Mary Balistreri, The Mindful Business Coach

The wait is over! Today, I’m thrilled to be speaking at ICF Midwest Coaches Conference about "The Importance of Self-Compassion in Maintaining Coaching Presence." 🌟 As coaches, our ability to be fully present with our clients is crucial for effective coaching. I’ll be sharing practical strategies and personal insights on how self-compassion can transform your coaching practice and enhance your impact. 📅 When: 1:30pm 📍 Where: McKinnley Room Join me for an engaging session where we’ll explore: How self-compassion reduces burnout and enhances resilience. Practical techniques to integrate self-compassion into your daily routine. Ways to build deeper, more empathetic client relationships. I can’t wait to connect with you all and dive into this important topic. See you there! #CoachingConference #SelfCompassion #CoachingPresence #ProfessionalDevelopment #SeeYouThere

18

3 Comments

This article emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication when making workplace changes. It discusses the importance of communicating the "impending change” to every level of the organization and then listening and responding to any concerns or questions raised. While I wholly support this level of engagement, I don't think it goes far enough. Rather, according to many front line staff and supervisors with whom I work, it is often “too little, too late” when communicating change “after the fact” however "empathetically" that happens. Respectful change management is transparent, inclusive and collaborative before changes have been confirmed, not after. When material change is being considered, it is helpful to engage with those "most affected" to hear their thoughts on its implications at a practical and operational level. They should be given a genuine opportunity to offer input and suggestions before the change; then ask questions and raise concerns during the process; and finally, give constructive feedback after it has happened. Empathetic and respectful communication involves far more than emailing staff decisions made in the boardroom – it’s about ensuring that they are included – to whatever extent possible – in the decision-making process itself – from beginning to end. #ChangeManagement #InclusiveWorkplace #EffectiveCommunication

5

What's in your leadership Library? Not your kindle or your nook or on your podcast line up. What printed books are in your possession that help you with leadership? Tomorrow I start leading an annual LeaderShip Cohort for terrific ongoing client partner Oregon Resource Association. In fact, this is the 5th annual Cohort ~ and here are 6 observational thoughts. 1. When you focus on the people in the room, not those who aren't, everyone has a better experience. The size of audience has little to do with possible action and impact. Those present at the present 🎁 and deserve full focus. 2. Experimenting with format variables is highly likely and helpful - i.e. number of sessions, format, length, space. We started with 3 sessions, then 3 again, then 4, then 6 - and this year it's 5. Partially to celebrate the 5th year of the series. The registered students will tell you what's working vocally and behaviorally. 3. Be willing to add a group and perhaps a 2nd session. We added a 2nd cohort group [max 30 per group] the very first year due to enthusiastic response! Same day, 2 different times, everybody in. That may have also boosted further registration. 4. Have a focused area of growth and be sure to build sessions ecosystemically. A theme is another way of stating this: what's the purpose of the gathering for growth? Having a theme jump starts the connection within the group, since the purpose is aligned from the start. Ours is LeaderShip, and this year I've chosen 5 books to utilize for the 5 classes. 5. Enjoy the organic nature of adjustment as you progress. In every class there are revelations! Respond to those and use them to enhance the future classes. Reference them so that people know they're being heard and their contribution is fuel for the group. If you teach online and in person series, what lessons and observations have you found lightbulby? Please share them below. Stoked for the new series (with some returnees) to begin tomorrow! And there's still time to register if you wish to join us - the link is in the comments below. Connection & LeaderShip. Industry agnostic, fun, interactive, online, good humans. Huge thanks to ORA's Training Coordinator, pro Kimberly Mintrone 🙏🏼 #connection #leadership #professionaldevelopment

5

2 Comments

New Episode! "Your Survival Guide for Navigating Department Politics" Navigating workplace politics can be a minefield. In this episode, discover practical tips to maintain your integrity and thrive in your role without getting sucked into the drama of organizational politics. Ever feel like yo...

2

I am looking forward to speaking next week at the Coaching Loft Webinar on Harnessing the Power of Team Coaching in Organizations to Enable Coaching Cultures. Here's a link to register and join us on Tuesday July 9th - hope you will join us! #teamcoaching #coachingculture #fromonetomany #coachingmany #teamcoachingwebinar

6

What you won’t hear in the news about the employment situation:  There was a higher percentage of negative monthly revisions to employment data originally released in 2023 than in 2020, despite COVID and the brief 2020 recession… 16 of the 24 preliminary monthly revisions (67%) made to employment numbers were negative in 2023. Only 13 of the 24 preliminary monthly revisions (54%) made to employment numbers were negative in 2020. You can read more about it in my publication here: https://lnkd.in/ecZRpEv9 Do you believe the economy is still strong? #employmentsituation #nonfarmpayroll #economy Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors and do not offer any personal financial advice or advocate for the purchase or sale of any securities or investments for any specific individual. This is for educational purposes only.

1

Healing From Trauma as a Leader: Part 1 Trauma can deeply affect both personal and professional lives, often spilling over into leadership and workplace dynamics. In my new book, The Survive and Thrive Toolkit for Leaders, I dive into this important subject. Through a series of blog posts, I share the inspiration behind the book and offer strategies for leaders dealing with trauma's impact in the workplace. Read now: https://lnkd.in/g7FnCtq2 Order Monique’s Book here: https://lnkd.in/g-v7v5UT

3

In the realm of thought leadership, understanding the progression of your practice is crucial for sustainable growth and impact. Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q02Z12Wx0

2

I've been reflecting on the insights shared in the Care Washing article from HBR, resonating deeply with the challenges highlighted. The statement emphasizing the impact of neglecting culture issues on direct reports is a poignant reminder for us all. "Some leaders overvalue the optics of harmony in the workplace and may lack self-awareness, underestimating the potentially devastating impact their lack of attention to thorny culture issues can have on their direct reports." This reflection underscores the critical need for improvement in leadership practices. All of us need to commit to creating workplace environments where transparency, authenticity, and addressing challenging issues are prioritized. Let's cultivate workplace cultures that truly supports and empower every individual within your organization. #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #coaching #betsykimmelconsulting

3

Welcome to Episode 19 of “Behind the Curtains” with Dr. Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer. In this compelling episode, we explore the hidden drivers of workplace success by delving into employee tribal language and culture. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about understanding and speaking the language of your employees to foster collaboration and growth. Discover the essential elements of respect, the skill of active listening, and how to identify and engage with the tribes within your organization. Learn how to create triads to break down competitive silos, establish shared values, and unite everyone in pursuit of a noble cause. We delve into defining respect for people and its vital components, the importance of active listening, and the power of understanding employee language. We’ll discuss how to identify employee tribes and use this knowledge to advance your organization’s culture. Topics include the deliberate creation of triads to disrupt competitive dynamics, fostering shared values, maintaining consistent communication, and leveraging informal leaders. You’ll learn strategies to encourage collaboration through joint Kaizens and cross-functional projects, promote open communication and a safe space, celebrate successes, and cultivate mutual respect and shared decision-making. Inspired by the groundbreaking book “Tribal Leadership,” this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their workplace culture and employee participation. Ready to unlock the secrets of tribal language and transform your leadership approach? Tune in to Episode 19 of “Behind the Curtains” and embark on a journey toward a more collaborative and dynamic workplace. Join us as we uncover strategies to elevate your team’s performance and inspire a culture of innovation and mutual respect. Don’t miss out—your path to leadership excellence starts here! Listen now to your favorite podcast and if you haven’t subscribed to “Behind the Curtains”, don’t miss out and subscribe for more insights and revelations from the experts in workplace culture and leadership. Full Episode 19: https://lnkd.in/gbVUEbCx Jill Jusko Robert Schoenberger The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Marc Kuzik, P.Eng. Mark Preston April T. Paul W. Critchley Bill Greider Billy Ray Taylor Patrick Adams Joel Hugghins - Sensei, P.E., PMP Pedro Monteiro Ann Campea, MSPM, MPH, PMP®, CSM®Dave Harry Michael Bremer Michael Muilenburg

1

I believe that Performance Improvement Plans (“PIPs”) (for staff and managers alike) can be an effective tool in supporting improvement and growth if, like other leadership tools, they are used in good faith and delivered in a respectful manner. The authors of the attached article add some helpful nuance to this broad principle. These may be summarized as follows: (1) leaders must genuinely believe that the person has the potential to improve – disingenuous PIPs (done to “check the box” but not to truly help a person) are easily detected “down the line” and cause mistrust that extends to other team members; (2) leaders should engage in PIPs after they have had regular and clear check-ins with employees that have proved to be unsuccessful; (3) PIPs focus on areas within the employee’s control and do not negate a leader’s obligation to address or mitigate systemic factors such as staffing issues, unclear expectations and lack of proper training; (4) in addition to PIPs, leaders should reasonably support employees through extenuating circumstances (such as medical conditions and personal stressors); and (5) leaders would be well served by having a colleague or HR professional review a PIP to ensure it is evidence-based, and rooted in performance, not personality. Finally, the author notes that PIPs should be a collaborative exercise. While the leader initiates this process, and signs off on the final version, the end-product should include relevant and reasonable input from the employee. Once this plan is in place, it is critical to check-in with the employee (and monitor their performance) to assess whether there is sufficient improvement. If not, leaders should respectfully escalate to formal accountability. PIPs are one of many tools – not THE tool – available to support an employee to succeed within your organization. https://buff.ly/3ZEy1Li #LeadershipDevelopment #PerformanceImprovement #WorkplaceAccountability

3

I am excited to share my latest article, "How Can You Separate Yourself from Your Thoughts?" published in Executive Support Magazine. In this piece, I delve into the transient and often illusory nature of our thoughts, and how understanding this can enhance emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. Key Topics Covered: The difference between thoughts and reality Cognitive distortions and their impact Techniques for mindful thinking Building emotional intelligence and resilience #Mindfulness #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalWellbeing #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment https://lnkd.in/dEVtwYpy

22

6 Comments

Daily Empathy Post # 2964 (September 21) "Building company culture and improving employee retention have been the top objectives driving corporate responsibility for two consecutive years, according to Springfield Business Journal’s 2024 Economic Growth Survey. As a leader, empathy is a powerful tool in your toolkit to drive results in these two areas... When employees feel understood and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. And when people are engaged at work, you start to see higher productivity, better customer ratings and reduced turnover. Let’s talk about what makes empathy easy for some, harder for others, and why it’s important to include in your skillset."

2

How excited are you to go to work? Do you have psychological safety? Are you able to make accountable requests and agreements? Resolve frustrations? Listen and be heard? Learn about our online course Communicating to Build Trust: https://lws.life/com-pro #Communication #Trust #PsychologicalSafety

7

2 Comments

I can’t express how thrilled I am to invite you to the Enneagram for Evolving Leaders Training taking place on August 12-13 in Kansas City, MO. This is a 2-day, immersive experience designed to elevate self-awareness, boost internal motivation, encourage perspective-taking, enhance communication skills, and foster compassion. Self-awareness is an often-overlooked cornerstone of effective leadership, helping us improve our organizations and relationships by understanding our own motivations and behaviors more deeply. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of self, a deeper understanding of what they want from their workplace, and practical skills for creating successful interactions with others. If you are looking to: 🔥 Be a better leader 🔥 Feel understood and supported at work 🔥 Build a resilient team you can trust, 🔥 Increase your profit while having more fun 🔥 Bring more joy back into your workplace ... then you're not going to want to miss this. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g2CfG4vd Questions? Ask them in the comments, or shoot me a PM!

18