What does the world of tomorrow need from you?
As a coach, I find that many clients arrive weighed down by events from the past. Others are burdened by the things of today – their here and now.
There is much to be learned from the past and the present, but as a coach I help clients to unlock what needs to be different for them in the future.
Before you get sucked back into today’s reality, consider what do you want your future to look like….?
I have realised – its actually okay for me not to know the answer!
Several years ago, starting out in the coaching profession, I got a little concerned about how I can help others, when I knew very little about them, their profession, their situation or even their capabilities. In the beginning of my coaching career it did create a little personal anxiety!
As time passed, this may sound kind of strange or unusual to anyone not in the coaching world, but one of the greatest lessons that I have learned as a coach, is that I really don’t need to know the whole story. Nor is it for me to come up with answers!
As a coach I have to establish a safe space, build rapport, listen to understand, ask questions, guide, challenge and along the way, I may provide suitable interventions. My role is in fact to help every coachee to learn, grow, draw up their own answers, create a plan of action and follow up to achieve their aims.
If you are in need of some coaching – please do get in touch, I’m here to help!
Who supports you?
As a 4 year old, I set off with family and friends to climb this hill near Dunning, Perthshire. Since 1969, I have climbed this hill on many occasions, with my own children, family and friends. In fact it’s become one of my favourite spots on earth, to seek some peace, solitude and to reflect on life.
Just prior to my father’s death, I recall that we were talking about this photo. As we spoke about it, he asked if I could remember anything about the climb up the hill. I said “No”. He laughed and then responded “You can’t remember anything?” Once again..”No”. He then shared the story of our ascent. He told me that as we were about half way up the hill, I started to complain about sore legs and that I couldn’t make it to the top.
As we carried on, dad encouraged me and told me that I could make it. So, seemingly I persevered for a little longer, but then after a while, I told him once again – “I can’t do it”. As a loving parent, he picked me up, put me on his shoulders and carried me the last little distance to the top of the hill. Resulting with this photo taken a few minutes later – of a very happy child atop the stone for the very first time!
There are so many principles in this story about getting tired, taking my eyes off the goal etc … But most of all I want to make the point that in our conversations together, lets be ever mindful of supporting each other to achieve our goals!
Who can you support?
More than just affirming widely held character traits like honesty, kindness and compassion, I believe in πππππ – or in other words ππππππππ what I say I believe. Thus these character traits are not just a simple belief, but an actual practice, a way of life, not just a way of thinking.
During many of my coaching conversations magical discoveries are made during the process of self-reflection and self-exploration. Oftentimes, individuals rediscover who they are at their very core. If you are plodding along, day to day, not understanding yourself at all – then perhaps it is time to begin the process of introspection and develop more self awareness. A coach can help you on your way.
Once you are aware of who you are, πππππ who you are is key!
– Love who you are
– Don’t let others tell you who you are
– Don’t make apologies for who you are
– Have the courage to be different from others
– Laugh at yourself – frequently!
Quickly you’ll learn, like I have, that I am best at πππππ me!
Our values are under attack…. personal, societal, organisational – open your eyes and see. This is a momentous challenge of our day.
Actions speak much louder than words. Know your values. Live them. Know your organisations values. Live them. Walk your talk. Be true to yourself, and those who you lead. Act, do not be acted upon.
In organisations when values are ignored and people donβt live by them, they have no meaning. When this occurs, I’ve witnessed business cultures becoming hypocritical, and employees losing respect for the organisation and its leaders. Conversely, when values are put into action, people feel engaged, energy, enthusiasm, and the drive to go beyond the ordinary all come to the fore.
“Vertigo to values brings a special dizziness” – Neal A Maxwell.
Identify the obstacles on your own path, get rid of the roadblocks and eliminate them! Always remember to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Strongly-held values create powerful foundations in personal, family, societal and organisation structures. Be true to who you are and stand by your values.
Start today. Pause, reflect, identify your values and what matters most.
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