Horizon Point Consulting

Author: Taylor Simmons

  • Authenticity, Gratitude and Leadership

    Authenticity, Gratitude and Leadership

    As I facilitated coaching sessions with several individuals the past couple of weeks, one question I asked each person was their opinion of what makes a great leader. The answers varied. However, I noticed one theme – leaders should “lead by example.”

    We have been talking about “authenticity” on the blog. With that in mind and reflecting on the sessions I mentioned, what is the connection between authenticity and being a great leader?

    In my previous blog, I focused on gratitude in relation to authenticity. So, what does that look like for leaders? These things come to mind:

    • Leaders lead by example – They never ask the team to do something they wouldn’t do themselves.
    • Leaders show gratitude by thanking their team. (Remember “praise in public, correct in private”).
    • Leaders know their team. (What are their likes and dislikes? When is their birthday?)

    So how can leaders display gratitude? Here are a few ideas:

    • Pitch in! Following the “lead by example” idea, when your team is working on a project, offer your help.
    • Recognize them for their accomplishments. The key here is to find out what they enjoy and make the reward customized. If your budget doesn’t allow for an actual “reward” (gift card, etc.), recognize them in a company email or begin a “employee of the month (or week)” program.
    • Find out each team members’ birthday and celebrate! If you have a large group, do a monthly birthday celebration with a cake.

    Find out more about authenticity by checking out related articles on The Point Blog.

  • Take time for the little things…

    Take time for the little things…

    As we continue to focus on authenticity and specifically “gratitude” in relation to living authentically, I thinks this quote says it all.

    What are you grateful for?

    Want to know how gratitude can change your life? Here is a great post for you to check out.

    Here are more posts on living in gratitude, part of our Year of Authenticity series, you may enjoy:

    Living in Gratitude

    Living Life Gratefully is Living Life Authentically

    2018 Is the Year of Authenticity

  • Living in Gratitude

    Living in Gratitude

    Continuing with our Year of Authenticity theme, today I’m thinking about and working towards the idea of living in gratitude.

    Living in Gratitude –  For out of a place of gratitude comes the ability to see all things for what they are.

    If you missed the blog post regarding our theme, check it out here: 2018 Is the Year of Authenticity.

    Our lives are busy. One way to work towards living authentically is to be grateful for what we have, including a busy schedule. After a weekend out of town, I worked on my fourth load of laundry. Although I wanted to grumble about everything I needed to do to catch up, I reminded myself to be grateful for clothes to wash, healthy children to clothe and for a washing machine.

    How else can we live in gratitude? Here are a few ideas:

    1. Start each day with a mental list of what you can be grateful for. (For me personally, this is prayer time.)
    2. Take time to say, “thank you”. Whether it is to text a sweet aunt for your birthday card or to simply thank a stranger for letting you go ahead of them in the grocery line, take time to show that you appreciate the thoughtfulness of others.
    3. Give. This year, one of my “people first” goals is to work towards doing at least one small act of kindness each week. It doesn’t have to cost a thing. A quick text or call to encourage someone else who may be having a tough week is a great way to live in gratitude.

    One of my favorite authors, Richard Paul Evans, has “GratiTuesday” each week on his Facebook page. What a great way to find out what others are grateful for! Check it his page here: https://www.facebook.com/RPEfans/.

  • Networking During the Holiday Season

    Networking During the Holiday Season

    For job seekers, the holidays can put a hold on the job search. So, what should you do while everyone is enjoying time off from work? Since more than 50% of jobs are filled through networking, use this down time to network, network, network!

    Networking can be intimidating. The best way to overcome the fear is to develop an elevator speech, practice, and network every chance you get.

    The University of Denver offers these guidelines for developing an elevator speech:

    • Keep your commercial simple and brief, and always include who you are, what you want to do and why it matters (or what the employer/client will get out of it).
    • Use a story or example to demonstrate your best qualities.
    • Use strong, action-packed words and speak in a confident, personable tone.
    • Be relevant. List the accomplishments (paid, unpaid, work, education or life experiences) that are relevant and compelling to your audience.
    • If job searching, be clear about the job title, function and industry you are interested in.
    • Practice your commercial, but don’t memorize; you want to sound natural!
    • Make a connection between yourself and your new acquaintance. End with a question to draw the contact into the conversation.

    Source: https://www.du.edu/career/networkingandevents/networkingtips/elevator.html

    Here is a list of networking opportunities to get you started (note the opportunistic ones!):

    • Personal Relationships (family, close friends, social groups)
    • Professional Relationships (colleagues, professional associations)
    • Associations (alumni, community, licensing, etc.)
    • Opportunistic (a woman you meet on the bus, a man next to you at the gym, online networks, etc.)
  • What Does a Candidates’ “Interview Experience” Say About Your Organization?

    What Does a Candidates’ “Interview Experience” Say About Your Organization?

    Interviews are tough – both for the interviewer and the interviewee. I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating both in-person and phone interviews and frequently coach clients to prepare them for interviews.

    Thinking back to my personal experiences in interviewing for jobs, two in particular stand out. One was with a large organization that was quite intimidating. In the waiting room, I sat along with several other candidates interviewing for the same position. When called into the conference room, I sat on one side of the table while 5 individuals in suits sat on the other. I was in my early twenties and recall how overwhelmed I felt fielding questions from all directions.

    Thinking ahead a few years, I recall interviewing with one person, the person who would become my boss and mentor. He made me feel at home. He noted my achievements and qualifications and quickly made me feel like a could easily become a beneficial team member for the organization. I listened more than I talked. It was a great interview experience. And, I received an information packet about the organization before I left the interview.

    By the way, I got both of those jobs and learned so much from each. I will say the interview experience was closely connected with my mindset going into each job and leaving each job.

    So, what does your interview experience say about your organization. Here are three questions to think about:

    1. Is your organization welcoming? (offer a drink; in team interviews, allow for a circle setting as opposed to the first example I provided)

    2. Do you allow the individual the opportunity to listen and ask questions? (share the company mission and why you love to work there; allow for back and forth dialogue)

    3. Do you provide the candidate with a takeaway? (company brochure, pen, etc.)

    Regardless of whether or not you hire the candidate, you certainly want them to be able to say, “that’s a great company, even if I didn’t get the job. I want to do business there and will share my experience with family and friends.”