#EmotionalIntelligence Archives

Leadership Redefined with Tina Schuricht

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way “Leadership Redefined: Embracing Growth, Authenticity, & Success with Tina Schuricht”, Yifat Rogers sits down with Tina Schuricht to explore 5 essential characteristics of strong leadership: Emotional Intelligence, Executive Presence, Strategic Thinking, Delegation, and Building Trust. Tina shares how her definition of success evolved over time, from career-driven milestones to a balance of personal connections, flexibility, and time spent on what truly matters. This episode emphasizes that leadership is a journey, where personal growth and authentic leadership strategies unlock the potential of both leaders and their teams. Tune in to reflect on these traits and discover actionable insights for cultivating your leadership style and how coaching can help!

For more information about these topics, check the the following blog articles:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Effective Coaching

Coaching Helps Elevate Your Executive Presence

Coaches Support Growth in Strategic Thinking

Coaches Aid Leaders in Mastering the Art of Delegation

Building Trust as a Leader

Link to Video

Link to Audio-only

About Tina

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.

Reach out if you want to learn more about these leadership characteristics and how to grow them!

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.

Navigate Difficult Conversations and Resolve Conflict

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches can help leaders navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict. Have you been in a professional environment where there was a lot of conflict? Did you recognize it when it was occurring? Then, did you engage too quickly? Too slowly? Too deeply? Or did you avoid difficult conversations and simply “hope” the conflict would resolve on its own? As leaders, we must make a conscious choice of how and when to engage in conflict, especially if it involves members of our team. Resolving conflict for a team member can often be surface-level and not resolve the root of the problem. Plus, it doesn’t enable team members with the skills and practice to resolve future conflicts which can ultimately inhibit their growth and damage relationships. Ultimately it may be best to coach your team member through the conversations and resolve the conflict rather than to engage directly.

Conflict is an Opportunity for Growth

Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction. While many people view conflict as negative, it can be an opportunity for growth, understanding, and positive change when approached with effective resolution strategies. Learning how to navigate difficult conversations is crucial to resolving conflicts constructively and fostering strong, respectful relationships. The good news is that coaches can help leaders with identifying conflict and addressing it or better supporting their team members in addressing it.

Understanding Conflict

Conflict arises when individuals have differing opinions, needs, or expectations that clash. It may stem from miscommunication, opposing values, unmet needs, or external pressures. While some conflicts are minor, others can escalate and become deeply personal or emotionally charged. Recognizing the source and nature of conflict is the first step toward resolving it. Below are some strategies to support difficult conversations and resolve conflict.

Approach the Conversation with a Positive Mindset

Many people avoid conflict because they fear tension, confrontation, or emotional distress. This is a very common phenomenon in the Midwest. However, adopting a mindset that sees conflict as an opportunity rather than a threat can change the way people approach challenging discussions. Entering a conversation with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen fosters a more productive resolution process.

Active Listening and Empathy

One of the most powerful tools for resolving conflicts is active listening. This involves fully concentrating on the speaker, acknowledging their emotions, and seeking to understand their perspective without judgment. When people feel heard and validated, they are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue rather than defensiveness or hostility.

Use “I” Statements Instead of “You” Statements

Communication plays a critical role in conflict resolution. Instead of blaming or criticizing the other party, use “I” statements to express feelings and concerns. For example, rather than saying, “You never listen to me,” say, “I feel unheard when my opinions are dismissed.” This approach reduces defensiveness and opens the door for constructive conversation.

Focus on Solutions, Not Blame

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or assigning blame, shift the conversation toward finding solutions that work for all parties involved. Brainstorming together and considering alternative perspectives allows for creative problem-solving and fosters collaboration rather than division.

Manage Emotions and Stay Calm

Conflicts can become heated, especially when emotions run high. Using Emotional Intelligence and practicing emotional regulation—such as taking deep breaths, pausing before responding, or seeking clarification—can prevent reactions driven by anger or frustration. Remaining calm ensures that the discussion remains focused and productive.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Some conversations are inherently challenging—whether addressing workplace conflicts, confronting personal issues, or discussing sensitive topics. To navigate such discussions effectively:

Prepare in advance by clarifying objectives and anticipating potential challenges.
Choose an appropriate time and setting that allows for privacy and focus.
Establish mutual respect by acknowledging each other’s concerns and perspectives.
Remain patient and open-minded, even when the discussion takes unexpected turns.
Be willing to compromise and seek common ground to achieve resolutions.

Resolving Conflict for Positive Outcomes

Conflict resolution is not about winning or losing—it’s about understanding, communicating effectively, and finding solutions that benefit everyone involved. With the right strategies, difficult conversations can become opportunities for learning, growth, and stronger relationships. By fostering empathy, active listening, and constructive dialogue, individuals can turn conflicts into steppingstones toward harmony and success. Reach out if you want to chat more about how coaching helps leaders navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict, resulting in positive outcomes.

Coaches Help Leaders Manage Team Dynamics

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help leaders manage team dynamics and that is no easy feat. Ever led a team where there was tangible tension? A sense of competition? Been a part of one like that? It isn’t a lot of fun, is it? We spend so much of our lives working that having to face a non-harmonious environment day after day, month after month, and year after year can really take a toll on individuals’ mental health and productivity. Leaders are often faced with diverse personalities, conflicting opinions, and varying work styles that can either fuel innovation or lead to tension. Coaches can help leaders handle this situation by offering guidance to leaders on how to cultivate collaboration, navigate challenges, and optimize team performance. Coaches bring expertise in interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, empowering leaders to create harmonious and productive teams.

Fostering Self-Awareness

Effective team management starts with self-awareness. Coaches help leaders recognize their own strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies, enabling them to understand how their leadership style impacts the team. Through assessments and reflective exercises, coaches uncover blind spots and biases that might affect decision-making or team morale. A leader who is self-aware is better equipped to adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of their team members.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Many times, work dynamics are affected when leaders do not communicate clearly – whether that be regarding roles and responsibilities, scope and timelines for projects, or expectations on collaboration. Clear, transparent, and empathetic communication is critical in managing team dynamics. Coaches work with leaders to refine their ability to articulate vision, provide constructive feedback, and listen actively. They introduce techniques to foster open dialogue, ensuring all team members feel heard and valued. By modeling effective communication, leaders can reduce misunderstandings and build trust within the team.

Navigating Conflict Resolution

Conflict is inevitable in any group setting, but it doesn’t have to be destructive – in fact addressing it proactively and supportively can drive innovation. Living in the Midwest, I have found that many leaders either avoid conflict all together or are late in engaging with team members to address it. Coaches guide leaders on how to approach conflicts proactively, turning them into opportunities for growth and collaboration. From mediating disputes to understanding underlying issues, coaches equip leaders with strategies to address disagreements in a fair, equitable, and productive manner. By maintaining a calm and impartial stance, leaders can resolve conflicts while preserving relationships and morale.

Building Emotional Intelligence

Team dynamics are often influenced by the emotional maturity of individuals as well as the emotional undercurrents within the group. Coaches help leaders develop emotional intelligence, enabling them to recognize, understand, and manage both their own emotions and those of their team members. This skill is invaluable in fostering empathy, managing stress, and promoting a positive work environment. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can read the room, anticipate challenges, and respond in a way that strengthens team cohesion.

Encouraging Team Empowerment

Teams thrive when members feel empowered to contribute and take ownership of their roles. Coaches guide leaders in creating an environment where team members feel supported and encouraged to innovate. This might involve delegating responsibilities, recognizing achievements, or fostering collaborative problem-solving. An empowered team is more likely to be engaged, motivated, and aligned with organizational goals.

Driving Continuous Improvement

Coaches help leaders embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, encouraging them to seek feedback and reflect on their impact. By periodically assessing team dynamics and addressing areas for improvement, leaders can ensure their teams remain agile and adaptable in a fast-changing business landscape. Coaches often act as sounding boards, providing valuable insights and helping leaders refine their strategies over time.

Create an Environment Where All Can Thrive

Coaches help leaders manage team dynamics. Through self-awareness, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, coaches empower leaders to build cohesive and high-performing teams. Their guidance not only enhances leadership capabilities but also drives the success of the entire organization. A coach, in essence, is a catalyst for creating environments where both leaders and teams can thrive. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help leaders manage team dynamics.

Coaches Help Leaders Unlock the Power of Curiosity

Posted on March 14, 2025April 23, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help leaders unlock the power of curiosity. When you think of essential leadership qualities what comes to mind? It’s probably traits like decisiveness, confidence, and vision. Those are amazing leadership qualities – and there is one additional quality that, though less often celebrated, is just as crucial. That is CURIOSITY. The ability to ask questions, seek new knowledge, be open, and explore different perspectives is what distinguishes extraordinary leaders from ordinary ones.

The Impact of a Curious Leader

Some leaders are naturally curious, but many are not. Why might that be? Because leaders are paid to know. It’s the main reason why most leaders have risen to their positions. While they likely have both hard and soft skills, over time, they may lose their curiosity because they have been recognized because of their “knowing” and the knowing is where they focus.

What happens to team members when they don’t have a curious leader? When they are not challenged, invested in, supported, or empowered? They are not learning or growing. They probably feel disillusioned. Undervalued. Unengaged. Unmotivated. Shall I go on?

The good news is that coaches can help leaders find their curiosity. In fact, coaching is inherently based on curiosity – curiosity is also what makes a great coach. They listen with purpose and with their whole mind and body. They are deeply engaged with their coachee. Coaching is an amazing skill that transcends into strong leadership – and once mastered can help leaders get the most from their teams. Still not convinced? Here are a few benefits of being a curious leader….

Drive Innovation and Growth

Curious leaders are constantly seeking for new ideas, methodologies, and opportunities. This open-minded approach is vital in today’s fast-paced world, where most industries are rapidly evolving. Leaders who foster a culture of curiosity, encourage their teams to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and experiment. This culture drives innovation and can propel the organization toward growth and success.

Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities

Curious leaders are adept problem-solvers who view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Their inquisitive nature leads them to dig deeper, ask insightful questions, and consider diverse perspectives. This thorough approach allows them to identify root causes and develop effective, long-lasting solutions.

Build Stronger Connections

Curious leaders are genuinely interested in the people around them. They ask questions, listen actively, and seek to understand the motivations, strengths, and challenges of their team members. This creates a sense of trust and respect, fostering stronger relationships and a more cohesive team. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s goals.

Promote Lifelong Learning

Leaders must adapt to stay relevant. Curious leaders embrace lifelong learning and continuously seek new knowledge and skills. By modeling this behavior, they inspire their teams to do the same. This commitment to learning ensures that the organization remains agile, adaptable, and prepared to navigate future challenges.

Support Inclusivity and Diversity

Curiosity leads leaders to explore different perspectives and experiences, which promotes a more inclusive and diverse workplace. When leaders are open to new ideas and viewpoints, they create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This diversity of thought fosters creativity, innovation, and better decision-making.

Enhanced Emotional Intelligence

Curious leaders are more likely to possess high emotional intelligence. Their genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings allows them to empathize and connect on a deeper level. This emotional attunement enables them to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, manage conflicts effectively, and create a positive, supportive work environment.

Drive Personal and Organizational Resilience

Resilience is a crucial quality for both leaders and organizations. Curious leaders are better equipped to adapt to new situations and recover from setbacks. Their willingness to explore, experiment, and learn from failure fosters a culture of resilience that permeates the entire organization.

Curious Leaders Deliver Results

Coaches help leaders unlock the power of curiosity. Curiosity is a powerful, yet often underestimated, quality in leadership. It drives innovation, enhances problem-solving abilities, builds stronger connections, encourages lifelong learning, promotes inclusivity and diversity, enhances emotional intelligence, and drives resilience. By embracing curiosity, leaders can unlock their full potential and inspire their teams to achieve greater heights. Curiosity is not just a nice-to-have trait; it is an essential ingredient for successful and effective leadership. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches can help you unlock the power of your curiosity and become a more curious leader.

Coaches Transform Teams Through Leadership Coaching

Posted on February 14, 2025April 23, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches transform teams through leadership coaching. As a leader, have you ever inherited a team that wasn’t performing? How about an experience as a part of a team that didn’t have a strong leader? Leadership matters. Individuals leave or decide to stay based on their leader more than any other factor.

Effective leadership coaching is a powerful tool that can transform a team, fostering a psychologically safe environment where individuals are motivated, engaged, and poised to achieve greatness. But what does it take to be a leader who inspires and transforms?

What is Leadership Coaching?

Leadership coaching is a structured process that helps leaders enhance their skills, improve their decision-making abilities, and achieve their personal and professional goals. It involves one-on-one sessions with a coach who provides guidance, support, and feedback. The aim is to unlock the leader’s potential, enabling them to lead their team more effectively and drive organizational success.

Self-Awareness and Understanding Core Values

Effective leadership coaching begins with self-awareness and understanding your core values. Leaders must understand their values, strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their behavior on others. Through self-reflection and feedback, leaders gain insights into their leadership style and identify areas where they are strong and areas for improvement. Self-awareness is the foundation upon which other leadership skills are built.

Goal Setting and Action Planning

A key component of leadership coaching is setting clear, achievable goals. These goals should be aligned with the organization’s objectives and the leader’s professional aspirations. One effective framework for goal setting is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). The coach works with the leader to design the goals and develop an action plan to achieve these goals. Regular check-ins and adjustments ensure that the leader stays on track and makes progress through accountability.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Leadership is about people. Period. Effective leaders must be skilled communicators, able to articulate their vision, inspire their team, and navigate conflicts. Leadership coaching helps leaders develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These skills are essential for building trust and fostering a positive team culture.

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

Leaders face complex decisions and challenges. Leadership coaching equips leaders with the tools and techniques needed to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively. This includes critical thinking, strategic planning, and risk assessment. By honing these skills, leaders can confidently navigate uncertainty and guide their teams through difficult situations.

Empowerment and Delegation

Great leaders understand the importance of empowering their team members. Leadership coaching encourages leaders to delegate responsibilities, provide opportunities for growth, and recognize the contributions of their team. By empowering others, leaders create a sense of ownership and accountability within the team, leading to higher levels of engagement and performance.

Adaptability and Resilience

Leaders who are adaptable and resilient are crucial for successful outcomes. Leadership coaching helps leaders develop the ability to adapt to change, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and continuously learn and grow. This growth mindset enables leaders to lead their teams through change and emerge stronger on the other side.

Are You Ready to Inspire Greatness?

Coaches transform teams through leadership coaching. The impact of effective leadership coaching extends far beyond the individual leader. It creates a ripple effect that transforms the entire team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high performance. As a leader, investing in your own development through coaching not only enhances your skills but also inspires and empowers your team to achieve greatness. Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and inspire greatness in your team? The power to transform is in your hands. Reach out for a conversation on how leadership coaching can help!