02.26.09
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Recommended Reading at 1:22 pm by Karen Donaldson
Leaders, especially entrepreneurs, expend so much energy each day that they are often left depleted and worn out. With all the tasks leaders juggle it’s important to consider what activities give you the most energy and what activities sap the most energy. Taking a few moments to consider where you get energy, whether it’s meeting with clients or taking 10 minutes for a brisk walk, can help you get through those activities which deplete your energy. Building in activities that give you energy will help you gain extra energy in your day. For those that deplete energy, consider delegating those tasks. I talked about this at the Columbia Women in Business conference last Friday when I was on a panel with Joanna Barsh, a McKinsey partner. Her article, a precursor to her book, on Centered Leadership which touches on the impact of energy flows, is available at mckinseyquarterly.com
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02.09.09
Posted in Entrepreneurs at 2:26 pm by Karen Donaldson
While working with coaching clients, I’ve found a world of possibilities open up by asking, “What if?” During several recent goal-setting sessions, I’ve helped clients move beyond what’s happening in the economy and specific problems in their businesses with this question. When we ask “What If?” we shift the focus from the problem to the possibility. When trying to figure out how to reach targets given the current market conditions, ask “What If” to stimulate new ideas and approaches. People are still buying. They may buy differently and respond to different incentives. So ask, “What if people could buy from me differently?” “What if I changed the method that I use to find customers?” “What if I packaged my services or products for a new set of customers?”
Keep asking “What if” questions without judging the responses. Involve some trusted colleagues or advisors. And see where it takes you and your business.
What if you tried this?
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