Lynne Ryan Coaching & Consulting

01/19/2026

Are you a good listener? Wait, before you answer that, think about it.

I'm sure most are familiar with the statement of "listening to understand" but how good are you at it?

Early in my career, I was told I wasn't very good at listening - especially during meetings AND when I had made up my mind as to the course of action and/or my recommendation. Initially, I took offense to the feedback. I mean, I let other people talk and I didn't interrupt so what were they talking about? Fortunately, I had a very good business coach that truly invested in my development and didn't shy away from challenging me.

He gave me an assignment to help me understand the feedback. In the next meeting, he asked that I not talk during the meeting. Ouch - painful for a highly extraverted person who back then, always had an opinion on everything :) (btw…I still probably have an opinion, I have just learned to be more educated before expressing it out loud - or at all).

The exercise was not for me to simply "not talk" but after the meeting, I was to meet with my Coach (who was also a Consultant for the company and in the meeting) and tell him at least one thing that each person said and the value their comments offered. Another ouch because at the time, I found some in the room to provide little value in the meeting.

Well, I made it through that first meeting and I took a lot of notes. Knowing that the assignment was to find value in what others were saying, I accepted the challenge somewhat reluctantly. However, what I discovered instead really opened my eyes - and ears. I found that each person really did share something that added value. I didn't agree with everything that was said, but I did learn something that contributed to my overall understanding of the discussion, and in the end resulted in better outcomes.

That feedback was given to me over 20 year ago and it still resonates with me and I continue to practice the idea of finding value in others thoughts and comments.

So back to the beginning question: are you a good listener? What are your thoughts, tips, and tricks to help support better listening skills?

01/08/2026

Yes - here we are - into January already. For about 20 years, I have focused each year on a Word of the Year. Excited to share this year's: Intention. This simple exercise helps me stay focused professionally and personally. I especially love this photo as it is a shot from a mother/daughter trip to Maine I took in October. If you look real hard, you'll see me at the end of the shoreline with arms raised to the sun, welcoming in the possibilities of the day. Do you need additional focus this year, let's talk.

04/20/2025

03/28/2025

I was so excited to check out my calendar for today and see only a lunch with two friends I haven't seen in far too long. I thought, oh yay, maybe I can take the day off? Not happening....maybe I can take the afternoon off? Not complaining because I love the work and I can't imagine myself doing anything else....but....owning a business is not as glamorous as one might think.

01/07/2025

Minnesota is known for its brutal winters. This past weekend was no exception. It was a brisk 3(F) degrees with a windchill factor of -9. That cold blast did not stop me from my weekend walk in the woods with my dog Mabel (not pictured with me as she was off exploring the smells). When I moved from Texas back to Minnesota almost 15 years ago, I determined that I was not going to let the weather prevent me from doing the things I love. One of which is hiking outdoors. In order for me to do this successfully, I have to be prepared and have the right equipment: down coat, hat, scarf, boots, outdoor hiking pants, and my newest addition - heated gloves (love them). Because I am prepared, I can successfully navigate the frigid temps and enjoy my walks despite the weather. The sun was shining that day and we had a wonderful time. It got me thinking about preparation in business and the importance of it.

Do you have the right equipment to be successful in your work? Some examples to consider….
How do you prepare for team meetings? Do you just show up and handle what comes at you? Or do you review the agenda in advance and consider what you need to bring with you, what questions you may have, and what would you like to get out of the meeting?
If you are organizing the meeting, have you completed an agenda and sent it out in advance to participants so they can do their best work by preparing for the meeting?
Do you prepare for the day ahead of you, or just handle what comes your way and allow the day to manage you?
How much time do you spend reflecting on your day and considering ways it went well and/or could have gone better?
Have you put time into your own education and self-development so you have updated knowledge/information/equipment (like my new heated gloves)?

With the fast pace most of us operate under, we often neglect the value of preparation. I admit I can be guilty of overlooking the importance of it. It requires us to slow down, think, plan, and be disciplined in our work. However, the value of doing so, far outweighs the alternative.

Consider for yourself; in what ways are you "walking out the door without the right equipment?" What would help you be better prepared, and what are you willing to commit to? I'd love your thoughts.

12/31/2024

I have done a "word of the year" for over 15 years. Every year it has served me well by keeping me on track and focused. 2024 my word was "Redefine." I won't list all the ways I "redefined" this year, but one of the more significant ways was a business name change. I also updated my website, redefined my business model which allowed me to focus on the type of work that brings me most joy and that which I am most passionate.
I have not finalized my word for 2025 - it's close but I still have a few more things to define in what that means for me personally, professionally, spiritually.
As I say goodbye to 2025, I have much to celebrate. It has been a year of success, failure, frustration, joy, heartache, loss, and so much more in between. I am so grateful for my family, friends, mentors, and clients who have been on this journey with me.
My wish for 2025 is to continue to explore, experience, be present, and most importantly, not take this life for granted - it is too precious. As I often say, "life isn't perfect but it is filled with perfect moments if we simply notice."
Cheers to all of you for a Happy & Healthy 2025 🎊✝️💜

12/29/2024

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10/31/2024

Tonight, turn on the lights, answer the door, enjoy the costumes, and remember your own Halloween memories. Life is serious enough…stop. Enjoy. Happy Halloween 🎃

10/10/2024

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