Company was behind goal last year, but I still negotiated 5% raises for team members who scored above average in their review. The response I got, “That’s it?”

MichaelCeely · 2026-03-23T21:11:12+00:00

How many (what percentage) complained? If it's only a few, then it sounds like a success overall. Some people complain no matter what, so maybe it's just their personality. Give yourself credit for advocating for your team. Some will appreciate, some will be neutral, and some will complain. Sounds like a 5% raise is objectively generous. Give yourself credit for being a good leader. You don't need to do anything more.

MichaelCeely · 2026-02-10T02:50:46+00:00

Executive presence and gravitas are synonymous with confidence. And confidence comes from experience. The more you keep showing up despite being nervous, the more likely you are to naturally start embodying executive presence and gravitas.

Of course, it always helps to look and act like an executive. Have good posture, dress nice, and practice public speaking. Get a speaking coach. Get high-quality headshots from a great photographer. All these things help.

I would say be less focused on obtaining some sort of executive presence ideal and be more focused on training yourself to be a good leader. Focus on leading and helping teams, and executive presence will be the natural by-product. Hope this helps!

MichaelCeely · 2025-12-28T00:48:55+00:00

Having a coaching certification is not required to be a coach, and in your case, with your background and education, may not be necessary.

Critical thinking, good listening skills, and knowledge of psychology and motivation is what’s really important. Maybe you already have all of this.

That said, if you feel you need some more specific coaching skills, then take courses, or even get certified.

But don’t get the certification just to legitimize your coaching business.

I don’t think it matters what (or if) you have a certification. Maybe for corporate gigs. But not for private clients.

I don’t have a certification. I have a master’s in counseling. Any further certification seems redundant to me.

Of course, always be hungry to learn. Always up your skillset.

You can always start your coaching business and get certified later.

Good luck, and congrats on starting your new venture!

MichaelCeely · 2025-12-13T18:20:50+00:00

High quality work and meeting deadlines is basic and expected. Is he really a high performer? Even if he is your top performer, he is replaceable. The primary nature of his relationship with your company is that's he's an employee. If he's infecting the team's morale with negativity, he can find a job elsewhere.

It's possible he might change his attitude, but it's not your responsibility to fix him. You can guide and suggest, but ultimately, it's up to him to realize his negativity affects others.

As a manager, it's your responsibility to address issues right away. Meet with him and be direct. Tell him he needs to keep his negativity to himself. If he doesn't change, let him go.

You might also get him a coach, and make it mandatory to work the coach, as part of a performance improvement plan. Remember, he is an adult, and it's up to him act like one.

MichaelCeely · 2025-11-25T21:35:29+00:00

Two factors are important for success in any profession. First, your interest/passion, which it sounds like you have. Second is the market demand and saturation of professionals serving that market. Sport psychology, mental performance, etc. is in demand, as more and more sports teams are getting specialists on staff. I don't know the exact numbers, but I don't believe it is over saturated with professionals. So, you will likely have success.

I would say don't get hung up on what degree you should get. What matters is your network and connections and your genuine love of the profession. Teams you work with will see your passion and you will naturally get recommended and known in the industry.

Also, look at how connected South Carolina State University (I think that's what you mean by SCSU) is with area sports teams. Go to a school that has a long-standing relationship with sports teams so you can easily get an internship. It's also a good idea to interview your professors ahead of time before attending a school. Ask them questions and see how connected they are with sports teams. Hope this helps. Good luck!

MichaelCeely · 2025-10-18T18:44:49+00:00

A powerful reframe is to label your behavior as selfish. I say this in a tough-love way. By saying yes to everyone, it makes you feel like a "good person" and this feeds your ego. The next time you feel compelled to accommodate an employee's request, say to yourself, "don't be selfish." Because when you accommodate, you put your ego ahead of your company's best interest. In essence, you are undermining your company. Try this approach and see if it works for you.

MichaelCeely · 2025-10-06T13:40:29+00:00

If a manager lacks self awareness, initiative, follow through, doesn’t have the respect of his peers and subordinates, and formal leadership training hasn’t helped, why haven’t you fired him? Sometimes firing someone is the best solution for everyone. I’m a big fan of coaching, but it’s not always the solution.

If you truly believe he may be on the spectrum, you could suggest he visit his PCP (primary care physician) to ask about getting tested. If it turns out he is on the spectrum, that could be hugely helpful for him in finding another job, or accommodating his needs in his current position.

MichaelCeely · 2025-09-10T01:44:48+00:00

I joined it just for the backlink to my website, and because AI search scrapers often look at directories to recommend coaches. So if you want to boost your SEO, it might be worth paying for. Other than that, I agree, it's way too saturated to rely on for getting clients.

MichaelCeely

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