Connect the Dots - Lead the Way

Send us Fan MailAre you ready to harness the power of SMART goals? Join me, Heather Balcerek, as I take you on a refreshing journey, dispelling the complexities of goal setting and transforming it into an exciting, rewarding endeavor. I guarantee that by the end of this episode, you'll master the art of setting SMART goals. Trust me, the rewards of such strategic planning are monumental. From adding value to your work, balancing your workload, defining your success, to providing clarity, SMART goals enable you to work smarter and not harder. Plus, I'll share a personal revelation that underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of SMART goals. As we venture deeper, we'll tackle the critical task of measuring and understanding the attainability of sales goals. It's a fascinating exploration of how setting and measuring goals can propel your progress, and why it's absolutely indispensable, regardless of your field. Drawing from my own experiences, we'll trace back to the basics, to the origins of SMART goals, and the invaluable lessons I've learned. So, gear up and prepare to have your perspectives on goal setting and achievement completely transformed!Laughter, Love, and Blessings, HeatherResources:History of SMART Goals: https://cce.bard.edu/files/Setting-Goals.pdfHow We Lead Article: https://howwelead.org/2014/12/10/a-new-twist-on-smart-goals/How Motivation helps in achieving goals: https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-motivation-helps-in-achieving-goalsA Fresh Look at SMART Goals: https://www.kenblanchardbooks.com/a-fresh-look-at-smart-goals/Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how you can bring more gratitude into your workplace? As we wrap up our enlightening mini-series on words for the workplace, we shed light on the importance and methods of expressing appreciation to colleagues. From casual verbal acknowledgments to more formal accolades, we discuss how these actions can make people feel valued and included. This isn't simply about saying thank you - it's about fostering an environment of respect and understanding.Drawing upon insights from Brené Brown and Erica Dhawan's book "Digital Body Language", we delve into the vital role respect plays in the digital workspace. We discuss how attention to detail in emails and honoring people's time and schedules can contribute to this respect. Trust us, it's the small acts of kindness that can make a big difference. So, join us as we conclude our mini-series, and continue our journey towards a more empathetic and understanding professional environment.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherResources and links mentioned in this episode:Digital Body Language - Erica DhawanAtlas of the Heart - Brene Brown Ph.D.Support the show

Send us Fan MailGet ready to revolutionize the way you navigate the digital communication landscape in your workplace. We promise you an insightful conversation about the power of clear language, the underestimated value of punctuation, and yes, even the strategic use of emojis in our digital interactions. We also address the common pitfalls of relying solely on text-based communication, providing you with four actionable tips for fostering better digital connection.Ever wondered about the silent language of digital communication? We've got you covered, as we discuss the intriguing concept of digital body language, drawing from Erica Dhawan's thought-provoking book 'Digital Body Language'. We dive into the wisdom shared by Brené Brown in 'Atlas of the Heart', emphasizing the need for intentionality in online interactions. The energy exchanged when people feel seen and valued, the dangers of digital disconnect - we address it all. And as we draw this enriching conversation to a close, we leave you with a powerful reminder to always trust and believe in the Lord. Trust us, you won't want to miss this!Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherResources and links mentioned in this episode:Continue the conversation on SubstackDigital Body Language - Erica DhawanAtlas of the Heart - Brene Brown Ph.D.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver felt that choking burnout at work? That desolate feeling of exhaustion that seems to suck away all your energy, making the simplest tasks feel like a mountain? This is the episode you need. We've taken a deep dive into understanding burnout, investigating the roots of these emotions and how they manifest in our workplaces. With insights from Brene' Brown's book, "Atlas of the Heart", we'll guide you to recognize the signs of burnout and the importance of naming our emotions to provide the necessary support for ourselves and others.Are you having a hard time managing expectations in your workplace? Not to worry. We've got tips on how to tackle this. We dive into the concept of situational leadership and its role in setting workplace expectations. With our in-depth analysis, you'll understand the varying development levels of employees and how different levels of support and direction from managers can make a significant difference. We also emphasize the power of connection in preventing burnout and the courage it takes to be vulnerable when setting expectations.Lastly, we untangle the complex web of emotions that can lead to burnout when your efforts don't quite meet your expectations. We address the feelings of discouragement, resignation, perfectionism, as well as the impact of connection and disconnection. We candidly discuss how these emotions, if not carefully managed, can lead down a path to burnout. Learn how to express and manage these emotions, understand the role of shame in perfectionism, and how discussing connection and disconnection can foster a safer, burnout-free workplace. Trust us when we say, this is an episode you can't afford to miss - it's packed with wisdom and practical advice to save you from spiraling into burnout.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherResources and links mentioned in this episode:Psychology Today articleAtlas of the Heart - Brene Brown Ph.D.Join the conversation on SubstackSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWant to supercharge your creativity at work? This episode promises to take you on an enlightening journey packed with fresh insights. We delve into the world of emotions, exploring how they ignite and fuel creativity in our professional lives. Discover how emotions like curiosity, awe, wonder, and even confusion can be key drivers in the creative process. We believe each of us brings a unique flavor of creativity to our work, and being able to understand and express this is crucial for a vibrant, innovative work environment.Have you ever thought of using awe and wonder to ignite innovative solutions? Well, we're here to guide you through this captivating concept. We discuss the importance of understanding and naming our emotions, and how these can inspire creativity and innovation. Plus, we also share a treasure trove of resources for those keen on further exploring the rich and complex relationship between creativity and emotions. Be sure to join the conversation and share what fuels your creativity. And remember, don’t miss out on our book references to gain even deeper insights!Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherResources and links mentioned in this episode:Permission to Feel - Marc Brackett, Ph.D.Atlas of the Heart - Brene Brown Ph.D.Join the conversation on Substack:  thepolkadotdesk.substack.com!Social Links:Connect with me on Instagram here: @msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcastCheck out the Youtube channel!Connect the Dots website!The Polka Dot Deskhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdotSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if there was a more profound way of expressing your emotions at work beyond just being "happy"? Let's get into a stimulating chat about harnessing and articulating emotions more accurately within the workplace. Drawing valuable insights from Mark Brackett's book, 'Permission to Feel,' we ponder upon the multi-layered emotions we experience in our professional lives, and how the term "happy," though commonly used, might not be doing full justice in describing those emotions. We explore alternative words and phrases that go beyond happy - 'excited', 'joyful', 'appreciated', 'valued' and how they paint a more comprehensive picture of our emotional landscape at work. Also, we discuss the power of 'gratitude' as a tool for making others feel appreciated and valued. Plus, we share real-world strategies to incorporate and express these emotions during daily workplace interactions. This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to enrich emotional communication at work. Join us to continue this riveting discussion on our substack, and make sure to check out our recommended reads in the description.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherResources and links mentioned in this episode:Permission to Feel - Marc Brackett, Ph.D.Atlas of the Heart - Brene Brown Ph.D.Join the conversation on Substack:  thepolkadotdesk.substack.com!Social Links:Connect with me on Instagram here: @msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcastCheck out the Youtube channel!Connect the Dots website!The Polka Dot Deskhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdotSupport the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continued exploring the world of learning and development in the business realm. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:Understanding how change impacts where our focus lands. Importance of telling a data story.Setting your intentions, then stretching them.How to have more inclusive conversations.The episode ended with some exciting updates regarding the podcast. We have a challenge ahead of us—our goal is to reach 200 episodes by the end of 2023. We currently stand at around episode 165 and will continue with our biweekly episodes. Additionally, we will be releasing five short episodes Monday through Friday on a specific topic each month, starting next week! We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to the podcast to ensure you don't miss any valuable content.In other news, we are thrilled to announce that our podcast will be undergoing a name change to "Connect the Dots, Lead the Way." This new name aligns perfectly with our mission of helping you lead confidently and make meaningful connections. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting change!Don't forget to visit The Polka Dot Desk website to access our podcast library and sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate your support and encourage you to like, share, follow, subscribe, and ring the bell to stay connected with us on Instagram and YouTube.As we wrap up, remember that you are loved and worthy, and there are incredible things ahead for you if you trust and believe in the Lord. Thank you for being part of our Connect the Dots community. Wishing you a fantastic week ahead!Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSocial Links:Connect with me on Instagram here: @msheatherbdot@connectthedots_podcastCheck out the Youtube channel!Connect the Dots website!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdotSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHello Connect the Dots community!Welcome back to our 3 Part series, titled "Unlocking the Value of Learning and Development in Business," previously we dove deep into the importance of individual and collective efforts in impacting learning and development within organizations. Heather shared her top 6 takeaways from the keynote panel discussion. Today we are diving into Part 2, where Heather highlights 5 more key takeaways from various sessions she attended while at TICE. We are so glad you are back so let’s dive right in to today’s episode and don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can be notified when Part 3 is released which will cover her last 4 takeaways. In this episode, you will learn:* In this episode, we recap five more takeaways from the Training Industry Conference and Expo 2023, including the important question of “Are we focused on the right people?”* Takeaway #1 - It doesn’t matter if it’s fun. It matters if it’s relevant. This takeaway comes from the Learning as a Catalyst for Business growth session, put on by Litmos. Kyile Stair and Ryan Morris were the presenters and they walked us through an example of how learning can help business growth.  [10:28]* Heather dives into what this statement means and as a leader what your primary focus truly needs to be. She asks us, Are you looking to make it fun first or are you truly looking at whether it is relevant or not? [11:49]* Takeaway #2 - Are we focused on the right people? This takeaway comes from a session called, How Learning Fitness Lifts People and Employees Up and Sets A Course To Success, presented by Justin Dile from SkillCycle [7:26]* We dive into what an ever learning mindset is and how this can help a larger number of employees opposed to the common path of just focusing on the high potential employees in our organizations. [5:02]* Takeaway #3 - Tell them it’s OK if it’s not perfect. This takeaway again comes from the session called, How Learning Fitness Lifts People and Employees Up and Sets A Course To Success, presented by Justin Dile from SkillCycle [7:41]* Heather dives into what Justin said about the need to continually assess, adjust, and change implementation strategies. When we need to adjust and change it means something wasn’t right or ‘perfect’, so the need to tell other’s it is OK if it’s not perfect needs to be communicated more. [7:26]* Join in on a bonus takeaway from  Justin Dile’s session and participate in an activity lead by Heather. [8:28]* Takeaway #4 - Design learning pathways in future state. This takeaway comes from a deep conversation with Brian from ACTIO Learning. He gave a presentation on Eight Proven Practices You Can Use To Create Personalized Learning Pathways. [15:01]* Here we dive into the importance of designing from a future state opposed to a reactive state. What is your learner going to need in the future? What goals need to be set and accomplished in order to successfully predict what your client might need in the future. [16:16]* Heather dives deep into what this looks like, how you can make simple changes when working in a predictive and future state and how changing your mindset will help. [17:35]* Takeaway #5 - LEARNS: Links, Emotions, Attention, Reception, Novelty, Stories. This one comes from a session called Brain Friendly Learning: How To Use Neuroscience To Improve Training, led by Jackie Colbert from Syneos Health. [17:35]* We dive into what each letter stands for and how LEARNS give you a guideline and roadmap that will improve thSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHello Connect the Dots community!In our latest episode, titled "Unlocking the Value of Learning and Development in Business," we dive deep into the importance of individual and collective efforts in impacting learning and development within organizations. This is the first of a three part series. Heather highlights key insights and thought-provoking ideas that both leaders and individual contributors can apply to foster a culture of continuous growth and learning.In this episode, we recap six takeaways from the Training Industry Conference and Expo 2023, including the necessity of personal development to help others succeed, understanding the business and its goals, and being adaptable in various learning modalities. We emphasize the importance of moving from reactive to proactive to predictive leadership to solve problems and avoid unnecessary reactive situations.We also share insights from Training Industry Inc., an expert resource for learning professionals seeking best practices and innovative approaches in effective training. Their website, TrainingIndustry.com, offers a wealth of articles, infographics, and downloadable resources for learning and development professionals.Learning and development lies at the center of the employee lifecycle, and it is crucial for companies to define what learning and development programs look like for their employees. Being proactive, predictive, flexible, and responsive to changing circumstances and learner needs are key factors in the success of these programs.Throughout the episode, Heather shares personal experiences. She highlights both the difficulties and the importance of continuously developing their skills to better support others. We also explore how the understanding of the business and its goals is essential for success, regardless of one's position within an organization.Lastly, we delve into the role of learning and development teams in onboarding and continuous training. We look at how these teams provide support during offboarding, ensuring a smooth transition for departing employees. Their ongoing involvement helps facilitate continued employee development, fostering a sense of retention and growth within the organization.Join us for this episode of Connect the Dots as we explore the critical role of unlocking the value of learning and development in business. Let's empower ourselves and others to make a lasting impact!If you want to chat more about this topic, let’s continue this conversation over on Instagram.Laughter, Love, and Blessings,HeatherSubscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Resources and links mentioned in this episode:* Check out Training Industry, Inc.* TICE Takeaways Infographic* Newsletter Sign-Up at thepolkadotdesk.substack.com!Social Links:* Connect with me on Instagram here: @msheatherbdot @connectthedots_podcast* Check out the Youtube channel!* Connect the Dots website!* https://www.buymeacoffee.com/msheatherbdot This is a public episode. If you would like to diSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a really exciting one because we are welcoming in a guest that has made more of an impact on Heather’s journey than he probably knows or will ever know. Today we are talking to Dave Stachowiak (STA-HOE-VEE-AAK) the host and founder of Coaching for Leaders, a top-rated management podcast downloaded 30 million times. Coaching for Leaders is #1 search result for management on Apple Podcasts in the United States. With more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie and a thriving, global leadership academy, Dave helps leaders discover practical wisdom, build meaningful relationships, and create movement for genuine results. Dave and Heather go backDave is the founder of the Coaching for Leaders Academy, an exclusive, intensive leadership development cohort. An intimate group of participant leaders work personally with him to develop leadership excellence — and empower each other. His credentials include a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, several international business leadership awards from Dale Carnegie, and graduation from Coach U.Like most people, he’s never had it all figured out. He's been passed up for promotions, failed at launching his first business, and still fights through an occasional fear of speaking to people.If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over on Instagram.In this episode, you will learn:* How and when Dave and Heather first met over 10 years ago. [3:38]* How the Coaching for Leaders Academy taught Dave something that he never anticipated happening and how it was then the Coaching for Leaders podcast took off. [6:59]* How a frustrating moment in Dave’s car started his desire to start his own podcast. [9:08]* Daves time at Dale Carnegie and where he thought his career was going was the second and final piece that truly motivated him to start Coaching for Leaders [9:08]* As a busy husband and new dad with a full time job at Dale Carnegie and teaching part time in the evenings Dave only had 2 hours a week to work on his podcast. He shares how this was actually a benefit to him and how it helped him not spiral into his perfectionist tendencies. [14:38]* Dave shares how learning how to simply start and try has changed his entire mindset on how he had always done things previously and is now what he intentionally leans into it as a leader. [21:25]* Dave and Heather talk about Dave’s personal journey on how as a new leader what you can do to get your message out in the beginning and connect with your audience. His 3 point strategy in the beginning was to 1) Air his show every week 2) Is the audio quality good? 3) Is it useful to people? These 3 points are still true in his business today and why they should be in yours too. [21:25]* Dave shares how and why he wrote the article, How to Respond When People Are Talking Too Much, for his Coaching for Leadership Plus. [27:42]* Dave and Heather share past experiences, tips, examples and advise on how to keep your virtual meetings on task when you have someone who just keeps talking. Dave dives into how when you always come back to the purpose of the meeting it will make it easier to keep everyone on track as the facilitator. [33:07]* Dave shares how and why some meetings should simply be just for connecting, especially now in the virtual space. He shares a past experience back when he was working at Dale Carnegie and how this affected him and how he uses this strategy now. [37:22]* As Dave and HeatherSupport the show