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Debra Kasowski

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What Makes a Good Executive Great?

July 25, 2014 by Debra Kasowski 1 Comment

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-business-woman-looking-away-vision-concept-image10468085Some people believe that great leaders are born while others think great leadership can be learned. I believe it a can be a little of both – what you are born into and the role models and mentors you learn from make the biggest difference.

There are certain qualities that propels a good executive to a great one!

Great executives:

  • are committed to sharing the mission and vision of the organization and try to onboard all the champions to continue to share the message

 

  • make regular appearances throughout the organization. The staff need to see that you care about the work that they do. Take time to learn about your people. Get to know some of their names – everyone from the janitor to your assistant.

 

  • are strategic systems thinkers who communicate in an all-inclusive “we” – collaborative message.

 

  • are open to listening to ideas and opinions of others even if they are different than your own.

 

  • help build the capacity of the people within the organization by encouraging growth and development. They take a step back from the control of being a micromanager.

You know who those great executives are.

They are the only one who brings that high powered energy to a room. They are theones people in the organization look forward to seeing and hearing from. They are the ones who believe in the work being done.

The people who work for them respect and admire the leadership.

These fine executives surround themselves with the very best – you may be one!

What are you willing to do to shift from good to great starting TODAY?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: build capacity, c-suite, executive coach, executive coaching, good executives. learning and development, great executives, leadership, professional coach, professional development

7 Reasons Entrepreneurs are More Resilient

July 23, 2014 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

?????????????????????????????????????????   I remember when I was first introduced to a networking meeting with entrepreneurs. The room was buzzing and people were laughing and sharing different ideas. I thought I was in a totally different world. People had such a different mindset than the employees I had been around. Entrepreneurs seems to have such control over their destiny or circumstance. I needed to be a part of it. The energy was contagious!

I have learned that being an entrepreneur is both an art and a science and that not everyone is cut out for the job. There have been several moments when I felt exhausted from trying to get ahead with my business that I just wanted to quit. How can you quit when you may be 3 feet from gold? Instead, I studied successful entrepreneurs. I learned that there are 7 main reasons that entrepreneurs are more resilient.

Entrepreneurs are resourceful and are willing to ask for help.

Many entrepreneurs’ passions have been mapped out on the back of a napkin. They have a vision and a dream. Even though they might not have the “know how” at the moment, they are willing to learn or figure it out. The motivation is the quest of making the impossible- possible. They learn quickly to tap into their network of people and ask for help.

Entrepreneurs see setbacks as temporary and a lesson worth learning.

Every mistake, failure, or setback is an opportunity to learn what not to do and how you may readjust. Instead of playing the victim, entrepreneurs have learned to silence the inner critic telling them they cannot go after their dreams or change the message that they hear to ones of empowerment and encouragement.

Entrepreneurs actively build their network and make connections.Fotolia_33434057_XS

The resilience of the entrepreneur is evident even in the most challenging economic times. The businesses that survive are the ones who have set themselves apart from their competition, share resources and freely offer referrals, and have an abundance mindset. Entrepreneurs help others achieve their dreams.

Entrepreneurs invest in themselves. Many entrepreneurs have eliminated the hypnotic television shows and opted for reading industry articles, books, and magazine. They play educational or motivational programs in their cars so they can focus on their end game. Entrepreneurs know that if they do not have the knowledge, skills, or abilities that they can outsource or jump in and learn it themselves. They strive to reach their personal best through teleseminars, webinars, conferences, or books. They readily invest in a coach or find a mentor to accelerate the business growth.

Entrepreneurs strive for progress over perfection.

Some entrepreneurs get caught up with procrastination and perfection. Deep down, they all know that in order to put food on the table for their families that progress is more important than making everything perfect. Entrepreneurs tend to be more decisive – as time is money. The more you wait, the less you will make.

Entrepreneurs are grateful.

The mindset of an entrepreneur is focused on gratitude because entrepreneurs know that their business cannot excel without the help of others people. The success you are experiencing today is because of the people who have helped you along the way.

Entrepreneurs are innovative and creative.

With the speed of technology and the changing market, it is important for entrepreneurs to be on top of the latest and greatest information, products, and services for their customers. They take risks and brainstorm new ideas. They discover better ways to get things done. An entrepreneur’s character can be defined as resilient. You may even spot one a mile away. They have an air of confidence that no matter what happens they are prepared and ready to make a decision, plan it out, and take action. Hats off to all the entrepreneurs!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: business, connections, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, networking, perfection, productivity, resilence, resilience

The 5 “Rights” of Using Twitter Effectively for Business

July 11, 2014 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

Social media is where the action is so if you have not started yet you better get tweeting. Twitter is adding 500K new followers every day. Twitter is real time conversation sharing but it needs to be used with a strategy to be successful in business. There is no sense in tweeting your update if no one is going to pay attention to it. If you do not tweet intentionally, you are wasting value time and even money. Pulcino Passerotto Blu Chat Blog Blue Birds Talking-Vector

To get the most out of the Twitter experience, you need to know the 5 Rights in order to get the biggest bang for your dollar especially if you are hiring someone or the biggest bang for your time.

#1 Right Platform

Is Twitter where you target audience hanging out? Think of Twitter as the real time discussion around the water cooler in 140 characters or less and 120 characters if you want your message to be retweeted. If most of your followers are on another social media platform, is Twitter where you should be dedicating your time?

#2 Right Time of Day

Learn more about your audience. What time of day are they tweeting? Are they only checking their Twitter accounts while they grab lunch or when they are running off to a meeting? Are they checking their accounts early in the morning or after supper? The timing of your tweets can make sure your message gets shared at the right time for the greatest impact.

#3 Right Message

Are you providing value to your audience? What advice or information are they seeking? Content rich tweets are ones that save people money, time, inspire, educate (the how to), or entertain through pictures, articles, external links, or retweets. Give a shout out to those who retweet your content. Everyone loves to be appreciated and to know the information they are sharing is making a difference. Promotion should only be about 10-20% of your tweets otherwise people will unfollow or even block you for blasting their Twitter Feed.

# Right Hash tag

Are you using the right hash tag to get your message out? hash tags not only let people know what is trending on Twitter but it is also a way to promote your business and share valuable information.

Hash tags like #biztip for business tips, #B2B business to Business, #Business for Business news, or #Howto for sharing information can help optimize the way you use Twitter. A hash tag is like a naming convention of a folder with a great deal of information inside. If you use it properly, the information and research inside may boost your business’ bottom line.

#5 Right People

Are you following everyone who follows you or are you being intentional? Are you following people who have not been active on Twitter for a long time? Make room for those who you want to follow you. Ensure you are targeting your messages, hash tags, and messages to your audience. Your tweets say a lot about you and your brand – your reputation. Make it great! Make it memorable.

Twitter can be a very powerful and robust tool to have in your social media toolkit. Know your rights and you will make an impact!

What hash tags do you use to promote your business message?

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: leverage social media, optimize Twitter, retweets, social media, social media marketing, tweets, Twitter, use Twitter more effectively

How to Recover from a Failed Conversation

June 25, 2014 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

Some conversations leave us feeling empowered whereas others leave us with a bitter taste in our mouths.

There have been some instances after a long hard day that I have dropped into my big oversized chair and wondered what really happened. How did things get so array? Was it two stubborn people clamouring to be seen, heard, and understood?

Self reflection and self awareness are paramount in recovering from a failed conversation. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

  • What role did I play in the conversation?
  • What is the impact does this conversation have on our relationship?
  • Were we discussing something really important?
  • Did I make my intentions known?

It takes a huge amount of courage to own our issues, to share our perceptions, and to apologize for our part in how things went. Often people do not realize the impact of their words. I know people who have carried words said by someone over 40 years ago. One of the biggest challenges is to recognize that what someone says about you is none or your business and nor should you take it personally. It is one person’s opinion. Remember 1 in 7 billion people – so who are you giving your power to. You can only do what is within your power and you do not have to change for anyone else.

Courtesy of Imagerymajestic/freedigitalphotos.net
Courtesy of Imagerymajestic/freedigitalphotos.net

Avoidance of the situation or person involved does not solve the issue. You may have heard the phrase, “Do not burn any bridges.” What it basically means is you are better to mend a relationship, keep the connection than to damage it, and let it fester into more than it should be. Also note the world is a small place – you never know who knows who you know. Each person needs to own their own part. Seldom, is it just one person’s mistake. After all, communication is a two way conversation!

It is never too late unless a person has passed on to rectify a situation and to clarify what you really meant to say. Even then you can say it aloud to let it out versus keep it inside of you. There is no room for blaming, complaining, or cursing to say what you wanted to say. They say time heals and you may not forget how you felt but you can forgive yourself and the other person for being human and learning from the experience.

Failed conversations carry an emotional charge to them which tends to make people take comments personally. And yes, the beginning of your conversation it may get a bit awkward but as you speak intentionally – you can turn and failed conversation into one which the other person champions you!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: communication, conversations, courageous dialogue, difficult conversations, intention, recover from difficult conversations

5 Lessons I Learned from TEDxEdmonton

June 18, 2014 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

TEDxEdmonton was more than an opportunity to sharing ideas worth spreading. TedxEdmonton is a movement changing the landscape photoof assumptions, challenges, and life! There were so many lessons to share.

Some of the lessons we learn come from the most amazing places. There are some lessons we know and then there are some lessons that keep repeating themselves as a theme or pattern in our lives. Whatever that may be for you, know that the message is for you or one you must disseminate among the masses.

Lessons are gifts  that come in all shapes and sizes.

1. Everyone has a story. Each individual that you encounter in a day has a story that will inspire you or motivate you in some way. You have a story and people are waiting to hear it. Be bold and gather the courage to share your voice.

2. Do not judge a person based on their age, appearance, title or list of accomplishments. See each person for who they are and what they contribute to life. Come from a place of curiosity and learn what motivates people and seek to understand their perspective. You can learn more about their purpose and how you can help them reach some of their goals but also to be a form of encouragement along their journey. People need to be seen, heard, and understood for who they are.

3. The extraordinary is found in the ordinary. If you look at situations and circumstances, you might be led to believe some people have everything that they have because it was given to them. However, when you take time to listen and be present with someone’s story you can prevent yourself from following throughout and perhaps making the same mistakes, you can learn what it is you need to do, and you can develop a humanistic perspective and appreciate where people are coming from. Listening to the stories that were shared made me want to have a conversation with each one of them and ask them more about how they pulled through or what had brought them to the idea and where they are now.

3. Everyone faces challenges and uncertainties. Although some people present the picture perfect life, every person has faced challenges and obstacles that have made them who they are today. Without those challenges, a person does not gain insight and understanding to their own purpose. Challenges and reflections are what I refer to as those defining moments that help us step into who we have yet to become.

4. Take a chance and roll the dice of opportunity. I received an email about a TEDxEdmonton Speaker Dinner in my inbox and thought it would be cool to meet all the speakers and hear more about who they are. I kept thinking about what is it I could share that would be worth spreading and make an impact. I played around with the idea and then my mind had a different agenda that it played around with. Finally, I came to – why not and pressed SEND! I won.  TEDxEdmonton Speaker Dinner Winner

The theme For Certain: Uncertainty for TEDxEdmonton was so appropriate for what individuals are facing today. From the moment we wake up, uncertainty kicks in. I want to commend all the organizers and volunteers for working so hard and putting together a phenomenal event! You have made Edmonton proud!!! It was a pleasure to be surrounded by incredible minds and sharing ideas worth spreading.

What story would you share?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: facing challenges, for certain: uncertainty, TEDxEdmonton, uncertainty

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