In my time with C-Suite executives, I often encounter a common yet complex challenge in executive leadership: teams working in silos with little to no collaboration. My recent interaction with a CEO facing this exact dilemma inspired this episode. In it, I offer a structured and practical approach to understanding this challenge's root cause before jumping right to solutions. KEY TAKEAWAYS (1) Observation Is Key: Paying close attention to the team's interaction and communication, including what is not being said, is crucial. I provide guidance on what to watch and listen for to understand a leadership team's underlying issues. (2) Asking The Right Questions: I highlight the need for leaders to ask probing questions. Each question is a tool to dive deeper into understanding team dynamics and the challenges a leadership team faces. (3) Identifying The Root Causes: The final step involves using the insights gathered from observation and questioning to pinpoint the root causes of a leadership team's siloed way of thinking, behaving, and leading. These can vary from interpersonal conflicts and individual challenges to broader organizational cultural issues. Join me as I guide listeners through a practical, hands-on approach to uncover a leadership team's communication and collaboration issues. It's about moving beyond quick fixes to a more comprehensive understanding of the problems, paving the way for effective, long-lasting solutions. TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/10/breaking-silos-uncovering-hidden-barriers-to-team-collaboration/ to grab your free copy of the worksheet for this episode. EPISODE LINKS Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/10/breaking-silos-uncovering-hidden-barriers-to-team-collaboration/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com ​LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/10/breaking-silos-uncovering-hidden-barriers-to-team-collaboration/ to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In this episode of "Help Me Think," I dive deep into the world of team decision-making methods, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for success. With years of experience as an executive coach, I share my expertise in this critical skill for leaders and teams alike. Tune in to this episode now to enrich your decision-making toolkit and lead your team to smarter, more effective decisions in today's dynamic and complex business environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS (1) Discover five distinct methods for team decision-making: Sole Authority, Consult, Majority Rule, Consensus, and Collaborative. (2) Learn when and how to effectively apply each method, depending on your specific situation and goals. (3) Understand the importance of clarity in the decision-making process to avoid confusion, frustration, and potential pitfalls. (4) Explore the Collaborative method, a powerful blend of the best aspects of the previous four approaches, to harness the collective wisdom of your team and make high-quality, timely decisions. (5) Access a free quick reference guide to help you implement these strategies in your team's decision-making processes. TAKE ME TO THE FREE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/10/team-decision-making-demystified-choosing-the-right-method/ to grab your free copy of the worksheet for this episode. EPISODE LINKS Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/10/team-decision-making-demystified-choosing-the-right-method/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com ​LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/10/team-decision-making-demystified-choosing-the-right-method/ to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In today's insightful discussion, we delve into the transformative, but not so new, concept of entrusting the management of your calendar to a skilled assistant. A calendar isn't just a tool for scheduling. It is much more. It's a roadmap to optimizing your work and life. And much like the challenging video game Tetris, where one must masterfully orchestrate falling blocks into a puzzle, busy executives often need the help of an expert who can expertly navigate the puzzle of their daily commitments, ensuring their highest priorities receive the attention they deserve. That's where Tiffany Nguyen comes in. She is the embodiment of Strategic Calendar Management success. As an Executive Assistant for various CEOs, Tiffany has become an influential figure in the administrative professional circle. Her meticulous approach to calendar optimization and enhancing productivity has garnered remarkable outcomes. Some of Tiffany's stellar achievements include: (1) Uncovering an impressive 10.5 additional hours weekly for her CEO's strategic contemplation and flex time. (2) Slashing the time consumed by the CEO's weekly regular meetings from a significant 39% down to a mere 23%. (3) Curtailing his tactical meeting durations from nine hours to a concise 3.25 hours weekly. Key insights from Tiffany reveal: (1) The magic of an assistant's expertise in harmonizing your daily engagements. (2) How to strategically position high-priority commitments to ensure they get the attention they deserve. (3) The empowering freedom from decision fatigue and the renewed clarity that comes with it. Join us on this enlightening journey into the Tetris of time! TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET For listeners eager to apply Tiffany's wisdom to their own calendar woes, a complimentary worksheet accompanies this episode, guiding you through the calendar audit process to realize tangible results. Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/09/reclaim-your-time-a-journey-into-strategic-calendar-management/ to grab your free copy of the worksheet for this episode. EPISODE LINKS Find Tiffany Nguyen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detiffanynguyen/ Google Calendar Time Insights: https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/10738043?hl=en The Executive Assistant Peer Advisory Forum: https://starlawest.com/executive-assistant-peer-advisory-network/ Recommended Conferences Administrative Professionals Conference: https://www.apcevent.com/ The Conference for Administrative Excellence: https://officedynamicsconference.com/ Enlighten: https://officedynamics.com/enlighten/ EA Ignite: https://www.eaignite.com/ Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/09/reclaim-your-time-a-journey-into-strategic-calendar-management/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com ​LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit  https://starlawest.com/2023/09/reclaim-your-time-a-journey-into-strategic-calendar-management/ to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In this episode of "Help Me Think," I interview Tiffany Nguyen, the Executive Assistant to the CEO of RepeatMD, known for her expertise in strategic calendar management and productivity within the administrative professionals community. My encounter with Tiffany and her insights at the Enlighten 2023 conference led to this enlightening conversation. Tiffany's strategic calendar management skills revealed their magic by liberating her CEO's time, providing 10½ extra hours for strategic thinking and reducing recurring meetings from 39% of the week to 23%. This episode highlights the indispensable role of an Executive Assistant, emphasizing their critical partnership with executives, and it offers a valuable worksheet with five steps to help maximize an Executive Assistant's potential while reclaiming precious time on one's calendar. TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET In this worksheet, I provide five steps you can follow to unlock the full potential of your Executive Assistant and reclaim valuable time on your calendar. Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/09/unlocking-the-full-potential-of-your-executive-assistant-and-reclaiming-valuable-time-on-your-calendar/ to grab your free copy of the worksheet for this episode. EPISODE LINKS Enlighten 2023: https://officedynamics.com/enlighten/ The One Job Two People Mindset & Approach: https://www.1job2people.com/ Dan Martel - Buy Back Your Time: https://amzn.to/3EtFzoI Growth Mindset: https://amzn.to/3PCljYI The Executive's Competitive Edge - Why You Need to Leverage the Talents & Time of an Executive Assistant: https://amzn.to/3Ph0jFp 30th Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence: https://officedynamics.com/conference-for-executive-assistants-and-administrative-professionals/ Administrative Professionals Conference 2023: https://www.apcevent.com/ Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/09/unlocking-the-full-potential-of-your-executive-assistant-and-reclaiming-valuable-time-on-your-calendar/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel:    / starlawest   Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com ​LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/09/unlock... to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION I recently had an unexpected encounter with three persistent flies during a leisurely day by the infinity pool, and surprising leadership lessons emerged from observing these tiny creatures. They left me with lessons from knowing when to assist others, fostering resilience, and providing structure. Join us as we delve into these three transformative principles that might change how you approach challenges and growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS In this introspective journey, we delve into the heart of these lessons that transcend beyond leadership, extending their influence to parenting and personal growth. Observe Before Assisting: When others seem to be struggling, refrain from immediately jumping in to help. Pause to observe, listen, and understand their goals and plans. Asking questions can provide valuable insights into the best way to offer assistance. Resilience and Growth: All living beings possess a remarkable level of resilience. Challenges and adversity are opportunities for growth, learning, and evolution. Overprotecting others from difficulties might hinder their personal development and their ability to become stronger and more self-reliant. Structure Without Tethering: Effective leadership involves providing structure and support while allowing individuals to navigate challenges independently. Encourage trial and error, offer resources and training, and be available for support and guidance when needed. This approach fosters independence, perseverance, and eventual success. TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET In the free worksheet for this episode, I provide a coaching model for creating an environment where others can work without feeling tethered to a strictly defined pathway to success. Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/08/how-three-flies-offered-insights-into-effective-leadership/ to grab your free copy of this worksheet. RESOURCES Watch This Episode Online: https://www.starlawest.com/2023/08/how-three-flies-offered-insights-into-effective-leadership/ Chuck Leavell Documentary: The Tree Man: https://www.chuckleavellthetreeman.com/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast   Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest   Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit https://www.starlawest.com/2023/08/how-three-flies-offered-insights-into-effective-leadership/ to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In this installment, we delve into a journey that took my husband and me to Costa Rica for a life-altering Ayahuasca Retreat.​ If the term "Ayahuasca" raises eyebrows, fear not – we break it down in this episode for you. This episode features the insights of Ayahuasqueros Matt Mormello and Jeanae White, who provide invaluable insight into the world of Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca, a potent plant spirit medicine, can induce profound healing and transformation. This psychoactive brew, derived from Amazon rainforest plants, carries deep spiritual and therapeutic effects. The practice of Ayahuasca traces back over two millennia – rooted in Amazonian native traditions – and continues to intrigue scientists and anthropologists. Known as "La Medicina" in the Amazon, Ayahuasca is administered during ceremonial healing rituals led by expert shamans called Ayahuasqueros. Our personal Ayahuasca experience was truly transformative, revealing personal insights and facilitating emotional healing beyond words. This episode brings to light our encounter with Matt Mormello and Jeanae White, the visionary founders of New Life Ayahuasca in Costa Rica, where our journey took place. Having worked with plant medicine since 2014, Matt and Jeanae boast extensive experience as Ayahuasqueros, having led between 8 to 900 ceremonies and undergone rigorous training with their teacher in Iquitos, Peru. Our discussion navigates a wide array of topics, so rest assured – an accompanying informational sheet in the show notes helps you keep track. This episode is your gateway to understanding Ayahuasca comprehensively – its profound benefits, potential risks, and crucial considerations. Empower yourself to make an informed decision about whether this healing modality and spiritual practice align with your intentions and needs. ​TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET This free informational sheet is designed to provide a high-level understanding of Ayahuasca, its benefits, risks, and considerations, empowering you to decide whether this spiritual and healing practice aligns with your intentions and needs. Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/08/what-is-ayahuasca-and-is-it-right-for-you/ to grab your free copy. ​EPISODE LINKS Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/08/what-is-ayahuasca-and-is-it-right-for-you/ New Life Ayahuasca: https://www.newlifeayahuasca.com Ayahuasquero, Matt Mormello: https://www.newlifeayahuasca.com/post/matt-hbo-vice-ibogaine Ayahuasquero, Jeanae White: https://www.newlifeayahuasca.com/post/jeanaes-story New Life Ayahuasca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlifeayahuasca/ New Life Ayahuasca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeAyahuasca/ Don Ron Wheelock (The Gringo Shaman), Matt & Jeanae's Teacher: https://elpurguero.com/don-ron-wheelock/ The Mind State Podcast: https://www.mindstatepodcast.com/040-matt-mormello-on-ayahuasca-overcoming-addiction-and-finding-peace/ The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook: The Essential Guide to Ayahuasca Journeying: https://amzn.to/3ORkqed ​Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com ​LEAVE A REPLY Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/08/what-is-ayahuasca-and-is-it-right-for-you/ to join the conversation now. ​​​SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In this episode of "Help Me Think," Mary Beth Oakes, CEO and co-owner of Business Furniture + CO, discusses the significance of a hybrid work environment for employees. She shares insights into Business Furniture's successful transition to hybrid work and how they redesigned their office spaces to support it. Mary Beth also reflects on her career journey, the importance of staying open to opportunities, and her co-founding of Choreo in 2008, a spinoff of Business Furniture. This episode emphasizes the importance of embracing hybrid work and tailoring office spaces and practices to support employee well-being, productivity, and growth. Tune in now to reflect on when your organization should be asking employees to come into the office and how to build a work oasis that creates a gravitational pull that makes them want to! TAKE ME TO THE FREE WORKSHEET Please visit https://starlawest.com/2023/07/building-a-hybrid-work-oasis-and-deciding-when-to-bring-employees-into-the-office/ to grab your free copy of the worksheet for this episode. EPISODE LINKS Steelcase Article - The Hybrid Office: https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/work-better/new-hybrid-neighborhood/ The New Hybrid Neighborhood - Designing Neighborhoods at Work: https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/work-better/new-hybrid-neighborhood/ Ocular™ by Steelcase: https://www.steelcase.com/products/conference-collaborative-tables/ocular/ CEO Perspectives Podcast: The Future of the Office: https://www.conference-board.org/podcasts/ceo-perspectives/The-Future-of-the-Office CEO Perspectives Podcast: What Should We Do About Burnout: https://www.conference-board.org/podcasts/ceo-perspectives/What-Should-We-Do-About-Burnout Business Furniture Website: https://businessfurniture.net/ Business Furniture on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessFurnitureCo Business Furniture on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessfurnitureco/ Business Furniture on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-furniture-choreo/ Mary Beth Oakes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marybeth.mccormickoakes Mary Beth Oakes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mboakes/ Mary Beth Oakes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marybethoakes/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Podcast Sponsor, Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com Watch This Episode Online: https://starlawest.com/2023/07/building-a-hybrid-work-oasis-and-deciding-when-to-bring-employees-into-the-office/ ​​LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. And, of course, I welcome your feedback, questions, insight, experience, and suggestions.​ Visit https://starlawest.com/2023/07/building-a-hybrid-work-oasis-and-deciding-when-to-bring-employees-into-the-office/ to join the conversation now. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

What are the five characteristics of exceptional decision-makers? This thought-provoking episode delves into the five crucial traits that pave the way for effective decision-making. In my years of coaching high-achieving executives, I have found that they all employ five key characteristics that make decision-making and leadership easier: humility, empathy, risk tolerance, patience, and self-assurance. How can you develop these traits? Tune in to discover how to train your brain to develop these essential skills. KEY TAKEAWAYS Join me as I explore the power of humility, where having a modest view of one's importance opens doors to insightful choices. Keeping our ego in check allows for creative and innovative thinking and fosters collaboration. Discover how empathy plays a transformative role in decision-making, enabling us to uncover diverse perspectives, gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, and make informed judgments. We also examine the significance of being risk tolerant, equipped with the right resources to navigate uncertain outcomes. Embracing ambiguity and accepting that not everything can be known or controlled allows for growth, innovation, and the ability to adapt to unexpected outcomes. Uncover the virtue of patience and how it strengthens our ability to overcome setbacks and adversity. Having the capacity to tolerate delays, problems, and uncertainty without becoming annoyed or anxious is vital. Patience allows for thoughtful and thorough decision-making, recognizing that not everything will happen according to a rigid timeline. Lastly, explore the importance of self-assurance, as confidence in our abilities becomes the cornerstone for making bold yet calculated decisions. Self-assurance minimizes insecurities, enables resilience, and encourages perseverance in facing challenges or setbacks. These five traits, when combined, contribute to becoming an exceptional decision-maker by promoting open-mindedness, minimizing blind spots, managing perfectionism, embracing risk, and maintaining confidence in the decision-making process. FREE WORKSHEET The free worksheet for this episode provides insight into what you should and should not be doing to exude these traits. Get it now at my website: https://starlawest.com/2023/07/cracking-the-code-the-five-characteristics-of-exceptional-decision-makers/ BONUS ITEM Get it now at my website: https://starlawest.com/2023/07/cracking-the-code-the-five-characteristics-of-exceptional-decision-makers/ EPISODE LINKS Holiday World & Splashin' Safari: https://www.holidayworld.com/ Three Types of Empathy You Should Know About: https://starlawest.com/2020/01/three-types-of-empathy-you-should-know-about/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Podcast Sponsor, Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ LEAVE A REPLY What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Please let me know, and after you apply what you learned, make sure you share your breakthrough moments and successes with me. Join the conversation now: https://starlawest.com/2023/07/cracking-the-code-the-five-characteristics-of-exceptional-decision-makers/ SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

Decisions are one of any leader's most important responsibilities. Yet, not enough time is dedicated to helping leaders develop a systematic process for doing so so that when they make decisions, they can make them quickly and efficiently while getting the desired outcomes. What has led me to this conclusion is the observation of leaders consistently making the same mistakes that either make the decision-making process more difficult than it needs to be or lead to results that are less than desirable.  In this episode of Help Me Think, I share these mistakes with you so you can avoid the pitfalls that lead to poor decision-making. Awareness of these pitfalls will help you make more informed and effective decisions. Get the key takeaways for this episode and a free worksheet now at my website: https://starlawest.com/2023/06/the-seven-most-common-mistakes-leaders-make-when-making-decisions/ Please tune in now to reflect on these potential pitfalls and learn how to mitigate them. EPISODE LINKS: Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Podcast Sponsor, Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net. SUBSCRIBE NOW SO YOU NEVER MISS A THING Subscribe to "Help Me Think" on your favorite podcast app, listen online at www.starlawest.com, or on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and leave your comments and suggestions. You're invited to be an active part of the journey. Get ready to transform your life and career with the power of critical thinking. SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PODCAST COACH I want to thank Chris Spangle of podcastingandplatforms.com. Without his help, I would have never gotten this podcast up and running. Thank you, Chris!

In this episode of "Help Me Think," I emphasize why top-performing executives must protect their optimal thinking times in their schedules, including when and how they do it. This episode aims to help you identify your ideal mental state for productive thinking and provide insights into when and how to cultivate this state more frequently. I guide you to identify your best mental states for deep thinking, then share strategies to incorporate those into your routines for maximum productivity and efficiency.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Together, we embark on a reflective exercise where you recall your best ideas or problem-solving moments from the past three to six months, considering where you were and what you were doing. Then, I introduce you to a powerful tool called the Mood Meter to reveal your mental state during these moments.   Contrary to popular belief, feeling good and having high energy isn't always ideal for deep thinking. Sometimes, the best thinking occurs when the energy level is more relaxed. I highlight our theta state, a mid-length brain wave pattern associated with daydreaming right before drifting to sleep or waking up. This relaxed mind state has unique access to the subconscious, facilitating creativity and insight.   Then, to delve even deeper into your ideal mental states for visionary, strategic, creative, and critical thinking, I relate all of this to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory and introduce you to the Four Flow Profiles from the Flow Genome Project.   Flow Theory correlates varying emotional conditions with productivity and emphasizes a state of intense focus that enhances productivity, often associated with peak performance and being 'in the zone.' We discuss this concept of flow state and explain how different states of mind impact our thinking process, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities. The Flow Genome Project's assessment helps you identify and understand your peak performance state when you feel and perform your best. (Personally, as a Deep Thinker flow profile, my best ideas emerge during periods of deep, uninterrupted thought.) This analysis of emotional state and flow profiles is helpful for understanding your distinct flow state and how to use it to enhance productivity, leading to more visionary, strategic, creative, and critical thinking   Please tune in now to reflect on your best thinking times and mental states and then consciously create more of these moments, protecting them in your calendars.    EPISODE LINKS Download the Free Worksheet for this Episode: https://starlawest.com/2023/06/the-secret-sauce-of-top-executives-exploring-the-power-of-optimal-thinking-times/ Starla's Website and Newsletter Sign-Up: www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest  Podcast Sponsor, Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ The Mood Meter App: https://moodmeterapp.com/ 8 Traits of Flow According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/ Flow Genome Project - Take the Flow Profile: https://www.flowgenomeproject.com/flow-profile   Special Thanks To Our Title Sponsor I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net.

In this episode, I dive deep into the intricacies of executive-level and critical thinking and how it influences daily decision-making, organizational alignment, and individual growth. I begin with a powerful question, "Do you feel guilty allocating time for reflective thinking with a demanding schedule?" and illustrate this through a real-life example and explore how aspiring leaders – like executives – can leverage this principle to think, behave, and inspire confidence. Next, I introduce the concept of Executive Level Thinking and its significance for success in executive roles. This type of thinking requires a holistic viewpoint that considers the organization, industry, and competition from both short-term and long-term perspectives. Executive-level thinking breaks down into three components: visionary & strategic, vertical, and horizontal. Each plays a crucial role in creating a comprehensive understanding of the business picture and driving well-informed decisions. Secondly, I introduce critical thinking, a cornerstone of executive decision-making that involves diagnosing problems or opportunities thoroughly, considering all perspectives, and differentiating between facts, assumptions, and speculations. Episode Page https://starlawest.com/2023/06/the-one-activity-that-will-help-you-thrive-in-your-role/ Key Takeaways As part of the key takeaways, I emphasize the importance of taking time to think, understanding when and where you experience your best thinking moments, and the impact of your thinking time on you, your work, your team, and the organization. Links Download the Free Worksheet for this episode: https://starlawest.com/2023/06/the-one-activity-that-will-help-you-thrive-in-your-role/ What was your favorite lesson from this episode? Share your feedback and leave a reply: https://starlawest.com/2023/06/the-one-activity-that-will-help-you-thrive-in-your-role/ Starla's website and newsletter sign-up: www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Podcast Sponsor, Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ Special Thanks To Our Title Sponsor I want to thank our title sponsor, Business Furniture, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary and revolutionizing the way we work since 1922. With hybrid work becoming mainstream, Business Furniture offers solutions that balance the flexibility employees crave with the need for fostering collaboration and innovation. Check them out at businessfurniture.net. Subscribe Now So You Never Miss A Thing! Subscribe to "Help Me Think" on your favorite podcast app, listen online at www.starlawest.com, or on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and leave your comments and suggestions. You're invited to be an active part of the journey. Get ready to transform your life and career with the power of critical thinking.

In this inaugural episode of the "Help Me Think" podcast, Starla West, an accomplished executive coach, introduces her brand new series aimed at empowering ambitious professionals with the mental models and best practices leveraged by successful executives. By breaking down complex thought processes into actionable steps, Starla aims to transform how listeners approach life and work. Takeaways: Starla provides an overview of the podcast's objective, highlighting the podcast's focus on critical thinking, decision-making, managing oneself, navigating relationships, leading effectively, and addressing daily challenges while seizing opportunities. The podcast promises to dive deep into these subjects, aiding listeners in optimizing their current situations while strategizing for the future. Each episode will contain detailed show notes, links to all discussed tools and resources, and a free downloadable worksheet to apply what you learn. Depending on the topic, episode lengths will vary. Some episodes will feature Starla solo, while others will include expert guest appearances. We want you to participate! From topic suggestions and questions to feedback via the comment section at starlawest.com/podcast, we want you to be engaged. Share your breakthroughs and successes. Special thanks to our title sponsor Business Furniture and their unique skill in creating spaces that foster great thinking. Links: Video: https://youtu.be/9qdB59iA1HY Starla's website and newsletter sign-up: www.starlawest.com/podcast Starla's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarlaWest Business Furniture: https://businessfurniture.net/ Starla's Podcast Coach, Chris Spangle: https://www.podcastingandplatforms.com Subscribe Now: Subscribe to "Help Me Think" on your favorite podcast app, listen online at Starla's website, or on her YouTube channel. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and leave your comments and suggestions. You're invited to be an active part of the journey. Get ready to transform your life and career with the power of critical thinking.