I'm celebrating my client, Tim, and his team this week. As essential workers, unrelenting demands, coupled with COVID-19, had brought stress to new levels. As energy depleted, poor habits crept into the daily operations. Fatigue led to reactionary management. This high performing team was struggling to tread water.

Six weeks ago, Tim brought the team together for a half-day meeting, which I facilitated. We created space for everyone to take a breath and reconnect to their shared values. Through a series of activities, the team identified the most important near-term priorities. At the top of the list was being more prepared on the job. 

The team returned to work the following Monday and started operating differently. They didn't wait for someone else to make a plan and tell them what to do. Instead, everyone started taking the individualized actions they'd identified. These built upon one another to create a new way of thinking and operating that immediately paid off. 

​There was new vitality in Tim's expression as he told me that with each passing week, things were getting more manageable. The preparation from the prior week carried over, making the next step possible. Tim and his team had made the shift from the vicious cycle to the virtuous cycle.

In coaching relationships, implementation lies squarely with the client. My role is to make things visible, to motivate change, and to cheer from the sidelines. Tim and his team live the victory of their change everyday, and I am proud to witness and celebrate with them.

​This week my Dad is in town to help me with my basement remodel. This is the perfect spot for a before picture, which I don't have. The game plan is to modernize by refacing the brick fireplace, replacing the carpet with vinyl plank in a natural wood finish, and update the ensuite bathroom. We finished the fireplace in September, and this week's project is the bath.

Making this investment in our home required serious consideration for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest is that no one in our family spends much time in this part of our house. Additionally, it is passable and functional in its original state. The reasons for this remodel are equally straightforward:

1. This walkout basement should match the modern feel of the main floor.
2. It would be a potential detractor for future buyers.
3. With my Dad's skills, we can do the work ourselves, saving a lot of money.  

But in the end, the decision came down to the upswing in property values in our neighborhood. Watching the movement of homes, we saw premium sale prices and quick offers on updated homes. 

​And this brings me to the reason I'm telling you about my home remodel in my business blog. Just like an investment in your homes is required to maintain and grow its value, the same is true for your business. The difference in your business assets is that the essential ones are not physical. Nonetheless, some TLC delivers a positive ROI. 

Which elements of your business have you considered refreshing or upgrading? 

Possibly, your website, logo, or brand elements are dated. Maybe you are relying on old customer research or sales materials. Perhaps your software is antiquated, or new automation exists that you haven't adopted. 

November and December are typically slow in my business, making it the perfect time for these projects. As you look toward the start of the new year, I encourage you to identify your quiet time and the "remodel" investment your business needs. Not only will you create a positive boost to your customer's experience, but you will experience the pleasure that accompanies the new and fresh. 

​And, if you need some guidance, hit me up for referrals to some of my favorite experts in everything from branding to automation. Have a great week; I know I will!

​When State Representative Tina Bojanowski ran for office two years ago,  I was enthusiastic about a working citizen who was passionate about changing government and willing to work in Frankfort to make it happen. My simple offer to help became a nine-month coaching engagement, marked by mutual exchange of knowledge. I've walked alongside Tina since, and it has restored my faith in our founding fathers' ideals of democracy.

One of the first things that stand out about Representative Bojanowski is her character. As a Special Education teacher, she understands the importance of being a positive role model. Our public schools emphasize being a good citizen, treating others respectfully, and letting kindness and caring guide actions.  Tina's commitment to these doesn't stop in the classroom. 

Another distinguishing mark for Representative Bojanowski is that she won her seat running a positive campaign. She focused on talking to people across her District. She shared her ideas about how to take action in Frankfort to meet the needs of her constituents. In short, Tina showed her commitment to working for the people over party politics. And she won her seat without using attack ads against her opponent.

This election year, State Representative Bojanowski faced a new challenger. He is a lawyer with deep pockets trying to buy his way into Frankfort to protect his wealthy friends' interests. In other words, he's an old school politician. He is a bully, quick to make false attacks against Tina instead of talking about issues. When he was challenged recently by a citizen about the falseness of an ad he ran about Tina, he replied that his party ran the ad, and he didn't have any control over it. Tina's opponent is completely underestimating the voters.

Meanwhile, Tina continues to be Tina. She talks to the citizens in her District, works across government on their behalf, and keep them informed. She trusts the voters to see her hard work, hear her message, and connect with her authentic desire to solve real problems and help the people of Kentucky. And this is why I continue to be a supporter and fan.

Imagine a world where politicians hold themselves to the same standards of conduct expected in schools and businesses across our nation. Imagine politicians who care about getting things done to make the lives of citizens better instead of using their power to block important actions because they "don't want the other party to have a win." Imagine a government more invested in the people they are elected to serve than their party or major campaign donors. 

I believe that it is possible to reclaim our government. I see many newcomers to public office who share Tina's values. We have the power to end partisan politics that hold our nation hostage. That power is our vote, and today is the last day to cast your ballot in this critical election year. Please vote, and be sure to encourage everyone around you to do so as well.