Coaching for Leaders

Those of us who have responsibility to lead often find ourselves getting overwhelmed with all we need to do. On this episode, I welcome #CFLshow community member and experienced leader Jim Lynch to the show to discuss five sure-fire ways to scale your leadership.

Guest: Jim Lynch

Community Feedback

Leave an audio message now

USA: (949) 38-LEARN

Thank you to everyone who subscribed to my weekly article this past week. I publish an article each week that will give you a booster shot between shows on how to lead better by giving you actionable advice to improve your communications, human relations, or personal productivity. If you’d to receive it in your inbox, just go to coachingforleaders.com/subscribe. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my video overview and downloadable guide on the ten leadership books that will help you get better results from others.

Technology is great, but only if it helps you work better. On this episode, I share 7 tools that I use and will help you get the most of our your time. I currently use them all daily in my work and I'm excited to share their benefits with you.

My three criteria for selection these tools:

Cross-platform

Not apps/tools that you already know everything about

Clear business model

Frees time to invest doing the things you are best at

I currently use all of them

Highrise (highrisehq.com)

The problem this solves: Trying to piece together everything someone has every told you in multiple places.

Far less complex than traditional CMSs

Manage relationships

Track conversations

Tag people for events, projects, etc.

Track details (birthdays, family names, etc.)

Integrates Twitter and LinkedIn

Basic task management

Tracks pending customer deals

Free plan up to 250 contacts / 30-day free trial

What will this help you do? Get stuff out of your head and manage lots of different relationships.

Basecamp (basecamp.com)

The problem this solves: Re-doing the same work again and again and checking in to see if people have done stuff.

Project management tracking

Templates for projects

Integration with a team

No free version, but a 60-day free trial (no credit card), $20/month

TimeTrade (timetrade.com)

The problem this solves: Spending countless hours going back and forth with people on times to schedule with you.

You give TimeTrade calendar access (Outlook, Calendar, Google calendar) and it looks for free spots

You have a link and people can schedule and cancel automatically

Great for people who are outside your organization and don’t want to have any detailed access to your calendar

Appointments show up automatically in calendar and by email

One downside - you need to watch what is free in your calendar

Free version is available, but I use the $49/year version

Lift (lift.do)

The problem this solves: Keeps you on track for the daily habits that are important to you.

Set habits in the system

Track when you complete them

Follow others and encourage others and get encouragement in return

Example: Wake up at 5am

It sends you little motivators by email on alerts on your phone

This version is entirely free

See screenshot below from my iPhone

Instapaper (instapaper.com)

The problem this solves: Cool articles on the web distracting you from getting your work done

Set up an account and install an extension in your browser

See something you like? Hit the button on your browser and it saves it into your account.

Read it later on the device you want to use. I use the Instapaper app on my iPad.

I can then send it other places.

Instapaper account is free, but the apps are a few dollars, depending on the device you use. Or, you can read on the web.

Pocket is a another alternative, but I'm not clear on their business model.

Buffer (bufferapp.com)

The problem this solves: Staying engaged on social media without having to be on social media all the time

One of my goals this year - show up more online. But how, with limited time?

Fill your queue with relevant things for the people who follow you

Buffer will post them on your behalf at regular intervals

Great way to feature the work of others - I do this especially with Twitter

Free version available, but I use $10/month version

1Password (1password.com)

The problem this solves: Not having to track all those passwords in your life and also limiting the ability of hackers to get access to your life

Create unique passwords for every site you visit online

Keep them all in one place, protected by a master password

Login automatically from your browser

Syncs across devices using Dropbox or iCloud

Massive time saver and fantastic peace of mind

Just this week, Adobe announced they had a breach of accounts

$40-$80 depending on the version you buy

Discover More

Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

Technology is great, but only if it helps you work better. On this episode, I share 7 online tools that I use and will help you get the most of our your time. I currently use them all daily in my work and I'm excited to share their benefits with you.

My three criteria for selection these tools:

Cross-platform

Not apps/tools that you already know everything about

Clear business model

Frees time to invest doing the things you are best at

I currently use all of them

Highrise (highrisehq.com)

The problem this solves: Trying to piece together everything someone has every told you in multiple places.

Far less complex than traditional CMSs

Manage relationships

Track conversations

Tag people for events, projects, etc.

Track details (birthdays, family names, etc.)

Integrates Twitter and LinkedIn

Basic task management

Tracks pending customer deals

Free plan up to 250 contacts / 30-day free trial

What will this help you do? Get stuff out of your head and manage lots of different relationships.

Basecamp (basecamp.com)

The problem this solves: Re-doing the same work again and again and checking in to see if people have done stuff.

Project management tracking

Templates for projects

Integration with a team

No free version, but a 60-day free trial (no credit card), $20/month

TimeTrade (coachingforleaders.com/timetrade) [affiliate link]

The problem this solves: Spending countless hours going back and forth with people on times to schedule with you.

You give TimeTrade calendar access (Outlook, Calendar, Google calendar) and it looks for free spots

You have a link and people can schedule and cancel automatically

Great for people who are outside your organization and don’t want to have any detailed access to your calendar

Appointments show up automatically in calendar and by email

One downside - you need to watch what is free in your calendar

Free version is available, but I use the $49/year version

Check out http://coachingforleaders.com/timetrade [affiliate link] for a 30-day free trial

Lift (lift.do)

The problem this solves: Keeps you on track for the daily habits that are important to you.

Set habits in the system

Track when you complete them

Follow others and encourage others and get encouragement in return

Example: Wake up at 5am

It sends you little motivators by email on alerts on your phone

This version is entirely free

See screenshot below from my iPhone

 

Instapaper (instapaper.com)

The problem this solves: Cool articles on the web distracting you from getting your work done

Set up an account and install an extension in your browser

See something you like? Hit the button on your browser and it saves it into your account.

Read it later on the device you want to use. I use the Instapaper app on my iPad.

I can then send it other places.

Instapaper account is free, but the apps are a few dollars, depending on the device you use. Or, you can read on the web.

Pocket is a another alternative, but I'm not clear on their business model.

Buffer (bufferapp.com)

The problem this solves: Staying engaged on social media without having to be on social media all the time

One of my goals this year - show up more online. But how, with limited time?

Fill your queue with relevant things for the people who follow you

Buffer will post them on your behalf at regular intervals

Great way to feature the work of others - I do this especially with Twitter

Free version available, but I use $10/month version

1Password (1password.com)

The problem this solves: Not having to track all those passwords in your life and also limiting the ability of hackers to get access to your life

Create unique passwords for every site you visit online

Keep them all in one place, protected by a master password

Login automatically from your browser

Syncs across devices using Dropbox or iCloud

Mignon Fogarty: Grammar Girl

On this episode, how to improve your grammar and usage so you can communicate effectively in writing…and who better to teach us than Grammar Girl.

Do you remember what the raven is for?

Resources from Grammar Girl

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary

Dictionary.com

Garner's Modern American Usage [affiliate link]

Google Books Ngram

The Grammar Devotional [affiliate link]

Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing [affiliate link]

Discover More

Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

A number of people who listen to this show want to be better writers, since I’ve received a few requests for this topic. On this episode, how to improve your grammar and usage so you can communicate effectively in writing…and who better to teach us than Grammar Girl.

Guest: Mignon Fogarty a.k.a. “Grammar Girl”

Producer & Host, Grammar Girl Podcast

Founder, Quick & Dirty Tips Podcast Network

 

Do you remember what the raven is for?

Resources from Grammar Girl

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary

Dictionary.com

Garner's Modern American Usage [affiliate link]

Google Books Ngram

The Grammar Devotional [affiliate link]

Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing [affiliate link]

Community Feedback

Leave an audio message now

USA: (949) 38-LEARN

Twitter: #CFLshow

Manhattan Breakfast Meetup

Saturday, October 12th, 2013 @ 9am

Cafe Metro on Lexington Ave. & 46th street in Manhattan

http://coachingforleaders.com/meetup

I'm looking to chat with about 10 people to do a little R&D for a new project for #CFLshow community. Contact me if both of the below are true for you:

You've been a manager for less than 2 years.

You work for a company or organization of more than 25 people.

If the above sounds like you, send me an email to [email protected] with "R&D" in the subject line.

I publish an article each week that will give you a booster shot between shows on how to lead better by giving you actionable advice to improve your communications, human relations, or personal productivity. If you’d to receive it in your inbox, just go to coachingforleaders.com/subscribe. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my video overview and downloadable guide on the ten leadership books that will help you get better results from others.

Thank you to Jim Pepe for your very kind written review on iTunes. If this show has been valuable to you as well, please leave a written review on iTunes by visiting coachingforleaders.com/itunes

Tom Henschel: The Look & Sound of Leadership

Many of us are told time and time again in our careers that we should be asking for feedback from the people we work with and manage. However, a lot of us mess it up. On today’s show, 3 steps to soliciting feedback from Tom Henschel, executive coach and host of The Look & Sound of Leadership podcast.

Discover More

Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

Many of us are told time and time again in our careers that we should be asking for feedback from the people we work with and manage. However, a lot of us mess it up. On today’s show, 3 steps to soliciting feedback from expert executive coach, Tom Henschel.

Guest: Tom Henschel

Executive Coach, Essential Communications

Producer and Host, The Look & Sound of Leadership

Community Feedback

Leave an audio message now

USA: (949) 38-LEARN

Twitter: #CFLshow

I share some feedback from Jonathan Stratton on the show intros

Jim Lynch recommends Trello.com as another task management option

The first #CFLshow meetup is just around the corner! Meet with with us near Times Square for breakfast on Saturday, October 12, 2013 @ 9:00 a.m. I’ll announce the location shortly. If you’re in the area and would like to join us for breakfast, send me an email to [email protected].

Thank you to Fiona Scherini, Norris Sanchez, Israel Diakno, and Jon Moyer for subscribing to my weekly article this past week. I publish an article each week that will give you a booster shot between shows on how to lead better by giving you actionable advice to improve your communications, human relations, or personal productivity. If you’d to receive it in your inbox, just go to coachingforleaders.com/subscribe. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my video overview and downloadable guide on the ten leadership books that will help you get better results from others.

John Corcoran: How To Create Your Personal Networking Plan

Key Points

You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Identify 50 people you want to build relationships with.

The most meaningful relationships get beyond industry talking points and connect with someone at a personal level.

Discover More

Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

The vast majority of us both want and need a strong professional network to support our career and leadership success…but a lot of us don’t know where to start. On this episode, I welcome former white house speechwriter John Corcoran to teach us how to grow our network.

Guest: John Corcoran

Author, How To Create Your Personal Networking Plan

Download here: http://smartbusinessrevolution.com/coachingforleaders

Community Feedback

Leave an audio message now

USA: (949) 38-LEARN

Twitter: #CFLshow

Thank you to Seth Wexler, Gonul Reyhanoglu, Jason Buschlen, Kaylene Walker, Jesus Marco, and Brenda Lorraine Hall for subscribing to my weekly article this past week. I email one update each week that will give you a booster shot between shows on how to lead better by giving you actionable advice to improve your communications, human relations, or personal productivity. If you’d to receive it in your inbox, just go to coachingforleaders.com/subscribe. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my video overview and downloadable guide on the ten leadership books that will help you get better results from others.

In Greek mythology, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus and was placed in charge of his son Telemachus when Odysseus left for war.

Merriam-Webster's dictionary calls a mentor, "A trusted counselor or guide."

What do you want to get from mentoring?

Probably what you aren’t good at (or at least not yet)

Plus, it's something that's important for you to get better at

Advance planning

Who do you know who's good at that?

Are there multiple people?

You don't have to know them today

Your greatest mentors will never expect anything

Identify specifically how someone can help and begin there

Make a mind map of the people who could help

Create a board of directors

Getting Started

Start off with a specific question

Know that not everyone will respond or won’t be willing to help

Wait on asking someone to “be a mentor”

Everyone has a different context for this

It could seem like a huge commitment

It's awkward if they don't want to make that committment

Find a way to connect regularly

This is where proximity and formal programs can help

Make a point to connect regularly

It’s great to be influenced by those that you don’t speak with regularly, but find people you will see

Be willing to ask for help

Get out of the “asking for help is a weakness” mentality

What’s something in front of you right now that a new perspective would be helpful with? My challenge to you is to go out and identify a person and approach them with a specific question and ask advice. Remember, you don’t have to take the advice. If they don’t respond, identify a second person.

Past shows that might also be helpful to you on the topic of mentoring:

Episode #61: How to Start A Mentoring Program with guest Stella Cowan

Episode #63: Practical Advice for Mentoring with guest Kurt Allebach

Discover More

Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.