energy

Are You Tired of Visioning?

February 15, 2017 By Patti Cotton Leave a Comment

The Importance of Short-Term Wins

Sometimes I get tired about visioning the future and setting long-range goals. These are certainly important – but they aren’t enough to keep me on track.

How about you?

Short-term wins and intermediate goals are the fuel for getting there. And you can leverage this with your team to keep them motivated and inspired.

Years ago, I sat with a CEO and talked about how to keep his healthcare system viable and vibrant.

“I’m tired, Patti,” he said. “Look at this,” and he pulled out a heavy drawer full of notebooks. “These are all strategic plans. Through the years, we’ve hired expensive consultants to come and walk through the process with us and all we have to show for it is…paper.” He sighed. “The more I look at these, the more tired I get. The future seems so far off – and we aren’t moving forward. What good is a strategic plan, anyway?”

He shut the drawer. “I’m beginning to believe we’ll never get there. We’ve set up 3-year action plans, designated responsibilities – but, somehow, we all get too busy doing the day-to-day stuff that this place requires.”

This guy looked pretty tired. Bone tired. Discouraged.

“What about your short-term plan?” I asked.

“Short-term plan?”

“Yes, a plan that sets key milestones and success indicators in 3-4 month increments.”

He paused. “Why would I do that? I know very well what to do to get there.”

“Well,” I responded. “How’s that working for you and your executive team?”

It’s not just a matter of knowing how to get there – if you don’t have a plan that has intermediate goals and milestones, you not only lack measurements to show you how well you are headed there, but you also miss out on a key secret to staying motivated – and keeping your team motivated, as well.

And when motivation is gone, nothing happens.

So how do you set these?

Take your one-year plan and reverse-engineer it – what are the major projects and steps to get there? What should you be seeing if you are on course by the end of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4? In other words, how will you know you are on the path to success?

When you are able to make these indicators tangible so that you can see you are hitting the mark, then you are on your way to sustaining momentum and energy. And you need that. Not only you, but your team needs it. It helps them to know that they are doing well, on the right track, and meeting motivation.

No small potatoes. Because keeping a team motivated when you have huge goals can be challenging.

So here’s my challenge to you: get with your team and look at your one-year plan. Break it up, assigning major projects, deadlines, the people responsible, and key indicators that show these projects are successfully meeting the goals of the one-year plan. This is a great team-building exercise, and you will have set in place the motivators that will keep you and your team on track.

Patti Cotton helps women executives optimize their effectiveness in leading self, others, and enterprises. Her areas of focus include confidence, leadership style, executive presence, effective communication, and masterful execution. With over 25 years of leadership experience, both stateside and abroad, Patti works with individuals, teams, and organizations across industries, providing executive coaching, women’s leadership development, change, and conflict management. She is also a Fortune 500 speaker. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

The Problem with Women Rising Above

February 1, 2017 By Patti Cotton Leave a Comment

Monkey See, Monkey Do

You probably remember the old saying, “Monkey see, monkey do!”

The reference to monkeys is because researchers have noted that when one monkey sees another monkey do something, it quite often does likewise. So we use this old saying when describing the foolishness of one person mimicking another without thinking.

And although you may think that this occurs only with children, or because of a lack of sound reasoning skills, there is actually a scientific explanation as to why all of us do this to a certain extent without knowing it.

In fact, your ability to lead is probably being affected right now.

How can you identify where this is happening, and stop it from compromising your effectiveness?

First, it’s necessary to understand why we copy each other without realizing it.

We are social beings, and Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy has been revised in recent years to reflect that at the foundation of the pyramid is the need to belong. This means that we are wired and hungry to connect and collaborate as a part of a larger body or group.

To help us do just that, our brains are actually wired to act as “social glue” so that we can empathize and connect. Researchers have observed that the mirror neurons, specialized cells in the brain, facilitate this at a subconscious level.

The problem is, that as we seek to connect, empathize, and to belong, we can meld into larger group dynamics. We can blend into the tribe without realizing it and adopt behaviors and mindsets that don’t serve us well.

Think about it. Reflect on the five people with whom you surround yourself on a daily basis. Not necessarily those with whom you feel a particular closeness, but people with whom you are in contact, such as colleagues, co-workers.

A quick assessment will show you whether you are in the right place or not:

Where are members of your group headed – somewhere, or nowhere? Are these people action-oriented and goal-focused, or are they wishing and hoping their career or life would change?
How do these people govern themselves? Are they values-driven, directional, and proactive – or reactive to and blaming the world around them?
What does the group language reflect? Is there a positive tone, or one of negativity?
What does the group focus reveal? Is the focus on the world around them and how to contribute to make it even better – or are they playing “auditory sitcom,” where they talk mainly about other people and situations?
Who is the weakest link in the chain within the group? Surprisingly, this is the one who has the most power to hold the group right where it is – stuck.

If, after diligent assessment, you see room for improvement, as yourself – what are you going to do about this? You can either sink back into complacency – or move the needle by making some game-changing choices.

Up to you – what’s your next move?

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

Why Most High-Potential Executives Over-Promise and Under-Deliver

January 25, 2017 By Patti Cotton Leave a Comment

Are you over-committed and feeling behind the Eight Ball? Even though it’s stressful, why you do this may shock you. In fact, you may also be getting some secret gratification from it!

The problem is, your professional (and personal!) reputation is suffering because of it. Your credibility is low, and you are missing out on bigger, better professional opportunities.

Ready to make a change?

Let’s take a look at why you may be over-promising and under-delivering.

Which of these scenarios fits you?

1. You want to look good.

If this is you, you may be worried that you are not seen as competitive, or that you aren’t pulling your weight. If so, it’s time to have a conversation with the decision-makers that are allocating your workload, to see how they feel you are doing, and what you might do more or less of, in order to be at your most effective.

2. You are eager to please.

If this is you, you may need to look like a good person. Signs are that you are volunteering to help others with their work when it compromises your ability to accomplish yours, or that you accept work allocated to you that isn’t really your area. If you see yourself here, it’s time to examine whether or not you are seeking to be liked, rather than to be respected.

3. You want to feel like you are accomplishing more.

If this is you, it may be that you have unrealistic expectations of yourself, or you receive your sense of self-worth from achieving. Bad news. This will never stop. You will never reach the point when you feel you are doing “enough.” Time to shift how you receive your self-worth. Not sure what you bring to the table, or need additional confidence, credibility, and currency? See my Leadership DNA program and get on the list.

4. You really don’t want to do what you promised.

This is the hidden deal – you may be suffering from Self-Completion Theory – completing your identity by engaging in activities that reinforce this. And often, people get gratification from simply promising to help others without follow through simply because they already got what they came for – the feeling that they are a good person. Is this you? Time to examine your self-image and the criteria you use to define it.

5. You haven’t confronted the time and energy it actually requires to complete the project.

Okay, face it. If this is you, you keep trying the same way of estimating the time it takes, and you keep coming up short. The problem is, others know it, too. You come up with excuses. You dodge offices and conversations, until you can provide something that you know is sub-par – all because you either under-estimated your own time, or the availability of others to deliver on their part of the project you need to complete. Get realistic. Add 10% more time than you would normally estimate, and test this. Need 15%? Make the change.

Under-promising and over-delivering is always a good way to build your credibility – and get back on track, if you need to do so.

Where in your work or life are you over-promising?

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

Three Ways to Make It Easier to Succeed in 2017

November 9, 2016 By Patti Cotton Leave a Comment

Are you going to succeed in reaching all of your goals this year?

Most of you are reviewing your 2016 goals, and wondering how you can make a mad dash to the finish line. And you are probably asking yourself two questions:

1. Can you do it and keep your sanity, and

2. How can you make 2017 easier?

I know this, because many of you are e-mailing and calling me.

Whether you will reach your goals this year or not, it still feels like a big push to December 31st. And you are tired of feeling pressured to do more at the busiest time of year.

Are you ready to make things easier in 2017? It’s not too early to begin shifting your planning and thinking – if you want to feel more ease and spaciousness the next time around.

Here are three ways many fine executives and other professionals unwittingly make it harder for themselves to achieve their goals – and how you can do differently.

1. You recycle this year’s plan by simply putting next year’s date on it.

The obvious question here, is, did the plan work well for you? If it didn’t, why not? What needs to change or shift? Are you blaming external causes? Using poor strategies? Or are you unable to stay on track due to other factors? If you haven’t met all of your goals, don’t make the mistake of just changing the date on the document to 2017 and try, again. Instead, reset goals according to where you are now, what you have learned, and best strategies that work for you. Then ask yourself what got in the way this year, and decide how you will handle this. Because things won’t change if you don’t change them.

2. You haven’t cut the energy-wasters and other riff-raff out of your life.

You know what I mean – all the stuff that is getting in your way. Some of what you are consumed with is outside your control, and you are still allowing it to take headspace. This will keep you from your best performance. Other things you may have allowed to get in the way of meeting your goals are commitments you have made to projects or relationships that aren’t really positive or fruitful. Do a quick analysis of what has been getting in your way – and make some hard decisions.

3. You aren’t investing in yourself.

This is something I see in more women than men. Why? Women are prone to investing in ourselves last – putting the company, causes, and our families before taking care of the instrument that generates income. Yet, best-kept secret – in various studies, up to 80% of successful male executives have an executive coach to help them get to that next level. Here are two main reasons you haven’t invested in yourself:

You secretly don’t think you are worth the investment. I have a “Judge Judy” response to this: either stop wasting your time setting goals that are impossible for you with this present mindset – or get some help to bring your self-worth up to a healthy state so that you can get what you want and enjoy it. Don’t let failure and “wish I had” become main threads of your story.
You feel you can succeed by yourself, and do it very well. You don’t invest in yourself because you don’t think you need any help. I have one question: how has this approach been working for you? Are you where you want to be? Or is it costing you too much to get there, in emotional energy, relationships, family? What would it be like to succeed and enjoy the ride?

Successful executives and other professionals invest in themselves because they want to step up into that next level of success, and do it with ease and joy. They are ready to make the journey worth the effort.

Are you excited about 2017? What will you do differently to enjoy the ride and succeed? Join us on LinkedIn to share, and for more discussion.

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

The 3 Things You Need to Get Ahead

October 19, 2016 By Patti Cotton Leave a Comment

The 3 Things You Need to Get Ahead, Influence Others, and Drive Results

Once upon a time, there was a talented executive who was on her way to the top. She excelled at everything that was thrown her way, and remained hungry for more.

The great boss at the top turned to the leadership team and said, “Let’s bring her into the circle. Let’s promote her. For she has done well, and she will therefore do well, here, with greater responsibility.”

And so they did. And everyone applauded. And the talented executive beamed. She knew she had this one.

She knew she could achieve the impossible at this new level, because she created a large trail of success, wherever she went.

But instead of succeeding, she fell flat on her face.

And the leadership team began to doubt its decision.

“What do I do?” she cried out one evening at her desk. “I know I am talented. And I have always achieved at whatever has been placed before me. Am I not leadership material, as I previously thought I was?”

Right then, there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” she called out.

“Burt,” the voice responded. “It’s Burt, the leadership genie. I heard your cry. And I have a package here for you – it’s the missing ingredient to your success…”

Okay, dear Reader, now you know why I’m not a well-known author of fairy tales. But let me pick up here to make the point: There are just 3 ingredients to success. Really – just 3 ingredients. And we are often missing just one when we find ourselves on the other side of the window looking in at the inner leadership circle.

Here are the 3 ingredients:

You must have all 3 of these supporting each other in order to get ahead. If one of them is out of sync, you cannot lead effectively.

Here is a brief explanation of each, and how they need to play together to support you:

Mindset: How you lead yourself. Mindset is the way you perceive yourself; your beliefs in your ability to lead and succeed. And it’s what you do with these – how you manage yourself – your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors – in an aligned way that reflects integrity, strength, and authenticity.
Engagement: How you lead others. Engagement is how you show up and connect with others. It’s how you communicate to build trust and influence. It’s your ability to exude a powerful and respected presence, which causes others to stop and listen when you speak, and to regard your opinions with respect.
Energy: How you lead the enterprise. Energy is how you support the larger vision while masterfully aligning and managing the moving parts. It is systems thinking in your goal-setting, decision-making, and your action-taking to keep the enterprise relevant and vibrant.

So what does this have to do with our talented executive in the fairy tale?

Let’s listen in to the scene where she is carrying on about her frustration…

(knock on the door)

“Who is it?” she called out.

“Burt,” the voice responded. “It’s Burt, the leadership genie. I heard your cry. And I have a package here for you – it’s the missing ingredient to your success…”

She opened the door to find – her boss.

He smiled, came in, and sat down.

“Okay, true confessions, as you know, my first name is Burt, but surprise, surprise, I’m not a genie. However, I think I have the answer to what you were carrying on about in here a minute ago.”

“Oops,” she said sheepishly.

“Talented Executive, you’ve been a success up to this point in whatever you’ve undertaken. And I believe you can be a success in this new appointment as well. But you are going to have to change something fundamental about the way you operate.”

“The way I operate?” she said. “It’s always gotten me where I need to go – what do I need to change?”

“Talented Executive, you have a healthy Mindset. You believe in your ability to succeed, and you are eager to take charge and achieve your goals through successful implementation.

What’s more, you are able to look at the larger picture strategically, so that your goal-setting and work supports the larger vision of the company. So your use of Energy is great.”

“So what gives?” she answered. “What’s not to love?”

“What got you here won’t get you where you want to go. Just because you’ve succeeded with a certain approach in the past doesn’t mean it will work in this new position. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’ve been getting sideways glances from some of your new leadership team. And a bit of rumbling. I saw you bristle the other day when you heard someone question whether you could make your initiative work. What you may not know is that some are questioning your motives.”

“I don’t understand,” she protested. “It’s a great plan, and they should see that!”

“Talented Executive, when you joined this team, you forgot one thing. Everything you do affects the entire system, now. Your new responsibilities cover many areas, so what you do affects your entire leadership team and their areas, as well. And they don’t know you. Why should they support your ideas? The one ingredient you are missing is strong Engagement, and your leadership future depends on this. Building trust, being able to exercise your influence effectively… Heck, even getting others to listen to you when you speak up in meetings – think about it.”

Talented Executive was silent.

Burt Boss continued. “So although I think you can pull this initiative off, I’m going to ask you to put it on the shelf, for now. For this year, I want you to build relationships with your peers and key stakeholders. Because without establishing yourself as part of the team, strengthening your influence factor with them, getting them to listen to you and enlisting their buy-in, well, you just won’t get far in this position if you don’t have that rapport first.”

Talented Executive was floored. “You’re kidding,” she said. “You are going to kiss the potential of more than $3 Mil in the next 18 months goodbye?”

“You bet,” said Boss. “Because if you do what I am recommending, I believe we will see an even greater ROI.”

And they actually did. Talented Executive worked on her Engagement – and by the end of that first year, had actually worked with a couple of the other members of the leadership team to come up with something that generated far more revenue.

I love a happy ending – don’t you?

When you think about Mindset, Engagement, and Energy – which one is holding you back? Join us for our LinkedIn discussion and share!

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.