Monarch Training & Consulting

More and more companies are seeing the value of promoting from within, including into Supervisory/Manager roles. It’s an exciting and humbling time as you move from an Individual Contributor to having direct reports, especially if these direct reports were your peers. Here are some common challenges of moving from peer to leader—and some solutions to help you navigate them: 1️⃣ Shifting Relationships: It can be tough to go from buddy to boss. Suddenly, you’re responsible for giving feedback and making decisions that affect people who were your equals yesterday. The key? Set clear boundaries while maintaining mutual respect. Acknowledge the change in dynamics openly, and focus on creating a collaborative, supportive environment. 2️⃣ Imposter Syndrome: It’s normal to feel like you’re not ready for this new role. You might even wonder if your team thinks you deserve it. Solution? Embrace continuous learning. Nobody expects you to have all the answers on day one. Be open about what you’re learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for input or feedback. Your willingness to grow will inspire others. 3️⃣ Decision-Making Pressure: As a peer, you could weigh in on decisions; as a leader, you’re the one making them. That can feel overwhelming. Remember: You don’t have to go it alone. Encourage your team to contribute ideas and solutions, and make decisions based on collective insights. It builds trust and makes everyone feel valued. 4️⃣ Maintaining Credibility: You need to show that you can lead effectively without losing the respect of your former peers. This takes time and consistency. Lead by example—be fair, transparent, and uphold the standards you expect from others. Your actions will speak louder than any title. Transitioning from peer to leader isn’t easy, but it’s an incredible opportunity for growth—both for you and your team. Embrace the challenges, lean on your support network, and remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination! #LeadershipTransition #FromPeerToLeader #GrowthMindset #LeadershipJourney #TeamBuilding

Performance Review Season is upon us! To help you navigate this busy season and achieve some development & employee engagement "wins," here are some of our Special Fall Offerings focused on Performance Reviews. Topics include: ☑️Writing Performance Reviews ☑️Mastering Self Reviews ☑️Performance Review Conversations - Manager ☑️Performance Review Conversations - Employee ☑️Giving Meaningful Feedback ☑️Embracing Feedback All topics are formatted as 60-minute interactive virtual Zoom sessions. If you’d like to customize the length, delivery mode, or content, that is always an option! Performance review sessions are always customized and aligned to your process. If you’d like more details about the content, scheduling, and pricing, or to discuss your 2025 goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out! #Leadership #Training #Development #PerformanceReviews #GoalSetting #HR #L&D

🚀 Q4 Madness, here we go! 🚀 Who else is feeling the pressure? 🙋♀️ I love how my clients keep me on my toes. Whether it’s leveraging ready-to-go solutions or crafting something unique just for them, the challenges they bring are always exciting! 🎯 This week’s agenda is packed with all kinds of learning, leadership, and innovation fun: ✨ Strategizing a 2025 Learning & Development plan for one of my long-time clients. It's a perfect blend of tried-and-true programs PLUS some fresh, exciting experiences. 🌟 (If you haven’t started thinking about 2025 yet, now’s the time!) 💡 Prepping for a 2-day SLII session with a leadership cohort. I’ve been delivering this for 20 years now (😲), and it’s still so fulfilling. The impact on leaders never ceases to amaze me. 💥 📈 Building a virtual session on “Efficiency” — focusing not only on personal productivity but also on helping others be more efficient! 🏃♂️ The best part? The goal is to create more personal time for the team. How great is that? 🕰️ 🎥 Recording a self-paced module on “Influence” (a client core competency) with a handy 1-pager cheat sheet and actionable steps. 📑 🌱 Prepping for a 1-day Self Leadership program — One of my favorites to deliver. It’s always amazing to hear people say, “I wish I had this years ago!” The transformation is real. 🙌 🛠️ Finishing touches on a “Dealing with Conflict” session — helping leaders understand their mindset around conflict and approach it productively. 🔄 📝 Virtual programs on performance reviews & self-reviews — ‘tis the season! Helping teams write meaningful reviews and have productive conversations. 💬 🌊 Wrapping it up with a walking meeting around Mission Bay. Sun, fresh air, and great conversation — one of the perks of San Diego life! 🌞👟 Have an amazing and productive week, everyone! 💪 #LeadershipDevelopment #Efficiency #LearningAndDevelopment #SelfLeadership #Influence #ConflictManagement #PerformanceReviews

We were working with a group of leaders the other day, and when asking about their most pressing leadership challenge, the great majority said “Confidence.” ➡️Do people expect me to have all the answers? ➡️Am I making the right decisions? ➡️How can I lead people who have more expertise than I do? ➡️Do they know I don’t always know what I am doing? Being a great leader doesn’t mean knowing everything. In fact, admitting when you don’t have all the answers can build more trust and respect with your team. It shows that you’re human, open to learning, and willing to grow alongside them. Here’s how you can embrace imperfection and lead with confidence: 1️⃣ Embrace Vulnerability: Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” or “I need help.” This opens the door for collaboration and innovation. It also encourages your team to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous learning and mutual support. 2️⃣ Focus on Your Strengths: Instead of trying to be perfect in every area, concentrate on what you do best. Delegate tasks that fall outside your expertise to those who are more skilled. This not only leverages the strengths of your team but also builds their confidence and competence. 3️⃣ Be Open to Feedback: Invite feedback from your team and peers, and use it as an opportunity to grow. Constructive criticism can be a powerful tool for improvement and shows your commitment to personal and professional development. 4️⃣ Learn from Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also valuable learning opportunities. Instead of fearing them, use them as a chance to reflect, learn, and adapt. Your team will appreciate your honesty and willingness to grow, which can inspire them to do the same. Remember, confidence doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from being real! Lead with authenticity, embrace the journey of growth, and watch how it transforms your leadership and your team. #Leadership #Authenticity #GrowthMindset #ContinuousLearning #LeadWithConfidence #RealLeadership

✨HR and L&D Friends - the most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching!✨ Amplify the holiday spirit and engage your teams with these holiday and new year themed training sessions. All topics are formatted as 60-minute interactive virtual Zoom sessions. Per usual, if you’d like to customize the length, delivery mode, or content, that is always an option! If you’d like more details about the content, scheduling, and pricing, or to discuss your 2025 goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out! #Leadership #Training #Development #PerformanceReviews #GoalSetting #HR #L&D

As leaders, we hold a unique position of influence, much like celebrities who use their platform to advocate for causes beyond themselves. Understanding the power dynamics within our organizations is crucial—our words and actions carry weight, often more than we realize. It's not just about making decisions or driving results; it's about using our voice to champion others and stand up for what's right. This means recognizing when to step forward to advocate for a team member, challenge the status quo, or address inequities that may go unnoticed. 🚩 Here are 3 steps to use your platform for good: 1️⃣ Listen Actively: Make it a habit to listen to those around you, especially those who may not often have a voice. Understanding diverse perspectives is the first step to advocating effectively. 2️⃣ Speak Up: Use your voice to highlight issues that matter, whether in meetings, emails, or public forums. Being vocal about what's right encourages others to do the same. 3️⃣ Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the values you want to see in your organization—whether it's fairness, empathy, or accountability. 🌍 Leadership isn't just about authority—it's about responsibility. Let's use our influence to foster environments where every voice is heard and valued. When we leverage our platform for the greater good, we inspire those around us to do the same, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the walls of our organizations. #Leadership #Advocacy #Empowerment #LeadByExample #MakeADifference

Managing a team under ten is a completely different job than managing a team of thirty!👥 So what's the key to managing a growing team? Constantly change and adapt. In this insightful article, Julie Zhuo, Facebook’s Vice President of Design, outlines the top five differences of managing a small versus large team. #Leadership #HumanCentered #Team #Flexibility

🍁🍂HR and L&D Friends - Are You Ready for Fall?🍁🍂 As we soak in the last of the summer sun, it’s surprising to think that Fall is right around the corner. This time of year can be especially busy for HR professionals, with open enrollment, performance reviews, goal setting, and planning for 2025 all on the horizon. To help you navigate this busy season and achieve some development & employee engagement "wins" this Fall, I want to highlight a few timely training sessions that align with key end-of-year themes: 🟥 Holiday & New Year 🟥 Performance Reviews 🟥 Goal Setting 🟥 Refresh & Renew for 2025 If you’d like more details about the content, scheduling, and pricing, or to discuss your 2025 goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out! All topics are formatted as 60-minute interactive virtual Zoom sessions. Per usual, if you’d like to customize the length, delivery mode, or content, that is always an option! Performance reviews & goal setting sessions are always customized and aligned to your process. #Leadership #Training #Development #PerformanceReviews #GoalSetting #HR #L&D

In coaching leaders, I frequently hear varying examples of what I call “It’s lonely at the top.” The higher you go, the fewer peers you have who truly understand the challenges you face. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way! It’s thinking about creating and nurturing a different network than maybe you had before. Here are some steps to help you find connection and support: 1️⃣ Join Peer Networks: Look for groups where you can connect with other leaders who get it. These are your new best friends who understand the joy of navigating corporate politics or balancing budgets—over a virtual coffee, of course. 2️⃣ Find a Mentor or Coach: Think of them as your leadership GPS—guiding you around potholes, helping you take shortcuts, and reminding you when you’re about to drive off a cliff. 3️⃣ Build Your Own Support Squad: Form a small group of trusted peers—inside or outside your organization—with whom you can regularly meet to discuss challenges, celebrate wins, and offer mutual support. This kind of camaraderie can make a world of difference. 4️⃣ Stay Connected with Trusted Advisors: Keep a few folks close who aren’t afraid to give you the real talk. You need people who will say, "Hey, maybe don’t send that email in ALL CAPS." 🚨 Remember, even if it feels like it, leadership doesn’t have to be a solo sport. By building strong connections with others who understand the highs and lows, we can find support, share a laugh, and make the journey a lot less lonely. #Leadership #PeerSupport #FindYourTribe #Mentorship #YouAreNotAlone

Great leaders know that the best ideas don’t always come from the top—they come from a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Our role as leaders is to cultivate an environment where creativity, collaboration, and innovation can flourish! By fostering psychological safety, encouraging diverse perspectives, and valuing every voice, we unlock the true potential of our teams. How are you creating space for great ideas in your organization? #PsychologicalSafety #Innovation #Culture #HumanCentered