What would you tell yourself?
07-27-09
What would you tell yourself?
I really like science fiction plots that include the idea of time travel. The idea of your future self being able to go back and tell you younger self something important that is going to transpire or something important you have learned has always seemed like such a powerful idea to me.
But would that really work? Would you believe you? Now compare that to your real life or your real job, career or business. What are the challenges you face? What are the answers you look for especially in these challenging economic times. Why can't somebody have all the answers?
If you have children then ask yourself," why can't you just tell them the lessons you have learned in life", and save them all the headache and hassle you had to experience? You probably know the answer. It doesn't work that way does it? You have to learn for yourself don't you! I often encounter situations with my clients where it's sort of like that. Someone wants the instant success formula or a quick fix. If I had that in my power I would package it and sell it nationwide.
If we are honest with ourselves the best lessons you learn in life or in your profession and business come from the mistakes you make and the challenges you encounter and over come. Some of those learning situations you can afford and others can be too costly.
When soldiers go through basic training they encounter development opportunities that can be more rigorous than actual combat. That's the point though, if a coaching and development opportunity pushes us far enough then we are better prepared to successfully deal with the more ordinary challenges.
It's like that in business coaching, development and planning. Participants need to learn skills and information connected to the "Critical Business Outcomes". Development can be fun, if participants enjoy the learning process. But do they apply what has been taught if it comes from short feel good events? There is a difference between an event and a process. Sometimes the most trying struggles produce the most satisfying lessons.
Wes Wingfield is a Certified Business Coach and the President of Highest Ambition LLC, a Kansas City based organizational development company that specializes in leadership development, strategic planning and executive coaching; delivering what his clients want with a return on their investment. www.highestambition.com phone 816-589-6138 or write him at wes.wingfield@highestambition.com
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