“…And What Else?” November 2021 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

November 2021

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question… “and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

Strengths or weaknesses—on which should I focus? It’s a question I hear often with my coaching clients. The strengths-based leadership model advocates leveraging strengths. Seems like a logical approach. But what about those blind spots you learned about from feedback? Isn’t it also valuable to address areas where you need to improve? Hmm. Also a good perspective. So which is it?

It’s neither and both.

It’s not about strengths vs. weaknesses, it’s about choosing the right behavior for the situation. There will be instances where your strength is a perfect fit for the situation. Yet there are instances where your strength will create tension and dysfunction. Think about it for a moment. Is your ability to thoroughly and deeply analyze a situation always the strength to wield? Or what about your talent to cut through confusion and deliver a decision with little data—Is that always the best option?

Choices. That’s the key. It’s not about leveraging strengths or fixing weakness. Neither is always right or wrong. It’s about deciding when to leverage a strength and when to build a weakness. That is where growth occurs.

Thinking Out Loud Blog

What We Have Here is a Failure to Communicate

Last week I waited forty-five minutes at a “quick” oil change station. So much for quick. During that forty-five minutes, I observed four employees. Two of whom were doing what I’ll describe as nothing. As evidence, the car in front of me sat unattended for ten minutes AFTER the traditional new-oil, dip-stick display. No action and no indication of action from anyone.

The Forty-Two Challenge

Question #2: What (or whom) are you most grateful for?

The Challenge: It shouldn’t take Thanksgiving to acknowledge those who impact you. Let’s do it more than just once a year.

There is someone in your life who you are grateful for. Tell them. And not in a text.

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

As the title implies, just because it’s worked in the past doesn’t mean it will work in the future. In fact, it likely won’t. This terrific book identifies twenty habits to avoid, with actionable approaches to getting you from here to there.

Thought Starter: Have you read it? Really read it? Some books take a couple reads before they sink in. Maybe it’s timing; maybe we weren’t ready the first time. If you’ve read the book and are struggling to remember the tips, it’s time to read it again.

Worth Watching

The secret to giving great feedback

Ugh. Feedback. We’ve all heard it and we’ve all given it. The not-so-secret is that it is useful when done well. This short video provides some tips on setting yourself up to give and get valuable feedback.

Thought Starter: Don’t wait for the annual employee review to give or request feedback. The next time some result didn’t quite hit the mark, follow the four steps—with particular emphasis on the last: create an opportunity for continued dialog.

Leadership Programs & Services

Coaching is Not Just for Executives

A manager accounts for a significant portion of a team’s success—up to 70% according to Gallup research. No matter the industry or company size, good managers create better outcomes. Yet, most managers are woefully unprepared to take on this significant role.

The good news: becoming a strong manager is a skill that can be developed. The Forty-Two Coaching process is an effective, direct, and impactful approach to building leadership and management skills.

Are you or one of your team members a new manager? Have you just moved into a new role that requires management and leadership?

You may need a little nudge, support, or honest feedback to get you where you want to go. Remember—what got you here won’t get you there.

Learn more about our Coaching

Final Thoughts

ROI. Return-on-Investment. It’s a handy way to estimate future value, right? Return is, after all, the important measure of success. Maybe.

While the “R” is first variable in the formula, it is not the most critical. That belongs to “I.” The “I”—your investment—is the only part that you directly control. The higher the investment (your time, your commitment, your focus—not just your $) the higher probability of a worthwhile Return.

Executive Coaching & Strategic Advising