Leading Gen Z: What Modern Leaders Need to Unlearn to Stay Relevant

Our ever-changing and evolving world and the latest workplace trends are challenging companies in new ways. Today's business environment is the first in the world of work to require up to 5 different generations to work together. In recent years, the young generation of workers has redefined the notions of retention, engagement and value creation.

In a world like this, as a leader, you have to ask yourself the question: Is your leadership still relevant—or just experienced?
As Gen Z is the newest generation in the workplace, not everyone is fully aware of their values yet. And still, as of early 2025, Gen Z comprises about 27% of the workforce, with this figure expected to rise to 30% globally by 2030. Meeting their needs in the workplace is more important than for any other generation before when it comes to employee retention—because they won’t stay for years in a company if they don’t feel it’s the right fit.
In fact, 38% of Gen Z report they’re likely to quit within a year if their employer fails to meet their expectations.

But what do they actually want?
This can be quite the challenge for leaders, as they often try to retain employees using the same methods they've relied on for their entire career. But Gen Z has very different priorities.

A Deloitte study surveying over 23,000 Gen Z and Millennial employees across 44 countries reveals:

• Only 6% of Gen Z view climbing the management ladder as their main career goal. Instead, they prioritize learning, financial security, mental well-being, and purpose.

• 86% value ongoing mentorship and coaching, emphasizing their desire for continuous growth.

• 89% say having purpose in their work is crucial to job satisfaction.

• Around 46% report feeling anxious or stressed most of the time, making mental health support a non-negotiable.

Why Traditional Leadership No Longer Works

What worked ten or twenty years ago may now feel irrelevant or even damaging to younger employees. Gen Z isn’t impressed by hierarchy or job titles—they want clarity, consistency, and connection.

Leaders stuck in outdated mindsets may rely on:

• Top-down communication

• Micromanagement

• Performance measured by hours, not impact

• "Sink or swim" mentalities

But Gen Z sees these not as strengths, but as red flags.

What Gen Z Truly Values at Work

To build trust and engagement with Gen Z, modern leaders need to understand their core values:

• 🧭 Purpose: They want to know how their work contributes to something meaningful.

• 🤝 Coaching & Feedback: They thrive on continuous feedback and developmental conversations—not just annual reviews.

• 🧠 Well-being: Mental health support, flexible working, and balance are minimum expectations.

• 🎯 Personal Growth: Career ladders aren’t enough; they want stretch assignments, skill-building, and role agility.

From Control to Co-Creation: What Leaders Must Unlearn

If leaders want to stay relevant and effective, they must unlearn outdated behaviors such as:

• Micromanagement → Instead: trust-based delegation

• Performance = Presence → Instead: performance = value created

• "Do as I say" authority → Instead: collaborative problem-solving

• Resistance to change → Instead: curiosity and adaptability

This shift isn’t about losing control—it’s about leading with intention in a way that builds future-ready cultures.

Practical Strategies to Lead Gen Z with Confidence

Here are actionable practices modern leaders can adopt today:

1. Practice Radical Clarity

Gen Z grew up in an information-rich world. They value clarity—on expectations, goals, performance, and communication. Don’t assume they "just know"—make it explicit.

2. Build a Feedback Culture

Think weekly check-ins, not yearly reviews. Make feedback safe, consistent, and two-way. Ask them: “What would make your work experience better?”

3. Time-Block for Trust

Use simple productivity tools like time-blocking or decision filters to model focused, intentional work. When you show respect for your own time, they’re more likely to do the same.

4. Share Your Why

Gen Z doesn’t just want direction—they want to feel the bigger picture. Share your “why” behind decisions and strategies. It builds alignment and respect.

5. Coach, Don’t Command

Use powerful questions, reflective listening, and developmental feedback. Gen Z is hungry for guidance, not orders.

Coaching as a Tool for Modern Leadership

If 86% of Gen Z want mentorship and coaching, leaders must first embody that mindset themselves. Coaching isn’t only for “fixing” others—it’s a mirror and a compass for your own growth.

A coach helps you:

• Identify blind spots in your leadership

• Define your updated leadership identity

• Practice adaptive communication

• Rebuild trust and connection across generational lines

Final Thoughts: Relevance Is Earned, Not Inherited

Leadership today isn’t about how long you've been in the game—it’s about how well you adapt to a new one.

If you’re leading Gen Z, remember:

• They aren’t entitled—they’re values-driven.

• They aren’t lazy—they’re boundaries-aware.

• They aren’t disengaged—they’re purpose-seeking.

So instead of resisting the shift, lean into it. Because when you evolve as a leader, you don’t just stay relevant—you help build the future.

👇 Curious to Explore This Further?

Let’s talk about how coaching can help you lead across generations.

Busy vs. Effective: How Leaders Can Regain Focus and Lead with Intention

Are You Busy or Are You Effective?

Are you familiar with this concept: starting your week by reading through all the emails, attending meetings, and realizing at the end of the day that although you worked all day, you haven’t moved forward with your most important task or the ones that bring the most results? As a busy leader, many of your workdays can look similar.

The core distinction between being busy versus being effective is this: the valuable results of your work are low in the first scenario. But when you work effectively, you can achieve great results within the same time period (or sometimes even less).

By reading this article, you will learn how to improve your leadership productivity by implementing a clear, focused, and strategic mindset in your daily work.

Common Productivity Traps for Leaders

In this section, we’ll uncover the most common productivity traps for leaders and why they ultimately cost you more time — even if they seem like time-savers at first.

First, let’s break the multitasking myth. It might seem like you’re saving time by doing two or more tasks at once, but your brain doesn’t function that way. It can focus on one task at a time. When you multitask, your brain switches rapidly between tasks, reducing concentration and increasing mistakes. The result is often mediocre work that needs to be redone.

The next trap? Your leadership style. Sorry for calling you out, but it’s true. Leaders can often be divided into two groups: reactive and proactive. Of course, certain situations require immediate reaction (unexpected crises, emergencies), but your aim should be to act proactively most of the time. By planning for potential problems in advance — delays, absences, errors — you can actually save time and stress when they do arise.

The third trap is poor time management. Many leaders spend countless hours reading irrelevant emails or sitting in meetings that don’t add any value to their direct work. Start restructuring your inbox and shorten or eliminate unnecessary meetings. Aim for fewer, more strategic sessions — monthly instead of weekly, when possible.

The Real Cost of “Doing It All”

We often glorify being busy, but overworking has significant hidden costs. Leadership burnout is real and impacts not only your mental and physical well-being but also your decision-making ability. When you're constantly in overdrive, you risk falling into reactive patterns, overlooking strategic choices, and spreading yourself too thin.

Your team feels it too. If you're burned out and overcommitted, it sets the tone for your team to mirror that behavior. This can lead to poor morale, increased turnover, and decreased innovation.

Remember: overcommitment leads to underperformance. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

Identifying Your True Leadership Zone

One of the best ways to shift from busy to effective is to identify your true leadership zone.

Start with the Eisenhower Matrix: separate your tasks into four quadrants — urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. Aim to spend most of your time in the "important but not urgent" quadrant where strategy and innovation live.

Ask yourself: What are the tasks only I can do? This is your leadership sweet spot. Delegate the rest. Apply the 80/20 principle — focus on the 20% of activities that yield 80% of the results.

When you prioritize high-impact work and let go of the rest, you can lead with greater confidence, clarity, and efficiency.

Letting Go of the Illusion of Control

Trying to control everything is not only exhausting, it’s unsustainable.

Trust and delegation are your allies. When you build a team that functions without constant oversight, you free up time and mental space for more strategic thinking.

The ROI of trust is high. Empowering your team not only increases their engagement but also fosters innovation and resilience. Let go of micromanagement and focus on empowering your people.

Practical Focus Techniques for Busy Leaders

Now that we’ve tackled the mindset side, here are concrete tools to help you stay focused:

Time-blocking: Separate your calendar into "CEO time" (strategy, planning, growth) and "operator time" (execution, daily tasks). Treat these blocks as non-negotiable.

Focus filters: Before taking on a task, ask: "Does this move the needle?" If not, reconsider or delegate it.

Productivity tools: Try the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute breaks), deep work sessions (2-3 hour distraction-free blocks), and regular calendar audits to assess what should stay or go.

Weekly reviews: Every Friday or Sunday, review the week: What went well? What drained your energy? What will you change next week to protect your focus?

The Role of Coaching in Regaining Focus and Clarity

Coaching can be a powerful lever in your leadership effectiveness.

A coach helps uncover blind spots, clarifies what truly matters to you as a leader, and supports sustainable change. With regular reflection and accountability, coaching helps leaders shift from autopilot to intentional action.

It’s not about fixing you; it’s about amplifying your strengths with clarity and purpose.

Leading with Intention Starts Now :To move from busy to effective, you don’t need to change everything at once. Start with one small shift — like blocking time for high-priority work or stepping back from unnecessary meetings.

Remember: leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters, with clarity and focus.

Why Slowing Down Might Be the Smartest Move for Your Growth

The bright blue sky with the sun, the slowly waving ocean and the standing still pods the green leaves and grass somehow invites all of our human minds to relax, pause and reconnect. But some of us wouldn`t feel productive enough if they would let in to this calling. High-achievers have this constant struggle if they can let themselves rest or not and most of the time they convince themselves that its only for the lazy people or they have to work even harder to earn that rest. But we are all human. And humans need space to breathe. This summer is a perfect time to try slow down if you can relate. Maybe that is the thing you need exactly to grow, lead, and live fully.

1. Why Slowing Down Feels Hard (But Is Necessary)

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes... including you.” – Anne Lamott.

But if resting is so natural to human nature why more and more people feel the need to neglect it nowadays? Lets face it we live in a hustle culture and the external pressure is a big portion of this problem where we kind of internalize the productivity pressure day by day. Thanks to the internet we can see day and night that right now when you would take a rest maybe someone else works on their goals or achieves some big milestone and by seeing that we can feel guilty even just thinking about resting when other people work so hard and thinking If I rest I will be falling behind.But here’s the paradox: growth doesn’t always come from pushing. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when we stop trying so hard. When we rest, we create space for clarity, creativity, and emotional regulation—key ingredients for sustainable success.

If slowing down feels difficult, it’s not because you're broken. It's because your brain has been trained to survive in a high-pressure environment. But just like with physical exercise, recovery is when strength is truly built.

2. Rest as a Strategic Advantage

Slowing down isn’t lazy. It’s smart strategy.

Top athletes know the importance of rest days in their training routines. CEOs take annual retreats to zoom out and realign. In nature, every cycle includes a season of dormancy. So why do we believe that always being “on” is the only way forward?

Here’s what rest can really give you:

• 💡 Mental clarity – Decision fatigue is real. Pausing refreshes your thinking.

• 🔋 Emotional resilience – You can handle pressure better when you're not always at capacity.

• 🌱 Creative insight – Our best ideas come when we stop trying to force them.

By treating rest as part of your growth system rather than a reward at the end, you start to play a different game: one that values energy management, not just time management.

3. Coaching Questions to Reflect On

One of the first steps in coaching high-performers through burnout or imbalance is to pause and ask better questions. If you’re feeling the weight of constant striving, ask yourself:

• When was the last time you truly paused, without guilt or distraction?

• How much of your self-worth is tied to your output?

• What would change in your life if you rested without needing to earn it first?

These are not easy questions—but they’re powerful ones. Often, what comes up is a sense of fear. Fear of being left behind. Fear of appearing lazy. Fear of losing control. But those fears lose their grip when you look at them with compassion and curiosity.

4. Reclaiming Summer: A Season for Soul-Level Planning

Summer is more than just a time for vacations and longer days. It’s an invitation.

While your calendar might be filled with plans, ask yourself: What does your soul need this season?

Try this:

• Block a day or weekend with no agenda

• Practice “productive rest” (e.g. journaling in a park, reading for pleasure, walking without headphones)

• Make a “Summer Soul List” – 10 things that make you feel alive, calm, or inspired—and plan for them like you would a meeting

The goal isn’t to escape your responsibilities. It’s to remind yourself that you’re more than your tasks.

You’re a whole human being—not just a to-do machine.

5. How Coaching Can Help You Rest Without Guilt

If slowing down still feels foreign or even dangerous to you, you’re not alone. Coaching can provide the structure, safety, and accountability you need to make intentional change.

Here’s how it helps:

• We identify the limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in overdrive

• We explore what rest and balance look like for you personally—not just what the internet says

• We create strategies to rebuild your rhythms, so you’re not burning out between every goal

You don’t have to choose between success and sanity.

You can lead, achieve, and still feel like yourself at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts: This Summer, Pause to Grow

So if you've been waiting for permission to slow down—this is it.

Let this summer be your experiment in doing less, being more, and seeing what emerges when you stop constantly proving your worth.

Let your calendar breathe.
Let your mind rest.
Let your soul catch up with your ambition.

You might just find that everything you were chasing is easier to access when you’re not running all the time.

🧭 Want to explore this more? I offer 1:1 coaching sessions to help high-achievers like you rest, reset, and rebuild with intention.

How to Write the Perfect CV: What It Should Include and How to Make It Stand Out

Discover how to write a professional CV that gets noticed. Learn what to include, how to tailor your resume to each job, and tips to stand out in a competitive job market.

1. Why Your CV Still Matters More Than You Think

Believe it or not, your CV still matters—even in this modern age when your profile can be searched on every possible platform. A CV is like a first impression, and as we all know, first impressions are hard to change. Even with a well-curated LinkedIn account, your CV often speaks first.

You might have heard the myth that recruiters don’t even look at CVs anymore and that AI does all the work. But as an HR professional, I can assure you that 99% of companies still rely on good old-fashioned recruiters to make hiring decisions. This is the first time you truly meet the hiring team—not in an interview, but through your CV—and that’s exactly where you can make or break a new job opportunity.

In this article, we’ll walk through the essential elements of a great CV, how to tailor it to each job, what to avoid, and how coaching can help you create a standout resume.

2. The Core Elements of a Great CV

Contact Information

Always include the basics: your email address and phone number. It’s also helpful to list your city or region, especially if location matters for the role. Adding your LinkedIn profile link is a great way to show professionalism and openness.

Professional Summary

This should be a 3–5 line paragraph at the top of your CV summarizing your key experience, notable achievements, and career goals. Think of it as your elevator pitch on paper.

Work Experience

List your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include:

• Company name

• Position title

• Time period (ideally month + year)

• A short list of bullet points describing responsibilities and results

Make sure you include responsibilities that align with the job you’re applying for—without exaggerating your experience. Use metrics and results wherever possible to add credibility.

Education

Include your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework. If you have recent or ongoing education that’s applicable, make sure it’s visible.

Skills Section

List a mix of hard skills (technical, job-specific) and soft skills (communication, leadership, etc.). Don’t forget to include your language skills and their levels (e.g., B2, fluent, native).

Optional but Powerful Extras:

• Awards and recognitions

• Professional memberships

• Notable publications or projects (if relevant to the job/industry)

3. Tailoring Your CV to Each Job

So, you’ve created your CV and feel ready to send it out to every job you like—even in completely different industries or roles? STOP FOR A MINUTE!

That method no longer works. You need to make small but strategic adjustments to your CV for each job you apply to. Don’t worry—it doesn’t take hours. Just 5 extra minutes per application can make all the difference.

Why? Because recruiters are looking for alignment. The job description contains valuable keywords and phrases that you should mirror in your CV. Many companies also use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, so if your CV lacks the right terms, it may never even reach a human.

Tips for tailoring:

• Identify key responsibilities and requirements in the job posting

• Use similar phrasing to show relevance

• Align your summary and bullet points with company values or goals

4. How to Write Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Most CVs list what someone was responsible for, but the best ones highlight what was actually achieved.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your accomplishments:

• Situation: What challenge or context were you in?

• Task: What were you responsible for?

• Action: What did you do?

• Result: What was the outcome?

Example transformation:

• ❌ “Managed the customer service inbox”

• ✅ “Resolved an average of 50+ client issues weekly with a 95% satisfaction rate”

Numbers help you stand out. Try to quantify achievements wherever possible.

5. Design and Layout Tips for a Professional Look

You don’t need fancy graphics, but your CV should be clean, structured, and readable.

• Fonts: Use professional fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt)

• White space: Leave space between sections for better readability

• Length: One page for early career, two for experienced professionals

• Photo: This depends on the country and industry. In Europe, a photo is often acceptable. In the US or UK, it’s usually discouraged.

Stick with a simple design unless you’re in a highly creative field where visuals matter (e.g., graphic design, branding).

6. Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

Even great content can be ruined by simple errors. Watch out for:

• Typos, grammar mistakes, inconsistent formatting

• Generic or vague descriptions (e.g., “team player,” “hard-working”)

• Passive language or clichés

• Listing too much irrelevant information

• Over-designing (using too many colors or graphics)

• Forgetting to update your CV regularly with recent achievements

7. How Coaching Can Help You Build a Winning CV

Sometimes it’s hard to see your own strengths. That’s where coaching comes in.

A career or job search coach can help you:

• Review and revise your CV objectively

• Identify your unique value in the market

• Practice job application scenarios like mock interviews

• Turn insecurities (like employment gaps) into confident storytelling

You’ll walk away with a document that doesn’t just show what you’ve done—but who you are and why you matter.

8. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Remember: your CV is a living document. You should review and refine it regularly, especially when you gain new experiences or apply to different roles.

So here’s your call to action: Take 30 minutes today to review your current CV. See what you can improve based on what you’ve learned in this post.

Need support? I offer a free CV review session where we can go through your resume together and find ways to improve it for your next big opportunity.

✅ Let’s make sure your next application stands out. Book a free session and let’s work on your CV together.

How to Discover Hidden Job Opportunities and Stand Out from the Crowd

1. Why Relying Only on Job Boards Is No Longer Enough

Let me introduce you to the concept of the hidden job market. As simple as it sounds, it refers to job opportunities that are not advertised publicly—or not advertised at all. Yet these roles exist and are often more desirable than the ones seen by the masses.

Why are they hidden? The reasons vary: sometimes companies prefer to hire internally, or they want to save costs by not posting on job boards. In other cases, a role is created for the right person before it even makes it online. Some companies also rely heavily on employee referrals, internal promotion pipelines, or headhunting before ever publishing a listing.

This is why you need to rethink how you job hunt and shift into a proactive approach. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to do just that—using practical, personalized, and proven strategies.

2. The Power of a Personalized Job Search Strategy

Your job search strategy should focus on three core areas:

• Your strengths

• Your industry

• Your goals

This is not the time for generic applications. A one-size-fits-all CV or cover letter will no longer cut it. You should rewrite your materials for every single opportunity, aligning your experience with the specific requirements and tone of the job posting.

Start by making a list of your key strengths—not just skills, but also your natural working style, values, and soft skills like communication, empathy, or leadership. Then define your target industry and job type. From there, tailor your job search efforts to those targets instead of applying everywhere and hoping for the best.

For example, if your strength is problem-solving and you love tech, focus on product management or business analyst roles. Your application should reflect your personality and strengths—not just keywords from the job description.

The result? Recruiters will feel like they’ve found the perfect candidate.

3. How to Discover Hidden Job Opportunities

The best way to uncover hidden jobs is through networking—both online and offline.

On LinkedIn, reconnect with former colleagues and managers who may know of upcoming roles. Don’t hesitate to reach out to HR professionals or hiring managers in companies you’re interested in; a proactive message can leave a lasting impression. Even if they’re not hiring now, your message could make them think of you the next time they are.

Send personalized connection requests that mention something you admire about the company or role. Comment on relevant posts and participate in industry discussions to build visibility.

Offline, talk about your job search with your extended network—not just your close friends. You never know who might have a helpful connection unless you try. Let acquaintances, former professors, mentors, or even service providers (like your gym trainer or hairstylist) know you’re open to new opportunities.

Consider conducting informational interviews—short, informal conversations with professionals in your target industry. Ask them about their roles, their career paths, and whether they know of any opportunities or recommendations. Most people love to help when approached with curiosity and respect.

Another method is tapping into alumni networks, both online and via your former university. Many schools offer career support services or have active alumni groups that are more than willing to help you out.

4. Tools and Techniques to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Even when you’re not actively job hunting, it pays to maintain a professional online presence. Posting regularly on LinkedIn in your area of expertise will make you more visible to recruiters and HR professionals.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and optimized: headline, summary, experience, and a clear profile photo. Write a compelling summary that reflects your values, your mission, and your strengths—not just your job titles.

When applying, always customize your CV and cover letter to each role. Mirror the language of the job posting and emphasize your achievements with numbers or specific outcomes.

Develop and rehearse your elevator pitch—a 30-second summary of who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. This will help you sound confident when introducing yourself in interviews, networking events, or even casual conversations.

Finally, don’t forget the follow-up. Sending a thoughtful message or email after an interview or meeting shows professionalism and keeps you top-of-mind.

5. How Coaching Can Support Your Job Search Success

• A coach can make your job search faster, more focused, and more effective. Here’s how:

• They can help you stay accountable by creating weekly goals and tracking your progress. When you’re discouraged or unsure, coaching can help you stay motivated and focused on your bigger vision.

• They’ll also work with you to prepare for interviews through mock sessions, giving real-time feedback on your communication style, presence, and structure of your answers.

• Coaching also helps with mindset. Many job seekers face imposter syndrome, rejection fatigue, or low self-esteem. A coach can help you rebuild confidence, overcome limiting beliefs, and show up as your best self.

• Most importantly, a coach helps you articulate your unique value. You may not always see what makes you stand out—but a coach will.

6. Take the First Step Today

Standing out in today’s job market requires more than just applying online. It requires strategy, clarity, and confidence. It requires intention and effort—but the results are worth it.

If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level, I invite you to book a free consultation and explore how coaching can help you discover opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

✅ Let’s find those hidden opportunities—together.

“Someday” Isn’t a Strategy – Set Real Goals with the SMART Method

1. Introduction – From Wishful Thinking to Clear Direction

Do you know the feeling when you have a thought like „Someday I want to try out that hobby, go to that specific place or be the business owner I always dreamed of?” Then months—or even years—go by and you still haven’t taken the first step toward those “someday” goals?

The reason is simple: without a clear deadline or timeframe, we tend to procrastinate. We wait for the “right moment,” when we feel ready or fully prepared. But let me tell you—those perfect days rarely come knocking. That’s why we need structure. And in my experience, one of the most effective ways to add structure to your plans is by setting SMART goals.

2. Why Vague Goals Don’t Work

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions—because we’ve all made one, or at least heard a friend or family member talk about theirs.

Goals like:

• “This year I’ll make more money!”

• “I’m finally going to lose weight!”

• “I want to do better at work!”

Sound familiar? The problem isn’t in the intention—it’s in the clarity. Vague goals like these don’t activate our brains in the right way. We need something more concrete to hold onto.

For example, compare:

• “Do better marketing”
  vs.

• “Launch one new campaign every week until the end of May.”

That second one? It checks every box of a SMART goal. And that’s what makes it actually doable.

3. What is SMART? The Basics You Need

SMART is more than just a catchy acronym—it’s a powerful tool for moving ideas into reality.

Let’s break it down:

• S – Specific: Define exactly what you want.
  Example: “Increase Instagram followers” instead of “Be more visible.”

• M – Measurable: Include a number so you can track progress.
  Example: “Reach 500 new followers.”

• A – Attainable: Be ambitious, but realistic.
  Example: “500 new followers in 3 months” is more reasonable than “10,000 in 2 weeks.”

• R – Relevant: Make sure it aligns with your overall goal or vision.
  Example: If your focus is business growth, social visibility supports that.

• T – Time-bound: Set a deadline.
  Example: “...by the end of August.”

A SMART goal looks something like this:
👉 “I will gain 500 new Instagram followers by posting 3 times per week until August 31.”

4. Real-Life SMART Goals – What They Look Like in Action

Here are a few examples that I often help clients build in coaching sessions:

• Vague: “Grow my visibility.”
  ➤ SMART: “Post 3 times a week on Instagram to reach 500 new followers in 3 months.”

• Vague: “Get more repeat clients.”
  ➤ SMART: “Increase returning client rate by 30% by June 2025 through a targeted email campaign.”

• Vague: “Work less.”
  ➤ SMART: “Reduce working hours from 50 to 40 per week by outsourcing 3 recurring tasks by September.”

Once it’s clear and concrete, the path forward becomes obvious.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Setting Goals

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

Here are the most common traps I see:

• Being too vague – “Be better” isn’t a goal. It’s a wish.

• Letting others define your goals – If it’s not rooted in your drive, you’ll lose motivation quickly.

• No timeline – A dream without a deadline just floats around.

• No follow-up – Not tracking or celebrating progress makes it feel pointless over time.

Awareness is your first defense—once you know these patterns, you can avoid falling into them.

6. How to Stay Focused on Your SMART Goals

Creating the goal is step one—staying focused on it is step two.

Personally, I swear by sticky notes and calendar reminders. Just having my goal visible keeps it on my radar. Whether it’s a post-it on my laptop or a recurring notification on my phone, little nudges make a big difference.

It also helps to track your progress monthly. Ask yourself:

• What did I accomplish this month?

• What needs adjusting?

• What’s the next small step?

And please, don’t underestimate the power of accountability. Share your goal with a coach, mentor, or even a friend. Just saying it out loud creates momentum.

Finally—celebrate the small wins. Every step forward deserves recognition. Don’t rush past your growth. Pause and enjoy it.

7. Closing – A Goal is Not a Destination, But a Map

SMART goals aren’t rigid rules—they’re tools. They give shape to your ambitions and help you move with intention instead of impulse.

Even setting one clear, structured goal can be a turning point. You don’t need to wait for the stars to align. Just start where you are—with what you have.

Write down your first SMART goal now. And take the first small step today.

👉 If you want more inspiring and practical guidance like this, follow me on Instagram: [@coachkata.hu] 📲 Let’s grow together!

How to Enhance Your Leadership Skills: Coaching Strategies for Career Advancement

You might be wondering why leadership skills are so essential for career growth. Isn’t it enough to just do your job well? Well, developing strong leadership skills isn't just for those aiming for managerial positions—it's an essential quality for anyone looking to climb the career ladder or enhance their professional credibility. Leadership goes beyond just managing teams; it's about influencing others, creating vision, and driving results, regardless of your job title. Mastering leadership skills can make you stand out in your current role and open doors for new opportunities.

But how do you develop these leadership skills? It's not just about having authority or control; it's about inspiring others, managing change, and navigating difficult situations. Let’s explore how coaching can help you enhance your leadership abilities and accelerate your career growth.

1. What Are Leadership Skills and Why Are They Crucial for Career Growth?

Leadership skills are the abilities that allow you to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards achieving common goals. They involve a combination of technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills, including communication, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.

Having strong leadership skills is not only important for those in senior roles but is also critical for anyone looking to expand their influence in the workplace. Whether you’re leading a team or simply collaborating with colleagues, the ability to inspire trust, manage conflict, and communicate effectively is vital for building credibility and advancing in your career.

2. Key Leadership Skills to Develop for Career Success

To build your leadership abilities, it's essential to focus on the core skills that make leaders successful in any professional environment. Here are a few key skills to enhance:

• Communication: A strong leader knows how to communicate clearly and effectively with others. Whether it's delivering a presentation, having a difficult conversation, or giving feedback, communication is key to inspiring confidence and motivating others.

• Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of your own emotions and understanding others' feelings can help you manage relationships more effectively. Leaders with high emotional intelligence create positive work environments and are able to handle conflict in a constructive way.

• Decision-Making: Good leaders are decisive, making informed choices even under pressure. Developing your ability to make decisions, whether small or large, will help you manage teams and projects more effectively.

• Delegation: Effective leaders know how to delegate tasks according to team strengths. By trusting your team with responsibility, you empower them to grow, while you focus on strategic tasks.

• Adaptability: The business world is constantly changing, and successful leaders are able to pivot when necessary. Being adaptable allows you to handle new challenges, keep up with trends, and lead your team through transitions smoothly.

3. How Can Coaching Help You Develop Leadership Skills?

While some people may naturally possess leadership qualities, leadership can also be cultivated with the right tools and mindset. This is where coaching comes into play. Through coaching, you can fine-tune your leadership abilities and unlock your potential for career growth.

Here’s how coaching can help:

• Personalized Guidance: A coach provides one-on-one sessions tailored to your specific leadership challenges. Whether you’re struggling with delegation, need to work on your communication style, or want to enhance your emotional intelligence, coaching offers customized strategies for improvement.

• Self-Awareness: A coach can help you reflect on your leadership style and identify areas for improvement. Through regular feedback and conversations, you’ll gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, allowing you to make more intentional changes.

• Building Confidence: Leadership often involves stepping outside your comfort zone. A coach can help you overcome self-doubt, improve your decision-making, and develop the confidence needed to lead effectively.

• Feedback and Accountability: Coaching provides an environment where you can receive constructive feedback and hold yourself accountable for improving your leadership skills. It encourages continuous learning and growth.

4. Real-World Examples: Leadership Success Stories

While each person’s journey to leadership is unique, there are common experiences that can inspire anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities. Here are a few examples of how coaching has helped individuals step into leadership roles:

• Case Study 1: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Sarah was a talented project manager but struggled with self-doubt. She felt like she wasn’t qualified to lead larger teams, despite her successes. After coaching, she learned to identify her strengths and build confidence in her decision-making abilities. Sarah was able to take on a team leadership role and successfully manage a major company project.

• Case Study 2: Enhancing Communication: John, a mid-level manager, was excellent at technical work but struggled to communicate his vision to his team. Through coaching, John worked on improving his communication skills and learned how to deliver more inspiring presentations. His improved communication led to better team alignment and more efficient project outcomes.

These examples show how coaching can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to improve their leadership skills and move ahead in their careers.

5. Exercises and Tips to Improve Your Leadership Skills

Now that you understand the importance of leadership and how coaching can help, let’s look at some practical exercises to develop your skills:

• Practice Active Listening: Good leaders are great listeners. Practice listening actively in meetings or conversations. Focus on understanding others' perspectives before responding.

• Set Clear Goals: Establish clear, measurable leadership goals that align with your career aspirations. This could be to improve your communication skills, delegate more, or take on more responsibility in your current role.

• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors on your leadership style. Regular feedback will help you identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.

• Take on New Challenges: Volunteer for projects or roles that require leadership. By stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, you’ll learn and grow as a leader.

• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your leadership progress. What’s working well? What could be better? Make adjustments based on your experiences and feedback.

6. Start Developing Your Leadership Skills Today

Leadership is a skill that can be learned and honed over time. By taking the right steps, such as focusing on communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, you can improve your leadership abilities and accelerate your career growth.

How Can Coaching Help SMEs and Job Seekers?

Coaching is becoming an increasingly popular tool for career development and business success. Whether you are a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner or a job seeker, coaching can help you gain clarity on your goals, make better decisions, and accelerate your progress. In this post, we will explore how coaching works, what results you can achieve with it, and what to look for when choosing a coach.

1. What Is Coaching?

Coaching is a personalized development process in which an experienced professional—the coach—helps clients identify their strengths, set clear goals, and find opportunities for improvement. Unlike consulting, where specific solutions are provided, coaching focuses on structured conversations and powerful questions to help clients find their own best path forward.

Coaching can be applied in various areas, including business, leadership, career development, and personal growth. The process is designed to unlock potential, build confidence, and create actionable plans for achieving goals. Many people benefit from coaching because it provides a structured way to overcome challenges and gain new perspectives on their situations.

2. Why Is Coaching Important for SMEs?

SME owners often feel that every decision rests on their shoulders and that they lack sufficient support in managing daily challenges. A coach can help entrepreneurs:

• Develop more effective leadership strategies.

• Improve delegation and team organization.

• Enhance decision-making skills.

• Handle stress and change with greater confidence.

• Gain clarity on long-term business objectives.

• Improve communication within their teams.

For instance, an entrepreneur working 12-hour days may realize through coaching that improving delegation and time management can make them more productive and balanced. Many business owners struggle with work-life balance, but coaching can help them prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively.

Moreover, coaching helps SME leaders identify blind spots in their management styles and decision-making processes. By gaining an external perspective from a coach, business owners can refine their strategies and develop a proactive approach to problem-solving.

3. How Can Coaching Help Job Seekers?

Job searching can be a stressful and uncertain process, especially for those struggling to secure a position for an extended period. A coach can help job seekers:

• Identify and highlight their strengths.

• Craft a compelling resume and cover letter.

• Build confidence for job interviews.

• Successfully negotiate salary and work conditions.

• Develop networking strategies to find job opportunities.

• Set realistic career goals and a structured job search plan.

Many job seekers face rejection, which can negatively impact their confidence and motivation. Coaching provides emotional support and practical strategies to stay focused and positive during the job search process. A career coach can also help job seekers tailor their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract recruiters and hiring managers.

According to a study, job seekers who received coaching found employment 40% faster than those who searched alone. (Source: International Coaching Federation – ICF)

4. Research on the Effectiveness of Coaching

Several studies confirm the positive impact of coaching:

• Harvard Business Review states that coaching boosts innovation and engagement within an organization. (Source)

• Another study found that coaching increases confidence and job satisfaction by 80%. (Source)

• Companies that integrate coaching report a 70% improvement in team performance and decision-making.

• A study by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that 86% of companies that invested in coaching reported a return on investment (ROI) that exceeded their initial cost.

These findings demonstrate that coaching is not just theoretical support but a process that brings real, measurable progress. Individuals and organizations that invest in coaching see significant improvements in performance, motivation, and personal satisfaction.

5. How to Choose the Right Coach?

Since coaching is a personal development process, it is essential to find a professional you trust. Here’s what to consider:

• Qualifications and Certifications – Choose a coach with proper training and ongoing professional development. For example mine is from METU university accepted internationally.

• Methodology – Some coaches use structured frameworks, while others take a more flexible, tailored approach.

• Chemistry and Trust – In your first consultation, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the coach.

• Client Testimonials and Reviews – Research feedback from previous clients to understand the coach’s effectiveness.

• Specialization – Some coaches specialize in executive coaching, career coaching, or business coaching, so choosing one that aligns with your needs is important.

If you’re new to coaching, it’s a good idea to book a free initial consultation to experience how the process works and how it can benefit you. Many coaches offer a discovery session to assess whether their approach is the right fit for you.

6. Start Your Growth Journey Today!

Coaching is a powerful tool for accelerating your progress and achieving your goals with greater awareness. Whether you’re an SME owner looking to build a more successful business or a job seeker aiming to boost your confidence and increase your chances on the job market, coaching can help.

Take the First Step!

If you’re curious about how coaching works in practice, book a free consultation today and let’s discuss your goals! By working with a coach, you can develop a clear plan, overcome obstacles, and gain the confidence needed to succeed. Don't wait—start your journey today and take control of your future!

How to Stand Out in Job Interviews: Coaching Strategies for Success

You might wonder now, why standing out is such a big deal from the first place? Is this the key to get the job? Well getting the right job has multiple aspects, standing out in the interview process can make sure to not just get a job, but it also will help you to be treated as a top talent from day one in your dream job. These interviews are usually the first time the interviewers get to know you better and as we all know first impressions are hard to change. Not to mention the competitive nature of job market, where more and more people have the right degrees, previous experiences and skills but the overall impressions are different after every single candidate. That`s why the preparation and the right mindset should bet the most focus when you attend an interview. A little more effort more today can define your tomorrow. Now lets see what all this means in the practice.

1. Strategies for Standing Out

• Confidence: Lets start with in my opinion the post curtial part. You can have the fanciest diploma, experience and language skill but if you cant show the interviewers that you believe in yourself they wont either. Keep an eye contact and practice the part in advance where you highlight your advantages so it can be smooth and natural in the interview.

• Highlight Your Uniqueness: Here you get the chance to demonstrate your unique skills, experiences, and personality, its always a good help to check the job description and the expectation and highlight those skills and personality traits that are mentioned in there and its also true to you. • Asking Questions: For example ask about the companys future plans where the support is needed the most, about the team structure and the end-probation criterias. These questions show true interest and that you can imagine yourself in that company for a long term- which is every companys goal: to find top talent for the longest time possible.

• Body Language: These interviews are usually the first time the interviewers get to know you better and as we all know first impressions are hard to change. • Communication Skills: Keep an eye contact and practice the part in advance where you highlight your advantages so it can be smooth and natural in the interview.

• Positive Attitude: Its always a good choice to be more in the positive side. Communicate positively about the future that you can imagine in the company, about your past flaws as a learning opportunity and even about you last employer cause to much complaining will make the interviewers question you and your abilities regarding stress handling , team work, leadership skills more than the company that you would get down with your complaints.

2. Exercises and Tips

Now that you have the strategies, let's talk about some practical tips and exercises to get you ready for your next interview. One great exercise is to rehearse your answers to common interview questions. For example, “Tell me about yourself” or “What is your greatest strength?”—these are questions you can almost always expect, so practicing them until they feel natural will give you a huge advantage. Record yourself or practice with a friend to improve your delivery. Also, try to incorporate the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering behavioral questions. This structure helps you give clear, concise, and impactful answers. Lastly, don’t forget to research the company thoroughly so you can ask intelligent questions and show you’ve done your homework.

3. How Coaching Can Help

Coaching is an excellent way to sharpen the skills you need to succeed in interviews. It can help you improve not only your communication and confidence but also your emotional intelligence and stress management. A coach can simulate mock interviews, allowing you to practice in a low-pressure environment and receive honest, constructive feedback on how to improve. Through coaching, you can perfect your responses, work on your body language, and even learn techniques to stay calm and focused under pressure—skills that are all key to standing out in an interview.

Standing out in an interview isn’t just about having the right qualifications; it’s about presenting yourself as the best fit for the role and the company. If you’re serious about boosting your chances and reaching your full potential, my coaching can provide the tailored support you need to succeed. Don’t wait—take the first step toward your dream job today!