Confronting the Accountability & Responsibility Crisis in Small Business Teams

Are your beliefs holding you back from achieving your full potential? In this quick episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy dives into the power of belief, purpose, and mindset transformation. As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to challenge the inner narratives that begin with “I can’t,” “I shouldn’t,” or “I’m going to fail.” Kris offers a bold perspective on traditional strategic planning, urging leaders to stop pouring time and resources into rigid plans that life will inevitably disrupt. “Set some goals, have some ambition,” she says, “but tether them to belief and feeling. That is going to be the most compelling thing you have.” By focusing on intention, commitment, and vision, leaders can create a foundation for success that outlasts any plan. Kris also introduces her upcoming January program, Believe, designed to help leaders rewrite their mental scripts and act with intention. The program offers mini lessons and live coaching calls to guide participants through a mindset shift that leads to extraordinary results. Don’t miss out on early registration benefits—sign up before December 31st to secure your spot! Visit thevisionary.CEO/believe to learn more and take the first step toward a transformative new year. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Discover the power of belief to achieve your biggest goals with TheVisionary.CEO's transformative 5-week group coaching experience starting January 2, 2025—visit www.thevisionary.ceo/believe to join now! Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Are you carrying the weight of poor performance on your team? As the year winds down, it’s time to get honest: are your employees aligned with the skills, attitudes, and behaviors your business needs to thrive? The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock, reassess, and make changes that set you up for success in the year ahead. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the power of a year-end team audit, breaking down how to evaluate where your team stands and what needs to shift. Kris challenges leaders to stop tolerating misalignment and start addressing the tough questions. Are the people you’ve hired still the right fit? Are they delivering results, or are you carrying the burden of their shortcomings? She shares practical strategies to assess team dynamics, identify gaps, and figure out whether further investment in your team’s skills will pay off. This episode also highlights the role of feedback in building a thriving team culture. “People need to know if they’re winning or losing,” Kris insists. By fostering open communication and clear expectations, you can create a culture where everyone understands their role, their impact, and their path to success. Join Kris as she provides the tools and insights you need to realign your team, elevate performance, and start the new year with confidence. Key Takeaways From This Episode Why Regular Team Audits are Necessary Consequences of Not Addressing Team Member’s Performance: Ways to handle employees who perform exceptionally well and those who do not meet expectations. Communication Issues in Teams: Highlighting the leader's responsibility in establishing effective communication practices. Conducting a Team Audit: The process and benefits of the assessment. Importance of Setting Clear Goals for Team Members and Providing Feedback Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Are you feeling the tension between being the visionary leader your business needs and effectively managing your team? As the year comes to a close, do you find yourself reflecting on the ambitious goals you set—and wondering if you’re giving yourself enough grace for what you did achieve? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy invites you to examine the critical balance between leadership and management. Kris opens up the conversation with the striking statement: "A lot of people who start businesses are very good at leading because they're visionaries, they are motivating, they're inspiring... but maybe terrible at managing." And here’s the issue that she has seen many visionaries experience. She identifies that while many entrepreneurs possess the vision and motivation, they often miss out on the crucial organization and structure that managerial skills bring to the table. Not neglecting those on the other end of the spectrum, Kris also brings to light the potential pitfalls of leaders who excel at managing but struggle to inspire and motivate their workforce. Often, she explains, these skilled managers tend to get too deep in the details and lose sight of the larger picture and purpose. Kris notes, "You have to understand the dynamics of both. How do I leverage the hearts and minds and hands of other people to achieve the result I want? And how do I envision that result in a way that helps others be excited, be a part of it, and it becomes integral to the culture?" As we wrap up the year, Kris challenges you to reflect on your own leadership and management skills, offering an invaluable perspective that just might lead to your breakthrough and take your business and your team to the next level. Key Takeaways From This Episode Performance and Growth: Understanding the annual growth, performance, and progression. Distinction between Managing and Leading: And the need for a balance between the two. Clarity on What the Entrepreneur Role Entails: Description of common gaps in leadership and management skills Invitation for Listeners to Reflect on Their Skills and Their Goals. Encouragement to Work on Personal Growth to Steer Business Growth. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Have you ever felt unsure about your leadership instincts? Do you question your decisions because they don’t align with traditional expectations? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the challenges women face when self-doubt creeps in and disrupts their confidence as leaders. She examines why so many women, despite their success, find it difficult to trust their intuition, especially when navigating the complexities of leading a team. Kris highlights a powerful truth: “The common theme of the women that I work with has nothing to do with skill or ability, but has everything to do with what I would call learned self-doubt.” Through this lens, she explores how conditioning erodes confidence and teaches women to second-guess their instincts, even when they have proven their capabilities time and time again. Kris emphasizes the importance of breaking these cycles by embracing self-belief and standing firm in your vision—even when it feels isolating or unconventional. She redefines leadership as an act of nurturing accountability, showing that feminine leadership is not about pleasing others but about setting clear boundaries and holding people—including yourself—accountable to their commitments. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing it wrong” simply because you’re doing it differently, this episode offers validation, empowerment, and actionable insights to reclaim your confidence as a leader. Join Kris to discover how embracing your instincts and breaking old cycles can not only transform your leadership but inspire others to do the same. Key Takeaways From This Episode Challenges for Women in Leadership: Societal conditioning leading to self-doubt in adult women. Self-Doubt Arising When Scaling and Needing a Team The Impact of External Opinions: Exposure to differing opinions leads to women questioning their mission and leadership ability. Encouraging Women to Trust Their Personal Intuition and Decisions Misconceptions Around Accountability in Leadership Encouragement for Breaking Cycles of Self-Doubt and Setting an Example of Self-Belief Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Are you feeling discouraged by the current state of leadership and wondering how to lead with more empathy and purpose? Do recent events have you questioning how to stay true to your values as a leader? In this soul-searching episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy delves into the aftermath of the election, sharing lessons from her personal experiences and those of her clients. In a world where power is too often misused, Kris reaffirms her belief in a leadership approach centered around empathy and empowerment. Sharing from her own experiences with intimidating and abusive leaders, Kris insists, "I think what matters most as female leaders is to have the empathy and the patience to give people the space they need through this process". She highlights the importance of personal agency and self-determination, explaining how our perception of circumstances often dictates the outcomes. As we navigate tumultuous times such as elections and a global pandemic, Kris urges us to focus on our own empowerment – where we spend our money, our time, and how we view our circumstances. In a time when character and integrity in leadership are tested, join Kris, more inspired than ever to pour into people ready to step into their own power. Key Takeaways From This Episode Personal Experiences with Bad Leadership: A look at experiences of bullying, and intimidation from leaders. Role of Leadership in Achieving Results Importance of Continuation: Decision to continue towards empowerment. Focus on Self Empowerment and Agency: Importance of women's financial freedom and authority. Advocacy for Empathy and Love Despite Political Differences Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Do you ever feel like your instincts are leading you down a different path than others in your field? Have you questioned whether your unique approach is “right” simply because it doesn’t match the norm? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy draws inspiration from a recent conversation with a client who, like so many trailblazing women, is choosing to follow her own vision in business—even when it means going against the grain. Diving into the realities of blazing your own trail, Kris captures the complexities of being a woman who doesn’t conform to traditional expectations in her industry. She examines how trailblazing women often face doubt, rejection, and even isolation, as they make decisions that may look unconventional or “wrong” to others. Whether you’re taking bold steps to create something new or stepping away from business practices that no longer serve you, this episode encourages you to honor your vision. Kris highlights that the journey of a trailblazer is filled with ups and downs—grappling with societal pressures, personal insecurities, and limiting beliefs. But she reminds us that this path, though challenging, is also incredibly rewarding. By standing firm in their choices, these women not only break barriers but also pave the way for others. In Kris’s words, "The path of a trailblazing woman is to wrangle doubt and fear and rejection and jealousy and feeling ostracized.” Join Kris in celebrating the courage and resilience of trailblazing women. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in following a vision others may not fully understand. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing it wrong” simply because you’re doing it differently, this episode will inspire you to keep going, to embrace your instincts, and to continue carving out a path that’s uniquely yours. Key Takeaways From This Episode Definition of a Trailblazer and the Challenges They Face Personal Experiences and Observations: Kris shares personal experiences and what she has seen among her clients when it comes to stepping outside the norm. Handling Isolation and Doubt as a Trailblazer: Dealing with negative feedback and the influence of societal norms. Encouragement and Support for Trailblazing Women The Importance of Community, Self-Belief, and Holding On to the Vision Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Are you finding it challenging to follow through on your goals, even though you genuinely want to achieve them? Do you notice a gap between your intentions and your actual commitment, especially when the going gets tough? With the end of the year approaching, many of us are reflecting on our goals and thinking ahead to what we want to accomplish. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy discusses the concept of true commitment and explores the difference between simply wanting something and being fully committed to making it happen. Using her own goals as an example, Kris reveals her own moments of doubt and how she's come to realize that accomplishing big things doesn’t just happen; it takes serious change, focus, and unwavering commitment. Kris explains that commitment requires going all in, staying the course, and investing in your goals even when things come up. Of course, we all have things we want, but are we truly willing to do what it takes to make them happen? It's more than just a list of ambitions; it’s about narrowing our focus and fully committing to a singular goal. As Kris says, “Be honest about what it is that you really, really, really want... and then, look at the bigger plan.” She also discusses the importance of being a woman of her word, to herself and those she commits to. Kris also points out how breaking commitments can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of not following through. Giving your word should, therefore, be a respected and thoughtful act. Join Kris as she navigates understanding desires versus commitments, the impact of your commitments on others, and how being intentional with commitments can create not only a better image of oneself but also a clear path to achieving those ambitious life goals. Key Takeaways From This Episode Personal Reflections on Commitment Exploring Reasons of Wanting Something Understanding the Struggle of Commitment: Ensuring that it is a priority. The Effects of Not Following Through Due to a Lack of Commitment: The negative impact of making arbitrary commitments The Journey of Daily Decision-Making and Focus: Encouragement for listeners to narrow their focus. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Are you feeling frustrated because the people you hire just aren’t working out the way you’d hoped? Do you wonder why new hires struggle to fit into your team, despite careful planning? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy takes a close look at what might be missing in your hiring process and shares practical steps to help ensure new team members align with your business. No stranger to the challenges all leaders face when it comes to building a team, Kris candidly shares her tips on what to do when an employee just isn’t working out. Kris discusses several factors that may hinder the successful addition of a new hire to your team. She raises the importance of a structured hiring process, including creating and sharing a detailed job description, and the necessity of having your framework in place. As Kris advises, “Don’t ever hire someone if you don’t have a job description.” She also urges leaders not to hire out of desperation, cautioning that the odds of such a hire working out are very low. This episode is a look into a successful hiring process, complete with tips such as maintaining consistent communication with new recruits, setting accurate expectations about work culture, noting your non-negotiables, and the importance of a swift firing process when necessary. Kris offers insights that will help you refine your approach and build a team that truly supports your vision. Tune in to hear Kris’s unique perspective on leadership and hiring, inspired by years of experience and helping entrepreneurs just like you. Key Takeaways From This Episode Importance of a Hiring Framework: Emphasizing the importance of job descriptions and the hiring process. Maintaining Clarity During Hiring Process: Presenting candidates with expectations. Avoiding Desperate Hires: Identifying the issues that arise from hastily hiring candidates. Communication and Honesty During the Hiring Process: Portraying a realistic picture of what working in the company is like. Importance of Continuous Communication Post-Hiring: Suggesting frequent check-ins to avoid misunderstandings. It’s Ok to Fire Someone: Learning to quickly let go of hires who don't fit Always Have Candidates in the Pipeline: Adopting a continuous interviewing process to always have potential candidates. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Do you find yourself frustrated because your team isn't working the way you expected? Are you struggling to understand why your employees don’t seem to share the same drive and commitment that you bring to your business? In this episode of *Leadership is Feminine*, host Kris Plachy explores the diverse reasons people work and how understanding these differences can transform your approach to leadership. Kris explains that it is easy to assume that everyone’s motivations for working are the same, but the reality is often very different. The assumptions leaders make about others' motivations for working can create conflict. She explains that leaders often expect their team members to share the same level of dedication, only to face disappointment when reality doesn't align. Kris introduces the concept of the "leadership lens," highlighting that each person views work through their own set of experiences, values, and beliefs, which can greatly differ from those of their leaders or colleagues. As Kris states, “The reason we work is ours and ultimately, the only person who is accountable for whatever that reason is – is you.” She encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own motivations while also fostering a culture of accountability within their teams. Kris provides a practical solution by emphasizing the importance of setting a strong foundation: ensure the vision is clear, values are well-defined, and team members understand their roles and agreements. She stresses that leaders must hold employees accountable to these expectations while consistently providing feedback to foster growth and alignment within the team. This episode offers practical guidance for leaders who want to move past frustration and build a workplace where different motivations are understood and valued, leading to more effective collaboration and results. Key Takeaways From This Episode Understanding Your Reason for Why You Work Differences in Perspectives, Employees vs. Leaders: Recognizing that everyone’s reasons aren’t necessarily the same. The Leadership Lens: How perspectives and assumptions affect work environments. Conflict in Workplaces Based on Assumptions We Make: Importance of mutual understanding and avoiding assumptions in interactions. The Need for Accountability: How accountability issues, on either end, can affect the overall work environment. Advice for Employees and Employers: Encouragement for employees not satisfied with their jobs to seek better opportunities and advice for leaders to be clear about company vision, values, and goals. Ownership & Responsibility: The role of honesty and emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in job performance. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.   Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

As a driven visionary, you have a clear idea of what success looks like—but the path to get there isn't always straightforward. Doubt, fear, and hurdles often creep in, challenging your confidence and testing your resolve. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy explores the experience of visionary doubt—the internal struggle that arises not just once, but repeatedly along your entrepreneurial journey, and asks: are you willing to overcome the discomfort and focus on who you need to become to achieve your vision? She further discusses that the doubt often kicks in when business owners hit a point where they can no longer manage everything by themselves or the business goes through a big shift. It's a crucial part in an entrepreneur's journey, and Kris says being able to adapt is a marker of success. Kris also emphasizes the power of seeking advice from your future successful self - the you who has already achieved your vision. This can provide a fresh perspective and motivate you through the doubt you may be experiencing. Tune in to discover how embracing change, confronting doubt, and a willingness to change can propel you towards the growth and success you're seeking. “Doubt will win every time if you don't invest in how you think and how you feel and how you act.” Key Takeaways From This Episode Visionary Doubt Isn’t a One-Time Experience: Discussion on self-doubt that emerges along the visionary’s journey. Challenges Entrepreneurs Face: How these issues can impact the entrepreneur's confidence and belief in their own vision. Overcoming Visionary Doubt: The need for a shifted perspective and the importance of resilience and believing in yourself. Understanding Growth and Change: Taking inventory of your willingness to change and experience discomfort in order to reach your goals. Importance of Perseverance and Adaptability in Business Growth. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Leadership is Feminine Merch is Here! Show your support for female empowerment and leadership by wearing Leadership is Feminine merch! Designed for women founders and entrepreneurs, our collection includes hoodies, t-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and tumblers, each serving as a bold statement that leadership can be feminine and powerful. By sporting our gear, you help spread the message that women possess incredible wisdom and intuitive strength. Let's change the world together and show the world how capable and united we are. thevisionary.ceo/merch Work with Kris and Her Team: TheVisionary.ceo CEO Boutique Email: [email protected] Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest