May 2025 - McGinty Coaching

Coaches Help Leaders Improve Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help leaders improve communication and interpersonal skills. Have you ever found yourself frustrated over miscommunication? Or regretted how you handled a particularly difficult situation or a professional relationship? I don’t think I have ever met anyone who hasn’t.

Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential for building strong relationships. Whether navigating workplace conversations, collaborating with teams, or fostering leadership presence, the ability to communicate clearly and build strong relationships can significantly impact career success. While some individuals naturally excel in these areas, many professionals could benefit from coaching to refine their communication skills and cultivate meaningful professional relationships.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills are Critical

Communication is more than just exchanging words—it involves clarity, active listening, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Strong interpersonal skills enable professionals to build rapport, manage conflicts, and foster teamwork. Without these abilities, misunderstandings can arise, productivity can suffer, and career growth may stagnate.

Many professionals struggle with specific aspects of communication, such as articulating ideas confidently, managing difficult conversations, or networking effectively. Coaches play a vital role in helping individuals overcome these challenges by providing structured guidance, personalized feedback, and practical strategies.

How Coaches Enhance Communication Skills

Professional coaches employ various techniques to improve communication, tailored to an individual’s needs and professional goals. Here are some key ways coaches contribute to communication development:

Building Confidence in Speaking

Many individuals experience anxiety when speaking in meetings, presentations, or networking events. Coaches help clients build confidence by refining speech delivery, body language, and tone. Through practice and feedback, professionals gain the ability to speak with authority and clarity.

Active Listening Skills

Communication is not just about speaking—it’s about listening effectively. Coaches train professionals to practice active listening, ensuring they fully understand conversations, ask relevant questions, and respond thoughtfully. This skill enhances collaboration and prevents miscommunication.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Understanding emotions—both one’s own and others’—is crucial for meaningful interactions. Coaches assist professionals in recognizing and managing emotions, helping them respond rather than react in tense situations.

Handling Difficult Conversations

Conflict resolution and constructive feedback are critical in professional settings. Coaches equip clients with techniques to handle difficult conversations diplomatically, ensuring they maintain professionalism while expressing concerns or negotiating challenges.

Improving Written Communication

Emails, reports, and proposals require clarity and effectiveness. Coaches provide guidance on structuring written communication to be professional, concise, and engaging, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing professional credibility.

Strengthening Interpersonal Skills for Relationship Building

Beyond communication, interpersonal skills define the quality of professional relationships. Coaches assist in developing these essential skills through:

Networking and Relationship Building: Coaching helps individuals approach networking with ease, build connections authentically, and maintain long-term professional relationships.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Coaches provide strategies for fostering a cooperative work environment, ensuring professionals engage effectively with colleagues.
Adaptability and Workplace Diplomacy: Navigating diverse personalities and work cultures requires tact. Coaches teach adaptability, helping professionals thrive in various settings.

The Impact of Coaching on Career Success

Professionals who refine communication and interpersonal skills experience enhanced productivity, improved workplace relationships, and greater leadership potential. Coaches provide tailored strategies that empower individuals to navigate workplace interactions with ease. By working with a coach, professionals gain confidence, refine their ability to connect with others, and foster stronger workplace relationships. Investing in coaching is not just an improvement—it’s a career advantage. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help leaders improve communication and interpersonal skills.

Ethan Johnson on Balancing Work, Family, & Fulfillment

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, “Finding your Agency: Ethan Johnson on Balancing Work, Family, and Fulfillment”, Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Ethan Johnson who recounts his career journey. It started with formative experiences like carpentry and washing dishes, which instilled a strong work ethic and creativity. Next, he transitioned to the tech industry where he gained valuable experience in finance and project management as well as roles in payments, marketing, and sales, fostering curiosity and expanding his skill set. Most recently, Ethan pursued entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on advisory roles in startups, gaming studios, SaaS providers, and Athlea – a sports tech company combining AI and physical fitness.

Over the past five years, Ethan’s concept of success evolved from career titles and promotions to empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and creating impactful environments. Drawing on his experience as a rowing coach, he emphasizes understanding individual motivations and tailoring leadership approaches to inspire growth. Ethan advocates for mid-career self-assessment, aligning work with personal values, and prioritizing family dynamics. Ethan highlights the importance of helping others succeed and navigating life transitions with mentorship and coaching. Through deliberate reconnections and holistic exploration, Ethan embraces adaptability, curiosity, and continuous learning as keys to fulfillment.

About Ethan Johnson

Ethan has over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. He led teams in sales, marketing, finance, and operations across consumer and commercial businesses. He spent 18 years at Microsoft, most recently leading multi-channel Go-To-Market strategy and execution for the Surface line of hardware and services in multiple markets. Recently, Ethan took on advisory roles with small businesses and early-stage ventures supporting business development. Ethan lives in Seattle with his family and two huskies. He is a sometimes-competitive rower and rowing coach, woodworker, record collector, and live music enthusiast.

Let me know what you are interested in hearing about in future episodes of Success Your Own Way!

Coaches Help You Achieve Work-Life Balance & Manage Stress

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help you achieve work-life balance and manage stress, essential aspects of life that directly impact physical health, mental well-being, and overall productivity. This may be a rhetorical question, but do you experience stress? Would you like a bit more balance in your life? Do you feel like your professional demands are increasing and personal responsibilities often feel like competing priorities? If so, mastering the art of work-life balance and stress management is a crucial life skill. Achieving equilibrium requires intentional techniques and sometimes external support, such as guidance from coaches, to transform stress into a manageable part of life rather than an overwhelming force. There are numerous ways to achieve work-life balance and managing stress, but here are a few of my favorites:

Setting & Adhering to Boundaries

Balancing work and personal life begins with setting and adhering to clear boundaries. Defining work hours and disconnecting from work-related communication during personal time can help individuals maintain a sense of separation between the two realms. For example, turning off work emails and notifications outside of designated work hours can allow for uninterrupted family time or self-care.

Prioritization

Prioritization is another critical skill. Not everything on the to-do list has equal importance, and learning how to identify and focus on high-impact tasks can make it easier to navigate busy schedules. Tools like planners, apps, or even simple to-do lists can be invaluable for organizing commitments and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Delegation

Delegation is often overlooked but is a powerful strategy. Delegating tasks to colleagues at work or sharing household responsibilities at home can reduce the mental and physical burden. For many, the ability to ask for help can be transformational in creating a sustainable balance.

Self-Awareness

Another essential technique is practicing mindfulness and self-awareness. Regular check-ins with oneself to assess stress levels and recognize the need for breaks can prevent burnout. Activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths during a hectic day can make a noticeable difference.

Self-Care

Physical activities like exercise are also vital for managing stress. Whether it’s yoga, running, or even a brisk walk, staying active helps clear the mind and improve mood. Similarly, dedicating time for hobbies or personal interests fosters joy and refreshes energy levels.

Positive Self-Talk

Coaches can introduce cognitive-behavioral techniques to shift negative thought patterns into constructive ones. They may also recommend practices such as visualization or guided relaxation to diminish stress and enhance clarity.

Build Positive Habits

Coaches provide accountability and encouragement. When the demands of life feel insurmountable, having a coach as a partner can make the pursuit of balance seem achievable. Their support extends beyond techniques; they inspire individuals to believe in their ability to thrive rather than merely survive.

Living a Fulfilling and Productive Life

Work-life balance and stress management are indispensable to leading a fulfilling and productive life. Incorporating strategies like boundary-setting, prioritization, delegation, and mindfulness can bring stability, while engaging with professional coaches can provide the guidance and motivation needed to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Harmony in life is not just possible; it’s within reach with intentional effort and expert support. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help you achieve work-life balance and manage stress.

Coaches Help Individuals Master Time Management

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help individuals master time management and improve productivity. Do you have enough time in your day to get everything done that you planned? Do you get interrupted by a text, email, instant message, phone call, people swinging by your desk or office – sometimes all at once? How do you stay focused? What do you decide to delegate, defer, or do in the moment? With numerous tasks competing for attention, finding effective ways to prioritize, manage time, and avoid common pitfalls to productivity can significantly boost personal and professional success and help you with your work-life balance. Coaches play a transformative role in helping individuals master time management and productivity. They provide personalized guidance, accountability, and tools tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals.

Identifying Individual Challenges

Coaches excel at uncovering the root causes of time management struggles. Through targeted conversations and assessments, they help clients recognize patterns such as procrastination, overcommitment, or ineffective prioritization. This self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful improvement and sidestep these obstacles:

Combat Procrastination: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Tackling one piece at a time reduces the intimidation factor and keeps momentum.
Limit Multitasking: Juggling multiple tasks can decrease efficiency and increase errors. Focus on one task at a time to maintain quality and speed.
Manage Digital Distractions: Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. Turn off non-essential notifications, set boundaries for social media, and use focus modes on devices to minimize interruptions.
Take Breaks: Overworking can lead to burnout. Incorporate short breaks to recharge your mind and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Creating Customized Strategies

Prioritization is the foundation of effective time management. Without it, you may find yourself overwhelmed or spinning your wheels on unimportant tasks. And, not all time management techniques work for everyone. Coaches work closely with clients to develop strategies that fit their lifestyles, work environments, and personal preferences. Whether it’s incorporating the Eisenhower Matrix, refining SMART goals, or scheduling around peak productivity hours, coaches ensure the approach is practical and achievable.

Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. This helps you focus on critical tasks while delegating or eliminating less significant ones.
Set SMART Goals: Ensure your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This clarity helps you prioritize actions that align with your goals.
Identify Peak Productivity Hours: Everyone has periods of high energy during the day. Schedule high-priority tasks during these hours to optimize focus and efficiency.

Teaching Effective Tools and Techniques

Coaches are well-versed in a variety of time management tools and methods. They introduce clients to options such as time-blocking apps, digital planners, or prioritization frameworks. They also demonstrate how to use these tools effectively, ensuring clients can integrate them seamlessly into their routines. Time management goes beyond setting priorities—it’s about organizing your day and creating habits that support productivity. Here are some strategies:

Plan Your Day: Start each morning with a clear plan. Use tools like to-do lists, digital planners, or apps to outline your tasks and allocate time for each.
Embrace Time Blocking: Dedicate specific time slots to particular activities. This method minimizes distractions and keeps your day structured.
Follow the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, complete it immediately. This prevents small tasks from accumulating and cluttering your to-do list.
Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting by respectfully declining requests that don’t align with your priorities. Protecting your time is key to staying on track.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

A good coach fosters a growth mindset, encouraging clients to view setbacks as opportunities for learning. By focusing on continuous improvement rather than perfection, individuals become more resilient and adaptable in their time management efforts. Improving time management and productivity is a continuous process. Evaluate your strategies regularly and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate progress and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

Providing Accountability and Building Confidence

One of the greatest challenges in self-improvement is staying committed to new habits. Coaches serve as accountability partners, regularly checking in with clients to track progress and celebrate successes. This support system motivates individuals to stay on course and adapt strategies as needed. Through their guidance, coaches empower clients to make decisions that align with their values and priorities. This not only improves productivity but also promotes a sense of balance and fulfillment in both personal and professional environments.

Unlock Your Full Potential

Mastering these techniques is not about squeezing every second out of your day but about working smarter, not harder. By prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and avoiding productivity pitfalls, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Coaches provide more than just tips—they offer a structured, supportive process that helps individuals take ownership of their time and productivity. Their personalized approach ensures that clients not only learn valuable techniques but also sustain their improvements over the long term. If you’re striving to unlock your full potential, partnering with a coach could be the game-changer you need. Reach out if you want to discuss the ways that coaches help individuals master time management and improve productivity.

Angie Kalaytowicz’s Path to Fulfillment

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Angie Kalaytowicz to discuss her path to fulfillment. She reflects on her career journey, initially steering away from IT despite their parents’ influence. She studied Medical Microbiology but pivoted to IT when job market challenges arose, starting with a role at Epic, where her scientific background proved valuable. Angie discusses her intense focus on career growth in her 20s, but over time, Angie’s perspective on success evolved. She began valuing personal roles and community over career achievements.

Angie emphasizes authenticity in professional interactions, learning to balance work and life while adapting to various environments and embracing challenges. Transitioning between industries, such as moving from IT operations at a large corporation to a smaller company, taught her the importance of curiosity, humility, and collaboration. She advocates for taking risks, seeking help, and learning on the job. Angie’s advice includes choosing unfamiliar paths for growth, staying authentic, balancing financial stability, and embracing adaptability as keys to success. Angie’s journey highlights continuous learning, resilience, and personal authenticity as pathways to fulfillment.

Video version of the episode

Audio version of the episode

About Angie Kalaytowicz

Angie Kalaytowicz is the Vice President of Information Technology at Taylor Corporation, where she leads transformative initiatives that drive digital innovation and operational excellence. Passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex problems and create business value, Angie is recognized as a visionary and collaborative leader committed to continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Before transitioning to the printing industry, Angie amassed over a decade of experience in healthcare IT, where she held diverse roles that shaped her well-rounded perspective in technology. At UnitedHealth Group, she led critical projects that optimized IT operations, enhanced customer engagement, and implemented cutting-edge solutions. Her leadership consistently delivered exceptional results in operating efficiency, positioning her as a strong and influential leader in tech.

Angie’s unique ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution has made her a sought-after speaker and mentor. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys biking, spending time with family and her goldendoodle puppy, reading, and playing violin in local community orchestras.

Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaching can help you navigate your path to fulfillment.

Coaches Help Leaders Navigate Career Change

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help leaders navigate career change. For leaders, navigating a career change can be as exhilarating as it is daunting. Sometimes the change is their choice and sometimes it isn’t. Regardless of how the career change came about, it is more daunting for a leader to pursue a new path than those earlier in their career. Why is that? It is because the challenges leaders face during a career change go beyond personal adaptation—they also involve external expectations, the weight of their leadership legacy, supporting their team and maintaining their current duties while transitioning, and the need to align their identity with a new path. Plus, some leaders are not great at letting others help, especially when it comes to taking on a potentially long and emotional journey that not only encourages but requires them to be vulnerable.

Coaches are Trusted Advisors

Whether it’s stepping into a new industry (by force or by choice), pursuing a long-held passion, or transitioning to a different role within their organization, the journey often involves uncertainty, self-reflection, and strategic planning. This is where coaches come in as invaluable allies. Coaches, as trusted advisors, can play a crucial role in guiding leaders through this process, helping them manage both the practical and emotional aspects of transition.

Clarifying Values, Goals and Vision

One of the first steps coaches take is to help leaders clarify their values, goals and long-term vision. Many leaders may know they want a change but feel unsure about what direction to pursue. Through targeted questions and exercises, coaches assist leaders in identifying their aspirations, values, and priorities. This clarity lays the foundation for a career move that aligns with their values, goals and objectives (both personal and professional).

Identifying Strengths and Skills

A career change often requires leaders to evaluate their existing strengths and skills while identifying areas for development. Coaches guide leaders in conducting a comprehensive self-assessment, highlighting transferable skills that can be applied to new roles or industries. They also encourage leaders to address skill gaps proactively by seeking further training or certifications. This strategic preparation boosts confidence and ensures leaders are equipped to excel in their new pursuits.

Managing Emotional Challenges

Career transitions can bring up a range of emotions—excitement, anxiety, self-doubt, and even fear of failure. Coaches provide a psychologically safe and nonjudgmental space for leaders to explore these emotions and develop strategies to overcome mental barriers and obstacles. They help leaders reframe negative self-talk, build resilience, and cultivate a positive mindset. With a coach’s support, leaders can approach their career change with a sense of optimism and determination, regardless of how it came about.

Crafting a Strategic Plan

A well-executed career change requires a thoughtful and actionable plan. Coaches assist leaders in mapping out the steps necessary to achieve their goals, from updating résumés and LinkedIn profiles to networking with industry professionals. Coaches also emphasize the importance of setting short- and long-term milestones, enabling leaders to measure progress and stay motivated throughout the transition.

Navigating Uncertainty and Risk

Career changes often come with a degree of uncertainty and risk, particularly when moving into uncharted territory. Coaches help leaders assess potential challenges, weigh risks, and develop contingency plans. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, coaches empower leaders to make informed decisions and adapt to unexpected obstacles with agility.

Enhancing Networking and Personal Branding

A successful career change often hinges on effective networking and personal branding. Coaches work with leaders to refine their elevator pitches, build meaningful connections, and communicate their unique value to prospective employers or collaborators. They also provide feedback on personal branding strategies, ensuring that leaders position themselves authentically and compellingly in their new fields.

Encouraging Continuous Growth

Even after transitioning to a new role, coaches encourage leaders to embrace lifelong learning and self-improvement. Whether it’s seeking mentorship, staying updated on industry trends, or cultivating new skills, coaches help leaders stay agile and adaptable in their evolving careers.

Turning Aspirations into Achievements

Coaches help leaders navigate career change. By offering personalized support, actionable strategies, and a steady source of encouragement, coaches help leaders transform uncertainty into opportunity and turn aspirations into achievements. With a coach by their side, leaders can confidently navigate their career transitions and set the stage for continued success. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help leaders navigate career change.