What I DIDN’T do on my vacation is why I’m ready for work on Monday

 I just completed part II of my ‘staycation’ . I had taken another week earlier in July.  I didn’t make any big vacation plans this summer so part of me was wondering if I should bother at all – especially since I know the next few weeks are going to be so busy. I was tempted to work through it and get a head start.

Boy am I glad I didn’t. My seemingly ‘boring’ vacation at home was exactly what I needed. I did do some of stuff on my list (a bit of golf, cycling, movies, friends, reading, etc.) But what stood out for me this time was what I DIDN’T do.

I didn’t work.

In past times when I’ve stayed home for ‘staycations’, I’ve often used some of the time to catch up on some of the work stuff I don’t get around too. It’s usually things I enjoy doing and want to do more of  — e.g. like blogging, updating my website, starting new creative programs, etc. This year was no different in that I had a lot of that kind of stuff beckoning me.  But my wiser self knew that this time I truly needed to STOP. 

Like so many others, I work hard and my brain is always going. When you are self employed, you are always thinking about what’s next, planning, networking, etc.  But just as important (whether self employed or you work traditionally) is self care. If you are run down, that’s a risk to the business.

So my only commitment this past week was to ‘go with the flow’ and truly listen for what I felt like doing.  It was mellow.  And well, in the midst of that, because I wasn’t fussed up about ‘achieving’ anything this week I did have a wonderful discovery stumbling upon some old journals and allowing myself to linger as I read them (more about that another time…it actually was a big thing for me).

Confession: While tomorrow is the first day back at work, I did intentionally set aside this past Friday to quietly catch up on my emails and get myself ready for the heavy lifting of the week ahead. This was part of my plan. I find it hard to dive back into a maelstorm of work without preparing. So I gave myself that quiet time on Friday and was able to enter the weekend feeling at peace and able to enjoy these last two days.

So Monday (and September) here I come! My attitude is now TGIM-ready! 

How about you? What kind of self care do you need to be ready for what’s ahead this autumn? What do you need to put on your ‘to not do’ list? What about year-round – how do you build in time to refresh, pause and rejuvenate? What boundaries do you need to declare around work and ‘life’? How do you make sure these get respected?

To work and rest in your TGIM worklife!

Eileen

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In the News: Ramp up the ‘People’ part of your Leadership

I was invited by the Globe and Mail Careers to respond to another Mentor Minute question from a reader. They published the column in Friday’s paper ( I wrote it a while ago).

The Scenario: The readers asks…

“I’ve just completed my first year in a leadership role and had a disappointing performance review. My boss acknowledged that I have good skills in advancing projects but he said he wasn’t seeing enough effective leadership. He wants to see me ramp up the “people” side of the job. I’m at a loss. What is he looking for?”

My Response: The Mentor Minute columns don’t get posted online but I did scan a copy and you can read my response here!

It seems performance development is becoming quite a theme in my coaching business of late. I have been invited to contribute an article to Canadian HR Reporter on ‘giving feedback’ (I will post it as soon as it’s published). As well, I am doing some work for a College in Ontario – developing and facilitating a training module for leaders at the college on performance development. Specifically, I will be teaching a myriad of coaching skills that are increasingly becoming recognized as a valuable leadership competency and fundamental to the performance development cycle.

Check in again for more updates on this area.  In the meantime, here’s another Globe and Mail Mentor Minute article I contributed related to Performance Reviews.

Here’s to a TGIM Work-Life for you and your team!

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Eileen

Job hunting and career tips for tough times

The Globe and Mail invited me to be the expert on call today for the Report on Business Online Forum: ”Job Hunting + Career Tips for Tough Times”. 

This is related to an article based on a report from the OECD (Roadblock to Recovery – Long-term Joblessness Remains an Obstacle)

Hope to ‘see’ you there where I will be taking reader’s questions. Hop on at: http://tinyurl.com/28rd6oc.

To a TGIM Work Life!

Eileen

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Nothing says ‘thanks’ like….

Ever been in that crazy work mode and feel like it’s all for naught….a thankless work culture? Well not me! Sorry to gloat but I just received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a client for a project I’ve been working on with them. It was mid afternoon and just as I was feeling the wear and tear of a busy week (and craving a snack), I get a delivery of  a beautiful bouquet of flowers…even better, chocolate-covered fruit that look like flowers! Doesn’t get  better than that!! Yummo!

click on picture to see this up close….easy on the drooling…!!

Honestly though…chocolate aside. Nothing is better in my books than knowing you are making a difference and you are appreciated.  All too often, we all get so caught up in the frenzy of our work and life that we forget to say ‘thank you’.

Thank you’s of all kinds (from flowers to a simple verbal ‘thank you’..or an email’) can make such a powerful difference. Especially when you are working hard as it seems everyone is these days.

I feel blessed that my hard work (and contribution) is appreciated and that I am making a difference. This, I must confess, is my second ‘thank you’ bouquet in a month. I received a bouquet of fresh flowers from another organization with whom I’ve volunteered some of my time and professional ‘stuff’ this year. I worked hard for them too….but it was worth it because they appreciate it (and it’s a good cause).

This ‘business’ of thank-you is serious stuff. In fact, I was just chatting about this with a coaching client of mine who was reflecting on how important it is to show appreciation for her team.  And studies (and experience!) have proven that the act of showing appreciation has a positive impact on both the giver and the receiver.

There’s loads more ways — formal and informal — to show appreciation. If interested in a few ideas of how to create more of this appreciation in your work-life, check out my article,  ”Bringing Thanks to Thankless Work Culture” which was published in the Globe and Mail.

And for all of you who stop by, read my stuff and who are part of my TGIM work-life, THANK YOU!!

To a TGIM worklife filled with gratitude and appreciation.

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Career Advice for UNretirees…

News from UNretiredLife….

From time to time, I get invited to contribute articles to the Globe and Mail Careers. Yesterday they published my latest “Mentor Minute”. The column is is structured as a Q&A on various career issues. This one is geared to the boomer who is not so sure about what to do in that ‘R’ stage of life….read on:

THE SCENARIO: “I currently work in a senior role at a large company and am approaching retirement age. I love my work and have been so busy these past years, I haven’t had time to really think about my retirement. I am becoming a little concerned because I just can’t picture myself fully retired. I love my work but I also kow that I want to slow down. I’ve got mixed feelings about this whole thing. Help!

THE ADVICE: You can read what I wrote in the FULL ARTICLE HERE.

Got a question? In the same boat? Want some guidance to help you plan for ‘what’s next’ in that ‘R” stage of life (work or no work – you need to plan)…..then get in touch. Would love to hear from you!

To success and fulfillment in all stages of life!  See more at my UNretiredLife blog.

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Only Two Spots Left…

News from UNretiredLife…..

I can’t wait! I am counting down the days until my Retirement 2.0 Workshop on June 24th (with a follow-on program) — and putting the final touches on a really exciting program. What I’m most excited about is that I’ve got a great posse of people coming…..and before I forget, I want to share that I have just two spots left!

I call this “Retirement 2.0″ – because the “R” stage of life will be a very different version from what old versions of retirement used to be. As such, it calls for a very different kind of planning ……so this workshop will be UN-like any old retirement planning workshop too! What else would you expect from UNretiredlife?!

JUST TWO SPOTS LEFT! If you are interested – you will be getting this program at a very significant discount (as it’s a Pilot from the Big Cheese Lab). As well, you will be joining a great group of people who come from a variety of professional backgrounds and range in age from age 50  to about age 61. Mind you, these are not limits to the age range required – just a representation of who has said ‘yes’ to this invitation so far.

No worries if you feel you are many, many years away from full time retirement. In fact, most of the group participants are in the same boat. They are quite a few years away from the full-time “R- stage of life (retirement/UNretirement) but are getting ready to make (or plan for) some changes – perhaps from their current work-life and want to explore what’s next for them in the years ahead for both work and life.  As well, we’ve also got some people who have just stepped away from their first career and just starting to explore this new stage of life. They have lots of road ahead and want to explore their possibilities for both work and life too!

Get in touch if you’d like to hear more. ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT!

Remember, it takes planning to create a TGIMwork-life in all stages of life.  Are you ready?!

John Wooden (RIP), masterful leadership coach on and off court

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable.” John Wooden

(Malcolm Emmens/US Presswire)

These are the words of the late John Wooden who passed away on June 4th. Wooden was revered as a coach who built UCLA’s basketball program into one of America’s dynasties. He was known for his coaching mastery and success by stressing life values not just on the court but in life.  Integrity should’ve been his middle name.  His work, inspiring lessons and philosophies  in leadership development is revered and modeled by many (including yours truly!)

“Caoch Wooden’s legacy transcends athletics, what he did was produce leaders,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block in a statement released by the school.

RIP John Wooden!

P.S articles everywhere - here’s one that I caught that is worth reading.

Never Going to Retire?

Are you uncomfortable with the “R” Word?

Mention the word retirement and a lot of boomers defiantly say: “Not me – I’m never going to retire!”

Well, not an unfamiliar reaction. In fact, 31% of boomers in an RBC poll - said the same thing.  Another 51% said there was no appropriate age to retire – it’s up to you!

I couldn’t agree more!  That is one of the reasons I launched UNretiredLife!  Because many of us boomers will delay the ‘hard-stop’ retirement and instead either continue to work in the same career, recareer, and/or start to test-out and ease into a different kind of work-life balance.

We boomers are known to ‘live to work’.  Despite the complaints along the way, work give us a lot more than just a paycheck: we get intellectual stimulation, the satisfaction of contributing, a place to test our mettle, develop skills and grow ourselves.  Along the way we self actualize, connect with people to ‘play with’ — and a whole bunch more. And yes, that paycheck is critical. Many of us will continue work for financial reasons.

But does that mean you don’t have to plan for your life and work? Heck no!!!

The biggest mistake people can make is to float along and delay the reflection and planning that is critical to ensuring your next stage of life — whether you work or don’t — is working for you!  We all know how important the financial planning piece is. Well the life & work planning is equally critical — and will make your financial planning that much more meaningful.

What will you do when you grow up (do we ever grow up?)? What are the career possibilities for you in the next stage of life? Will you shift career gears or continue in the same lane? Full time/part-time/contract – solopreneur anyone?

Those are just a few of the career question but there’s more: And what about the balance side of things? Will you delay that till you eventually do the ‘full stop retirement’ — or might that be an area to tackle first while you are working?

So whether you call the next stage of life ‘retirement’ or “Unretirement” — you still gotta plan! Financially of course. And for life.

WORKSHOP: That’s what my Retirement 2.0 program  is all about.  It’s the next version of ’so-called-retirement’ and isn’t just for people planning ‘hard-stop’ cessation of work. It’s for boomers who want to make the most of the next stage of life (work optional!) — but perhaps haven’t yet had the chance to think it through. We’ll bring guidance, reflection prompters and challenges to your assumptions.  And it will be fun! At least that’s the intention:) 

SO….Care to join me and some Big Cheese Boomers starting June 24th?

Would love to see you. It’s all part of the TGIM worklife….just getting ready for ‘what’s next’.

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NEW! Retirement 2.0 Group Program for Big Cheese Boomers!

Hey Big Cheese Boomers – are you ready for what’s next your TGIM work+life? Further to my ‘pre-announcement’ on my UNretiredLife blog a few weeks ago, I’ve now got the details for a fabulous new program that’s been cook’n in my Big Cheese Coaching Lab and ready for the offering — and it starts June 24th!  Limited spaces (only about 10 or so)!

The Retirement 2.0 Group Program for “Big Cheese” Boomers — this is a three-part program for boomers who just don’t relate to the old notion of retirement. Hanging out on porch just won’t cut it.  Accomplished, successful (on your terms)- you are wanting something different from your so-called retirement years. Perhaps it will be a continuation of work or recareer — or maybe not. But the bottom line is: you need a plan and a direction to create a life stage that will continue to engage, inspire and connect you to what matters most. 

Just not quite sure what that looks like yet? This program may be for you!

Retirement 2.0 Group Program – is all about the ‘next version’ of so-called retirement….it’s  for boomers who want to create their own unique version.  This three-part program is being offered as a Pilot from the Big Cheese Coaching Lab. I’m inviting you to be part of a small, intimate group (only about 10 or so spaces!) to be in a conversation, exploration, discovery process about what your next life stage will be about.

At a Glance:  This three pronged-program will be jam-packed with reflection, tools/exercises and conversation over a two month period:

1) Full Day workshop (Toronto/ June 24th — location tbc) 

2) Series of 5 Teleclasses 

3) Membership to the Big Cheese Coaching Online Retirement 2.0 Course & Community (a great platform to work through decision points and if you choose, to connect with others in your group).

 Also – as a special pilot from the Big Cheese Coaching Lab, participants will receive this at a substantially reduced fee from future offerings. An additional further discount offered to those who register by May 2oth!

Curious? Interested? If so, get in touch with me quick as there are limited spaces.  And see below for more detail (dates, fees, FAQ):

1) One Pager – The Program At a Glance

2) FAQ – more detail

 3) Proposed topics/agenda: available upon request. Get in touch.

To Success & Significance in your TGIM UNretiredLife — create your own version!

Back to TGIMworklife home page  and see UNretiredLife for more!

Are SMART goals dumb?

Are SMART goals dumb? Well, yes, if you want to do GREAT work. At least that’s the conclusion of a study by the Leaders IQ consultancy, which found that so-called SMART* don’t always correlate with success.

Photo: from Flickr/js3pt

(* Smart goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-sensitive. )

According to the research, goals crafted within the parameters of SMART (see above) can be impediments to doing great work. They make us play it too safe; lack the impetus to make us reach for bold challenges and end up encouraging us to to mediocre performance.

The research looked at more than 4,000 workers from nearly 400 organizations and looked at what goal-setting processes lead them to achieving GREAT work. They came up with 8 attributes:

1. I can vividly picture how great it will feel when I achieve my goals.

2. I will have to learn new skills to achieve my assigned goals for this year.

3. My goals are absolutely necessary to help this company.

4. I actively participated in creating my goals for this year.

5. I have access to any formal training that I will need to accomplish

my goals.

6. My goals for this year will push me out of my comfort zone.

7. My goals will enrich the lives of somebody besides me (customers, the

community, etc.).

8. My goals are aligned with the organization’s top priorities for this year.

Notice no mention of ‘realistic and achievable’; nor of time-sensitive and measurable. Hmmmm.

Not that I’d throw out all those attributes. I think different goals will serve different purposes. But there is an important lesson here: if you are wanting to step it up into doing GREAT things in your work and life, you need to step it up on creating goals that are more than just SMART.  They need to get your heart pumping and have a bigger impact beyond yourself. They must touch and benefit others too.

The researchers coined a new acronym. Instead of SMART – they suggest you go for HARD. This stands for: Heartfelt (will enrich others lives); Animated (I can vision how great it will be when achieved); Required (these goals are necessary and make a difference to others) and Difficult (I must learn new skills and leave my comfort zone).

I know I am in the midst of creating some new programs and am so excited about these. Interestingly, to keep me moving forward, I inadvertently have been thinking about many of these things the research suggests. I’ve been visualizing; thinking about the impact and contribution to others; and learning (always in learning mode) — a whole bunch of stuff to help make this happen.

Hmmm. Maybe me and my goals are smarter than I thought

How about you? What goals need to be shined up a bit…or a lot!?

To a TGIM work life filled with wonderfully HARD goals that inspire you to success and fulfillment – and make a difference to others as well!

Eileen

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