Intentional Vagabond

Focus for success

After years of playing hard and ignoring the groans of my body, I decided to visit a local chiropractic guru to find out what he could do for me.

I continually heard about this particular doctor and the tiny tool – the activator – that he uses to help people. Business leaders, painters, lawn care contractors, office staff, and middle managers all share a common, positive view of his ability to make them feel and perform better. Each has achieved a health-related goal under his guidance.

This blog is not about chiropractic, though. It is about coaching.

So, what’s the connection?

A holistic view and an intentional focus.

Our chiropractic relationship began with an intake session – written questionnaire followed by questions and answers to gain a complete understanding of my health – a holistic or systems view. He used analogy to describe how small, almost imperceptible changes to one part of the system can impact other parts of the same system and create misalignment.

As he spoke, I could hear myself talking to my coaching clients. I advocate a holistic approach to coaching – mind, body, & goal. I also use analogy to help clients make connections so that they understand how strengths and derailers can impact the entire professional profile.

After the chiropractor gathered the information and worked with me to identify my goals, we began the work. Yes, we. No matter what he did, if I did not do my part, I would not be successful. I had exercises that I had to do and I had to make it to my appointments.

Remember the tiny tool – the activator – I mentioned? That is used to focus the effort to a very specific point on my body. No manipulation, No cracking. Just small, intentional adjustments on focused areas have a big impact on my well-being.

Sounds like coaching, right?

I gather information about my coaching clients and together we identify the goals for our coaching relationship. I play a role in moving the client toward that goal, but the client has much work to do as well. We don’t try to tackle too much at one time. We focus. We don’t force it, we work it. One step at a time produces an entire journey of positive results.

Are you an activator? Do you focus? Do you take time to enjoy the journey?

What do you think about this analogy?

The pressure is on

executive and business coaches.

Frankly, I don’t think so.

In terms of need, there is probably none greater for most executives right now than a partner with a great ear, strategic perspective, and a willingness to push back when appropriate.

It is true that the costs of doing business that do not produce a direct and recognizable revenue stream are often the first things cut in a down economy. Coaches can be in that group…and often are. Still, while I might argue that a down economy is a great time to work with a coach, many with far less bias will agree that a recovering economy requires focused, agile leaders with a new kind of vision and the ability to manage many priorities. Enter the coach.

My clients all tell me that the return on their coaching investment is always well over 100% – usually several hundred percent.

What do you think about this? Coaches? Business professionals?  Share your opinions here.

Laura Taylor (Laura_Vision) on Twitter

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Right time, right people, right seats…everyone on the bus is good…all others are banished. Great. Now what? Why aren’t you moving? Where is the driver?

The bus analogy is good, but why do smart people and good organizations put so much effort into cleaning the bus only to let it stand idle, or worse, move without a driver? Lots of great people leave when that happens. Really, who wants to stay on an idle or uncontrolled bus?

It simply does not help to have a bus full of great people if it is not going anywhere! Please, people, do not overlook the critical pieces: driver and fuel! Moving a bus and keeping it moving requires both.

Call it what you want: developing talent, succession management, team building, leadership development – there is some amount of all of this required of great companies. In fact, mediocre companies require some amount of this!

Whatever you call it, it requires leader involvement. Please do not leave the direction and development of your organization solely in the hands of even the most well-intended person or group! You are responsible for your organization’s future, thus you are responsible for growing its leaders and developing its talent. 

Be purposeful. Lead. Coach. 

Focus. Allow yourself a coach to help you keep your eye on it.

Now, tell me one thing that you will do this week to leverage this talent.

What happened the last time you leveraged this talent?

Drop a note here to share how this single step worked for you.

Remember what is said: A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.

Laura

QuickPost | System Overview | Movable Type Publishing Platform
You are the best. No really, you know you are! So, why do you need a coach? You can set goals and milestones. You know if you are making progress, right? And if you really pay attention, you can absolutely be objective and candid with yourself.
Sure, of course. After all, this is an important goal so you will certainly be able to keep it at the top of the list.
I’m with you. You are organized, your perspective is a full 360, and your ability to prioritize this goal against all of your business objectives, family demands, and personal/professional growth requirements is impeccable.
No problem. Let’s have lunch.

 There are some efforts underway to create standards for certification within the coaching "profession." What do you think about this movement? What are the pros & cons, in your opinion?