As you know with MBTI, we often look at life with our own sort of “filter.” We see things a certain way due to our unique personality type.

It can be hard to adjust our thinking and vision to realize that others may not see life in the same way we do.

But do we stereotype people based on their MBTIs?!

It can be easy to fall into generalizations that you believe to know to be true about certain types. Everyone does it.

Oftentimes, many of these generalizations are untrue or even inaccurate if you have not consulted a trained professional to learn more about what each particular MBTI type means.

These judgments or preconceived notions you have about personality types may actually cause negative effects to your team rather than the positive productivity that can come with understanding your employee's types.

I like to think about "type" like "handed-ness".

Most of us are typically dominant in one hand over the other. That doesn't mean that we don't ever use the other hand. Quite the opposite.

This is also true with "type".

Without verification, training and education around type and its practical uses, people can easily get pigeonholed and underpromoted because of common "stereotypes" or generalizations that are often hastily assumed about types.

Every single personality type is different, especially for different people.
It is important that we understand who a person is and how this person works effectively, that is if we want to have successful teams and productive workplace environments.

That is why working with a trained professional will not only help you verify results, but also help you apply the knowledge in profound and effective ways.

And never has this been more true or applicable than now, when so much work is being done remotely and it has become necessary to manage from afar.

That is why my "Rite Type" Coaching is so effective, it all comes down to understanding what your MBTI actually means and how it can benefit your work and your life.

Ready to get started????

Here's To Your Success,
Kate

This is one of my most favorite topics to talk about. 

I think that it happens a lot more than people realize. Typically what I like to say is that when we get stuck, there's always an important reason for that. 

Usually when I need more information about something, or if I find a new topic I am interested in, when in doubt, I Google it. 

Having this immediate access to vast amounts of data and information all by the simple press of a button is a huge, huge advantage that business leaders and entrepreneurs did not have before us at the same time.

However, having too much information can be incredibly overwhelming and even really counterproductive when it comes to making decisions as a business owner and entrepreneur.

One of the most powerful responsibilities of a business owner is to make decisions and we're making them all day long, right? Big ones, small ones, it’s our job.

Getting lost in analysis paralysis is a common way that business owners get bogged down when it comes to decision making and in all the things that it takes to move that business forward. 

And a big part of this is because of all the information immediately available at our fingertips. 

It's really easy to get lost and ultimately buried underneath piles of information that in the beginning you thought were helpful and likely was, but only ends up clouding your ability to make those decisions.

It ultimately decreases the ability to really focus on anything else and get anything else done. Especially if we’re holding ourselves to an incredibly high standard.

High achievers tend to do that. 

We fall victim to this idea that we're supposed to make the right decision and know how to pull it off perfectly and get the biggest return on our investment and not make mistakes. 

This is usually where analysis paralysis starts to happen for people. It's about pressure. 

It's about something that's happening inside of a person who is trying to make a decision based on the facts, based on the resources that they have and yet getting stuck between an alternative choice that might be equally effective.

Analysis paralysis is really about a conflict inside. It’s a conflict of what you think you want and what somebody else is telling you works.

You know, when someone gets stuck in analysis paralysis, it's because of something much deeper than the outside world. 

What I find interesting is that many, many coaching programs and gurus, tout a more behavioral approach, emphasizing the necessity of implementing a different strategy or behavior program, or having an accountability buddy that can keep you on track. 

Although there's absolutely nothing wrong with any of these strategies, the problem is that if we don’t deal with the deeper underlying issues related to the inability to make a choice and move forward, then these short-term strategic changes are eventually going to fall apart.

I tend to drift towards that deeper, sustainable change that ensures we're going to get the most bang for our buck, the most bang for our investment when it comes to growth and evolution. You know, working with someone trained to help you uncover the deeper issue that’s keeping you stuck in your decision making. 

The greatest thing you can do is get out of your own head and go work through this with someone who's trained to help you resolve this deeper internal conflict. It’s deeper than words and habits folks. It really is. 

Let’s schedule a time to talk today about your analysis paralysis, and the internal conflicts inhibiting you and your business from growing.

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate

Stress. 

It’s something we all feel - maybe even a little more than usual with the current pandemic. 

And it’s basically a given that life as a business owner or entrepreneur can lead to a lot of stress. You are fully responsible and so invested in the success of your business, and the weight of it all can weigh heavy on your shoulders at times.

Well, didn’t we all become business owners or entrepreneurs to enjoy the freedom that comes along with running the show? We have the ability to set our schedules, to call the shots, and we get to work more independently in a way that fits the way we work best.

So why are we so stressed?!

The source of stress may not be super easy to pin-point. It’s often the result of a whole slew of things. 

But I’ll tell you this…

The key to figuring this out is self-reflection.​

Would it benefit you to set better boundaries with yourself and stick to certain “work hours”?  Would outsourcing some of your workload ease your struggle? Do you just need a moment to reflect on how far you and your business have come?

Stress is inevitable. But a healthy amount of stress is actually good and keeps us productive. 

On the flipside, too much of it is never good for anyone. 

So take some time for yourself today. 

Dive deeper into why you are feeling stressed. Write a list of what is making your head spin and try to look at those difficulties through a different perspective. 

This inner work and self-reflection is truly the first step in taking action towards a more satisfying (and less stressful!) life. 

Psstt… If you haven’t heard yet, we have launched a podcast! Each week, we explore topics that teach you how to create a workplace environment full of highly engaged, loyal and collaborative people. Head over and listen to the Rite Type Coaching Podcast and learn more.

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate

The core of what all successful business owners and people know is that growth always happens at the end of our comfort zone. 

Growth opportunities often show up in ways that it can feel like you have to go out on a limb a little bit or take a leap of faith. You know, an AFGO?

(AFGO = Another flippin’ growth opportunity?)

Well folks, like it or not, trust me, that's where growth happens.

It's not that it can't happen when you're doing the same things over and over and over again. 

But when you continue to move forward in life or base decisions and choices in your life upon your old criteria like, "Do I have enough?", or "How is this going to come back to haunt me?", or "Is this to help me or hurt me?"…In most of these cases, you’re going to stay stuck.

I'm not saying that using logic, reason or rationale is bad or wrong. 

I’m simply saying that there needs to be a balance between your left and right brain where (1) you do look at the facts and your bank account, while at the same time (2) you look at the time you have and at the opportunity presenting itself and ask if it is the right time for you.

The secret is learning how to trust what that little voice inside tells you, whether it’s logical or not. And this is not a brain thing. 

What I'm speaking about is that other part of you, your intuition, your gut. It’s from this place that you’re often going to hear the message first that very, very often you need something different. 

I believe that on the other side of fear is your life. And in the space between you being able to take that next step and stepping into that reality, that folks, is what growth is all about.

Growth is always going to feel counterintuitive. It’s going to challenge the old ways, which is why it’s going to feel totally counterintuitive.

Working through the blocks inside that get in the way of you having enough and feeling abundant and successful and prosperous in your life- that’s what all successful people challenge themselves to do.  

What I can tell you is this, if you're not willing to do your part by taking that chance, that feels right to you, you will continue to stay stuck. 

Even though your brain might be saying something different, then it's going to be hard for the universe to provide abundance for us because we're still living from a place of scarcity, a place of lack. 

This is a place where I see people get blocked all the time when it comes to taking the next opportunity to step into the next piece of their lives. Fear is the #1 way these blocks happen.

Learning how to lean into your fear and unpack it to find out if the fear is real and rational based on present day experiences, or if it's old fear that keeps you playing small in your life- this is the key to getting beyond survival and into the nitty gritty of living. 

If you don't ever get to the bottom of that, then the one guarantee I can give you is that you will continue to live from a place of scarcity and lack. You’ll stay stuck. There's just no getting around it. 

I believe that if you're trying to determine which path is going to bring you the most growth, go with the one that feels most counterintuitive to you. Which direction feels the most impossible or the most unlikely for you to do, then do that. 

Here’s the secret though: you’re not going to be able to accomplish this on your own. I’ve rarely seen growth like this happen without support from a trusted guide.

Let’s schedule a time to talk today, to learn how to trust your gut and lean into your fears, whether it be taking the leap and going from employee to owner, transitioning your business to online, or taking a leap of faith in your relationships.  

I’m looking forward to chatting with you soon!

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate

Does your mind constantly run about work? Are you always going through a mental checklist of what you still have to complete? Would you call yourself a workaholic?

Being a small business owner or entrepreneur, often requires putting a lot of time, energy and sweat into running the show. In fact, sometimes it can feel like that’s all you do: your business runs your life and has taken over your identity.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, I mean, hey, you’re proud of what you do and you want to see it grow and thrive. Right? 

But when it starts to become worrisome, is when you begin to lose your work/life balance. 

When you talk about having a work/life balance, what you are actually talking about is the interaction of your Myers Briggs and Enneagram Types. 

This interplay reflects how your true self/MBTI type interacts peacefully or not so peacefully with your defensive structure/Enneagram type. 

When you operate primarily from your defensive structure (Enneagram type) it is very difficult to have balance in your life. This looks a lot like “workaholism”. You know, you end up sacrificing things like self-care and family time in lieu of work. 

When the work/life balance is tipped in your life, it often means your defense is running the show far more than your true self. When this happens, you’re always going to be off-balance emotionally and quite likely, stressed out. 

The unfortunate truth is you can’t be in both systems at the same time. You can’t be in your MBTI type and be fully supportive and make time for family, friends, and wellness, as well as be in your work system/Enneagram type. 

Although you might take time off on the weekend, if you are still thinking about work and everything that you have to do, you are not fully present in your “life.” 

When operating out of your defense system, it is hard to be mindfulness and intentionality go out the window. It’s also quite difficult to stay in the moment. 

Bottom line is that when your stress is up, it is hard to turn your Enneagram or your work-self off. 

It is possible for you to achieve the work/life balance you are looking for, even if you would classify yourself as a workaholic.

The secret to finding the balance is taking care of business on the inside. 

Diving deep inward to understand where your locus of control typically gets managed, by your heart or your defense system, is the key to learning how to fundamentally shift from survival mode back into thriving mode.

And here’s the catch though: this process is not a cognitive decision. You can certainly develop habits that will help you make the switch to find balance, but without dealing with the underlying issues, you cannot achieve the balance.

It’s really not about habits and making better time management decisions. Those are fine first level change for short term goals. 

If you truly want to invest in finding a way to sustainably create balance in your life, you have to do this deeper level work and reflection. 

Let’s schedule a time to talk today about where you spend most of your time and energy in either your MBTI or your Enneagram and how you’d like your life to be different. Together, we can work to achieve the balance that you desire.

Here's To Your Success,
Kate

Autonomy and accountability.

These are two pretty big buzz words in the world of remote work. But there’s a reason for that! Truly, they are essential practices no matter what style of team you’re engaged in. 

In this day and age, especially with the effects of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to give people the autonomy that they need to keep themselves and their families safe by working remotely. It’s equally as important to assist those team members in getting the job done through creating effective accountability. 

We all benefit from knowing when we are on the right track and when we are not. Don’t you agree?

However, difficulties with this balance often arise because of the way someone implements either one of these practices. (This goes back to MBTI personality types and how certain types are wired to act in the world.)

Remember when we talked about the fact that we all see the world through our own personality filter? Well the same thing is true here. 

The balance between autonomy and accountability might appear a certain way for one personality type while looking like something completely different to another. 

There are certainly some similarities as far as temperaments go, but how people define and implement these concepts will be different because of their differing personality types. 
​
What is most important as a leader is learning about yourself and how you work. There’s a lot of value in understanding your own filter or view of the world. Once you understand yourself, it’s just as important to take the time to learn about your people and understand what they need to thrive in their work environment as well.

You might have noticed by now that leadership, management, and business ownership all carry a common theme…

You need to take the time to get to know yourself. It’s a crucial step in the process of discovering a deeper understanding of your team as a whole. 

By doing so, you’ll begin to meet others in a more successful, satisfying way. You’ll be able to give people the autonomy they need to thrive while also holding them accountable in an effective way. 

Collaborating as a team to know what people need to be at their very best will create an environment where communication is easier and people feel more understood.

Let’s schedule a time to talk today to figure out just what your team’s personality types need in terms of autonomy and accountability.

Here's To Your Success,
Kate

As a business owner or entrepreneur, you wear many hats. At times, it can be quite difficult to manage and keep up with everything yourself! 

This is especially true as your business grows. 

It’s exciting and fulfilling when business expands, but you may quickly realize that you just can’t do all by yourself.

However, even when you know you can’t do it all, it can still be hard to let go of the control you have over certain parts of your business. (This one hits hard for those of us who may be perfectionists...That’s me!)

But let me make it clear, there is nothing wrong with that struggle. It’s actually a good sign; it means business is getting ready to take off!

The first major step, before you can even bring another team member into the mix, is to get really clear on what you need. The right support is out there, but it does take work to find the right fit. 

So how exactly do we do that? 

In order to be clear about what you need outside of yourself for your business, you need to get clear what the need is inside of yourself first.

Now, you may be asking “Okay, Kate, but what does that even mean???”

Well, it means that in order to find exactly the right support that you need for your business, you need to be in tune with yourself. You need to figure out why you need support beyond yourself.

Is bookkeeping a drag? Social media not your thing? Does legal paperwork keep piling up? 

Invest in knowing yourself, your strong suits, and what makes you tick.

It’s really an inside job. 

Getting clear on what you need as an entrepreneur and business owner will help guide you towards finding the right support. After you take the time to invest in yourself and what you need personally, you’ll be able to better figure out what your business needs as well.

You need to know what you are trying to achieve, what your message is, or what you want to put out in the world through your business.

Knowing what you are looking for personally, in terms of support, makes expanding your business or team so much easier. Overall, the effort you put into reflecting on yourself and your business will lead to the right support that you are looking for...I promise! 

If you are having trouble pin-pointing what type of support you need through your self-reflection, let’s schedule a time to talk.

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate

As a small business owner or entrepreneur, there are a roller coaster of emotions that you feel going through the highs and the lows of your business. Sometimes even in a day. 

It can be a lot to deal with so many emotions and stress while still trying to keep everything together.

Some days you just need a break.

And you deserve to have breaks too!

But, there are a lot of times we can feel “in a funk” that can be hard to get out of. 

If there’s one thing that I want you to know… not everyone is motivated in the same way, with the same frequency or at the same intensity.

Differing personality types respond to different motivators. That’s a research based fact, folks.  

Perceivers may have a lot of motivation and ideas for getting a project or task started, but have trouble finishing the end product. Judgers are the opposite, they might find it hard to get started, but find a lot of satisfaction at finishing up a project. 

When you can fit your business tasks and projects to your own unique personality type, research shows that you tend to remain more motivated because the approach is consistent with who you are and your “zone of optimal functioning”. 

This is what I like to call your “sweet spot”.

Imagine if you could operate from your sweet spot all the time... 

You might just find yourself doing more in less time. Talk about increasing your productivity! 

Smart business owners know that productivity is the key to your success. You don’t have to make sweeping changes to find your and your team’s sweet spots. 

It’s as simple as learning how to motivate yourself and others by understanding who you are and how your teams operate best.

Let’s talk. Schedule a time to figure out how you as a business owner or entrepreneur can use personality typing to find your sweet spot and skyrocket your productivity.

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart that I am sure you all as business owners and entrepreneurs can identify with.

As a small business owner and entrepreneur we wear all the hats. Especially if you are just getting started and it’s early in the game. 

We are responsible for making sure everything gets done. We deal with copious amounts of work and projects for our business and have to shift gears ALL THE TIME. 

As a business owner, there are things you are always thinking about such as personnel, marketing, finances, cyber security issues, legal issues, branding, messaging, networking, customer engagement...and so many more considerations. 

You have to make sure you have covered all your bases.

And if we didn’t have enough on our minds already with running a business, there are a lot of adjustments required just by being alive right now in a pandemic.

Best laid plans don’t always work out like we think they will.

When you think about all of the basic day-to-day business operations you as a small business owner or entrepreneur are responsible for, that is more than enough to fill your day. 

No wonder we feel so much stress sometimes with all that is on our minds?!

However, one thing I know to be absolutely 100% true, which I am seeing all over every industry right now is the importance of learning how to engage your team members and customers in a real, genuine and authentic way.

I know, we just talked about how much we have to do as business owners and the amount of stress we have and I’m adding something else to the mix of our daily lives.

Call me crazy, but hear me out…

Especially now, in times of crisis and stress, leading with empathy and genuinely engaging with your team and customers will give you the competitive edge in this day and age. 

Small businesses going online is becoming more and more of a saturated market. 

If you want to set yourself apart from all your competitors, think about the energy that you bring to everything that you do from your business to your teams to your everyday life. 

In order for customers or team to find your engagement authentic, there are some things you should consider. 

1. Build a community

What better way for your customers or team members to feel like they belong other than being part of a community? Whether it's a Facebook Group for your customers to join, or a group chat message for your team members, find a space where communication and genuine conversation can take place. This builds connection.

2. Provide value to your product or service

Let your customers know about the value that they are getting out of your product or service. Your customers are more likely to get behind you and your business if they are offered real value and understand how this can enhance their efforts. Same goes for your team. Let your team know there is purpose and value behind the work they are doing. Be real, open and honest and serve others.

3. Keep the conversation going

Your business is not all about you. Yes, your business may be your baby and something you have built from the ground up. Yes, you should be proud of that! However, without your team or your customers, your business wouldn’t be the great success it is. Reply to your customers or team members. Ask them questions. Engage your community and listen to what they have to say. Getting to know who is involved with your business is a priority if you want to scale and grow as a business!

Okay, so I gave you 3 things to consider for engagement. Pretty doable, huh?

In this time of stress and constant transition, engagement will go much further for your small business than you might think.

Setting yourself apart as a business by taking time to engage with your customers and team will give you the competitive advantage you need in our online world. 

Prioritizing engagement in your day-to-day just like you would marketing, finances, legal issues, etc. is the first step to more success.

Let’s schedule a time to talk about how you as a business owner or entrepreneur can engage those involved in your business during this time of stress.

Here's To Your Success,
Kate

Have you ever had a job where you or your team just felt downright, um... unproductive? 

Maybe the workplace environment felt off or you never felt fully heard…?

Sound familiar?

We’ve all been there before. And let me tell you something. It’s hard to give your all when you don’t feel like a valued and productive part of the team. 

But here’s the thing…

Productivity isn’t always a direct reflection of whether or not someone is capable of doing whatever it is they’ve been assigned to do. Oftentimes, a shift in the team’s overall environment or communication procedures might be enough to do the trick. 

You see, we all look at the world through our own life filters. 

Components of our personality preference type, our traits, our history, and our experiences directly impact the way we move through our day-to-day lives. 

This can and does sometimes create difficulties when working as part of a team and oftentimes, these challenges often show themselves as a decrease in productivity and overall morale. 

So it makes sense that understanding everyone’s personality type is an incredibly powerful tool that will help you increase effectiveness and productivity, right?

Raising and growing the bottom line all starts with people and understanding how those people work best.

Products and services are all important, don’t get me wrong. But the key factor in running a successful team or business is your people. 

The secret to success starts with your team. It’s about knowing them, honoring their own unique perspectives, and consistently working to better understand them. 

Happy people make wonderful and productive environments; it’s as simple as that.

They create collaboration, creativity, and productivity.

Remember this…

What motivates you, may not motivate or work for the people on your team. 

(I get it though...Sometimes it’s difficult to keep this in mind because you are always operating in the world through the lens of your own personality filter too!) 

For example, think about an Intuitive Feeler who has a Judging preference. If you look at specific traits for that type, they are efficient and reliable. They seldom miss deadlines, and achievement is constant. They follow the rules; they are good at anticipating needs and paying attention to details. They will assert themselves for harmony in a group. 

As a manager, even just knowing about this specific type and what it needs to thrive, will affect management style and communication. And in order to be an effective leader, you have to be able to communicate effectively to all types of people. 

I call this “type-shifting”.

In my experience, the most successful teams are the ones that are willing to understand all the unique components of the people they work with. And find ways to bring them all together in the same space.

Without a doubt, each team member fits perfectly into the larger puzzle. Everyone has a valuable part to play. As a leader, it’s your job to help unlock the potential of each team member through learning about who they are and how they thrive! 

And there’s no doubt that the first step in that process is awareness and understanding of each person’s individual personality type and preferences. 

Knowing personality type and preferences for the teams you participate in or manage is crucial not only in the corporate, or traditional business world, but it is especially important in the world of remote and virtual teaming as well. 

Let’s talk today! Set up a time with me to discuss how you can effectively develop your team with all of its different personality preferences. 

Here's To Your Success,
​Kate