Everything we do creates a ripple. And yet, we often wonder if our efforts bring about any difference in the world. While the answer is always yes, the more important question to answer is, "What is that difference?" or better, "What difference do we want to make?" One of the reasons I refer to my coaching as integrative is that I believe strongly that tapping into our whole selves is the best way to bring all of our gifts forward.
In that spirit, here is my story about how I came to understand the difference I wanted to make (for my clients and in the world) and why it's so important that we are intentional about the impact we seek to have.
As leaders, one of our key duties is to bring out the best in each member of our team. If you are concerned about performance, there are ways to structure conversations that demonstrate not just your concern about how someone is showing up and delivering (or not) but also that you see people, you care about them, and that you are a resource for their development.
Do you know the difference between being valuable versus invaluable? Understanding how – and why – they are not at all the same thing is the key to making better choices, choosing the roles/positions where we thrive, and ultimately creating a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, even the very individuals that provide you with guidance. In this latest Forbes article, I joined 15 other coaches to share some of what we wished we knew when we started down this career path.
We inherited this world from those that came before us. Although it’s not perfect, we sometimes take for granted the work and investment made by individuals who likely never saw the fruits of their labor. Similarly, we’re faced with the ever-present challenge of meeting the current moment, all the while carrying the sacred responsibility of building for those that will come after us. The overarching question, then, that I continue to ask myself, and that I encourage the leader in all of us to pose is: “If not now when? If not me, who?” (Hillel)
In early March 2020, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, Deborah Burns, author of the memoir Saturday’s Child, to discuss why obstacles are necessary in narration – and in life! We unpacked some great insights, including the fact that without stressors we don’t evolve, and that overcoming challenges confers not only knowledge but confidence. I invite you to listen to our conversation and hope that you’ll be inspired to climb some of the figurative (and literal) mountains you encounter.
The current environment provides little-to-no certainty about what’s to come, but it does present an opportunity to contemplate and decide what and how we want to emerge. Our decisions and how they reflect our values, our goals, and how (and where) we spend our time are all on display for (re)consideration. Do they support the life we now know we need? Where do we begin to create the world we hope to see?
Joanne Heyman is internationally recognized as a thought leader, innovator and key advisor within the pro-social sector. She is a highly sought-after coach, strategic advisor, lecturer, and facilitator. To engage her as a speaker or contributor to collective discourse, contact her team at info@heymanpartners.com.
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