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Showing posts from 2020

Planning in 2021 Brings Peace

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It's 2021, while enthusiastic, we are still grappling with unknowns😕, but we are ready to get things done. We have some experience under our belts with this pandemic and will navigate better. I have heard, “My people are too stressed to plan.” Yes, your people are still stressed, this is true. With a clear process, good leadership and realistic targets, planning can decrease stress. Planning helps your team have guidance and reassurance. Let your team know:       > What the intentions are and that the plan is flexible due to the unknowns.       > A ssure them that the organization is “people first” and will put the treasure of their                               talent   first and will focus on their well-being. Planning Tips Below are some fundamentals in a time with continued uncertainty.         It is often helpful to bring in an outside facilitator to assist teams with planning and goal setting. This is one of our strengths at KS Solutions Consulting (virtually or in

Self Care: Just Do It

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"Massage for Kate- paid for" popped up on my calendar last week. I felt a wave of euphoria and gratitude come over me! Then a little bit of, "Do I have time? Should we be spending the money?" It is fair to say that historically, I have stunk at self-care. My husband knows this, which is why he scheduled and paid for my massage (he goes monthly for a massage and is much better at self care all around).So I have no room to be sanctimonious but want share methods I have found to be helpful, for me or others. And maybe to kick my own butt into gear... I used to think self-care was mostly woo-woo stuff-- just an excuse not to work hard. But now, finally, in my mid-life, I get it. It is wellness and self preservation. It is also how we enjoy our short time on this earth. I fully appreciate the younger folks who have come along with this life balance thing already figured out. I speak to clients regularly who share their stress, frustration and/or lack of life balance an

Leaders: Talking about Racism & Inequity with Your Team

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“I don’t believe in mixing politics with work.” I heard that statement from a leader as a reason to not acknowledge the Black Lives Matter movement and current protests with their team.  I can imagine that this person, a white person, is a good leader in other ways, but they missed an important opportunity to show that they care and to say "I see you" to the people of color on their team and those they serve. With the murders of Black people, the injustices and the protests to combat them, it is an emotional time. To help you (and me), below is a list of articles with helpful advice on how to address the pain people are experiencing, as well as how to lead in supporting racial justice. Whatever your race, this is a very important time to be a strong leader.  Realistically, for white leadership, there is much more work to do. There i s no set best appr oach. It is suggested to: Read & learn Digest what you are hearing that is new to you Take time to really empathize with B

Happy Feet

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“Those shoes are cute! They look comfortable too!”  I hear that often. Well, it is not a coincidence. We all work hard. We need to be comfortable and like how we look. Happy feet make for a much better day. Check out my recommendations -- this is my Valentine to you. After getting plantar fasciitis (foot pain issues) a few years ago, my podiatrist suggested better shoes. He twisted the shoe I was wearing like ringing out a wet rag to demonstrate the lack of support. It was painful (literally and figuratively),but I went home and started to throw out a closet full of shoes. Then started on the hunt for cute and comfortable options. Not an easy combo to find! With some trial and error I found a few brands that I really like (shared below).  How to Choose Shoes for Common Foot Problems Here’s to happy feet! Dress Shoes, Flats, Sandals Jambu Taos Spring Step/ L’artiste Dansko Lifestride Naot Casual/Boots Merrell Keen Teva New Balance   Asics Brands Recomme