I heard this statement from a new leader about five years ago. She jumped into one of our leadership groups and within three months, this is what I heard, “My people are the greatest!”

So what caused the change?

One thing: her thinking! And a little dash of leadership skill development didn’t hurt!

John Maxwell says, “For a leader that develops leaders there is something scarcer and much more important than ability. Is it the ability to recognize ability.” How do you do that?

The first step is in asking, “What do we need?” Too many leaders begin hiring someone for a position without stopping to ask this important question first. They hire based on the job description of the person who leaves and not on what the team really needs.

What’s your vision?

What’s your mission?

What homes in service or support might you be experiencing?

What resources are you lacking?

What future challenges are you trying to prepare your team for?

...

“Leaders add value by serving others.” John C. Maxwell

In order to really add value to other people, though, you need to do three things.

• Value Yourself: know, like, and trust yourself first; whenever there’s an issue examine yourself first before you try to ‘fix’ another person
• Value People: to you value people in general? What’s the evidence that you do?
• Value ‘Them’: do things that serve the people in your immediate spheres- home, work, clubs, community, etc.

First-time leaders are generally all about getting results. I was no different! And many times I did things at the expense of my people. I didn’t value them as much as I could have. If I had it to do all over again, I would definitely do things differently!

• I would have more conversations with my staff about their strengths, passions, and goals in life and help empower them to be the best versions of themselves possible.
• I would ask more questions, listen more...

Last chance to sign up for the Self-Image Mastery course! We open today and you’ll never hear me talk about it again.

“When there is no choice, there’s no fear.” Byron Katie

I read this statement this morning and, honestly, it had me doing some mental gymnastics…

At first, I thought when I have no choice, I don’t like it! Some people, when they have no choice, tend to turn into a victim/hostage, some people will fight to the death like a wounded animal, and others will accept it and move on. And, out of all of those options, you still have a choice. So, what to do with this statement?

As I thought about it more, I realized there are many times when I don’t have a choice about something and I move forward. For example:

• When there’s a pandemic that forces you to stay at home
• When your son, a week into a pandemic, chops his knee while cutting firewood and you can’t stay at the hospital with him
• When you lost 3 friends in 6 hours...

Recently, I had the joy of going on vacation with family, friends, and colleagues. It was a ton of fun!

As I had fun and engaged with others I realized a few things about myself. I acted a bit differently than I have in the past. Others noticed, which turned my attention towards it as well.

In the past, on these trips, I would sleep in, party, spend lots of money, drink too much, eat bad food, stay up late, and talk about other people. Now, some of you might say, “I don’t know, Michelle, that sounds pretty good to me.” And for a time, it was.

But this trip was different…

This time, I got up early each day and enjoyed the quiet while everyone else was sleeping. I did a few hours of work that I loved and got to serve my clients. I spent the rest of the day with the other party-goers. I set up systems before the trip so I could still make money while resting, swimming, and reading. I ate nutritious food (for the most part!) and took regular walks- I loved my...

“Let us not refuse the help, happiness, and joy that others may bring us, or that we can give to others.” Maxwell Maltz

The Law of Reciprocity says if you give something to someone, they will be inclined to give you something back. So, what id we all chose to give help, happiness, and joy? What would our world look like? And how do you do that with difficult and challenging people?

I experienced that this week! I interacted with a challenging person. She wasn’t trying to give me help, happiness, or joy. She was operating out of her own fear and belief in her process, and unable to take in a new idea. Know anyone like that?

My overall motivation in life is to help people see their own awesomeness and to grow. When someone chooses to discount both of those things, they won't’ last long around me!

I didn’t need to be defensive or criticize or change what I was doing for her. I am secure in who I am as a person. However, I DID need to show help, happiness,...

A few weeks ago, my daughter had a difficult time when getting ready to go to the doctor. No amount of assuring her helped. Until the doctor told her she would not be poked with a needle. Immediately she calmed down and became herself again. That got me thinking… what was the issue?

Her imagination ran wild with all the negative possibilities ahead of her!

But don’t’ we do the same? I know I do!

• I put off writing that paper for school because I might receive negative feedback
• I work myself up with anxiety thinking I might have to have a difficult conversation
• I ignore opportunities to put in proposals at work because I ‘might’ not be accepted.

What about you? How does your imagination run wild sometimes? How can we stop that?

Well, I could write you a whole dissertation on how to use your imagination for moving forward, OR, you could join us in the Self-Image Mastery course starting on 7/20 and I’ll teach you all my tricks! 

“A person’s heart is more clearly seen by what they’re willing to embrace without offense, then by their expression of faith only in what they already understand.” Bill Johnson

“Only a secure leader gives his power away.” John Maxell

You might be saying, “How in the world do these two quotes relate, Michelle?” Well, I’ve noticed several leaders in my life showing how insecure they are by not being at least a bit willing to consider a new idea.

Many leaders seem to think they need to stand on their own understanding, beliefs, and rationale and that makes them a good leader.

In reality, that makes you an inflexible leader.

Your people need someone who can consider new ideas and make a decision about whether those ideas help or hinder your forward progress. If you are not doing that, if you’re just standing on what you’ve always thought in the past, it might be time to pass the torch!

Join us for the Self-Image Mastery...

Are you stuck in analysis paralysis? Unsure what to do because you don’t know HOW to do something?

Emerson said, “You must not wait until you have proof- you must act as if it is there and it will come through. DO THE THING and you will have the power.” (emphasis added)

Whether you’re trying to grow a speaking business, get that new job, teach an online course, or a baby learning to walk, the same principles apply. You have to start, fail, continue, and learn the HOW as you go. There’s no other way.

Just ask yourself, “What’s the next best step?” Start doing that and you’ll be amazed at your progress!

You know what to do – trust yourself!

Join us for the Self-Image Mastery course! 

“Always think of what you have to do as easy and it will become so.” Emile Coue

A coach of mine asked me this question, “What if it didn’t have to be difficult?”

That one questions totally changed my world!

• What if writing a dissertation didn’t have to be difficult?
• What if building an online business didn’t have to be difficult?
• What if parenting teenagers didn’t have to be difficult?
• What if having difficult conversations didn’t have to be difficult?

You see, I’ve found that whenever I ask that question it takes out the feelings and emotions that often get in my way. It helps me forward. In a way it completely discounts the hurdles and helps your brain see a clear path. It definitely opens up your brain to more possibilities and choices.

One question has massive power!

So what if you could have access to 10 questions that might do the same? Would you sit and listen for those 10 questions? Would you find the gold in your...

“The power of our imagination makes us infinite.” John Muir

Leaders are responsible to share the vision with their people. To do this, one must use their imagination. John Maxwell says, “anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.”

How do YOU use your imagination?

I’ve helped hundreds of coaching clients use their imagination to:

• Create the ideal team and job craft to maximize performance,
• Dream of their ideal customer service plan to serve in the highest way possible, and
• Intentionally plan for their legacy to remain after they are gone.

What about you? How do you use your imagination? Do you ever help support your people with the use of their imagination? Simple ways to do that include:

• Help them imagine various solutions to a problem
• Imagine a rough interaction or crucial conversation going how they want it to go before it happens
• Think about the next job they want with the company and how to develop their skills to get...