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Leadership is not static; it requires continuous learning and adaptability. Whether you’re an experienced leader or new to a management role, investing in your development is key to creating stronger teams and driving outcomes.
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Criminal justice professionals have unique challenges when working with justice-involved clients. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practical set of communication techniques to help these clients make positive behavioral changes. This approach can be transformative, encouraging clients to actively participate in their rehabilitation. Here's how you can apply basic MI techniques with your clients:
Understanding Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that aims to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to change. It's grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for the client's autonomy. For criminal justice professionals, MI can be particularly powerful in helping clients reflect on their behaviors and recognize the benefits of making positive changes.
Critical Techniques of Motivational Interviewing
DO: Roll with Resistance
Listen to Your Client's Problems and Fears. The first strategy in MI is to listen to the client's fears and problems. When a client struggles with complying with legal requirements or making behavioral changes, start by listening to their challenges without pushing, advising, or trying to fix the problem immediately. Just listen and reflect on their concerns.
For example, reflect "I can't do all this!" with, "You're struggling because you feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on you." Reflecting on these struggles helps clients feel heard and is the first step toward energizing them for change.
DO: Pause Before Discussing How a Client Can Make Changes
Spend More Time on the "Why" Phase of at-the-desk conversations. In MI, it's crucial to understand why the client might want to change before jumping into how they can do it. Many practitioners are eager to start planning actions and setting goals, but an MI style encourages spending more time exploring the client's motivations and less time on action planning. This redistribution of time helps address the client's barriers and fears, creating a foundation for sustained change.
DO: Listen for a Client's Insights and Ideas
Encourage and build on the parts of a conversation that lead to making change. After reflecting on a client's struggles, the next phase involves encouraging them to express how change could benefit them and brainstorm realistic ways to take action. Ask open-ended questions like, "What are your ideas about how you can improve this situation?" and listen carefully for their insights. Often, clients will hint at what they are willing to do, which can guide the conversation toward practical steps they can take.
DO: Collaborate Respectfully
Once a client shows motivation and starts brainstorming, collaborate with them to explore how much change they can make at that time. Start with small, achievable steps and build from there. For example, if a client mentions they enjoy a particular activity, explore how it can fit into their rehabilitation or reentry goals: "So, you like helping others? How do you see that fitting into a job search?"
DON'T: Pressure, Fix, or Control
Avoid language that points to a specific outcome or path for the client. MI emphasizes the importance of avoiding controlling or prescriptive language, which can elicit resistance and defensiveness. Phrases like "You must," "You should," and "You have to" can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on supporting the client's autonomy and collaborating on solutions they feel committed to.
DON'T: Use Scare Tactics
Use positive motivators to drive conversations and client goals rather than fear, facts, and feedback to motivate clients. Link behavior changes to aspects of their lives that are meaningful and important to them. While initial fear might prompt temporary changes, long-term motivation is better sustained through positive reinforcement and personal relevance.
DON'T: Neglect to Praise Your Client's Efforts
Make a point to celebrate your clients' efforts, no matter how incremental. Changing behavior is challenging, and praising clients for their efforts is essential, even if they still need to meet their goals. Acknowledge their hard work and commitment: "I see you've been attending your meetings regularly, which shows much dedication." Responding to their efforts with empathy and support can help maintain their motivation over the long term.
Conclusion
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a valuable approach for criminal justice professionals who aim to support justice-involved clients in making positive changes. You can help clients navigate challenges and work towards positive change by fostering an empathetic, collaborative environment.
Bauman Consulting Group is committed to equipping you with evidence-based tools and research-informed best practices to guide your work and promote meaningful and lasting change within the criminal justice system. SIGN UP for our virtual training to learn more about Basic Motivational Interviewing!
What strategies have you found most effective in motivating your clients? Please share your experiences and insights with us!
Avoidance of fear and things we dislike is only human. Our brains have wiring to seek pleasure and avoid pain. However, this avoidance can harm the person you want to be, the goals you want to achieve, and the relationships you want to establish. And there's the ever-present pressure to have it all "figured out."
What stands between you and those things you want? Is it fear, shame, or simply feeling unworthy?
To make new choices and create change in our lives, we must understand the obstacles that get in our way and how to conquer them. It means having courage and vulnerability. Many people will lock in on what they believe is right and stay the course, but it is much more common to feel unsure or try several paths before developing a sense of what is right. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it is the bridge between your fears and what you truly want.
The Daring Way™ workshop through Bauman Consulting Group in Loveland, Ohio, helps you build the bridge. It helps participants recognize they are worthy of love and belonging no matter their path. It teaches us to acknowledge and utilize the power we have within ourselves.
The Daring Way™ is an empirically based training and certification program for helping professionals, based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown.* The work focuses on courage-building, shame resilience, and uncovering the power of vulnerability. The methodology is designed for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
The Daring Way™ workshop is for those who feel like they are not living their lives fully. Maybe they are afraid to present themselves with worries, such as an interview for their dream job, a crucial conversation with their partner, confronting life after a divorce, or a challenging relationship with a family member.
It is hard to show up for the scary things because we are afraid of what will happen if we fail or fall short of expectations. So, we avoid and then avoid some more. Then, as we get closer to the event, we start anticipating our negative self-talk voice: “Who do you think you are? Why do you think you'll be successful? Don't even try; you are sure to mess it up.”
The Daring Way™ gives us a method for working through issues that hold us back from accomplishing hard things, professionally and personally. Contact Bauman Consulting Group today to reserve your spot for one of our upcoming workshops at info@baumanconsultinggroup.com. Mention this article for 20% off the registration fee.
*The Daring Way - Brené Brown. https://brenebrown.com/thedaringway
What's next on your career path? Are you dissatisfied with your work but are unclear on how to move on? You're not alone. There's no doubt that COVID-19 has changed many things about living and working. According to Bankrate's August 2021 Job Seeker Survey, over 55% of what economists describe as the immediate workforce plan to re-evaluate their current work and find a better fit over 12 months. But, even if you plan to stay put, how are you reaching out to your direct reports or mentees to give them the support they need in their decision. When considering your next steps, it is sometimes helpful to consider using assessments to grow personal leadership skills and skills for potential leaders, either in your workplace or as a mentor.
The truth is that we can all continue to improve and develop. The better our leaders become, the better their team, which significantly impacts the overall business. When we partner with clients, leaders often say, "I've worked on so much over the years, I'm not sure what to work on now." Our response is always simple– "You need to take an assessment." It's more challenging to decide the next steps of your development without data to drive it. An assessment will give you that data for drafting a plan.
Leaders have often taken assessments over the years and are apprehensive about returning to that route. They feel they've already gained all the information they can from that process, but assessments remain a valuable tool. Assessments give us information about a person at a particular time. Yes, you may have taken an assessment as part of employee development protocol several years ago– but you've likely changed a lot since then. You've most likely developed your skills, and perhaps you're not even in the same position, or you have a completely different work environment. There is value in going back to complete an assessment for all these reasons.
There are many different assessments on the market that you can consider for informing your developmental path. Each serves different purposes, and some are better than others when considering specific needs. We recommend three assessments to our clients beginning this process: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0, and the Global Leadership Assessment 360. These assessments provide an array of information, as outlined here:
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is perhaps the world's most well-known personality assessment. The participant completes the tool online or in person, placing you into one of 16 different personality types. The evaluation results provide:
• Insights into how you interact with others
• Increased self-awareness of each personality type's strengths and challenges
• Ideas for adapting your behavior in response to other personalities in the room
Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 (EQ-i 2.0) is the world's leading assessment tool for evaluating emotional and social intelligence. The assessment contains 133 items that converge to provide insight into 15 competencies and five composite areas. In addition, the EQ-i 2.0 provides you with a picture of how you operate emotionally– something that research now demonstrates is a more significant predictor of success than traditional intelligence. The client and their manager, peers, and customers complete the assessment. The assessment result provides clients with holistic insight into their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is a set of emotional and social skills that influence how we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information effectively and meaningfully.
Global Leadership Assessment 360 is a leadership assessment rooted in groundbreaking research conducted by Marshall Goldsmith (#1 Leadership Thinker and Executive Coach.) The study involved CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, global thought leaders, and international business executives of organizations on six continents. The GLA360 articulates and measures the top 15 most pressing competencies for today's global leader. In addition, it shows leaders the areas they need to develop to succeed in a competitive business environment.
Don't stop at just completing the assessments. Once you have this data, it's time to put the information to work for you. You can incorporate these findings in a detailed personal or professional development plan. Partnering with a coach through this process can prove helpful. A coach can assist you with interpreting your assessment results, locating areas of opportunity, and guiding goal setting related to your development. Coaches also act as accountability partners and personal cheerleaders for clarifying your purpose and problem-solving in a confidential environment. Working with a coach, especially during a challenging time, can be the catalyst for change that you may need for lasting positive results.
Please find more information about Bauman Consulting Group and the coaching services and assessment tools we provide on our website, www.baumanconsultinggroup.com/coaching. In addition, all readers are eligible for a free 45-minute consultation.
It is a long-standing tradition, for many individual reasons, that we give and receive many gifts while bringing in the new year. However, we all have that one person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for: they might own everything they want and need, or they do not care for gifts. Buying for them can be time-consuming, but we hope to help with a small list of possibilities. Our recommendations include homemade items, time, personalized treasures, and experiences that only you can provide. These ideas are sure to work or at least get your creative thoughts going for those left on your list.
Homemade gifts are sometimes the best choice for showing others how much you care. Think of your talents and how you can apply those to create something special. For example, use the family recipe for holiday cookies and ship them to a family member spending the winter season alone. If baking is not for you, write a song, deliver an in-person performance, snap a picture, frame it, and attach a touching note.
The gift of time is truly the most precious. Our days are busy, and people fill their lives with tasks and events more than ever. When you think of the people impossible to shop for, would they enjoy a brunch date (your treat), a trip to the movies, or even an afternoon at the park? Sometimes when we are focused on giving tangible gifts, we overlook what would have the most value for the people in our lives.
There are so many personalized gifts available online, from keychains with messages on them to etched maps marking the exact location of the place you met someone. It is incredible how specific one can be when giving a gift, so think of something unique about your hard to buy for person, maybe the date they retired, or an old vinyl record they love and make a new memory by reminding them of something special. Or, for a good laugh, upload your picture and get a pair of socks made with your funny face printed all over.
Experiences are hard to wrap and impossible not to love. The people on your list that are hard to shop for have most likely mentioned an idea they find interesting or something they would like to try. For some, it is an ice-skating trip downtown, trying ax-throwing with a friend, or making a reservation for a new restaurant. At Bauman Consulting Group (BCG), we receive calls like this during the year asking questions about individual coaching sessions or the personal growth retreats we host, such as Daring GreatlyTM or Rising StrongTM. These thoughtful gifts are often something a person hesitates to splurge on for themselves, so even a partial gift certificate towards the purchase can be enough to get someone started. To give experiences as a gift, you can buy a certificate from the business that supplies these services, print a picture, or simply include an IOU in a festive card.
Purchase BCG Gift certificates and products here for instant digital delivery and the perfect gift.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
Do you have a to-do list? Keeping a list is a common way for people to track tasks, but in Adam Grant’s TED TALK, How to Stop Languishing and Start to Find Flow, he suggests having a “to-don’t list.” A to-don’t list can include items like; don’t scroll through social media, don’t check the phone in bed, don’t turn on the TV unless there is already a plan to watch. He explains that these rules help him stay productive and manage his time more effectively. It is something to consider as we continue in this busy part of the year where many people are shuffling commitments and chores, at work and home, trying to find time to get it all done.
Maybe the idea of a to-don’t list is not appealing to you. Still, the more significant point Grant made is essential to anyone seeking to increase their productivity— be intentional with your time. One of the most critical elements of good time management is prioritizing your tasks and your work. There are various effective techniques for evaluating a to-do list and splitting it into categories based on priority.
One strategy to implement quickly in times of high stress is the 4 Ds of Time Management. It is simple to start; when you have a task to complete, you give yourself four options to deal with it.
1. Do- Get it Done Right Away!
2. Defer- Delay Until Later.
3. Delegate- Can Anyone Complete the Task? Is it Your Responsibility?
4. Delete- Drop it.
To start with the 4 Ds technique, examine your to-do list at the beginning of the day and assess your tasks. Then decide what can be done quickly right now, either by you or someone else, and which items to drop altogether or save for later. For example, look at this chart below from the glossary at www.productplan.com where they organize potential to-do list items by the 4 Ds.
Applying the 4 Ds method should make planning easier. Decide, process your first task, and move to the next one, then repeat. When we prioritize and process tasks in this way, it provides efficiency. We can spend more time focusing rather than wasting effort on insignificant things or scrambling for everything at the end of the day.
Whatever time management technique or strategy works for you, it is something to commit to daily and to revisit throughout the day. Because our responsibilities and demands limit our time, we must use care to decide how we spend the days. When we are intentional in our time management, it allows us to protect and plan for what matters most to us this season, like family, rest, and self-care.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we provide both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com. Or contact us via email at info@baumanconsultinggroup.com.
We have all heard how essential it is to give thanks and be grateful for things we have in our lives, but sometimes gratitude can be challenging. In a little over a week, it will be the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, so BCG is taking this opportunity to share some of the primary ways that we try to give thanks in our daily lives.
Be Present
Don’t let the moment escape you! Stopping when you feel that warmth of gratitude fills your body and acknowledging the goodness surrounding you is essential to finding what truly matters to you. Taking this opportunity to give thanks can turn your whole day around.
Send a Thank You Notes
Sending a note to say thank you can help you and your recipient a moment to reflect with gratitude. Of course, texts and emails count too, but a handwritten letter is a fun way to show others that you appreciate them.
Practice Patience
It is a work in progress, but being intentional in responding to others and exercising patience, can go a long way in gratitude practice. In addition, if we can realize that everyone is doing the best they can in their current situation, then extending some extra grace comes naturally.
Show Verbal Appreciation
When someone takes the time out of their day and helps another person, it is an act of giving. Even if the action is a part of their job, it is still a choice, and they choose to provide a service. So give thanks to those who help others, a simple “Thanks!” after the checkout line at a grocery can make all the difference.
Having thankful intentions does not have to be fancy or complicated. It does not have to take more than a couple of moments in your day. Once you form a habit, it can be something you do without trying, and that is when genuine gratitude surfaces because we develop a new perspective.
We compiled this list at BCG to start a conversation about how we all give thanks daily and begin a larger conversation about gratitude in our work lives. We hope that our customers and readers know how very much we appreciate them! Thank you for looking to BCG for your needs—we feel very grateful to work with amazing people and agencies. Keep your practice strong and your gratitude stronger; ’tis the season after all!
Lifelong learning is the concept of pursuing reasoning and skills beyond an individual's formal education. It is a continuous pursuit of knowledge and is often voluntary, self-motivated, and based on an individual's desire to learn more. Examples could be learning to play an instrument, taking part in a continuing education course, or attending a conference. There are many reasons to seek learning throughout our lives, but here we will consider three: staying connected, growing your passion, and the availability of online education.
Continuous Learning Helps You Stay Connected
From participating in continued education at local colleges to attending community art classes, many forms of adult education allow you to meet new people and connect with today's ideas. Look for continued interests if you want to set up new relationships and avoid losing touch with the changing world. Learning opportunities help us open our minds and give us more wisdom to engage in the world, possibly through social change and other life-affirming endeavors.
Continuous Learning Can Help You Grow Your Passion
When you look to master new skills and gain knowledge, it can help you discover interests and set new personal and professional goals. In addition, flexibility and comprehensive development ensure individual and business success. Continued education can help form part of your personal and professional development to avoid stagnation and reach your full potential. Acquiring new skills will unveil new opportunities and help you find innovative solutions to problems.
It is Easier Than Ever to Engage in Continuous Learning
The rise of online education through the pandemic and increased efforts for social distancing has made lifelong learning a real possibility for everyone, no matter where or how you live. That is because online learning lets you learn from home and is often provided at a discounted rate. Plus, you can take online classes at whatever time of day works best for you, keeping you in control of your schedule.
By its definition, lifelong learning includes both personal and professional growth. Thus, the goal of self-education is to get new skills and implement existing knowledge. If you want to find further education but are unsure of where to start, you may wish to seek the aid of a life coach and partner. The consultants at Bauman Consulting Group help individuals find their purpose, grow their passion, and achieve their goals. Please email us at info@baumanconsultinggroup.com for a free 30-minute session to discuss how coaching could help you.
Fall is the season for change, so if you are considering a new job, or looking for an opportunity to grow your career, now may be the time. When so many businesses and workers are rearranging their priorities and needs, it is essential to think about what you can uniquely bring to the table when applying for a new position. But more importantly, what will your potential employer provide to you?
Our jobs are more than a paycheck, and while salary is significant, it does not ensure happiness for anyone. So, what should we consider for employment during a time when workplace wellness is ever-changing? According to research, factors such as belief in the mission, office culture, opportunities for development, and work-life balance are more important than money. Here is a shortlist for consideration.
1. Enthusiasm
Passion for your job will help you feel satisfied and make it easier to work each day. Ensure that your role is meaningful to you and that the company inspires you to do your best. Inspiration comes to a person naturally if you identify with the company’s mission statement and the work you intend to do.
2. Office Culture
The job environment can be hard to gauge before you start working somewhere, but there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help decide whether the company’s culture is a good fit for you. First, the size of the company is something to consider if you prefer to know everyone personally. Next, consider the environment and if you feel relaxed or formal during your interview, include the dress code in your evaluation, and decide what elements make you feel the most comfortable and productive.
3. Co-Workers
Full-time workers spend a large part of their day at work, so it is vital to ensure that you enjoy and appreciate the company of your co-workers. In addition, having a good support network throughout the day will help motivate you; positive work interactions will increase happiness and productivity both at work and at home.
4. Opportunity: Education and Advancement
Find a company that invests in the individual growth of its employees. See if your potential employer provides opportunities for developing skills that will help you progress to a more senior role, aid you in creating more quality work, or help you achieve other long-term goals. Make sure you are clear about what the company offers in professional development and see if it aligns with your needs.
5. Hours and Flexibility
Maintaining a work-life balance is not only crucial for your health and relationships, but it can also improve your work performance. In today’s ever-changing business world, the ability to achieve this balance is increasingly complex, so it is more important than ever before to find a position that respects and encourages balance. First, consider the times you are required to work and the flexibility around those hours, then evaluate if that fits into your personal needs. For example, many jobs are now offering flex time and work-from-home opportunities that may benefit your lifestyle and happiness more than a traditional 9-5.
Sometimes the signs that it’s time to move on are apparent, and other times, things just feel off to you, or you are simply not happy anymore. Trust your instincts. You should never feel guilty about moving on. Your professional life is short, so don’t spend more time than you must in a position you dislike or one that isn’t a good fit for you.
Bauman Consulting Group provides personal coaching to individuals and can help you prioritize what you want from your next position. In addition, we offer complete online services tailored to your needs, and one of our certified coaches would appreciate an opportunity to discuss your needs one-on-one. Contact us atinfo@baumanconsultinggroup.comor find more information on our website atwww.baumanconsultinggroup.com/coaching
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We are more than halfway through the 2021 year — how are you doing with your intentions or what goals you set out for this year? So far, the year has included many hardships and highlights, but we have also experienced growth from these shared experiences.
At the same time, these things affected our lives, plans, and schedules and put us through a range of indescribable emotions. They have put new challenges and roadblocks on our unique journeys; some of us may have learned to navigate these while others may feel overcome entirely. Maybe you feel a constant mix of both.
It is okay if you are not aligning your intentions, goals, and practices for this year. We are human, but with four months left of 2021 (and with the start of school for many), it is a beautiful time to realign.
Here are few questions to reflect on:
What do you want to accomplish in the next four months, or how do you want to feel or act daily?
What actions are you currently practicing that are not aligning with this?
What actions can you add that will help you find success?
What support do you need to make this happen?
Consider accepting help or finding a support system to strengthen your resilience and ability to manage the stress caused by the unpredictable, including the unique conditions of 2021. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals independently, consider seeking professional help. Depending on your needs, therapists and personal coaches are trained to help you.
Bauman Consulting Groups provides personal coaching to individuals and can create an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In addition, we offer complete online services tailored to your needs, and one of our certified coaches would appreciate an opportunity to discuss your needs one-on-one. Contact us at info@baumanconsultinggroup.com or find more information on our website at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com/coaching.
Remember, it is not about being perfect; it is about being consistent! This check-in is just an opportunity to reflect on the first six months of the year and to continue setting intentions for positive change.
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It is easy to focus on the exciting parts of returning to shared workplaces, large gatherings, or even smaller commitments with friends and family. But critical conversations about how we move forward loom, and we cannot ignore them. With vaccination rates rising, the prospect of returning to old office routines seems possible. But will companies return to their pre-covid ways, even when it is safe again?
Before the pandemic, only 8% of workers with office jobs worked primarily from home, according to www.conferenceboard.com. This same article, “Covid-19’s Biggest Legacy,” shows that the same figure could settle within the 20-50% range in the post-pandemic world. As companies look to life after the pandemic, they choose among three primary options for returning to the workplace:
Call everyone back to the office.
Adopt a hybrid model.
Provide more fully remote opportunities.
Having operated remotely for an extended period, many professionals do not want to return full-time to their offices, and they seek something more tailored to their personal needs.
The main reason for this shift in workplaces is due to remote work going better than expected through the pandemic. The mass requirement to work from home in 2020 showed that it is possible to give employees a choice without sacrificing productivity or experience. Employees now expect flexibility, which means most organizations will need a plan to support both in-office and remote workers. Those who are already returning may find changes to office design and/or policies for team productivity to help this massive shift in working culture and behavior. It is as if the pandemic accelerated evolution for the workplace, forcing flexibility with hours and meeting employee personal needs.
Many large companies, especially those specializing in administrative work, are announcing a hybrid model for workdays. In addition, the pandemic has challenged companies and managers to rethink their work environments. This cultural change presents a challenge for many employers whose work options require physical proximity. Because the hybrid and remote models are often preferred, it is harder to find people to work these in-person jobs. In addition, hybrid work environments give employees more options when choosing when and where to work, changing what we consider a perk of employment. For example, someone may choose a lower-paying job to skip the commute two days a week or look for a new job to gain the option of staying home when a family member is ill.
Management must think critically about the development and execution of their return-to-work plans. This thinking starts with understanding the workforce challenges we face in a post-pandemic world so that leaders can ask the right questions and act as a sounding board for their teams. In addition, because the risks COVID-19 poses continue to evolve, companies will need to keep flexibility in reshaping the future of work.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we tailor consulting services to the needs of your business. In addition, we offer training for teams transitioning to hybrid models for work, including virtual team building. Please email us at info@baumanconsultinggroup.com for more information, or look at our website for further details at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
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Delivering feedback to employees for performance issues and causes and can be a challenge. Even the best leaders struggle to give feedback effectively, but providing guidance that helps the recipient achieve a positive outcome is necessary. Here are some tips to help the next time you need to plan a sit-down with someone.
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Just because we are adults, it does not mean we have to make life all about work. Play invites imagination and develops higher cognitive function with children, but the benefits can vary as adults. For example, creating opportunities for recreation in our lives can help our relationships, job, and overall mood.
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Regardless of where you work, there are distractions. At the job site, there are co-workers, outside stimuli, and different conversations. On the other hand, working at home can present challenges with structure and self-discipline. Whatever your situation, it can be challenging to stay productive throughout your workday. Here are some tips to help you stay focused at home.
Schedule and Structure Your Day
Start with the time of day when you know you are the most productive, then establish your work hours around those times. That means setting boundaries with yourself and your work and then sticking to them. Some of us are morning people and some prefer a later start to the day, so use this information about yourself to schedule your most important tasks during the right times for you. Use your calendar as a visual reminder of your to-do list and prioritize items by blocking time. Creating this structure is critical to staying focused while working from home.
Limit Outside Distraction
Checking into every “ding” from your phone or notification from online news sources will have you constantly shifting gears and getting off task. Instead, try setting a timer on your device to check in every 60-90 minutes, then put it to “Do Not Disturb.” It can also be helpful to block sites on your computer that are sending pop-ups. It is easy to lose time and start clicking away, especially when sites constantly push alerts to you. These tricks will help you use your time wisely and act as a reminder to stay off your phone!
It is also important to get friends and family onboard, so let them know that you do not have a lot of time for socializing. Instead, chat with them briefly and get back on track. Or meet up with them during a scheduled break but be sure to work the actual hours you have dedicated to your job.
Take Breaks to Stay Alert
Find out how often you need to take a break to stay productive, and then schedule them on your calendar. Work for your breaks and plan what you will do for maximum impact. For example, you can get in a workout, walk the dog, sit outside for coffee, or cook a healthy lunch. Staying active throughout the day and taking scheduled breaks will keep your brain sharp.
There are distractions everywhere. Staying focused during work from home can be difficult, but you can be more effective with a bit of extra structure and planning. Incorporate these tips and see how much more you can get done during the day.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
Creating change in our lives is challenging. Dr. Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority and author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, suggests two practices to make change: follow your conscience and change your role. He states, “between stimulus (what happens to us) and response (what we do about it) is a space to choose, and what we do in that space ultimately determines our growth and happiness.”
Following your conscience, is listening to the small voice inside that tells us what we need. This is hard in a fast-paced world that rarely slows down for reflection. Sometimes ignoring that little voice (our conscience) just feels easier. But when we reach deep into the space to choose, and we intentionally slow down to listen, we can get a better sense of what needs repair.
Simply sit in a quiet place and ask yourself a question, then pause to “hear” the answer. You can question your personal or professional life. What thoughts come to mind? You must think deeply and listen carefully. You can recognize the most important things doing this, because there is power in knowing and listening to that inner voice. It is important to develop an understanding of our deepest desires and motives so that we can decide what change is needed in our lives. Your conscience can give you the self-awareness, focus and conviction you need to make change.
Changing your role, is simply seeing the world through a different lens. Sometimes our role is changed by an external factor, such as a relationship change or job promotion. Other times we can change our role by examining our perception and making a mental shift to see ourselves or a situation differently.
This change in thinking will ultimately result in behavior changes, because as Dr. Covey points out, “better behaviors naturally flow out of the changed perspective.” You may find a higher level of understanding and self-discipline which will help you commit to something new for the long term.
There are sequential steps to growth and no one step can be skipped, so we must do the work. If you are not at peace in your daily life, then try listening to your conscience and thinking carefully about how you define your roles, then look to implement change where it benefits you the most.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
Is life coaching becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity?
People are facing completely new challenges these days that they feel unprepared to solve independently.
In 2021, many of us are experiencing unprecedented anxiety caused by health issues and/or economic hardship. During these times, it is a natural response to scale down the purchase of luxury items, simply due to the unknown. However, we should all acknowledge that dedication to one’s own resilience during a challenging period is worth an investment.
People often think coaching is a luxury, but then do not find the support they need to shift into a life that is inspired and healthy. A coach is an accountability partner and a personal cheerleader for clarifying your purpose and problem-solving in a confidential setting. Working with a coach, especially during a challenging time, can be the catalyst for change that you may need for lasting positive results.
When we are met with uncertainty, it is easy to respond from a place of alarm. But in these times, you may also see an obvious need to pivot to carry out your goals. Perhaps you have experienced job loss or find yourself not wanting to return to the office. If this is the case, then you may need to find some other help.
Only some people feel they NEED life coaching, but it’s beneficial for most people. It can be compared to having a fitness trainer. You can get results on your own with a fitness routine, but you will often get faster results with a coach.
If you need to accelerate the pace of change in your life, you should seriously consider coaching as a necessity for you.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we supply both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
Ashley Bauman, M.S., M.B.A., B.C.C., is the founder and president of Bauman Consulting Group. She is a board-certified coach, experienced public and social sector consultant, and renowned trainer and workshop leader.
Success is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As a coach, I work with many clients who all have different definitions of success. Some want to be corporate execs, politicians, or to write a novel. Others want to be present for their families, find greater balance in their lives, or acquire wealth.
Regardless of what success looks like for you, I have a simple formula that I apply with my clients to help them to attain the success that they desire: Values + Intention + Purpose = Success.
Values are the fundamental beliefs we hold which guide our actions. Few people are really clear on what their personal values are. If asked, most individuals will share the values learned in childhood that their family members indicated were their values or what they should value. As adults, it’s unfortunately uncommon for individuals to reflect on those values and think, “Is that really what I personally value? Is that what’s most important to me in life now?”
Getting clear on what values are most important to you in the present gives you the knowledge necessary to align your life with those values. For example, if you profess that the most important thing in your life is your family, then your life choices should reflect that. If they don’t, then it’s pretty clear that’s not really your top value! Recognizing this misalignment means that you have a choice: either you need to change your behaviors to be more in line with your values, or you need to be honest about what it is that you really value in life.
Intention refers to being proactive and focused. Individuals who live with intention plan their time toward accomplishing their goals – even on their weekends or days off. This doesn’t mean that they are rigid or inflexible, ruled by their planner or to-do list, but rather that they prioritize those activities and behaviors that are reflective of their values. They recognize that time is precious and limited, and make sure that their time is utilized in a way that will lead to fulfillment of their purpose.
Purpose is what you want your life to mean, what you hope to have as your legacy, and what you wish to be known for. Living your life with purpose means that you have a goal in mind. It’s the why behind what you do each and every day. This is how you create meaning and fulfillment in your life. It’s about doing something greater than yourself – contributing to the world in some way.
Alone, each of these elements have value. But when you combine Values, Intentions, and Purpose, you have a lens through which you can view all thoughts and behaviors in your life. And it’s with that model that you set yourself up for success – no matter what that may look like for you.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we provide both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more here.
Ashley Bauman, M.S., M.B.A., B.C.C., is the founder and president of Bauman Consulting Group. She is a board-certified coach, experienced public and social sector consultant, and renowned trainer and workshop leader.
While many people have heard of coaching, few have a clear understanding of exactly what a coach is and does. This prevents people from getting appropriate support for life changes. As a coach the most common thing I hear from people is, “I’m not really sure what a coach does or how they could help me.”
What is coaching?
Coaching is not the same as consulting nor the same as therapy, but it takes elements from each discipline to create its own unique method. A coach works with individuals who are focused on making changes in their lives. While a therapist may seek to diagnose and treat a client, coaches work under the assumption that their clients are whole, healthy individuals. Coaches ask thought-provoking questions that challenge clients. They create collaborative and individualized strategies, set goals, and keep the client focused on the future.
What happens when someone hires a coach?
While each coach has a unique style and approach, most expect clients to commit to working with them for a set period. This can vary from anywhere between 4-18 months – depending on the changes that the client intends to make. Some coaches meet with clients in person, but many hold coaching sessions over Zoom or the phone. During those sessions the coach will ask probing questions, serve as a sounding board, offer an outside perspective, help maintain motivation, provide strategies, set goals, and ensure accountability.
What can a coach help with?
Coaches help individuals move forward. They guide business owners as they strategize for growth. They partner with professionals seeking to develop their career path, manage a workplace environment, launch a new business, or find work-life balance. They help students discover career aspirations and plan educational paths. Coaches offer support to individuals seeking to improve relationships, focus on their health and well-being, change their mindset, or alter habits. Essentially, coaches help people create change – even if they don’t quite know what that change is yet.
Is coaching right for me?
Not everyone is a great fit for coaching. Coaches typically like to partner with individuals who have a desire to learn and grow. Ideal clients make a commitment to changing and arrive with some level of motivation to make that change. Since it’s a collaborative process, it’s also important that the coach and the client have good chemistry and feel like the partnership is a good fit.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we provide both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has changed many things about the way we live and work. Many of us have been relegated to working remotely, which comes with a variety of challenges. Among those, being physically absent from your office makes it harder to be “seen” by your boss. This lack of visibility may make it more difficult to stay on track for key assignments and promotions or to stand out in performance reviews.
When bosses can’t see and monitor you, they may think you’re not being productive or less motivated than usual. Remote workers can easily fall off the radar of supervisors, themselves dealing with the challenges managing during a pandemic brings.
The following tips are good practices in general, but especially important when working from home.
Take initiative.
Don’t wait to be asked to contribute. Be proactive when it comes to problem solving and idea pitching. Volunteer to take on projects others may pass up or that keep ending up on the trash heap of forgotten ideas. Bosses love it when employees do things before being asked. Consistently deliver quality results that get noticed.
Communicate.
Make sure your physical absence doesn’t equate to a communication absence. If anything, over-communicate. Speak up and proactively participate in calls and online meetings rather than fading into the background. Make regular calls and emails to your supervisor. Initiating regular check-ins with your boss can open an ongoing dialogue that gives you the opportunity to highlight your work and successes.
Stretch yourself.
Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you can’t pursue professional development. Whether it’s undertaking an industry certification or attending an online conference, there are ample opportunities to participate in virtual career training, networking and professional growth.
Take this time to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Learn a new skill – like a technology or process - that normally would fall outside of your area of interest of expertise. Volunteer to take on a difficult task such as leading a project or chairing a committee.
Demonstrate your ability to be a team player. Seek the opportunity to collaborate with others either in your department or across disciplines to meet a challenge or create an out-of-the box solution. Those who can successfully drive cooperative problem-solving tend to get recognized by organization leadership.
At Bauman Consulting Group, we provide both individual and group coaching to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. Find out more at www.baumanconsultinggroup.com.
This COVID-19 crisis has radically changed our lives. Just a few months ago, we had no idea our 'world' would be confined to our homes!
This crisis is a powerful reminder of how much we need human connection!
Remember you are not alone. Because what is DIFFERENT here is that everyone is impacted! Your neighbor, mom, boss and friends as well as your counterparts around the world are all going through something similar.
So, it's important to remember:
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. Viktor E. Frankl
This is the challenge each of us must rise to! If we're going to be stuck at home, we may as well make the most of it.
When we feel powerless or helpless (as so many of us do at the moment), one EXTREMELY easy thing to do is to create a routine or schedule.
While we're all stuck in anxiously waiting at home, it's easy to lose our sense of time. Days can begin to blend into each other. A routine can give us an anchor and greater sense of control over our lives. And if you have children, creating a routine is especially important to give them a sense of normality.
This routine or schedule can be as simple as:
7am - Wake-up
8am - Breakfast
10am - Exercise
11am - Talk to friends
12.00pm - Lunch
1-4pm - Learning or a home project
5pm - Make & Eat Dinner
7pm - Talk to close family
8pm - Reading, Journaling
10pm - Bed
Be sure to include food preparation, social time, exercise and outdoor time and some learning or creativity so you get some benefit from this challenging time.
It's also important to recognize weekends because it's too easy for weeks to blur together. So, make a looser schedule for your weekends. For example, you could include:
Sleeping in/later bedtime
Brunch
"Treats"
Movie night with popcorn
A virtual happy hour with friends or colleagues
A larger project, perhaps some art, craft, gardening or home redecoration.
So, create a routine for a sense of control and mastery over your environment and life circumstances. Reclaim what power you can over your own life, because with all this uncertainty it's important for you - and especially important for children - to have predictability.
Building your physical strength is powerful and health-boosting! Not only is physical strength and flexibility life-affirming and good for our health, but feeling more physically powerful actually helps us feel more empowered and less helpless in life too!
So add some physical activity into your schedule - as little as 15 minutes daily. Maybe by the end of this you'll be fitter or even be able to do 10 (or 100!) press-ups!
There are many options to boost your physical strength and health. Here are some ideas:
Take up a yoga practice - excellent for strength-building, flexibility - and calm! There are lots of online options. Here is one with everything from 10 minutes for beginners to an advanced practice. Sarah Beth Yoga on YouTube has more (free) yoga videos than I can count
Learn do a press-up or push-up. Then see if you can get to 10 (or more - depending on where you start)!
There are so many online fitness classes on YouTube - for beginners, experts - with equipment and also with no equipment whatsoever. PopSugar Fitness has many options to choose from.
Walk at Home is a great option for in home walking – no matter what your fitness level is!
REMEMBER: BEing stronger = FEELING stronger and more in control! And building your PHYSICAL strength or fitness = REDUCED feelings of helplessness!
Use this time at home to educate yourself with non-fiction books. There is so much to be gained - like self-confidence, negotiation skills, health (sleep, nutrition), how to have difficult conversations and much more.
What keeps you up at night? There's probably a book about that! What do you wish you were better at? There's probably a book about that too!
Here are some book ideas to get you thinking:
Be more productive or creative with "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore or "A Whack on the Side of the Head (How You Can Be More Creative)" by Roger Von Oech and "A Whole New Mind" by Daniel Pink.
Think (or rethink?) how you live with books like "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan (also available in a young reader's version), "Slow Food: Collected Thoughts on Taste, Tradition, and the Honest Pleasures" by Carlo Petrini, "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich, "Doughnut Economics" by Kate Raworth.
Get personally inspired with "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts" and "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown, or "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl.
Up-skill yourself with "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most" by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen.
Learn about the human mind with "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell or "The Whole Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD.
Get healthier with "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" by Matthew Walker PhD. or “Health at Every Size” by Linda Bacon.
Be more confident and discover your strengths with "The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know" by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman" or "Now, Discover Your Strengths (How to Develop Your Talents and Those of the People You Manage)" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton.
Finally, read memoir! Choose someone you admire, get inspired and learn how other people think - and live their lives.
Reading one book will expand your mind, reading several of these books is going to make you more interesting, help you learn new skills - and maybe even make you more employable too!
There are so many opportunities online to gain a new skill and they're growing by the day!
Grow your personal or creative skills or choose a new skill to learn and take back to work with online training providers like Coursera or Udemy.
There are many other providers.
If there's a skill you always wanted to learn, search for it. But be sure to read the course descriptions thoroughly, check reviews if there are any - and check money-back guarantees as you need to!
And with so many learning options ranging from FREE to tens of dollars to the low hundreds of dollars, there will be something out there just perfect for you.
Rather than watching endless news streams, you can choose to focus on a bigger picture - your future. What do you want from the rest of your life? What would you be disappointed you did NOT do? Where do you envision yourself in 10 years?
Having a clear vision of how you want your life to be is a powerful motivator. A vision helps us work towards our goals, take action and make change. Soon, we'll all be super-busy again - and a vision might be just what you need stay focused!
Here are 5 questions to ponder or journal around to go deeper:
What do you desire or yearn for in your life?
How do you want to feel?
What do you really, really want to be different in your life?
What would have happened in 3 years time such that your life is spectacular, and you feel magnificent about yourself?
What's your dream for this lifetime? Imagine you're 90 years old and looking back over your life; what did you do that made you proud and happy?
TIP: Remember to think possibility not probability! Don't limit yourself and your ideas because you don't believe something is likely. Instead believe it's possible - and even if you don't get all the way there, you may get close - or even find something better along the way!
And if you'd like some help with creating a vision for your life, I'm offering a free Life Visioning Session here!
In THIS moment you are OK. You are safe. Take one day at a time. One hour or even one breath at a time if you need to.
This tip is about being super-present, not thinking ahead or remembering the past, but practicing BEING.
This is a PRACTICE - meaning you will have to do it over and over again - bringing yourself back to the NOW. Over time it gets easier, and it's a great skill to have to take back to "normal" life.
So when you notice you're worrying, feeling twitchy and want to pick up your device and find out what the "latest" is about the COVID situation, say to yourself, "It's OK. In this moment, I am safe. In this moment I am OK." You can also add or say, "In this moment, my children/husband/family are safe."
EXTRA TIP: Reduce or minimise how often you watch and read the news! And DON'T read or watch the news (or articles about COVID-19 or similar) just before bed!
Distracting ourselves from our fears is a valid technique for feeling better!
Laughter releases helpful chemicals in our bloodstream - Endorphins (our natural "happy" drug) and Dopamine (part of our bodily "reward" system).
What are your favorite comedy shows?
Is there a comedian you like?
Netflix and similar have so many watching options, so find something that makes you laugh!
Have you tried a book (or audiobook) written by your favorite comedian?
IMPORTANT: We should NOT use over-use laughter as a distraction technique. And it shouldn't be used for ongoing and persistent fears in regular life. But for a situation like this, where this isn't much that any of us can do other than sit and wait - distraction can be a great coping mechanism.
If you've always wanted to journal, now is a good time to start. More than just keeping a record of your day, a journal can help you explore and sift through your feelings and experiences and learn from them. It's a great way to get to know you.
It's great to choose a beautiful notebook, but the most important thing is to just get started. Here are some prompts to get started with:
Today I am feeling _________. I think this is because __________.
One big thing I have learned during this crisis is _________.
I remember the last time I was stuck in the house _________.
One thing that's surprised me recently is _________.
What matters most to me in life is _________.
Describe your ideal day _________.
"A journal is expressive by nature and it contains feelings, emotions, problems, ponderings and it is more reflective on the meaning of life being lived." Lynda Monk
You may find this How to Journal article from the IAJW (International Association for Journal Writing) helpful to get you started.
Kindness and compassion are one of the most powerful tools any of us have in our toolbox right now. Many of us are largely housebound, never mind the fear that you or a loved on might actually catch the COVID virus! So, of course we're going to feel unpleasant and weird.
Use kindness to comfort yourself when afraid or feeling anxious or fidgety. Be gentle. Imagine you're soothing a friend, small child or animal who is afraid - what would you say to them? Then say that to yourself!
Use kindness to give yourself - and others - the benefit or the doubt. Instead of getting upset when you see other people behaving badly, remember that we all do silly things when we're scared.
Imagine you have a kind, wise self. A part of you that is unflappable, intelligent and unconditionally loves ALL of you. Now, when you need it, imagine that kind, wise self is with you, supporting you, maybe giving you a hug - and saying exactly what you need to hear (not just the sugary stuff, but also the tough love and common sense).
Helping others is empowering and makes us feel better. Here are a few ways you could help others.
Check in on a neighbour or friend and see if they need anything. You can do this by phone, or in person, remembering to maintain a 6 feet distance.
Offer to get someone groceries if you're going.
Help someone less technically savvy learn how to use Zoom or WhatsApp or whatever they need to get online.
Host a virtual get-together with your regular friends.
Reconnect more deeply with friends or relatives who have moved away.
When we know your values, we understand what motivates and drives us. When we build our lives around our values, we create a life that is meaningful. Finally, when we align our actions with our values - we're being truly authentic. It's a very satisfying and fulfilling way to live.
And living your values could be the single most important thing any of us can do right now.
Here's an exercise you can do:
List your values on a piece of paper or in your journal.
Give each value a score ___ / 10 as to how well you are living that value in your life now (where 0 is not at all and 10 is full-out).
For the scores that are 8 or more - great!
For the scores that are 7 or less out of 10, ask yourself, "How could I express this value more in my life right now?" "What could I do differently or approach differently, so that I feel good about how I live this value in my life?"
For example: You have a value of creativity, but you're only managing to 'go through the motions' right now and your score is 4/10. Ask yourself how you could be more creative during this time - whether it's cooking, gardening, art or writing or helping your kids do something creative, or even watching a documentary about someone creative you admire...
If you don't know your values, now is a great time to learn. I'm offering a free Values Kickstart Session or Values Review Session here.
I bet you have some organizational things on your to-do list (like going through winter clothes, sorting out toys to donate or tidying the laundry closet, garage or shed) that have been on there for a while. Use this isolation period to get them done!
Getting organized and de-cluttering allows us to exert some control over our lives - and therefore feel less helpless! Plus, it'll feel amazing just to have it done.
Organize your closets, your garage, your books, your photos, office, kitchen equipment. Whatever needs organizing. Or perhaps you need to go through your receipts or file your taxes!
If you need some inspiration (and great clothes-folding tips) you could watch the Marie Kondo series on Netflix!
A simple 3 Step Method to go through your stuff:
If you're keeping it, be sure to DECIDE where it will "live" from now on.
If you're not keeping it, create two piles:
Things to DUMP
Things to DONATE (and if relevant to pass on to specific people).
When you're done, put each pile into bags or boxes, and then once this crisis is over you can get rid of what you no longer need.
TIP: You don't need to do any of this 'in one sitting', do an hour a day - you'll be surprised how much you get done if you keep it up for a week!
There is nothing quite like growing something - whether it's flowers, fruits or vegetables that makes us feel good! Even if you live in an apartment and you could grow fresh herbs on your windowsill or balcony to cook with!
Get some seeds, (a pot and some soil if needed) and get started.
Many plant nurseries are still open, or you could order seeds etc. online.
Follow the instructions - and remember to water it!
If growing something is just too much work, get yourself a spring bulb or succulent (cacti) planter, or you could get an indoor plant like a Spathiphyllum* (Peace Lily) is good for cleaning the air of pollutants (and easy to take care of).
* Be aware that some plants are poisonous to pets - so please check.
Go old-fashioned. Who doesn't love to receive a lovely card or handwritten letter in the post box! Rediscover the lost art of letter-writing and make someone's day.
Yes, you could send an email appreciating someone, and that's great. But imagine your recipient's face as they pick up that hand-written card in the mailbox.
Wondering what to say? Write from the heart! Here are some ideas to get started:
I really appreciate having you in my life because ________.
I love hanging out with you when we ________.
I've realised that you bring ________ to my life.
Meditation is a practice that has been proven scientifically to calm us, help us be more creative and be happier (for starters). It's extremely beneficial.
There is a lot to learn about meditation - and it's called a Meditation Practice for a reason. But it's also not as hard as it sounds. You can start with as little as 5 minutes a day - and it's good to build a routine, so you meditate at the same time every day. Get a book on "Meditation for Beginners" or go to YouTube or Google and search for "How to Meditate". Another good place to start is "Metta" or "Loving Kindness" meditation. Again, search online and you'll have lots of options to choose from.
It helps to have a quiet space without interruptions - which many of us don't have at the moment. And for some people, trying to meditate when anxious can be stressful. If this is the case, listen to a relaxing guided meditation instead.
Another idea is to listen to a sleep meditation or "Body Scan Meditation" before going to sleep.
So, which of the above ideas resonated with you? The areas I am focusing on are getting in some daily exercise and expressing myself in a journal. I’d love to hear what you’ve chosen.
Believe you have the skills and power to tackle this situation and you will! Choose to make the best of a difficult situation and no matter what - you'll find a way.
This current and strange COVID-19 situation will end. And when it does, you'll be proud you made the effort to learn something - whether it's about yourself, fresh knowledge, a new skill - and who knows what else!
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