Lessons and Insights from Clients: It’s not always right to be right!

“I am feeling pressure from others in the organization to take the promotion proficiency exam this month. I hate taking tests. I hate studying for tests. When I do try to study it is in bits and spurts. I am overwhelmed with all my existing responsibilities.

"I know I am not ready for the test. I know I will not pass the test.

"And when I fail the test, I will say ‘I told you so.’ And I will be right!”

?-- From my notes on a coaching session with a manager

#Henry Ford is quoted as saying: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”?

His quotation highlights this very important principle: A person’s attitude can determine just how much that person will succeed or fail.?

In the example I shared above, that principle is certainly at play. But there could also be some other significant factors at play.?

Consider these possible factors:?

• Other people care more about this manager's taking the test than he does.
• This manager is focused on the “pain” of test taking and not the “pleasure” of a promotion.
• This manager's justifying a preconceived outcome with a rationalization statement.
• This manager's applying “stinking thinking.”
• The manager has a basement mindset.
• This manager is using negative self-talk, has a diminished self-image, and is not focusing on his “A” game.

Which of these factors do you think are impacting the manager’s thought processes and the situation?

Why??

And, what could this manager do differently??

Please share your thoughts with me in the comments.