Darcy Luoma Coaching and Consulting

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Assess Your Trail and Act Accordingly

My friend, Randi, decided she wanted to give cross-country skiing a try and asked if I’d take her and her daughter. I’ve loved cross country skiing since I was in 7th grade in Minnesota, and the trails are fantastic this winter—so I was happy she asked.

In case you’ve never been cross country skiing, let me fill you in on one important thing to know when you’re out on the trails. Along the way, you’ll see trail markers in different colors: green means it’s easier, blue indicates more difficult, and black is most difficult.

At the first intersection, Randi noticed the sign with two choices: left for easy (green) and right for challenging (black). She asked, “Why would anyone choose the black trail? Isn’t cross country skiing supposed to be relaxing and fun?”

[Read more…]

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Three Steps to Help You Overcome Any People Problem

 

Last week we discussed the Thoughtfully Fit core, which is the source of your power. It’s all about control and choice. Whatever obstacles come your way, engaging your core – focusing on what you control and what choices you have – can help you respond in an intentional and thoughtful way. 

This week we are going to explore the three steps necessary to engage your core: Pause. Think. Act. These steps are especially helpful when you are experiencing people problems. You know, when you are frustrated with a coworker, or maybe you’re not communicating well with your team and conflict is increasing. Those problems that get in the way of you doing your job and focusing on what you do best.  

Let’s take a look at each step.

[Read more…]

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What are you not talking about?

During a recent coaching session, my client Gina wanted to discuss an issue she was having with two of her sales managers, Jack and Diane. Let me just give you the headlines. (Names and specific details have been changed to protect confidentiality!)

Gina asked Jack and Diane to talk to their employees about how to meet with new clients in the third quarter (since meeting in person has become much more difficult) and then work together to prepare a report outlining potential strategies and their recommendations. (From Gina: I told them to get me their findings in two weeks. This shouldn’t have been difficult.)

In their next check-in meeting with Gina, where they should’ve given a quick update on their progress, Jack and Diane were arguing about how to tackle the project, and they made the case for why they should individually work on it. (She couldn’t believe they wasted a week doing nothing!)

[Read more…]

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Stop Asking the Wrong Questions

We have encouraged you to bring your inner coach to work. Wondering what that means? Worried that you need to be ready to teach everybody how to do their jobs and call all the plays? Not sure how to do that given all the additional challenges in the world right now?

Good news, coaching is all about getting other people to help you do the work. With my clients, I don’t need to figure out exactly what they need to do. My job is to help them figure out what they want or need to do next.

And if you are coaching at work, you get everyone else to problem-solve and innovate.

How does this happen? By getting curious and asking lots of questions.

[Read more…]

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Coaching lessons for life

by DLCC Coach Ndidi Yaucher

My family is excited about the spring season. Not only do we get longer days, warmer weather, and fresher air, but at our house, we also get the beginning of spring sports. My kids are athletes, and they love to spend their time outdoors training and preparing for their seasons in dance, soccer, track and field, and baseball.

A lot of the things our kids have learned in athletics are important life lessons. And they are not just for kids! I use these in life and business as well. Here are a few lessons we’ve all taken to heart: [Read more…]

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