Tag: Profiles & Assessments

No Negative You

When you think about it, it’s obvious: negative is the opposite of positive, so in order to instill a positive mindset you need to get rid of negative thoughts. Sounds simple enough, right? The process is an easy one, but it takes practice to make it stick.

The first step in clearing negativity from your mind is to really pay attention to your thoughts. Whenever the words can’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, won’t, not, or never enter your mind, concentrate on what you’re thinking and turn it around to eliminate the negative wording. For example:

Your spouse and children are gone for a few hours, and you have the place to yourself. You’re indulging in one of your favorite activities. In the midst of your enjoyment, you start to feel guilty. You think: I really shouldn’t be doing this. I could be getting started on the project I promised someone else I’d take care of. Your enjoyment starts to fade, and you stop what you’re doing, resentful that you have to tackle this boring project when you have so little time to yourself…

Does this sound familiar? The moment you hear yourself think shouldn’t, stop right there and change direction. In this scenario, you might instead think I really should be doing this. Taking time for me is important, and when I’m relaxed and satisfied I will be able to do a better job on that project I promised someone else. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to do something I enjoy.

Try to do this every time a negative thought creeps in. The more often you banish negative ideas from your mind, the easier positive thinking will become. You will be more relaxed and receptive to positive solutions.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Why CEO’s Need To Take Up A Hobby

When you have a hobby, it is more than something to take up time in your life. Typically, it is something that you enjoy and learn about. As a CEO, you lead a hectic life. That may have you believe that you don’t have time to have a hobby.

What Having A Hobby Can Do For A Person

Your mind needs a way to distract itself from the hustle, bustle, and stress of the day. Whether from home life, work-life, or something else, a hobby can help distract your mind and allow you to let loose now and then.

It has been proven that when a company CEO has a hobby that they participate in, they are overall happier. It doesn’t have to be a major involvement or activity. It could be something as simple as a card game. Either way, it can help you to feel more fulfilled and experience less burnout.

Ways A Hobby Helps CEO’s

If you are a CEO, you may be thinking that this is not something that will work for you. You never know the answer to that until you try. Here are some ways that hobbies have been found to lighten the load you are carrying.

Stress Relief

Stress, anxiety, and depression are all symptoms that people can feel in a high-level position at their job. It is important to find ways to release those emotions and feelings. Not everyone is comfortable talking things out, and in some instances, information is restricted from being shared.

That is where you need to invest yourself in a hobby, something to exert that energy. Something that distracts your mind and brings you peace and joy. Some things such as:

• A Dance Class
• A Martial Arts Class
• A Yoga Class

Gets Creative Juices Flowing

It is so easy to get stuck in a rut. Unable to think outside the box or come up with new ideas? If your job requires that, a hobby that expresses your inner personality and passions can help stir things up again. Such as:

• Playing An Instrument
• Taking A Painting Class
• Taking Up Pottery
• Photography

Improved Communications

Do you need better strategies to communicate with your staff. As a CEO, you are the leader of meetings and many conversations. If you are not comfortable with how they have been playing out, an improvement of communication skills may be needed.

One activity that can help improve your communication skills is through an improv class. Another is to use some profiles & assessments and utilize a professional coach.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Your Personality Matters in Leadership

The type of people that we surround ourselves with is important. Some personality types can help you flourish, and some can bring you down. It is essential to know yourself and what, or who, you need in your inner circle to be the best that you can be.

Personal or Business Related

The people that you choose to spend time with each day are critical in your development. Not only in your friendships or marriage, but in your work-life as well. The personality that someone exhibits can either benefit you or hurt you.

In your personal life, you want people who make you happy and people with who you can be yourself. The business world is a little different; while you still want to be happy with your surroundings, you also need people who will keep you motivated and progressing. The personality traits that you surround yourself with are important in many different aspects of your life.

Social Distancing Has Made This Difficult

Covid-19 hit, and everyone was told to social distance and stay home. This made mingling with people and working side-by-side with someone a bit difficult. Everything went virtual and people were working from home. This can make it challenging to stay motivated and on top of things.

The personalities that are within your home life are what you have created and chosen to be around. They fill the need for the personal relationships that you have. But, what about the business needs that you have? Your family will not be in tune with the personality traits that you are used to having at work.

Different Personality Traits

Amongst all the people that you meet, everyone is their own unique personality. The different types of characteristics are endless. Although, you can categorize them into four different types overall. Such as:

• The Cheerleader

The person that will help you feel confident and will encourage you along the way.

• The Collaborator

This is someone who’s going to help you expand your idea and improve your delivery.

• The Cheddar

The person that will deliberately challenge your ideas and ask tough questions.

• The Coach

A coach will help you understand if an idea is right for you.

All of these personality traits may exhibit themselves differently in everyone. But, they are all needed to make the business world, and home life, go round. When personalities match too closely to one another, it can make for some difficult situations.

Virtual Meetings Can Help

In the times of distancing ourselves and not being in a physical work building, the need for video conferencing is intensely important. It is a way to stay connected with other people and their abilities to challenge you. That is highly needed in the workforce from time to time.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Better Your Company With Continuing and Advanced Learning

It is challenging to learn new skills within your job sometimes. Primarily, you are conditioned and trained to do things a certain way. To keep up with the ever-changing times, you need to be open to change. When you can learn new skills and tasks, you can go further in life.

The Pandemic Put Things On Hold

For many people, the pandemic put learning and jobs on hold. Others were able to take advantage of businesses being closed and brush up on their training. There were also several who took this time to learn new skills to further their education.

It is always good to be prepared for the future, no matter what it may hold.

Precautions are starting to lift for many people regarding the pandemic, and things are getting back to full swing.

That means that this time that was spent on hold will accelerate forward. Are you ready?

Be Opened Minded and Eager To Learn

Companies will offer advanced learning opportunities to their employees at various times. Take advantage of these chances and further your education. Don’t be stuck in a rut of what you are used to; you never know what tomorrow will bring. This could be the opportunity that you needed to become a better person.

Experience is only good when it falls in line with what you are good at. With the way everything is changing and moving, you need to be versatile. Some of the many ways that companies will go about preparing their employees for the future are:

1. Allowing You Opportunities To Further Your Education
2. Chances For On-The-Job Training
3. Opportunities To Build Bonds With Other Employees
4. Encourage Learning and Communication With Coworkers
5. Opportunities For Change At All Levels
6. Allowing Expression Of New Ideas
7. Making Room For Failure and Encouraging To Keep Trying

Be Future Ready

As times change, businesses change. The way things operate changes and evolve. If you are stuck in your tracks and unwilling to make the needed changes, you won’t succeed. As a business, you need to be open to these changes and encourage an open-minded attitude to your employees.

When your employees are willing and eager to learn new skills and techniques, you will grow as a business. Advanced learning is an excellent opportunity to supply to your business employees. Shape your company to what you want it to be in the future.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Reasons Why Video Job Interviews Go Wrong

Covid-19 had a significant impact on the virtual aspect of running a business. That being said, the internet has vastly been utilized for years. But, through social distancing and quarantine, the internet has kept businesses afloat. Not only are people working from home, but they also do job interviews from home with video conferencing.

Sounds Great, Right?

Nearly 90% of companies were using video conference platforms for job interviews through the pandemic. Job interviews are something that many people get very nervous about and experience a lot of anxiety. So interviewing from the comfort of your own home sounds better.

Many companies have decided to make the switch to remote work and video conferences a long-term situation. Businesses are opening back up, but some have chosen to remain remote. Just because you don’t have to sit face-to-face for an interview anymore, the preparation is still just as important, if not more important.

Reasons A Video Interview Can Go Wrong

Many distractions can occur within your home daily. This is something that you are used to and don’t think much about. When you are on a video conference, these noises and distractions can be bothersome. Here are some tips on what to do to prepare for a video job interview.

Find a Quiet Place

Dogs barking, kids playing, T.V.’s being on, or significant others cleaning behind you can all be negative occurrences while on a virtual call. It may not seem like much to you, but it can be very distracting on the computer. It also takes away from the professional atmosphere of a business.

Technical Problems

Technology can be unpredictable, and everyone knows that. Glitches happen, and services are needed. Before you jump on a video conference interview, cover your bases. Ensure that you can work your computer correctly and know how to operate the system you are using. It can be negatively looked upon in a remote working world if you don’t know how to navigate your computer.

Busy Backgrounds

Not only are the people on the other end of your video conference seeing your face, but they see what’s behind you as well. Don’t sit where a messy desk, kitchen, or other background can be seen. Find a place in your home that is simple and clean and set up there. Keep the focus on you and not the surroundings.

Be Yourself

Remember to relax and act as you would in a face-to-face interview. Watch your posture and dress appropriately. Just because you are in your home doesn’t mean that appearances do not matter.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

The New Advantage: Inspiring Others

The success of a company isn’t solely focused on one aspect. There are many things that go into making a business flourish. Everyone wants to earn money, but there is more to it than that.  Some of the focus needs to be on how the business is run.

Inspiring Others

When your employees are inspired, they are going to work harder. That is why the true advantage to success is inspiring others. You can put together four techniques to help your team excel.

When you have a game plan and a clear focus on what you want your business to be, you will do great things. It will equally look good from the inside and outside. Here are the areas that need to be focused on to make this happen.

Roles- How I Add Value

Everyone wants to be a valuable asset to their work. When you know that you are needed and beneficial, you will work harder. If an employee knows their value to the company, research has shown that they work 63% harder.

To let employees know their role and their value, you first have to communicate with them. Sit down and have conversations. Be transparent and set goals. This way, everyone knows their roles and what they need to accomplish.

Culture- How We Run The Place

A clear view of what a business expects and how they function is vital for everyone to know. When employees don’t have to question how the business is run, they are proven to be more successful. Some ways to do this are:

• Assess How Things Are Now
• Make Changes That Are Needed

Value- How We Make Money

When running a business, it is just as much about long-term strategies as it is short-term. A clear view of the value expectations for both areas is vital to helping the business function. Many things need to be addressed, such as:

• Cost Reductions
• Acquisitions
• Strategic Initiatives

Behavior- How I Behave

Each individual is going to possess their own characteristics. It is essential to have a clear outline of the behavior that your business expects. Have your employees prepared for all the situations that they may face.

Offer training to make sure they are comfortable and equipped with the techniques they need. The company will do so much better in the long run when you show an interest in how your staff behaves. Not only does it show your employees you care, but it shows your customers as well.

Please share your comments with us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Are You Portraying The Right Culture For Your Business

There are a ton of responsibilities that you take on when running a business. The employees who work for you look up to you to take the company in the right direction. The culture of your business can make or break the way it all succeeds or doesn’t.

What Is Culture In A Business?

Culture is all about what is allowed to go on, happen, and occur in your business. Are you allowing people who don’t deserve a raise to get one? Do you make sure that the people who genuinely deserve a promotion get one?

If unfair advantages are being taken, employees are not going to stick around for them. That includes you, the business owner. General rules and protocols need to be followed by all employees. Exceptions to skip or give special privileges shouldn’t be permitted when it comes to raises, promotions, and other similar aspects in the business.

Why Does A Good Culture Make A Difference?

Employees want to be treated fairly and as they are valuable to the company. When you skip over or don’t show proper acknowledgment, they won’t feel recognized for their hard work. If your business has a good culture, the rate of employee turnover will be far less.

Not to mention, when an employee feels that they are valued, they will work harder. More effort will be put into their job, and they will perform better. No one wants to feel like they are unnoticed and someone else is benefitting from their hard work.

A Good Measure To Follow

If you are the individual in charge of a company, have a plan. Don’t fly off the seat of your pants and chance making bad decisions. Pay attention to your employees and who is doing a great job at their job. You should never promote someone based solely on their friendship with you or their ability to charm you.

Watch the performance and give promotions based on hard work and dedication. Look at who has been there the longest and waited their turn to be promoted. Some other qualities to pay attention to are:

• Respect
• Behavior
• Attitude
• Values

The culture of your business is not only how the employees are allowed to interact. It is also about what you are allowed to happen at your company. If you enforce a good culture, you’ll be more respected, and your business will thrive better with employee retention.

We would love to hear your comments on this article or any of our latest articles.

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.