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Ruth Pearce

Founder & Principal Consultant at Pearce Insights

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Pre-order the book now! Be Hopeful: Be Strong: Be Brave: Be Curious -How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Create a Meaningful Life

Book a short chemistry call with Ruth Pearce
Find out if Ruth is the right coach or speaker for you.

I am a personal & professional CHANGE WIZARD!
My passion, my skill & my purpose is to help people embrace change with HOPE, STRENGTH, BRAVERY and CURIOSITY. My father primed me for life as a coach, trainer, speaker & author when he taught me that everyone has value & everyone is interesting.
I believe we all deserve an effective coach/mentor. And I believe we each have wisdom to share.
What would the world be like if we each had a coach/mentor?

CHANGE IS CONSTANT
How do you feel about change? Most people struggle even if they want it.
Through coaching, mentoring, speaking and training, you or your group or team will embrace change with energy, enthusiasm & strength.

Don't take my word for it. Recommendations from the amazing clients I have worked with already say: "not for the faint of heart", "wild", "extraordinary", and "the real [coaching] deal." They also describe me as "caring for my clients" & "accepting" and "non-judging"
They describe sessions as "life-changing", "incredibly effective", "brilliant and insightful"(!)

Alongside amazing contributors, I have been honored with
* Female Voice Award for being a Top 5 Woman Coach 2023 - WomELLE (USA)
* Top 72 female influencers on LinkedIn 2024 - Comunicare Hub (Brazil)
* Top Coaching Service Award 2023 - FINANCE MONTHLY Magazine (UK & Worldwide)
* Cover feature for coaching - THE ENTERPRISE WORLD

CLIENTS
Face change & uncertainty.
Are leaders with heart & drive.
Are teams that are innovative, solution-focused & often exhausted.
Want to make a difference for others

THE MAGIC
Learn & develop together, and enjoy trust, loyalty & empathy.
Gain higher productivity; greater engagement; lower turnover - Because these are PROVEN outcomes of workplace coaching.
Build personal confidence & a belief that you CAN cope with whatever comes your way.

RUTH FACTS
British
US Citizen
Economist, PM, Mediator, Coach, Mentor, Instructor/Trainer, Speaker & Author.
Four LinkedIn Learning Courses in human skills for PMs. Another launching on March 11th, 2024
Top VIA Strengths - Love of Learning, Appreciation, Bravery, Curiosity, Fairness & Gratitude
Lives North Carolina
Works with people all over the world!
Animal lover - Currently with two dogs (large) and two rabbits (small)
Bee lover & keeper
Wanders in nature for inspiration

NEXT STEP
Let's tailor your journey.
Book time for us to meet & discuss: https://calendly.com/pearceinsights24

P.S. Want a KEYNOTE speaker who actually DELIVERS a keynote? Please contact me to discuss your event! My specialty is closing keynotes- I love to tie things together!

Book a short chemistry call with Ruth Pearce
Find out if Ruth is the right coach or speaker for you.

Find out what it is like to learn with me...
Participate in a LinkedIn Learning Course about Mindfulness with Ruth

Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Speaking Topics: #futureofwork, #mentalhealthintheworkplace, #burnout, #hope, #strengths, #bravery, #curiosity #coaching

Speaking Fee $5,000 (In-Person), $3,000 (Virtual)

Personal Speaking Website: www.allellc.org
Ruth Pearce Points
Academic 20
Author 360
Influencer 249
Speaker 113
Entrepreneur 20
Total 762

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Featured Videos

Coaching Example - Ruth & Dawn
December 02, 2023
What is Coaching - Ask Ruth
December 02, 2023
Marjorie Aunos - Testimonial
December 02, 2023

Featured Topics

Coaching Skills for Other Professions


Abstract: One of the mainstays of coaching is that the client knows their world, context, and constraints better than anyone else. Rather than advise clients as a consultant or mentor would, coaches “coax” answers from the client. These skills can be used to great effect by other professionals to get the best for and from employees and colleagues. Sometimes the skill is 100% listening. Other times it is questioning. Still other times it is co-creating a plan.
Join a session to learn how coaching can help you in whatever role you play at work – and in your community. Learn fundamental coaching concepts that you can use as you want to.
Case studies, small and large group work and learning by doing are core components of our sessions. The psychological safety of all participants is very important to us, and we endeavor to ensure that everyone can take part in the way feels most comfortable. Please let us know if there is anything you want us to account for.

Listening objectives: Novelty; Resonance; Community; Provocation
• Hear something new – novelty.
• Link something you hear to who you already are – resonance.
• Learn from the stories of others – community.
• Listen to question – provocation.

Learning objectives: Distinguish, Experience, Construct, Plan
• Distinguish coaching from other skills.
• Experience deep listening.
• Construct powerful questions.
• Plan how you will put these into action.

Available as:
1. ½ day or full day workshop
2. Keynote/breakout – 45 – 90 minutes

Supplementary materials:
1. Coaching self-assessment
2. Five question learning check
“Ruth is fun, concise, and was very helpful in this class. I was impressed with her coach approach which seemed clean, open, and clear.”
“[She] had a very relaxed perspective on coaching, a feeling of ease, non-stressing out.”

The Triumph of Hope of Experience

Abstract: Hope is often confused with wishing but hope is something we can cultivate. Hopeful people are more likely to report being happier and having higher levels of wellbeing and thriving than unhopeful people.
1. Learn about the three components of hope – Vision, Pathways & Agency
2. Explore how to get help with hope.
3. Discover how to leverage hope to make change.

Case studies, small and large group work and learning by doing are core components of our sessions. Participants will also have access to a hope assessment to assess their own current level of hope. The psychological safety of all participants is very important to us, and we endeavor to ensure that everyone can take part in the way they feel most comfortable. Please let us know if there is anything you want us to account for.

Listening objectives: Novelty; Resonance; Community; Provocation
• Hear something new – novelty.
• Link something you hear to who you already are – resonance.
• Learn from the stories of others – community.
• Listen to question – provocation.

Learning objectives: Define, Learn, Plan, Implement
• Define hope.
• Learn to hope.
• Plan hope.
• Implement hope for you and others.

Available as:
1. ½ day or full day workshop
2. Keynote/breakout – 45 – 90 minutes

Supplementary materials:
1. Hope Assessment
2. Five question learning check
“This was the first time I've had the pleasure of experiencing one of Ruth's presentations. I really enjoyed her style of presenting. I look forward to future webinars and learning more.”

Keep Moving Forward: Character Strengths for Difficult Times

Abstract: Each of us has a unique combination of strengths. Some of our most special attributes may remain hidden to us – because they seem so natural, we assume they are commonplace. Yet how we show up is unique to us, and even though we have strengths in common with others around us, the way we express them is personal.
Join a session to discover your strengths, explore their light – and dark – sides, and to choose how and when to combine strengths to ramp up – or dial back - their impact.

Participants will have access to the FREE VIA Character Strengths Assessment as part of the preparation for the session. The assessment aids learning by personalizing the information.

Case studies, small and large group work and learning by doing are core components of our sessions. The psychological safety of all participants is very important to us, and we endeavor to ensure that everyone can take part in the way they feel most comfortable.

Listening objectives: Novelty; Resonance; Community; Provocation
• Hear something new – novelty.
• Link something you hear to who you already are – resonance.
• Learn from the stories of others – community.
• Listen to question – provocation.

Learning objectives: Identify, Hone, Build, Implement
• Define strengths.
• Hone your strengths.
• Build strengths constellations.
• Implement a strengths strategy.
• Bring strengths to others.

Available as:
1. ½ day or full day workshop
2. Keynote/breakout – 45 – 90 minutes

Supplementary materials:
1. VIA Character Strengths Assessment
2. Five question learning check

“Ruth Pearce was very knowledgeable on the topic of character strengths, provided great resources, and valuable exercises during the course.”

Company Information

Company Type: Individual
Theatre: North America
Minimum Project Size: $1,000+
Average Hourly Rate: $200-$300
Number of Employees: 1-10
Company Founded Date: 2023
Last Media Interview: 12/28/2022

Areas of Expertise

Coaching 94
Creativity
Future of Work 39.79
Leadership 30.47
Management
Mental Health 30.59
Project Management 89.94

Industry Experience

Federal & Public Sector
Financial Services & Banking
Higher Education & Research
Other
Professional Services

Publications

2 Academic Whitepapers
The Practice of Character Strengths: Unifying Definitions, Principles, and Exploration of What’s Soaring, Emerging, and Ripe With Potential in Science and in Practice
Frontiers in Psychology
April 13, 2021
Dr Ryan Niemiec and Ruth Pearce explore the current state of Character Strengths research and practice and name 7 attributes that are the foundation of being a Character Strengths Based Practitioner

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Character Strengths and Project Managers - A Study
ALLE LLC
September 10, 2019
This paper is an exploration of which character strengths show up most often for project managers and how those strengths rankings compare with others in the wider population. We also look at strengths that are less commonly reported as high strengths for project managers. Finally, we look at the alignment of project managers’ top strengths to seven research-based team roles.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

1 Advisory Board Membership
Institute for Neuro- and Behavioral Project Management
NBPMI
December 28, 2018
The profession of project management is entering a new level of maturity. Project management processes are well-known, highly developed, and widely used. Organizations are committed to a project-based approach to implementing change. It is time for project managers, PMOs, professional associations, project professionals of all specializations, and organizations worldwide to look forward to a new phase in project management, one that focuses on behavioral factors.

We at the Institute of Neuro and Behavioral Project Management believe that this is the way to take project management into the 21st Century and beyond, and create a practice that will result in better project outcomes, and more flexible approaches to change in all types of organization.

It is the mission of the Institute to increase understanding of the impacts of human factors on the project lifecycle and to offer solutions to the challenges of creating predictable results out of unpredictable behavior. This, the next phase in project management, integrates the learnings of the behavioral sciences and neuroscience with project management to create Behavioral Project Management.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

125 Article/Blogs
Compassion as Strategy: When Care Becomes a Leadership Tool
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February 27, 2024
Leadership. We often envision bold pronouncements, unwavering decisions, and unwavering strength. But what if true leadership lies not in stoicism, but in compassion? This may seem counterintuitive, even radical. Yet, consider this: compassion is not weakness, it's wisdom. It's a deep understanding

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Ruth on Books & Beyond with Ilinca Nicolescu
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February 24, 2024
PMO LEADER PODCAST

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Book Launch Tuesday - Curiosity
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February 23, 2024
With Dr Todd Kashdan, George Mason University & The Wellbeing Lab

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Changing my own Narrative -
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February 22, 2024
I cope!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Quick post - Canva has come a long way
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February 21, 2024
And so have I

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

The Art of Amplifying Strengths Unveiling Your Hidden Potential for Success
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February 19, 2024

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Resilience Redefined The Intersection of Bravery, Vulnerability, and Personal Growth
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February 15, 2024

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Groupthink vs. Teamthink:
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February 10, 2024
Encouraging Dissent in Decision-Making

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Navigating Uncertainty Cultivating Sustainable Hope in Challenging Times
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February 09, 2024
In this session I take a look at Positive Provocation - 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice by Robert Biswas-Diener.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Transformative Failures:
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February 02, 2024
The Resilience Behind Business Comebacks

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

The Myth of 'Having It All': Redefining Personal Success in the Modern World
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January 26, 2024
Somehow today, the notion of 'having it all' – a fulfilling career, a happy family life, time for personal interests, and social connections – has become a prevalent benchmark for success. But is this a realistic goal, or a myth that sets us up for constant striving and dissatisfaction?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Psychological Safety at Work:
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January 23, 2024
The Unspoken Foundation of High-Performing Teams

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Complacency – the last bastion of the soon to be (very) disappointed
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January 21, 2024
Sit forward not back

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Fear as Fuel
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January 21, 2024
Reimagining Bravery and Harnessing Your Inner Courage

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Project Management & Ethics - My Favorite Thing!
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January 18, 2024
A Charity Talk Around the Clock event from PMI Sweden in aid of Médecins Sans Frontières

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Beyond Superficial Labels
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January 18, 2024
Exploring the Depth and Diversity of Character Strengths

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

Mental Health Matters
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January 18, 2024
Music & Mental Health

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

The Second Mountain:
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January 16, 2024
Finding Purpose Beyond Success in Your Career

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Leadership

You are such a good listener…
choice
October 03, 2023
“You are such a good listener…” That is something a coach loves to hear from a client. Coaching is mainly the art of listening. Listening leads to insights, to further questions to help the client, to clarity, and to purpose.

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Experimenting with sleep - No Naps Necessary
LinkedIn
April 28, 2023
When I was a child, my parents used to talk about what a heavy sleeper I was. My mother used to say in a somewhat worried voice “she would sleep through the house falling down.” My father’s favorite comment was, “Ruth slept like a log last night, she woke up in the fireplace.’

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Unzooming - turn off to stay engaged
ALLE LLC
January 09, 2023
Dogs with the zoomies are the epitome of high energy, enthusiasm, excitement and joie de vivre. Not so when humans get the zoomies. Then we have a feeling of depletion, low energy, anxiety and more.
Why does meeting online get so tiring?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

What is the best day for group coaching
ALLE LLC
January 07, 2023
When creating group coaching courses, we want to schedule them (and price) them so that they can have the most impact. Group coaching is powerful for learning and support and often it is hard to attend because of other work commitments throughout the busy day.
Help us to figure out key times to schedule groups to help YOU be your best everyday

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Does reading for five minutes prime your emotional intelligence?
ALLE Spontaneous Conversation
January 03, 2023
After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear several years ago on a recommendation from Andy Kaufman, I am a big proponent of incremental change. It works for getting things done and it works for coming back from burnout. Incremental change works. I use that approach in coaching, in my business and beyond!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Don't think racism still exists?
ALLE LLC
December 17, 2022
Many of us white folk don't really understand what privilege means. I learned a lot from this video and it got me thinking

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Mindlessness matters too
ALLE LLC
December 15, 2022
We explored mindfulness the other day. But mindlessness has a place too. How does it support is in the workplace?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

4 Author Newsletters
Hats off to the current Pearce Insights Team!
Pearce Insights
March 25, 2024
At some point an entrepreneur has an idea. Often it is because they find that they seem to have a knack for something. People give them feedback that leads them to think, "I should do more of this, and I should do it for myself instead of working for someone else."

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Mindful Ambition: The Art of Balancing Drive with Inner Peace
Pearce Insights
March 13, 2024
We live in a world that glorifies ambition. We're bombarded with messages urging us to "hustle harder," "chase our dreams," and "reach for the stars." While ambition can be a powerful motivator, neglecting the inner landscape can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a profound sense of emptiness.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Ready, Steady, Stop
Linkedln
February 20, 2024
I paused. I could clearly see the value of coaching, but not necessarily the value of me as a coach. Maybe just maybe I should go back to #projectmanagement and use my new-found coaching skills and training in that field.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Paradox of Choice in Career Paths: How to Find Clarity Amidst Options
Linkedln
February 15, 2024
We live in an age of abundance. From overflowing grocery aisles to endless streaming libraries, choice reigns supreme. This extends to our careers, where a plethora of paths beckon, each promising fulfillment and success. Yet, this very abundance can become a burden, paralyzing us with indecision and fueling the paradox of choice: the more options we have, the harder it is to choose, and the less satisfied we may be with our decisions.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

3 Books
Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious: How Coaching Can Help You Get Out of Your Own Way and Create A Meaningful Life
Wiley
February 06, 2024
In Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious: How Coaching Can Help You Get Out Of Your Own Way and Create A Meaningful Life, veteran coach Ruth Pearce delivers an incisive set of strategies designed to help you celebrate your wins and focus on the positives in your life. In this “portable life coach,” you’ll learn how to look at problems, challenges, and uncertainties in a way that can lead to deeper meaning in your professional and personal life.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-Based Project Management
Berrett-Koehler
November 27, 2018
Many project managers do not have the authority to direct the activities of people on their teams--they can only influence them. The most influential people succeed by focusing less on themselves and their message and more on others. They pay attention, they are brave, they are vulnerable, they are curious, and they look for and acknowledge the things that are important about and to the other person. And they model the behavior that they want to see. This book tells you how.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Coaching Perspectives VIII
Center for Coaching Certification
November 27, 2018
Coaching tools, techniques, and processes for project managers, executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Insights for cultural competence, coaching a team, trauma coaching, authenticity, and more.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

1 Conference Publication
Project Manager Effectiveness Survey Results
ALLE LLC
April 16, 2019
As a project manager for many years, I have, over that time, enjoyed many conversations with
other project managers and also non-project managers about what the role entails. Some people
have described to me a role that has not sounded at all like the work I have been doing. Using
expressions such as “glorified note-takers” and “task managers only interested in what we have
done today”, people who I thought of as friends and colleagues described the role in mechanical
and often not very positive tones. One friend said, “don’t get me wrong, they are needed, but it
isn’t rocket science is it?”
Others, often project managers themselves, described the role in more positive terms, highlighting
the complexity of the role as a conductor of many different parts of a project or program. For
these people, the role is much more elaborate and entails many more activities. Chief among them
seemed to be the person who acts as the clearinghouse for information for any person who may
have an interest in the project. When describing the responsibilities of a project manager, this
second group pointed to the challenge of being able to communicate with all different stakeholders
in the way that is most meaningful to them. The processes that we follow to set up a successful project, through managing the execution to wrapping things up and delivering the finished product
– which is often a far cry from the product that was conceived in the first place – are often
complex and require great attention to detail. Regardless of the debate about project methodology,
our role was described as everything from onerous to essential.
To get a clearer picture of the role of the project manager, I set out to survey both project
managers and their non-project manager colleagues.
The survey ran from November 2016 to November 2017, with most responses being collected in
the first six months.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

62 Influencer Newsletters
Monologues, Monologues, and More Monologues: Why Leaders Need to Ditch the One-Way Street Approach
Pearce Insights
March 27, 2024
Let's face it, folks, some leaders have a monologue addiction. They approach meetings like they're auditioning for a one-man show, their voices echoing through sterile conference rooms as they spew forth information with the enthusiasm of a malfunctioning fax machine.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Measuring people
Linkedln
March 26, 2024
“At the office I worked in before that, my [organization] required all employees to take a personality test that divided us neatly into one of four quadrants: Doers, Creators, Deciders, or Thinkers, categories that would then define our roles in the department. Most of the others were Doers; there were a couple of Deciders, too. I was the only Thinker. My first thought was, I think I need to get out of here.” Pamela Paul

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Don't Be a Daredevil: Debunking the Myths of Risk-Taking and Find Your Calculated Courage
Pearce Insights
March 21, 2024
We live in a world obsessed with risk-taking. From inspirational quotes plastered across social media to self-help books touting the virtues of "hustle," the message is clear: take risks, or be left behind. But what if the reality is more nuanced? What if the path to success isn't paved with reckless leaps of faith, but with calculated courage?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

From Shattered Pieces to Stronger Selves: Why Trauma Impacts Us Differently
Pearce Insights
March 07, 2024
Life throws curveballs. Some are gentle nudges, while others leave us reeling, grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience. But why does trauma affect us so differently? Why do some individuals emerge seemingly unscathed, while others struggle for years?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Life in the Engine Room
Linkedln
March 06, 2024
This weekend I had an ah-ha moment. I’m honored to witness a lot of those in others, and experience quite a few myself, but after months of working with sales coaches and business coaches, struggling to “put myself out there”, this felt particularly useful. Because you see, I have a dilemma.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Buzz on Bees: Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and the Sweetness of Life
Pearce Insights
February 28, 2024
Ah, the honey bee. A creature often buzzing around unnoticed, yet one that plays a vital role in our world, both ecologically and metaphorically. As a coach and speaker, I find myself constantly drawn to the fascinating parallels between the beehive and the human experience. Today, I want to share some of the buzz-worthy lessons these remarkable insects can teach us about leadership, teamwork, and the sweetness of life.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Compassion as Strategy: When Care Becomes a Leadership Tool
Linkedln
February 21, 2024
This may seem counterintuitive, even radical. Yet, consider this: compassion is not weakness, it's wisdom. It's a deep understanding of human nature, recognizing the vulnerability and interdependence inherent in every interaction. This understanding, when harnessed strategically, unlocks an incredibly powerful leadership tool.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Changing My Story - I Always Cope
Linkedln
February 19, 2024
How we choose to interpret our stories determines how we experience life's journey. Do we feel capable, competent and daring? Or hesitant, incapable and inadequate?

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Groupthink vs. Teamthink: Encouraging Dissent in Decision-Making
Pearce Insights
February 08, 2024
As a coach and speaker, I often witness the power of collective minds working towards a common goal. However, alongside this potential lies a hidden danger: the insidious creep of groupthink.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Transformative Failures: The Resilience Behind Business Comebacks
Pearce Insights
February 01, 2024
In business, the path to success is often paved with failures. These setbacks, though initially disheartening, can become the catalysts for profound resilience and astonishing comebacks. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the role of transformative failures in shaping enduring business success.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Sit Forward not Back - Make Your Voice Heard
Pearce Insights
January 23, 2024
The title of this piece came to me as tidied up, and refilled the bird feeder (my joy!). I realized how many times I have heard people say, “I cant believe things turned out that way!” And when I ask them what they do to try and get to another outcome they say, “nothing, I thought it was all under control!”

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Myth of 'Having It All': Redefining Personal Success in the Modern World
Pearce Insights
January 17, 2024
Somehow in today’s world, the notion of 'having it all' – a fulfilling career, a happy family life, time for personal interests, and social connections – has become a prevalent benchmark for success. But is this a realistic goal, or a myth that sets us up for constant striving and dissatisfaction?

See publication

Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Stigma of Workplace Conflict: How to Turn Tension into Innovation
Pearce Insights
January 10, 2024
In the dynamic environment of the modern workplace, conflict is often viewed with apprehension and discomfort. Yet, what if we could reframe the way we see workplace conflict, not as a hurdle, but as a catalyst for innovation and growth? In this blog, we will explore how to transform the tension of workplace conflict into a powerful driver of innovation

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Overlooked Burnout: How High Achievers are Silently Suffering
LinkedIn
January 03, 2024
High achievers are typically driven, passionate, and committed individuals who strive for excellence in everything they do. They are often the ones who go the extra mile, put in the additional hours, and take on challenging tasks. However, this relentless pursuit of success can come at a high cost.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Quiet Power of Introverted Leaders: Debunking Leadership Stereotypes
LinkedIn
December 27, 2023
In a world that often lionizes the charismatic, extroverted leader, the concept of introverted leadership can seem almost counterintuitive. However, the quiet power of introverted leaders is reshaping our traditional view of effective leadership. This blog post aims to debunk the stereotypes surrounding leadership and highlight the unique strengths that introverts bring to the table.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Second Mountain: Finding Purpose Beyond Success in Your Career
LinkedIn
December 20, 2023
In our professional journeys, many of us are familiar with the pursuit of the 'first mountain' – a metaphorical climb towards traditional markers of success such as career advancement, financial stability, and professional recognition. However, there comes a point in many careers where the summit of this first mountain, once achieved, doesn't feel as fulfilling as expected

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Psychological Safety at Work: The Unspoken Foundation of High-Performing Teams
LinkedIn
December 13, 2023
In the complex dynamics of today’s workplace, the concept of psychological safety has emerged as a cornerstone for building effective, high-performing teams. This critical, yet often overlooked element of team dynamics, can dramatically influence not only the success of a project but also the well-being and job satisfaction of every team member

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

The Unseen Battles: Mental Health and the Road to Resilience in Leadership
LinkedIn
December 06, 2023
In the intricate tapestry of leadership, the threads of mental health and resilience are interwoven more deeply than we realize. The journey of a leader is not just marked by the milestones of success and the accolades of achievements, but also by the unseen battles with mental health challenges and the relentless pursuit of resilience

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Emotional Agility: Leading with Heart and Mind in the Face of Change
LinkedIn
November 29, 2023
The ability to navigate change with both emotional insight and intellectual acumen—what I term 'Emotional Agility'—has become a non-negotiable for leaders. It’s the equilibrium point where the heart's empathy meets the mind’s strategy, allowing leaders to guide their teams through the turbulence of change with clarity and compassion.

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Curiosity Unleashed: Navigating Your Inner Landscape for Profound Self-Discovery
ALLE Spontaneous Conversation
November 22, 2023
In a world that often prizes certainty and expertise, embracing curiosity can seem like a journey into uncharted waters. Yet, it is in the depths of this unknown that we often find the most profound insights about ourselves and the world around us. Curiosity is not just a whimsical trait; it is a pivotal force in our journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Everyday Acts of Bravery: Unveiling the Unsung Heroes in Your Life
LinkedIn
November 15, 2023
In our pursuit of extraordinary tales of courage, we often overlook the everyday acts of bravery that quietly unfold around us. It's the uncelebrated, the modest, and the ordinary that often embody the truest forms of bravery. These acts may not make headlines, but they are the backbone of our personal and communal narratives.

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Strengths, Shadow, and Synergy: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Your Character
LinkedIn
November 08, 2023
As a coach and speaker, I've had the privilege of guiding countless individuals through the process of self-discovery, helping them navigate the intricate pathways of their strengths and shadows. Throughout these journeys, a profound realization has dawned upon me: our strengths and weaknesses are not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin, inextricably linked in a delicate dance of synergy.

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Tags: Project Management, Coaching

Hopeful Reflections: How Personal Stories Ignite Resilience and Empowerment
LinkedIn
November 01, 2023
Stories hold immense power; they can entertain, inform, and inspire. But beyond their surface allure, stories possess the incredible ability to ignite resilience and empower individuals to overcome life's challenges. This blog dives into the profound impact of personal stories, exploring how they light the path toward resilience and empowerment.

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Tags: Project Management, Coaching

Curiosity and Innovation: How Embracing the Unknown Drives Breakthroughs
ALLE Spontaneous Conversation
October 25, 2023
Curiosity is the unsung hero in the always-changing universe of personal as well as professional progress. It serves as a compass to direct us through unfamiliar territory, a flame to fuel creativity, and a firm hand to guide the ship toward undiscovered territory. Welcome to a trip where the well-known is put on the back burner and the uncharted begs us to set sail.

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Tags: Leadership, Project Management, Coaching

Resilience Redefined: The Intersection of Bravery, Vulnerability, and Personal Growth
LinkedIn
October 18, 2023
Throughout the complex fabric of human existence, one of the strongest strands is resilience. It's the unseen force that enables us to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward. But what if our understanding of resilience is due for a redefinition? What if, instead of being a mere survival mechanism, it's a pathway to profound personal growth and transformation?

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Tags: Project Management, Coaching

1 Journal Publication
The Practice of Character Strengths: Unifying Definitions, Principles, and Exploration of What’s Soaring, Emerging, and Ripe With Potential in Science and in Practice
Frontiers in Psychology
January 27, 2021
What does it mean to be “strengths-based” or to be a “strengths-based practitioner?” These are diffuse areas that are generic and ill-defined. Part of the confusion arises from the customary default of practitioners and leaders across many cultures to label anything positive or complimentary as “strengths-based,” whether that be an approach, a theoretical orientation, an intervention, or a company. Additional muddle is created by many researchers and practitioners not making distinctions between very different categories of “strength” in human beings – strengths of character, of talent/ability, of interest/passion, of skill/competency, to name a few. To add clarity and unification across professions, we offer seven characteristics and a comprehensive definition for a character strengths-based practitioner. We center on the type of strength referred to as character strengths and explore six guiding principles for understanding character strengths (e.g., character is plural; character is being and doing) and their practical corollaries. Reflecting this foundation and based on character strengths research, our longstanding work with strengths, discussions with practitioners across the globe, and a practitioner survey asking about strength practices (N = 113), we point out several character strengths practices or approaches we describe as soaring (e.g., explore and encourage signature strengths; practice strengths-spotting), emerging (e.g., the integration of mindfulness and character strengths), or ripe with potential (e.g., phasic strengths; the tempering effect; the towing effect). We use the same framework for describing general research domains. Some areas of research in character strengths are soaring with more than 25 studies (e.g., workplace/organizations), some are emerging with a handful of studies (e.g., health/medicine), and others are ripe with potential that have none or few studies yet opportunity looms large for integrating character science (e.g., peace/conflict studies). Using this framework, we seek to advance the exchange and collaboration between researcher and practitioner, as well as to advance the science and practice of character strengths.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

5 Keynotes
Burnout and Project Management
ALLE LLC
October 19, 2022
Private conference event for project managers at a large international company

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Bravery vs Recklessness: Knowing when to stand up and when to stand down
Arizona State University
September 28, 2022
Keynote themes
Change comes from people speaking out against norms and at the same time creating trust and belonging in the groups they inhabit. Project managers are often confronted with situations where they need to share unpopular news or opinions and they have to choose which battles to take on and how to present their message. Based on work by Dr. Todd Kashdan on the Art of Insubordination and related work by Dr, Charlan Nemeth on dissent, Ruth's session will explore the reasons we act to “fit in”, dos and don’ts of challenging the status quo, and ways to win others over.


Learning Objectives
Explain why we spend so much time fitting in
Identify ways to challenge group think
Explain what studies show about the effect of dissenters on groups and decision making
Develop a plan for being brave rather than reckless when navigating the challenges of project management

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Burnout: Sources, Signs and Solutions
PMI DMV
September 20, 2022
Abstract:
Burnout is a “hot” topic now in many professions. One profession that does not get much attention in these discussions – project management.

Join this keynote session with Ruth Pearce and explore some of the sources of burnout – especially for project professionals.
Be a participant in the first audience to explore with Ruth the connection between burnout and engagement. Together, we will discuss the question of whether the focus on engagement at work in the last few years is one of the major causes of the current so-called "burnout epidemic".

Walk away able to recognize some precursors to burnout, signs that burnout is taking hold, and with some solutions that can help to halt and reverse burnout symptoms.

To get the most out of the session, you may want to take the free burnout assessment at this link: https://projectmotivator.com/burnout-assessment/

(Note: Results won't be shared with anyone.)

And it is not all bleak – we will have some fun and lots of laughs!

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain what burnout is and where it comes from as a project manager
2. Identify signs
3. Plan steps to halt and reverse burnout.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Social Intelligence: Why we need it and how we can get it!
ALLE LLC & IPMA YC
November 30, 2019
Social Intelligence: Why we need it and how we can get it!

Project managers and their teams agree that communication and connecting stakeholders to the goals of a project are core to the role of project managers. Connection is a fundamental part of both aspects of our role. Connection is built on social intelligence – the way that we build and maintain relationships with others and elicit co-operation. This session explores social intelligence in project managers and provides tools for building social intelligence from the moment the session starts.
Social intelligence is how we connect with others. Connection directly impacts communication, and as that is such a big part of our role as project managers, social intelligence would seem like a key ingredient for success. Yet when I ask project managers about social intelligence, they shake their heads and laugh. They say social intelligence is not a go-to for us!

To investigate further, I asked a group to take the VIA Character Strengths survey. Results showed that far from having more social intelligence that our team members as we might hope, on average, we have less. Earliest results show that project managers rank it at just 19/24 on average compared with 10/24 on average for the US at large!

From project initiation to closeout, a project manager’s understanding of how people process information and make decisions, informs the way in which we tailor communications to our stakeholders – or does it?

How effective are we at tailoring our message to the needs of others?

If the survey results are correct, we have work to do. If we are good already, we can be better.

This session will introduce you to character strengths and the ways you can use them to increase your social intelligence to build more effective teams.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

The Strategy of Character: Measuring and Aligning Character for Success!
ALLE LLC/PMI Chicagoland
November 18, 2019
You are a person of character…
How does your character affect the way you engage at work? You probably know the statistics about engagement – 2/3 of us are not engaged (Gallup) and managers are the biggest single cause of engagement and disengagement (Gallup). How engaged are you as a PM? What strengths do you bring to the table and how do those strengths align strategically with planning and executing projects?
In this session, you will discover what you can do to:
1. Understand your own character and the character of your stakeholders.
2. Be more engaged yourself – it is hard to engage others if you are not feeling engaged.
3. Play to the strengths of others and see them for who they really are
4. Align your strengths strategically and make yourself a more effective PM

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

4 Media Interviews
Books & Beyond
PMO Leader
December 28, 2022
Interview for the PMO Leader with Ilinca Nicolescu. This was Ruth's x0th birthday, and she decided to share an hour with the audience. Some of her favorite people showed up to support!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

In It Together On TV! NBC Interview
Import from wordpress feed
May 21, 2021
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month Ruth was invited by Thalia Hayden onto NBC on May 7th. Check out the five minute interview about Mental Health, Coaching, Character Strengths […]
The post In It Together On TV! NBC Interview appeared first on Project Motivator.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Thought Leader Insight from the PMI
Project Management Institute
October 15, 2020
Ask project managers how important social intelligence is and MOST will say very. Ask the same group of project managers how much we usually have and they, well they laugh.... This study is of project manager character strengths - what is high and what is not so high ...

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Interview with Dr. Ryan Niemiec, Director of Education, VIA Institute on Character
ALLE LLC
April 22, 2019
Dr Ryan Niemiec interviews Ruth Pearce about her groundbreaking book Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-Based Project Management. The book explores the role of character strengths for project managers and teams.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

10 Podcasts
PMO Leaders - Great Practices
PMO Leaders
October 15, 2021
Interview of Ruth Pearce by Chris Kopp in which we explore why we should not teach our bunnies to swim and other character strengths stories!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

JCC Mayerson/Wholebeing Institute Lunch and Learn 2021
JCC Mayerson
April 13, 2021
Ruth joins Caroline Kohles again to discuss the 7 attributes of a Character Strengths based practitioner.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Character Strengths Pathways to Wellbeing
Major Projects Knowledge Hub
July 22, 2020
Interview on using VIA Character Strengths to promote wellbeing with Jonathan Norman of the Major Projects Knowledge Hub

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Major Projects Hub
Major Projects Knowledge Hub
May 11, 2020

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

People and Projects Podcast | Saturday Livestream | Ruth Pearce
People & Podcasts with Andy Kaufman
May 02, 2020
Ever wanted to meet the author and ask them questions.... here is your chance to find out more from Ruth Pearce, Author of Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

People & Projects with Andy Kaufman
People & Projects
April 15, 2020
The power of Character strengths for leading times and projects

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Motivation
TEAMGANTT
October 03, 2019
If you lead projects, you’ve likely had battles with motivation in project management—whether it’s to find motivation to complete your own work, or to mobilize an entire team to meet a goal successfully. You may have won a battle here and there, but sometimes it can feel like the topic of motivation can become an all-out war. But by instilling some basic values and using some helpful tools to help you figure out what motivates people, you can win that war before it even starts. On this episode, Brett interviews Ruth Pearce, who is an accomplished project manager and coach, and the author of Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-Based Project Management. In conversation, they cover:

Strengths-based project management
The strengths that PMs possess
Techniques used to motivate team members (and yourself)
How to you keep your team motivated in the face of tight deadlines or other challenges
How to build influence
Quick tips and tactics to keep people motivated

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Mark Struczewski Podcast
Mark Struczewski
April 15, 2019
Ruth Pearce is a project motivator, author, speaker, and coach. She also conducts research into the role of the project manager and their strengths. Her passion is studying and experimenting to understand what makes teams tick. She created her book Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management to give project managers the kickstart they need to transform their teams and projects. Ken Blanchard said of her book, “Read Be a Project Motivator and watch your project teams thrive.”

On this episode with Ruth Pearce:

Challenges of projector managers
How to REALLY hold effective meetings
The different kinds of meetings
The power of having a single purpose

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Elise Stevens Fix My Project Chaos
Elise Stevens
April 10, 2019
Have you thought about your strengths lately? Not your skills and talents, but the key character strengths within your personality.

If you’re a project manager there’s a good chance you’re prudent and persevering, which means you like to have a plan and you don’t like to give up.

Ruth Pearce believes the key to building strong teams full of motivated people is for leaders to study their own character strengths and then highlight and acknowledge the character strengths of others.

In this podcast, Ruth describes working with teams that were under stress and how her desire to get people more engaged without breaking the budget eventually led her to the science of character strengths.

Instead of relying on your intuition about people, she recommends getting to know your own strengths and learning how to spot them in others.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Joe Pusz - Project Management Office Hours
Project Management Office Hours
March 21, 2019
In this episode of Project Management Office Hours Joe Pusz, PMO Joe, and his guests Ruth Pearce and Michael Donnelly discuss using Strengths Based Project Management, progressing from good to great project management, building successful PMOs, and Ruth's book, "Being a Project Motivator, Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-Based Project Management." Ruth and Michael have great chemistry and the discussion flows easily between them as we get insights, tips, techniques, and tools. This is a can't miss episode to learn Why you need to be more than a technically competent project manager.

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Tags: Future of Work, Leadership, Project Management

1 Quote
Fast Company - How to Ask Someone at Work if They're Vaccinated
FastCompany
August 13, 2021
As we make more changes in the way people work, it can be tempting to ask another's vaccination status. As several contributors highlight in this article, as Covid cases rise even among vaccinated people, the focus should be on compassion, health & safety.

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Tags: Future of Work

18 Speaking Engagements
Be Hopeful; Be Strong; Be Brave; Be Curious targeting your strengths practice with Ruth Pearce
Center for Coaching Certification
December 09, 2022
As more and more basic skills and roles in the workplace are automated, managers, leaders and employee resource personnel are seeking new ways to be effective and in demand in the future. As we develop the science and practice of coaching, these professionals can learn a lot from us about interaction, motivating and nudging.

While task-based activities can be readily automated, people skills still depend on ... people! Using character strengths and coaching techniques, professionals and coaches have more tools to support their clients and their colleagues using strengths to navigate change, build new habits and become who they want to be.

Find out how during this session and walk away with insights that you can put into action immediately.

Learning Objectives:
- Describe the science of character
- Explore how to use character strengths - in particular Hope, Bravery, and Curiosity - to connect and communicate with others
- Create a plan for integrating these strengths plus one of their top strengths into their daily behaviors

Ruth Pearce, ICF ACC designated coach, a Certified Inclusion Coach, a Project Management Institute accredited Project Manager

My purpose is to build engaged teams who will run through walls for each other.

Experience, and evidence, shows that this happens when colleagues feel seen and heard. It happens when they feel that failure is not a dirty word, when they feel safe to challenge the status quo. And it happens when they know their strengths, they are appreciated for their strengths, and they are encouraged to use and grow their strengths in everything that they do. Group coaching creates that space, supported by the experience and training I have in financial services, non-profits, education, and online communities. I am a International Coach Federation ACC designated coach, a Certified Inclusion Coach, a Project Management Institute accredited Project Manager, a trained Economist and a trained Attorney/Mediator. My motto is Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious - www.projectmotivator.com

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Bravery vs Recklessness: Knowing when to stand up and when to stand down
International Institute of Learning
November 03, 2022
Leader Bravery A great example of what counts when a person is a leader. "Bravo" HK

Bravery vs Recklessness - knowing when to stand up - Nice presentation, and as you were rightly saying always bad news by Project Managers should be disclosed with much bravery like Delays why they are happening is it because of any dependencies, or any Integration issues, etc... Perseverance with the plan which is important, and you rightly said about not to dwell with the spent overs which is very true "Sunk Costs" and to seek & search for better opportunities and how to leverage things with the Management/Contingency Reserves and this is where the mettle of Risk Management really lies Sincere Thanks, Vijay VV
Good example to explain bravery vs recklnessness Very good presentation with a good example to explain bravery vs recklessness. Tnx - RM

Appreciate this perspective of being brave Looking forward to being able to review the print out and then apply bravery to my own work.

Bravery vs Recklessness When to say no , is not always accepted, or easy to do when working for a power lead organization. - PR

Great talk As i was listening to this all i could think of is how many PMs on my team need to listen to this talk. Such great insights. Thanks - JH

Bravery vs. Recklessness Great example of Maggie, the PM, being both brave and reckless that helped illustrate the difference. Very much enjoyed this presentation, 5 stars, would recommend. - MG

Great presentation From someone who likes to self analyze on why I don't want to do something and if fear of failure is the only reason, then I HAVE to put myself through the discomfort to just do it. :-) Thank you!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Burnout: Sources, Signs and Solutions
International Institute of Learning
November 03, 2022
Just in time now we are returning to office.
This gives great insights about detecting early signs of bunout, and without a doubt the ruturn to the office possess many of the characteristics that were depicted here. It is a very timely presentation. - FT

Burnout - Quiet Quitting - It's Real
Thanks for this thoughtful presentation. Learning about the indicators of potential burnout - in my team and myself - will help me make changes for the better. GD

Burnout Source Signs and Solutions
Very Nice one Ruth Thanks! Vijay - VV

Burn out Entered
Very good presentation. Tnx for the recovery tips ;-) - RM

Awesome topic Entered
Thank you very much, Ruth. The topic of your presentation is extremely important. I truly appreciate your presentation. AM

Great Topic and Spot On
Thank you for this presentation on a topic that we all probably experience at one point or another during our careers. Also good to know and understand some of the identifiers, as we may be in positions to recognize if peers, coworkers, stakeholders or even customers are hitting a burnout point and may be able to help navigate them through with some tips on reducing those feelings, even if just a temporary reprieve. Tried to give this a full 5-Star review, but for some reason unable to select it. - DO

Timely presentation - Burnout
Remote and Hybrid work styles - increasingly the need to be online, and constantly available. sure has taken a toll on administrate aspect of PM role - PR

Great talk
Liked the content but it was hard to listen to presenter.- JH

Great presentation
I definitely plan on watching this again before the on demand sessions are removed. We all experience burnout and it is so important to mitigate that for our own mental health.- RM

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

From Project Manager to Project Motivator
American Society for Administrative Professionals
September 13, 2022
Advanced

As a project lead, instead of just managing tasks, wouldn’t it be great to be able to really motivate your team and stakeholders? Uncover the secrets of strengths-based project management as an experienced project manager walks you through practical ideas and real-world examples on how to become a project motivator. Hear how to implement research-based practices to boost your team and stakeholders’ engagement. Explore how you can leverage your own strengths and the character strengths of others as never before to get things done. Learn how to inspire others to strive for a goal and why influence matters more than authority when it comes to motivating teams. Conclude with mindful use of character strengths and the project motivator’s mantra: be hopeful, be strong, be brave, and be curious.

Learning Objectives:

Examine how to use a growth mindset, character strengths, planning styles, and learning styles to engage yourself and others.
Carry out the six steps to build a culture of appreciation.
Apply character strengths to help deal with project problems and conflicts.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Burnout Sources Signs & Solutions
American Society for Administrative Professionals
September 13, 2022
Burnout: Sources, Signs, and Solutions
Sep 13 2022

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EDT

Fiesta 6-10

We’ve all had days at work when we felt “stressed out.” What’s the difference between being stressed out and being burned out? Prominent researchers and psychologists have identified the typical stages of the journey to burnout. As a result, there are signs that we can use to gauge burnout in ourselves and others. When needed, we can implement solutions to reduce the risk of burnout and to start reversing the symptoms. In this session we answer the question “what causes burnout?” and examine how personal, organizational and global stressors contribute. We will examine strategies to help ourselves and others combat burnout in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

Explore the signs and symptoms of burnout–what to look for in yourself and others.
Explain the difference between “flameout” and “burnout” and why it matters.
Define specific strategies at the individual and organizational level to reduce the risk of burnout.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference
Society of Women Engineers
October 21, 2021
Join us at the Crossroads of America this October for WE21—the top destination for women engineers and technologists! We promise that the strong, diverse women you meet and learn from will leave you feeling personally inspired and reinvigorated to take on the world.

Ruth's session: Be a Motivator – Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-Based Leadership

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

PMO Impact Summit 2021
PMO Impact Summit
September 20, 2021
This annual event has grown year to year and brings together PMO leaders both current and aspiring.
In Ruth's session we will be exploring coaching questions help us as PMO leaders!

Dancing in the Moment - how coaching questions help to build collaboration

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

PMI Dallas Chapter Professional Development Day
PMI Dallas Chapter
August 27, 2021
Project Management: From Strategy to Results

Ruth's session: Dancing in the Moment - Leading and Coaching from Strengths

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

NCPMI Chapter Conference 2021 hosted by IIL
NCPMI/IIL
August 21, 2021
This is one of the most active PMI Chapters around and each year the conference raises new questions and new topics. This year it is Transcendence: Moving Beyond

Ruth's session will be
Transcend Automation: Future Proof Your Role With & Through People.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Getting the Communication Right: How to Build Social Intelligence into the Message
ALLE LLC & PMI Chicagoland
November 18, 2019
Our biases sometimes get in the way of communication. We listen for cues and filter information based on prior experience and personal perspective. This is not only natural, but to some degree is necessary if we are not to be overwhelmed with information.
So how do we make sure our message is being received loud and clear? And how do we know we are hearing clearly what other people are telling us?
In this session, we explore how social intelligence helps build effective messages and we use real life examples to experience how biases affect conversation outcomes.
As we explore these interactions, we delve into character strengths theory and see how it relates to seven key team roles that play into our interactions every day. We will look at how the strengths of social intelligence and perspective show up for project managers and explore strategies to build our social dexterity.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

In the Here and Now: Using mindfulness practices to enhance personal and team performance
ALLE LLC & PMI Chicagoland
November 18, 2019
The research says it all. Mindfulness leads to better health, reduced stress and greater focus. Yet, despite the evidence, many of us don’t incorporate mindfulness from day to day. More powerful than mindfulness alone is the combination of mindfulness and character strengths. Research tells us that the use of character-strength leads to higher engagement and productivity. Come learn about your level of mindfulness, discover your top strengths and leave with practical resources to combine the two every day.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Strengths-Based Project Management: Social Intelligence for Project Managers
ALLE LLC & PMI Minnesota
September 24, 2019
Project managers and their teams agree that communication and connecting stakeholders to the goals of a project are core to the role of project managers. Connection is a fundamental part of both aspects of our role. Connection is built on social intelligence – the way that we build and maintain relationships with others and elicit co-operation. This session explores social intelligence in project managers and provides tools for building social intelligence from the moment the session starts.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Social Intelligence for Project Managers
Project Management Success Summit
August 21, 2019
Exploring Social Intelligence, character strengths, team culture and stakeholder relationships with Michael Charles of Project Management Success Summit 2019

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Introduction to Strengths-Based Project Management - Social Intelligence for Project Managers
GreatITProfessional
June 25, 2019
In this webinar, you will discover what you can do to:
1. Be more engaged;
2. Play to the strengths of others;
3. Build engagement in those around you.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Social Intelligence for Project Managers: What is it and how do we get it?
PMI EMEA
May 11, 2019
Social Intelligence ranks low for Project Managers as a strength - at least when taken on average - but it is an important component of our role as communicators. We can build social intelligence with simple steps.

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Tags: Change Management, Future of Work, Leadership

Introduction to Strengths-Based Project Management - Seeing the Strengths of Others (Part 2)
projectmanagement. com
April 03, 2019
Following on from the March 6th webinar, we will look further into how being a strengths-based project manager means playing to the strengths of those around us to build cohesive high-performing teams.

Having started with our own strengths, we will turn our attention to the strengths of those around us. How can we see their strengths, how do we call them out in a sensitive way? Attendees will use real-life examples to practice spotting strengths and will walk away with practical tools to use when working with stakeholders, team-members, sponsors and people outside their workplace too!

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Introduction to Strengths-Based Project Management - Finding Your Strengths (Part 1)
projectmanagement. com
March 06, 2019
Being a strengths-based project manager means playing to the strengths of those around us to build cohesive high-performing teams. As modeling is such a powerful way to influence others, the first step is to become aware of our own strengths, to explore how they show up for us and to learn how to target our strengths.

In this session - which substitutes for the session planned for December 2018 - attendees will learn about the “aware-explore-apply” model of character strengths and how just knowing their own strengths will positively impact their teams and projects. The session is packed with information about why strengths matter, how your strengths can help you and the people around you and ways to start engaging strengths right away. When you leave, you will have tools you can use immediately to start making a difference.

This is part one of a two-part webinar series.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Be a Project Manager: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths Based Project Management
PMI
October 08, 2018
Using character strengths awareness and practices to build teams

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

4 Videos
ALLE LLC Playing Favorites at Work a subtle form of workplace bullying
Import from youtube.com
January 12, 2023

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

ALLE LLC Workplace bullying & toxic workplaces
Import from youtube.com
January 11, 2023

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

ALLE LLC Who are HR and what do they do anyway
Import from youtube.com
January 10, 2023

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Just having a laugh - or Just monkeying around!
Import from youtube.com
January 10, 2020

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

1 Video
Live Coaching Session - Coaching Questions for Project Leaders
Impact Summit
September 22, 2023
This is a recorded demo of a coaching session with PM Leader, Dawn Mahan.

As an audience member, you will experience a real coaching session live and others will see how coaching can help be a better project leader. The topic that we explore was chosen by our sample client Dawn.

Coaching sessions are usually confidential. Dawn Mahan gave permission for this session to be recorded and shared as part of the Impact Summit.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

2 Webinars
Pearce Insights Book Launch Event - HOPE
LinkedIn
January 19, 2024
This is the event sign up for the Ruth Pearce’s session on HOPE on February 6th, 2024. For sessions on STRENGTHS, BRAVERY and CURIOSITY that day, please check our events list.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Pearce Insights Book Launch Event - CURIOSITY
LinkedIn
January 09, 2024
This is the event sign up for the Ruth Pearce’s session on CURIOSITY on February 6th, 2024. For sessions on HOPE, STRENGTHS & BRAVERY please check our events list.

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Thinkers360 Credentials

4 Badges

Radar

1 Trend
Organizations need coaching programs during tough times

Date : December 17, 2022

Organizations have been seeing the value of coaching over the last few years. The impact on retention and performance is measurable. But it is tempting when things take a turn for the worse to scale back on these newer initiatives. However, organizations that find ways to continue to provide coaching - whether 1:1 or group coaching - will find their staff outperform, learn more and at the end of the tough times will be more loyal. Think ahead as much as possible. Increased coaching and reduced expenditure don't have to be mutually exclusive

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1 Industry Scenario
Mentoring and Coaching enhance performance, wellbeing, learning and more. They are essential!

Date : December 17, 2022

Companies who support a coaching environment see that their staff are more loyal, learn more and faster and that they navigate challenges more effectively. This leads directly to higher performance all around. As organizations pull back in the next few months, they may be tempted to reduce access to coaching and mentoring. This would be a mistake because not only will coaching and mentoring help them weather the storm more effectively, they will position the same organization to come back strong when the next upward cycle starts

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4 Predictions
The coming year will see a reduction in retention

Date : December 08, 2023

During Covid and even before, organizations starting to provide more services to support mental health and wellbeing in their workforce. There was an increase in coaching and mentoring outside the top executive ranks, there was a greater focus on creating a sense of workplace community even as more people than ever were working remotely.
The tables seem to be turning as the economy takes a turn for the more challenging. The number of people being offered or seeking coaching seems to be declining as the challenge is no longer retention but cashflow and profitability.
At the same time, our parents and grandparents living longer, which means the most experienced and skilled members of the workforce are increasingly splitting their time between work, immediate family and aging family members who are requiring greater support and supervision as they advance in years.
These two trends are likely to increase absenteeism at work and greater demand for leave and mental health interventions.

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Organizations that build coaching and mentoring opportunities will come back strong

Date : December 17, 2022

Organizations have been starting to embrace the idea of coaching not just for high performers and underperformers, but for middle managers, individual contributors in transition and more. Those companies that build on that trend will weather the economic storm more effectively and be ready to come back strong when the next upturn occurs. Staff who have access to coaching - 1:1 or group coaching - or action learning groups will learn more and faster, create more opportunities.

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Companies that pro-actively support mental health initiatives will gain momentum

Date : October 21, 2021

Organizations who partner with their employees to promote mental health and flexible working will be more sustainable and more successful.

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2021 Predictions for Future of Work

Date : October 06, 2020

Organizations will be focusing on how to build connection and alleviate mental stress as more people work remotely for longer periods of time. Creating psychologically safe workplaces will be both more critical and more challenging as workplaces adapt. Change is hard, and only those organizations that focus specific attention on employee wellness will flourish.

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Blog

9 Article/Blogs
Four Tools for Project Management Success part 2
Thinkers360
October 06, 2023

Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

Fear as Fuel: Reimagining Bravery and Harnessing Your Inner Courage

Fear is one of the most powerful and paradoxical threads in our life journey. It's an emotion that can paralyze us, causing hesitation and doubt, yet it's also the force that has propelled humanity forward throughout history. Fear, when harnessed and transformed, can be the catalyst for immense personal growth and profound transformation. In this exploration, we'll delve into the depths of fear, dissect its psychological underpinnings, and learn how to reimagine bravery, turning fear into a potent source of inner courage.

The Nature of Fear: A Paradoxical Emotion

Fear, in its essence, is a primal response to perceived threats or dangers. It's hardwired into our biology, a survival mechanism designed to keep us safe. When we encounter a situation that our brain interprets as potentially harmful, our bodies react by releasing stress hormones, preparing us for the "fight or flight" response. However, fear doesn't always serve us well in the modern world. Our brains often misinterpret everyday challenges, such as public speaking or career changes, as life-threatening situations. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and avoidance behaviors. The key is to recognize that fear, while protective, isn't always accurate in its assessments.

The Psychological Underpinnings of Fear

To harness fear, we must first understand its psychological roots. Fear often originates from the unknown, a lack of control, or the anticipation of negative outcomes. It's deeply connected to our sense of self-preservation and ego protection. We fear failure because it threatens our self-esteem. We fear rejection because it threatens our sense of belonging. Moreover, fear is closely tied to the stories we tell ourselves—the narratives that shape our beliefs about what's possible and what isn't. These stories, often rooted in childhood experiences or societal conditioning, can either amplify or mitigate our fears.

Fear and Bravery: A Complex Relationship

Bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's the ability to act despite it. Think of fear as a raw material—a potent fuel waiting to be transformed. Bravery, then, is the process of refining and channeling this fuel into purposeful action. It's about acknowledging fear's presence and choosing to move forward, driven by a higher purpose or goal. But how do we turn fear into courage? It starts with understanding that fear often arises from our thoughts and perceptions. We fear the unknown, the judgment of others, or the potential for failure. These are all products of our minds, and they can be reshaped through mindful awareness.

Harnessing Fear: Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage

  1. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:Begin by acknowledging your fears without judgment. Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them. Self-compassion allows you to treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend in times of struggle.
  2. Redefine Failure:Embrace the idea that failure is a natural part of growth. It's not a reflection of your worth but rather an opportunity to learn and evolve. Shift your perspective from fearing failure to embracing it as a stepping stone on your journey.
  3. Set Clear Intentions:Clarify your values and what truly matters to you. When your actions are aligned with your values, fear loses its grip because you're driven by a sense of purpose greater than your fear.
  4. Practice Gratitude:Cultivate a daily gratitude practice to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can counteract the negativity bias that often fuels fear.
  5. Seek Support and Learning:Surround yourself with a supportive community and seek knowledge. Understanding your fears better and sharing your experiences can be immensely empowering.

Fear as the Catalyst for Transformation

To truly harness fear, we must recognize it as a catalyst for transformation. It's the energy that propels us to step out of our comfort zones, to confront the unknown, and to embark on journeys of self-discovery. When we face our fears, we unveil hidden strengths and capabilities we never knew existed.

Fear can be the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and resilience. It can push us to take calculated risks, explore uncharted territories, and challenge the status quo. In the world of business, it's often the entrepreneurs who dare to embrace their fears and act in spite of them that bring about groundbreaking change.

The Alchemy of Fear into Courage

Fear is a natural part of the human experience, but it need not hold us hostage. By reframing our relationship with fear, we can tap into its incredible energy and transform it into courage. Bravery is not the absence of fear but rather the audacity to confront it head-on and take purposeful action.

In my coaching practice and the upcoming book, "Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious," I delve deeper into the intricacies of fear and the art of harnessing it for personal growth. Together, let's embrace fear as fuel, reimagining it as the very force that propels us toward our aspirations. Fear can be a powerful motivator, a beacon signaling areas where we can grow, learn, and evolve. It's a compass pointing us towards the uncharted territories of our potential.

As we navigate the complexities of life, remember that fear, when understood and channeled, can become a trusted ally on our journey.

Take the courage assessment to find out more about your own levels of bravery!

https://projectmotivator.com/courage-assessment/

 

Curious Mindset: The Gateway to Lifelong Learning and Creative Expansion

Curiosity gleams as one of the most vibrant threads in life. It's the spark that ignites the flames of discovery, the compass guiding us through the labyrinth of knowledge, and the driving force behind transformative change.

Curiosity: The Birthplace of Knowledge

Let's begin with a fundamental truth: curiosity is hardwired into our DNA. It's what propels us to explore the world around us from the moment we open our eyes as infants. But as we grow, society sometimes quells this natural instinct. The weight of routine, responsibilities, and expectations can dim the flame of curiosity. It's crucial to reignite it.

A curious mindset is akin to an open door, welcoming new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It's the gateway to a lifelong love affair with learning. Just as a child's eyes widen in wonder when they encounter something new, we, too, can experience this sense of awe as adults. By nurturing curiosity, we keep the flame burning bright.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Curiosity fuels the engine of lifelong learning. It's the driving force that compels us to ask questions, seek answers, and explore the uncharted territories of knowledge. When we approach life with a curious mindset, every experience becomes an opportunity to grow. We become voracious readers, insatiable learners, and enthusiastic explorers of our interests.

Curiosity is like a guiding star on our journey of self-discovery. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, to challenge our assumptions, and to embrace the unfamiliar. It's through this process that we uncover hidden talents, untapped potentials, and unexplored passions.

The Creative Power of Curiosity

Curiosity is the wellspring of creativity. It's the muse that inspires artists, inventors, and innovators. When we approach life with an inquisitive mind, we see problems as puzzles waiting to be solved, and challenges as opportunities to stretch our creative muscles. It's not just about finding answers; it's about asking the right questions. Curious individuals are more likely to connect seemingly unrelated ideas, sparking innovation and pushing boundaries.

Now, you might be wondering, how can we cultivate a curious mindset in our daily lives? The answer lies in embracing several key practices:

  1. Ask Questions:Don't be afraid to ask "why" and "how." Questions are the seeds of curiosity.
  2. Stay Open-Minded:Approach life with a willingness to learn and an openness to new perspectives.
  3. Explore Diverse Interests:Pursue hobbies and interests that are entirely unrelated to your daily routine. The cross-pollination of ideas often leads to creative breakthroughs.
  4. Embrace Challenges:View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than obstacles.
  5. Stay Playful:Cultivate a playful spirit. Playfulness is closely tied to curiosity.
  6. Read Widely:Explore books, articles, and resources outside your comfort zone.
  7. Engage in Dialogue:Engaging in meaningful conversations with others can expose you to new viewpoints and ideas.

In closing, I want to emphasize that a curious mindset is a lifelong companion on our journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It's the beacon that lights our path, the key that unlocks the doors to knowledge, and the brush that paints the canvas of creativity.

Find out about your style of curiosity with the 5 Curiosity Dimension Assessment (reproduced with permission from Dr. Todd Kashdan)

https://projectmotivator.com/five-dimensions-of-curiosity/

To find out more about these topics and more, order Ruth’s book (due for publication by Wiley Publishing, February 2024):

Be Hopeful; Be Strong; Be Brave; Be Curious – How Coaching Can Help You Get Out of Your Own Way and Create a Meaningful Life https://www.amazon.com/Hopeful-Strong-Brave-Curious-Meaningful/dp/1394206542/

 

Want to connect with and learn more about Ruth Pearce? Connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-pearce-projectmotivator/  and check out her LinkedIn Learning Courses for Project Managers: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/ruth-pearce .

 

 

References

Snyder, C. R. (1994). The psychology of hope: You can get there from here. Free Press.

Lopez, S. J. (2013). Making hope happen: create the future you want for yourself and others. New York, Free Press.

Kashdan, T. B., Disabato, D. J., Goodman, F. R., & McKnight, P. E. (2020). The Five-Dimensional Curiosity Scale Revised (5DCR): Briefer subscales while separating overt and covert social curiosity. Personality and Individual Differences, 157, Article 109836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109836

HBR Spotlight Series – Why Curiosity Matters: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity?ab=seriesnav-spotlight

Character Strengths VIA Website: https://www.viacharacter.org/

Biswas-Diener, R. (2012). The courage quotient: How science can make you braver. Jossey-Bass/Wiley.

Pury, C. L. S. (2009). Courage (S. J. Lopez, Ed.). In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp. 375–3

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Four Tools for Coaching & Project Management Success - Part 1
Thinkers360
October 04, 2023

Over the last few years, I have transitioned from working as a program/project manager to speaking to, writing for, and coaching project managers. And I have been paying a lot of attention to the tools that bring success. All too often we seek the “one thing” that will magically make us happy, successful, and effective. There are countless books and courses on the 5 steps to… or the 7 secrets of…

What I have found is that success and happiness come from an ever changing blend of qualities that we need to dial up and dial down. The four I am going to write about today are what seem to be the foundation of a fruitful life journey.

Understanding and cultivating hope

Understanding what resources, we already have – our character strengths.

Understanding and engaging strategies to ramp up bravery – and knowing that bravery often means accepting fear.

And appreciating the light and dark sides of curiosity as guiding mindset.

Harnessing Hope: The Triumph of Hope over Experience

Hope is often confused with faith, wishing, trusting that things will work out OK. Thankfully it is a more complex and more manageable state of mind. We can take control of hope and make hopeful outcomes more likely to happen.

Exploring the Nature of Hope

A couple of times in the last few months, I have facilitated live explorations of hope. It is one of my favorite topics. So much so, that there is a chapter dedicated to it in my upcoming book that will be published by @Wiley in the new year. One of the reasons I love this topic is because it reminds ME to really think about how the environment supports hope.

Hope as a Core Project Management Strength

Back in 2018-19 I asked more than 450 project managers to take the VIA Character Strengths Assessment and the early results showed that the strength of HOPE is one that shows up a lot as a top strength in project managers. Not such a surprise when you think about what project managers do – start with nothing and work with a team to build a vision of the future!

But what IS hope?

Researchers such as C. Rick Snyder and Shane Lopez have helped us to develop a greater understanding of hope and how to harness it.

Hope = Vision + Pathways + Agency

OR

Hope = being able to describe your goals clearly through every sense + being able to identify ways to get to the goals and + believing that you can make the outcome more – or less – likely with the actions you take.

My Own Experience with Hope

In August 2023, I broke my leg. Two weeks later, I had surgery to repair it. It was particularly frustrating because we have just moved back to Raleigh-Durham and want to be out and about exploring AND is a golden opportunity – because I am using the opportunity to review and replan business strategy. But I was six weeks away from being up and mobile and three months away from driving. Yes, I broke my RIGHT ankle!

There is nothing like lying flat on your back for a couple of weeks to (a) make you bored and (b) help focus your attention on what matters most and what is DOABLE.

I am excited by the new ideas, and the revised goals. And I am energized to put the things in place that will support me in supporting you – with coaching, speaking and writing.

To do that I needed to look at my environment. I couldn’t sit easily at a desk, having a laptop perched on my knee is not healthy so we took a long hard look – and some advice – at what I need to be productive over the next few weeks.

Taking Steps to Make Hope Happen

Thanks to my endlessly patient husband, we have been able to come up with wheelchair + table on wheels.  It meets the requirement of keeping my leg raised (thankfully it no longer must be raised over my heart!), giving me a well-placed workspace to work on, a professional enough environment, my own space (we were in a rental and were fortunate to have a space like this for me to call my own!)

I felt more hopeful than I have in weeks! I have a vision (more on that to come), I see pathways forward and I feel like I can do things that are going to make this all doable!

What do you have in your environment that supports hope?

Who can help you?

What are you hopeful about?

Want to measure your own Hopeful tendencies. Use this link to access a Hope Assessment.

https://projectmotivator.com/the-future-scale-hope-assessment/

Beyond Superficial Labels: Exploring the Depth and Diversity of Character Strengths

In the intricate tapestry of human emotions and capabilities, character strengths stand as one of the most radiant and transformative threads. Our strengths, those inherent qualities that define our essence, are not monolithic. They're not rigid, fixed entities. Rather, they are as diverse and dynamic as the people who possess them, weaving a rich narrative of our individuality.

The Notion of Character Strengths

Character strengths, as explored in positive psychology, refer to those innate qualities and virtues that are integral to our personality. They represent the positive aspects of our psychological makeup, encompassing traits like courage, kindness, creativity, resilience, and many others. These strengths influence our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. They're the cornerstones of our identities, shaping the paths we choose and the lives we lead.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes

Society often tends to oversimplify these strengths. We're quick to label someone as "brave" or "kind" based on a single observable act. We pigeonhole individuals into predefined categories, reducing their complex tapestry of strengths to mere stereotypes. But when we embark on the journey of exploring character strengths, we recognize the fallacy of such superficial labels.

The Depth of Strengths

Character strengths run deep, far below the surface of what meets the eye. Take courage, for instance. It's not just about facing physical danger; it's also the quiet strength to persevere through emotional turmoil or to admit vulnerability. Kindness isn't merely a superficial act of charity; it's the profound capacity to empathize with others and offer genuine support.

The Dynamic Nature of Strengths

Furthermore, our strengths aren't static; they evolve over time and adapt to different contexts. A person might exhibit immense creativity in the realm of art and innovation, but that creativity can also manifest in problem-solving, relationship-building, or even parenting. It's the versatility of strengths that adds depth to our personalities.

The Interplay of Strengths

Another aspect that often goes unnoticed is the interconnectedness of strengths. They rarely exist in isolation. When we dive into character strengths, we find that they complement and amplify one another. Compassion can fuel bravery, while curiosity can enhance creativity. Understanding this interplay allows us to harness our strengths more effectively and cultivate a harmonious blend.

The Power of Awareness and Development

Exploring the depth and diversity of character strengths begins with self-awareness. It's about peeling back the layers of societal conditioning and superficial judgments to understand who we truly are. Once we're aware of our strengths, we can nurture and develop them intentionally. This process involves self-reflection, seeking feedback, and finding opportunities to apply our strengths in various aspects of life.

Embracing Diversity in Strengths

As a coach, I've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible diversity of strengths within individuals. I've seen introverts display remarkable leadership through their wisdom and humility, and I've watched seemingly reserved individuals express incredible courage when aligned with their values. Recognizing and celebrating this diversity is a testament to the richness of human potential.

In the grand symphony of life, our character strengths are the instruments through which we create our unique melodies. They are the shades on our canvas, the ingredients in our recipe, and the tools in our toolbox. But they are far more than mere labels or superficial descriptions. They are the essence of our humanity, waiting to be explored, celebrated, and cultivated.

So, I invite you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery. Look beyond the stereotypes and the surface. Dive deep into your character strengths, explore their diversity, and understand the intricate interplay that makes you who you are. Embrace the complexity of your strengths, for within that complexity lies the beauty of your authenticity.

In my upcoming book, "Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious," I delve deeper into the exploration of character strengths and how they can be harnessed to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Stay tuned for more insights and guidance on this profound voyage of self-awareness and personal development.

Discover your strengths by taking the assessment here: https://BeHopefulBeStrong.pro.viasurvey.org/

To find out more about these topics and more, order Ruth’s book (due for publication by Wiley Publishing, February 2024):

Be Hopeful; Be Strong; Be Brave; Be Curious – How Coaching Can Help You Get Out of Your Own Way and Create a Meaningful Life <LINK> https://www.amazon.com/Hopeful-Strong-Brave-Curious-Meaningful/dp/1394206542/

 

Want to connect with and learn more about Ruth Pearce? Connect with her on LinkedIn <LINK> https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-pearce-projectmotivator/ and check out her LinkedIn Learning Courses for Project Managers: <LINK> https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/ruth-pearce.

 

 

References

Snyder, C. R. (1994). The psychology of hope: You can get there from here. Free Press.

Lopez, S. J. (2013). Making hope happen: create the future you want for yourself and others. New York, Free Press.

Kashdan, T. B., Disabato, D. J., Goodman, F. R., & McKnight, P. E. (2020). The Five-Dimensional Curiosity Scale Revised (5DCR): Briefer subscales while separating overt and covert social curiosity. Personality and Individual Differences, 157, Article 109836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109836

HBR Spotlight Series – Why Curiosity Matters: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity?ab=seriesnav-spotlight

Character Strengths VIA Website: https://www.viacharacter.org/

Biswas-Diener, R. (2012). The courage quotient: How science can make you braver. Jossey-Bass/Wiley.

Pury, C. L. S. (2009). Courage (S. J. Lopez, Ed.). In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive ps

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Tags: Coaching, Future of Work, Project Management

Golden nuggets - Does reading for five minutes prime your emotional intelligence?
Thinkers360
January 09, 2023

After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear several years ago on a recommendation from Andy Kaufman, I am a big proponent of incremental change. It works for getting things done and it works for coming back from burnout. Incremental change works. I use that approach in coaching, in my business and beyond!

New readings

So in every book I read, I look for golden nuggets. Small actionable activities that can help me and others learn, grow, make progress, feel better, create contentment, whatever it might be. Reminded by Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh that old books don't mean useless books, I have been dipping back into some books that are more than two years old!

This holiday my friend and colleague Lisle Baker sent me two such interesting reads. The first is the Good Lawyer by Douglas Linder and Nancy Levit and in that book on page 22 I found my first nugget.

Referencing an article in the The New York Times by Pam Belluck which explored the popular idea that reading literary fiction could make us more emotionally sensitive (intelligent). Sadly, since the publication of the book and the original research, more than just the theory has been discredited. However, I am curious to know what others think.

When you read literary fiction - not just popular formulaic fiction, but the type of fiction that leaves much to the imagination and describes complex characters - does it help you to understand and maybe even read people better?

I like this theory because it aligns with the work that Geoff Crane has been doing around emotional, social and motivational intelligence. To achieve goals we need to engage our imagination. To consider how others might be feeling, we need to engage our imagination and so on...

Here is a way to test out the theory for yourself.

Three steps in three days

Step 1: Take an assessment based on reading facial expressions. This one from the The Greater Good Science Center caught my attention.

Wait a couple of days - otherwise you will likely remember the answers to the quiz!

Step 2: read a short piece of literary fiction. Not sure where to find such a thing - well here is a link to some examples. All quick but thought provoking reads by recognized scribes. I wish there were more examples of literary works by non-white people! I will keep looking.

Step 3: Take the assessment based on facial expressions again and compare your scores.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/ei_quiz/take_quiz

This is not the most scientific experiment - and I am not claiming that it is a basis for measuring the applicability of the theory, but I found it an interesting exercise nonetheless.

Let me know what you discover in the comments.

What is the other book you may be asking yourself... Beyond Reason by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro. Watch this space for more on the "Core Concerns"

______________________________________________________________________

Black and white image of white woman with short hair
Ruth Pearce, Pathfinder & Inspiration Officer

In addition to speaking about human skills in #projectmanagement, and #Linkedinlearning instructor, Ruth Pearce is a coach and speaker. Want to find out more about working with her?

Book a chemistry call here: Ruth Pearce Calendar

__________________________________________________________________________

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Tags: Future of Work, Project Management, Coaching

Purpose, Sensitivity and Sociability… Measurement & Development
Thinkers360
December 19, 2022

Since 2016, I have been spending a lot of time on motivation. In coaching we often focus on reconnecting clients to their values and dreams.

It is not hard to believe that most of us want to have a sense of purpose in what we do. It is easier to motivate ourselves, keep going in hard times, and even to speak out to motivate others when we have a sense that our goals mean something.

Purpose is what makes us get up in the morning. It is what makes us choose thoughtfully and deliberately. Keeping a focus on our sense of purpose aids in decision making by helping us to baseline choices against our overall purpose.

What is your purpose?

What motivates you?

As painful as it is to watch, this clip from the movie Up in the Air always gives me pause.

AND what if you could MEASURE your motivation?

Working with motivation has been so, well motivating. In 2018 I was able to get a book published by the fabulous Berrett-Koehler publishers about the topic – Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management.

Three years later the content of the book was the basis of my first LinkedIn Learning course – Project Manager to Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management. This course has been watched by nearly 10,000 people in the 15 months since it was launched. And it will receive some additional material in 2023 to round out the topic and introduce balanced engagement AND disengagement.

I have spoken in many forums about the way in which Character Strengths connect us to our motivation, about intrinsic motivation vs extrinsic motivation. …

So, imagine my excitement when I learned we can MEASURE motivation.

When I met Geoff Crane of Adaptimist Insights, I was excited because this is a person who has dedicated more than 10 years to researching the assessment, he was showing me. I love well researched assessments. And even better for me, he had been studying thousands of project managers as part of his work. My tribe. It is so rare that anyone I speak to has paid specific attention to project managers, that I had to ask him to repeat himself!

Although the assessment started out life as an update to emotional and social intelligence measurement (more on those in future blog posts), motivational intelligence – or PURPOSE had appeared in the data. Geoff and the team had identified three competencies related to purpose.

The first is MOTIVATIONAL SELF-EFFICACY.

Many of us know and admire people who are high in this competency. They are the ones who always seem to keep their eye on the ball, they don’t get distracted or put off, they aim high and don’t settle for less! The challenge of being highly self-efficacious is that we may not be satisfied with what we do achieve or may become unrealistic about what is achievable which can lead to sticking too long with a goal.

We tend to admire people who are “driven” In this way, but there are advantages to being lower in this competency. Low MS people tend to be easy going, can change direction quickly without getting frustrated or upset, they tend to take life moment by moment and not think too much about the future. The challenge tends to be indecision and reactivity- low MS people tend to go with what feels best right now without considering what might be best going forward.

The second competency is MOTIVATIONAL INFLUENCE

This is the ability to motivate others to act in accordance with OUR goals – to help us achieve our goals. The strength of high MI is that individuals can get more help accomplishing their purpose, the challenge is that that may mean that people are persuaded to do things that are not good for them or the greater good. High MI is sometimes equated with charisma. And charismatic individuals are persuasive but there is no guarantee what they will focus on as a goal.

Low motivational intelligence people often feel that they are at the whim of others. They often prefer to work alone and may have trouble delegating effectively in the absence of formal authority. With authority, they can be effective leaders in situations where there needs to be one decision maker because they tend to be knowledgeable about their subject area.

And the third competency in this group is PERSEVERANCE.

This is the difference between planning to do something and seeing it through when faced with a challenge. Often perseverance is related to a sense that the task is easily doable, that others will support our choice of the task and that we think the behavior is desirable. Low perseverance individuals will often find reasons not to pursue the goals, finding errors and gaps in their plans that may not be as large as they perceive them. High perseverance people tend to keep going after their goal relentlessly which in extremes can mean that they trample on the feelings of others or lose sight of personal commitments which can damage relationships.

COMPETENCIES CAN CHANGE and can BE Changed

Whatever our levels of each of three competencies, there are challenges AND strengths, AND more importantly, we can change our levels. These competencies can be learned and developed! We can also learn to apply them selectively – choosing when to push through and evaluating when the cost is too high, or the goal no longer makes sense.

Motivation and others

When we understand the motivational competencies of the people we work with, we can develop strategies to boost their natural strengths and mitigate the challenges. And ultimately that means we can get more done. Which is a great opportunity for project managers!

So what do we see?

Let’s look at the scene from Up in the Air again.

How did Bob, the character being made redundant fair in the three competencies?

Motivational Self-efficacy? Did Bob believe in his goals? Had he succeeded in similar goals? Did he see others achieving their dreams? How was his self-talk?

Motivational Influence? Was he able to persuade others that his goals were a good idea? Did he get others to help him?

Perseverance? How easy was his goal? Did he think others would support it as a goal? Did he believe it was a worthy, desirable, admirable goal?

How did his purpose change?

When he was studying it seems he had high MS. He studied, he worked at a high-end restaurant to maximize his learning. As soon as he had a family to worry about though he put his goals aside and exchanged them for new goals. It seems he did not really consider pursuing his dreams. That first paycheck tempted him away and onto a new path. He quickly changed his priorities and gave up on his original goals.

Not that there is anything wrong with choosing a new path. For some people having a family and doing work that pays enough to comfortably support that family is motivation enough. But there is a difference between reasoning the choice out and intentionally choosing a new path and giving up at the first hurdle and not looking for compromises or ways to balance the choice. For example, I have a friend who is a skilled tradesman who delights in working part time in the kitchen at a local restaurant.

The point is that without building our motivational skills ideas will just come and go and won’t come to fruition. We need to have a goal, believe in the goal, get others to support our goal and keep going when the going gets tough!

Want to learn more about it? Want to see YOUR current measure of motivational intelligence or purpose?

Email me at RuthPearce@projectmotivator.com or join us for the PMO Leader Books & Beyond Podcast on December 28th at 11am and help me celebrate my birthday.

The link to register is here: https://www.airmeet.com/e/cb1a4970-40d6-11ed-8894-f1a0d07b1d56?preview=true

I will be giving away free autographed copies of my book AND one free MIPI assessment with debrief! 

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Links and references

Link to find out more about what motivates each workplace generation: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/what-motivates-your-workers-it-depends-on-their-generation.aspx

Link to order Ruth’s book Be A Project Motivator: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Project-Motivator-Strengths-Based-Management/dp/1523095792/

Link to check out the LinkedIn Learning course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/project-manager-to-project-motivator-unlock-the-secrets-of-strengths-based-project-management

Link to check out all four courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/ruth-pearce

Learn more about Ruth:  www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-pearce-projectmotivator

Link to meet Ruth online: https://calendly.com/mindfulprojectmotivator/coaching-chemistry-call-with-ruth-pearce

Take your FREE VIA Character Strengths assessment here: http://LIL.pro.viasurvey.org

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Tags: Future of Work, Mental Health, Project Management

Living in the Gray Area
Thinkers360
March 03, 2021

I have been an on and off drinker – often referred to as a Gray Area Drinker - functioning well in day-to-day life, yet not happy with my relationship with alcohol. I have gone for long periods of time – for example when in college and when competing in triathlons – when I barely drank at all. Then there have been times – like when I worked in the City of London for a Stockbroker, or when I was on that project in New York that strained us all to the limit and studying a law degree at the same time(!) – that alcohol has been a bigger presence. Bigger than I wanted.

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Tags: Future of Work, Coaching

Making sense of how YOUR character strengths can help
Thinkers360
August 10, 2020

Jo works in education in the U.K. Her signature character strengths are Fairness, Humor, Judgment, Social Intelligence and Prudence.

Her lesser strengths – on a typical day – are Gratitude, Hope, Spirituality, Appreciation and Self-Regulation.

As schools close their doors during this crisis, and families face the challenge of being at home, reduced income and still giving their children an education, she and her colleagues are working tirelessly to create a consistent learning environment. When asked how things are going, she said, “I have never worked as hard in my life!” Between work commitments, juggling a family of six people stuck in the house, managing updates, checking in on family and friends, it is a whirlwind of calls, texts, emails …

So, I asked her how strengths help:

1. TEAMWORK & GRATITUDE: “The family has realized that we are in this together. It is not perfect, and we have our moments of frustration, but for the most part everyone is focused on doing their part to make all of this work. I am so grateful that we are being mutually supportive – at home and at work – and that everyone has a “can do” attitude.”

2. SELF-REGULATION: “We are keeping to a regular schedule, getting up at the normal time, dressing for school and work as usual – YES that means wearing school uniform. There is so much chaos and confusion and it is easy to be swept along in “what ifs” and catastrophic thinking. I keep asking the question, “What is one thing we can do now?” This helps me and my family stay focused on what is possible, and what is happening in this moment and not to dwell too much on what might – or might not - be coming next.”

3. LEADERSHIP and PERSPECTIVE: “the decisions I am making at home and at work have an impact on many people. My concern is not just for family and friends. I am concerned about the students from my schools, their families and their friends. I am privileged to be able to do more than most to make this process less bewildering and more manageable than it would otherwise be.”

4. PRUDENCE & CURIOSITY: “We have a plan that guides us day-to-day and we make any adjustments as needed. Noone has all the answers in this situation, so we learn as we go and look to each other for ideas and suggestions. There are lots of questions such as “how else might we do this?” and “What do we need in this moment?” and “What is one step we can take that will make things a little better right now?” So far, we have set up an obstacle course in the living room!

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Tags: Leadership, Future of Work, Mental Health

Thank you to my father - Rick Kelly, 1930 - 2000
Thinkers360
June 22, 2020
I shared a post about my dad on LinkedIn for Father's Day - he would be astonished at the response! Perspective - He died 20 years ago. I miss him. He was a complicated man - like the Curate's egg, good in parts. He and my mother had a challenging history. There are many ridiculous stories about his odd behavior, and then there are as many stories about his compassion. He never wanted to be a father, and was dismayed to find that once one, always one. It is not a role you can shed like a job. Being a father was something he worked hard at, failed at, succeeded at, and was probably a burden to his mental health. Recently I wondered aloud why I know a little about South African history. Love of learning - Then I remembered - at 13 years old, when my school project was to write about another country, my father pushed me to look further than France or Italy. He wanted me to explore a country that the students didn't know about. I decided on South Africa because my sister's friend and her family were planning to move there. And I could interview them - something I was confident other members of my class would not be doing. After I showed my father lovely pictures of South Africa cut from magazines, he told me to look deeper. That was in 1976, almost 20 years before the official end of Apartheid. What I read shocked and dismayed me. And it opened my eyes to the idea that things are not always what they seem... there is generally another side to the story. Social Intelligence - When I was 15, he gave away a suit, shirt & shoes to a homeless man trying to get a job. He befriended the man on his way to work, he bought him breakfast some days. I asked why & he said "because if I had made different turns, that would have been me". Curiosity - At 17 I asked, "Dad, what type of people do you admire" he replied, "interesting people". I asked him, "what type of people are they?" He answered, "anyone who can share a story I don't know...so practically anyone". Bravery - When I was 19 he told me to "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable - it beats staying in your comfort zone, and it is the only way to grow." Love - My father helped shape my world. He shared anxiety, and perfectionism, his love of learning, his curiosity about all things, his gratitude, and his abiding sense of fairness. And he modeled bravery. Thanks Dad️ Fathers & leaders - how you think and behave sets the tone for your children, your teams and all around them! Your answers matter!

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Tags: Leadership, Future of Work, Mental Health

Choosing Your Role Model
Thinkers360
June 16, 2020
At any time, some people are better positioned than others – financially, socially, emotionally and psychologically – to ride out ups and downs. As a character strengths practitioner, it can feel insensitive to people’s practical needs to recommend focusing on character strengths. Yet I have been having an ongoing conversation with a loved one and in every conversation, she has shown me that character strengths matter. FINDING A ROLE MODEL IN AN UNEXPECTED PLACE My loved one is a nurse. On the upside this means that she probably has a tough immune system and that she has well-established hygiene habits that she uses even when on autopilot. On the downside, she is exposed every day. She told me how she has been leaning heavily on her character strengths: 1. Hope: she is trained to deal with situations that are just plain terrifying for the rest of us. She does not focus on the news cycles; she searches medical articles and up to the minute studies for real data. That real data, while worrying, is reinforcing her sense of hope. 2. Prudence and Perspective: she has been reminding me that we have no serious underlying medical conditions, we live in a safe place with access to the food we need so we are not at high risk. She recommends keeping a safe physical distance from others and at the same time making sure we don’t leave others cut off during this difficult time. 3. Judgment: she has been recommending that we take stock of concerns and prioritize them; then focus on your top two priorities. You cannot take care of everything at once. Then, for those two priorities think about: • What you have done in the past that has worked. • Who can help you – even if it is offering moral support? • Who you can help in some small way? 5. Kindness: she is finding that focusing on others is helping her to divert attention from her own worries. She focuses on small acts of kindness such as an extra call to an isolated patient or leaving a couple of cans of food on a neighbor’s step. Helping others is empowering even when we are struggling ourselves. 6. Kindness 2 (Self-kindness): she keeps reminding me that we cannot stress 24/7 and that we need mental health breaks. FIVE QUESTIONS TO GROUND YOURSELF: 1. Who is your role model? 2. What is your #1 priority? 3. Who is someone that can help you even in a small way? 4. Who can you help? 5. What character strengths does your role model display?

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Tags: COVID19, Leadership, Mental Health

The Power of a Timeout
Thinkers360
June 04, 2020
Amy, Sally’s client, called to say she could not make the appointment. As a hospital administrator at a time of pandemic, there was no time for a call. Sally offered to spend a few minutes for a check-in. Amy reluctantly agreed. Amy asked immediately, “please share with me the ways you or your other clients build resilience.” Instead of answering, Sally asked, “what has worked for you in the past?” Amy paused, took two deep breaths and a list flowed forth: 1. Walking in nature 2. Music 3. Meditation – she remembered she has an app she likes that she has not used in a while 4. Poetry reading – she remembered that she has a big book of poetry that was given to her as a birthday present. Sally asked, “And what are some options?” “Well,” she said, " it occurs to me that I can play music on my commute. I can plan to walk at lunchtime. If I cannot get out, I will use my meditation app to do a five-minute meditation. And I can read a page of poetry before bed.” She sighed. “Wow, it is really quite easy now I come to think about it. With a plan I will make sure I take a few breaks” As the conversation drew to a close, Sally asked, “how do you feel now?” Amy replied, “I feel SO much better! My head is clearer, my mind is more focused, my mood has lifted, I have a plan for ways to help myself in the coming days. I feel great! AND, “I learned that taking this timeout for myself was not a luxury I could not afford, it is a necessity that will help me be more effective.” Personal timeouts during times of stress are not luxuries they are necessities. They help us focus, identify priorities, make better decisions and feel better. And when we feel better, we act better! 1. What is one personal practice you will maintain? 2. How do you feel when you maintain that practice? 3. Who is someone you can explore options with? 4. How can you help someone else explore their options for self-care?

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Tags: Leadership, Future of Work, Mental Health

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