Leading Your Company to Peak Performance

Our upcoming workshops in October and November will unveil new approaches to help business leaders create a thriving work environment and lead their companies to peak performance.

1.) Unlocking all the Potential in the Workplace

A successful business begins with great people. As a leader, you need to know your employees; their unique needs and wishes and how to inspire them. You must also take an objective look at yourself. What is your vision for success and how do you intend to get there?

This workshop will help you gain a new perspective and help you recognize the steps to reach your destination. You will identify your strengths, opportunities for growth, communication and leadership style and philosophy--and how these attributes affect your staff.

2.) Let’s Talk Talent: Have All the Right People in the right Jobs?

Efficiency is at its best when each employee is perfectly suited for their job. This workshop will reinforce this principle by examining hiring strategies, training and development, and techniques to unlocking the creativity of your staff. As a leader, you must be able to recognize the talents, abilities, and developmental needs of every person you employ. 

This workshop will teach you how to examine your company like a puzzle, giving you the tools to hire great people, put them where they fit perfectly,

develop and coach them, and watch them shine.

Business success is not possible without great communication. Through full and open communication, you have the ability to increase or decrease employee productivity, satisfaction and stress levels. You will learn the supreme importance of listening to your staff’s concerns. You will learn how to speak your intentions clearly through proper delegation, increasing your staff’s job satisfaction and sense of self-worth. 

3.) Stress in the workplace, and how to work with it or mitigate it

Stress is commonplace in the lives of many business leaders and their employees. In small doses, it can be a motivator; but for the most part, stress in the workplace is a destroyer.

In this workshop we explore the quality and quantity of communication and its effect on employee stress levels using the Stress Quotient Assessment.  Leaders must be able to identify the source of the stress in their organization  and work to mitigate it whenever possible. 

We  will explore the most common causes of stress in organizations, helping you identify the areas you need to improve and reduce stress—such as through proper delegation and improved communication. You will learn how stress can be contagious and dangerous to your company’s well-being, but also how to eliminate it through proper leadership practices.

Reserve a spot on your calendar now for these 3 workshops and register at

To register for one or all of the seminars, please click HERE.

Being an Effective Leader: Delegating

Most of us believe we are the only ones who can do the job right. While this may be true in the short run, have you considered the cost over time?

The Cost of not Delegating

There are only 24 hours in a day. Many business leaders who do not delegate find themselves working far too many hours, often not very efficiently because they are exhausted and overwhelmed. They usually do the most urgent tasks, but not necessarily the most important ones.

These business leaders end up having no time to reflect, to grow, to lead, to be more creative, or to communicate with staff and colleagues. They lose the delicate life-balance: time for family, friends, recreation and relaxation.

The Principles of Effective Delegating

1.      Ensure you delegate to the right people. Choose qualified staff members with the appropriate knowledge, skills, training, personality and motivation to do the job effectively. Delegate tasks that will make the best use of people’s skills and strengths, and then boost their confidence by telling them why you chose them.

2.      Train staff in the skills they don’t yet have. You might tell yourself, “If I have to spend time training them, I might as well do the job myself.” This is short-term thinking that will keep you locked in the overworked, overwhelmed stage. In the long run, delegating will save you time and money.

3.      Tell the delegated staff exactly what needs to be done and why. If they are experienced, allow them the freedom to decide how they will approach the job. Be very clear in giving them the expected timeframe and discuss the expected results. Ambiguity is never a good thing when you are delegating.

4.      Check in periodically on their progress. Find out if they have any questions throughout the process. But do not hover over them or micro-manage! Keeping an appropriate distance shows that you trust them to succeed. Micro-managing destroys confidence.

5.      When the task is done, give feedback. People won’t improve if you don’t point out the areas that need work. Remember to always begin with honest praise. Explain to them what they did right. Always thank them, and if the job is exceptional, acknowledge them in front of other people.

6.      Expect high quality work, but not perfection. Expectation of perfection raises fears and doubts, slowing down the work and suppressing creativity.

The Benefits of Delegating:

A.      For the Leader:

1.      More time and energy to do important things

2.      Time and freedom to grow as a leader

3.      More time for life-balance

4.      A healthier, happier, more creative life

5.      A happier staff and work environment

B.      For your Staff:

1.      A chance to do higher-level, more satisfying work

2.      A chance to be creative and solve problems

3.      A chance to feel trusted by their leader

4.      A chance to see clearly how they contribute to the success of the organization

5.      An increased sense of self-worth due to greater responsibility

6.      An increased level of communication with their leader

7.      A chance to receive praise and to feel valued

8.      An increased level of team cohesion and effectiveness

9.      They will be more engaged, producing higher quality work

10.  A chance to grow their skills and themselves as a person, becoming more valuable to the organization

11.  A chance to develop play a role in satisfying customers

12.  An overall happier work environment with less employee turnover

Healthy Routines Lead to Productive Lives

Let me ask you a question: Do you think nutrition affects productivity and good relationships in the workplace? The correct answer is, yes. Big Time.

We all know that our state of health affects our sharpness of mind and our attitudes. Therefore, if our bodies are not getting a regular supply of nutritious food and healthy energy, we will suffer at work. Poor nutrition can affect our sense of good reasoning, our positive feelings, our attentiveness, and most importantly our creativity.

To ensure that you don’t go through too many drastic peaks and valleys in your energy levels at work, you need to get a good supply of high quality nourishment on a regular, scheduled basis. This includes the almighty breakfast, which is the most commonly skipped meal.

Try working on your nutrition this week, and consider these 2 simple health tips:

1) In addition to eating a substantial breakfast, schedule small, healthy snack breaks to avoid the distraction of hunger and the temptation to visit the snack machine.

2) Do not make any major decisions right before lunch, and avoid beginning any taxing work at that time. You will either feel hungry and rushed, or you will skip lunch entirely.

Although I am not a health or nutrition coach per se, I have strong personal convictions about the body-mind connection. I enjoy sharing how nutrition and exercise can help this valuable connection, affecting many areas of life for the better.

Business Partners: Becoming Effective Teammates

Stress in the workplace can be caused by many different things. Perhaps an associate has been newly hired and is having difficulty adjusting. Maybe there is a personal conflict between two staff members. Perhaps you as a business owner are overworked and spread too thinly, or you need a business partner. Or maybe you have a partner, but communication is not what it should be.

What can you do in situations like this? The answer is simple: seek out a business coach.

I have many effective resources and tools, as well as years of experience in starting and growing effective business partnerships. Don’t settle for a stagnant partnership. Learn how each other thinks and operates. Play to your strong points and fill their weaknesses, while they do the same for you.

Don’t waste any more time struggling through a partnership that is benefitting neither person. I will help you view your business partner as a valuable teammate. Both you and your company will soon begin to feel the effects of this harmony as you achieve goal after goal, without any penalties.


Hardy Hasenfuss, Personal and Business Coach

You Just Can't Measure Accountability

Today, I would like to shed light on one of my many important roles as a business and personal coach. This is the role of being an accountability partner.

The following is an example of an actual case of mine:

I had a client who had difficulty keeping his commitments. This issue affected not only work and social commitments involving other people, but primarily it affected his personal commitments to himself. One of his personal commitments involved adhering to a consistent exercise routine in his method of choice.

I began asking him specific questions concerning this practice, in order that he might set realistic goals. I asked him how often he wanted to exercise, for how long, and which activity he preferred. Eventually, he narrowed down his commitment to a concentrated 30 minutes of walking, hiking, biking, or other such cardio exercises—every day.

Once we had established this desire, I asked the client when he would like to begin. I recommended that he begin immediately--so as not to get discouraged through procrastination--and I asked that he send me a daily e-mail for the next two weeks, confirming that he had completed the exercise.

He was greatly encouraged by this idea, and he took my counsel. For the next two weeks, I received daily confirmation e-mails from this client. I responded to each one with a personal acknowledgement and a few “attaboys!” thrown in.

My client became very energized and committed because of this accountability method, and he has continued to e-mail me his exercise success stories every day since that meeting.

As a personal and business coach, I am always encouraged and pleased with success stories like these. If you know someone who is serious about changing their life, needs some guidance, or maybe just needs an accountability partner, send them my way. Thank you.

Hardy Hasenfuss,  Personal and Business Coach

Turn Over That Frown! Find and Keep the Right Employees

Let’s talk about turnover. For those who are not aware, this refers to the rate at which employees leave their jobs and are replaced.

Do you ever wonder why people leave their jobs or get fired? Aside from obvious disciplinary reasons or just having a lousy boss, the primary reason is this: many people are in the wrong job.

In many ways, the cost of turnover is huge for businesses. Many of the individuals who are left behind in these situations find themselves wishing they were somewhere else. When employees are in the wrong job, they will experience a lower level of engagement and consequently, low productivity.

The question is, how and when do I come into the picture as a personal and business coach? When you hear a fellow business owner groaning about their employees, using phrases such as “those people…I can’t ever get them to do their jobs right!”, it is a silent call for help. One which I am happy to answer.

On the other hand, if you are the business leader who is daily witnessing long or unhappy faces in your office or work site, it might be time to give me a call. It is my goal as a coach to boost employee productivity and happiness in the workplace.

Hardy Hasenfuss,  Personal and Business Success Coach

Keep the Creative Urge Alive

During the winter holiday season, I often speak on the subjects of Joy and Happiness. Both are similar concepts, and are very important ingredients in a bright and productive life. 

For now, I’d like to talk about joy. Although this past years’ joyous Christmas season has come and gone, you should not give up on finding joy in your daily life!

The greatest joy and satisfaction in my work as a coach is to support my clients. It brings me happiness to help them as they pursue their creative urge. I find satisfaction in my life when I see them striving and succeeding in building better lives for themselves, for their families, and for their careers and businesses.

The creative urge I speak of is an in-born desire to create a better life within the sphere of our passions and interests. Although I believe this urge is within each one of us, it is unfortunate that so many of us suppress our creative urges because of petty fears and a self-defeating lack of courage. This is where my support as a personal coach comes into play. It is my job to professionally encourage and challenge my clients to succeed.

Maybe you or someone you know needs to find this joy. If you have a friend, associate, or client who wants to be encouraged and challenged as they pursue the creative urge in their life or business, please give them my card. I am always here to serve you.

Hardy Hasenfuss, Your Joy and Happiness Coach

Coaching 101-Who I Am, and What I Do

I would like to take the time to state the obvious. If you are new to this site, however, it might not be very obvious. I want to briefly explain what I do as a personal and business coach.

I work professionally with business leaders who want more. They want more for themselves. They want more for their staff. They want more for their customers, for their bank account, and for their community. What is this more? You tell me, and I will help you get there.

Why business leaders need my services:  Business owners and leaders in the workplace face constant pressure from many sides. They are pressured by customers, vendors, staff, investors, and their superiors. Quite simply, most business leaders are overworked, and therefore are unable to enjoy their chosen profession anymore.

What do I do: In simple terms, I help business leaders and individuals view their lives through a larger pair of glasses. I help them put the many various struggles and aspects of life into perspective. I advise people on how to think strategically and proactively, rather than constantly operating in “crisis mode.” Additionally, I guide leaders in the hiring process, helping them place the right individuals into positions where they will shine.

Hardy Hasenfuss,  Personal and Business Coach

All Good Things: Happiness and Positivity In the Workplace

Before you begin to think that happiness and positivity are too sappy to waste your time, think about them for a minute.

Happiness is contagious, and it benefits the entire workplace.

1) Happiness encourages peaceful relations and interactions at work.

2) Happy employees are more productive, because their work becomes an outlet of creative enjoyment.

3) Happiness causes the work to flow more naturally, because stress is not present and communication is easy.

Now let’s talk about positivity. This is defined as “The quality or state of being positive”. So what’s so great about being positive?

A positive mindset is one of invincibility. Rather than a “glass-half-full” thought process, positivity thrives on the good and compartmentalizes the bad. The energy gained from our successes sets a fire to the minor letdowns of our failures, giving us the energy to address them without stress.

1) Just as with happiness, a positive mindset boosts our productivity at work by giving us clarity and focus.

2) Positivity helps us get along with people in our private lives, not just our co-workers. It is a winning attitude towards life.

3) At work, positivity eliminates the discouragement of failure. We achieve more sales and growth (who doesn’t like to buy from a positive person?).

4) Our minds are engaged, giving us more creativity to solve problems.

The benefits of happiness and positivity are endless, and you will notice the results very rapidly. 

The question that remains is this: Do you want these examples to be a picture of your work environment? The most enjoyable part of my job is helping you enjoy your job. As a business and personal coach, I employ time-tested strategies and techniques that create and instill happiness in your workplace. Call anytime for a free consultation.

Planes, Trains, and Telephones

A business associate and I had a terrific 121 meeting earlier this week. Where was it, you might ask? In my office, over the phone. And It worked very well.

During our conversation, we both resolved to do more 121’s over the phone, and we want to encourage our BNI partners to do likewise!

Here are some reasons why phone meetings might be better for you:

1.     They save travel time and expenses. From my location, a round-trip to Concord is about 1 ½ hours. I’m certain that many of you have long-distance commutes as well.

2.     It is easier to carve out one concentrated hour from our busy schedules than it is to find time for a cumulative 2 ½ hour meeting.

3.     In most cases, and particularly with 121’s, phone meetings are much easier to schedule and conduct.

4.     Phone meetings are far more efficient. If you conduct them properly, there are fewer interruptions and distractions.

As far as my coaching method is concerned, I have performed over-the-phone coaching services (in addition to personal meetings) for over 20 years, and I have found them very much to my liking.

If you have yet to try this method in your professional circles, I encourage you to give it a shot! Who knows, it might just free up your time to do more 121’s.

Hardy Hasenfuss,  Personal and Business Success Coach

A Guide to Understanding Your New Year's Resolutions

Some estimates say more than 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. Only 8% Achieve them.

What are the secrets behind those who succeed? Here are a few words to get the gears turning: Simple. Tangible. Obvious.

Keep it Simple

Resolutions should not be over-complicated. They should be definite, not reliant on tentative external circumstances. In this instance, it is helpful to think in black-and-white.

Make it Tangible
Setting ambitious resolutions can be fun and inspiring. Goals should be bounded by rational, achievable metrics. 

A resolution to lose some weight is not that easy to follow.

We say if you can’t measure it, it’s not a very good resolution because vague goals beget vague resolutions.

Make it Obvious
Experts recommend charting your goals in some fashion. There’s no universal strategy for success, so decide on a method of organization that works for you. For some, making a clear to-do list is enough of a reminder; others rely on “vision boards” or personal diaries.

-An emerging tactic: share your goals with your friends and family. It’s a great way to build accountability.

If you have already started making resolutions for the New Year - STOP. Better yet, if you haven’t begun, don’t start – yet. Let’s think about it first.  You need a strategy if you don’t want to be among the 92% who fail in achieving their goals.

Let me suggest a 9-point strategy that will optimize your chance of success:
1. Make a quick list of possible resolutions. Don’t do anything with them yet.
2. Get clear about the crucial differences between a vision, a goal and manifestation.
3. Decide which of those on your list fit which of the above.
4. Prioritize your list and then focus on one item. Create a vision and one or two goals.
5. Decide if you need to manifest something to support your vision.
6. Build in the possibility of short-term, incremental success to keep you motivated.
7. Spread the work involved in achieving them over time.
8. Use all three aspects of your psyche – mental, emotional and spiritual intelligence.
9. Use worksheets appropriate to your intentions.

Vision, Goals, and Manifestation-When I ask most people to explain their vision, they invariably give me a goal. Most corporate vision statements are goals. So what is the difference?

A goal is future-oriented and set in time. It is measurable, highly specific and objective. It is Yang (masculine) energy. It’s about making things happen, controlling the outcome and being active.  A goal should be achievable, realistic and structured so you know when and if it is achieved or not. If not achieved, you need to love yourself for failing and then set another goal.

A vision is neither time-specific nor measurable. It exists now within you and you will have it as your guide forever, or at least for as long as you remain passionate about it and supports your purpose. It is what gives you your inspiration and the juice to go on to set the goals that will support your vision. Your vision is your source of fulfillment. It is Yin (feminine) spiritual energy so it is receptive and naturally attracts whatever supports your vision. It is bigger than you, gives meaning to your life and draws you to it. It requires you to open to receive what the Universe wants to give you, which is support for your vision.

Manifestation is neither a vision nor a goal. You can only manifest what is capable of being made manifest (real). In other words you can only manifest what is concrete, tangible and what you will recognize ‘out there’ when it shows up in your world. 

-When people fill in the Radical Manifestation worksheet, it amazes me how many people still put something in the box to manifest that is really a goal.


 Manifestation occurs as a result of activating the Law of Attraction, and this is best done by using a Radical Manifestation worksheet.  The worksheet, rather than trying to change your subconscious mind, uses your Spiritual Intelligence instead. But for this, the worksheet is essential.  You can download a Radical Manifestation worksheet from Colin’s Cafe. Registration is required by clicking here.

Focus Pocus

Are you focusing on the right things in your business? Is it PCP?
If not, are you working harder and harder and making less and less progress?

PCP =  People + Customers + Profit

With the right people in the right jobs, properly trained and inspired by a clear vision and a caring
culture, you can provide exceptional service to your customers consistently day in and day out. Your
customers will become raving fans of your people and your business, will come back time and again, will refer others to your business at great rates, and will never leave you to someone who undercuts your price by a few cents.

You can be sure this kind of business and environment easily attracts new customers, and your
employees will tell their friends about this great workplace. Job applicants will line up at your door step, and you will be in the enviable position to choose the best and the brightest, and those with the best and most positive attitude. You will unlock the creativity among your employees to bring about ideas for new products, improved service, attracting even more business and yielding greater profits.

Is this Utopia or wishful thinking? Hardly.  The most progressive and successful businesses are practicing this kind of business model now. And they add one other factor:  Making a difference in their community and in the greater world. They are practicing environmentally sound and progressive methods for saving precious resources and leaving the least negative footprint.

Hardy Hasenfuss