Welcome to Lisa's blog!

Read about how to really identify the value you provide to your clients and maximize it in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about how to objectively evaluate business opportunities, that may not be your first choice, when business is slow in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

I walk by the Rockefeller Center skating rink on my way to and from my office every day. Yesterday I realized that something “felt” different, and I realized that the ice was gone. It’s that time of the year when skating ends and outdoor eating and cocktails resumes.

This change happens every year in April and October, so intellectually it’s no surprise. It is a surprise, though, since I wasn’t consciously thinking about it. Although the restaurant area is being built out now, it was nice to imagine the upcoming buzz of people gathering outside at lunch and after work.

A small change in the environment can give us a slight change in perspective. If you don’t have one, create one.

I’ve had several conversations in the past few days that make me cautiously optimistic:

• An attorney in Phoenix is busy and billing. On top of that, his firm is collecting receivables.
• A mortgage broker in New York is seeing continuously increasing activity.
• An executive in a catering company reports that they have a lot more business in the pipeline.

Take a look around you and pay attention to what you see and hear. Hopefully your observations will support what I’m hearing.

An acquaintance is entering new territory. As CEO of a company that is being sold, he finds himself at what could be conflicting personal and professional crossroads. Although he’s a little foggy about the future, I was struck by how excited he is about exploring new opportunities.

He has been researching new businesses, where he can leverage what he did with his prior organization. He’s looked into auditing classes. He’s sort of thinking about taking a vacation, but doesn’t seem too excited about that.

The point is, he’s taking action. He’s not wallowing in the uncertainty of the transition.

If you feel like you’re wallowing right now, take some action. It will help you move forward.

Read about how to clarify your focus in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Charles, one of my long-time mentors, posed a great question: “What is it that you’re doing over two weeks that you can’t do tomorrow?”

I had to think about this for a minute before realizing that this is a wonderful way to approach situations that are important, but not urgent. We often neglect those activities (”I’m too busy; I’ll do it next week”), and suffer because next week becomes the following week, then the next, etc.

Even though something important may not be deadline driven, create a sense of urgency around it so that you don’t procrastinate indefinitely.

Read about how to use this time to position yourself for the other side of the recession in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

I met with a friend who is struggling about whether to stay with his firm or start looking for another job. His fear is that his company is going to go out of business (a very reasonable thing to be afraid of!). On the other hand, his industry is tight-knit, and he doesn’t feel comfortable about a discreet job search staying confidential.

The situation is more complex because he is a key rainmaker, and has contributed substantially to the growth of the firm. Although he has no ownership in the company, he has pride in what he has accomplished and is loyal to the owners.

Ultimately, he knows that he needs to do what’s best for the future of his family. No one can advise him what to do; he needs to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.

What I did recommend, however, was that he make a decision - and stop second-guessing himself. If you’re in a situation like this, make the decision, and periodically reevaluate. Obsessing over indecisiveness is what causes the pain.

I finished an executive coaching engagement with a client today. He is new in his position, and our work focused on the transition into his new leadership role, in particular his managerial effectiveness.

As we wrapped up today, I asked him if there was anything more he wanted to discuss. He responded that all he wanted was leadership support, open communication and feedback from his senior leaders.

Given the workload and demands placed on everyone today, we expect our new leaders to “get it quickly” and step into their roles with the managerial savvy that comes with seasoning. Experienced leaders sometimes need a not-so-gentle reminder of the importance of mentoring new leaders.