#Connection Archives - McGinty Coaching

Gratitude as a Leadership Practice

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Gratitude as a leadership practice in the workplace is far more than a fleeting “thank you” scribbled on a sticky note or tacked onto the end of an email. For leaders, genuine gratitude is a powerful tool that shapes culture, boosts morale, and helps teams navigate the inevitable storms of high-stress seasons. When leaders weave appreciation into the very fabric of their leadership style, it becomes a steadying force that can sustain and energize teams through the toughest challenges.

Why Gratitude Matters in Leadership

Research consistently shows that when employees feel genuinely valued, they are more engaged, resilient, and productive. Gratitude helps build trust, fosters psychological safety, and encourages open communication – all essentials when workloads spike, deadlines loom, or uncertainty shakes the status quo. Yet, expressing gratitude requires intention. It’s not just about saying “thanks”; it’s about creating a culture where appreciation is visible, specific, and woven into daily interactions.

Practical Ways to Embed Gratitude Into Team Culture

Model Authentic Recognition

Leaders set the tone. Express gratitude openly and sincerely, highlighting specific actions or attitudes rather than offering generic praise. For example, instead of “Great job,” try “I appreciate the extra effort you put in to help us meet last week’s deadline. Your dedication made a real difference.”

Make Gratitude a Habit, Not a Highlight

Build moments of appreciation into regular routines. Start meetings with a round of shoutouts, end project reviews by acknowledging contributions, or dedicate a few minutes each week for team members to recognize each other. Consistency is key; over time, these rituals become part of your team’s DNA.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Gratitude shouldn’t flow only from the top down. Create opportunities for team members to celebrate one another. This could be as simple as a shared digital “kudos” board or a rotating “gratitude champion” who highlights others’ efforts. When appreciation is mutual, it strengthens connections and reinforces a supportive environment.

Personalize Your Approach

Not everyone values recognition in the same way. Some may appreciate public acknowledgment, while others prefer a quiet word of thanks. Take time to learn what feels meaningful to each team member and tailor your gestures accordingly. This attention to individual preferences amplifies the impact of your gratitude.

Link Gratitude to Values and Purpose

Connect appreciation to the team’s bigger mission. Recognizing how someone’s actions align with organizational values or contribute to shared goals elevates gratitude beyond the transactional – it becomes transformational. During stressful times, this reminds everyone of the “why” behind the work.

Gratitude Under Pressure: Navigating High-Stress Seasons

When stress is high, appreciation can easily fall by the wayside. Yet, this is precisely when gratitude is most needed. Leaders can:

Check in more frequently with team members, asking not just about progress but about how they’re feeling.
Publicly acknowledge the extra effort, flexibility, or creativity being shown in response to challenges.
Celebrate small wins and incremental progress, not just final results.
Recognize emotional labor – the unseen work of supporting one another or maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.

A Sustained Commitment

Gratitude as a leadership practice is not a one-time action or a perfunctory gesture. It is a sustained commitment to seeing, valuing, and acknowledging the humanity and hard work of your team – especially when the going gets tough. By embedding authentic appreciation into daily practices, leaders can foster a resilient culture where people feel empowered, connected, and ready to face challenges together. Reach out if you want to learn more about how to make gratitude a part of your leadership shadow.

Parenting in the Fast Lane

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Parenting in the Fast Lane. What does that mean and what does it have to do with coaching? Let me explain. Parenting is a journey I have been on for over a decade – both enjoying and contemplating how to do it better. One summer day, I was driving kids to their camps, and it got me thinking about the parallels between parenting and driving. Specifically driving on a busy highway—trying to keep up with traffic while still adhering to the speed limit. It’s a delicate balance between momentum and restraint, between external pressures and internal principles. Just like driving, parenting demands constant vigilance, quick decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions—all while staying true to your values.

Societal Pressures on Parenting

Have you been in the situation where you’ve been merging onto a freeway where everyone seems to be going 15 miles over the posted limit? If so, you may feel the pressure to accelerate, to match the pace, or else you become a hazard or get left behind. In parenting, this is similar to the societal race of milestones: early reading, competitive sports, advanced placement classes, curated social media profiles. The pressure to keep up with other families—whether it’s the neighbor’s child who speaks three languages or the Instagram-perfect birthday party—can be overwhelming. You don’t want your child to fall behind, but you also don’t want to lose control.

Interpreting Your Values in Context

The speed limit, in this metaphor, represents your core parenting values. It’s the boundary you set based on what you believe is safe, healthy, and right for your child. Maybe you value unstructured play over scheduled activities, or emotional intelligence over academic accolades. Sticking to the speed limit means honoring those values, even when the world around you seems to be speeding ahead. It’s resisting the urge to over-schedule, over-discipline, or over-achieve in the name of keeping up.

But here’s the catch: driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding. In parenting, this translates to being too rigid, too disconnected from the realities your child faces. If you ignore the pace of the world entirely, your child might struggle to integrate socially or feel unprepared for life’s demands. So, you adjust—not by abandoning your values, but by interpreting them in context. You might allow more screen time during a tough school week or support a competitive pursuit if it aligns with your child’s passion.

The Importance of Flexibility

Parenting, like driving, is full of unpredictable moments: sudden stops, detours, road rage, and breakdowns. You learn to anticipate, to read the signs, to know when to accelerate and when to ease off. You teach your child to navigate their own road, not by racing ahead, but by understanding the rules, respecting others, and trusting their own judgment.

Steering with Intention

Ultimately, parenting in the fast lane reminds us that parenting isn’t about winning a race—it’s about arriving safely, together. It’s about being present in the journey, not just focused on the destination. You may not always match the speed of traffic, but if you stay aware, stay grounded, and stay connected to your child, you’ll find your rhythm. And in that rhythm, there’s grace, growth, and the quiet joy of knowing you’re steering with intention. Believe it or not, coaching can help you steer with intention – whether that steering is focused on your career, your family, or any decision or change you are navigating. Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaching can help you see through the fog of life and steer with intention.

Finding the Power of Work-Life Balance and Fulfillment

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Finding the power of work-life balance and fulfillment is challenging in a world that celebrates hustle and productivity. It’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Many professionals chase success only to find themselves burned out, disconnected, and wondering if the trade-offs were worth it. But sustainable success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. It’s about aligning your work with your values and creating space for fulfillment in every area of life.

The New Definition of Success 🌿

Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. It means having the energy, clarity, and emotional bandwidth to thrive both professionally and personally. It’s not about splitting time evenly between work and home, but about integrating your priorities in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

When your career aligns with your core values, work becomes more than a paycheck—it becomes a source of meaning. You feel energized rather than depleted. You’re able to show up fully for your team, your family, and yourself. That’s the kind of success that lasts.

What Fulfillment Looks Like 🌟

Professionals who achieve true balance and fulfillment share a few key traits:

Stress Management: They know how to regulate their energy and emotions, even in high-pressure environments.
Healthy Boundaries: They protect their time and attention, saying “no” when necessary and “yes” with intention.
Value Alignment: Their work reflects what they care about most—whether it’s innovation, impact, creativity, or connection.
Sustainable Habits: They build routines that support both performance and well-being, from morning rituals to digital detoxes.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about intentionality. And that’s where coaching becomes a game-changer.

How Coaching Creates Balance and Fulfillment 🎯

Coaching helps you step back from the noise and reconnect with what matters. It’s a space to reflect, recalibrate, and redesign your life with purpose. A great coach doesn’t just help you manage your calendar—they help you manage your energy, your mindset, and your values.

Through coaching, you gain:

Clarity: Identify what fulfillment looks like for you, and what’s getting in the way.
Boundaries: Learn to protect your time and say no without guilt.
Habits: Build routines that support your goals and well-being.
Perspective: Reframe challenges and rediscover joy in your work and life.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking more meaning in your career, or simply craving more time for what you love, coaching offers the tools and support to make it happen.

Your Life, Your Design ✨

Work-life balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership skill. When you prioritize fulfillment, you become a more effective, empathetic, and resilient leader. You inspire others not just by what you achieve, but by how you live.

If you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, coaching can help you design a life that works—for you. Because success without fulfillment isn’t success at all, reach out if you’d like to learn more about finding your balance and fulfillment.

Gratitude, Grit, and Growth: My Take on Success

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In Episode 11 of Success Your Own Way, “Gratitude, Grit, and Growth”, I had the opportunity to share more about my journey – a narrative of reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on my own terms. From my roots in northern Wisconsin and a career that began in chemical engineering, I evolved through entrepreneurship, leadership roles at Microsoft and UnitedHealth Group, and ultimately found my calling in coaching. My story is marked by bold decisions, taking on a variety of roles and challenges —like crawling under machinery in a sweltering factory—and shaped by mentors who offered wisdom from all directions. I reflect candidly on misconceptions about loyalty in corporate life and the importance of self-advocacy, especially for women. Today, I embrace a life of flexibility, purpose, and deep gratitude, encouraging others to align their work with their values and to never underestimate the power of asking for help. My message is clear: authentic success is built through courage, connection, and staying true to yourself.

Check out the Episode

About Tina Schuricht

Tina Schuricht has 25+ years of experience hiring, coaching, and mentoring across technology, healthcare, and insurance. She blends leadership expertise with a passion for coaching, helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Known for being engaged, curious, and committed, she builds trust while driving accountability and growth. Tina specializes in leadership development, career transitions, and lasting personal change. A certified professional coach, she has held leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group, Microsoft, and Kimberly-Clark, with expertise in business operations, marketing, and technology. With deep corporate insights, she’s ready to support clients in achieving their goals and dreams through McGinty Coaching.

About Yifat Rogers

Yifat Rogers is a seasoned consultant with 20+ years in Food Science, Engineering, and Project Management. Her shift from corporate life to solopreneurship redefined success, prioritizing fulfillment alongside achievement. She founded Yaniv Consulting, leveraging her “Eureka Framework”—a fusion of mindset, expertise, and process—to drive transformative breakthroughs. Known for her curiosity, authenticity, and deep commitment to clients’ success, she fosters trust, motivation, and growth. Her expertise in strategic coaching and human development makes her a trusted partner in navigating career and personal growth. Through Yaniv Consulting, she empowers individuals to define success on their own terms, creating impact with purpose and balance.

Elevating Your Career and Leadership Growth

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Elevating your career and leadership growth is challenging in today’s dynamic professional landscape. Career advancement is no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. True leadership is defined not by titles or accolades, but by clarity, presence, and the ability to inspire and influence in high-stakes environments. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, mastering the art of leadership is essential for long-term success and impact.

The Shift from Promotion to Purpose 🚀

Career growth used to be measured by promotions and pay raises. While those milestones still matter, they’re no longer the full picture. Today’s most effective leaders are those who lead with purpose, communicate with impact, and build trust across diverse teams. They don’t just manage—they motivate. They don’t just react—they respond with vision and strategy.

Leadership growth begins with clarity. You need a clear understanding of where you’re headed and why. This means defining your career vision, identifying your strengths, and mapping out a strategic path forward. It’s about aligning your professional goals with your personal values so that your work feels meaningful, not just successful.

What Great Leadership Looks Like 🌟

Exceptional leaders share a few key traits:

Vision and Strategy: They know where they’re going and how to get there.
Confidence and Presence: They speak with authority, listen with empathy, and show up with authenticity.
Adaptability and Resilience: They embrace change, navigate uncertainty, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Team Empowerment: They build high-performing teams by fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability.

These qualities aren’t innate—they’re cultivated. And that’s where coaching comes in.

The Power of Personalized Coaching 🎯

Coaching is the catalyst that helps you move from good to exceptional. It’s not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about unlocking what’s possible. A great coach acts as a strategic thought partner, helping you clarify your goals, strengthen your leadership presence, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Through personalized coaching, you gain:

Clarity: Define your vision and align your actions with your long-term goals.
Feedback: Receive honest, constructive insights that help you grow.
Strategic Insight: Learn to think big-picture while executing with precision.
Confidence: Build the self-assurance to lead boldly and authentically.

Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, leading a new team, or simply seeking more impact in your current role, coaching provides the structure and support to elevate your leadership game.

Ready for Your Next Big Opportunity?

Elevating your career and leadership growth isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous journey. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can become the kind of leader who not only succeeds but inspires others to do the same. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose, coaching can help you unlock your full potential—and step boldly into your next chapter. Reach out to learn more!

Effective Management of a Global Team

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Effective management of a global team is a critical skill these days, and it’s not easy. Have you been a part of one? Led one before? If so you know that managing a global team (or even a remote one) presents unique challenges, but it also offers numerous advantages for businesses.

Benefits of a Global Team

Access to a Diverse Talent Pool 🌍

Hiring globally allows companies to tap into a broader range of skills and expertise. Instead of being limited to local talent, businesses can recruit the best professionals from different regions. The benefits are access to specialized skills that may not be available locally, increased innovation through diverse perspectives, and the ability to scale operations with a larger workforce.

Enhanced Creativity and Innovation 💡

A global team brings together individuals from different cultural backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. This diversity fosters creativity and leads to innovative solutions. Some of those benefits are fresh ideas and unique problem-solving approaches, increased adaptability to changing market trends, and more effective brainstorming and collaboration.

Expanded Market Reach 🌎

Having employees in different regions helps businesses understand local markets, consumer behaviors, and cultural preferences. This insight allows companies to tailor their products and services more effectively. Benefits are better customer engagement in different regions, increased brand presence and credibility worldwide, and faster expansion into new markets.

Around-the-Clock Productivity ⏰

With employees working in different time zones, businesses can operate continuously. This ensures faster project completion and improved customer service. Those benefits are 24/7 business operations without downtime, faster response times for global customers, and increased efficiency in project management.

Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency 💰

Hiring globally can reduce costs by leveraging talent in regions with lower labor expenses. Additionally, remote work eliminates expenses related to office space and infrastructure. The benefits here are lower operational costs compared to maintaining physical offices, the ability to hire top talent at competitive salaries, and reduced overhead expenses for office maintenance.

Greater Cultural Awareness and Inclusion 🤝

A global team fosters cultural awareness, helping businesses build stronger relationships with international clients and partners. The benefits are improved cross-cultural communication skills, stronger relationships with global stakeholders, and enhanced company reputation for diversity and inclusion.

Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention 😊

Offering remote work opportunities and flexible schedules can improve employee satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. That creates work-life balance for employees in different locations, increases job satisfaction and engagement, and lowers turnover rates due to flexible work arrangements.

Overcoming Leadership Challenges

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Effective communication is the foundation of managing a global team. Without face-to-face interactions, misunderstandings can arise, leading to inefficiencies. Use collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for real-time discussions, set expectations for response times, especially across different time zones, encourage video calls to build stronger connections and reduce misinterpretations, and provide written summaries of meetings to ensure clarity.

Navigate Time Zone Differences

One of the biggest challenges in global teams is coordinating across multiple time zones. Scheduling meetings that accommodate everyone can be difficult. Rotate meeting times to ensure fairness for all team members, use scheduling tools like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar to find overlapping working hours, record important meetings for those who cannot attend live, and encourage asynchronous communication to reduce dependency on real-time interactions.

Foster Cultural Awareness and Inclusion

Cultural diversity is a strength, but it requires sensitivity and understanding. Different work styles, communication norms, and holidays can impact collaboration. Educate team members on cultural differences through training or discussions, celebrate global holidays and recognize cultural traditions, encourage open dialogue about work preferences and expectations, avoid assumptions—ask questions to understand different perspectives.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Without shared office space, global teams need well-defined goals to stay aligned. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and inefficiency. Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member, regularly review progress through virtual check-ins, and provide detailed documentation for projects to ensure clarity.

Build Trust and Team Cohesion

Remote teams can sometimes feel disconnected. Building trust and fostering relationships is essential for a strong global team. Schedule virtual team-building activities, such as online games or informal chats, encourage cross-team collaboration on projects, recognize achievements and celebrate milestones, and create an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns.

Adapt Leadership Style for Remote Work

Leading a global team requires flexibility and adaptability. Traditional management styles may not work in a remote setting. Focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging daily tasks, encourage autonomy and empower employees to make decisions, provide regular feedback and support to keep employees engaged, and be empathetic and understanding of personal and cultural differences.

Getting the Most From Your Global Team

Effective management of a global team requires strong communication, cultural awareness, and the right tools and technology. By fostering inclusivity, setting clear expectations, and adapting leadership styles, leaders can create a productive and engaged workforce across borders. With the right approach, global teams can thrive and drive success in today’s interconnected world. And coaches can help! Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches can support you in delivering effective management of a global team.