Helping Leaders and Teams Thrive

Every leader hits seasons of extra frustration, ambiguity, or doubt, but they shouldn't have to stay there long.

Whether you're a CEO leading your team to the next level, an executive navigating a challenging culture, or a business owner questioning your next steps, you should have peace of mind that you're doing what's essential to achieve your goals and honor your values.

Our 1:1 executive coaching, workshops, and team retreats create an outlet for conversation that equips leaders to reach their next level clarity, collaboration, confidence, and success, so they can fulfill their purpose and reach their potential.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to see if you're a fit for our services.

Partnership

Through a personal conversation weโ€™ll take the time to learn about you, your goals, your desires, and your frustrations. From that persepective, we'll help you create a plan to move from where you are to where you want to be.

As an Internationally Certified Executive Coach and Executive Director on the John Maxwell Leadership Team, we proudly integrate best practices from top leaders in the world into what we do to help you grow.

Clients served include FedEx, Chick-Fil-A, Trugreen, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, ALSAC / St. Jude, small and mid-sized businesses, and individuals.

WHO WE ARE

About Us

At Potential 2 Results, we specialize in empowering frustrated executive leaders like you to create positive transformations within themselves, their teams, and their organizations. With years of experience in leadership development, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you overcome them.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to personalized solutions. We understand that each leader's path is unique, and that's why we take the time to get to know you, your aspirations, and your challenges. Whether you're a taking your first steps into the working world or an experienced professional looking to make a change, we've got you covered.

WHO 'S THE FOUNDER?

About Bob Willumsen

Bobโ€™s specialty is helping successful leaders breakthrough the barriers keeping them from achieving their next level of impact. With over 20 years of C-Suite experience, including time spent as an award-winning hospital administrator, a faith-based non-profit leader, entrepreneur, and an executive coach in organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 corporations. Bob has a proven track record of equipping leaders to create transformation in themselves, their teams, their organizations, and community.

Our executive coaching involves the ability to understand you- to think how you think and understand your perspective. From that starting point we'll help you expand and clarify your thinking โ€“ gently stretching and growing you to see a more empowering way. ...more

Onsite or via Zoom video technology. We offer customized presentations and workshops to fit your individual or teamโ€™s needs and budget such as:

โ€œLunch and Learnโ€, Half-day and full-day workshop/seminar, In-house corporate training. ...more

When facilitating offsite retreats, I often see teams accomplish what theyโ€™ve intended to accomplish for months or even years in one or two days. ...more

Nobody holds more potential than emerging leaders and young adults. To cultivate that potential they need self-awareness, effective guidance and practical help setting their trajectory. Potential2Results network has spent years coaching, guiding, teaching and inspiring young adults to choose wisely, understand the power of discipline and learn how to thrive in a multi-generational environment. ...more

As an experienced speaker on John Maxwell speaking team, we offer customized presentations to fit your individual or teamโ€™s needs and budget such as Keynote speech for your company sponsored event, and Partnership Summit. We deliver passionate, practical, and engaging presentations that will inspire your group and equip them to move closer to their potential. In addition, we will at your request, incorporate your organizationโ€™s meeting theme, mission/vision statement or build on your existing training schedule to best fit the needs of your group. ...more

Coaching for Couples

If youโ€™re ready to get unstuck and accelerate your progress you should consider participating in our Potential 2 Results 1-Day Marriage Discovery and Coaching Experience. Youโ€™ll gain the clarity you need to improve your marriage and achieve your relationship potential.

At the end of your day you will:

Gain mutual clarity on the core issues causing disconnects within your relationship, have a better understanding of your past so you donโ€™t unintentionally let it determine your future, see your spouse differently, so you know better\ how to meet his/her needs, walk away with more effective communication skills, and create alignment in your personal and professional lives.

Trusted by many people

See what our clients say about us

"Bob Willumsen came highly recommend as an Executive coach and acted as a conduit between where I was and what I could become. Though I did not realize the need, Bob came at a time that I needed him the most. His coaching, counseling, accountability (required transparency and trust), and friendship helped shape and give clarity to my โ€œ3 Fsโ€ (Faith, Family, & FedEx). He provided tangible and practical tools to guide my thoughts, decisions, transitions, and purpose. Many of these tools have been shared and positively impacted my family, friends, and FedEx colleagues. Today I can honestly say that Bob has become a trusted friend and confidant!โ€

โ€” Don Kwasigroh, VP, FedEx

"I had a clear vision of where I wanted to go with my business, but I needed some help to identify the steps to make it a reality. I needed a thought partner and that is where Bob came in. He has helped me not only take tremendous strides forward in executing my vision but has also challenged me to grow in all areas of my leadership. I feel like I have a greater understanding of how to take the ideas in my head and put them into action. Bob has helped me be clear and consistent in my message with my team rather than trying something new every month. I am confident that I have grown my leadership to a whole new level with my partnership with Bob."

โ€” Scott Swindler, Owner/Operator, Chick-Fil-A

I have been a client of Bob for years now. He has been an incredible business coach to myself, my team and others as well. Bob does a great job at keeping everyone engaged from start to finish. I have sought him out for a lot of career advice, which he graciously gave, and it has helped me reach new levels in my career. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and guidance he continues to provide to me! Hiring Bob with Potential 2 Results was the best decision Iโ€™ve made!

โ€” Mollie Walker, SVP, Director of Cash Management, Co-Founder of Tennessee Fertility Advocates.

"My company recently gathered our team for a national training and team building session. We have 35 plus professionals each with unique skill sets and communication styles. We hired Bob to help us define and understand the best tools for listening and understanding each other. Our goal was to maximize communication and understand the best fit for each team member. The results were outstanding. The team was really engaged and told my partner and me how educational the training was. Bob was really good at probing and asking the audience for feedback. We built a team map and had takeaway tools. We have already seen a good return on our investment."

โ€” David Van Horn, VP, Grecco Construction Consultants

"I have known and worked with Bob Willumsen for several years. He's one of the best coaches I know at helping leaders go from "good to great". He has helped me navigate very important career moments and coached me to my next level of leadership several times. Bob has worked with some of the best leadership coaches in the world, and he brings that experience and tailors strategies and a plan very specific to your needs and career phase. What I admire about Bob's approach most is that it's not only about having success at work but also about reaching your potential in all areas of life. Bob will definitely help you get there!"

โ€” Jeff McCall, CEO & Private Equity Operator

Bob is an excellent coach, listener and advisor. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and uses this wisdom to help others grow personally and professionally. His insight adds value to any discussion and I wouldnโ€™t of hesitate to have Bob work with any team I am leading!

โ€” Shayla Williamson, President at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Home Care, LLC .

FAQS

What can I expect from Potential2Result's personalized career assessment?

Our personalized assessment is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of your unique strengths, interests, and potential as a leader. We utilize a combination of assessments, one-on-one consultations, and data-driven insights to help you discover the most suitable career options for your goals. This assessment serves as the foundation for crafting a customized plan that maximizes your potential and aligns with your aspirations.

How do I schedule a coaching session with Potential2Results?

Scheduling a coaching session with Potential2Results is easy and convenient. Simply go to our website and navigate to the "Book a Session" section. There, you'll be able to view the availability of our experienced coach and select a date and time that works for you. You can also specify your preferred mode of communication, whether it's a phone call, video conference, or in-person meeting, depending on your location and preferences.

What if I'm not satisfied with Potential2Result's services?

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you ever feel that our services aren't meeting your expectations, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're committed to continuous improvement and will work diligently to address your concerns and provide a solution that aligns with your needs. Your success and satisfaction are what drive us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

The 4 Types of Negative Communication Patterns

The 4 Types of Negative Communication Patterns

March 10, 2023โ€ข3 min read

The 4 Types of Negative Communication Patterns

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Wouldn't it be nice to have necessary but difficult conversations without unnecessary drama, resistance or hurt feelings? Having these types of conversations is both a discipline and an art.

To get better at hard conversations, you can start by becoming aware of the 4 types of negative communication patterns that derail them every time.

Identifying and avoiding these 4 patterns will transform your ability to resolve import issues, increase accountability and maintain strong relationships.

Withdraw & Avoid ๐Ÿค ๐Ÿซฃ

Silent treatment, anyone?

People who typically fall into this negative communication pattern will pull away as soon as an uncomfortable situation presents itself. Whether they are using it as a weapon to "punish" the other person or they truly just shut down as a response to conflict, to withdraw and avoid is not an altruistic response. Conflict avoidance does not equal peace.

Escalate ๐Ÿคฏ ๐Ÿคฌ

Raising your tone and intensity in a difficult conversation is a power move that immediately shuts others down. This pattern likely has never gotten you anywhere (even though you think it has because you've managed to overpower others into doing what you want).

Typically if someone responds this way, they're going to be faced with one of two of these negative communication patterns in return. The person you're interacting with is either going to withdraw from you or they are going to escalate right back at you and cause a huge blow-up. Neither of these will get you where you want to go.

If you find yourself escalating in a difficult conversation, it's best to recognize it as soon as possible and ask if there can be a time-out in the conversation. This could be a 5-minute break or even the next day. However, it's important to show enough respect to the topic of the conversation, and especially to the other person, by coming back to what you were discussing. And if you've noticed a pattern with a specific person where you frequently find yourself escalating, give them the freedom to also call a time-out if they are feeling like things are getting out of hand.

Negatively Interpret ๐Ÿคจ ๐Ÿ˜ฐ

"They said _______ but I'm sure they meant _______."

Someone who negatively interprets tends to take what is said and then rewrite a story in their own head. Something that wasn't intended as negative at all turns into a personal attack. Or, they might take what is meant to be real critique and feedback (because sometimes these things are necessary) and make a mountain out of what you think should be a molehill.

If this is you, the best thing you can do in a difficult conversation situation is to mentally declare noble intent on behalf of the other person. Rather than assuming the worst, take a moment to assume the best about them and their intentions. Oftentimes, the words they are saying will take on a whole new meaning if you simply change your perspective on what you have presumed their intent to be. At least give them the benefit of the doubt.

Invalidate ๐Ÿ‘Ž ๐Ÿ™„

"You shouldn't feel that way."

While negative interpretation can turn a mountain out of a molehill, invalidation can make a molehill out of their mountain. This pattern essentially tells the other person that their feelings are wrong. Judging another person's feelings will cause you to lose influence every time.

In these situations, sometimes clarity can help close the gap. But if you are sure you've clearly communicated yet they are still feeling negatively about the conversation or situation, meet them where they are. Allow the person to feel their feelings. From this starting point, the two of you can then work together toward mutual understanding and success.

If you really want to set yourself become the type of person who is good at difficult conversations, even good at conflict. Start by not using the 4 negative communication patterns we've discussed.

Withdraw

Escalation

Negative Interpretation

Invalidation

Bottom Line: Don't be a WENI!

*Negative communication patterns adapted from the book, A Lasting Promise, by Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain, and Milt Bryan (2014, Jossey-Bass).

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Bob Willumsen

Founder of Potential2Results.

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