CPABC Industry Update Summer 2016 | Page 20

How Coaching others ... ( cont ’ d )
Take the time to acknowledge wins – keep your team happy . Being a good leader isn ’ t just about celebrating your own successes , it ’ s about recognizing the efforts and hard work of your team . Making them feel good about their work and giving them the recognition they desire will keep your team happy , and a happy team is a team that thrives .
Leadership isn ’ t just about helping you to rise to the top : it ’ s about guiding others towards success as well , and a leader who guides wholeheartedly , is a leader who wins .
Lisa Martin has made it her mission to help companies keep and cultivate leaders . She ’ s the creator of the Lead + Live Better leadership programs , author of five books , including the bestselling Briefcase Moms , and is a seasoned speaker , facilitator , and executive coach .

Five Steps to Shift From Stale to Strategic Leadership

The following five steps and coaching questions can help you become a more strategic leader .

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Pinpoint Priorities Ensure that you have a solid understanding of the overall goals and objectives of your organization , and evaluate the ways in which you can help to achieve those goals . Examine the processes that are in place , and brainstorm ways in which those goals can be achieved in new , more efficient ways .
Ask yourself : Which tasks should be highest priority based on current organizational goals ?
Recognize Opportunities for Change Pay attention to patterns and recognize opportunities for change in the workplace . Instead of reacting to issues , recognize patterns and be proactive about discovering new ways to address old issues . Anticipate more , and react less .
Ask yourself : What steps can I take to ensure that these challenges don ’ t arise again ?
Develop New Solutions Keep on top of challenges faced by your organization and research new ways to resolve those problems . Talk to peers , keep on top of

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industry news , and take note of challenges that have been faced by your organization . Brainstorm and research solutions to those problems and present your proposed solutions to your team .
Ask yourself : What is one challenge that we face , and how can I help to resolve it ?
Lead the Conversation Use conversation as a conduit for change . Ask questions , converse with your fellow executives and keep the lines of communication open . Don ’ t just listen in on high-level meetings , participate in the conversation .
Ask yourself : What is one question that I can ask in an upcoming executive meeting ?
Be a Business Partner Don ’ t just be an expert in your field , make sure you have a clear understanding of the business , the objectives , the risks , the capabilities , and the opportunities . Earn credibility by walking the walk and talking the talk .
Ask yourself : who can I talk to that will give me more insight into the business ?
page 20 | INDUSTRY UPDATE