Kimberly, Sonia and Jonathan answer a question from Darby in Philadelphia:

“My time horizon for changing roles has shortened and I don’t have a true successor for the role. There’s a core group of 3 leaders who are strong and have worked together for the past 3 years. They would be a flight risk if we recruit a new leader. What are your thoughts about distributing the responsibilities for managing the office/region to a team vs. bringing in a new leader?

Sonia reminds Darby that selecting a primary leader from the core group will depend on their strengths and background best suited to deal with the challenges ahead.

Kimberly wonders whether they can select a leader among themselves – it would be a better option.

 Jonathan shares that he is not aware of a successful shared leadership model. He provides the reasons for this.

And that is barely the beginning!

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

We are grateful for your reviews and support!

Next month there will more ideas for how you can unlock your leadership. See you then!

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Gia in Scottsdale, Arizona:  

“There is downsizing taking place where I work. A few of my colleagues have shared that they are considering becoming independent contractors or starting their own consulting firm if they get laid off. What advice do you have for them?”

Kimberly shares with Gia that the role of an independent contractor can be lonely; be sure to partner with those that will complement your skills and focus. 

Sonia provides Gia with 3 guidelines; have a business plan, understand the chemistry & risk tolerance among the colleagues.

Jonathan informs Gia that being independent can be liberating. However, she and the others will need to be flexible and have a business development plan.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you don’t want to miss.

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia and Jonathan answer a question from Savannah in San Jose:

“I’m mentoring a high potential manager. He shared one of his weaknesses is the anxiety he feels in pressured business situations and the impact this has on his ability to deal with the “chaos” that often seems to be part of our industry. Do you have suggestions that might help him learn how to manage challenging everyday business situations?”

Sonia provides 3 questions to ask in the midst of the “chaos” and suggests reframing that term.

Kimberly recommends taking 3 deep breaths and why it raises your ability to respond.

 Jonathan advises Savannah to acknowledge the feeling and understand what she is experiencing as the first step to grow out of that state.

And that is barely the beginning!

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Dennis in West Palm Beach:  

“I work for a family-owned company that has been in business for 50 years. They are bringing in new leaders to develop the company for the future. What should we look for in the new leaders to continue to be successful yet adapt to the future?”  

Kimberly advises Dennis that vetting the new leaders for consistency and good intention will work well with the community feel of a family-owned business. 

Sonia recommends that the new leaders be good listeners and observers so they can build bridges to the future.

Jonathan coaches Dennis to share the strategy plan, mission and vision with new leaders to insure alignment. Also, hire to close gaps in skill sets and personalities.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you don’t want to miss.

Meet your Unlocking Leadership coaches:

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Earl in Dallas, Texas:  

“The approach to changing decisions is different between my boss and me. I want to survey the coaches. How often do you change your mind when making a decision? Has that approach helped you be successful?”  

Kimberly shares with Earl that listening to understand the motivation behind a decision may help with bridging the gap with his boss. 

Sonia describes her process for making decisions and admits that she may change a decision 20% of the time.

Jonathan advises Earl that experience has helped him develop his 6th sense, and remember the advice of Astronaut Fred Haise to wait as long as possible to take options off the table.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you don’t want to miss.

Meet your Unlocking Leadership coaches:

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia and Jonathan answer a question from Mylene in Helena, Montana:

“I’m supposed to give game changing feedback to my peers. One of them has a congruency issue. He says one thing in words, but his body language says something else. How would you give this game changing feedback without damaging the relationship?”

Sonia reminds Mylene that stories are a good way to share, use your own or a scene from a movie.

Kimberly wonders whether your colleague is aware of what he is doing? Suggest an exercise for mutual feedback.

 Jonathan recommends using the SSBI model (specific situation behavior and impact approach to provide the feedback.

And that is barely the beginning!

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Kristi in Laguna Niguel, California:  

“Have you heard of the term “quiet firing?” A colleague shared an article that described what has been going on at her company. She’s wondering whether she should stay there if they treat employees that way?”  

Kimberly advises Kristi to evaluate whether this is a specific manager’s approach or is this a pattern in the organization before making any decision. 

Sonia recommends that the colleague think about her career legacy and where she will be more aligned to valuing herself.

Jonathan reminds Kristi that there is no guarantee another company won’t have the same approach for dealing with employees they won’t fire. However, focusing on her own performance and insuring she gets feedback often, may help her not end up in this situation.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you don’t want to miss.

Meet your Unlocking Leadership coaches:

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Ken in Knoxville:

“Our company is reorganizing the business which is creating new teams. In most cases it is a blend of virtual and in person groups. Do you have suggestions for what is the best way for a manager to introduce themselves to a new team?”

Sonia shares that the team will want to know specifics about the leader so be sure to share that with images and stories.

Kimberly recommends meeting with each member individually to tailor the communication.

 Jonathan advises Ken to build trust by sharing his vision and expectations.

And that is barely the beginning!

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Gabe in Fairbanks, Alaska:  

“My wife shared that many of her co-workers appear to be worried, yet when she asked them what the source of their worry was, people couldn’t define it. What do you advise when there is a prevailing “feeling” but not enough information?”  

Kimberly advises Gabe to be in the present to regain your focus. 

Sonia provides steps for the group to follow to identify the prevailing feeling and then address it.

Jonathan shares that sometimes that prevailing feeling may be tying into your 6th sense.

He reminds leaders of their responsibility to handle “mood management”.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you don’t want to miss.

Meet your Unlocking Leadership coaches:

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!

Kimberly, Sonia, and Jonathan answer a question from Irma in Savannah, Georgia:  

“I have always thrived on giving and receiving feedback. I have been moved into a role under an executive who says she is too busy to meet with me for regular check-ins. How can I tell if I am meeting her expectations is she will not provide me with regular feedback?”  

Kimberly advises Irma to try for quarterly updates with her new leader or... 

Sonia provides the pivot, that the opportunity for Irma now may be to mature and be more confident in her contributions.

Jonathan recommends repositioning the request as seeking career development tips and examples.

There are so many more ideas shared by the coaches you do not want to miss.

Meet your Unlocking Leadership coaches:

Kimberly Layne leads Performance Leadership Intl , wrote Connections Change Everything and hosts The Power of Connection on YouTube. Reach out to Kimberly here.

Sonia Jeantet runs CIMA Executive Development and is the author of The Integrative Leader. Be in touch with Sonia here.

Jonathan Ward is the co-Author of Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars; The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission, and Space Historian, Viking Resident Astronomer, Executive Coach, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. About Jonathan. You can contact Jonathan here Jonathan Ward, FRAS, PCC | LinkedIn

Join us next month for more ways to unlock your leadership.

You can submit a question to the coaches here.

From all of us here, thanks for listening!