Executive Coach Toolbox

As team leaders we all want to do the best for our full team and its individual members. We look at ways to encourage them, motivate them, and keep them focused on doing the best possible work. This is certainly the intent that each successful team leader holds for her or his team. But most times, these are aspects of human behavior – both at an individual and at a group level – that many leaders have not understood. We essentially replicate what our leaders – especially our role models – have done for us in our own career. And, this is a great place to start!! However, we tend to forget that the situation and context and work and life when we were in our early careers is very different from the people who report to us now. So, some of what we’re practicing may not be appropriate and may not be effective. What will be very helpful for you as a team leader is to have some foundational understanding of human performance from the lens of psychology. With this deeper understanding, it will be easier for you to then look at specific do’s and don’ts that work for your team and individual team members. So, how can we help our team members achieve consistently high levels of performance and quality in what they do? And, to do this with psychological and physical efficiency… Reference: Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning / National Strength and Conditioning Association; G. Gregory Haff & N. Travis Triplett – editors. Fourth edition. Chapter 8: Psychology of Athletic Preparation and Performance. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

Welcome to the last conversation (episode 3) we’re having in this series on strengthening the relationship between couples or partners. In the two previous episodes, we’ve spoken about establishing or re-establishing the foundation for a good relationship between the two of you, and we’ve looked at ways to have some meaningful conversations. Let’s talk today about talking about some difficult things for the couple/partners. Our goal is not to have a perfect solution, or to establish a process that must be followed irrespective of what’s happening.. because by definition, during difficult times, the established patterns are shaken. However, if you’ve done some talking and thinking around how you both will deal with these issues, then it will be so much easier to support the other, or even recover if one has blown it completely.             Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

Let’s continue our conversation on strengthening the relationship between couples or partners. This is the second part of a 3 part series on (Re) Igniting your relationship. Our focus today is on setting a strong foundation for the relationship between couples and partners. So, if you’ve not listened to part 1 of this series, I encourage you to listen to part 1 also.   Now, most couples start a relationship – either by active choice or by passive acceptance – without too much thought of some basic processes in managing the relationship. More often than not, cultural norms shape what the roles of the partners are; or the couple figures it out by trial and error. But what if, the couple had a conversation about some foundational processes of living together? Would that not minimize a lot of confusion and heartburn? So, here are some areas that both of you should have a conversation on. It doesn’t  matter if you’re just getting together or if you have been together for some time. It’s always wise to re-look at how roles and expectations change along with life phase. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

Till you meet that special person, life seems a bit less grounded or unstable. And, then you finally meet that special person and it’s rainbows and roses… at least in the movies, and perhaps in real life as well. Now, time goes on and the relationship which was wild and passionate and adventurous tends to mature into a peace-filled pace that we enjoy. There is a maturity in the relationship that moves from being a fizzy soda to the deeper roundedness of a single malt.  Well, at least for some of us!! Or certainly, if you’re reading the right romantic novel or watching a happy romcom. Now, just hold on.. till now I’ve painted a very cynical picture of relationships. What if I told you that there was a way in which the rainbow and roses can actually be part of your relationship.. not in a fictional way, but in a very real way that works for you and your partner. So, let’s talk about these practices today.. And, if you’re just starting out with that special person in your life or if you’ve been in a relationship for some, here are some easy to do practices that can IGNITE or RE-IGNITE the love, respect and affection that is integral to mature and successful relationships. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!  Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

There is certainly one place that nearly all of us have been at.. and that is at the crossroads!! The Crossroad (s)  is the place and or time in our life when we’re not sure of how to proceed, in which direction to go, or what to do next…   The pathways are conflicting, there is no certainty, there’s lots of confusion, and not enough data. And, if this point in time and space occurs when one is also dealing with emotional turbulence then, it’s that much harder and scarier…   This is the time we wish we had someone who could tell us what the best choice is.. which is the road to take… or could provide us with some assurance of success. Unfortunately, by definition,  this peace of mind does not exist at the crossroads. So for those of us who are at a crossroad in our life.. let’s talk about a way to think about the choices that are before us, in a holistic way.   Reference:   Krogerus, Mikael; Tschäppeler, Roman. The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking (Fully Revised Edition) (pp. 78-79). W. W. Norton & Company. Kindle Edition. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

As a talented and ambitious professional, you’re committed to your learning and development. You’re probably attending as many programs online or reading material or getting certifications as you can. And, this is a required and integral part of your development.. However, this gives you only explicit or technical knowledge. There is another aspect of your learning and development that you need to focus on.. and this is getting tacit knowledge or wisdom… especially to manage your career, navigate organizational dynamics, learn some tricks of the trade and so on. And, this wisdom is not there in books or courses.  It is in the minds and hearts of senior leaders and successful people who are ahead of you in the journey. So, in our conversation today, let’s talk about 5 questions that you can ask your senior colleagues – from your own company or your connections from different organizations. You can use these questions to have very effective conversations with your mentors – both formal and informal. And, you can use these questions to have a deep conversation with any senior stakeholder that you have an opportunity to have a one on one with.   Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

Ever so often managers and leaders have the opportunity to meet with their senior colleagues from the executive level. This could be a VIP visit to the site, or at the Board meeting or some launch event and so on… Most times, YOU - the young and upcoming leader - are not able to really take advantage of the air time or personal face time with the senior leader. In some cases, YOU essentially stay quiet and let the boss speak, or you just listen and nod and smile, or you let some other upstart steal the spotlight. Now, even if this has happened in the past, let’s talk about what you can do to make a meeting with a senior executive – the boss ka boss – an opportunity where you can gain visibility, make an impact, and be seen as someone who can add value and thought leadership. And, the best news is that you can do this in ways that are authentic to your personality. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

The last couple of years have been particularly difficult for team leaders at all levels. The way we’ve lead teams all these years in our career has been completely disrupted and we’ve had to adjust to using virtual mode as our only option. However, there is some down side in terms of zoom fatigue, endless virtual meetings and calls, erosion or home and work boundary, and disruption of geographic time management. There is an overwhelming sense of tiredness and fatigue that has crept in because of the lack of separation between work and personal life.  Therefore, as a leader or manager -  there is a challenge now for you to drive performance with your team members. So, in our conversation today, let’s discuss some ways that you can push for performance; these ideas are drawn from behavior change science and are the foundational practices in leadership. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

In our conversation today, we’re talking about specific strategies that you can use in each phase of the personal change process. This is part 2 of our series on understanding the personal change process, so if you’ve not listened to part 1; then you’ll find it really helpful to listen to that first and then come back to this episode. We’ve understood what each one is in our last episode, so today, my focus is to share with you some do’s and don’ts for each stage so that you can support YOURSELF or someone else effectively.  Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!  Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

So, you’ve been wanting to start to make changes in your lifestyle for quite some time now. But, something always comes up OR  the timing just doesn’t seem to be right. And Unfortunately, when we’re unable to move towards the personal changes that we aspire to make, we start Judging ourselves:  I just don’t have the discipline, I control myself..    Or, we condemnourselves … I’m such a loser…  or just feel really terrible or guilty and so on. None of these states are helpful for you to move ahead, and can keep you locked into a maladaptive pattern of behavior. However, if you were to understand - based on a research model - what you’re experiencing about the personal change you aspire to make…. then it’s easier to find ways to find more effective ways of supporting yourself.  That’s what we’re talking about today!! Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!  Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

Most of us have a secret!!  And, this secret is that we’re trying to lose weight or get more physically active or drop a habit that is not helpful for us, or trying to pick up a habit that is good for us. We treat this behavior change program of ours as a SOLO Journey and very soon we’re not able to sustain it and so we drop out. The reason we drop out is that this is NOT supposed to be a SOLO journey! You’ll succeed if you treat it as travelling with friends and family. Your social network!!  So in our conversation today, let’s learn to develop and leverage your Social Support network!! Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!   Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/  

So many of us set an intention to get fit, or move towards a healthier life style, start exercising, giving up junk food, going easy on the booze.. and we take a few steps and very soon, our efforts collapse. Some folks have tried out so many fitness fads and diets, that and nothing works for them, so they get a cynical attitude of been there, done that, nothing works.. So, what do you need to do differently this time?  Here’s a secret….. before you start to DO anything, it’s vital to learn to THINK about your health, and fitness, and wellness… differently.  If you understand the concepts of health and wellness in a FRESH way, in a WAY that is supported by Evidence Based Research… then your chances for success are almost guaranteed. So, in our conversation today, before you rush out to DO anything, let’s learn how to THINK about health, and fitness, and losing weight and so on in a radically different way!! Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

By the time you reach mid- to senior level successfully in the organization, your skills, qualifications, talent, track record, are considered as base line requirements for the job; they are essentials to help you keep your job but are not enough if you aspire to grow further. One of the key requirements for success in organizational growth is to develop and nurture a mentor, or preferably a panel of mentors  -  who will support your career.. These mentors can be formally appointed by the organization for you; OR BETTER STILL, YOU can develop your own mentor or mentors, informally!!   In our conversation today,  let’s understand what a mentor is and how she or he can support your career growth; and most importantly how you can develop and leverage your own network of mentors. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

Leaders reach a senior level and find themselves with knowledge and skills that can be outdated and not relevant to the requirements of the new role. And, this can make them feel vulnerable because they see peers who have new ideas, are able to bring in different points of view, share information that is relevant and unique and always seem to be on the cutting edge of information and analysis.   So what is the secret of these leaders who are thriving and making a mark at senior leadership level? What makes them truly leaders who bring in thought leadership and have influence?   Let’s talk about this secret today!! Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

As  LEADERS & MANAGERS, many times we work with team members or other stakeholders who’re dealing with a difficult situation or some emotional turmoil and during this time, they’re thinking tends to go haywire. This faulty thinking can be a passing phase or it can tend to stick around for a bit. Now, you as an outside person can clearly see that the thinking is faulty, but for the person who is thinking this way and feeling it also….it is real! In our conversation today, let’s understand some of the commonly used thinking patterns that can cause our clients distress and then I’ll suggest some questions that you can weave into a conversation with them to help them re-look at the situation in a more expansive way that is helpful rather than pushing them in a corner.   Reference: The Exercise Professional’s Guide to Personal Training: A client-centered approach to inspire active lifestyles. American Council on Exercise, 2020. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!   Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

When it comes to setting goals, all of us know about SMART goals or setting BHAG goals. Leaders are conditioned to set goals that are big, inspiring, and that are supposed to scare the self or scare others. And, while this might give a small shot of adrenaline rush, there is an immediate crash the next day when it comes to actually implementing these inspirational, BIG Goals, that are supposed to scare. Fact is that they are so scary that our own inner systems collapse when it comes to actually executing them.  While it’s easy to get energy from inspiration, the difficulty is maintaining the perspiration!! So, today, let’s talk about how we can make setting and attaining goals more realistic. This is even more important if you are a LEADER or a Coach, because this is where our stakeholders will need some balance to their exuberance… so that they can move into implementation zone and not just stay stuck in inspiration!! Reference: The Exercise Professional’s Guide to Personal Training: A client-centered approach to inspire active lifestyles. American Council on Exercise, 2020. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org

Over the last year and half t we’ve all struggled with the impact of Covid in our personal and professional lives, our fears and anxiety have been amplified and concentrated given the chronic impact of this virus. They have become an insidious part of our life. Some of us are able to recognize the impact that these fears have on us, and for some of us, the impact is hidden. So, in our conversation today,  I’d like to share some insights and techniques  that have worked for my coaching and counseling clients.. and for me too.  And, I trust that they will be helpful for you also. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

The last couple of years between COVID and long hours in calls, have pushed so many of us to become COUCH POTATOES. Our health and fitness have taken a back seat!! Given that the situation is still difficult and uncertain, many of us do not have an idea (or perhaps energy) to get back into some form of fitness. In today's conversation we share some very simple tips to help you start taking some simple steps...  Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

The last one year of Covid has created and put us under tremendous pressure and stress. And, the fact that the end is no where in sight.. we now have an escalation that is even more severe… means that many of us are struggling with a high level of fatigue..or despair.. and giving up… So, let’s consider the things that are causing this covid fatigue and look for ways that we can deal with it. These are COVID FATIGUE Management Strategies!! We really don’t have a choice because we have – perhaps – another six months more of this virulent situation. Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support!   Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org  

The challenge with the so called negative emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression and so on – is that they often cross over from a normal functional range that we all experience during the course of a day or week, to a more intense level that tends to last longer. Maybe a few weeks or a few months.  In such situations, the brain’s neural circuits get caught repeating the same unhelpful thoughts which in turn trigger these negative emotions.. this is called rumination, and because the brain’s circuit gets stuck going in the same loop, this situation tends to last weeks or months and has an impact on activities of daily living and life as a whole.  So, in our conversation today, let’s talk about some whacky strategies that can support you to get out of this funk.. And, if you’re a coach or counselor you can use these strategies to support your client in their healing journey.   Share your feedback / comments with me on coachtoolbox@gmail.com If you liked this episode, please share it with your network of influence and close friends! We’re grateful for your support! Your host for this show:  Ajay Nangalia PhD PCC,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaynangalia/ And, here is who we are and what we do: www.globalcoachtrust.org Get new episode updates via email by registering your email id on the follow blog via email button here www.globalcoachtrust.org