I don’t believe we can become the people we aspire to be, or create the world we want and need, without having hard conversations. I think that you can have courage without being vulnerable. And we must show up and allow ourselves to be seen, even when the outcome is beyond our control, because that’s the true definition of courage. These conversations may feel uncomfortable at first, but over time, we grow familiar with them. After all, healing requires us to step into discomfort.
New pathways
People vary in their level of coachability, so when clients come to me, I look for any sign of willingness. While it’s great when someone is enthusiastic about learning and growth, that isn’t always the case. Coaching provides a safe space where people can fully be themselves, allowing them to see through the fog of fear, doubt, and anger. Through meaningful conversations, clients discover new pathways to achieve their goals. In essence, coaching is often less about behaviour change and more about identity, exploring who someone believes they are and who they aspire to become.
When working with leaders, my approach revolves around a single guiding question:
“Is there one thing you’d like to improve or enhance that we could work on together?”
“Would you be open to learning just one new thing that could make you better?”
“Can you think of one area where you’d really appreciate some support in developing?”
Once clients identify that one thing and experience the benefits of coaching, they often become more open to the process. They realise how valuable coaching is and that it never makes them feel inadequate.
““Where we have strong emotions, we’re liable to fool ourselves.””
Slow down
What game are you playing?
There is a distinction between seeking to have the right answer and building the capacity to generate the right answer, one is a short-term win and the other has a much longer shelf life. I think passing down wisdom, especially through oral history, is vital for preserving culture, maintaining and transmitting identity, values, and traditions. It allows us to learn from the past, offering lessons from previous generations' experiences while using historical insights to address modern challenges innovatively. Wisdom sharing also strengthens community bonds by fostering common narratives and understanding.
Logo vs. brand
Over the weekend, I explained to my son the difference between a company with a logo and a brand. The example I used showed the difference between a “no-name” hotel and a brand. All hotels have logos and offer accommodation, not all of them have established themselves as distinct brands with a unique identity and reputation. If a “no-name” hotel with a logo came up with a new line of sports shoes, you wouldn’t have any idea of what they would look like. In contrast, a brand like NIKE who has built a strong identity and trust among its customers. If NIKE were to enter a new market like hotels, consumers would have certain expectations about the experience based on their existing perception of the brand.
I think the key message is that brands should focus on creating a strong and authentic identity that resonates with customers over the long term. This identity should extend beyond just a logo or a product line; it should encompass the values, experiences, and trustworthiness associated with the brand. Building this kind of brand equity can lead to greater customer loyalty and a more enduring presence in the market.