Thre is good in every situation
Hijack
I am certain you have heard the phrase, “Everything happens for a reason.” And I agree. Somewhat. I think that you need to make those reasons happen.
I have been studying the Positive Intelligence program with Dr. Shirzad Chamine of Stanford. It is an intuitive program (based on a ton of research) that says we all have “saboteurs.” These are personality traits that we likely are born with but develop intensely during childhood. They are qualities such as “hyper-achiever,” “people pleaser” and “avoider.” The program teaches you to quiet these saboteurs and replace those stressed feelings with “sage” powers, such as empathy, navigation and exploration.
The program is especially helpful for business leaders who are feeling frustrated with their company or their personal results. They likely are being hijacked by their saboteurs who keep them from improving.
Look for the Gifts
One of my favorite aspects of the training is the “three gifts technique.” Shirzad holds that every situation, no matter how awful, should be examined for three gifts that emerge. Often, this is not easy. But you’ve likely experienced an awful situation in life that turned out to have some great benefits. I once lost a job that I loved and it turned out to be one of the best developments in my life.
I was reminded of the three gifts this week during a conversation with a friend who is the CEO of a non-profit. I will change the names in this story “to protect the innocent,” as they used to say on “Dragnet.”
This non-profit asked for my public relations skills during a time when they were being publicly and unfairly maligned by an unhappy client. This person was unreasonable. This person was loud. This person knew how to manipulate local government and local media. It was a low point for this non-profit when they brought me aboard.
We worked our way through the problem with this unhappy client and she eventually quieted her barking. The leader of the non-profit and I then began to talk about the organization’s goals. I said I thought I could help because of my knowledge of the local community and municipal governments. We formed a contract and set out to expand the non-profit’s footprint in the county.
This week we took a look back at the work we have done together. (I hasten to add that I was just a part of this. The non-profit staff and board did most of the work.) We identified two projects worth $15 million that have been developed and there is another larger one in the works.
All of this grew from that awful beginning with the complaining client. She actually provided a gift to this non-profit – creating a relationship that has helped them grow dramatically over the past seven years. So to that complaining client we say “thank you” and we happily found the three gifts.
What I Can Help You With
Creating your vision
Asking the right questions
Building courage
Change is uncomfortable, even frightening
Research the future
Don’t jump in blindly. Let’s see what it looks like.
Study the Map
Together, we will make a plan for a happier life.
My Approach to Coaching
I do not coach to answer your questions. I coach to question your answers. I am not a consultant. You have the answers within you. It’s my job to bring them out. In our coaching sessions, I won’t talk a lot, except to query deeper and deeper into your actions, your decisions. I am trained to observe you and help you understand the feelings and emotions that cause you to make the decisions you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Business Coaching?
The best coaches help you build mental fitness – an acuity for running your business and your life. It is different from consulting. Consultants give you the answers. Coaches help you search within yourself to find those answers.
How Do I Know if Business Coaching Is Right for Me?
Do you ever find yourself saying, “It’s lonely at the top”? Then business coaching is right for you. As your coach, I am a clear-eyed colleague who tells you the truth about your decisions. Whether you’re making excuses or breaking through to a better place.
Do You Only Work With Established Companies?
No. I work with all kinds of companies. Start-ups. Established companies who are headed in a new direction. The only qualification I ask of you is, “Do you have a growth mindset?” If the answer is yes, let’s work together.
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