1152

September is here, Labor Day weekend is upon us and it's the perfect time to draft and execute a strong, certain strategy for the final four months of 2022.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Full throttle ahead, knowing that others have already become complacent with the year's pace and results. Acquiescing to failures, over-confident of successes.

This is when I shine. Quietly, intentionally, methodically, strategically.

What is your plan for this important 1/3 of the year?

1151

Change is in the air.
September is here and we're at the beginning of the Labor Day weekend.

Three Choices. Embrace Failure, Coast, or Accelerate.
At this point in our calendar year, some look at their lackluster results and acquiesce to certain failure, ceding wins to hopeful returns in the next year.

Some have had a fantastic run since the beginning of the year and begin to ease off, celebrating assumed continued success with far too much yardage left on the field.

Others look at September for what it is: Fully One Third of the Entire Year! 120+ Days to Make A Difference.

Foster Strategies Pro Tips for Your Best Year

⭐ 4 months to adjust and make fresh, strategic plans.

⭐ 4 months to use your current momentum as jet fuel to set and break new record highs.

⭐ 4 full months to collaborate, plan, execute, track and adapt for a brilliant finish.

🏆 Pro-Pro Tip:
Use these 4 Months to design a plan where instead of stopping at the end of the year only to have a slow start of the new year, you power straight through this imaginary 'finish line' and start the year stronger than ever. Who said you have to wind down and wind up?

Determine and agree to stop losing those 30-45 days of productivity and performance.

September has always been one of my favorite months of the year as I feel not panic, but renewed energy to power through and past the threshold of our new year.

I've found my strength and focus on this vital stretch an incredible competitive advantage. While a disproportionately large group choses to dial it in, I'm ramping up.

The gap only widens as we move towards November, and by Thanksgiving, they're MIA, on a milk carton somewhere. (Apologies to Gen Z- it was gripping reading material before cable and the internet!)

🎯 Find your strength to power in these final 120+ days
🎯 Take a close look at your metrics prior to the close of Q3 and make fresh plans and necessary adjustments
🎯 Renew your purpose
🎯 Set new goals
🎯 COMMIT

Whatever you do, don't start quitting while the race is still on.

Thinking about all of this, what is One Thing you could do today to launch a powerful final third of the year before you start your holiday weekend? Go ahead and share in the comments below.

Be safe, stay strong, and enjoy your long weekend even more knowing you have a September Strategy to return to on Tuesday.

One Thing...I'll start below.

#PerformanceStrategy #BusinessStrategy #ProfitStrategies #FartherFasterStrategy #LeadershipMatters #Accelerate #GrowthStrategies #ExecutiveCoach #BusinessCoach #GROW #DynamicResults #Automotive #FinTech #Saas #Marketing #PeopleMatter

1150

What does 'Labor Day' mean in 2022?
Nearly150 years ago it marked the courageous beginning of the end of grueling conditions for workers, laborers.

The bold idea that workers were not objects to be used and disposed of.

Today, it is a 3-5 day holiday weekend, marking the transition of Summer to Autumn for much of the country.

The pools overflowing with bodies suddenly tidied and closed, the white bottom half of wardrobes sadly packed away, hot dogs and steaks grilling in backyards around the country, boats taking a final victorious lap prior to the taut blue wrappings that will restrain their joy until next year.

But Labor?
Let's honor the full depth of what our fore-mothers and fathers did to make even mundane life survivable and sustainable.

We celebrate freely and easily due to those who stood up for a better life in the land of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness in order to enjoy Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness for themselves, for us.

Today our wrestling is over work-life balance, WFH, remote, RTO, career advancement, all legitimate concerns.

But today, let's reflect on what our great-great grandparents dealt with simply to place bread on the table as they sought a better life in this 'land of opportunity'.

They did it for you, for us.

So take an extra lap around the lake today, let the juices run down your chin, breathe in the first of the crisp morning air and break open your sweater bins with a special salute of appreciation for those who came before us.

This is our Labor Day.
Let's celebrate and make the next one's even better for our children and theirs.

Happy, well-deserved Labor Day, friends!

#LaborDay #Performance #ExecutiveCoach #BusinessStrategy #Talent #Holidays #PeopleMatter #Careers #work #career #happiness

1149

Many companies struggle with Org Charts and Structure as their organization grows.
⭐👉We work hand in hand with businesses like yours to help you strategically redefine what roles and positions are necessary, where there is duplication, what influence and impact levels each does and should have, the ROI for every role and much more.

By approaching this with a clear strategies and a constant eye towards a more effective, efficient, enjoyable and profitable business, we find more opportunities to increase revenue and reduce costs in the process.

⭐Foster STRATEGIES Group.
We are unique throughout all sectors of Automotive for our understanding and appreciation for what it takes to strategically and skillfully succeed in our industry.

🎯 Make a Strategic choice to improve the outcomes of your Dealership or Auto-related business to new heights.

#Strategy #Performance #Profitability #OrgCharts #Structure #Revenue #CostReduction #EmployeeROI #Talent #Automotive #AutomotiveAdjacent #Vendors #Suppliers #Tier2 #OEMs #Marketing #SalesStrategy #Success


1148

On Laying the Foundation of a Successful Strategy
Throughout all of our efforts to lift a company to new levels of success, one thing comes back repeatedly:

👉 Clarity is Kind.

It's easy to think this means towards others, but it starts with yourself.

It starts with the honesty and transparency you need to have within yourself and fellow leaders to set the stage for why are you doing what you are doing.

Once you are clear on why you want what you say you want, the work begins on how to get it done.

Communicating that message out is the next step of this work.

Very often there is ambiguity and assumption in play.

🎯 Here are 3 safe assumptions you can make to begin:

1. Assume everyone is unclear

2. Assume you haven't done a great job providing clarity.

3. Assume your teams aren't working together as well as they could and collaboration is not at the level you desire.

⭐Take the mixed messages you've been sending and clean them up.

⭐Get to the root cause of all unclear direction.

⭐Own it when it was your responsibility and guide others when it's on them.

You will benefit greatly personally and professionally once you start thinking ahead and planning your communications and conversations accordingly.

For those interested in reading or listening in on this topic there are 2 books I can recommend today.

📌Dare to Lead by Dr. Brené Brown
and
📌The Four Disciplines of Execution by Sean Covey and Chris McChesney

The minutes you spend becoming more clear intentionally pays off rewards for years.

We're glad to discuss exactly exactly how we help businesses like yours achieve more and do so faster.

Clarity is a strategic building block of the foundation with every single client. Be ready to be clear.

#Strategy #Success #Performance #Profitability #People #BusinessStrategist #GrowthCoach
#ChangeManagement #Culture #Talent #LeadershipMatters

#Automotive #NADA #Conference #Events #Presentations

1147

On Another Innocent Female, Simply Living Her Life.
The only thing she was guilty of was being a female, enjoying a healthy morning run by herself.

Men continue to be the leading threat to women's well-being. This is not my opinion, it's a frightening, undeniable fact.

Eliza Fletcher chose to start her day in healthy pursuit of her goal to run in the Boston Marathon again. As a busy teacher and mom of two, the quiet of the morning and the availability of the time slot worked for her. Needless to say, we know how tragically this day ended.

A predominant percentage of my followers are men, as well as the industry I love and serve.

So as a man, I ask you to ponder today all of the things that your wife or sisters or daughters or colleagues cannot do safely that you can do freely and easily… without even a thought or a care in the world. As you go about your day, you may not be aware of how many safeguards women are employing as they approach the same activities.

Ask them. And listen.
Have intentional conversations about this at home, at work, everywhere.

Male aggression is real.
Check your workplaces for any overt or micro aggressions.
Check your friends on their language and mindset even in the most casual conversations.

Yellow Flags are the seeds that take root and become Red Flags.

Women, I invite you to list below any of the safety measures you go through on a daily basis.

Domestic violence and random violence both impact women in far greater numbers, threatening the freedoms we should all equally expect.

May this lovely woman, this mother, this daughter, this friend, this teacher to young children rest in peace after such a traumatic, violent death at the hands of this criminal.

We need to do better. We must do better.
#Violence #SexualAssault #Rape #Kidnapping #Murder #DomesticViolence #Aggression #Threats #Fear

1146

Friends- please, I implore you to start reviewing your 'all male' photos of your leadership teams and promotions. No industry is exclusively male- and/or exclusively white male.

What does this say to potential hires at any level?

Please, do better. Your customers and employees are watching. Diversity of thought and experience are always good for business.

If it looks like a Boy's Club...well...it's probably a Boy's Club.

You might want to fix that.

original post

1145

On an Outpouring of Goodness...and A Few Other Reactions!
So much activity yesterday, 99.9% of it so positive and supportive yesterday based on the heinous murder of Eliza Fletcher.

But then a few other people show up.

Some just need more time to learn and grow and that's OK. There are decent people that are on the journey. We all are or should be evolving and becoming more aware.

And then there is this guy.

Meet John.

I wrestled with whether to show you or not. But why should I wrestle?

The only place these red flags grow and simmer is in the darkness.

Let's shine some light.

This guy isn't alone, but he is a coward because he sent me this DM.

Trust me, this is not the first time an older man has sent me disparaging remarks. I know who's out there in my audience good, bad and otherwise.

But this guy right here, I can assure you there are some underlying or overt issues.

This language he uses exposes who he really is.

Not that guy that walks up to you with a big handshake in a public setting. I'm sure he talks like this when he's in the crowd he feeis in the crowd he feels comfortable with.

It's hard to hide such deep-seated ugliness.

So if you don't want to look, put your finger over the picture.

If you're disappointed with me for showing the picture, I'm going to ask you "do you think this guy really isn't a threat to women"?

Because he is.

The only way we know who's who is by sharing real examples.

Not opinions, facts.

Here is your self-employed Toyota Ambassador.

If you send me a nasty DM you're next.

I've been in this industry far too long to be worried about a few fools and I'm not going to quietly tolerate their evil any longer.

Even when women muster up the courage to bring something to the attention of a superior they are often shut down and shut out.

I love my industry but self-policing has been missing in action.

Weed them out.

I'm not scared.

1144

Good morning! It's a beautiful Monday this mid-September morning.

I'd like to take a minute and congratulate Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier the successful launch of their new conference in play as I write.

They have assembled quite the gathering in Philadelphia and I look forward to hearing more.

For those attending #ASOTU, I look forward to hearing what you felt were the most game changing topics.

It's always good to see our friends but I'm going to be extremely interested to hear what's next. Wish I could have made it.

original post

1143

My wish for you today, you ask?
🎯I wish you could all work directly for one of my Executive Coaching clients.

Why?

This body of talented, seasoned professionals is so incredibly focused on professional growth and the impact they can make on their people and their businesses.

As accomplished as my VPs and C-Suite clients are they chose to hire a capable and caring Executive Coach.

Yes, they bring me on as their often secret success partner.

🏆 Who wouldn't want to work for a leader who is committed to being the best they can, to living up to and past their potential and who wants to bring everyone who is ready, willing and interested along with them?

It is an honor to stand beside them through challenges and opportunities at their doorstep. Trust me, their lives aren't perfect.

❓The difference between them and the rest? They want to equip themselves with more options, solutions and someone they can trust unequivocally to sort it out with them.

Their fulfilment and successes fuel me in return.

I am grateful to these clients. We have wide open, honest, vulnerable and focused conversations on all they can be.

We talk openly about improving their Communication styles and efforts as this ONE THING is often the only thing standing between them and game-changing successes.

📈 We discuss their Goals.
I share options for them to consider on approaches to achieve those goals. Not just What, but How, and with Whom.

They engage as they are reminded of things they knew and things they meant to know.

I have the privilege of watching them transition from an awkward delivery to finessing their messaging so it can be heard and felt with the impact they intended.

Because my clients have the hearts of lions, yet don't want to exert pressure.

They want to be Great Leaders.
They don't say this out loud, but I know. I know.

I wish for you today that the Leaders you work for would reach out as I know I can help them in their quest for easier, more enjoyable and effective paths to success.

I wish for the Leaders reading this you would pause and consider, "What is my Leadership style-and is it working the way I hoped?"

👉 I will freely offer a complimentary call to any Leader whose desire is to make a greater impact on their People and their Business.

It's truly a privilege to partner with some of the finest companies throughout our industry and to witness lives and outcomes dramatically changed.

📞To those seeking added support for their Leadership teams, DM, call 269.217.0414 or visit https://lnkd.in/eRDK9MT. I'll schedule a call with you as early as possible.

So from my office, between calls, I'm thinking about you and wishing you all Leaders like the clients I proudly, confidentially serve.

We are #BetterTogether
Live your values.
#Automotive #BusinessStrategist #LeadershipStrategy #ExecutiveCoach #Performance #MakingAnImpact #DrivingExcellence #GrowthMindset #FourDisciplinesOfExecution #Traction #SuccessMindset

1142

My wish for you today, you ask?
🎯I wish you could all work directly for one of my Executive Coaching clients.

Why?

This body of talented, seasoned professionals is so incredibly focused on professional growth and the impact they can make on their people and their businesses.

As accomplished as my VPs and C-Suite clients are they chose to hire a capable and caring Executive Coach.

Yes, they bring me on as their often secret success partner.

🏆 Who wouldn't want to work for a leader who is committed to being the best they can, to living up to and past their potential and who wants to bring everyone who is ready, willing and interested along with them?

It is an honor to stand beside them through challenges and opportunities at their doorstep. Trust me, their lives aren't perfect.

❓The difference between them and the rest? They want to equip themselves with more options, solutions and someone they can trust unequivocally to sort it out with them.

Their fulfilment and successes fuel me in return.

I am grateful to these clients. We have wide open, honest, vulnerable and focused conversations on all they can be.

We talk openly about improving their Communication styles and efforts as this ONE THING is often the only thing standing between them and game-changing successes.

📈 We discuss their Goals.
I share options for them to consider on approaches to achieve those goals. Not just What, but How, and with Whom.

They engage as they are reminded of things they knew and things they meant to know.

I have the privilege of watching them transition from an awkward delivery to finessing their messaging so it can be heard and felt with the impact they intended.

Because my clients have the hearts of lions, yet don't want to exert pressure.

They want to be Great Leaders.
They don't say this out loud, but I know. I know.

I wish for you today that the Leaders you work for would reach out as I know I can help them in their quest for easier, more enjoyable and effective paths to success.

I wish for the Leaders reading this you would pause and consider, "What is my Leadership style-and is it working the way I hoped?"

👉 I will freely offer a complimentary call to any Leader whose desire is to make a greater impact on their People and their Business.

It's truly a privilege to partner with some of the finest companies throughout our industry and to witness lives and outcomes dramatically changed.

📞To those seeking added support for their Leadership teams, DM, call 269.217.0414 or visit https://lnkd.in/eRDK9MT. I'll schedule a call with you as early as possible.

So from my office, between calls, I'm thinking about you and wishing you all Leaders like the clients I proudly, confidentially serve.

We are #BetterTogether
Live your values.
#Automotive #BusinessStrategist #LeadershipStrategy #ExecutiveCoach #Performance #MakingAnImpact #DrivingExcellence #GrowthMindset #FourDisciplinesOfExecution #Traction #SuccessMindset

1141

On Heroes Walking-or Driving- Among Us!

Leaving my house for a quick errand a few hours ago, I spotted an Amazon delivery person running towards my neighbor's house.

My elderly neighbor had fallen on the sidewalk and like a flash, this diminutive driver bolted across the street and hoisted her onto her feet as if she did this daily!

I stopped to be sure she was okay, and turned to our hero to thank her.

I thought you would all want to meet... Vanessa!

These people work tirelessly in all sorts of conditions to make our lives easier.

Like my little Jordan would say, they're community helpers!

Vanessa, we just met, but I know you are an amazing person. I don't even know your last name...yet.

I know you work for #Amazon in South Charlotte but I would love to acknowledge you for being a great human being today!!!

Heroes are all around us. That's all recognize greatness when we see it. It's not about words it's about actions in a split second.

Thank you, Vanessa!!! You are a 'Prime' example of Leadership in Action!

#Heroes #MakingADifference #Amazon #CommunityHelpers #ProtectOurNeighbors #CelebrateKindness #BetterTogether


1135

Not a trick question.
Not a simple answer.
👉 What is Strategy?

Tip:
It's not your mission statement.
It's not your purpose.
It's not your forecast.

It does include all of those, or at least it should.

This is why this strategic work that we do is so important and rare.

We roll everything in.

I'll explain more later, for now, let's hear from you.

What is Strategy?
What your current Strategy is.

How it's going...or not.

Photo credits include one of my Strategies. Meet Reese. I'm strategically creating a life and legacy with him and my other gbabies...leaving nothing to chance.

#Strategy #PerformanceInsurance #Planning #People #Growth #Sales #EOS #Traction

1134

On a New-to-Me Conference: Wnet - Women's Network in Electronic Transactions live in Atlanta!!!

I challenge you to do new things and stretch your boundaries everyday and I do the same for myself.

I am thrilled that due to my colleague, Aubrey Amatelli of PayRio, I've been able to meet and collaborate with this fantastic organization.

Led by Wendy (Tronge) Holliday, this rapidly growing group of over 5500 fintech electronic payments professional women has been exciting to partner with this year.

I was asked to help spearhead their #Leadership and #ExecutiveCoaching initiatives for women throughout these exciting industries. Clearly, this was am easy 'Yes'.

Already last evening I was introduced to the incredible team from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Today, I'll join in intriguing sessions including one I'm focusing on, Securing Board Seats.

I'll also be conducting Speed Dating styled Executive Coaching sessions as we introduce these women to the rewards and benefits to their careers of private Career Coaching. Among others Stacia Smith, Valissa Pierrelouis and others will be doing the same.

Tomorrow, I have the pleasure of Introducing the panel discussing, 'Ehy I Hired an Executive Coach', featuring one of my wonderful, talented clients, Aubrey Amatelli.

Not only has it been a pleasure and privilege to partner with her, we've become friends, finally meeting in person last night.

I encourage you all to follow her lead and that voice inside of you telling you you deserve more. The results may be closer than you think with just a little help and effort.

Wish me luck as I go down there to meet hundreds of new friends and colleagues.

Thank you again Wnet - Women's Network in Electronic Transactions!

New conference shot coming soon. :)

Find out how our program ‘Automotive Performance Plus’ transforms relationships and results for dealers and vendors!

START Your Transformation Story Now →