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Recently I was out for a run. Running clears my head and gives me time to think, to consider possibilities, review challenges and celebrate successes. For me, running provides a small sense of accomplishment in these crazy times.  Right now, with so many things out of my control, it is something I have 100% control over. I was feeling good, happy to be outside enjoying the sights and smells of blooming plumeria trees. I took a couple of deep breaths, focusing on releasing the tension in my shoulders. “Note to self..too much time hunched over the computer..must take more small breaks.” I love this time of the year..the blossoms make me smile and fill me with joy. Yet that joy was repeatedly and abruptly interrupted. Shortly after starting my run,…

The circles of focus tool, adapted from Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, can increase an individual and team’s effectiveness. Here’s how. First, let’s define each circle: The circle of control incorporates what you say, do, think, and feel. The circle of influence includes how you use your strengths, knowledge, network, and relationships to affect an outcome or an issue. The circle of concern is everything else. These are the things you care about but cannot control or influence. Notice the size of the circles. This visual reflects how little we can control or influence versus the multitude of concerns that surrounds us daily. Our American culture encourages a focus on the circle of concern. Our 24-hour news sensationalizes each story and is generally focused on the negative…

Are you familiar with the S-curve? The concept is that at the beginning of any new “thing”, be it a new job, or a new hobby, the early phase is all new. You are inexperienced, in total learning mode, and it is often uncomfortable. Then you reach a point where you start to get in the groove. You hit an inflexion point on the curve and go into a rapid growth phase, increasing your experience and gaining confidence. You may have some setbacks, because you are still on the path to mastery, but overall you are learning and growing. At some point, the curve flattens and you move into a phase of mastery. This can be a place of great accomplishment, but it can also become a place of boredom or complacency. You may look around…

Opportunity is often disguised. Before us, in this difficult time, lies one such opportunity. Disruption creates change. The coronavirus is a huge disruption that has thrown a ton of change into our world. Change creates many emotions, anxiety being one. When we are anxious, we can find ourselves looking around for something to hold on to; something to do that makes us feel “normal”. It can make us lose focus or alternately, become single-mindedly focused on things we can’t control. One change many people are dealing with is working from home. Over the next several weeks and months businesses and individuals need to figure out how to work in this new way. Opportunity lies during the time while businesses adjust to the new model in the form of available time.…

Have interview anxiety? Check out Susan Gellatly's tips from her latest article in Forbes.

Moving to Florida, I’ve had to learn about many different species of plants, animals and insects that inhabit our environment. My latest adventure was with a plant known as mother-in-law tongue. I found the name humorous when I heard it, and after spending a good part of a day trying to eradicate the plant and its roots from my garden, I had much more time to think about its moniker. You’ve likely seen this plant in a container; at your doctor’s or dentist’s office, or you may even have one of them in your home. It’s a lovely, green, spikey plant; it grows easily without much care required and it is very good for indoor environments as a natural air purifier. My neighbor had one that outgrew its space, so…

Our next open enrollment Women Rising Program is being held in Detroit on October 10, 2019. Women Rising is a 4-month, women's leadership development program, for early career emerging leaders. Through two in-person workshops and four 1:1 mentor coaching sessions participants are guided through a study of leadership reviewing topics such as: leadership strengths, confidence, communication, networking skills and more! Click here for the flyer: Women Rising Detroit

Our recent article in Forbes - written by Susan Gellatly

Read our BenchStrength Forbes Article written by Susan Gellatly

On the way to the Seattle airport, I had a lucky draw with Saam, my Uber driver. Saam is from Somalia and has lived here for many years. Saam is industrious; he has ideas. He asked me a few questions, then paused, looked in the rearview mirror and asked me if there was something that I really liked. I shared with him that I enjoy wine. He proceeded, very animatedly, to tell me how I could begin a new business; dress up nicely, have a nice glass of wine, and share what I know about the wine in a video. “People want to know about wine. You know about wine. You share what you know. You make a business.” Within five minutes he had me connecting with wine salesmen, becoming…