How We Work

What to Expect

On this page I’ll tell you the kind of results our clients have reported and also give you a sense of my guiding beliefs, approach to client projects and what makes working with me different than other professional development alternatives.

Expected Results

Work More Efficiently- as a leader you will become more focused, feel less burdened and be more effective at generating results from your team members. You will learn how to structure conversations that stimulate thinking, creativity and buy-in of your people. You will be more effective at dealing with interpersonal people issues that make you want to squirm or hide.

Retaining High Potential Leaders- it can be difficult to keep high achievers motivated and stimulated. Supporting the development of high potential performers will leverage their thinking and ideas, build on their strengths and challenge them to define and implement their “bigger game.” Increased engagement leads to higher retention over the long term.

Strengthen Your Staff- managers and employees in new roles or experiencing rapid change can be strengthened to smooth the progress of a new initiative or transition. They will be more equipped to: manage stress, deal with a learning curve, see different perspectives, solve problems, make better decisions, communicate more effectively, execute action plans, and more.

Establish a Common Foundation- the leadership program installs a seamless, across the board coaching process that can be shared by all leaders in the organization. This allows employees to have a common leadership approach no matter who their leader is. This supports a cohesive leadership approach to successful people management in the organization.

Tangible Measurable Results- whether engaging in the roll-out of a significant leadership development program or coaching partnership, my focus is on defining and attaining tangible results. Some examples of results clients have achieved are:

• Improved results in performance management specifically in setting expectations, delegation, training/mentoring others and giving constructive feedback
  
  
• Improved bottom line results and improved success in project management
  
  
• Increased accountability, responsibility and empowerment from team members
  
  
• More effectiveness in building a team environment working toward a common purpose
  
  
• Improved effectiveness at engaging in conflict resolution
  
  
• Enhanced aptitude for best utilization of the talents of others
  
  
• Greater confidence in decision making and in managing stressful situations

My processes focus on structures that measure milestones of success. My goal is to support the highest retention and implementation of learning over the long term.

Your success is my business.

My Guiding Beliefs

I’ve been actively engaged in the field of personal leadership development since 1991. I’ve had the privilege to work with leaders in many different roles and from a variety of sectors. Over the years, I’ve assembled an inventory of guiding principles that inform the context of my approach. I’ve distilled this list down to these four cornerstones that underpin the substance of my work:  

Engagement is Essential - In order to retain people we must provide a workplace methodology that engages them. People want to contribute. They want to operate from their strengths, get results and have the freedom to design and create solutions. We must work toward capturing people’s passions and leveraging their thinking so they feel engaged, on purpose and stay with us.

You Alone Must Do it but you Cannot do it Alone - As a leader what is the bigger game in front of you right now? Is it focusing on making this the best department in the organization, the best branch in the city, the highest producing team in the company? Is it focusing on slowing down long enough to be more present to your people? Is it learning a new skill? Whatever it is, the question is: Who can help me achieve this and how? You alone must do it but you cannot do it alone.

People are most productive and happiest when operating from their Strengths - As a leader how do you galvanize your people to step up to achieving extraordinary results? The first step is to get in touch with your own strengths and passions, and operate from there. Then help others leverage their strengths. Operating from your passion will change your posture, inspire others and provide the fuel to make your greatest contribution to your team.

Self Knowledge plus first-rate tools is key - To navigate effectively you need to know where you are now- self-knowledge allows you to honestly locate yourself “on the map.” Then you can start building on your existing wisdom. You do the best you can with what you know. As you increase your self-awareness and self-knowledge you will know better and begin to do better. There are two reasons for this:

1. new learning is inspiring and
2. as you become more keenly aware of the prices you’re paying by not shifting your approach in key areas - you are compelled to take action!

My Approach

What is it like to work with me? For this section, I interviewed a few clients, some new and some I’ve worked with over multiple years. The following represents a composite overview of my approach:

Solutions to challenges become inspiring and motivating- you will feel inspired to get into action immediately following a coaching session or facilitation with me. You will have clarity and experience immediate traction on your next steps.

Each interaction feels FRESH- you will experience a lot of creativity in approaching projects and problem solving, not the same old, same old methods or conversation.

Clear intention to “stretch” people in a gentle way- you will move out of your comfort zone, you will be stretched and challenged but without “stretch marks.” I can be provocative. I will hold you accountable. I like to laugh and enjoy our conversations!

Invested in “whole person client success”- people talk a lot about how work impacts their personal life but what about how your personal life may be impacting your work? You sense a synergy in our partnership. You will feel valued, engaged and at ease discussing your whole picture thus greatly impacting overall results.

Zeroes in quickly- the more senior you are, the harder it is for others to give you constructive or positive feedback. People either clam up because they don’t want to criticize you or don’t acknowledge you because they are afraid it will be perceived as less than genuine. (aka: butt kissing). I zero in on the issue at hand quickly not only providing genuine and important feedback but greatly leveraging session work together.

Embedded as part of the team- “we sometimes forget you’re an outsider”...You will note a genuine investment in your success and a seamless ease to working together individually or as part of a group facilitation.

What Makes New Avenue Leadership different?

Here are some things that make my services stand out from the others:

Commitment to Atlantic Canada- since moving to Nova Scotia from Alberta in 2002, I’ve been motivated to be an active contributor in the local business community. I’ve been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for years and have volunteered in a number of community projects. I believe in the great, untapped economic potential of this area and am committed to being an active contributor to developing the amazing talent pool of leaders in our region.

Sustainable skills- I’m invested in providing practical skills, tools, perspectives and insights that will serve my clients for life. Many have expressed that they use skills they’ve learned “all the time” years after our initial engagement.

Solid Track Record of Success- I have a solid track record of success in creating tangible measurable results through my individual coaching work with leaders. The Leading For Engagement work has been delivered to over 80,000 leaders worldwide. I have a critical eye for improvement and work consistently to make better already solid tried and true services.

Variety of Experience- not only have I worked with a wide variety of businesses and leaders with different challenges, my own personal journey has called me to step up and out of my comfort zone to achieve desired results repeatedly over the years. I have learned how to be afraid and how to still keep moving toward my vision. I know how to inspire courage and greatness in others.

Purposeful Intention For Getting Results- the best “fit” clients are those who share my passion for “getting more of what they want” easier. There is no one right way to get to your destination but there is an optimal way for you to get there. In other words, what key changes can you make now that would take the least time and energy but would generate the greatest return on results?

Next you might want to know a little about me, Mara Vizzutti and my background and experience. Click here to find out.

Or to read what clients are saying click here.