I was that person that was always stuck on "No," until my daughter challenged me to say, "Yes" to a great adventure.
It started in the spring of 2015. My daughter casually mentioned a conversation she had recently had with her Dad. She told me that he wanted to take her to Paris on one of their next scheduled trips (spoiler alert-we are divorced-not the most amicable-but have figured out how to do the dance for the sake of the kids).
Read MoreMy client was a junior associate at a big deal NYC law firm. She was working like a dog-60, 70, 80 plus hours a week. Sure, she was making good money, learning lots and surrounded by smart, challenging people, but she was miserable. No balance, no personal life, no light and not much of a sense that the relentless pace would ever end.
Then it happened-she got called into the hiring partners office. She had heard that they were planning to thin the ranks of a bloated associate class. Her reviews had been great -- stellar as a matter of fact. She went to a top-notch law firm (and undergraduate as well). She got along with everyone and often did pro-bono work for the managing partner of the firm (a big deal for a junior associate). So, she walked into the hiring partners office with a mix of trepidation and confidence. And then he spoke the words: “You are valued here. Thank you for your service to the firm and the clients BUT, your skills and assets will be better utilized at your next employer.”
Read MoreHere I was-excited to be invited to participate in a big time selective corporate outing event. With executives flying in from various offices all over the country, I was intent on seizing the opportunity to make a good impression. I was determined to make the most out of the experience. Almost immediately, we were taken out to the field behind the meeting center. There stood a whole series of obstacle courses, trampolines, climbing poles etc.
My first challenge was to climb an incredibly tall pole (think four-story telephone pole). At the top of this pole, I had to hoist myself onto a narrow metal platform (8 inch x 12 inch, just enough room for my two feet) and throw my arms high in the air. Yes, there was a safety harness to break my fall but there was nothing to hold onto at the top of that pole.
Read MoreValerie Hartman’s “Shift Into Fifth” Coaching Process
Though the content of each individual client’s coaching experience is 100% unique, every professional moves through the same proven formula designed to propel their careers forward in the fastest and most effective way possible. This formula consists of:
- Increasing awareness of your strengths and challenges.
- Connecting with your values, talents, and passions.
- Identifying obstacles that are preventing success, and shifting them into opportunities.
- Determining and prioritize both long- and short-term goals.
- Establishing an accelerated plan to accomplish your goals.
In this way, we’re able to elevate your game and boost your effectiveness, so you can achieve the fulfilling and sustainable success you want – as quickly as possible.
