It’s time to FLASH it!

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the author of the Black Swan, once said, "people often do not realize, so they miss it." And to add to it, I always say, "it's the Coach who walks that extra mile and makes the Coachee realize it.". 

Having spent over two decades in the HR ecosystem, engaging and interacting with individuals as a Manager, Coach and Peer, I have realized that many individuals confuse the role of a Coach and a Manager. For me, there is a stark difference between both. And you may ask how? The Manager is more directive and transactional because one engages, informs and directs individuals on "what to do". Additionally, a Manager focuses on directing and fixing the problem with a specific outcome aligned with Organizational goals - Managers are task-oriented.

On the other hand, a Coach is more consultative, helps identify your strengths and areas of development, understands your aspirations, encourages and nudges you to achieve "your goal". Rightfully, a Manager may become impatient because of the everyday role and responsibilities to be performed while tasks and targets are to be achieved. However, a Coach will always nudge you to think differently, show you the mirror on your progress, understand your challenges, change course if essential, cheer you on the side-lines to achieve the impossible and finally celebrate your success with you.

Before we get into the details, I want to recall and bring to your attention various research and survey reports, particularly the  Gallup survey, highlighting a scary data point - only 13% of employees worldwide are engaged. Additionally, this new normal has created a world of opportunities, challenges, threats and complexities for every individual. Therefore, it is imperative and even more critical today than ever before for the Manager to go that extra mile and take on the additional role of a Coach. This is important to retain and motivate talent, and as a Coach, focus on pre-empting expectations that revolve around Goals, Purpose, Performance, Growth & Development.

Having said that, it isn't a one-way street. A Coachee also needs to walk that extra mile. The Coachee must Flash characteristics essential for a Coach to feel a sense of comfort before initiating Coachee's into the Coaching journey.

1. Flexibility: We can't always predict when changes are going to happen. That's why when you're flexible, versatile, resilient and responsive to change – your ability to adapt to the changing environment, meet the unexpected demands at your workplace and personal environment speaks volumes about you. 
2. Learning agility: It is the ability and willingness to learn from experience and then apply it to perform successfully in new situations. One of the recent examples is how individuals have been focusing on reskilling and upskilling to ensure they are relevant in the marketplace. 
3. Attitude: You can teach skills, not attitude. Either you have it, or you don't. Remember, the most influential voice you hear is your inner voice and depending on your perspective – optimistic or pessimistic- it can work for or against you. Having a growth mindset is of the essence. Your attitude can either wear you down or cheer you on. The choice is yours as you control your inner conversation, and therefore, your attitude is the ultimate compass.  
4. Self-challenge: "I am my competition.", we have heard this from many entrepreneurs. Research proves that self-actualization drives human beings to have within them what it takes to drive themselves to this self-challenge. And you would agree that challenge makes us feel alive, opens our eyes, and mobilizes internal resources that often time we are not even aware that we have within ourselves. More importantly, self-challenge is what makes the journey meaningful. 
5. Harmony of mind, body and soul: It is a moral compass that revolves around generosity, empathy, not harm others or self, amongst other aspects. This actually showcases your strength as an individual as it exudes positive energy and harnesses an individual’s thoughts. A balance of mind, body and soul becomes extremely important, especially in today's world, when one embarks on that individual discovery and transformational journey.  

Remember, a good coach can change a game, and a great coach can change a life! But for that journey to be successful, a Coachee must join as an equal and committed partner. 

Now is the time - FLASH it!