Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into actionable strategies to help you hit the ground running in the new year at work. Forget endless reflection; this is all about practical steps to set yourself up for success. From organizing your workload to building better habits, we’ve got you covered with tips to make this year your most productive yet.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Set Clear Goals for Q1

• Break the year into quarters to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Focus on 2-3 key objectives for the first quarter.
• Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

2. Prioritize Communication

• Schedule a meeting with your team or manager to align on priorities.
• Set clear expectations for projects and deadlines.
• Reconnect with colleagues to strengthen workplace relationships.

3. Build a Sustainable Routine

• Develop morning and evening rituals to bookend your workday.
• Plan your week in advance, ideally on Sunday or Monday morning.
• Avoid burnout by setting boundaries for work hours.

4. Focus on Professional Development

• Identify one skill you want to improve this year.
• Sign up for relevant courses, workshops, or webinars.
• Seek feedback from peers or mentors to guide your growth.

5. Be Flexible and Open to Change

• Anticipate challenges and adapt your plans as needed.
• Maintain a positive mindset to overcome setbacks.
• Embrace new opportunities that align with your goals.

6. Networking and Informal Communication

• Get involved in volunteer opportunities within your organization.
• Don’t be afraid to ‘sow those seeds’ in new areas.
• Meet and chat with people outside your circle when opportunities arise.

Pro Tips:

• Stay flexible : Don’t be afraid to reassess and readjust as the year goes on
• Be Honest with Yourself : What is it that you really want to do. And how can you make it happen. If not now, how will you know when it’s the right time for you?
  
  

Call to Action: What are your goals for starting the new year strong at work? Share your strategies and experiences with us on social media using #WorkYearKickstart. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tune in next week for more actionable insights!

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Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, the Coaching Divas reflect on the highs and lessons of 2024 while setting the stage for an exciting 2025. Join us as we celebrate achievements, acknowledge growth, and share our vision for the upcoming year. From personal stories to professional insights, this episode is a perfect blend of reflection and motivation to close the year strong and step into 2025 with purpose.

Key Highlights:

• Reflections on 2024:
  • Celebrating the milestones we achieved as a team and in our individual experiences.
  • Acknowledging the challenges and the lessons learned.
  • Gratitude for our listeners and their role in shaping the Coaching Divas community.
• Aspirations for 2025:
  • Exciting new experiences,
  • How we’re planning to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the coaching
  • Personal goals we’re setting to stay aligned with our values and mission.
• Listener Love:
  • A special shoutout to our audience for their support and engagement.

Coaching Tip of the Episode:
“Reflection fuels clarity, and clarity ignites action. Take time to look back on your year, celebrate the wins, and embrace the lessons. Use this insight to create a roadmap for an intentional and fulfilling year ahead.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.

As the calendar year winds down, it's essential to take time to reflect, evaluate, and celebrate the work you've accomplished and plan for the new year. In this episode, we’ll dive into the benefits of reflecting on your achievements, understanding challenges, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

Episode Highlights Include:

1. Review Your Goals and Outcomes

• Look back on the goals you set at the start of the year and see how much progress you made.
• Celebrate what went well and recognize the areas where you might have fallen short.
• Ask yourself, "How did I grow, and what were my significant achievements?"

2. Assess Challenges and Lessons Learned

• Reflect on the challenges you faced. Did any setbacks open up opportunities for growth?
• Think about what you learned from these experiences. Any skills you honed, habits you improved, or changes you adapted to?
• Consider the obstacles that are recurring. What patterns can you identify, and what adjustments could help next year?

3. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small

• Take a moment to recognize all your accomplishments, no matter how minor they may seem.
• Celebrating small wins is crucial as it can help reinforce motivation and build momentum into the new year.
• Consider sending out a note of thanks or acknowledgment to team members or collaborators who contributed.

4. Reconnect with Your Values and Purpose

• Reflect on how aligned your work was with your core values and professional purpose.
• Consider what drove your motivation this year and if your priorities shifted.
• Ask yourself, "Am I on the right path, and does this work still fulfill me?"

5. Feedback Review and Self-Improvement

• Review any feedback you've received throughout the year from supervisors, peers, or clients.
• Reflect on how you applied this feedback and what further steps you could take to improve.
• Set personal development goals for the new year, whether learning new skills, improving communication, or building new relationships.

6. Set Intentions for the Upcoming Year

• Instead of rigid resolutions, set intentions to guide your actions and decisions next year.
• Focus on both professional and personal growth, making room for balance and fulfillment.
• Ask yourself, "What do I want to feel, accomplish, and contribute in the new year?"

7. Plan a Rest and Reset Period

• Ensure you set aside time to rest, recharge, and let go of the year’s stress.
• Schedule moments to relax and enjoy a break before jumping into next year’s objectives.
• Rest is vital for maintaining focus, creativity, and enthusiasm for the future.

Taking time for reflection at year’s end is an investment in your personal and professional growth. By looking back thoughtfully and planning intentionally, you set the stage for a more fulfilling and effective new year. Embrace this opportunity to realign with yo

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

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Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

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In this episode we dive into performance management from the perspective of a employee. This time we focus on insights to help you prepare for performance management discussions with your manager.

Episode highlights include:

1. What performance management really means from an employee’s perspective.

• The cycle: goal setting, continuous feedback, self-assessment, and formal reviews.
• Why it's essential for employees to see it as a tool for personal and professional growth.

2. Setting our own goals

• How employees can actively participate in setting their own goals.
• Aligning personal goals with organizational objectives.
• Importance of measurable and realistic targets (SMART goals).
• The role of transparency and communication with managers.
• How employees can take an active role in their own performance management process.

3. What else is important to consider?

• Self-assessment and reflection as key elements to track progresss.
• Seeking out opportunities for learning and development, not waiting for the company to initiate.
• Continuous self-improvement: leveraging performance feedback for growth.
• The importance of ongoing, two-way communication with managers.
• How to request regular feedback and coaching.
• Handling constructive criticism with a growth mindset
• Approaching performance reviews as collaborative conversations rather than evaluations

4. Some final thoughts:

• Using the review as an opportunity to discuss career progression and aspirations.
• Addressing common issues employees face in performance management (e.g., unclear expectations, lack of feedback)
• Strategies to handle underperformance or negative feedback.
• How to advocate for yourself if you feel the process is not fair or transparent.
• Why continuous learning and development are critical for long-term performance.

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com

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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.

In this episode we dive into the crucial aspect of performance management from the perspective of a manager. If you're a new or experienced people manager, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead your team effectively through the performance management process.

Episode Highlights:

1. **Understanding Performance Management:**

- Performance management is more than just an annual review—it's a continuous process of setting expectations, monitoring progress, providing feedback, and supporting your team to achieve their goals.

2. **The Challenges of Performance Reviews:**

- We discuss how to approach performance reviews as a manager, focusing on giving constructive feedback while maintaining a positive and supportive tone.

- Learn about the common challenges that managers face during performance conversations, including differing opinions, the tendency to focus on negative feedback, and the risk of employees taking results personally.

- We emphasize the need for consistent documentation throughout the year to ensure that performance reviews are fair, accurate, and based on a solid record of observations and feedback.

3. **Handling Disagreements:**

- Explore strategies for managing situations where employees disagree with your assessment. We cover how to keep the conversation constructive and ensure that every team member feels heard.

- It's crucial to provide employees with the chance to discuss the review results and explore next steps, which helps in setting clear expectations moving forward.

4. **Focus on Growth, Not Just Critique:**

- While it's easy to get caught up in areas of improvement, we discuss the importance of balancing criticism with recognition of successes and strengths.

- Performance management isn’t just about looking back; it’s about planning for the future. We talk about how to use performance reviews as a springboard for development and career growth.

5. **Actionable Takeaways:**

- A step-by-step guide for managers to conduct performance reviews that are not just evaluative but developmental.

Join us as we unpack the nuances of performance management and equip you with the tools you need to foster a productive and positive work environment. Whether you’re dealing with underperformance, celebrating successes, or navigating tough conversations, this episode has something for every manager looking to improve their leadership skills.

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas. We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be b

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of professional life: taking a vacation. We explore various perspectives on getting time off, how to go on vacation without feeling guilt, truly disconnecting, and strategies for smoothly transitioning back to work. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the workforce, this episode offers valuable insights on making the most of your time away from the office.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the Importance of Vacation
• Communicating with Your Team
• Common reasons why professionals feel guilty about taking vacations.
• How to change your perspective on taking time off and why it's essential for personal and professional growth
• Strategies for setting clear boundaries with work to ensure you can enjoy your vacation guilt-free
• The benefits of unplugging from work
• Practical tips for staying present and maximizing relaxation during your vacation
• Finding the right balance between staying informed and truly disconnecting
• Using your vacation as a learning experience to improve future work-life balance

Stay Connected!

We hope this episode has inspired you to take that much-needed break and return to work feeling refreshed and energized. If you have any questions or tips about taking vacations, share them with us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you!

Tune in to our next episode as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the modern workplace. Until then, remember: you're not alone in this journey.

Keep in touch at https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of workplace gossip. Gossip flows through the offices and lunchrooms of our workplaces, seemingly filling idle time. But perhaps, through these ubiquitous and intriguing conversations, we are influencing our workplace relationships more than we realize. We explore whether gossiping is a route to friendship or a surefire way to make workplace enemies and how the recipient of the gossip perceives the intentions of the gossiper.

Key Topics Discussed:
- Understanding gossip as informal and evaluative talk about absent colleagues.

- The complex picture recent research paints about gossip.
- Traditionally frowned upon and branded as unproductive or deviant.

- Research showing gossip can lead to both friendships and undermined relationships.

- Gossip as a pervasive yet misunderstood aspect of workplace interactions.
- The importance of understanding the recipient’s perception of the gossiper’s intentions.

- The role of genuine and authentic intentions in sparking new or rekindling old friendships.

- Negative gossip's stronger impact on building friendships compared to positive gossip.

- The significance of prosocial intentions in increasing trust and strengthening collegial relationships.

- The potential for gossip to serve as valuable social currency.

- The risks associated with how our intentions for gossiping are interpreted by others.

- A reminder to think before sharing gossip given its influence on workplace relationships.

Tune in to our next episode as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the modern workplace. Until then, remember: you're not alone in this journey.

Keep in touch at https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.

In this episode, we tackle a common but challenging workplace issue: dealing with a workaholic boss. Our discussion will provide practical advice and strategies for managing expectations, setting boundaries, and maintaining your work-life balance despite the pressures from a demanding manager. We’ll cover real-life scenarios and offer insights on how to confidently navigate these difficult situations.

Key Topics Discussed:
- The dilemma of receiving messages at all hours of the day.
-Feeling pressured to work long hours because your boss does.
- Your boss tells you to respect your work-life balance but then messages you at 10 pm.
- Observing colleagues responding to late-night messages
- Dealing with weekend interruptions for minor issues like finding an email.

Strategies for responding to after-hours messages without feeling guilty:
- Phrases and responses to use when setting boundaries.
- Tips for building the confidence to manage through these challenging situations.
- Steps to say no and feel comfortable with your decision.
- How to muster the courage to set boundaries the first time (building the muscle).
- Methods for establishing clear personal and professional boundaries.
- Balancing respect for others' boundaries without compromising your own work performance.
- Navigating the differences between company culture and your boss’s behavior.

Tune in to our next episode as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the modern workplace. Until then, remember: you're not alone in this journey. Find your voice to create the boundary you need.

Keep in touch at https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Thanks for tuning in!

Stay Connected!

Thanks again for tuning in to the Coaching Divas Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate and review the show. That's the best way you can show your support.

We’d also love to connect on Instagram, so go ahead and take a screenshot of this episode or maybe a photo of yourself listening along to the podcast. Post it to your Instagram stories. Be sure to mention us on www.instagram.com/thecoachingdivas or email us at thecoachingdivaspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll send some Instagram love right back at you. We'll be back next month with another great episode.