#SuccessYourOwnWay Archives - Page 4 of 9

Delivering a Performance Review with Curiosity

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Delivering a performance review with curiosity can be a game changer for both you and your team members. Have you ever sat in a performance review where it felt like your boss was giving you feedback that didn’t resonate? Or shared general feedback (to protect the anonymity of the provider) that was not helpful? Has it felt like you were being reprimanded and didn’t agree with the input but felt you had no leverage to push back? Now the million-dollar question…. Have YOU ever delivered a performance review this way? If so, read on.

Unfortunately, many managers approach performance reviews as a one-sided evaluation, a checklist of strengths and weaknesses delivered with certainty – not as a conversation to help you grow. What if, instead, you adopted curiosity as the driving force behind these conversations? A performance review conducted with curiosity fosters openness, mutual learning, and a stronger sense of collaboration. This approach transforms evaluations from routine assessments into meaningful exchanges that inspire development and motivation.

Curiosity Creates a Safe Space for Dialogue

Delivering a performance review with curiosity signals to the employee that this is not merely a judgment session, it’s a conversation. Instead of approaching feedback with definitive statements, ask a question instead. Here are a few examples:

Addressing a Strength

Traditional Approach: “You’ve done well in handling customer complaints. Keep up the good work.”
Curious Approach: “I’ve noticed that you excel in resolving customer complaints. What strategies do you find most effective? Are there any challenges you face that we could work on together?”

Discussing Areas for Growth

Traditional Approach: “Your project deadlines have been inconsistent. You need to improve your time management.”
Curious Approach: “I’ve noticed some challenges with meeting deadlines. What obstacles have been getting in the way? Are there any resources or strategies that could help you stay on track?”

Encouraging Career Development

Traditional Approach: “You’re doing fine in your current role. Let’s keep things steady.”
Curious Approach: “I’m really impressed with your work. Where do you see yourself growing in the next year? Are there any skills or experiences you’d like to develop further?”

By asking questions, managers invite employees into the discussion, creating an environment where feedback is received with openness rather than defensiveness. Curiosity also alleviates the pressure employees might feel during reviews. When employees sense that their manager is genuinely interested in their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, they are more likely to engage in honest conversations. This leads to productive discussions where employees feel heard rather than criticized.

Encouraging Growth and Self-Reflection

A curious approach to performance reviews encourages employees to actively reflect on their own progress. Instead of simply being told what they did right or wrong, they are given the space to analyze their own performance. This self-reflection fosters independence, accountability, and personal development. A manager can say, “What strategies have helped you be successful this year?” or “If you could improve one aspect of your performance, what would it be?” These questions encourage employees to explore their potential rather than passively absorb information.

Furthermore, curiosity allows managers to identify the root causes of challenges rather than making assumptions. It encourages leaders to inquire about underlying factors like unclear expectations or external obstacles that they need to address to support the employee.

Strengthening Relationships and Engagement

Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued and respected. A curious leader demonstrates genuine investment in their employees, strengthening relationships and boosting morale. When employees perceive their manager as someone who wants to understand them rather than just evaluate them, their engagement with work increases. They feel empowered to contribute ideas, voice concerns, and collaborate effectively. In contrast, a rigid and authoritative approach to performance reviews can erode trust, discouraging honest dialogue and growth.

Moreover, curiosity enhances the ability to provide tailored support. When managers take the time to understand their employees’ goals, working styles, and challenges, they can offer personalized guidance that resonates. This results in employees feeling motivated to improve rather than overwhelmed by criticism.

Additional Tips on Delivering Performance Reviews

Here are a few additional strategies that I have found helpful in delivering a strong and impactful performance review:

Gather 360-degree feedback – Ensure you are encompassing the employees’ input, as well as peers, leaders, customers, and your own.
Be prepared to give examples – Highlight behaviors and outcomes you really appreciated and areas of improvement, and align expectations with the employee on these examples.
Send the written review in advance – Most individuals need time to process and prepare, especially introverts.
Let the employee guide the discussion – Ask them how they want to approach the conversation – where would they like to spend the time? What would be most important for them and their growth and development?
Keep the feedback balanced – This goes for both the under and over performers and everyone in between. Find the positives and the areas of growth and align the commentary to any scores or rewards you are giving so there is alignment and clarity.

Performance Reviews are a Tool for Growth

Delivering a performance review with curiosity transforms it from a transactional evaluation into an impactful conversation that drives development and strengthens workplace relationships. A curious mindset promotes open dialogue, encourages self-reflection, and fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect. By embracing curiosity in performance reviews, leaders create a culture where feedback becomes a tool for growth rather than mere assessment, empowering employees to continuously improve and thrive. Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaches can help you improve your skills in delivering impactful performance reviews.

Fostering Trust Among Team Members

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Fostering trust among team members is one of your most important roles as a leader. Have you ever led a team where there was little to no trust? Did you feel helpless, yet accountable for turning things around? I’ve been there. As a leader, you understand the importance of trust and how easily it can be broken, yet how difficult it is to rebuild. It is the glue that holds great teams together. It’s what allows people to speak up with ideas, admit mistakes, and rely on one another under pressure. Without trust, collaboration turns into competition and innovation stalls. So, how can leaders help build it? One drop at a time.

Start with Transparency

Trust begins with transparency. Leaders can set the tone by openly sharing decisions, goals, and challenges—even when the news isn’t great. When team members see authenticity and vulnerability from the top, they’re more likely to reciprocate. Team members, too, can build credibility by being honest about deadlines, asking for help early, and admitting when they’re uncertain. This kind of candor clears space for real connection and problem-solving.

Create Safe Spaces for Communication

It’s hard to trust people you don’t feel safe with. That’s why psychological safety—the belief that you won’t be punished for speaking up—is foundational. Encourage team norms where every voice counts, and feedback is given constructively, not critically. Consider adding regular “retrospectives” or reflection meetings where people can discuss what’s going well and what could improve, without fear of blame. This helps clear the air and strengthens mutual respect.

Follow Through and Stay Accountable

Reliability is the engine of trust. When teammates consistently do what they say they’ll do, others learn to count on them. That doesn’t mean being perfect—it means communicating proactively and holding yourself accountable. If things slip, own up and reset expectations. When everyone on a team knows they’re rowing in the same direction, trust deepens.

Celebrate Strengths, Understand Weaknesses

Trust is about more than performance—it’s about humanity. Taking time to understand each other’s work styles, strengths, and quirks helps build empathy. Tools like personality profiles or “get-to-know-you” exercises can spark this insight. Equally important: recognize that every team member contributes differently. Celebrating these differences builds appreciation and confidence in each other.

Build Social Bonds

People trust people they know—not just professionally, but personally. Investing time in casual, non-work interactions can pay big dividends. Whether it’s team lunches, virtual coffee chats, or a group playlist everyone adds to, shared experiences create familiarity and rapport. Even small acts of kindness—checking in after a tough meeting, or remembering a teammate’s birthday—go a long way toward building genuine connections.

How do you Repair Trust Once It Has Been Broken?

Repairing trust in a team isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about rebuilding stronger foundations. Here are some ways you can encourage your team members to do that:

Acknowledge the breach
The first step is recognizing that trust has been damaged. Whether it was a missed deadline, a broken promise, or a communication breakdown, naming the issue shows accountability and opens the door to healing.
Apologize sincerely
A genuine apology—without excuses—goes a long way. It signals humility and a willingness to take responsibility. This is especially powerful when it comes from leadership, but it matters at every level.
Understand the impact
Take time to listen to how the breach affected others. This builds empathy and shows that you’re not just focused on moving on, but on making things right.
Outline corrective actions
Trust isn’t rebuilt with words alone. Share what steps you’ll take to prevent the issue from recurring. This might include new communication norms, clearer expectations, or more consistent follow-through.
Invite collaboration
Rebuilding trust is a team effort. Ask others for input on how to move forward. This not only empowers the team but also reinforces that everyone has a role in creating a healthier dynamic.
Be consistent over time
Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets. Rebuilding it takes time and consistency. Keep showing up, following through, and being transparent—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Trust as a Catalyst

Fostering trust among team members is one of your most important roles as a leader. Trust doesn’t appear overnight. It grows slowly, interaction by interaction, built on empathy, reliability, and a shared sense of purpose. But when it does take root, it becomes a powerful catalyst for creativity, resilience, and true teamwork. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to help your team members build, keep, or restore trust.

Coaches Help Clients Build Professional Networks

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help clients build professional networks. Do you have a strong network? Could it be stronger? Do you like networking? Some leaders find networking to be exhilarating while others (usually introverted leaders) find it exhausting. Regardless of how you feel about the process, networking is all about relationships. And relationships are what matter most when it comes to long-term career growth and business building. This is where professional coaches play a pivotal role. A good coach helps individuals refine their relationship-building skills, set goals, and, most importantly, build connections that foster career advancement and growth.

The Role of a Coach in Networking

Professional networking is a fundamental element of career growth, and coaches provide a structured approach to making meaningful connections. They act as guides, helping individuals identify key influencers in their industry, reach out to potential mentors, and leverage opportunities that align with their professional aspirations. Through tailored coaching sessions, individuals learn how to strategically expand their networks to gain valuable insights, job opportunities, and potential clients.

One of the main ways coaches support networking is by helping professionals develop the confidence and communication skills needed to engage with industry leaders and prospective employers. Many professionals struggle with initiating conversations or maintaining relationships with key contacts. Coaches offer personalized strategies, such as how to craft a compelling elevator pitch, engage in productive conversations at networking events, and follow up with contacts effectively. These skills not only enhance networking abilities but also create lasting impressions with potential employers, investors, or collaborators.

Coaches also introduce their clients to professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, guiding them on how to optimize their profiles, participate in discussions, and connect with professionals in their field. Leveraging these platforms efficiently can open doors to new career paths, industry insights, and collaborations that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Why Networking is Crucial for Professional Growth

Professional growth is often linked to the ability to tap into new opportunities, gain knowledge from experienced individuals, and receive guidance along the way. Networking fosters these aspects by allowing individuals to build a circle of influence that can offer career advice, business opportunities, and skill development.

For job seekers, networking is often the gateway to hidden opportunities. Many positions are filled through referrals rather than job postings, which means having the right connections can make all the difference in securing employment. Coaches help their clients access these opportunities by guiding them through informational interviews, industry events, and mentorship programs so that they can be top of mind when a new role becomes available.

Beyond job searching, networking is crucial for professional development, enabling individuals to stay informed about industry trends and gain insights from seasoned professionals. Engaging with a diverse network exposes professionals to different perspectives, strategies, and innovations, ensuring they remain competitive in their field. I encourage my clients to build relationships with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who can provide guidance and support in navigating challenges.

Effective Networking Strategies

Not sure how to get started? Here are a few effective networking strategies to help professionals build meaningful connections and advance their careers. Here are some key approaches:

Identify Your Networking Goals – Before engaging in networking activities, define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s finding new clients, collaborating with industry peers, or gaining mentorship, having clear goals helps you focus your efforts.
Build Genuine Relationships – Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about forming authentic connections. Coaches emphasize the importance of sincerity and mutual value exchange when engaging with others.
Leverage Social Media – Platforms like LinkedIn provide excellent opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Coaches recommend optimizing profiles, engaging in discussions, and sharing valuable content to establish credibility.
Attend Industry Events – Conferences, seminars, and networking meetups are great places to meet professionals in your field. Coaches suggest attending events that align with your interests rather than just general networking gatherings.
Offer Value First – Instead of focusing on what others can do for you, coaches advise adopting a “give first” mindset. Providing support, sharing insights, and helping others foster stronger relationships and increases the likelihood of reciprocation.
Follow Up Effectively – After meeting new contacts, following up with a personalized message or scheduling a catch-up call helps maintain relationships. Coaches stress the importance of consistency in networking efforts.
Engage in Online Communities – Participating in professional groups and forums allows individuals to connect with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.

Professional Networking is Essential for Growth

Coaches help clients build professional networks that are essential for career growth. They provide the tools, confidence, and strategic guidance necessary to foster meaningful connections, open doors to opportunities, and enhance professional development. In a world where relationships often determine success, investing in a coach can be one of the most effective ways to accelerate one’s career and achieve long-term professional goals. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help clients build professional networks.

How to Coach the Inner Critic with Paul Boehnke

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, “From Adversary to Ally: How to Coach the Inner Critic with Paul Boehnke”, Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Paul Boehnke. a speaker, author, and life coach helping solopreneurs align their business for greater impact. A former classical musician, Paul transitioned into coaching, focusing on personal growth and mindset transformation. His book, Thoughts on Demand, teaches individuals to turn negative self-talk into confidence, while his coaching emphasizes curiosity and abundance over rigid goals.

Key insights from Paul:

Success evolves from embracing the journey with curiosity.
Letting go of fixed outcomes leads to unexpected opportunities, like his invitation to speak in Iceland.
Addressing the inner critic is crucial for transformation—negative thoughts don’t define us.
Shifting mindset from scarcity to abundance opens up growth.
Curiosity reduces self-doubt, fostering a more fulfilling experience.

Listeners are encouraged to redefine success, question limiting beliefs, and embrace curiosity-driven growth.

Resources

Website: paulboehnke.com
Book: thoughtsondemand.org
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@innercriticcoach

About the Guest

Paul Boehnke (Benkee) is a speaker, author, and certified life coach who helps solo-preneurs find alignment with their business, so they have greater impact, make more money, and have more fun. First as a classical musician and now a coach, Paul has lived the entrepreneurial life for over 30 years. During that journey, he’s discovered what really matters in business building and loves sharing that with others. In Paul’s book, “Thoughts On Demand: Turn Negative Self-Talk into Unstoppable Confidence,” he shares the process he uses to help clients transform that little voice in their heads from an adversary into an ally. When he’s not wrangling inner critics, others in his life know him as a decent cook, lover of British murder mysteries, and a mediocre swimmer.

Reach out if you have ideas or suggestions for future podcast guests!

Strategic Influence is the Power of Persuasion as a Leader

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader. Do you consider yourself a salesperson? I never used to either. I have been a lot of things…a COO, a leader, a manager, a marketer, an operator, a chief of staff, an entrepreneur, among many other roles…but I never considered myself a seller. That was until I realized that I was selling every day. I wasn’t selling products or tangible goods, but I was selling my ideas, my programs, my team members, my results – to my customers who were my bosses, my team members, my stakeholders, even my husband and my kids! We sell all the time and oftentimes don’t even realize it. And how do we sell? We sell using our strategic influence.

This ability to exert strategic influence is a crucial skill for leaders, organizations, and individuals striving to shape opinions, drive decisions, and inspire action. Strategic influence goes beyond mere persuasion—it is the art of subtly guiding thoughts and behaviors to achieve long-term goals while fostering trust and credibility.

Understanding Strategic Influence

Strategic influence is rooted in psychology, communication, and leadership. It involves crafting compelling narratives, leveraging social dynamics, and employing persuasion techniques to motivate desired outcomes. Unlike manipulation, which prioritizes self-interest at the expense of ethics, strategic influence is founded on authenticity, mutual benefit, and sustainable relationships.

A key component of strategic influence is credibility. Whether in business negotiations, politics, or personal interactions, individuals and organizations must establish trustworthiness to exert influence effectively. Credibility is built through expertise, consistency, and integrity, ensuring that messages resonate with stakeholders.

The Principles of Strategic Influence

Several principles underpin effective strategic influence:

Reciprocity: People tend to feel obligated to return favors. Thoughtful gestures, such as offering assistance or valuable insights, can foster goodwill and open the door to future influence.
Social Proof: Individuals often look to others when making decisions. By showcasing widespread support or endorsements, influencers can strengthen their message’s impact.
Authority: Demonstrating knowledge, experience, or leadership enhances credibility and reinforces the persuasive power of an argument.
Consistency: People prefer to align with their previous commitments. Encouraging small initial agreements can pave the way for larger commitments.
Emotional Appeal: Connecting with audiences on an emotional level makes messages more memorable and persuasive. Storytelling is an excellent tool for this purpose.
Scarcity: Creating urgency or highlighting exclusivity enhances the perceived value of opportunities, driving quicker decision-making.

Applying Strategic Influence

Leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers use strategic influence to inspire teams, negotiate deals, and shape corporate culture. Successful leaders recognize the importance of clear messaging, transparency, and adaptability in fostering innovation and driving change.

Individuals can harness strategic influence to enhance relationships, build networks, and advance careers. Whether persuading colleagues, negotiating salaries, or inspiring peers, understanding the principles of influence can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Ethical Consideration of Influence

While influence is a powerful tool, it must be wielded responsibly. Ethical influence prioritizes honesty, mutual respect, and societal well-being. Leaders and influencers must avoid coercion, misinformation, and exploitation, ensuring that their strategies contribute positively to communities and organizations.

Your Power of Persuasion

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader, and it is an essential skill for anyone seeking to effect meaningful change. By mastering persuasion techniques, fostering trust, and applying ethical principles, individuals and leaders can shape decisions, inspire action, and create lasting impact. In a rapidly evolving world, those who understand and harness strategic influence will find themselves at the forefront of leadership, innovation, and progress. Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaches can help you build your strategic influence skills.

Coaches Help Establish Your Personal Brand

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help establish your personal brand. When it comes to navigating your career, very little is more important for both you and your potential employers than clarity on your personal brand. And your brand is more important than ever in today’s digitally driven world.

Whether you’re a leader or a professional in a corporate environment, an entrepreneur growing a business, or someone seeking new opportunities, how well you know yourself and how you present yourself to the world can significantly impact your success. Your brand is your reputation, your values, and the unique qualities that set you apart from your competition. It’s the way people perceive you, and how you want to make others look and feel when they are around you. Managing this brand effectively can open doors, build trust, and establish long-lasting relationships. And this is where coaches can play a pivotal role in guiding individuals through the complexities of personal branding.

What Is Personal Branding?

Personal branding is the intentional process of defining and showcasing who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring. It goes beyond just having an attractive LinkedIn profile or a polished resume—it’s about crafting a consistent narrative that reflects your expertise, personality, and passions.

The benefits of a well-managed personal brand can:

Boost credibility and authority: When your brand aligns with your expertise and values, people begin to see you as a thought leader in your industry.
Expand opportunities: A strong brand attracts potential clients, employers, partnerships, and collaborations.
Create a lasting impression: In a competitive market, a compelling personal brand helps you stand out.
Enhance trust and relationships: People are more likely to engage with those who are authentic, reliable, and transparent in their personal branding.

Why Managing Your Brand Matters

While creating a personal brand is the first step, maintaining and evolving it is just as crucial. The way people perceive you can shift over time based on your actions, communication, and engagement. Mismanaging your brand—whether through inconsistencies, lack of visibility, or negative interactions—can hinder your growth and opportunities.

Common challenges in personal brand management include:

Inconsistency: If your online presence differs from your offline behavior, it creates confusion.
Lack of clarity: A vague or unfocused brand does not resonate with your target audience.
Poor online reputation: Negative interactions or outdated content can impact credibility.

How Coaches Can Help Strengthen Your Brand

A coach acts as a strategic partner in defining, refining, and amplifying your brand. They provide insights, accountability, and guidance tailored to your goals. Some key ways coaches help include:

Clarifying your vision and values: Coaches help you articulate your strengths, passions, and unique qualities that shape your personal brand.
Enhancing communication skills: A coach ensures that your messaging aligns with your brand, whether in networking, public speaking, or digital content.
Improving online & executive presence: They provide strategies to optimize professional profiles and support you in increasing your executive presence
Providing ongoing support: Coaches help adapt your brand as your career evolves, keeping it fresh and relevant.

Your Brand – Your Most Powerful Asset

Your personal brand is one of your most powerful assets. It influences opportunities, relationships, and career opportunities. By actively creating and managing it, you can establish a strong, authentic presence that reflects your expertise and values. With the guidance of a coach, you can ensure your brand remains authentic, impactful and relevant. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help establish your personal brand.

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