How to avoid becoming obsolete.

By Darrel Hammon

Manufacturers plan for obsolescence, ensuring you will have to trade in your old computer, microwave, or iron for a new one, usually, just a few years after the warranty goes belly up or after you have paid for the third add-on warranty you purchased to keep the first warranty fresh. Unfortunately, human beings do not have the ability for an extended warranty unless you create your own warranty by improving yourself and your situation.

We can become obsolete in a variety of areas. Our career or personal obsolescence usually comes because we talk ourselves into it. While there may be many more ways, here are a mere six to avoid that will push you there of your own volition and choice.

1. The system won’t let us do this (it’s above my pay grade). The ubiquitous “system” tends to lull us into lethargy, thinking that nothing can be done because what you are asking is way above your pay grade. Often, we hide behind the system because we do not want to do anything about it. Many systems, particularly software systems, have a zillion capabilities, and we only know how to do 10 percent—if that much—not wanting to invest in learning anything more. It could be more strenuous than we have the courage for. If we do not take chances and stretch a wee bit, then we will never grow, and the system will run us.

2. We have done that before, and it didn’t work. Thinking this way will never let new and innovative ideas emerge. What if Thomas Edison had said that? No electricity. What about Gates and Jobs—any of those tech visionaries who invented something. No fast and efficient computers. Sometimes, we must keep on trying or trying a different way to make something happen. Persistence is just part of the equation for success, and it keeps us out of the obsolescence mode.

3. Nobody has ever done that. Perhaps not, but that does not necessarily mean it cannot be done. Entrepreneurs are constantly asking the question, “What hasn’t been done before?” Or “What is needed and is currently not on the market?” and then going out and making it happen.

4. Why do I have to do that? Can’t someone else do it? Asking, “Why do I have to do that?” is merely an avoidance issue because you really don’t want to do whatever is asked of you. While some may call it laziness, it may hinge on you not really knowing how to do that particular task. Instead, you feel if you ask for help, you may expose what you do not know to others. Whether it is avoidance, laziness, excuses, or some other reason, it will usually relegate you to obsolescence because it shows you don’t want to grow and develop. Asking questions is good if we strive to seek out the answers that will help us improve.

5. This company has been around a very long time so I’m pretty safe; besides, I don’t do change. Tell that to the whaling industry when the lightbulb came into being or, more recently, tell that to Blockbuster when Netflix showed up or Myspace when Facebook emerged or dozens of other companies. What is artificial intelligence (AI) going to do to our world, our life? Change will definitely happen, and it is no respecter of persons or companies. We are vulnerable unless we brush off the cobwebs and learn how to do business in an ever-changing ecosystem. Plus, becoming so comfortable with what we are doing may turn into complacency and obsolescence. An adage says, “If you are not progressing, you are retrogressing.” One of your best choices is to learn new skills along the way and make yourself useful and then keep improving.

6. Why should I even try? Asking this question illustrates two possibilities: 1) You are at your wit’s end and really do not want to try again; or 2) You just say that because you are not willing to put forth the effort. Perhaps you have experienced some negativity, or you really tried and were put down until you do not even want to try and get up. If you are in that situation, it may be better for you to get out and do something else. Before you go, however, be sure to upgrade your skills and be ready for your next adventure if you are working for someone else.

Becoming obsolete in your career—or in your personal life—can only cause pain and harm; however, learning how to be creative and inventive will propel you along the ever-changing path that will keep your head above the froth of life.

Obsolescence does not become you.

Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/).

John Emenecker, Appleton, Wisconsin

The Social Confidence Coach

Hi, I’m John. I always felt anxious in my personal life and at work. Dale Carnegie, an anxiety group, and additional research taught me techniques to lower my anxiety in social situations. I learned to change the way I think. I rewired my brain. When I first heard this, I didn’t think it was possible—but it is possible to change your neural network. It took evaluating many social situations, applying these skills consistently in more challenging social situations, and using calming and relaxation techniques to see a change. My desire is to coach what I have learned in Transformation Academy’s life and confidence coach certifications, and techniques I have learned throughout my life. I would like to see others’ lives transformed because it is amazing to freely express yourself without the constant fear of being judged.

What is your niche (coaching focus) and how did you choose it?

I soon will be a social confidence coach, helping those who are socially anxious, shy or struggle socializing to become socially confident. I chose this niche because I have had social anxiety and have been shy for most of my life. I have gone through this transformation, and being able to freely express yourself without the constant fear of being judged is amazing. I would like to help those like me become socially confident in their personal and professional lives.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is any adult who struggles socializing, either because they are socially anxious, shy, or want to improve their social skills.

What inspired you to become a life coach?

I have been through this transformation, and I would like to see others who are socially anxious or shy be able to express themselves to family, friends, coworkers and strangers because it is amazing. My parents noticed I was alone most of the time in school. I almost ended up in the yearbook as the shyest senior. I attended Dale Carnegie. I read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. I was in debate and forensics in high school. I wasn’t the best, but I am more comfortable giving a presentation than I am one-on-one or in small groups. I was socially anxious in college and at work. I attended a social anxiety group. Unfortunately, I didn’t complete it because I was socially anxious. It wasn’t until I completed an anxiety group, learned guided mediation, assertiveness and cognitive behavioral therapy, and then applied what I learned consistently over six months that I started to notice a change. A therapist said I needed to retrain my brain. I didn’t think it was possible—but it is. My neural synapses changed, and I now feel less anxious socializing. As I mentioned, I would like to see those who are socially anxious or shy feel what it is like to comfortably and freely express themselves because it is amazing talking to family, friends, coworkers and strangers without that fear of being judged.

How long have you been coaching?

I haven’t started coaching yet, but I will soon. Hopefully, before this issue goes to press. I have been in idea paralysis mode trying to think through how I can help my future clients in their transformation journey.

How did you get your first client?

I haven’t officially helped a client. However, I have helped members in social anxiety and shy Facebook Groups.

How has your coaching journey changed your life?

I feel it will change my life because it is a career, and I will help my clients on their journey. I have been in corporate communications, training, and IT in the past. I didn’t really feel fulfilled. I started looking for a career in a helping field. I believe coaching will fill my desire to impact lives in a meaningful way.

What is the most challenging part of being a life coach?

I believe the most challenging part of starting as a life coach is designing a coaching program that will transform lives. I have taken Transformation Academy certifications and spent a considerable amount of time deciding what to include in my program.

What is the most fulfilling part of being a life coach?

I believe the most fulfilling part of being a coach will be making a difference in my clients’ lives. My favorite quote is “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” [Mahatma Gandhi]This is the change I would like to be. I would like to see my clients become socially confident.

What has been your most inspirational coaching moment, with a client?

My inspiring moment so far has been helping someone on Facebook who is shy and socially anxious. I have been supporting him on his journey. I see he continues to have self-doubt, fear, rejection, and is shy. However, he is making progress!

What is your favorite coaching activity or exercise to do with clients?

My favorite coaching activity for helping people become socially confident is roleplaying and giving them a chance to practice these skills online and in real life. Reframing your thoughts so they are positive and putting yourself into increasingly challenging social situations are the core elements to becoming socially confident.

What has been the most effective strategy for finding clients and/or growing your business?

I am not sure yet what the most effective strategy will be to find clients. I am working with a business coach and trying to DM potential clients. I am not really convinced that this is the best strategy. I think helping others in Facebook Groups and, if they have found my posts helpful, asking them if I can send them a friend request and DM may be the best strategy. I might try Facebook advertising.

What advice would you give YOURSELF back when you first dreamed of becoming a coach?

The advice I give myself as a coach starting out is to just do it. I have been thinking about this for quite some time. I am confident what I will teach and coach will work. If I have a program in place, I can I ask for feedback and continually improve it.

What is the impact you want to make in this world?

The impact I would like to make in this world is to coach on topics that I have personally experienced transition through addressing, like social anxiety or shyness, or those areas where I am currently experiencing ongoing transformation, like living a healthy lifestyle. I am a cancer survivor and someone recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I would like to support others on their transformational journeys.

Seven reasons why coaching is essential for leaders.

By Marla J. Albertie

In today’s dynamic and unpredictable business landscape, effective leadership has become more crucial than ever. Organizations need leaders who can navigate complexities, inspire teams, and drive sustainable results. However, leadership skills are not innate; they require continuous development and refinement. This is where coaching plays a pivotal role: It is essential for leaders to unlock their full potential. Here’s why:

1. Self-awareness and Personal Growth:

Leadership coaching fosters self-awareness, a fundamental pillar of effective leadership and the first factor for emotional intelligence. Through reflective conversations, assessments and feedback, coaches help leaders gain insights into their strengths, blind spots, and areas for growth. This self-awareness allows leaders to leverage their strengths and address limitations, leading to personal and professional growth.

2. Enhancing Leadership Skills:

Coaching focuses on developing specific leadership competencies tailored to the individual leader’s needs and style. Coaches work closely with leaders to enhance communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, strategic thinking, and other critical skills. By honing these skills, leaders become more adaptable, agile and capable of driving positive change within their organizations and teams.

3. Building High-Performing Teams:

Leadership is not only about individual capabilities, but also about building and leading high-performing teams. Coaches help leaders develop strategies to foster collaboration, empower team members and create a culture of trust, accountability and—most importantly—psychological safety. By understanding team dynamics and leveraging effective leadership techniques, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve exceptional results.

4. Managing Change and Uncertainty:

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, change and uncertainty are constant and needed. Leaders must navigate these challenges with resilience and agility. Coaching equips leaders with the tools and mindset necessary to adapt and thrive amidst change. Coaches provide support, guidance and strategies to help leaders manage transitions, make informed decisions, and inspire confidence in their teams.

5. Conflict Resolution and Influencing Skills:

Leaders often face complex interpersonal dynamics and challenging situations that require effective conflict resolution and influencing skills. Through coaching, leaders can develop their ability to navigate conflicts, engage in difficult conversations and influence stakeholders effectively. These skills enable leaders to build constructive relationships, resolve conflicts and drive alignment toward shared goals.

6. Accountability and Goal Achievement:

Coaching provides leaders with a framework for setting meaningful goals and holding themselves accountable. Coaches help leaders define clear objectives, establish action plans, and monitor progress. This accountability ensures that leaders stay focused, motivated and committed to achieving their goals, resulting in higher performance and greater success.

7. Work-Life Integration/Harmony and Well-being:

Leadership roles often come with significant demands and stress. Coaching helps leaders achieve work-life integration/harmony and prioritize their well-being. Coaches assist leaders in developing strategies to manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain healthy work-life balance. This holistic approach ensures that leaders can sustain their effectiveness and make sound decisions in all aspects of their lives.

Leadership coaching is a transformative process that empowers leaders to reach their full potential. By fostering self-awareness, developing essential skills and providing support, as a coach, you can equips leaders with the tools needed to navigate challenges, inspire teams and drive organizational success.

Marla J. Albertie is the founder Truth Speaks Group, LLC, a multi-media coaching company dedicated to creating solutions for integrating work and life to create harmony. Marla loves to read, is a concert and comedy show junkie and a cruiser for life. Follow Marla on Twitter @tspeakscoaching and IG @Tspeaksgroup. Sign up for the Truth Speaks Group LLC Newsletter at https://www.truthspeakscoaching.com/.

A process for making good decision in the workplace and life.

By Darrel L. Hammon

Over the years in my leadership positions, I have made numerous decisions, some disastrous and some genius, many more somewhere between the two. I have enjoyed making decisions. The better ones have always been more effective if I follow a process.

The following 10 decision-making principles constitute a process that has helped me make good decisions in the workplace and my life, and I believe they can help you and your coaching clients:

1. Realize you are the decision maker.

Ah, therein lies one of the biggest scopes of a leader. You have to make decisions. You cannot avoid them. Not making a decision is a decision, albeit sometimes not necessarily a good one. Some decisions will be easy, some will be hard, some will create challenges for others, some may even offend others, some will be genius, some will be dumb, and some will show you are the greatest leader of all times. But mostly decisions will propel you and/or your organization along the path of success. 

2. Understand both sides of the decision.

Perhaps, we should say that you must understand all sides of the decision. Initially, you may think that a “yes” or a “no” decision is in order. In reality, there are other sides of the decision: “Maybe not right now.” “Let’s involve others in the decision-making process.” “Are there aspects we are not seeing?” And many others. 

3. Do your homework.

Decision-making constitutes doing your homework, whether it is visiting with others, reviewing the data, digging through the research, contemplating outcomes and workload, debating pros and cons, or acknowledging and ultimately accepting consequences. While doing your homework, you should also realize that your decision must be timely. 

5. Involve others in the decision-making process.

You may have to make the final decision, but you should involve the people you have hired in helping you make the decision. If you have hired correctly, they are smart people, more than capable of reviewing with you any challenges that might come because of the decision. They probably can see angles you may not have foreseen. Trust them. Include them. Involving good heads, strong hearts, and good visionaries and pragmatists will always make you a better leader. 

5. Make the decision.

Ironically, you have to make the decision. Of course, you will make the decision after you have done your homework, listened to others, and understand the potential consequences. But ultimately, the decision is yours. I know a few so-called leaders who think about it and think about and put off making the decision to the extreme. So, when the decision is finally made, people whose lives and jobs depend on the situation and have done everything in their power to help their leader with the decision have basically downgraded their opinion(s) of the leader. Leaders make decisions. Better stated: Leaders make timely, informed decisions.  

6. Understand the consequence(s) of your decision.

Fortunately—or unfortunately—there will be consequences to your decision. Many “ouches” will come your way, like ripping off a band aid. It may hurt for a moment or two—maybe even a year or two or even longer—but if you have done your homework, involved others, and made a good decision, then you can and should accept the outcome. 

7. Take ownership of the decision.

There will be decisions that will not be good ones. It is inevitable. Instead of blaming others, take full ownership of it. You are/were/will be the ultimate decision maker. If the decision is not a good one, go to the evaluation/assessment component of the process. There may have been an angle you or your team overlooked. Or there may have been an unintended consequence. Do not be afraid to be accountable for the decision. Be sure, though, to give out the appropriate accolades because of a good decision. It will make you a better and a more effective leader. 

8. Assess the decision.

Yes, you have to determine whether your decision is a good one. When you brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush, you know that’s a good decision, especially when you go to your six-month checkup, and the dental hygienist tells you your gums are looking good. Assessment should always be a part of the decision-making process. If changes need to occur, then make them, following a similar process you followed with some variation to make the right decision. 

9. Follow up.

Once the decision has been made and you have completed the assessment, continue to follow up to make sure the decision is still a good one and on track toward success. Sometimes, you will have to review and perhaps reevaluate the decision. There is no shame in saying, “Well, that wasn’t the best decision we have ever made. Let’s take another look and try again.” 

10. Do not beat yourself up for the bad decisions.

Guess what, bad decisions creep into the leadership equation. Unfortunately, you cannot make good decisions 100 percent of the time. You can make a zillion good decisions, but often there will be that one decision that may haunt you for the rest of your life. You cannot, however, continue to focus on that bad decision. Why? Because it will be so close in your line of vision that it will obstruct the bigger picture, the vision of what you need to do. The most amazing thing that can happen from making a bad decision is how you turn a bad decision into a good one and move forward. Or maybe even be willing to discard the decision completely. Sometimes, you just have to shake your head a few times and move on. 

Decision-making is one of the most challenging aspects of being a leader. It can create heartache and heartburn while simultaneously euphoria and self-satisfaction. The key to good, effective decision-making is this: You have to make them. Just make sure you have done everything you can to make a good decision and then be willing to accept whatever consequence that follows, good or bad. 

Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/). You can listen to a poem titled “Sprucing Up” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihTmuOUIAEI.

Having a Unique Value Proposition differentiates your business and lets clients know exactly what you can deliver.

By Christine Morse

Learning to clearly articulate how you will help coaching clients is not as easy as it may seem. Discovering your unique value proposition (UVP) will help you quickly communicate your value and share it through your website.   

A UVP is a promise of value to be delivered. It is the primary reason a prospect should buy from you. 

A UVP is a clear statement that:

• explains how your service and/or product solves customers’ problems or improves their situation (relevancy),
• delivers specific benefits (quantified value), and
• tells the ideal customer why they should buy from you and not from the competition (unique differentiation).

There is no one right way to go about it, but I suggest you start with the following formula:

Headline: What is the bottom-line benefit you’re offering? One short sentence that can mention the service, product and/or the customer. It’s an attention grabber. 

Sub-headline or a two- to three-sentence paragraph: A specific explanation of what you do/offer, for whom, and why is it useful. 

Three bullet points: List the key benefits or features. 

Visual: Images communicate much faster than words. Show the product, the hero shot or an image reinforcing your main message.

Evaluate your UVP by checking whether it answers the questions below:

• What product or service is your company selling? 
• What is the end-benefit of using it? 
• Who is your target customer for this product or service? Someone who needs what? 
• What makes your offering unique and different?

Use the headline-paragraph-bullets-visual formula to structure the answers.

Don’t just rely on a video to do the job. Your UVP has to be in words people can read. Video should provide extra supplemental information. 

Here’s a bad example: “We’ll supercharge your website.” Nobody will understand what that means.

Here’s the way to state it as in the UVP format: “We can guarantee your website will load images and content at a 95 percent faster rate.”

A strong UVP can help your clients connect with your brand and offerings. Take the time to craft the message, and the long-term benefits will follow.

Christine Morse has over 20 years of experience in marketing, team leadership, client relations and sales with companies such as Herman Miller, Amway International, Spectrum Health, Avid Marketing, Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, and several disability network nonprofits. She formed Avid Alliance in 2009, which is focused on helping people to understand how beneficial it is to use free and low-cost tools for excellent branding and business expansion. Christine excels at providing strategic counsel and is a business growth implementer with a focus on marketing and sales. She has helped thousands of people to learn about identifying their ideal client and competitors, realizing their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tactics will work best for quick business growth. She also donates her time and energy towards many nonprofit organizations which contribute to the sustainability of this community. Visit her website at https://avidmarketingalliance.com.