Leadership Coaching: Work Life Balance For Overworked Mompreneurs

Does your day to day grind seem overwhelming that you're gasping for air? As a woman entrepreneur, do you oftentimes grapple for time and breathing space to manage your work and spend time with your family? You look around and you see some of your women friends and colleagues, and you wonder. "Why do they seem to have all the time and support they need? They seem to have it easier." No, it's not always like that at all. It just appears that way to you because you are overworked.

Yes, it's hectic when you're a mompreneur. After all, you're doing a very demanding job of running your business and raising a family. It's like there's never enough time and the pressure gets out of hand. Your stress level feels like it's rising like mercury in a heat wave. Too much stress is unhealthy, by all means, and it will take its toll on your health and your behavior. You could find yourself experiencing changes in your behavior, values, standards and preferences. It's basically that you're out of synch and misaligned with yourself. Because of this, your family and working habits become erratic. You won't be able to function at your best. You have to slow down and relax. Being overworked can literally drive you out of your wits. How can you tell if you're overworked? Here are some signs:

Signs That You're An Overworked MomPreneur

Cooking simple dinner such as veggie patties and rice is too much work for you.You can't sit down with your kids at the dining table to eat. You remain standing up, inhaling the food or end up not eating at all.All your duty calls to family, friends and clients are done in the car.It feels like you're being stalked with information emails by your kids' school.You avoid calling your friends so you won't be able do something or go somewhere together.You can't listen to what your kids are really telling you. You simply nod and smile without understanding what they're talking about.Even in the restroom, you answer emails or make calls.You usually cancel appointments you make to your hairdresser, manicurist or dentist.Your oldest kid is still wearing Velcro runners because you're too busy to teach him how to tie his laces.Your husband or kids text you when they want to talk to you, even when they're just in the next room.

These are some of the symptoms of OMS or Overworked Mompreneur Syndrome. If you feel you're suffering from OMS, you need to do something fast. Work with a work/life balance expert or an executive leadership coach so you can handle your business and family/personal life gracefully.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE ebook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: The Power To Dream Big

Leadership Has A Vision

Dream big. What your mind can conceive, you can turn into reality. Great achievements come from fervid and zealous dreams. At times you might think your dreams are outrageous, and some people might scoff, but know that only you are the limit to what you can achieve. It starts with a dream. Leadership is a position of power and influence, but not in the sense to subjugate or coerce others. Power in leadership comes from within. It comes from courage and it moves people to act from their hearts and motivation. Influence in leadership is exerted by making people want to follow, not compelling them to follow.

As a leader and as a force that influences people, you have the privilege to dream big. You can thus achieve big as a result. And in your success, you include your followers. You dream in behalf of your team as a leader. Yes, leadership is expected to be stern and resolute, and being wishy washy may seem inappropriate. But leadership is about dreaming, otherwise known in technical terms as "having a vision". Leadership needs to have a vision, something to aim for, something to work for and something to achieve. Having a cause to fight for. Without a purpose, without a reason for being, leadership is futile.

How To Inspire Elegant Courage

Leadership inspires and instills courage in its people. A leader, to be effective, must have elegant courage. What is elegant courage? It is clarity of one's core values and being resolute to adhere to these core values both in good and bad times. How do you inspire leadership courage?

Claim the power to dream big. You may have fears and inhibitions, reluctant about envisioning a magnificent achievement. Nonetheless, don't let the word "impossible" block your vision. If you settle for mediocre dreams, then all you get are mediocre achievements. Dream freely and don't let your fears limit you. Let positivity prevail and think "if the problem does not exist, what more can I achieve"?
Include your people in your dreams. A leader does not do it alone. His force boosts the force of his people, and his people boost his power. Be a leader worthy of the respect and support of your followers. Take your people with you in your dream and realize that they will walk with you all the way. Conceive a supportive force in your mind and it will manifest in your leadership.
Be the catalyst of growth and achievement. It all begins with you as a leader because you have been bestowed with the power to make a difference. Being the best you can be in your leadership needs you to have elegant courage. Nurture elegant courage in you and you can create astounding achievements.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE ebook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: Passion That Makes A Difference

"You Have To Wake Up If You Want To Dream" - Paulo Coelho

In this millennial generation, people have been proselytized to pursue their dreams. You have the heart of an artist? Then follow your passion, they say. Purse a course in liberal arts. Be a talented graphic designer or a great writer. Do what you love. And most people think that this will make them happy. But reality strikes, and sometimes it hits hard. In times of a recession when companies have to implement cost cutting measures and even do lay- offs, where does it leave the passionate worker? Following your dream and working for your passion is an all too common tagline, but contradicted by the workings of the practical world, it can leave a person suffering the anguish of an uncertain future.

The generation Y grew up with a jobless generation. Today is a different world. In an era ruled by technology, today's twentysomethings begin to realize the grand betrayal of the idols of passion. The philosophy of following and living your passion does not seem to apply to this generation, or otherwise it would feel incomplete. A different frame of reference is more apt, and it is no longer about passion, but focusing on finding bigger problems.

Fulfill Your Humanity

It is all about focusing on resolving a problem, which then becomes the basis of decision- making. It is no longer about the self anymore. The question is about what you can do. How can you contribute something of value? Working on resolutions to bigger problems compensates a person in bigger ways. Not necessarily in terms of fiscals, but in terms of the fulfillment of one's humanity. The focus shifts from the self to others and the wider world. Rendering your focus outwards makes you less self absorbed. You begin to worry less about what makes you happy, which ironically makes you happier.

Education, poverty, climate change, sustainability, healthcare, technology and urbanization, among others are some of the big problems that call for attention and facility. There may have been too much focus on knowing the self, and this has caused an imbalance. As we have gotten to know and reconnected with ourselves and fortified ourselves, we need to expand our awareness. It is then time to know the world. Be aware and be sensitive to situations around you- the problems of the poor and the marginalized, and so on. The call of the Earth for us to take care of it. What problems affect you in a personal way? If you "feel" for a certain problem, it will be easy for you to be involved and do something about it.

The Fire Of Life To Light The Earth

Passion is what makes people truly live. It is the fire of life. The true balance is when we use this passion not only to fulfill ourselves, but to alleviate the burdens of the world. We cannot do something well if we don´t know ourselves and if we don´t have the drive. Solving bigger problems need bigger people. Bigger people are those who have a solid sense of self and they are willing to extend themselves for the greater good.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE eBook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: What Is Personal Leadership?

Leadership is an ideal. People need leadership. They want it and respect it. But the thing with leadership is that it is much boasted but not a lot is accomplished, just like sexual braggadocio in a boys' locker room. There are many views of leadership as posited by management theorists. For instance, there is transformational leadership wherein leaders transform organizations based on a single vision. Situational leaders, on the other hand, exert guidance and direction when the situation calls for it. There is no one best leadership for all situations, but there is the right place for the right kind of leadership.

There is one type of leadership which is crucial but often overlooked- personal leadership. Acute self-confidence fortified by understanding and conviction is the major element of personal leadership. A leader of this sort knows personal mastery. He/she knows where they stand and where they are going and are willing to make the sacrifices to get there. One's beliefs and core values are essential in leading others.

Personal Leadership Situations

Here are some examples wherein personal leadership is exerted:

A woman who's just starting on her career recognizes a problem in their team and decides to do something to correct it.A leader of one team decides to approach the leader of the counterpart team to discuss how both their teams can cooperate better.A manager takes time to get to know his/her people by holding meetings without an agenda. He/she initiates talks to obtain feedback from subordinates.A manager that endeavors to teach both old and new employees about the norms of the organization and what his/her expectations are from and for the employees.

Personal mastery is demonstrated in these situations. The person becomes a leader who does something worthy without being told. He/she has taken the time to help people do their jobs more effectively. A "man on a white horse" is not depicted in these instances, but rather leaders who are grounded with the common sense to accomplish the job.

So what makes management really effective? Is good management about administering and directing skills? Management is a science of procedures and theories, and at the same time, management is an art. A good manager is also a leader who has the personal vision to take the initiative to do. A leader knows what needs to be done and is willing to do it. Personal leadership comes from within a person. It's strength comes from self confidence, self-knowledge and core beliefs.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE eBook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: Leadership Thinking Skills And Goal-Setting

The Leader's Eyes and Ears to the Future

Thoughts can create great things. In leadership, thinking skills are crucial. The thoughts of a leader create vision, and vision creates goals. A leader's thinking skills are thus directional skills. It sets the road map that his people will have to follow to get to their destination. Leadership vision, goal and purpose are created by the leader's thinking skills. Without a vision, a goal or a purpose, there is no leadership.

As a leader, you need sharp and intuitive thinking skills. These will serve as your eyes and ears to the future. With the keen sense of your mind, you will be able to recognize the need for change and the means to make it happen. The power of your thinking and your mind will make you more capable to implement and manage change.

An organization that wants to go far needs to have a strong vision of where it will be in the future. Your great task as a leader is to make your people trust you and believe in your vision. Be honest and fair in all you do as a leader so that you will gain the trust of your people. Display dynamism, confidence and a positive attitude so that you can sell your followers on your vision. People want to be under the wing of a winning company. They need to feel a strong sense of vision of where they are going. Otherwise, if they feel that the company they work for is heading towards a dead end, they're apt to renege. Their loyalty will falter and they will eventually opt out. A leader needs his people, because it's his people that will get him to his goal.

Effective Goal- Setting

Good leadership knows effective goal setting. There are 4 characteristics of goal setting:
Goal difficulty - challenge your employees and enhance their effort in doing their tasks by giving them difficult goals. Difficult goals result to increased performance, but see to it that they are feasible. If the goals you set are too high, your employees are likely to fail in achieving them and they become discouraged.
Goal specificity - employees perform higher if they understand what they should accomplish. Give specific goals; avoid ambiguity about your expectations.
Feedback - goal setting becomes more effective if you provide feedback. Direct your employee's behavior on the right target by giving performance feedback. This will encourage them and boost their performance.
Involvement in goal- setting- allowing employees to participate in goal setting makes them set higher goals than if the goals are set for them. This increases their belief that the goals are obtainable and they become more motivated in working to achieve them.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE eBook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: The Qualities Of Personal Leadership

Personal leadership stems from personal mastery. It is when a person knows what needs to be done and takes the initiative to do it even without being told. The major element of personal leadership is self- confidence strengthened by conviction and understanding. What are the qualities of personal leadership?

Traits Of A Personal Leader

Centered. A leader needs to understand himself first before he can lead others. Know your own mind if you want to be a leader. A centered person has a sense of grounding which may come from his family, his education or spiritual beliefs.
Outward- directed. If you know yourself and are self- confident, people will feel they can trust you and easily follow. Are you secure in your beliefs? People will naturally follow a leader if they feel he is credible. The most important factor in leadership and followerships is confidence. A follower should have the confidence to follow his leader.
Conviction. A leader needs to have courage. Are you able to take a stand on uncomfortable issues? Your conviction determines the success of your goal, whether it is the completion of a project, a new marketing initiative or the development of a new application, for example. You should know how to exert your will and adhere to it, and that takes courage. Having the courage of conviction is not the same as being bull- headed. A good leader knows the difference between unreasonable stubbornness and being resolute but prudent enough to listen to others.
Liberating. This means knowing how to look outward yet being secure within yourself at the same time. You are able to free yourself from the bother of second guessing. One of the most important tasks of a leader is to delegate responsibility. Labor is divided, after which the leader stands back to let people do their job. In this case, personal leadership is liberating. It allows people and the team as a whole to fulfill their own potential.

As a leader grows and expands, so does their leadership. A leader exerts personal responsibility over themselves and others. As a result, the leader as a person, and other people become better.

Leadership then, has to be personal. It is something that comes from the core beliefs and self confidence of an individual. From himself as a solid source of strength, leadership then endeavors to make other people and the organization better and ultimately become successful. Make leadership personal.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE eBook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: How A Leadership Gains More Achievements

What Is Leadership Courage?

Being courageous is one of the qualities of a person that wants to be a leader. In leading and managing, a boss must be able to exude a personality that places him in the seat of authority and people under him will respect and admire him. A leader should have the ability to do his job and the requirements of his post. He must possess the skills and character to triumph over obstacles. These are among the requisites of leadership, and a leader must face the responsibilities. Leadership courage means being able to make tough decisions in the midst of difficult circumstances. The leader must know his people, their character and their potential in accomplishing necessary tasks.

As a leader, you need to be aware that you are accountable for your actions and the results of the decisions you implemented. The outcome of the tasks delivered by your people reflects your ability as a leader. You ought to learn to acknowledge your mistakes and shortcomings and at the same time find ways to correct and minimize them.

Opportunities For More Accomplishments

A leader's prowess is exhibited by his ability to stand in the midst of difficulties. These circumstances are also opportunities. As a leader, you need to be able to do your job even when things are falling apart. These times will test your mettle, and if you become victorious, you emerge as a stronger person and a stronger leader. Maintaining your composure amid crisis is a demonstration of a true and able leader. You do things as you say you would, and your courage is ablaze when your leadership and your people are in a quandary. A true leader can dodge the risks by being still with the right focus of mind. He knows what risks are involved yet he effectively channels the resources to the advantage of the company.

Being a leader in difficult times is often more rewarding than being in a comfortable situation. The rewards are endless and the potential for more achievements and challenges is promising if you are exposed to more opportunities for learning and fortifying your grit. Your horizons will broaden and you carry your people with you in your progress. A successful and respected leader then becomes an object and icon of leadership. As a result, he is able to perform his duties and responsibilities better, being able to rely on himself and his people. Quitting is hardly an option for a successful leader, and he is highly esteemed and trusted by his people.

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE ebook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership.

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: Why Do People Follow A Leader?

Charisma, Vision and Character

There are leaders, and there are followers. What sets a leader apart? A leader stands tall in the midst of the pack as he/she shines and exudes strength, judiciousness and character. Leadership charisma, vision and character are what attract followers. A key to understanding leadership is understanding followership. A leader has a goal and a vision, heading towards a certain direction. People who believe in the leader's vision and are confident in the leader's direction then become followers. The followers' belief and confidence in their leader enable and empower them to do their part in accomplishing their goals as a group.

A leader must be accountable and trustworthy. If problems or obstacles arise and the group falters, the leader takes responsibility and analyzes the situation. Accountability in leadership is taking control of the problem, not searching for people to blame. People choose to follow a trustworthy and responsible leader. Followers are motivated to strive and take risks without fear of punishment if they trust their leader.

Assurance And Skillful Communication

A leader makes promises, and followers trust in these promises. Followers believe that at the end of their journey, they will be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. Effective leadership knows how to answer when followers ask "What's in it for us"?

Skillful communication is crucial in successful leadership. A leader knows that there will be risks as they travel their chosen path, that's why he/she skillfully communicates the directions and risks to the followers. The followers can then properly carry out their tasks and responsibilities.

Where is leadership found? Too often, leadership finds its place in positional power. A leader may be the CEO, the founder of a business, the president, department head, or the person in charge. Leadership combined with positional power magnifies the ability of an individual to attract important followers. Ownership title of business owners, for one thing, gives a certain amount of respect, and therefore attracting followership. Then there is longevity, which is also an essential factor in attracting and retaining supporters. Followers could follow their leader for 10 years or more unless they lose trust in their direction.

The Keys To Successful Leadership

What qualities are essential to make leadership successful?

Making the choice to leadChoosing to be the person others choose to followCreating a vision for the futureInspiring othersBeing others- oriented, making people feel valued and appreciatedBeing ethical and living a life of valuesSetting the pace through expectations and leading by exampleCaring for others and acting with compassion

By the way, do you want to learn more about leadership in your company? If so, download your FREE ebook here: Guide to Elegant Courage Leadership

Jodi and Mike specialize in executive coaching with individuals and teams. http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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Leadership Coaching: The Natural Leader

What Are Natural Leaders?

It´s one or the other- being a leader or being a follower. Natural leadership qualities spring from the nature of a leader. On the other hand, if a person is contented with merely complying and submitting, being delegated to than leading, then that is the nature of a follower. What drives natural leadership abilities?

Leadership comes from the core, basically. That is, a person´s emotional needs drive them to be a leader. People who want to stand out, lead and be apart from the mediocre often has the need to be right, be better than others, be recognized and be acknowledged. They want to hold authority and power. There are different kinds of leaders, nonetheless. Some leaders are inclined to succumb to greed, vanity, arrogance and impatience. Leadership is power and authority over people, that´s why it is most sought after by the ambitious. Leadership does take guts and courage.

Leadership Core Values And Courage

But what about true leaders? What makes true leaders? True leaders are leaders at heart. They are connected to their own source of power and ability. Leadership is not what it is if it does not aim to achieve goals. To attain goals, a leader must have the courage. There is the need to win. Several elements comprise leadership courage. To be a courageous leader, one should have motivation and determination.

True leadership is courageous because it believes in its core values. Some leaders are driven to exert their power and subdue because of their fears and false beliefs about authority and responsibility, but this is not true leadership.

Leadership is beset by random circumstances, and true leadership is defined by its ability to respond. Despite the conflict and the surrounding dramas, a true leader responds with focus and composure. A true leader knows his or her true power, and it gives them courage. Leaders do have fears, but true leadership does not get overwhelmed by their reservations. Instead, they see the bigger picture and remain committed to the goal. They lead their own lives exemplary in the same way that they lead people effectively.

True Leaders Are Gifted

It takes a certain gift to be a leader, and this makes them distinct from followers. True leaders are by nature, intuitive. They know their authority, vision and life path. They are confident of their choices. True leaders feel their own power and identity. They are in touch with their inspiration and empowerment. They see their mission, creativity, reality and ability. A true leader knows that his or her journey is going to be different. More than following a path, a leader has to discover and seek paths. There are unknown perils to brave, that´s why it takes real courage to respond to the call of leadership.

Do you want to learn more about Business Succession? Download our brand new Organizational Culture guide Business Succession

As leadership coaches Jodi and Mike help organizations in business succession with a focus balancing economics with organizational culture http://lighthouse-leadership.com/

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