Subscribe (RSS)The norm, for the vast majority of us, has become defending and sticking to our views, as well as advocating and influencing others to see it our way (or, in the alternative, not speaking up and remaining entrenched in our own view, unwilling to truly look at other possible perspectives). I’m sure you’re familiar with this approach.
So, let’s look instead at the role of the coach (and, in doing so, insert the word leader, teacher, or facilitator into this statement) in expanding your view. It’s to ask, for a period of time, what if the sky wasn’t blue? Or the grass wasn’t green? Or the water wasn’t wet?
Taking an opposing view, or even one that’s not directly contrary, but just from a unique perspective, can be invaluable in opening up new possibilities and creativity. After all, isn’t this when our passion truly comes alive?
We don’t want to be stifled, so why would we stifle the opinions of others? If you want to be able to fully express your ideas, how are you allowing others to fully express and explore theirs?
Why wait to be pronounced the coach, the leader, the teacher, or the facilitator? Why not step up as an individual, exercise that response-ability, and take the lead?
What will you do the next time you’re in a situation that requires ideas, solutions, and creativity? What will you do to engage the entire group of minds involved?
Make your goal be to arrive at the best possible solution or idea, and not simply to be the one with the “winning” idea.
Have confidence in the group around you, contribute your ideas, and help others contribute theirs as well. Let the ideas percolate, marinate, and grow. And see how far you can lead the group. In fact, you may just find this experience significantly more rewarding than simply being the one who’s idea was chosen.
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: change, choice, expectations, judging others, leadership, new perspective