I gather my anecdotal research first hand.

Difficult people and office gossip are repetitive themes in groups.

Here are three conditions I have observed first hand:

I ask them what environment produces the energy for gossip—

1. Fear of reprisal from managers.

2. No constructive outlets for discord.

3. Hyper competitive atmosphere.

Do any of these apply to your work spot?

Managers are often elevated to their positions without any direct managerial training.

They may be a different generation from their teams.
Their communication style is rigid.
They don't welcome feedback or input on projects.
Add your own observation here:____________________________________

Here are views to offset these conditions:

1. Encourage an informal "brown bag" lunch session with a speaker around generational differences. I don't like labels, yet a person's context of when they grew up does have an impact on them.

2. Invite a facilitator to address the team on style flexing. It is interesting and very revealing. This is a non-"political" way to share information. Hot spots are revealed, too.

3. Administer a team assessment on emotional intelligence. Debrief the findings before the entire team. This way the manager can identify styles that are on the team and how to best assign projects, for instance.

These conditions were the catalyst for developing the VMP™ Programs. I would be honored to serve and boost the communications in your team.

Encourage Innovation with a Beginner's Mindset

2019-03-21T15:56:00.002-07:00

So many companies and individuals are looking for an easy way to the finish line. There is none.

Business leaders and small business owners can do themselves and their teams a favor by lightening up! Everyone seems so serious when I check in with clients.

Creativity requires space to ignite, grow, and flourish. This doesn't mean we through out rules. It means we have moments in the day when we stop long enough to comprehend our own thoughts.

While facilitating our VMP™Programs, I find participants welcome a moment to take a breath and have their ideas be recognized. The "secret sauce," that powers the sessions, is everyone around the table or screens is on equal footing. Titles don't matter here so people are emboldened to speak out.

So, How do we get to energetic responses?

Our first engagement is introductions by having everyone stand to greet the team. This simple step builds confidence.

Then, as facilitator, I encourage people to image themselves as six years old and we're going for our first visit to Disneyland!

It is charming how well this works. Our imaginations are opened, cobwebs cleared away, and judgment left outside the room.

Years ago in my research, I learned techniques to seek solutions—gamification. It has made a comeback, digitally this time.

1. Before going to sleep, I state outloud what I want to solve.

2. Playing board games, role playing, and interactive scenerios generate the spark to our imagination.

Sure, there are naysayers who don't see play as an essential ingredient to creativity and innovation. Send them my way to enroll in the Legos® and Leadership VMP!

Sleep well ;-)

Lessons Learned from Knock-Knock Jokes Apply to Strategy

2017-11-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

Why do people find Knock-Knock Jokes funny? Sure, they're corny and silly, but the puns and play on words can be entertaining. They are smart in their own way. One's mind has to open to see the comedic twist. Here's an example,"When is a door not a door?" Answer: When it's ajar! (Groan)

Let's apply this pattern to something more serious, something that leaders often overlook. "When is a strategy not a strategy?" Answer: When it's a list of goals strung together!

I see this thinking pattern misunderstanding frequently when I work with small business in particular. Why? Part of the reason is because there are not many "advisors" around to correct a direction.

That is why I created the Pivotal Thinking topic for the Virtual Mastermind Projects as a benign way to start everyone on the team from the same starting line. Pivotal Thinking relies on the executive functions within the brain. When there is impairment or “lag” in these functions, decision making can be terrifying and difficult. Pivotal Thinking is affected by several functions. Read more here.

Take a "fear" temperature. This exercise is an opportunity to plant seeds of success and engagement at all levels. Preconceived notions can damage progress-the "ain't broke" rule! Discover what fears would stand in the way of progress.

So, how do you check if you have a real strategy or not?

1. How well does everyone connected with the company, brand, understand what's behind it? Purpose must be embedded or it is hollow.

2. What logic can be applied at each level or extension of the company?

3. How well does the leader realize that front-line employees are critical to the implementation of the plan? It's not enough to create the strategy and implement it. Robert Burgelman*, Stanford professor, contends (sic) that "bottom-up initiatives must come from employees that fall within set boundaries set by the strategic intent." Strategy Is Destiny" How Strategy-making Shapes a Company's Future

4. Self-selected choices emerge when employees pick which initiatives, led by the strategy, they believe in rather than being forced to make something work.

5. Consider intention rather than goals—Goals are the pillars that mark the intent to achieve the created strategy. For example, how do the choices relate back to the purpose, intention? How do individuals make it part of their job description?

Successful strategists embed room to experiment and find ways that don't work rather than finding one answer.

6. Apply the Universal Why or Toyota's root-cause analysis of asking why until they can't anymore! For example, ask, "Why are we doing this? Why did the first choice fail?"

This is a hot topic that you can bring to your organization. When everyone starts from the same place, the universe is your oyster!

*Robert Burgelman-https://hbr.org/2017/11/many-strategies-fail-because-theyre-not-actually-strategies

Gratitude is a state of mind when you allow it

2017-11-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

Gratitude is a state of mind.

Gratitude is not a natural state. Consider two toddlers in the same room with a fistful of goodies. Often, they will want what the other one has too! This description derives from a selfish desire for survival; it is hard-wired into us. Once we recognize the selfishness, then we can move in the direction of gratitude. It is one that we can aspire to because it changes the energy in our lives.

Today, and everyday, I celebrate the energy of gratitude. It is a state of mind that I cherish learned along my path to inner peace. I want to take a different tack to obtain gratitude, because once we claim the effort, it becomes part of us.

Here’s my point—

Predictably, we are entering the celebratory end of the year. There is so much hype, and it’s difficult to escape it—Santa in his new red Mercedes, for example! Why not spread the "hype" year round?

The good news is that gratitude is a year-round attitude. Since gratitude is a state of mind, I don’t just air it out at the year-end holiday times. I invoke it toward shifting my clients' and personal views.

First, please allow me the assumption that energy vibrates throughout the universe, like microwaves and colors. Given that premise, gratitude is also a vibration. It is powerful, and can be magnetic. Like all things molecular, there are positive and negative charges to things. Although visually unseen, we can view the manifestation of gratitude. We know it when we see it! We recognize it in others, very different that the two toddlers previously mentioned.

In coaching, we often use perspectives as tools. When clients come to a session, they are in a perspective. Often, they need to shift to a different perspective to fully realize what they want or what action to take. It is magical because it works. Sometimes, changing a perspective is as simple as walking around your chair or sitting in a different position, or doing something out of your routine. Whatever the mechanics, gratitude works similarly.

Often, viewed in terms of blessings, gratitude is an awareness of one’s state of being, related to emotional intelligence (hyperlink). It can reflect what resources, conditions, feelings, and people are involved in our spheres. It marks our place in our universe. It can manifest in sharing and wanting to give from a spiritual or soul place of abundance (it’s difficult to give to another from scarcity.)

So, how can we actively invoke gratitude?

Many attribute gratitude to luck rather than reviewing the path of preparation and diligence of being prepared to receive and achieve. The power is in the actions we do toward our goals. That's why I believe so much is said about the journey, not the destination! I’m grateful when I have the energy to see my actions through. It propels me further forward.

See how this “check in” works for you: Do you deserve things or do you earn them? How you answer can steer you toward feeling more gratitude.

When we don’t take things for granted or feel we are entitled, we have heightened awareness that the gratitude force is in our lives. It opens us to share, and makes room to receive more.

Learning how to experience more gratitude behooves us to pay attention. I find the little things can be filled with gratitude, stopping long enough to take it all in, and celebrating them. “Little things” are more abundant so they can raise our awareness more frequently. For example, going to the dog park with my beloved American Eskimo, Yukon,

is joyful for me. It is an actual feeling and brings me calm and serenity. I store it up for a time when I need it to remind myself of my blessings.

Gratitude is humbling, especially when we realize how precious life is. For me, I want to honor life and “show up” for my family, friends, clients, and strangers as my best self. That can be hard when a surly waitress comes to the table, for example. In such a case, I make an extra effort to understand she may have had a disastrous phone call or was up all night with a sick relative. Then, I shower her with kindness and call her by name. Amazing how this turns the energy of the situation around.

Gratitude is non-competitive

It thrives in abundance and never runs out. Exchanging one’s competitive drive to one of understanding and service works wonders! I only compete with myself to improve what I can be.

Often, gratitude is a compass.

When we are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and understand the impact we have on others, gratitude can guide us to higher ground to be our higher selves. It opens doors and improves our likability factor! Not to be dismissed, our likability factor can be the difference between being hired, a photo finish in a race, or promotion in one's career.

There is one requirement gratitude asks of us—

We must stop swirling in our lives long enough to observe and to listen to the vibrations around us. Once we are still, the gratitude in our lives can manifest, and we can enjoy what it brings.

Here is my gratitude mantra, my three gifts of gratitude: (♬ ♪♫♬ Sung to the tune of my favorite things!)

· I am grateful for the blessing of a sharp mind and the ability to learn and share ideas with others.

· I am grateful I can contribute to the world and my circle of influence.

· I am grateful for the ability to engage in different perspectives when addressing issues and challenges while I seek solutions.

Joy to you all. —MC

Why Do Business Topics Continuously Repeat

2017-10-16T11:28:00.002-07:00

Why do the same topics continuously turn up on what people want to learn?

What would you add to the list?
Who has the most to gain—small business or mid-size company?
What is at stake if these issues are not addressed?

Your chance to earn a bonus!

The first 10 respondees will receive 5 Coach Cubas Coins and a 30-minute coaching session forcused on their topic.
RSVP by November 2, 2017, 2 p.m. MST.

Select three from this top-of-mind-list that have the greatest impact on you:

· Branding

· Business Management Skills

· Business Reputation

· Career Management

· Communicating in the Current Economy

· Communication Strategy

· Crisis Communication

· Change Management & Communication

· Creativity/Thinking Outside the Box

· Employee Communication

· Emotional Intelligence

· Independent Consulting

· Integrated Marketing Communications

· Leadership

· Best Practices Measurement

· Media Relations

· Project Management

· Public Relations

· Research

· Respect for Communication Function

· Skills Development (writing, editing, etc.)

· Social Media

· Technology

· Future Trends

· Trust Management

· Problem-Solving

Next step . . .

Email your response with your name and industry sector. You will receive confirmation of your coins and you can schedule your time with me.

Remember to RSVP by November 2, 2017, 2 p.m. MST. Good luck.

Sneak Peek, Grand Reveal of Member Goodies!

2017-08-20T16:19:00.003-07:00

What a joyful feeling it is to approach the accomplishment of a large goal. That is what Small Business Coaching Village is for me. It will launch on September 28, 2017.

My vision is to create a safe, creative place and community where people can share ideas without fear of ridicule. Contributors have an authentic intention to raise all members of the community.

Here's my welcome to you.

No question is silly or company too large to belong. At every level of development and structure, new issues arise, so let's use our collective mindset to accomplish everyone's vision.

Please enjoy the open enrollment and be ready to collect your rewards and be informed for about information before September 28—Countdown!

How much time is wasted on worrying?

2017-08-19T15:43:00.004-07:00

So, what's the dragon "in your wallet?" Here's the good news about worrying—it is your brain's attempt to protect you.

The downside is that worrying creates anxiety. It is an emotional response to fear. It can be paralyzing and floods your thinking process so you are unable to make solid choices.

Knowing that, here are several ways to minimize worry:

Identify where the worry (floating anxiety) originates?
What is the immediate action you can take to minimize it? The antidote across the board is ACTION! Why?

For example, if you are concerned about accidents on a road trip, have your car checked in advance, like tire pressure and fluid levels. Just taking the action, is calming.

When you self-coach and take action, you change the perspective of the issue. It's that simple. A coaching exercise is to see at least three perspectives, positive or negative, and then choose the one that serves you. This is a fun and revealing action to take with your team or family.

Ever had analysis paralysis—where you must make a decision and can't or fear crawls all over you? Sometimes a grinding loop hijacks your brain and exhausts you. It sucks all your energy even when you want to make a change.
Take a deep breath.

Call out the feeling by name (I know that sounds weird but once you name it, you can start to manage it!) Self-talk is healthy. You hear the sound of your voice that overrides the sound of the little voice in your head. This is a useful tactic to overcome procrastination.
Once you raise your awareness of what's going on, you can start to move forward. For example, when I start to clean out my desk drawers, I know I'm avoiding something. Identify what behavior is your "tell."

Coaching can be a useful tool to fight the dragon of fear.

If the anxiety persists and deepens without signs of letting up, please see a health professional.

Please let me know your strategies for self-coaching.

Pivotal Thinking Skills Overcome the Invisible Factor™

2017-08-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Pivotal Thinking skills Overcome the Invisible Factor™—Part 2

The Pivotal Thinking Series Explores How to Overcome the Invisible Factor™—in life, career, and family.

After coaching thousands of people, my anecdotal research shows me that being invisible is a top fear people have. Another way to view it is being—you don't matter. The world is not affected by you being in it!

A goal of Pivotal Thinkers is to be agile. It is the perception that you always land on your feet, no matter the circumstance. This inspires confidence in others toward you.

Bring a positive spin to your messages. Go ahead-speak out and keep it upbeat and enthusiastic. No need to attack a differing opinion.

Here are questions for your self-reflection.

Consider these top questions as you begin:

What are the pivotal issues for your success?
Prioritize them.
Assign resources to them.
How far can you go?
What can you innovate to advance the outcome?
How far out of bounds (lines you've drawn) does your idea float? Can you live with it?
What do you need to learn to be confident about your decision?

After applying these tactics to your presentation of self, notice how you are treated. Adjust when you need to and remain balanced.

Pivotal Thinking™ Creates Dimensions of Thought

2017-08-11T16:58:00.001-07:00

"Pivotal Thinking Creates Dimensions of Thought—Effective Multi-Dimensional Leadership™ Use Pivotal Thinking strategies for Optimum Action."

Use Pivotal Thinking for Optimum Agile Action

Pivotal Thinking relies on the executive functions within the brain. When there is impairment or "lag" in these functions, decision making can be terrifying and difficult. Pivotal Thinking is affected by several functions. Here are a few:

Impulse control, an inability to delay gratification
Poor planning skills
Shallow concrete thinking dominates—literal expression rather than creative, deep
Poor adaptability skills
Difficulty following complicated step procedures
Uncertainty between cause and effect
Poor judgment
Lack of ability to apply what's learned to new circumstances (CDC)

When these behaviors manifest in companies, organizations and families, we have a recipe for disaster.

Please take a moment and write down an example you observed of poor executive skills in yourself and others. Part of our work together will be to master techniques to overcome these gaps.

The Pivotal Thinking method pushes aside conventional wisdom. Its process opens your leadership style to robust and thought-provoking proven methods, tactics, and non-judgmental ways to advance your people, processes, performance and profitability all founded “on purpose.” This becomes the gateway to innovation and creativity; ultimately it boosts performance!

Pivotal Thinking Genesis:

After coaching and training thousands of professionals, I tracked recurring career and personal themes. Why does one succeed and another crash?

Our work and learning environments are rife with noise and too many choices to process effectively. Today adults struggle with how to focus and perform effectively in work and social environments, especially if their executive thinking skills are overloaded.

It's not you; give yourself a break. There are too many distractions and set ups for failure. We're reacting, not thinking in the ever demanding, do-more-with-less workplace environment. It relates to the raised awareness around attention deficit disorder (ADD). Often undetected in adults, the frenetic environments in which we must perform contribute to many symptoms of A.D.D. like lack of focus or short-term memory loss.

Identify these conditions

Coach Cubas’ Findings of observable behaviors:

Hostile and “tricky” work environments that drain you.
Short-term thinking without consideration of unintended consequences.
Bold disconnect between values and actions, and what is asked of us to do.
Costly reactive behavior rather than anticipatory expectations.
"ME" focus rather than for the “Good of the House”
Scarcity premise rather than abundant solutions
Lack of high emotional intelligence.
Innate “other orientation” and bias.
Conserve rather than exploit attitude.
Willing to take reasonable risk and experiment.
Provides team with all tools vital for success.

Seek out and engage with like-minded people to discover the formula that converts productivity into career satisfaction and performance.

What is the gap between influence and impact?

It is the space between thought and action. People who use Pivotal Thinking can turn quickly to maximize a sales opportunity or pitch of their ideas.

What is the difference between tenacious and stubborn?

How do you break the deadlock? It is useful to know when negotiating. What are you willing to leave on the table rather than stubbornly digging in not giving an inch (think U.S. Congress!)

Tips:

Focus on the objectives you identified to achieve the outcome.
Focus on the outcome you want to achieve.

Pivotal Thinking impacts these key functions:

Strategic thinking
Business development
Communication skills
Strategic planning
Language and vocabulary
Company messaging
Global perspective
Project management

This introduction will open the possibilities for your to embrace Pivotal Thinking.

To learn more about how you can participate in a VMP™ (Virtual Mastermind Project).

Join like-minded people to discover the formula that converts productivity into career satisfaction and performance.

Time for the Little Green Men to Arrive

2017-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Agents Scully and Mulder (X-Files) were right. The truth is out there somewhere.

With the frenetic past year, it's time to reset ourselves to move forward and create our own positive futures. The White House antics are a distraction from what's important in our personal lives. We can't hold our collective breath any longer.

Creative business management styles are especially important during fluctuating times. Open-book management is one such strategy.

Open-book management relies on a fact-based system. It is transparency that buoys the entire company.

The premise is that all employees are able to be informed about the health of a business. It is useful for quarter all-hands' meetings, for example. By doing this, leadership has an easier time explaining policy and personnel changes. This is an excellent opportunity to "brainstorm" and get ideas about how to trim waste and increase engagement for optimum performance.

"Companies that practice open-book management seem to have captured some sort of lightning in a bottle." -- Chris Lee, Training, referring to

John Case's book, (Senior Writer for Inc. Magazine)

This approach requires a staunch commitment to transparency. It isn't an attempt to air "dirty laundry." It is a courageous move to achieve optimum buy in at every level of the business.

The key success factor of Open-book management is the motivation potential. Personnel can self-motivate when they see their direct connection to the company results.

In September, I will be facilitating a VMP™ (Virtual Mastermind Project) Series on Open Book Management. For advanced information on how to bring this information to your business unit,hit the button!

Press Here for more information. Please put VMP in subject line.

Power Link Between Company, Personal Values & Peak Performance

2017-07-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

An avid fan of classic rock and roll, I love watching the induction show into the Hall of Fame. The range of talent impresses me; what's more, the range of talent with formal and classical music training inspires me. There is a deep truth locked in that fact.

In order for the stars to "riff" in their own styles, they have the basics and classical structures to build upon. Several of the group, Chicago, attended Juilliard School in N.Y. They are classically trained musicians. Many artists attend the Berklee School of Music.

So, what's the point?
My point is that values are like the classical foundation for musicians. Once your values are crisp and clear, you can make cleaner decisions based on a solid foundation!

As a business coach, I am gobsmacked by the lack of attention business owners have to a lack of awareness they have to create a culture for their company. They are deeply focused on creating "widgets" that they are unaware of what is invisibly being created in parallel, the environment in which people will work to produce the "widgets." Would you produce popsicles in a non-air conditioned, non-refrigerated plant? Would you create faux fur coats in tropical climates? Sounds silly but this is one reason many young companies fail. They don't think beyond the task!

What thinking beyond the task requires!

Tough questions need to be asked at the outset:

What does the company stand for?
What kind of leader will I be?
What do we really offer beyond a product or service?
What is memorable about our company personality?
What are the core beliefs that drive our mission?
What behaviors do we reward?
How open is our process for innovation and creativity?
How business literate is everyone associated with the company from the lunchroom to the boardroom?
When do we introduce our providers and vendors to our processes?
What do we "sound" like to the outside world?
How does our strategic plan and focus align values with each element?
How often is the company exposed to these beliefs? Where are they posted?

These questions will get you started or start a conversation to reinforce your vision, mission, and values. Good luck. When you submit a response to let me know your progress, you receive a complimentary review of your input. Please put "Review" in the subject line.

"The purpose of a business is to create a customer." the late Peter Drucker