Getting to Clarity: Creating MORE Success With Less Sacrifice

What exactly IS the Principle of Cause and Effect?

In simple terms, Cause and Effect in NLP means understanding how actions (causes) lead to outcomes (effects). For a new leader, this principle helps you predict the consequences of your decisions, making it easier to steer through challenges and achieve your goals. Ultimately, this principle is your competitive advantage, helping set you apart and allow you to be viewed with more confidence.

Think of it like this:

1. Cause Side: When you're on the "cause" side, you believe you're in the driver's seat. You’re responsible for what happens because of your choices and actions.
   
   
2. Effect Side: On the "effect" side, you feel like things are happening to you. External factors are in control, and you’re just along for the ride.
   
   

Why should it matter to you? 

First off, decision-making. When you get a grip on how your choices impact outcomes, you become a more effective decision-maker. Think about it: every action has a ripple effect. Knowing this helps you foresee the potential results of your decisions.

Then there’s strategy development. When you plan with potential outcomes in mind, your strategies become more proactive rather than reactive. This means you’re not just reacting to situations as they happen but anticipating and preparing for them.

Lastly, team dynamics. Understanding Cause and Effect helps you see how your actions affect team morale and performance. When you recognize this, you can create a more positive and productive work environment.

So, how can you get better at utilizing this principle? Great question! 

1. Self-Reflection: Reflect on your current beliefs and attitudes. Do you see yourself as in control, or do you often attribute outcomes to external factors?
   
   
2. Take Responsibility: Shift your mindset to take responsibility for your actions and their consequences. Recognize that while you can’t control everything, you can control your responses and choices.
   
   
3. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve as a leader. Clear goals help you focus on the actions that will lead to your desired outcomes.
   
   
4. Monitor Your Language: Pay attention to your language. Are you using phrases that suggest you’re at the mercy of others (e.g., "They made me feel...")? Reframe these statements to reflect your agency (e.g., "I chose to feel...").
   
   
5. Action Planning: Develop an action plan aligned with your goals. Identify specific steps you can take and regularly review and adjust your plan based on your progress.
   
   

Let’s break down how you can start using this principle right now to get ahead in your leadership journey. Here’s some examples of utilizing the principle of Cause and Effect in your leadership.

Reflect on Past Decisions: Take some time to think about decisions you've made in the past and their outcomes. For instance, if you introduced a new process to your team, what were the results? Did it improve the situation or cause confusion? The cause was your decision; the effect was the result of that decision. 

Predict Future Outcomes: Before making a new decision, pause and consider its potential effects. For example, if you’re thinking about implementing a new project management tool, what could be the positive and negative impacts? You can involve others and open team dialogues by getting input from them on the potential positive and negative impacts. 

Encourage Feedback: Create a culture where your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts on the results of your decisions. This feedback loop not only enhances your understanding but also encourages your team to share more.

So, what’s next? 

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Embrace the NLP principle of Cause and Effect. Start today by analyzing a recent decision and its impact, then share your insights with a mentor or colleague within the next 48 hours. This small step will set you on a path to becoming a more effective, insightful leader.

Find out more about Impact-Driven Leadership and how you can be a more impactful leader at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com.

Why would you want to know about this?

As a new or emerging leader, understanding and defining your leadership essence or style is fundamental for building strong relationships with your team and others. People have to have a good understanding of who you are as their leader and what to expect with your interactions with them. That is where rapport comes in. Establishing rapport is the cornerstone of effective leadership in any industry because trust and communication are the foundation of what you accomplish and the leader you become. According to the NLP principles I’ve been trained in, resistance from your team often signals a lack of rapport. These signals are the building blocks of strong relationships…or weak ones.

So what exactly is Leadership Essence and Rapport?

Leadership essence refers to the core values, behaviors, and skills that define you as a leader. It’s the unique combination of qualities that makes your leadership style effective and authentic. It’s what your team sees outwardly, and senses inwardly because rapport is about creating a sense of connection and trust with others. When rapport is established, communication flows smoothly, and resistance diminishes. Wherever teamwork and client relationships are vital, mastering rapport can significantly enhance your leadership impact. I would say just about anywhere.

Who Needs to Hear This?

Yes, everyone, but it is especially important for new and emerging leaders. For example, consider Sarah, a newly promoted team leader at one of my leadership development workshops. Sarah works at a community bank and in her conversation with me, she struggled with getting her team to buy into new strategies, and was facing a lot of resistance. Sarah’s personality was very analytical and risk assessment was by far her gift. People skills and relationship building, not so much. But by making a subtle tweak and customizing some techniques to focus on building rapport, Sarah started having more success in finding common ground. That small tweak had a big impact because her team began to trust her more, and relationships started to improve. That’s the power of rapport. 

How do you incorporate Rapport-Building into your leadership?

1. Understand and Acknowledge Resistance: When faced with resistance, don’t dismiss it. View it as feedback indicating a lack of rapport. This shift in perspective can help you address underlying issues more effectively.
   
   
2. Find Common Ground: Engage with your team members to discover shared interests and goals. This creates a foundation for mutual understanding and trust.
   
   
3. Active Listening: Practice active listening by paying full attention to your team’s concerns and feedback. Reflect their words and emotions to show understanding and empathy.
   
   
4. Adapt Your Communication Style: Tailor your communication to match the preferences and styles of your team members. This can make your messages more relatable and easier to accept.
   
   
5. Be Genuine and Transparent: Authenticity fosters trust. Be open about your intentions and decisions, and encourage your team to do the same.
   
   
6. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to maintain open lines of communication and reinforce your connection with each team member.
   
   

What can you do now? 

Start building rapport with your team today! Within the next 48 hours, pick one of the tools from above and put it into action. Try it for 30 days and see what happens. Oh, and I’d love to hear about it too!

For more leadership tools or to explore my speaking and consulting offerings related to Impact-Driven Leadership, visit www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. Let’s work together to create a leadership approach that makes a bigger impact for you and your organization!

 What Does It Mean to Respect Another Person's Model of the World? 

The NLP presupposition, "Respect for another person's model of the world," emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the unique experiences, beliefs, and viewpoints of other people, especially your new team. This principle encourages you, as a new leader, to recognize that each of your team members' perspectives is shaped by their individual life experiences and is valid and valuable. 

As a new leader, embracing this mindset can help you build stronger relationships with your team and create an inclusive work environment because you are seeing people as people, not just positions. By genuinely respecting and valuing different viewpoints, you can create a workplace where everyone feels heard and appreciated, creating a more engaged and productive team as a result. 

Implementing Respect for Perspectives in Your Leadership Approach 

To effectively implement this NLP presupposition in your leadership, consider the following actionable steps: 

1. Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to team members during conversations. This involves listening without interrupting, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. Active listening shows that you value their input and are genuinely interested in their viewpoints. It also means your phone is off and you’re not looking at your computer.
   
   
2. Empathy and Understanding: Put yourself in your team members' shoes to understand their perspectives. Developing more empathy allows you to connect with their emotions and experiences, meaning they feel seen and heard. You can show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences. It doesn’t necessarily mean you agree, but you can see how they got there.
   
   
3. Open Communication: Create an open communication environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Encourage open dialogue by inviting feedback, holding regular active team meetings where more of the communication is coming from them instead of you, and creating safe spaces for discussion. Transparent communication is the tool that helps you to understand different perspectives, as well as getting a jump start on any potential conflicts.
   
   
4. Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the diversity within your team. Each team member brings unique strengths and viewpoints that can contribute to innovative solutions and better decision-making. But here’s where people get tripped up with diversity – it’s not just race, culture, religion, or physical abilities. It can also be a diversity of thought processes, family structure, personality, health, and so much more. 
   
   
5. Continuous Learning: Stay committed to continuous learning and self-improvement as a leader. Seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and communication styles. This not only enhances your ability to respect diverse viewpoints but also equips you with the skills to lead a diverse team effectively.

Practical Examples

Imagine you’re leading a project team composed of members from various departments. During a brainstorming session, one team member suggests an unconventional approach to solving a problem. Instead of dismissing the idea, you apply active listening and seek to understand the rationale behind it. You might say, "I appreciate your suggestion. Can you walk us through how this approach could work and what benefits it might bring?" This shows respect for their perspective and encourages a collaborative discussion.

Another scenario could involve a team member who is hesitant to speak up due to past experiences of being overlooked. By creating an open communication environment, you can invite their input directly, saying, "I noticed you have some thoughts on this matter. I’d love to get your perspective." Also, knowing what you know about this person might mean they can contribute in another way other than speaking up in front of others, where they aren’t comfortable. This not only respects their viewpoint but also empowers them to share their ideas.

So what’s next?

As a new leader, your ability to respect and value the diverse perspectives of your team can significantly impact your leadership. Start with the tools shared here by integrating one of these practices into your leadership approach within the next 48 hours. You’ll be well on your way to being the kind of leader you were meant to be.

For more leadership tools or to explore my speaking and consulting offerings related to Impact-Driven Leadership, visit www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. Let’s work together to create a leadership approach that makes a bigger impact for you and your organization!
 

What is Authenticity?

Authenticity means being true to who you are, your values, and your leadership style. It’s about leading with integrity and honesty. In any career, being authentic is crucial because it builds trust and creates transparency, creating a positive and productive work environment. Authentic leaders are those who can genuinely share who they are in a relevant context, AND inspire and motivate their teams - even when stepping into new and challenging roles.

Who Needs to Hear This?

Authenticity isn’t just for executives. It’s especially important for new leaders and those in the middle of the management hierarchy – managers, supervisors, and team leads. Maybe you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time; it’s important to balance your unique style with the existing team dynamics. In management and for team leads, you are the link between the higher-ups and the front line, so authentically building relationships on both sides is what you are charged with doing. Your people need someone they know and can depend on for guidance. 

So, in the case of a transition from one leadership style to your style, which might be different, what can you do? Great question! Here are some tips to consider. 

1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to understand your style, or what I like to call, your leadership essence. What are your values and strengths? What do you stand for? What do you stand against? What makes you tick? What sets you off? The awareness that comes with self-reflection is gold! Think about what makes you unique and how you can bring more of that to your new role.
   
   
2. Communicate Openly: Be upfront about your vision, goals, and expectations. Transparency invites trust and collaboration. Say what you can as early and frequently as you can. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so do your employees when they are left hanging with little or no information.
   
   
3. Build Trust: Consistency is key. Who you are and how you show up for your team members is critical. People need to know who to expect and how you’ll lead them. Authenticity allows you to show up and build relationships from the place of who you authentically are instead of who you think you need to be. 
   
   
4. Leverage Strengths: Recognize the good things your predecessor did. Are there ways to adapt those strengths as you move forward with your new team? Notice that I said adapt—meaning you aren’t copying them; you are finding your way to model them. This also shows respect for your predecessor and helps with the transition.
   
   
5. Seek Feedback: Where appropriate, ask for input from your team and colleagues. Use this feedback to improve and show your commitment to creating a more collaborative way forward.
   
   

These steps will help you make a significant impact as an authentic leader. Not only will you grow personally, but you’ll also see improvements in your team’s development and the overall success of your organization.

What’s Next? 

Ready to take action? In the next 48 hours, try one of these:

1. Reflect on your core values and how they align with your leadership style.
2. Have an open conversation with your team about the upcoming changes and ask for their feedback.
3. Think of one strength your predecessor had and how you can incorporate it into your approach.

As you take on this new leadership role, keep in mind that being authentic is your best tool. Staying true to who you are and leading with honesty not only builds trust but also creates a positive vibe with your team. Embrace your unique style, be open with your team, and support them through the changes. Authentic leadership is about making a genuine impact that everyone can feel. So, go ahead and take those next steps with confidence. Your authenticity is one of your biggest and most impactful advantages. Leverage it!

Here is wishing you the Clarity you deserve to make the Impact you desire!



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Would you like to know the answers to your next steps, next level, or next chapter in your career or leadership? Then, get the FREE resource that guides you to get the right answers for you for what's next! Go to www.ClarityWorkbook.com to get your own copy and start getting the Clarity you deserve!

For more strategies on how to lead with clarity and authenticity, check out my Clarity-Driven Leadership Programming at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com.

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Important Links for More Clarity: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/

Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/

Purchase Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/debbies-book/

When it comes to self-leadership, Clarity is key. 
 
For women leaders and emerging leaders in business, having Clarity around your goals and direction is especially important. With so many demands on your time and energy, it's essential to know your priorities to focus your attention and resources where they'll have the most impact. 
  Personal and professional Clarity will help you make better decisions, stay motivated and on track, and ultimately move you toward your version of success faster. 
  By defining what is important to you and what you want to protect in your life, you create Clarity of direction for what you want to achieve. Then, you start creating the vision of success on your terms, and with this vision, you can develop a plan to make it a reality. 
 
 To get you started, visualize your success. Create a picture of what it looks like when you do. See yourself achieving your goals. What will it feel like? How will you know when you've reached them? Seeing yourself succeeding will help keep you motivated and focused on the end result. 
  Understand who you are authentically. 
 
This is about getting in touch with your true values and beliefs. Once you know these things, it's easier to stay aligned with them in everything you do. 
 
 There are a lot of different things that go into making up who we are as individuals. Our values, beliefs, and experiences all play a role in shaping our identity. And while it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of who we are and what we stand for, it's essential to take the time to connect with our authentic selves.
  When we live in alignment with our authentic selves, we can show up in the world as our best selves. We are more confident, more engaged, and more likely to achieve our goals. 
 
 To do this, you want to get clear on your values and beliefs. Your values and beliefs are at the core of who you are. They shape your decisions, your actions, and your thoughts. So it's important to have an awareness of what they are. Spend some time thinking about what's important to you and what you believe in, what you stand for, what you love, and what is meaningful to you. 
 
 It's not enough to just get clear on your values and beliefs—you also need to check in with yourself regularly to ensure you're staying true to them. This can be done by taking some time each day for self-reflection. Ask yourself how your actions align with your values and what you can do to get back on track if they're not aligned, especially at work. 
  Take inspired action to live in alignment. 
 
This is about taking action that feels good to you and aligns with your values and beliefs. It's also about trusting your intuition and following your heart. It's not about taking action on everything; it's taking action on the right things in a meaningful way. When you take inspired action, you are aligning your thoughts, words, and deeds with your highest self, creating a powerful leadership presence in any organization, household, or community. 
 
 The self-leadership journey is not a straight line. It's more like a winding road with many twists and turns that allow you to discover new facets of yourself that can then be leveraged to support others. As you grow in your self-leadership, you create more opportunities to grow for others too. 
  If you want to be a successful leader in business, it’s important that you develop self-leadership skills. That means taking control of yourself, your career, and your life and steering it in the direction you want to go. It starts with having Clarity about what you want and who you are—and then taking inspired action to create it. Are there other ways you can think of that would help YOU become a better self-leader? Let us know in the comments!
 
Until the next time, here's wishing you the Clarity in your self-leadership that you deserve!
 
Want more Clarity on your way forward in work and life? Then, grab your copy of the Clarity Workbook and uncover the answers you deserve at www.ClarityWorkbook.com. 
 
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 Ready to claim more success with less sacrifice? 
 

Become the CEO of your career and life and join The Clarity Community. Be surrounded by a community of incredible women leaders who want to be supported regularly by other like-minded women and support them in return. It is exactly what I wished I would have had in my own career! Click HERE to learn more and sign up as a founding member! 
 
 You can reach Debbie at [email protected]
  Important Links for More Clarity: 

Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/ Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/ Get Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms. Find it HERE.  

First and foremost, it's important to become aware of your thinking throughout the day. Where do your thoughts go? One of the easiest ways to start doing this is to pay attention to how you feel because your feelings will lead you to your thoughts if you are willing to explore them. For example, what is going on around you if you're frustrated, and how are you thinking about it? If a person or a situation triggers you, you've likely been down this road before. When you have an immediate reaction to someone or something, it's a pattern of thinking and feeling that you've created and are familiar with, and now you are conditioning yourself to repeat it. 
 Why? Because it's what you know, so it's what you do. So, now it's time to interrupt the pattern if you'd like to have a less stressful reaction. Ask yourself, "Who am I being in this moment?" Pay attention to what your answer is—empowered or disempowered? Stop, dig underneath the surface, and figure out who you are being in this moment. Now, ask yourself, what do you want instead. 
 
 This may seem like a small shift, but it can make a big difference in how you feel. For example, if you're dreading going into a meeting because you're worried about what will be said, try reframing it by focusing on what outcome you'd like to see instead. For example, "I'm looking forward to this meeting because I want to know more about the project." Then, create the vision of how you want to show up differently, and start putting energy into that vision!
  Second, our emotions are trying to tell us something. So next time you're feeling stressed, try to listen to what your emotions are telling you. Likely, some underlying thoughts or beliefs about yourself are contributing. Maybe it's a grudge against a coworker or boss, or perhaps it's self-doubt about our abilities. Either way, stress is a sign that we need to make a change because you always have a choice in how you react to people and situations.
 
It could be that you are under a lot of pressure to succeed, and sometimes that pressure can feel overwhelming. It can cause you to ignore your boundaries and give more and more until you're depleted. If you're finding that your emotions are particularly intense at work, it might be time to look at your boundaries (or lack thereof) and see what needs to be reinforced. You get to choose yourself; no one else will do it for you.
 You might not be able to control everything that happens at work, but you can control your reaction and your perspective. 
  Third, take some time for yourself and figure out what you need to do to forgive, release, and let go. This is the inner work. It might take a little while, but trust me when I say that it's so worth it. 
  When we're stressed, we're often holding onto something that we need to let go of. Emotions are energy in motion, after all, and if we are holding onto them, we are destined to feel them again and again because we don't let them go anywhere. Emotions are meant to be experienced and let go, not ignored, stuffed down, or powered through. We feel them for a reason, and suppressing them only makes things worse in the long run. Get in the habit of becoming aware of when you need to release the negative baggage you're carrying around. My go-to process is contained in this meditation playlist I've created for you. You can download it HERE.
 Remember, we feel what we feel for a reason. Our emotions are trying to tell us something. We can learn more about ourselves and what we need to feel our best by listening to them.
  For instance, if you see the same person the same way every time, you've likely labeled them that way in your mind, and now your mind is conditioned to identify them that way and react the same way each time. That's how our brain works. It's efficient and likes to find a way to do something until it becomes a habit (yes, even with our thoughts). But it's not necessarily the best experience for you. If the other person twists you up, you are the one holding the short end of the stick. And, if they produce that sort of reaction within you, then there is something inside of you that it is reacting with. 
 I also love the process of Ho'oponopono, which is the Hawaiian Forgiveness process that I learned as part of my Huna studies. When it comes to the people that trigger you, forgiveness is the tool to learn! Forgiveness allows you to let go of the emotions that make you feel awful. Forgiveness is the way for you to get unstuck because you are no longer anchored to the past. Forgiveness empowers you to live your life and navigate your career on your terms. Forgiveness isn't about who is right or wrong. It's not about saying what happened was ok. It's about healing for you so you can move forward. Here's a meditation you can download to help you forgive and move on! You can download it HERE.
 I hope this article provides some Clarity and peace as you go through your day today so your mind isn't constantly thinking about the past or future--worrying about what could have been or what will be. Instead, you deserve to live in the present moment and focus on what's happening right now.
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  Would you like to know the answers to your next steps, next level, or next chapter in your career? Then, get the FREE workbook that guides you to get the right answers for you for what's next! Go to www.ClarityWorkbook.com to get your own copy and start getting the Clarity you deserve!
 
 ***
 
 Important Links for More Clarity:
 
You can reach Debbie at [email protected]
 Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/
 Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/
 Purchase Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/debbies-book/
 
 Negative Emotion Playlist: You can download it HERE.
Ho'oponopono Meditation: You can download it HERE.
 
   

 There are many different ways to relax and recharge. Here are seven tips to help you more easily incorporate recharging yourself: 
  Here are 7 Ways to Recharge Yourself    1.  Take a break from technology  - is the news ticking you off? That's a sign. Take a break from technology. That could be anything from reducing social media consumption to turning off the evening news to hiding the notification on the news apps. You'll hear if something happens and you need to know about it. This is also more than unplugging from external news; it's unplugging your devices. Agree to put your electronic devices away at a particular time and stick to it.  
  2.  Spend time outdoors - there is nothing like getting outdoors to shift our perspective. Eat lunch outside in the sunshine, or schedule a walking meeting instead of sitting in a conference room or your office. Try eating lunch or dinner outdoors or at least having coffee (or tea) outside in the morning before you start your day. Go to the water and connect or look into forest bathing. How about some stargazing before you go to bed. Being out in nature has a way of putting our problems and worries into perspective.
 
  3.  Do something you enjoy - what brings you joy? Is it music? Create a playlist to inspire you. Is it art? Head to a museum or pick up a paintbrush. Is it dance? Take a class or just dance in your kitchen while making dinner; that's what I do! Take a drive, plant a garden, go to the beach, or take the time to watch a hilariously funny movie!
 
  4.  Exercise - move your body. It doesn't have to be a sweat-inducing CrossFit session; it can be an easy walk or gentle bike ride too. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining your mental health and well-being. Consider yoga, which can be done just about anywhere (goats, anyone?) Where would you like to hike? What groups can you join that would help you stay accountable for the exercise you enjoy? A health club? Jazzercize? Something else? Look into what will serve you.
 
  5.  Get enough sleep - Oh my! Yes! Nothing can ruin my day faster than when I don't get enough sleep. And, as a woman of a certain age, I find that sleep gets harder to get enough of. You have to be more intentional about it. Consider setting an earlier bedtime, changing your bedroom environment to eliminate blue light and your devices, eat earlier, so your food isn't still digesting when your head hits the pillow. Oh, and reduce alcohol consumption because the sugar spike will catch up with you at about 3 am. 
  6.  Eat healthy foods  - what foods does your body want? Consider what will fuel it, and I don't mean your cravings. Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. I just released 60 pounds of weight and learned so much about what my body wants as fuel. I learned that whole food (not processed), seafood, fish, and cooked vegetables serve me best. I focus on healthy fats and, yes, the occasional treats when I choose, and my body is happy. When your body is happy you feel better and have much more energy (and less pain) not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually too.
 
  7.  Connect with loved ones - who are the people that you love? Who are the people who bring you joy just by being connected with them in your life? This may be family (or maybe not...), or it may be the family that you choose. The sister from another mother, so to speak. For me, that's my family and the high-vibe people who are in my tribe! Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, quality time with those you care about is crucial for a healthy mind and body.
  It's important to find a balance between work and leisure. Make sure to schedule some time each day or week to relax and recharge. This will ensure that you're making time to relax on a regular basis, and your mind and body will thank you for it!
  Until the next time, here's wishing you the Clarity (and recharging) that you deserve!


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Would you like to know the answers to your next steps, next level, or next chapter in your career or leadership? Then, get the FREE resource that guides you to get the right answers for you for what's next! Go to www.ClarityWorkbook.com to get your own copy and start getting the Clarity you deserve! 

For more strategies on how to lead with clarity and authenticity, check out my Clarity-Driven Leadership Programming at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. 

*** 

Important Links for More Clarity:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/ 

Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/ 

Purchase Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/debbies-book/ 

That's self-confidence, and here's why it's important to you!  Self-confidence allows you to show up as your highest and best self in whatever you do. It means you are walking the talk with your team and setting an example for the people who may work for you and with you. Self-confidence is an energy you send out that people pick up on; your clients, customers, and co-workers can sense it.  One of the biggest benefits of self-confidence is that it allows you to become even more accomplished because you're more willing to take risks. But more than taking risks; with self-confidence you embrace the feedback due to the risks you take, incorporate it, and then uplevel from there. No more getting stuck for you!  And a bonus, it also helps you to be less mired in that self-critical thinking. Bye-bye Negative Nellie!  What do you need to know about building self-confidence?  It's a process. It’s a journey not a destination. It's not one thing you do, and you never have to think about it again. It’s something you build over time but it takes your commitment. But, here's the interesting thing, when it comes to self-confidence, you already have it because it’s inside of you, and it’s waiting to come out!   Here’s what I mean about it already being inside of you. You likely experience confidence in another area  your life.  Consider the different areas of your life.  Career. What you do for work.  Health and fitness. Your physical body.  Spirituality. A connection to Source or something bigger than you (God, The Universe, etc.)  Relationships. Usually an intimate relationship.  Family. Relationships with your family members.  Personal Development. This is anything that you do to improve yourself outside of your physical body.  So when you consider all these areas of life, is a particular area or areas that you have more confidence in?  For instance, you may be focused on health and fitness. You are disciplined, you feel good, get your exercise in, eat well, drink enough water, and do all the things that allow you to feel confident in your physical body.  You may be more spiritually minded and have a healthy practice around meditation or yoga and other spiritual practices. Maybe you attend church regularly or have regular fellowship and you feel good about your spiritual practice. That’s confidence too.  Mine the other areas of life where you feel more confident and dig into how you do that. What are your habits and your strategies? Once you get clear on those, you can apply the same types of habit and strategies in your career and leadership.  But the one strategy that is the easiest place for you to start to build more self-confidence is really getting clarity on who you are. You can’t have self-confidence if you don’t know who you are to begin with.  So, who are you as a person without the labels?  When I ask my audiences who they are, I get answers like, I'm a mom; I'm a wife; I'm a husband; I'm a CEO; I'm an analyst; I'm a financial adviser; I'm a realtor. And yes, that is a piece of who you are but not all that you are.  If you could describe yourself without using a label, what would you say?  Let me give an example. Some of the things that I say about myself are that I am a woman who loves to be outside and feel the sunshine on her face. I love to spend time on the water and feel connected to it. I cook to show my love for people and dance in the kitchen while doing it – it’s fun! My family is important, and I fiercely protect my family. So, if someone threatens my family, that doesn't go over too well. I'm also a woman who likes to drive fast. I like to get there first and I have a competitive edge.  It may not neatly translate into your leadership journey, but how can you bring more of the essence of who you are into your leadership role or into your work at your organization? If you care about people and are protective of relationships, how can you bring more of that into your interactions with your clients or coworkers? If you enjoy making people feel special, how can you bring more of that that you are into your role and display that in your work environment? So, start thinking about who you are without the labels. This allows you to start showing up more confidently because it’s you showing up authentically.  And when it comes to building self-confidence in your leadership journey, the more authentic that you can be, the more that people pick up on that. They know that what they see is what they get, they understand more of who you are, you become easier to follow and start building an environment of trust and loyalty.  Leave me a comment below. Let me know how you tap into who you authentically, and help someone else tap into their authentic self too!  So, until the next time, here is wishing you all the Clarity you deserve. 

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Would you like to know the answers to your next steps, next level, or next chapter in your career or leadership? Then, get the FREE resource that guides you to get the right answers for you for what's next! Go to www.ClarityWorkbook.com to get your own copy and start getting the Clarity you deserve! 

For more strategies on how to lead with clarity and authenticity, check out my Clarity-Driven Leadership Programming at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. 

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Important Links for More Clarity:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/ 

Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/ 

Purchase Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/debbies-book/ 

 

What I’m Talking About

Stepping up, speaking up, and showing up are about taking proactive steps to enhance your visibility and influence in your career. It's about the mindset of moving beyond your comfort zone to embrace new challenges, communicating your ideas confidently, and being physically present, confident, and engaged in every situation. 

Here’s the secret, though: these behaviors are deeply intertwined with how you think about yourself and, therefore, the responsibilities you are willing to take on.

How Can You Embrace This Trifecta? Great Question!

1. Step Up: Begin by assessing where you stand in terms of confidence and communication on a scale from one to ten. Understanding your current position helps you identify the areas needing the most attention. Embrace opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone—whether it's leading a project or participating in strategic meetings. Each step out of your comfort zone is a step towards realizing your potential.

What does this look like? Well, maybe you are a new manager who typically rates themselves a six on confidence and communication from the scale above. Aware that you need to improve to advance in your career, you volunteer to lead the quarterly planning session—a task you have always avoided due to your nervousness about public speaking. By stepping into this leadership role, you not only challenge your communication skills but also gain visibility among your senior management. As you prepare and present your ideas, you gradually become more comfortable in this stretch assignment, demonstrating your capability and commitment. Each meeting becomes a step towards strengthening your confidence and asserting your leadership presence.

2.  Speak Up: Your voice is your most powerful tool. Start by recognizing the value of your opinions and ensuring they are heard during discussions. If you're on the lower end of the confidence spectrum, practice your points in advance. Remember, the clarity of your communication is significantly influenced by how well you control your thoughts before you speak.

What does this look like? Imagine you're a junior analyst and often find yourself hesitating to voice your opinions during team meetings, worried they might not measure up to your more experienced colleagues. Recognizing the need to assert yourself to make an impact, you decide to start preparing your points in advance. Before each meeting, you jot down key notes and rehearse how you want to present them, focusing on clear and confident communication. 

At the next project update, you take a deep breath and share your suggestions for improving the project's efficiency. Your ideas are well-received, and this preparation helps you gain control over your nerves. By consistently speaking up, you begin to realize your value within the team and grow more comfortable contributing your insights regularly.

3.  Show Up: Your physical presence speaks volumes before you even say a word. Dress for the role you want and conduct yourself as if you're already there. Pay attention to your body language, too—stand tall, make eye contact, and engage actively with your peers and superiors. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you more memorable.

What does this look like? You've been eyeing a promotion to project manager, and you know that appearing professional is key. To prepare, you start dressing in smart, well-fitted attire that mirrors the senior members of your team. Each day, you make a conscious effort to stand tall, maintain steady eye contact, and actively engage in conversations, both in meetings and around the office. This approach not only enhances your confidence but also changes how colleagues perceive you. They start seeing you not just as a team member but as a potential leader. Your polished appearance and assertive body language make you a memorable figure in your workplace, signaling your readiness for more significant responsibilities.

What’s Next?

Start today by choosing one area among stepping up, speaking up, or showing up where you feel you could improve the most. Set a small, achievable goal for the week. For example, if you choose to speak up more, commit to expressing your ideas in the next team meeting. Remember, the journey to becoming a powerful leader starts with small, consistent steps. What will your first step be?

Explore more about unlocking your leadership potential and enhancing your professional journey by visiting www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com. Discover how Clarity-Driven Leadership programming and resources can transform not just your career but also your life.

***

Would you like to know the answers to your next steps, next level, or next chapter in your career or leadership? Then, get the FREE resource that guides you to get the right answers for you for what's next! Go to www.ClarityWorkbook.com to get your own copy and start getting the Clarity you deserve!

For more strategies on how to lead with clarity and authenticity, check out my Clarity-Driven Leadership Programming at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com.

***

Important Links for More Clarity: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/

Book Debbie to Speak at Your Event: https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/book-debbie-now/

Purchase Your Copy of CLARITY: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms https://www.debbiepetersonspeaks.com/debbies-book/



 

For example, if you were a project manager and volunteered to lead a challenging cross-departmental initiative. Through this initiative, you not only showcase your leadership skills but also your ability to impact results. You then might catch the eye of upper management, which could lead to more open doors to future leadership roles. It’s like dominos where one thing affects the next. 

What Exactly is Visibility in the Workplace?

Visibility in the workplace means that your contributions, skills, and potential are recognized and appreciated by both your colleagues and senior leaders within your organization. In my world, I define it as strategically positioning yourself in situations where you can clearly demonstrate your impact and capabilities.

So, how can you increase your visibility? Great question! Here are some strategies to do just that. 

1. Take on High-Visibility Projects

One of the most effective ways to increase your visibility is to get involved in projects that matter to the organization. These could be new initiatives that align with the company's strategic goals or troubled projects needing a turnaround. For instance, as an analyst who aspires to higher levels of leadership in a tech company, maybe you volunteered to work on a new product launch that was critical to the company's yearly goals. Your successful management and execution of the project not only delivered the desired results but also showcased your capability to handle high-impact assignments.

1. Speak Up in Meetings

Your voice in meetings can be a powerful tool for visibility. It’s not just about talking; it’s about making meaningful contributions. Do your homework on the front side of the meeting and make some notes about where you can contribute. You can get noticed when you speak up, ask good questions, or propose solutions to which you’ve invested some thought. Jot these down on a notecard to keep focused; if there’s an agenda, that’s a great place to make some notes, too. 

3.    Build a Strong Network

Networking isn’t just for job seekers; it’s a crucial tool for anyone looking to rise in their career or leadership. Once created, your network continues to be nurtured and developed, not discarded. Focusing on creating connections within and outside your department is always helpful. Attend industry conferences, company events, and networking gatherings. For instance, as an aspiring leader in finance, you can make it a point to connect with senior leaders during corporate workshops or events. This can facilitate mentorships and even get you a slot for an advanced training program.

1. Take Initiative

Showing initiative involves identifying opportunities and proactively bringing solutions to the table. What do you notice within your organization? Is there something that could be done better? Maybe it’s a role you have in mind, but it hasn’t been created yet. In one of my leadership development cohorts, three emerging leaders had a vision for what they wanted to impact in their organization and how their skills tied in, creating new roles that benefited themselves and the organization. 

5.    Engage in Continuous Learning

Always keep learning. It doesn’t matter where you are in your leadership timeline; knowledge and implementing that knowledge keeps you relevant. The earlier you start this in your career, the more visibility it creates for you. It’s not just your skills but also staying tuned to industry trends. Whether taking courses, attending workshops, or getting a certification, continuous learning shows your commitment to your personal and professional growth. 

What Now?

Are you ready to elevate your career and increase your visibility within your organization? Start by identifying one strategy from above to implement this week. Whether taking on a new project or speaking up more in meetings, each step you take is a move toward your future vision of your leadership.

Whether you are an emerging leader who wants more strategies and insights on enhancing your leadership journey or an organization that wants to help your leaders embody the principles of making a clear impact with programming, visit my website at www.DebbiePetersonSpeaks.com.

Until next time, here’s wishing you the Clarity you deserve to make the Impact you desire. Top of Form