Possibilities and Problems

I know from my experience how busy Chief Executives/ Directors/ Leaders are usually dealing with one of two things, if not both

 - not having enough "head space" to think about possibilities

 - or juggling too many problems to think about creative solutions "spinning too many plates"

I support leaders with that so they can achieve tangible outcomes. 

What will support you, both to dream and get life under control, for you to achieve what really matters to you and your organsiation? What action will you take?

Leadership style - who am I, what's needed now?

So who is your bag? Recently, I've revisited three particular folks writing when considering leadership. (I really enjoy reading and I'm also one of the masses, guilty of collecting interesting books!)

Are you a fan of Daniel Goleman and his leadership styles of Visionary, Coaching, Affiliative, Democratic, Pace setting, Demanding?

For you - Is it all about "Head, Heart and Guts" by Dotlich, Cairo & Rhinesmith - so, are you using all of your intellectual intelligence, emotional intelligence and courage do you believe?

Or what do you think about - what has served you well in the past is perhaps a behaviour that in the context for now, you need to change?  "What got you here, Wont get you there" by Marshall Goldsmith talks of this.

Over time I've also completed many psychometrics/management tools e.g. TMS, Hogan, Strengthfinder, MBTI, OPQ, ILT, VIA,   I don't know about you? I don't like to be boxed however, one of the times I really get some insight from tools like that,  is when I say "yes I am like that" - "oh that's why" Sometimes I even get round to doing something about it! -  changing or more consciously using a skill/behaviour.

Many say that the first port of call for leadership is the "art of leading oneself" - mmh - so is it being who we really are and aware of who we are not?

Which profiles do you have,  maybe filed in personal development (!)  that with a 15 minute read and a bit of reflection, would give you just the insight you need to a tricky situation you are dealing with right now?

A thought?

Is your leadership style what is needed for the role and context you are in right now - and what would you advise your closest colleague to do,  if they were you, with respect and honesty and encouragement.

A question?

What one thing are you really good at and enjoy, that if you did more of, would quickly bring you  impact ? ( and a sense of satisfaction !)

Three words?

Choose three of your own words for what is needed for your situation at work at this very moment.  It could be words like direction, empathy, focus, energy, calm, delivery, perseverance, space, resolute, optimism, confidence, assertiveness, vision, implementation.  That's just to get you started, its your words that are important, what are they?

Action?

So, who/what else do you need to support you?  What action will you take?  Go to it! 

Intentions and purpose

When you are most successful? Set your intentions, be clear on your purpose.... 

Some say that success can be achieved by being clear and with perseverance, follow through step by step with practical actions.  I think there is a lot in that.

How come then with good intention we set off with great enthusiasm and desire for things to be different.  New year resolutions, returning to work after a fabulous holiday ( or is that just me?!)  More work life balance, less of those issues at work that are just "wearing us down", "having a life", paying attention to those people who are really important to us. Being healthy and energetic, in whatever way that means to us!

So with renewed vigor and clarity - we are off with clear intention, to varying degrees of success, sometimes to get tired and beat ourselves up for not "doing it" or "achieving" it.  A lot of the time we know what it is we want - but doing things differently or achieving a new outcome can sometimes be hard. 

Why might that be? - one reason might be our values.  Is what is really important to us aligned with those new intentions?  If they are  - we can be sure success will come more quickly and with greater ease.

What are the top three values that are important to you?

Ask what pleases you most? and what drives you crazy ?

These two questions are a good place to start thinking or reflecting on values afresh. 

So set your intentions, be clear on your purpose and make sure you've reflected on your values and what's really important to you,  to make sure everything is aligned together.

The benefits of coaching for leaders

Too many to speak of .......

• Clarity on goals
• Idea generation
• Support to make difficult decisions
• A plan of action, step by step
• Achievement of stretching challenges
• New perspectives, opportunities and possibilities
• Acceleration and increased motivation to goals and change
• Focus and prioritising
• Greater understanding of yourself and others
• Increased competence in difficult situations
• Focus and focused use of resources
• Catalyst and energy for self development
• Unblocked thinking
• Challenge and stretch in the areas of your life where your personal and professional goals matter
• Better ability to manage transition, for you, your team, your organisation

Does coaching work? CIPD report 90% of organisations now use coaching in comparision with 68% two or three years ago. High performing leaders are supported by a coach. We can all do with fresh thinking, a trusting person and environment to support us, identify and help overcome the very things that holds us back and support those that will propel us forward to who and where we want to be. 

Are we all unique and need individualised solutions? do we all have different dreams and aspirations?  I certainly believe so and with coaching, new opportunites open up, helping you consider new possibilites and capitilise on your strengths to maximise potential.   I am living a life I would not have thought possible and my coach is one of the biggest influence to helping me achieve that!  Time and time again I see people's relief at finding clarity, their satisfaction at achieving hard things, their confidence and personal fulfillment grow as they enjoy their roles and contribution to their organisation, their teams, their family and friends more and more.