Ep 96: Building a Cohesive Team and Hitting Goals with Clear Expectations

Executive and Leadership expert Akua is celebrating a remarkable milestone of producing 100 podcast episodes of The Open Door Conversation Podcast.

In this episode, Akua reflects on her journey of starting her podcast and how her vision has changed. With being 5 years in business, Akua shares the key lessons she learned professionally and personally. While taking a hiatus from social media, Akua looks forward to continuing her leadership framework and hosting People Before Strategy roundtables, providing a safe space for open conversations, which will be a great place for networking, and she will be answering questions.

This episode is a testament to five years of growth, learning, and unwavering dedication.

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Highlights in this Episode:

• Akua is reflecting on the journey of starting her podcasting and how her vision has changed.
• Akua highlights the key lessons she learned both professionally and personally from producing 100 episodes and
• She talks about navigating the challenges of running an online business.
• Looking ahead about what the goal is for the next phase of her podcast and her business

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Embracing change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but when it comes to the business world, it's a necessary skill for leaders. Executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame Mensah has recently gone through the rebranding process, and in this episode, she shares the importance of evolving and staying relevant as a business leader. 

If you don't think you need a brand, or you're thinking of rebranding yourself and/or your business, this episode is for you. Akua dives into the specific reasons she wanted to rebrand, including matching her current look, reflecting her image in the corporate world, and more explicitly presenting her offerings. 

Learn the importance of evolving in your personal and professional life, how to stay adaptable, and why investing in expert support can be a game changer when it comes to a rebrand. 

Highlights in this Episode:

• Learn the many reasons to consider a rebrand and why you might be overdue for one.
• Akua discusses personal challenges during her rebranding journey, including analysis paralysis, unrealistic timelines, and delegation hurdles. Get tips on how to overcome these and other challenges. 
• Understand the benefits of rebranding, including improved brand positioning, enhanced visuals, a well-defined funnel, and alignment with marketing and content strategies.
• Akua acknowledges the pivotal role of leveraging experts in various aspects of her rebrand, from design and copywriting to strategy. 
• Discover why you should consider your own rebranding opportunities, the importance of authenticity, and how to find genuine fulfillment in the process.

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. 

Links Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Free leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/survey
• Work with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-me

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Executive and leadership coaching, at its core, is about creating ease for you as a high-achieving leader. It's about supporting you in leveraging your innate personality so you can learn how to prioritize and maximize your time as well as the time of your team and stakeholders. 

In this episode, Akua talks about her coaching program and how one-on-one coaching can be transformational for leaders at any stage of their career. Learn how Akua helps clients become sustainably strategic, learn how to ask for help, and set boundaries so that they can build stronger teams and achieve personal and professional goals.

If you're interested in hearing real-world examples of how Akua's coaching helps intentional leaders, listen in as she shares two case studies highlighting her coaching approach and methodology. 

Highlights in this Episode:

• Identify the difference between tactical and strategic leadership and how being strategic allows you to delegate so you can focus on the future.
• Akua talks about the types of leaders she supports, including leaders transitioning into new roles, emerging leaders, and first-time founders and executives.
• Learn about the three stages of leadership: thriving, buoyant, and transformative, and how leaders are constantly cycling through them as they evolve as leaders.
• Get real-world examples of the transformation 1:1 coaching provides as Akua shares case studies of leaders she's worked with, including one reluctant to have tough conversations and another who was building a new department and needed to gain more support from her team. 

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Links Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Ep 97: Your Guide to Next-Level Leadership
• Free leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/survey
• Read more case studies: https://www.akuanm.com/casestudies
• Work with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-me

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:

Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

If you're a leader considering investing in executive coaching or advisory support, you cannot miss this episode. In it, executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame-Mensah dives into the world of coaching high-performing leaders, founders, and managers and what sets her apart from the rest.

Get a clear understanding of the benefits of coaching and why Akua might be a great fit for you and your team. You'll learn about Akua's unique approach, and she even walks you through a recent case study in which she worked with 50 fellows from diverse backgrounds who were building start-up teams.

Akua is unique in her extensive first-hand/diverse experience, from tiny start-ups to multinational companies. Her tailored solutions, commitment to your growth and success, project management approach, and direct communication style ensure clarity and progress toward your success as a leader. 

Highlights in this Episode:

• Discover how Akua's ability to wear different hats adds value to clients while supporting your growth. 
• Akua talks about her traditional training and certification as a coach and her impact as she's worked with instructional designers, facilitators, incredible coaches, and speakers.
• Explore the importance of tailored coaching and advising solutions to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Understand that leadership is a skill and an attitude and how coaching can help individuals evolve, make an impact, and build sustainable leadership habits and routines.

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Links Mentioned In This Episode: 

• Women's Impact Alliance
• #IamRemarkable

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Executive and Leadership expert Akua is wrapping up her mini-series on expectation setting and goal setting in the workplace. In this episode, you'll also learn about the different resources that Akua has on the subject of expectation setting, including valuable blog posts and podcast episodes where you can just dip your toe or dive head first into the deep well of insights on expectation setting. 

As a leader or manager, it is important to set realistic and achievable goals and to provide the resources and support that others need to meet them. Perhaps most importantly, leaders must remember to provide feedback and to continuously communicate their expectations so all team members can be on the same page.

Highlights in this episode: 

• Remember, there is nothing more demotivating for team members than being given an unrealistic KPI or expectation. 
• We don't have to like everything we do. Don't give in to toxic positivity. Be real about your feelings.
• When setting expectations for yourself, realize things are not always going to be perfect, and sometimes you'll need to ask for help. 
• You and your team need to take breaks and vacations so they rejuvenate and come back motivated and excited to hit their goals.
• Creating time and space to provide timely feedback, and to reflect and give yourself feedback, is critical. 

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

• Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step framework
• Ep 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations 
• Ep. 94: A Leader's Guide To Setting Expectations
• Ep 95: 3 Overlooked Secrets for Setting Effective Expectations
• Blog Post: We Are Never 100% Happy or Excited to Do Our Jobs
• Blog Post: The Top Six Limiting Beliefs That Sabotage Successful Delegation
• Blog Post: 4 Reasons You Won't (and Can't) Take a Vacation
• Blog Post: Let's Give Better Feedback

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Want to improve on goal-setting or expectation-setting? This episode is for conscious leaders who want to enhance their approach to goal setting and create a positive and productive environment for themselves and their team. 

Expanding on her third pillar of leadership, expectation setting/goal setting, host Akua builds on themes from episode 93. She unveils the three overlooked aspects of goal setting, including the "when" or timing of the goal, who is responsible for the goal, and the definition of success. 

Learn the eight themes to reflect on as a leader as well as themes to reflect on when it comes to working with others! 

Highlights in this episode: 

• Learn to set clear and achievable expectations that will help you and your team succeed. 
• Utilize the R.A.C.I. framework to clarify roles and responsibilities so everyone knows their responsibilities. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• Communicate expectations clearly and consistently. Make sure that everyone understands the expectations.
• Learn the importance of being open to feedback and adjust expectations as needed. 

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Links Mentioned In This Episode

• Ep 20: Check in With Your Goals 
• Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting Tricks
• Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step framework
• Ep 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations 
• Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation setting

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

In this episode, Akua explores the third pillar in her three-step leadership framework: setting expectations (sometimes referred to as goals setting, OKRs, or KPIs). Akua uses her own experience as a case study to illustrate the importance of setting expectations for yourself, and she highlights the impact of expectations on personal and professional growth.

Whether you're a solopreneur, team leader, or aspiring achiever, this episode will empower you to set clear and realistic expectations for yourself, be consistent, find the right support, and ensure that your projects align with your ultimate vision. 

Highlights in this episode: 

• Explore the distinction between working "on" your business versus working "in" your business and the significance of time management and capacity. 
• Delve into the mindset of a practical thinker and an abundant thinker and how these different perspectives shape expectation-setting and decision-making.
• Learn the art of breaking down projects into achievable tasks to avoid demotivation and burnout, and don't be afraid to invest in helping to conquer projects outside your wheelhouse.
• Discover the three often-overlooked elements of expectation setting: timing, responsibility, and defining success.

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting Tricks
• Ep 71:  Learn Akua’s 3-step framework
• Ep 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations 
• Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation setting

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work

Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

 

This is the first in a mini-series of episodes that will be based on the final step in Akua's three-step leadership framework: setting expectations. Whether you call it expectation setting, goal setting, or utilizing frameworks like KPIs or OKRs, these episodes will transform the way you approach expectation-setting and communication.

Leaders and managers will learn the significance of expectations and their impact on leadership and how to set achievable and realistic goals for their team. Importantly, leaders will also learn the crucial step of communicating expectations to their team, which will cultivate a positive work environment and foster growth and success.

Akua also talks about how expectations help with setting boundaries, building more efficient processes, and facilitating ongoing evaluation and adaptation. Setting expectations ensures your team is equipped to succeed, and when employees know what is expected of them, they're more engaged and productive.  

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Highlights in this episode:

• Learn the difference between explicit expectations (specific targets) and implicit expectations (things we've come to expect, assumptions based on bias or stereotypes).
• Akua outlines four key elements to consider in relation to expectations: what you want, what you want from others, what they want, and what they want from you. 
• It's hard to overstate the significance of explicitly communicating expectations to increase employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.
• Understand the role of expectations in establishing professional boundaries, setting goals, and fostering growth and direction.

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step framework

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

This week, leadership and executive coach Akua Nyame Menasah wraps up her series of episodes dedicated to engagement, the second step in her three-step leadership framework. This is a helpful roundup and summary of six of her past episodes on engagement. 

Leadership is a habit, a routine that you need to cultivate intentionally. Being self-aware is the first step, then you must decide how to engage with your team. Be inspired and learn how to gain confidence and credibility, how to tell powerful stories that inspire, and so much more when you listen in!

Enjoy the main points of each episode and then deep-dive into the episodes you need right now! 

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Highlights in this episode:

• Akua gives the highlights of six episodes that help leaders practice engagement.
• Learn the importance of self-regulation in leadership.
• Discover strategies to maximize productivity, like when to have a meeting and how to make it engaging for your team.
• Learn about how Akua's relationship to networking has evolved over time and how yours can too!

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step framework
• Ep 84:  Engagement Starts with Self-Regulation and Management
• Ep 85:  Demystifying Executive Presence with Kelly Lynn Adams
• Ep 86:  GROW Your Leadership by Asking Powerful Questions
• Ep 88:  Storytelling for Engagement
• Ep 89:  Network Internally First
• Ep 91:  Mastering Meetings: Secrets to Engaging and Efficient Facilitation

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Ever been in a meeting that feels like a waste of time? 

Of course, you have. That's because many leaders and organizations don't know how to effectively facilitate a meeting that engages team members. In this episode, you'll hear portions of a recent training Akua gave on how to be an effective moderator and facilitator. 

Learn about the three basic types of meetings (and which one isn't really a "meeting") and why a well-moderated meeting actually begins well before the meeting starts. After listening, you'll be well on your way to leading the most effective, efficient, and productive meetings possible so that all your team members will feel like their time is valued and well-spent!

If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.

Highlights in this episode:

• Find out what a good facilitator or moderator does, including making sure there's an agenda, creating psychological safety, listening, and more.
• Learn the five P's of facilitation: purpose, planning, process, participation, and pursuit. 
• It takes good communication skills, active listening, and flexibility to effectively facilitate a meeting. 
• Akua guides listeners through some exercises that will help your team members engage and communicate in meetings. 

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step framework
• Ep 78: Being the Message & Communication

Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Instagram: @akua_nm
Website: www.akuanm.com
LinkedIn: @akua Nyame-Mensah
Twitter: @akua_nm
Get the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletter
Work with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/work
Hire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking