As I sat and looked through my eclipse glasses last Monday, I couldn’t help but think of the parallel to coaching.
Great coaching provides a safe way for you to look ahead into some of your deepest beliefs and assumptions about the world.
Like watching the eclipse, coaching lets you step back and take a long view of the slow process of your life experiences and developing your “world view” of yourself and others.
Using the moon getting in front of the sun as an example, some of your own beliefs might be blocking you from seeing things with brighter clarity and insight.
Unlike the eclipse that comes along very infrequently, some of your limiting beliefs might be causing blockage on a daily basis. The blockage might result in you not making the most of the sunshine and opportunity you have in your life.
Business teams and families can collectively take on certain mindsets that can lead to a community darkness that impacts how they interact and produce results.
A great coach can help a player or a team by shining the light on areas that may be “blind spots” for them. Once identified, the important next step is to explore new perspectives and worldviews that let in more light and vision for a better future.
Just like making sure you’re getting the “safe” ISO 12312-2 glasses, it’s a good idea to look at your coach’s credentials and certifications. Last week the International Coach Federation www.coachfederation.org brought together coaches from all over the world as a part of its process to make sure the coaches meet certain technical and ethical standards. The ICF is committed to make sure coaching participants are given a safe and productive coaching experience.
So don’t wait for another 100 years to stop and take a deep and safe look. Be a curious scientist about your own world and explore ways to gain more clarity and vision for your own bright and productive future!
Pete Walsh is a demanding, courageous and playful Master Certified Coach in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the founder of Peak Workout Business Coaching and the Family Business Performance Center. Check out Coach Pete’s free tools: the Family Business Landmine Detection Map and the Family Business Survival Kit. He can be reached at pete@peakcoach.com.
