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What a fun conversation with Vicki. We talked leadership, faith in the workplace, and more. Be sure to listen in.
Business owners, leaders, and entrepeneurs, turning trials into triumphs, seeking and embracing success. Balancing business, family, faith, health/fitness, and, aligning with values, purpose, and vision. To promote healthy leaders leading healthy organizations.
Todd Halls 0:00
Hello, welcome to Why not me? In life, we faced many trials and obstacles, many challenges in the thick of it, we can be tempted to think, Why me, but every obstacle presents an opportunity and every trial can bring trial. So I want to encourage you to adapt a mindset of why not me? When we're in the middle of it when things are tough look around and think, why not me? It's it's happening for a purpose. And then when success is at your doorstep, and all you have to do is open it. Let me find yourself hesitating questioning, is this for me? Do I deserve this? And I want to encourage you to adopt a mindset of why not me? Throw the door open wide shout to the world. Why not me? Embrace your success. I'm your coach Todd halls. I'm grateful to have you on this journey. Welcome to why not? Hello, hello, welcome everyone, to Why not meet turning trials into triumphs seeking and embracing Success Coach Todd halls here. Thanks so much for listening in today. I'm glad you're here. I'm excited to introduce you to our guest today. Vicki Terrell is with us. Vicki is a wife, a mom, a leadership and career coach and entrepreneur, and former teacher and youth pastor, and, and so much more, and I can't wait for you to get to know her better. So with that, Vicki, fill in any blanks that you would like to give us some some background and how you ended up here today?
Vicki Terrill 1:34
Hi, Todd, thank you so much for asking me to be on your podcast, this is quite an honor. And wow, filling in the gaps. That's a lot. And I right now I am loving what I'm doing. I am using some of the skills that I've used my entire life helping people in business actually figure out what they're passionate about what their purpose is, and how to connect that with the workplace, specifically managers in businesses, and then how to do how to equip them to do the same thing with their employees so that everybody stays engaged and loving the work they're in, which is obviously something that people are struggling with right now in the workplace. So what a ripple effect if we can all figure out what we're supposed to be doing in life and do it. So that's what I do.
Todd Halls 2:36
For sure. So how did how did you come to find your purpose and to be to be where you're at serving in the manner you are?
Vicki Terrill 2:48
Well, it's been quite a journey. As far as the purpose goes, I knew way back when I was younger, I love seeing people's potential, and helping them take roles, even in high school that would help them achieve something. So when I got out of college, and this is a crazy thing, I was an economics major Go figure. So when I when I got out of college, I had a lot of critical thinking skills. But what do you do with an economics major. So I went back to school, I absolutely loved working with kids, I went back to school and got my teaching certification. So that's how I did it. I went back to school, and I taught government, economics and English, and helped students for for 10 years, I was a teacher, and really watch them struggle. Knowing what to do with those next steps, which is exactly where I had struggled. So that's kind of how I ended up being a career coach, originally, I really wanted to help kids get a good idea of where they were going instead of going in circles, and then waste money and time and that emotional energy just not knowing where they were going. So and then just with circumstances of life, I added on life coaching, and that led me into really defining purpose and seeing what a difference adding knowing what your purpose is in life to a career. What a difference that makes two lives. And that's that's really why I am where I am.
Todd Halls 4:44
Cool, cool. So it seems you there's a couple things here it seems that we encourage our kids to finish high school and go right to college, go get an education without ever doing that. I call it hard work because I think it is hard work to really think through what your what your strengths are what what you're passionate about what lights you up. So for any parents that are listening to that, that have teenagers coming up, what, what would you give any any sort of wisdom you could share with them as they're setting their children free to the next phase in life?
Vicki Terrill 5:27
Definitely, I think one of the things that we grew up with was this idea that just go to college, you can figure it out. While you're there. Just go experiment. I'm not sure that that's a great idea. Now I was I'm not sure it was a great idea for us. And we're just kind of following the pattern that we had set before us. Because most of us, if we talk to people, we all changed our major we, we struggled and couldn't figure out why we were struggling in certain classes, and it took us longer to get out. And I just wouldn't recommend it. Although we seem to think that that's the only way to go. And it's not, there's so many tools out there now to help kids really figure out what their, what they're gifted at doing and how their brain actually reasons. And most parents don't even know that they're out there. So there's so much groundwork that can be done beforehand, where you can narrow down at least fields of interest and brain reasoning ability. And then they can go to college or some other form of training. There's so many options out there now that don't even require a college degree, just some really good experience, if you're intentional about what you're doing, and can really, really achieve some amazing things. But it takes the work on the front end, like as an adult, would you sign up for something that costs you $30,000? Just to try it out and see if you can figure out something to do with it later. I, I It's amazing that we expect our kids to be able to do that.
Todd Halls 7:22
Yes, I would not, that just doesn't seem like a good idea. But that's what we do. We all Yeah, that's exactly what we do. Yeah. Well, and then you're thinking of my own journey. And then also other people we get, whatever, whatever avenue that is, we get done with college. And that's not exactly how my path went. But got into a career into a vocation that that provided well, but I always but never really, I wasn't aligned with what I've discovered is my purpose and my passions are. So often we see that I don't think that's uncommon to see a guy who's Oregon or a woman who's 3540 years old. And, you know, our friend John calls it he was experiencing small room discontent. So even though he had success, quote, unquote, success, he didn't feel like he was where God called him to be or made him to be. So how? How do we address that? How do you help? How do you help somebody navigate a situation like that,
Vicki Terrill 8:32
where you can find that in so many different ways. Not even maybe smoldering discontent, but like some of these managers that I'm working with, they just, they work long and hard, and they can't figure out why they're working harder and longer than other people. And it's simply because they're not working within their strengths. So they're having to work longer and harder because they're not in their strength zone. So there, there are so many ways to do this. One, there are activities that you can do just reflection activities, about your interests and things you're passionate about in your values. Those are crucial. And most of us never take the time on the front end to ever think through this. We just hit life on a on a speed train and want to tackle it. You know, when we're in our 20s we're bulletproof and we're going to show the world that we're going to be a success and we never take the time to do all the groundwork first. So at any point in time, it's a great opportunity to stop and look at what's really important and what we really do love to do and what we would love to the impact that we really would love to make on the world. Plus, just figuring out what we really are good at doing what gives us energy what comes easily to us when it doesn't come easily to other people. I think most people when they're looking at their strengths, they assume that everybody can do the things that they do easily. And that's, that's really the whole purpose of figuring out your strengths. Because not everyone is designed the same way. And you do things really easily and quickly and other people struggle and vice versa, the things that you struggle with other people do easily. And if you could figure out how to move those around and shift things around, then you don't have to work so long and hard.
Todd Halls 10:31
Yeah, so as I was talking about, I was thinking about being in the wrong, like in the wrong profession, even. But you bring it to a different level in that you could, I could be working in a profession that I that I love. But if I'm not using my giftedness in that if or if I'm being required to do something I'm not good at or doesn't feel me, I can be in the exact right profession and still have that that tension. Because I'm just not in alignment with my with, with my values and giftedness and strengths. Is that. My reason that right?
Vicki Terrill 11:09
Absolutely, yes. And most people think that the only option is to jump ship. So they'll try to find another job, another company, and jump ship, instead of because they don't, they don't understand why the disconnect with the job, why they're burned out. And when in fact, their values are aligned with the company, you know, everything else is right there just exhausted, they're burned out, because they're working in areas that aren't their strength. And most people honestly don't know how to advocate for themselves. So if if you are tired or exhausted, they don't know how to go to their boss, they don't know how to they don't know how to navigate that. And in a good way, how to lead for themselves with a boss to to help shifted their job to where it really does fit them better. So instead of having the conversations, they just think it's better to just find another job somewhere else. So there are ways to do that. That's what a coaching helps.
Todd Halls 12:18
That's exactly right. It brings to mind your wares. It's the horse in the cart. So Where Where does responsibility lie to start to change that? Is it? Is it the court, the leaders job, the manager's job to look at his team and recognize this? Is it the team or the team members responsibility to raise their hand and say, Hey, we need to do something different. I can't continue this way. I'm thinking of leaving. So we're, we're step one,
Vicki Terrill 12:51
it's actually on both, it's actually on who learns it first, he becomes aware of it first. I think we're all responsible for our own steps. But most people aren't, aren't taught that those are options. So that's why I really tried to focus on managers first, because I do think it's the manager's role, to try to identify the strengths of the people that are under them. But of course, the managers have to know their strengths first and operate out of their own strengths, in order to be able to do the same for their employees. So it's kind of a two way street. We're responsible for our own career paths, and utilizing our own strengths. And understanding when we have to operate within the the areas that we're not as good at doing. You know, we're responsible for that. We're not victims, we can manage these things. And at the same time, it would be nice to have bosses who could also recognize that and encourage us to do the things that we're we're good at doing and give us those opportunities.
Todd Halls 14:10
Yeah, I'm reminded of the book Extreme Ownership. Have you read
Vicki Terrill 14:13
that? I have not. So
Todd Halls 14:17
the authors of Navy Seal, Jocko Willink and he gives an example of working with this company and I won't get this right so any listeners who have read the book, I'm generalizing here but the way the story goes, you're working with a company and this this team didn't felt like they weren't performing the way they should they they should be. And in consulting with them he found out that they didn't have the information they needed from their leadership from from the boss they just literally weren't didn't have enough communication to know how to fulfill the requirements. And so, open up that line of communication of course the the leader of course the the person in charge, wants Have them succeed. It's not like they're intentionally withholding or keeping people out of their strengths. So they wanted to share the information. And then the people were able to perform. And so the lesson was, just to use it. You said, It's too it's a two way street. Because then he he asked this team like, who's whose fault? Was that? Like, what was it was the boss's fault? And he's like, No, actually, you didn't raise your hand? They they didn't know. So it's your responsibility to lead, you have to lead the people above you, as well as the people that are downstream from you. Absolutely. Absolutely. So how it's easy for us to say, hey, raise your hand. But do you have any any tips for for somebody that that? Isn't that? Like, what how do you start that conversation?
Vicki Terrill 15:50
Hmm, that's a great question, Todd. Most of the time, it depends on how you have developed the relationship with your boss over time. If you're wanting if you're needing to have that, that talk with your boss, you should have along the way, have developed a relationship with your boss, to the point where you can walk in and say, Hey, I've been looking at some things, I've been looking at my strengths, which means that you have taken upon yourself to identify your strengths, if your company has not done a workshop, if you if you haven't been given professional development, through your workshop, through I mean, through your workplace, and you've taken it upon yourself to try to figure out why Why am I not? Why am I not happy here, and, and looked at some of these strengths, strengths finder disk, or there's so many out there. To really identify what you're good at doing. The best way is just to walk in and say, Hey, I've really noticed, I've been doing some self development. And I've noticed that some of my strengths are these, I would really love some opportunities to try this out in the workplace, I think it would really help the business, I could help my co workers, I could help you. If I can have a chance to try these out and see if I could really be a benefit to the company. I mean, like what boss would not say, Wow, that'd be great.
Todd Halls 17:35
All right. And if the boss does say that, that made that may be your sign that it is time to look elsewhere. Right. So you mentioned you mentioned a couple of things finder, you mentioned disk, there are there are a lot of resources. Do you have a favorite? You have a favorite one too? That say I wanted to start exploring this for me and I just did Vicki I'm trying to figure out what my what my strengths are what what where should I start?
Vicki Terrill 18:09
Well, I have a few that I use that I that I rely heavily on one is one that is not as well known as others it's called the highlands ability battery. It is it is the one that is more scientifically based I call it brain games because it is not a self reporter I know that sounds a little strange but disc and Strengths Finder and Myers Briggs all ask you questions would you rather do this or that? So you can answer according to your preferences, which are all great. I think everything needs to be you know, the more you know about yourself the better right? So they all have their values Hyland's ability battery has you do different work samples online that test you how your brain actually reasons there's no you have absolutely no way to predict what it's testing. It will have you manipulate in your brain 3d objects put things in order. See if you can tell what's missing from a picture. It's just very different things and the report itself when you get it will tell you how your brain reasons do you do things logically or do you decide things with your gut? They you? I mean, do you do? Do you deal more with theories or do you prefer things that are hands on concrete? Do you prefer working with people are objects. So, to me, that has been one of the eye openers with almost every client that I work with, they can actually see themselves and how they reason and how the preferred environment that they work with. I have yet with all of the clients that I've worked with, it has never, and I will say very seldom do I say never or always, because then I'm always proved wrong, right. But it has never failed to be accurate with any of my clients. So and it provides career lists, if you're actually looking at did I pick the right career? And should I move to a different career. It provides a career list that fits your brain reasoning patterns. So it's a confirmation that you're in the right spot, or it gives you options if you're in the wrong spot. So it's a great place to start. So I love that one. I also love this because it's behaviors and communication patterns. So that helps in the workplace setting. And, and I still fall back on Strengths Finder so much because it has helped me fine tune what I do, but that's the fine tuner to me.
Todd Halls 21:27
Cool. So Highlands ability battery, and that's a new one for me. I'll check that one out disk and strength. So as you're talking about Highlands, it almost sounds like it takes the off call it takes the emotion out of it, rather than playing a game of would you rather it's more. This is actually the red wire is connected to the blue wire in your head. And doesn't matter what kind of a day you're having. That's not cool. Cool, cool. Check that out. As you What are some common challenges you're seeing working with a with the companies you are? Where you're as we're, as we're visiting? It's Thanksgiving Eve? What 2021? So, on the tail end of COVID, we hope what are some of the bigger challenges you're seeing in the companies that you're working with? What's it what is your a common theme or common themes?
Vicki Terrill 22:33
Oh, great question. I would say there are 210 value alignment. Some, some of the businesses, you know, work primarily with smaller, smaller businesses. And they got going, and then they grew. And they never really stopped to be intentional about writing down the things that they were really wanted to see continuous their values, they just assumed that everybody understood their culture, their values, that kind of thing, because they were small. And now they've grown and they've hired people. And those people didn't necessarily have those same values, and they're starting to see some disconnect, and some issues pop up in their companies because oh, those people didn't have their same values. So go, they're having to go back and revisit their vision, mission purpose values. Because they weren't clear with it at the very beginning. So I think that's number one. Even hiring, you know, going back to the whole as you take on new people just really being sure that the people that you hire, have your same values going in so that you don't have to fight the the Battle of trying to instill your values which you know, as we know, doesn't really work very well on the on the back end. It helps to hire people who have your same basic, you know, honesty, you know, all of those things going in to the workplace if those are the things that are that are valuable to you. And I think those are important and the second one is really having faith that God will show up in your business. Um, I'm seeing more businesses beginning to expect God to show up. And that I think we have a tendency as entrepreneurs, to have this great idea and we take off running with a company. And we have our personal as Christians, we have our personal businesses. Yeah, I mean, our personal lives and God's there, and we expect him to show up there, and then we have our businesses. And sometimes the two don't cross as much as we, you know, really expect or would like, for, for it to be and we don't really realize it. And my, I don't, I don't know, it's really kind of strange. But I'm beginning to see that shift a little, a little bit, where, you know, you actually pray over what direction should we go next. And, and I haven't seen that as much up until lately.
Todd Halls 26:14
So there's, the two things you mentioned are x, it can be that they're, they're intertwined. value, the value piece, if if, if we're, if we come in as a Jesus follower, and start a business, and we actually take the time to define those values, like, these are who we are, we're people of faith, and we, um, I am a system and soul coach, and one of the values or one of the Humphrey dance is one of the culture pieces, right? Women prayer is included in that statement of who system and soul is. And so it seems that as companies get started or decided, you know, what, it's time to do something with the values, that faith piece, it, assuming their company faith based company has come up, and by and by faith base, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're selling tracks. I mean, it could be it could be an auto mechanic, that's a faith based company doesn't doesn't matter. Right, I think so. So the value component is huge. And you mentioned you're taking the time to, to call him out in the beginning. And, and I could go on for hours on this subject. But not only that, but but reviewing them like they should be, they should be everywhere, and just part of that conversation and culture. So that anybody coming in, I mean, the value should be used to hire to review to terminate if necessary, they're really the basis for how any solid company is going to is going to function in and attract the right people and retain the right people. And I think so many business owners, as you mentioned, they jump in there, they they're running ahead full speed, they grow past themselves, and suddenly they're bringing in other people's values and the culture changes from what where they started to what then becomes, I think this is just a reminder that that that culture piece, the soul of the company, can be nurtured, created, recreated, brought back to where where you thought it was, if you just take the time to a recognize that something's off, and then be jumping and do it. I'm going to say a little bit on the faith piece, I think, part of that faith thing is society has created enough fear around that I've talked to business owners are like, look, I don't know if I can share my faith at work. When I get in trouble for that. Can we can we pray? And yeah, and so hopefully, if anybody listening, this is permission, everybody, all faith based entrepreneurs, and business owners, this is permission to share your faith at work. That's if you've been called to lead a business, that's where God wants you to do your ministry, in my opinion, so how do you and now I'll jump off my soapbox you hit a couple of touch points there that I'm pretty passionate about painting for for a company leader that does feel this tension whether let's just go with the faith piece like how what are the first steps for them to take
Vicki Terrill 29:49
Wow, I'm gonna have to think about that for a minute you know, one of the biggest pieces Today that we face is just keeping our employees engaged, which means the biggest component of that is having those relationships where we, we know, our employees, which is not like just knowing a name, which sometimes even that for a manager managers sometimes don't even know the names of their employees, which is just amazing to me. You know, that it means actually, like knowing them, like, who, who are the people in your family? What do you love to do? What's going on? Are you? You, you look like you're troubled about something today? What's up? How can I help? It's being a person, it's seeing them as being an individual. It's giving them a place to belong. That's what work can be, because they're there more than they're at home. And so in the realm of that relationship, you have an opening to speak what is important to you. And you would know whether those things are an open topic or a close topic. There are so many times I can throw out a god topic. And I know immediately whether that's an open door or a closed door just from their reaction just by watching what they do. You know, sometimes, they're not a person of faith, but they're interested I can, I can tell, they'll ask me questions. Well, that's an open door for me. Sometimes they learn very quickly, they're a person of faith, well, that's a definite open door, we'll have those conversations all day long. And sometimes it's a closed door, but they know where I stand. And it's amazing how many times they will come back in a time of trouble and asked me to pray. Or they'll ask me something else, though. You know, it just comes up down the road somewhere, because they then know that I am a person of faith. And that's, that's what we want, right is that those open doors and people to know who we are.
Todd Halls 32:22
For sure, I love that what comes to mind something you said earlier, you talked about a ripple effect, or the ripples and thinking of what you just described, like seeing everybody, you're the people you lead, seeing their humaneness getting to know them. And in doing so maybe maybe for three minutes, they share something that's on their heart, or they're able to maybe just share a smile. But at the end of the day, they leave in a better place. And so on the way home, when they stop to do an errand to pick up the dry cleaning this, they share a smile instead of a frown and they get home and they're in a better place with with their kids and their spouse. And suddenly, you're the ripple effect of of that is really infinite. We don't know how far to go.
Vicki Terrill 33:15
Here's here's an story for you. I was talking to a as an entry level employee the other day for a very large company. And she she was talking about getting home one night. And it was a grocery a very large grocery store. And she said I started crying last night because for the very first time and she's worked at this grocery store for probably two years. And her manager actually sat with her and the and there re more or they can go to have supper or whatever, their break room and asked her how she was first time. And she went home and cried because he actually showed an interest in her as a human being that broke my heart.
Todd Halls 34:20
Yeah, yeah. It's just a reminder of the how powerful the human connection is and how and how necessary it is. Yeah. So
Vicki Terrill 34:35
So, Thanksgiving, what a great time to look at if we have people under us, or coworkers or our bosses just to say Hey, just wanted to say thank you for and come up with something about them specifically, not just a blanket. Thank you for being alive. thing, but something specific that we're really thankful about them for, you know, we can, it's so easy to go just want to say thanks for being you. I mean, that's kind of a blanket thing, and especially this younger generation, they're going oh, yeah, right, whatever, they're very skeptical. But if you can point out, you know, I really appreciated when you did x, man, that means the world to them, because you actually saw them. And it takes two seconds to do. You know, we think about Thanksgiving, and we're very grateful for our families and our, you know, especially our spouse, our immediate families and our parents and, you know, things that happen, circumstances, you know, all of those things we're so very grateful for, we're grateful to God for all of the things he does for us, those are so easy, they come easy. Sometimes we don't think about the people at work as much, what a great time to start being grateful for them as well.
Todd Halls 36:06
So think of the power of of, of that, and the changes that could take place if if everyone was just intentional two to two people a day I don't even even one person a day to say thank you for this, like very, very specific thing. I in to change the world,
Vicki Terrill 36:32
it will absolutely change the world.
Todd Halls 36:36
So you know what, I think that's a, that's probably a good place to start to land this plane. I love that it's, and I am going to make an attempt to do just that. To people today to find something specific, and thank them for it. And not necessarily strangers. Some days, it'll be probably my wife and my son. Because some days that's going people I see. But I'm committing to that. So anybody that wants to join me, let's let's challenge each other and see how many how many days we can go. So Vicki as we So for starters Thank you Vicki for for your time, time is precious and limited. So the fact that you've just spent the last 40 minutes or so with me is truly appreciated. Thank you. And then also thank you for this idea of just taking time to be specific in showing gratitude to people that's awesome. For our listeners that would like to engage you for for coaching or just find out more about you how it where's a good place for them to go find more Vicky Terrell,
Vicki Terrill 37:49
you can find me at Vicki Terrell coaching calm or on LinkedIn. I would love to talk to you.
Todd Halls 37:58
Okay, Vicki, tell that calm. For our listeners, if you could if you were to offer like one question, one one final question to them that we should that you think we should all be considering. as we as we go into the holiday season, we're wrapping up 2021 Going into 2022? What should we be pondering?
Vicki Terrill 38:25
Hmm, wow. What a question to end on Are you are you utilizing to the best of your ability, all of the gifts that God has given you for the greatest impact?
Because God has gifted you with all of those gifts to make an impact for His kingdom for other people. And he expects you to use them until you're no longer here. There is no sitting back on your laurels over gone.
Todd Halls 39:25
That's a That's a great question and one. Yeah. That's a great question to be to be thinking about. And not not just now but probably six months from now, a year from now review it. Are you using your gifts, the gifts you've been given to maximize your impact for His Kingdom? Fantastic, Vicki, thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for being here. Happy Thanksgiving to you hope you enjoy your day tomorrow. listeners to all of you, of you. Likewise, have an amazing day. Thanksgiving you probably be hearing this on or after Thanksgiving but hope you have an awesome day for those of you listening United States everybody else. Thanks for tuning in. Hey, remember everyone, whatever whatever big dreams you have whatever grand vision God has placed in your heart. You can. Until next time, everybody, peace. Well, thank you so much for listening. For even more on turning trials into triumphs and seeking and embracing success. Go to Todd halls dot life. That's Todd halls, dot life, and I look forward to serving you. Until next time, be strong, be bold, be humble. Stay healthy, stay hopeful, peace to you.