KATHY ARCHER
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It's all in your attitude and it starts with you 

30/3/2017

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​Almost 70% of the workforce is either disengaged or actively disengaged. That means they either just don’t really care and are putting in time or they are purposefully making things worse for those around them.
 
That leaves just over 30% who are enthusiastic, engaged and energized by their jobs. Not only do they love what they do, but they also go the extra mile to make a difference in their organization.
 
Which one are you?
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Your experience of engagement is probably mixed
​Perhaps a mix of both. Some days you love to be there, but most days you are dragging your butt out of bed and resenting having to the office.
 
Which group would you place most of your employees in?
 
Perhaps a mix of both as well. Some days they seem keen on helping out and supporting others. And at other times they appear fixated on making your life hell.
 
But what if, you could change it? What if you could both increase your engagement at work as well as the level of engagement for those around you?
 
You can!
 
And truly, it doesn’t take much work. What it takes, is a mindset shift.

Do this:
To re-engage in your work, you need to decide you will. That means you actively
  • start to see what is going right at work,
  • where you can help out and
  • choosing to make a difference. 
Don't expect overnight miracles
Yes, everything around will be the same as it’s always been, at least initially. But gradually, your attitude will rub off on those around you. Gradually is the key word. The second key word was your attitude.
 
Change your attitude my dear
Mindset. Attitude. It’s the same thing.
  • It’s your opinion of your co-workers.
  • It’s your judgments of the decisions made.
  • It the way you view problems….or are they challenges?
 
Your outlook on your job and your view of the people you work with profoundly impacts your experience of work.


​Wayne Dyer said,
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at start to change.”

What is your view?
Consider these examples. Do you stop at the first part of the sentence or shift your attitude and add an alternative?

  • ​She is so far behind!
    • or
      • She is so far behind. I wonder if she could use some assistance. (Support to others)

  • I can’t believe he just did that.
    • or
      • I can’t believe he just did that. I bet he’s struggling as much as the rest of us are with all the changes going on. (Compassion)
 
  • Why can’t she just do as I ask her to do?
    • or
      • Why can’t she just do as I ask her to do? How else could I communicate it so that she can understand my directions better? (Developing patience and communication skills)
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Shifting your experience starts with shifting your attitude
Gallup has identified 4 ways to improved employee engagement. But before you pop over there and read that article, check in to see what your attitude is.
  • Do you believe it’s possible to change?
  • Are you hopeful you can make a difference?
  • Do you have optimism that, although it will take time, it will be worth the effort?
  • Are you willing to take responsibility for impacting change?
 
Inspiring enthusiasm starts with you
On last week’s FB Live session I talked about Inspiring Enthusiasm in Yourself and Your Team.  We took Gallup’s measurement for engagement and flipped it around. Rather than waiting to see what others will do around you to make your work environment different. What are you doing to make that shift? Watch the live session here and don’t forget to grab your free guide here.
 
Engagement is an attitude. It’s your attitude or your mindset.  If you want to feel more enthused and engaged at work and you desire if for others, it starts with you!

Watch last week's FB Live session below:
Learn more about shifting your mindset and attitude here
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Inspiring enthusiasm for yourself and your team

28/3/2017

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When you or your team don't care...it sucks!

If you are not enthused about your job and the work you have to do, you begin to dread heading to work. This impacts those around you also. Suddenly things are going all wrong!

Don't let that happen to you or your team!

Learn more in this video about how to find your enthusiasm for work and how to engage others so they feel more enthusiastic as well. 

Don't forget to grab your free guide as well!
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Weekly Facebook Live Session
Join me most Thursdays at 12:15 MDT for a Facebook Live session.
Ask me questions and gain insights as you learn to lead and live with more balance and enjoyment.

This session was all about learning how to increase your engagement as well as your teams!
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Leadership Competencies For Effective Leadership

20/3/2017

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Weekly Facebook Live Session

Join me most Thursdays at 12:15 MDT for a Facebook Live session.
Ask me questions and gain insights as you learn to lead and live with more balance and enjoyment.

This session was all about learning how to increase your courage, so you feel more apply your competencies more effectively.

Watch the replay below.
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Increase your leadership courage

14/3/2017

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Weekly Facebook Live Session

Join me most Thursdays at 12:15 MDT for a Facebook Live session.
Ask me questions and gain insights as you learn to lead and live with more balance and enjoyment.

This session was all about learning how to increase your courage, so you feel more apply your competencies more effectively.

Watch the replay below.
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​In case you missed this live session, here is the replay

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How to Increase Your Leadership Credibility - Video

9/3/2017

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We tell our kids, don't worry so much about what others think, yet, we worry incessantly. 
  • Am I saying the right thing?
  • Will they think I can handle it?
  • Will they listen to me and do what I tell them to do?
Am I credible? 
Am I worthy?

Credibility: 
According to the dictionary, this is the definition of credible:
  • capable of being believed; believable
  • worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy
That my dear is worrying about what others think of you!
Stop Worrying --> Develop Confidence
Now, I am not suggesting you shouldn't worry. Well, ok, maybe I am. Don't worry, but do take it into account. Worrying is pretty much useless. Conscious pondering is very helpful.
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*************
If you want others to find you believable, 
you must first, believe in yourself.

If you want others to have confidence in you, 
you must first have confidence in yourself.
​
****************
Start with Competence
In my latest blog post Competence & Courage and the Connection to Confidence, 
I made the connection between having the skills (competence) and acting courageously to practice those skills so that you increase your confidence. Now we are taking that one step further, linking it all to credibility.

Competence + Courage = Inner Confidence

** Expressing your Inner Confidence evokes Credibility **

Deepen your learning on how to increase your credibility....Watch this week's video!
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Increase Your Leadership Competence

8/3/2017

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Join me most Thursdays at 12:15 MDT for a Facebook Live session.
Ask me questions and gain insights as you learn to lead and live with more balance and enjoyment.

This session was all about learning how to increase your competence, so you feel more confident.

Watch the replay below.
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In case you missed this live session, here is the replay

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Competence & Courage and the Connection to Confidence

1/3/2017

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What is the #1 fear in women leaders? It is the fear of not being competent, not measuring up, looking like an idiot, stumbling over your words, failing or making a big mistake! 

I hear it all the time from my clients: "​I am afraid of looking like I am not competent"
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Imposter Syndrome
​So many of us worry that someone will find out we don’t know how, can’t do it, or are completely inept. It keeps us awake at night and wreaks havoc with our self-esteem. It also tends to get in the way of doing a good job and feeling good about the work you do. We wonder if some day they will expose us for the fraud we are.

The inaccurate use of the word competence
Competence, having the skill or ability to do something, though it is sometimes confused with having the courage to use that skill and feeling confident when you learn to use it well.

You have the skill; You are just afraid to use it
Women worry they aren’t competent. Yet, they likely are very competent in many areas. What they lack is the courage to apply the skills, knowledge or talents. They also wait for confidence to show up before they step out. But the truth is, they all work together. Let me explain. 
  • ​Competence is having the skills or ability 
  • Courage is being willing to use those skills even if you are not very good at it and feel afraid.
  • Confidence is what comes AFTER you’ve had some experience putting the new skill to use.
​My story - A simple example of this:
​Last night I put on a session about work-life balance for a local agency. I show up, pull out my computer and my own projector and start hooking up the two. It took me less than 3 minutes, and I experienced no stress, feeling quite capable. I was able to multitask, chatting with the coordinator of the event while I attached the lines appropriately. 

The back story
Rewind a few years when I first got the projector. I was panicked that I wouldn’t have it set up before the session started, worrying everyone would be sitting their rolling their eyes as they waited. Time-after-time I’d get it set up only to find it was projecting the wrong image. I’d get even more flustered when I went to play a video during the training. It never seemed to work.  I felt inept, hesitant and fearful.
​My growth of competence and confidence
Over the years by courageously working at it, I gained competent and confidence. 

First, I did some research on Mac computers and mirror screens. I gained the knowledge of how to share a different screen on the projector, than the one on my computer as the one I want to see, but don’t want you to see, has “presenter notes.”

Next, I practiced. A lot. Over the years, I have set that projector up what feels like a zillion times. First I’d set it up at home, shining it on my dining room wall to get the hang of it. I brought it to Toastmasters trying it out on a safe crowd. I showed up early at events, courageously asked the Tech support at conferences for help and determinedly figured it out.

Finally, I felt the confidence increase. Now, even when something goes wrong, I don’t get thrown. I slow down, become more mindful and walk myself through the process. 
It started with competence; learning how.
I then had to be courageous, even if I wasn’t an expert and was a bit scared.
​The confidence followed the practice.
Take a look at where you feel confident
Break those steps down to things you now feel quite confident to do such as perhaps riding a bike, using a cell phone, cooking or managing money. You weren’t always able to do those things confidently. Knowledge, skills, practice and being brave all worked together to give you the feeling of competence (Tweet that) But, what you really have is a feeling of confidence. You had the competence early on, what you lacked was the belief in yourself. That faith in your abilities came with practice.
Your turn
Take a look at where you are struggling with a feeling if incompetence in your current role. First, step back and look at the skills you think you would need to feel that level of competence increase. Then look at where you may already have some of those skills, where you could gain more. Then, identify how you can practice that. Finally, grab ahold of some courage and start practicing. You’ll find the competence and confidence both come in a short while after.


How it might look for you
You may feel incompetent in addressing difficult conversations feeling you lack conflict resolution skills. 


Step back:
Where do you communicate in all facets of your life? With your spouse, children, community board or with the last car dealer you purchased from are examples of potentially daily conflict situations.
  • Where do you do it well? 
  • Where do you struggle? 
  • Where can you learn more?

Practice:
Look for opportunities to practice your current skills and the new ones you learn. 


This is where courage comes into play. You may want to take on a new role on your community board or attend the local Chamber of Commerce meetings. However, you may already have lots of places to practice, without taking on anything new. They key, is to put yourself out there and try it. Don’t sit back and “see what will happen.” Don’t avoid conversations hoping it will go away. Get in there and let it get a bit messy. You will never learn without trying.
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Competence + Courage = Confidence
Competence is knowing how. Courage is doing it even when it feels scary. Confidence is experiencing it and realizing you lived through it. (Tweet that) The next time you find yourself worrying about feeling incompetent, take a deep breath and remind yourself, I’ll figure it out. Then …figure it out!
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Kathy is a leadership coach for women who want to strengthen their leadership & find balance in life. 
She mentors women as they rediscover their purpose, passion, and persistence for life while dealing with office politics, jerk bosses and the challenges of family life. Kathy gives her ladies the hope and inspiration they need along with a kick in the pants to make positive changes in their lives. ​​​​​​​

Discover more in Kathy’s book 
Mastering Confidence: Discover Your Leadership Potential by Awakening Your Inner Guidance System ​​​​​​
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    Kathy Archer

    Women leaders often hit a point where they find themselves in over their heads and wondering if they have what it takes to lead.
    ​
    ​In my online courses and coaching I teach them inner and outer tools to restore their lost confidence so they can move from surviving to thriving in both leadership and life.

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