Blog and Hot Mess Hotline Podcast
Podcast conversations and straight-forward advice for ambitious leaders driving transformation with focus, strategy, and innovation.
Guaranteed to make you think and laugh!
Don’t Cut Your Professional Development Budget
I know it can be tempting, or even seem reasonable, to make cuts in professional development following a tough year. You’ll be tasked with cutting costs, and you may not even be sure how much to budget for professional development! But this line item is not the place to cut in the short term if you want to be successful in the long run.
How to Build Trust in a Virtual Team
As a leader, it’s not up to you to keep everyone happy and motivated all the time. But it IS up to you to lead the way on creating a culture where employees motivate each other, where healthy conflict is encouraged, and where social and emotional connections are built even without physical proximity. Recently I joined Steve Johnson, Culture Disruptor and Account Executive with Motivosity, to discuss how to build trust in a virtual team.
How To Improve Communication
You already know how important team communication (and your team communication strategies) are to success. In this article, you’ll learn how to improve communication with some specific and easy tools to use.
Stefanie thinks communication is the BIGGEST factor for success! When you talk about how to improve change management, making sure that you know how to improve communication for team collaboration is absolutely critical.
An executive coaching client success story
How executive coaching impacted one leader and inspired him to change his priorities and team for success.
How to Build Trust
When I start working with a team, the issues that I hear most often are centered around how to build trust and problems rooted in communication issues. That’s why these two topics are so important...
What’s Holding Gen X Back In The Workplace
Gen X is often called the sandwich generation, and while that phrase is certainly true on the home front, it’s applicable to the workplace as well. My fellow Gen Xers are sandwiched between Baby...
Thriving in COVID-19: An Interview with Doug Miller on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 6 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Challenging the Status Quo on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 5 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Overcoming Obstacles and Setting Goals on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 4 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Creating a Vision Story on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 3 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Creating Urgency and Accountability on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 2 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Disaster Planning and the 90-Day Sprint Tool on the Hot Mess Hotline: Listen to Episode 1 Now!
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins presents the Hot Mess Hotline, a podcast where mid-level leaders learn to think like entrepreneurs. Season 1 focuses on the effects of COVID-19 and the change curve.
Hot Mess Hotline: The Trailer Episode is Live!
Executive coach and founder of the Pro Troublemaker Nation Stefanie Krievins announces a new podcast, the Hot Mess Hotline.
How To Make Sense When The World’s A Hot Mess
Executive coach and founder of the Pro Troublemaker Nation Stefanie Krievins shares her thoughts on change, the change curve, how to overcome change management challenges and shares a new resource for leaders in this video.
Your 2020 Staff Retreat: What You Need To Consider Now
Executive coach and Pro Troublemaker Nation founder Stefanie Krievins shares why businesses should plan a 2020 staff retreat and practical tips for planning teams to consider.
Re-Opening Your Doors: A Back To Work Strategy That Actually Works
Learn from Executive Coach Stefanie Krievins and other experts on readying your workplace to return after COVID-19.
How To Take Back The Meeting
Executive Coach Stefanie Krievins shares insights into what types of conflict derail meetings, and how to improve communication within a team with good leadership and easy strategies.
What Successful Teams Are Doing Now
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins of Pro Troublemaker Nation talks about how successful teams and leaders are handling uncertainty in the face of COVID-19.
There IS An “I” In “Team!”
You know it. You’ve seen it. (And if you’re a Gen-Xer, you’ve probably seen it posted above the image of a soaring eagle in some classic ‘90s office décor). Many of you have probably also seen the...
Why Time Management is a Myth (and What To Do Instead!)
Time management is a myth. Here’s why Executive Coach Stefanie Krievins of the Pro Troublemaker Nation thinks you need to let go, prioritize, and leave some room for emergencies every day!
COVID-19 and the Workplace: How To Get Shizz Done When Everything’s A Hot Mess
Executive coach Stefanie Krievins offers tips for employees working from home due to COVID-19 and talks about using this experience to prepare for the future.
Why Gen-X is Awesome for the Workplace
Gen-X workers are some of the best around. Learn how Gen-X in the workplace is awesome because of their unique childhood experiences.
What Is Coaching?
Ever asked “What is executive coaching,” or “How do I find a coach?” Stefanie Krievins tackles the topic and shares her how-I-started story!
Yes, You Need SMART Goals!
Learn how to use SMART Goals in your workplace for strategic planning objectives that are focused and clear.
How To Set Shift Goals Not Smart Goals
How to set Shift goals, not Smart goals- Say yes to a change management workplace strategy that creates meaningful and motivational goals!
New Year, New Commitments- Let’s Rock 2020!
Make a commitment in 2020 and follow through on what you say you’ll do!
Stefanie & the “Belonging Factor” Podcast!
Listen to Stefanie Krievins appear on the Belonging Factor podcast.
Go Beyond New Year’s Resolutions
Learn why I’m ditching New Year’s Resolutions in 2020 and talking about how to create better commitments in the workplace!
Gratitude & Growth- A Client Success Story!
A 2019 client case study shows how coaching can benefit the workplace.
Promise and Deliver- How To Create Accountability
Create accountability in the workplace by doing what you say you’ll do.
The Number One Question You NEED To Be Asking!
Check out this week’s video for tips on how to make sure your priorities are strong heading into 2020!
How To Maintain Productivity During The Holidays
It’s nearly November, and with that comes the realization that there are only two months left in the fourth quarter and it’s time for that final sprint to the end of the year. Typically, there are...
How To Go Beyond Communicating and Start Connecting!
Using Virtual Meeting Technology At Work Working remotely, working from home, working virtually- whatever your company calls it, having employees who work somewhere other than your physical office...
How to Deal with Multiple Bosses
Chances are if you work in an organization larger than a few people, you’re going to run into a situation where you have multiple bosses. This means you’re going to run into a situation where you...
How To Email Effectively
Email has become ingrained in our everyday work life – but it’s not always the best practice for communicating. Stefanie Krievins talks about how to use email effectively.
When NOT To Have A Meeting
Today I’m talking about knowing when NOT to call a meeting. Let’s talk about why gathering the whole group together may NOT be the best idea, especially when it leads to passive-aggressive behaviors...
Let’s Go Back to School!
It’s Back To School Time! Remember going back to school as a kid? If you’re anything like me, shopping for school supplies kicked off that feeling of EXCITEMENT about preparing for the year ahead!...
Ending Workplace Violence
How to prevent workplace violence with nonviolent communication.
How to Deal with Difficult People
We call them difficult people for a reason, and it’s because their attitudes and lack of engagement in the workplace make our work more difficult. When you’ve got an employee or coworker who makes...
Celebrate Workplace Goals
Celebrate your big and small goals to keep employees motivated to change
Do What You Say You’ll Do
Friends, every day we have the chance to build a better workplace with a single, easy strategy. Do what you say you’ll do. Just that. If you want to be a Pro Troublemaker, it’s time to build trust...
Be An Innovator Today
These days, everyone talks about being an innovator. Be innovative! Bring innovation into the workplace! It’s a great business buzzword…but do you know what it really means to be an innovator? Pro...
Unify Your People
When’s the last time one of your coworkers just couldn’t stop praising another co-worker? Or went out of their way to bring others into a conversation, meeting or decision? Or thanked someone for...
Pro Troublemakers Communicate with Influence
Don’t just communicate, influence and motivate your team for success as a Pro Troublemaker #changemaker
Ask Questions. Be Flexible. Create Change.
A truly effective strategy will plan for the unexpected. You can’t stay nimble if you insist on having a firm punch list. A 90-day sprint strategy can help.
Plans Change, Here’s How to Adapt Your Strategy
We throw around the word STRATEGY a lot. (With the best intentions.) But what does it really mean for your big vision and plan? There are so many ways to accomplish your goals. So you better hone in...
What To Do When Your Vision Seems Impossible, Changemaker
Pro Troublemaker Step 3 When you want to drive change, you can’t just go with the flow. You’ve got to have a vision. And you’ve got to be bold. If your dream isn’t getting you pumped up just...
How Your Tribe Can Drive Change
Did you know that anyone can be a Pro Troublemaker? We love these geniuses! But being one yourself is even better. This week, we’re looking at Step 2 of 10 for becoming a Pro Troublemaker. (Use...
Step One for Becoming a Pro Troublemaker
You know my kind of people have the #protroublemaker mindset, right? But what does that REALLY mean? It’s about teamwork, curiosity, and growth. And it starts with taking a goo-oo-oo-d look at...
Why a Pro Troublemaker is the Best Person for Change
No one likes Negative Nelly. She’s an energy-suck in meetings, and her point of view isn’t cheering anybody on. But playing devil’s advocate doesn’t have to be a drag. There’s a better role...
How to Make Workplace Communications More Thoughtful
There’s a lot of talk about expressing gratitude nowadays. To your colleagues, this might mean saying thanks for a connection they made. Or that you appreciate how they split that awesome dessert...
The First Step to Mastering Work Life Balance
Clients keep asking me about work life balance. How do we create that flow? That sway? What’s that kind of lifestyle really look like? We all want in on that action. But it’s a personal question,...
New Year, New Commitments- Let’s Rock 2020!
Make a commitment in 2020 and follow through on what you say you’ll do!
Before You Quit, Get Yourself a Game Plan
Thinking of making a career change? You’ve got to get a game plan. After the past five years of getting to live out my dream, I’m ready to share my top advice of what I’ve learned while building my...
The World Deserves Your High-Quality Work
No more answering emails at 11pm! Our 24/7 contact culture is putting a real drain on our mental and emotional wellbeing. To give the world your best, you’ve got to give a little to yourself first....
Kickstart Creativity for Your Zoned-Out Team
Everyone is creative! It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, we’re hardwired for creative thinking. (That’s what problem solving is all about.) But sometimes, we start to lose touch with this...
When Things Feel “Off,” This is What’s Missing
All too often we find ourselves feeling tension at work. When things start feeling “off,” we need to get clear information. Analyzing problems down to their core can help teams avoid these problems....
What You Missed at Centric’s Day of Innovation
Innovation is a broad theme, but when you look closely, you can break it down to four main components. Understanding how these features impact your workplace dynamics creates fantastic results....
Your Boss is Human, Too!
Sure, you might not be best buddies with your boss, but you’ve got to remember that they’re a human being—same as you! That’s why every workplace should recognize National Boss’s Day. I’ve come up...
Do You Have a “Hell Yes!” Job?
Today we’re talking about leaving your job. That’s right—whether you’re thrilled with your work or you’ve been miserable for months, you’ve got to consider every scenario. So, how do you know when...
You Can’t Have Influence Until You Gain Insight
Good leaders know how to motivate, but great leaders understand the value of influence to rally their team. In order to do meaningful work together, you’ve got to have insight. Influential leaders...
No One Listening? Advocate for Yourself!
It’s easy to feel defeated when your ideas are getting overlooked at work. And it’s even worse if your contributions get passed off as someone else’s! When you feel like you’re hitting a wall during...
Patience in Participation—Why Some Employees Refuse to Change
Frustrations at work get communicated in a variety of ways. Ideally, it should be through a compassionate conversation, but this isn’t always the case! When employees are showing up to team meetings...
Challenging the Common Myths of Productivity
There are a couple myths surrounding productivity. First, there’s the idea that if we had more time, money, or team members, then we could get everything done. (Sorry, not true.) The second myth is...
Innovation isn’t the result you’re seeking
I just left this Centric Indiana workshop that got me all fired up about innovation. The primary speaker, Rick Roetken, is a business executive, mostly in home products (furnaces, faucets, cabinets,...
SHIFT: a new way to think about goal setting
Chances are you've heard of the very common goal-setting tool: SMAR(R)T. Strategic Measurable Actionable Relevant (and/or realistic) Timed I don't know about you, but I think setting SMART goals is...
Why Accountability Makes Us Uncomfortable
Nothing strikes terror in most people's eyes than the word, "accountability." My hunch is that we when we hear it, we think that all of our work habits, schedule, thoughts, assumptions, etc. are...
How the Enneagram Can Help You Solve More Problems
The Enneagram is a powerful personality profile that reflects the complex nature of being human. A few years ago I took the assessment and learned that I was an Achiever with a Helper wing (I'll...
What to do with your great idea
Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Lewis Carroll via the Queen of Hearts I love this quote from Alice in Wonderland because I'm an idea woman. There are...
You are awesome just the way you are.
You are awesome. Just the way you are. Today. I recently watched Trolls the movie and, sweet Jesus, did I love it. There's glitter, rainbows, singing, dancing, hugs, glitter. Did you know Trolls hug...
Manage the outcome, not just the task
People are remarkably bad at remembering long lists of goals. I learned this at a professional level when trying to get my high-performance coaching clients to stay on track; the longer their lists...
Stop wasting time and money: How to get more out of your next workshop
I love to conduct workshops. To facilitate someone else's learning by sharing my experiences, story, and quirkiness is truly one of the most fulfilling things I do. Before I ever step into a...
Feeling Guilty Stops You From Taking Responsibility
Recently I messed up. A client and I were meeting via webconference last month. I was capturing her powerful breakthroughs and a really cool action plan on a digital whiteboard. It was a 2-hour...
Why I Stopped Working with Toxic People
At one point in my personal development I found myself reading a lot about how to fix/work with/not poke in the eye toxic people. We all have those co-workers we just can't stand and have a variety...
Innovation is easier than you think.
Michelangelo said it best: Criticize by creating. I'm always fascinated by the amount of complaining that goes on in our world. No, really, I find it so intriguing! People can and will find anything...