Crafting a Winning Team: Strategies for Building a High-Performing Team

Are you looking to build a high-performing team? Crafting a winning team is no easy task, but with the right strategies, it can be done. Here are some practical tips and strategies you can use to create a team that works together to achieve success.

1. Establish Clear Goals:

The first step to building a successful team is to set clear goals. Make sure that everyone on the team understands what needs to be done, and how it should be done. This will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.

2. Communicate Effectively:

Communication is key to success. Make sure that everyone on the team is aware of what is going on and that everyone is working together. Encourage open communication and feedback to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3. Foster Collaboration:

Encourage collaboration among team members. This will help create a sense of unity and ensure that everyone is working together to achieve success.

4. Develop Leadership Skills:

Encourage team members to develop their leadership skills. This will help create a strong team dynamic and ensure that everyone is working together to achieve success.

5. Celebrate Success:

Celebrate success when it happens. This will help motivate team members and ensure that everyone is working together to achieve success.

6. Reward Performance:

Reward performance. This will help create a sense of motivation and ensure that everyone is working hard to achieve success.

7. Embrace Diversity:

Embrace diversity. This will help create a unique team dynamic and ensure that everyone is working together to achieve success.

8. Be Flexible:

Be flexible and open to change. This will help create an environment of innovation and ensure that everyone is working together to achieve success.

 

By following these tips, you can create a high-performing team that works together to achieve success. With the right strategies, you can create a winning team that will help your business succeed.

Article provided by Done Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Before You Start a Business – Small Business Tips

Prior to jumping into the world of running your own business, it’s important to understand just what it is that you’re getting yourself into – and how you can make the most out of it. Today’s post focuses on what I believe to be one of the most important lessons vital to understanding before you start a business – you get out what you put in. Things will not happen on their own, and if you want to see things in your business change (for the better), it is up to you to make it happen.

In many ways, working as an employee for a big company tends to give you the feeling that you are simply another piece to the puzzle. Jobs working for another man can make you feel that what you do isn’t important, that no matter how you try to alter your work ethic, it ultimately fails to affect the grand scheme of things. You have good ideas, but nobody ever gets to hear them! You might think that the majority of your job is smoke and mirrors, and that the only hope for progress is through playing your cards right in the game of inner-office politics.

Okay, so I might be a bit biased. But I’m willing to bet that maybe, just maybe, I am not that far off! While some employers are better than others in giving their employees a firm sense of responsibility and motivation, there is certainly something to be said for lack of accountability and how harmful it can be on a person’s morale. Quite simply, nobody likes to feel like they are just another brick in the wall. Nobody likes to feel like what they do doesn’t matter. When you are the owner of your own business, you are not just given a bit of added responsibility. You are given all of the responsibility.

The best analogy that effectively illustrates this point can be seen in the comparisons between team sports and individual athletics. Let’s pretend for a moment that you are the member of a basketball team. The success of your team certainly depends on your individual skill set, but it does not hinge solely on your ability to put the ball in the hoop. You must work as one cohesive unit. Even if you are a stand-out player, a talented team to play alongside you is absolutely crucial if you hope to win the championship game.

Playing on a basketball team is much like working for a large company. Generally speaking, the success of your team is not completely dependent on your individual skill set. Additionally, if you have an off game, your team will not necessarily lose the game. Your role is important, but no matter how you look at it, you will only be a contributing factor! Just remember, even LeBron James was unable to win a championship with a sub-par team that surrounded him in 2011. The Dallas Mavericks played as a cohesive unit, and ended up hoisting the trophy into the air as the best basketball team in the world.

Individual sports, on the other hand, are different entirely. Your success, or lack thereof, is dependent on how rigorous your training routine is and how dedicated you are to a committed regiment. If you work hard, day in and day out, your passion for excellence will come to light as you start to win races. If you do not work hard, your performance will suffer.

Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France seven consecutive times because he worked harder than his opponents. He rode his bicycle for six hours a day, committed to a stringent diet, and had a mental toughness that propelled him to the top of the sport. Individual sports can be incredibly liberating. If the star player on a failing basketball team decides to take up marathon running, they are no longer bound by the talent of their contributing members! Their success is up to them! In many ways, however, this can be unbelievably intimidating and pressure filled.

There are no smoke and mirrors to hide behind if you fail to perform. There is nobody to point your finger at, and no excuse to muster up in the face of your accusers. This is what it feels like to own your own company. You are no longer part of a team, playing a small role in the overall success of the organization. You are now the only one on the track. It is you against the world. If you put in the effort, you will reap the rewards.

Like so many other concepts relevant to running a small business, accepting this sense of responsibility is often very difficult for new business owners. Of course, it is far easier to close your eyes and hope for the best, rather than grabbing the bull by the horns and making things happen.

As I built my clothing company from the ground up, I traveled to cities near my home state of Minnesota to pitch my brand to store owners. I visited retailers in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago with a backpack full of t-shirts, a catalog displaying our pricing information, and an order form that I hoped would soon be filled out. In additional to my local sales strategy, I developed a spreadsheet that contained contact information for buyers across the country in cities that I was unable to meet with in person. With each release, I relentlessly pursued each buyer with my new product offerings, hoping to close deals and develop relationships with those interested in the brand.

As a small brand, the going was rough. Incredibly rough. But with persistent, relentless contact methods, I was eventually able to develop relationships with many retailers that I continue to work with today. These relationships do not exist because they were handed to me. They exist because I was relentless in my pursuit to build a solid chain of retailers.

A common question that I hear from friends and supporters hoping to start their own clothing company is, “I see that you have retailers that carry your products across the country. How did you build these retailers?” After explaining to them that I was only able to build this list of retailers with persistence and dedicated sales tactics, it often feels as if I have just poked a needle into their balloon of confidence. “Wait… you mean you pursued some retailers for several years before you were able to work with them? You actually called 125 retailers with each product release?”

Unfortunately, there is usually a general attitude of, “That sounds like you put in a massive amount of work to get where you are today. I was hoping that it wasn’t going to be that difficult.” No, seriously! In nearly every conversation that I have had with aspiring entrepreneurs, they are always shocked to hear how long and strenuous the path has been. I guess I have been speaking with team players, not individual athletes.

In many ways, your business is very similar to a vegetable garden. If you do not tend to the garden, your vegetables will die. You must be vigilant in watering the plants, tilling the soil, and picking the weeds that attempt to overpower the healthy produce. You must also build a fence to keep out intruding animals eager to steal from your bountiful harvest. And let’s not forget how important the initial planting phase is!

Every element of the garden is just as vital as the last. Without a proper fence, your wonderfully ripe tomatoes and carrots will be destroyed by the ravenous rabbits. Without water or proper soil, the plants would simply be fighting for survival. Your business is very similar. If you hope to see a prosperous company, you must understand that each individual element is just as important as the last. Without spectacular customer service, your optimized operations strategy is utterly irrelevant. Without a beautiful website, your amazing price points are unimportant.

If you wish to see your business ripe with tomatoes, carrots, and squash, you must give it a proper fence, till the soil, and pull the weeds. Additionally, properly managing your garden is not a neighborhood activity. If the garden is a mess of weeds and dead vegetables, you cannot point your finger at the neighbor across the pond and proclaim that it is their fault!

When you are the owner of a company, there is nowhere to hide. The success of your company is in your hands. Exciting, isn’t it? If you give effort every single day, and put your heart and soul into your company, you will enjoy a flourishing business that gives you a tremendous sense of satisfaction. Remember, you might not necessarily enjoy it overnight! But if you work harder than your competitors, the consequences of this effort will be seen in the professionalism of your business.

If your company is not where you expect it to be, ask yourself one simple question. “Am I really giving 100% effort in running this company?” Are you doing everything you can to help this company succeed in a timely and effective manner? If the answers to these both of these questions are a resounding “yes,” and it has been six months, give it some more time. If you answered yes, and it has been two years, give it some more time. If it has been five years, give it some more time! Just remember, the cream always rises to the top.

Sometimes it just takes a while to get there.

 

Article by Matt L McManus

Leadership Strategies to Help You Achieve Success

Leadership Strategies to Help You Achieve Success

Do you want to be a successful leader? Being a successful leader takes hard work and dedication, but it can be done. Here are some leadership strategies to help you achieve success:

1. Set Clear Goals:

Setting clear goals is an important part of achieving success. When you set goals, make sure they are specific and measurable, so you can track your progress. Make sure to set short-term and long-term goals, so you have something to strive for.

2. Communicate Effectively:

Communication is key to successful leadership. Make sure you are communicating clearly and effectively with your team. Take the time to listen to your team and make sure everyone is on the same page.

3. Lead By Example:

As a leader, you should be setting an example for your team. Show your team that you are dedicated to achieving success and that you are willing to put in the hard work.

4. Encourage Collaboration:

Encouraging collaboration is an important part of successful leadership. Encourage your team to work together and share ideas. This will help to create a more productive and efficient environment.

5. Reward Good Performance:

Rewarding good performance is a great way to motivate and inspire your team. Recognize and reward team members who are doing a great job and make sure to give them the recognition they deserve.

6. Be Flexible:

Being flexible is an important part of successful leadership. Be willing to adjust your plans and strategies if needed, and be open to different ideas and perspectives.

7. Be Open to Feedback:

Being open to feedback is an important part of successful leadership. Be willing to listen to your team’s feedback and take their suggestions into consideration.

 

These are just a few of the leadership strategies that can help you achieve success. Remember, successful leadership takes hard work and dedication, but it can be done. With the right strategies, you can be a successful leader.

Article provided by Done Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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The Power of Team Leadership: How to Lead a Team to Success

The Power of Team Leadership: How to Lead a Team to Success

Leading a team to success is no easy task. It takes a combination of hard work, dedication, and a clear vision of what success looks like. But there’s another key ingredient in the mix: team leadership.

Team leadership is the ability to bring out the best in each team member, to create a unified team, and to foster an environment of collaboration and success. It’s no surprise that strong team leadership is essential for any business to succeed.

So, how do you lead a team to success? Here are five practical tips that business owners should consider when it comes to team leadership:

1. Set Clear Goals and Expectations:

Make sure that everyone on the team understands the objectives and expectations for each project. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals.

2. Empower Your Team:

Give your team the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This will help foster a sense of responsibility and ownership, which will lead to better results.

3. Foster Collaboration:

Encourage collaboration between team members. This will help create a stronger team dynamic and will ensure that everyone is working together toward a common goal.

4. Celebrate Success:

Celebrate the successes of your team. This will help keep morale high and will motivate team members to continue striving for success.

5. Lead by Example:

As a leader, it’s important to lead by example. Show your team that you’re willing to work hard and make sacrifices for the team’s success.

By following these five tips, business owners can set their team up for success. Team leadership is an essential part of any business, and it’s important to take the time to foster a positive team dynamic. With the right team leadership, any business can achieve success.

Article provided by Done Digital, a marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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The Essential Qualities of Effective Corporate Leadership

When it comes to successful corporate leadership, there are certain qualities that are essential for success. Effective corporate leaders must possess the right combination of skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure their organization’s success. Here are the essential qualities of effective corporate leadership that business owners should be aware of:

1. Vision:

A corporate leader must have a clear vision of where they want their company to go. They must be able to articulate that vision to their team and motivate them to work towards achieving it.

2. Communication:

Corporate leaders must be able to effectively communicate with their team and stakeholders. They must be able to clearly explain their vision, strategies, and goals.

3. Decision Making:

Corporate leaders must be able to make decisions quickly and confidently. They must be able to analyze data, weigh the pros and cons, and make the best decision for the company.

4. Strategic Thinking:

Corporate leaders must be able to think strategically and anticipate the future needs of their organization. They must be able to develop long-term plans and strategies to ensure the success of their organization.

5. Adaptability:

Corporate leaders must be able to adapt to changing conditions and environments. They must be able to recognize new opportunities and adjust their strategies accordingly.

6. Motivation:

Corporate leaders must be able to motivate their team and inspire them to perform at their best. They must be able to create an environment where everyone is working towards a common goal.

7. Collaboration:

Corporate leaders must be able to work collaboratively with their team and stakeholders. They must be able to build strong relationships and foster a culture of cooperation.

8. Accountability:

Corporate leaders must be accountable for their decisions and actions. They must be able to take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from them.

These are the essential qualities of effective corporate leadership that business owners should strive to develop. Here are some practical tips to help you become a successful corporate leader:

  • Develop a clear vision for your company and communicate it to your team.
  • Learn to make decisions quickly and confidently.
  • Think strategically and anticipate future needs.
  • Be flexible and adaptable to changing conditions.
  • Motivate and inspire your team.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation.
  • Take responsibility for your decisions and actions.

By cultivating these essential qualities of effective corporate leadership, business owners can ensure their organization’s success and create a positive work environment. With the right combination of skills, knowledge, and experience, you can become a successful corporate leader and take your business to the next level.

Article provided by Done Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Breaking Through the Walls of Limiting Beliefs

Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you have big dreams but feel like you can’t make them happen? You may be struggling with limiting beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Limiting beliefs are often deeply rooted in our subconscious, and it can be hard to break through them. But with the right strategies and mindset, you can start to break through the walls of limiting beliefs and create the life you desire.

1. Identify Your Limiting Beliefs:

Before you can start to break through the walls of limiting beliefs, you need to be aware of what they are. Start by writing down any beliefs that you have that are holding you back from achieving your goals. This could be anything from “I’m not good enough” to “I can’t make enough money.” Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, you can start to challenge and overcome them.

2. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs:

Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, it’s time to challenge them. Start by asking yourself why you believe these things. What evidence do you have that supports these beliefs? Are they actually true? Once you’ve challenged your limiting beliefs, you can start to replace them with empowering beliefs that will help you reach your goals.

3. Create an Action Plan:

Once you’ve identified and challenged your limiting beliefs, it’s time to create an action plan. Start by setting realistic goals that will help you break through the walls of limiting beliefs. Make sure to set both short-term and long-term goals and set a timeline for achieving them. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards breaking through the walls of limiting beliefs.

4. Stay Positive:

It’s important to stay positive and keep a growth mindset as you work towards breaking through the walls of limiting beliefs. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, take a step back and reframe them in a more positive light. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.

5. Get Support:

Breaking through the walls of limiting beliefs can be a difficult process, so it’s important to get the right kind of support. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a friend, make sure you have someone who can provide you with encouragement and guidance as you work towards breaking through the walls of limiting beliefs.

Breaking through the walls of limiting beliefs can be a challenging process, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can start to create the life you desire. By identifying, challenging, and replacing your limiting beliefs with empowering ones, setting realistic goals, staying positive, and getting the right kind of support, you can start to break through the walls of limiting beliefs and create the life you desire.

Article provided by Done Digital, a marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Transformational Leadership Theory – The 4 Key Components in Leading Change & Managing Change

Transformational leadership theory is all about leadership that creates positive change in the followers whereby they take care of each other’s interests and act in the interests of the group as a whole. James MacGregor Burns first brought the concept of transformational leadership to prominence in his extensive research into leadership.

“Essentially the leader’s task is consciousness-raising on a wide plane. The leader’s fundamental act is to induce people to be aware or conscious of what they feel – to feel their true needs so strongly, to define their values so meaningfully, that they can be moved to purposeful action.”

In this leadership style, the leader enhances the motivation, moral and performance of his follower group. So according to MacGregor – transformational leadership is all about values and meaning, and a purpose that transcends short-term goals and focuses on higher order needs.

At times of organisational change, and big step change, people do feel insecure, anxious and low in energy – so in these situations and especially in these difficult times, enthusiasm and energy are infectious and inspiring.

And yet so many organisational changes fail because leaders pay attention to the changes they are facing instead of the transitions people must make to accommodate them.

In my view it is the responsibility of the director leading the change to supply an infusion of positive energy.
The transformational approach also depends on winning the trust of people – which is made possible by the unconscious assumption that they too will be changed or transformed in some way by following the leader.

The transformational approach also depends on winning the trust of people – which is made possible by the unconscious assumption that they too will be changed or transformed in some way by following the leader.

This is often seen in military commanders and wartime political leaders. An example of this would be the way in which Lady Thatcher – as Prime Minister of the UK Government during the Falklands War in 1982 – was able to engender an enhanced feeling of British national identity amongst the UK population.

Sounds like this leadership style is ideally suited to change management, doesn’t it? However – this approach requires absolute integrity and personal behaviour that is consistent and resonant with your vision and message.

I can recall a ridiculous situation, at one UK company I was involved with, where the directors were attempting to effect a culture change of greater inter-departmental trust and communication yet still retained a separate directors dining room and specially allocated car parking places closest to the office front door!

OK here’s the important bit – how NOT to apply transformational leadership theory to change management

  • Be preoccupied with power, position, politics and perks
  • Stay focused on the short-term
  • Be hard data oriented
  • Focus on tactical issues
  • Work within existing structures and systems
  • Concentrate on getting the job done
  • Focus processes and activities that guarantee short-term profits

Doesn’t all this just sound like a description of a typical good project manager with a task-driven mentality?

And hey, I have nothing against this style of leadership and management. There is a time and place for the Attila the Hun school of leadership. I have done it many times myself and very effectively – and with no regrets.

But, this leadership style is not enough in a change management situation and particularly in the current climate.

The four components of the transformational leadership style are:

(1) Charisma or idealised influence

– the degree to which the leader behaves in admirable ways and displays convictions and takes stands that cause followers to identify with the leader who has a clear set of values and acts as a role model for the followers.

(2) Inspirational motivation

– the degree to which the leader articulates a vision that appeals to and inspires the followers with optimism about future goals, and offers meaning for the current tasks in hand.

(3) Intellectual stimulation

– the degree to which the leader challenges assumptions, stimulates and encourages creativity in the followers – by providing a framework for followers to see how they connect [to the leader, the organisation, each other, and the goal] they can creatively overcome any obstacles in the way of the mission.

(4) Personal and individual attention

– the degree to which the leader attends to each individual follower’s needs and acts as a mentor or coach and gives respect to and appreciation of the individual’s contribution to the team. This fulfills and enhances each individual team members’ need for self-fulfillment, and self-worth – and in so doing inspires followers to further achievement and growth.

Transformational leadership applied in a change management context, is ideally suited to the holistic and wide view perspective of a programme based approach to change management and as such is key element of successful strategies for managing change.

And, to ensure that you ARE employing successful strategies for managing change – that are appropriate to your organisation – you need to know how to apply: (a) these transformational leadership skills, AND (b) how to apply the supporting programme management based processes – to ensure that you avoid the catastrophic 70% failure rate of ALL business change initiatives.

Article by Stephen Warrilow

The Power of Positive Leadership: How to Lead Your Company to Success

Are you a business owner looking for ways to lead your company to success? Are you looking for tips on how to be a positive leader? If so, you’re in the right place! Positive leadership is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you create a successful and thriving business.

In this article, we’ll look at the power of positive leadership and how it can help you lead your company to success. We’ll also provide some practical tips that business owners can use to become more effective leaders.

So, what is positive leadership? Positive leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on creating an inspiring and motivating environment for employees. It emphasizes the importance of motivating employees through positive reinforcement, setting clear goals and expectations, and providing recognition and rewards.

Positive leadership can help create a culture of success in your company. It can help employees feel more motivated and engaged, which can lead to increased productivity and better performance. It can also help create a positive working environment, which can make it easier for employees to collaborate and work together.

Now that you know a bit more about positive leadership, let’s look at some practical tips that business owners can use to become more effective leaders.

1. Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Setting clear goals and expectations for your employees is essential for creating a successful business. Make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them and what the goals are. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

2. Communicate Openly

Open and honest communication is key to creating a positive working environment. Make sure that you are always open to feedback and suggestions from your employees. This will help create a culture of trust and respect.

3. Recognize and Reward Good Performance

Recognizing and rewarding good performance is a great way to motivate employees. Make sure that you take the time to thank employees for their hard work and recognize their achievements.

4. Lead by Example

As a leader, it’s important that you lead by example. Make sure that you always demonstrate the values and behaviors that you want to see in your employees.

5. Stay Positive

Staying positive is essential for creating a successful business. Make sure that you always stay positive and focus on the positive aspects of the company and your employees.

 

By using these tips, you can become a more effective leader and create a successful and thriving business. Positive leadership is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you create a culture of success in your company. So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips today and watch your business grow!

Article provided by Done Digital, a marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Strategies for Staying Motivated and Focused in Business

It’s no secret that staying motivated and focused in business can be a challenge. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, it can be difficult to stay on track and remain productive in the face of all the demands of running a business. But don’t worry – there are some strategies you can use to stay motivated and focused in business.

1. Set measurable goals

One of the best ways to stay motivated and focused in business is to set measurable goals. This will help you stay on track and measure your progress. Make sure your goals are achievable and realistic, and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.

2. Prioritize your tasks

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be completed. To stay motivated and focused, it’s important to prioritize your tasks. Make a list of the tasks that need to be completed and prioritize them according to urgency and importance. This will help you stay focused and motivated to complete the tasks.

3. Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential for staying motivated and focused in business. Taking a few minutes to step away from your desk and take a break can help you refocus and recharge. It can also help to clear your mind and make it easier to stay motivated and focused.

4. Celebrate small wins

It’s important to recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. When you achieve a goal, take the time to acknowledge it and celebrate your success. This will help to keep you motivated and focused on the task at hand.

5. Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself for achieving your goals is a great way to stay motivated and focused in business. Whether it’s a day off, a massage, or a new pair of shoes, rewarding yourself for a job well done will help you stay motivated and focused.

These are just a few strategies for staying motivated and focused in business. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to stay on track and remain productive. Good luck!

Article provided by Done Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

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1 Habit That Is Killing Your Business Growth (and How One Shift Can Change EVERYTHING!)

This is an important question (one that’s too complex to answer in a single blog post) but I do believe women have one particular habit that kills our business growth and keeps us from succeeding at the levels we could.

Men, Women and Business Challenges

Men and women face similar challenges when building a business, but where we differ is how we RELATE to ourselves as we go through these challenges. Men seem better able to remain objective about business issues; they don’t take the ups and downs of entrepreneurship too personally.

Women, on the other hand, have a more difficult time dealing with setbacks and challenges. Call us “sensitive, “overly emotional” or “thin-skinned,” but many of us take what happens (or doesn’t happen) in our businesses personally. We can be so critical of ourselves, can’t we? When our business doesn’t measure up, WE don’t measure up; our self-worth and confidence can get very tied to our results and bottom line.

The Habit That Keeps You Stuck

Our crazy, overdeveloped “inner critic” goes on a rampage when our results aren’t what we expect them to be. Worse – many of us start to believe only by being hard on ourselves will we create the results we want (because how else will we stay motivated, right)?

Ironically, beating yourself up is the habit that keeps you from succeeding. Why? Because criticism (whether self-imposed or external) robs us of our enthusiasm, energy and ability to create what we want. It zaps our self-esteem and keeps us from our real power.

Imagine a Small Child

Imagine a small child learning to tie her shoes. As her parent – would you criticize her every mistake? Such “negative feedback” would put a dent in her self-confidence, and no doubt she’d soon give up.

Funny though – as women, we do this to ourselves all the time. When a prospect fails to return a call or cancels a meeting, we make that event about us – OUR worth and abilities. We criticize ourselves for not “doing it right” – and doubt if we have what it takes to succeed. The entire process puts a major chink in our confidence and makes us want to give up.

In contrast, what if you praised that little girl for every attempt at tying her shoes? With compassion and positive feedback, she’d enjoy the process of learning; she’d continue her efforts and get better (and faster) results.

Your Inner Cheerleader

Compassion and positive feedback are the keys for women’s success too! How you relate to yourself (as critic or cheerleader) impacts your confidence, the action you take, and the results and income you create. Instead of berating yourself, what if you developed your “inner cheerleader” – and learned to be more encouraging and compassionate with yourself when facing a challenge?

This may feel “counter-intuitive” to you (especially if you have a well-developed inner critic)! You may say to yourself – “Well, if I’m too easy on myself… I’ll get soft and not follow through… I won’t create what I want.”

In fact, the opposite happens. The kinder you are to yourself, the more empowered you will feel. Positive feedback motivates women more than anything, and when we give it to ourselves, business challenges lose their hold on us. They stop being a reflection of our worth and start becoming opportunities for growth and learning.

5 Ways to Turn Your “Inner Critic” Into a Powerful “Inner Cheerleader”

Here are a few simple exercises that my clients (and myself) have used that can keep you inspired even when facing tough business challenges.

1. Focus on what’s working (even in the most challenging situation, SOMETHING is working).

Where are you winning? What ARE you doing well? Keep track of your accomplishments (daily if you can) and give yourself a ton of recognition for everything positive.

2. Look for lessons and opportunities in every challenge. What if everything really does happen for a reason (and it always serves us)? Ask yourself, what is the lesson in this current challenge? How can I use what I’m learning here to move my business forward?

3. Be more compassionate with yourself, and allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. Speak to yourself in compassionate ways.

“Of course I’m upset… what I am going through is tough, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated. AND – I acknowledge and congratulate myself for _______________. I know I am learning a lot right now, and with a little more time and practice I’ll create what I want.”

4. Focus on WHO you are, not just WHAT you are doing. WHO are you becoming as you pursue your goals? What strengths and qualities do you already possess, and which are you developing?

What you create (results, sales, etc) will come and go – but WHO you become in the process of building your business is the only real and lasting measure of success.

5. Keep a WIN journal for a minimum of 2 weeks. For 5 minutes a day (or longer if you wish) jot down answers to the following questions:

  • Where AM I winning right now?
  • What am I really proud of right now?
  • WHO am I becoming every day by building my business?
  • What can I do to be my own best “cheerleader” right now?
  • How can I be more compassionate and supportive?
  • How can I encourage myself?

It’s natural to feel discouraged when working through business challenges (whether you are male or female!). I strongly believe, however, that as we learn to silence the “inner critic” and become better cheerleaders to ourselves, women will tap into our real strengths, and easily create the business and lifestyle we deserve.

Article by Sonia D. Stringer