Many authors, speakers, philosophers, and curbside prophets might begin this conversation by asking you how you define greatness, and in future posts, we’ll get there, too. But that’s not where it starts.
Greatness isn’t simply something to define; it’s a choice. And I’ve got news for you: it’s a choice that you need to make, over and over and over again. At some point, greatness, and the ability to repeatedly choose it, will become engrained in your very being; however, I’m not going to tell you that it’s easy, that it’s possible to do overnight, that anything in here is a quick fix. Sorry, it’s just not so.
What I can tell you is that it’s possible to create a ripple effect – with every choice building on itself and the many made before – that the choices get bigger, bolder, achieve more, drive more action, create more motivation, and make your thinking and dreaming bigger. It begins as a spark that turns into an unstoppable fire.
Here are Three Ways You Can Start: 1. Choose to choose – meaning, you always have a choice; you always have a way that you can respond, adapt, and evolve to rise to the occasion. 2. Choose something, every day, that scares you – even just a little bit – and do it! Don’t think about it; just do it! 3. Choose your message – if people could remember you for just one message, for just one piece of advice, for just one insight or word of wisdom, what would that one be for you?
Start the ball rolling. This isn’t something to think about, prepare for, and then dive into kind of thing. This is a jump in, just do it, let’s roll kind of thing. You’re going to learn a lot along the way. You’re going to hone your ability to choose greatness, but that can’t begin until you’re in motion.
So, where will you start? With one of the above three? Or, what idea of your own do you want to begin with?
Having had the tremendous fortune of working with highly motivated individuals who are, and have become, coaches (as well as countless entrepreneurs from a diverse set of industries), it’s always fun to see how much energy and passion each person brings to their new endeavor. Excitement for a desired change builds and builds, as they see their strengths and values begin to align with their work.
Then, they rush out, ready to take on the world, only to realize, “Wow, this is a lot of work,” or “Wait, you mean everything doesn’t just fall into place?”
External challenges arise (getting the work done, having people respond to your marketing, etc.), providing a wonderful opportunity to re-evaluate your plans and make any necessary adjustments as you move forward.
The internal challenges (fear, assumptions, the ebb and flow of your energy) that arise are actually signs of progress! That’s right… progress!
Anyone who sets out to create something new (a new business, a new project — whatever it is) will see a host of personal and professional development issues arise. And what’s really amazing is how those issues, much like a crash course, test how rapidly you can grow, adapt, and respond.
So, when the obstacles come, put the ego on the shelf for a while and listen intently. Every obstacle that surfaces reveals more and more to you about how you can step into greatness.
All of these challenges (internal or external) also have the power to distract you – calling your attention away from your goals and purpose. When you can’t clearly see and connect to your vision, goals, and sense of purpose, your excitement will naturally wane.
When you begin your project, be clear on your vision for what success will look like and know the purpose you have for why you’re doing what you’re doing. Find ways to summarize this vision and purpose, and surround yourself with reminders and images that keep you focused on the real goals.
And when your energy drops, or one of those obstacles pops-up, go back to your vision and purpose and consider how this challenge is actually helping you move forward instead of holding you back.
Ever been in an argument or have a “misunderstanding” that results in you and the other party getting locked into your own points of view? If this hasn’t happened to you, welcome to Planet Earth and the human race!
Step back from one of these arguments and take a look at the difference in perspective and try to ascertain what that difference is REALLY about. Many arguments ignore the fact that the two (or more) parties actually have the same goal; they are actually trying to accomplish the same thing, but they get tied up in HOW they want that goal achieved, which stems from each of us believing we have the monopoly on great ideas and the right way to do things.
Instead, let’s get really simple here: Which is more important to you – the goal or the way it gets achieved?
Now, when I say “the way it gets achieved,” I’m not talking about breaching ethical guidelines or acting inappropriately for the sake of accomplishment; I’m simply talking about how stuck we get in doing things our way.
When you re-acknowledge the goal – the real goal – it now opens conversation:
a) to identify the options already on the table from current parties; and,
b) to inquire as to what other options could accomplish this goal.
Look for the opportunity to draw out new ideas and new options from others, acknowledge what you’ve heard to make sure you heard it right, and build a list. Then, go through each option with each person acknowledging, first, what they like and, then, discussing any possible concerns so that you can be sure you weigh the pros and cons. Look for opportunities for how the ideas might build off one another.
This process usually leads to great new alternatives, which meet the real goal while, also, representing and balancing everyone’s concerns.
But, you can only get there by going back up the mountain to the real goal. Next time that argument comes up, be the calm voice in the room that offers a new perspective and an empowering question that opens up the possibilities. Be a coach.
In Part Two of our interview with Zack Lemelle, iPEC’s Managing Partner of Corporate Engagement Services, Zack discusses leadership in today’s economy, the difference between a good leader and a great leader, and the impact Coach Centric Leaders™ have on creating a truly great company.
Want to learn more about becoming a Coach Centric Leader™? Download a copy of “The 12 Talents of Coach Centric Leaders™” today and begin impacting your organization — and your world — every day, starting immediately.
The Core Energy Coaching™ process takes everything that makes you who you are – your purpose, beliefs, values, strengths, etc. – and engages that capacity on the specific goal you want to achieve, the role at which you want to succeed, or the task you are undertaking.
This is Core Energy Coaching – the process by which you connect your inner purpose and passion (who you are) to your outer goals and strategies (what you do and how you do it). This process means that you’re developing your own unique success formula – it helps you figure out how YOU do things.
Consider for yourself:
• How do you want your values to show up in your role as a leader, educator, or parent?
• How does your current job reflect the overall purpose you have in life?
• Which of your strengths do you most enjoy using, and how are you currently using them to achieve your goals?
What do you believe you could accomplish if you were able to completely engage your full capacity, take action with courageous authenticity, and focus it all on what you want most?
Subscribe (RSS)