Interesting conversations I had this week

I’ve decided to start capturing some of the most interesting tidbits or nuggets of wisdom from conversations I have each week. As a coach, I have a lot of conversations, with a lot of different types of people, from all over the world. Topics range from design and careers and business, to vision and strategy and process, to emotions and needs and sensations, to life and death and love. There are patterns, and surprises, and no two are alike. This is my attempt to process what I hear and learn a bit more, and to share some small insights with you.

• “Row row row your boat” is a Buddhist nursery rhyme. Note there are 3 rows and 4 merrilys, so remember there’s always more joy than work. And be gentle with yourself. It’s all an illusion anyway.
• When someone offers you an opportunity, demuring or being coy in the hopes of seeming humble and polite actually does a great disservice to yourself and others like you. Everyone may not have access to these opportunities, and your diffidence could perpetuate that. Instead, stand firm in your power and demonstrate you know what you’re worth.
• Right after you’ve been given a reward (a raise, a promotion, an award or commendation, etc.) is actually the best time to ask for more. What have you been wanting and needing? Your value has just been put on display, and people are more likely to be aware and conscious of it. You’ve earned the right to name the resources you need to do your best work, as you envision it. So name it.
• You need to be direct with your direct reports. The more explicit the directive, the clearer you and they will be on what success looks like for you both.
• “What are you working on?” is probably the wrong question to be asking your direct report during your check-ins. “What progress have you made on [the thing I asked you to work on]?” is the more appropriate and helpful question. It’s your responsibility to know and often to determine what they spend their time on. Your check-ins are to assess progress and help assure their success.
• One hour of coaching every other week is one hour every other week of time set aside just for you. When you’re used to being the caretaker and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, that one hour can mean so much.
• Running your business better isn’t just about profiting more; it’s about getting the work you believe in even further out into the world.
• Sometimes the most important parenting you can do is the parenting you do for yourself.

Maybe next week I’ll get to have a conversation with you.
 
 

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