Part Two: Anatomy of a Coach-CEO Relationship
"All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move."
Benjamin Franklin
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My best guess using this quote is that 85% of people are immovable. They exist and get along day to day. It is not good or bad. It is their current reality. Ten percent are movable, which means they aspire, dream, and endeavor to do/be more. Less than 5% move. They not only aspire and dream, but they take action consistently. They execute. Those that move seek out coaches, mentors, or even a contrarian peer group. These are people who will help to challenge the status quo. They are success driven and intensely curious.
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My coach-client relationship usually begins when an already successful individual comes to me with an intractable problem they need to solve. They need a fresh set of eyes, a voice with a different set of experiences, or a different perspective. The progression of this relationship usually looks like this:?
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1.??The Character: You are the hero in your story, and that is as it should be!
2.??The Problem: There are three types of problems that you will face:?external?,internal. philosophical. There is typically an issue or series of issues that might be overwhelming and at times insurmountable. They may be new in their role; the role has changed, or the market has evolved. It is an obstacle that has grown or festered, becoming a nemesis as it defines them, their team, their company and/or their industry.?
3.??The Guide: In this case, this is me, the coach. Think of it as Luke Skywalker meets Obi-Wan/Yoda.??
4.??The Plan: It is tough to build a credible plan in a vacuum. The guide (or Obi-Wan) is there to offer encouragement, expertise, unbiased analysis, mentoring, and objectivity.?
5.??The Calls You to Action: How many times have you made it through the planning stage and failed to execute. The call to action is all about being held accountable.
6.??The Journey Begins: The path to success is not linear. Distractions and other obstacles will insert themselves constantly. Constraints will change. The end game even changes on occasion. It is why a tree has both roots and branches.
7.??The Win, the Victory: Sustainable Success: You, and only you, define what success looks like. And like Luke Skywalker, your definition of success will evolve over time. Be assured, we will absolutely meet your definition of success, over and over again!?
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It can be scary at first, to leave your comfort zone, and to trust someone else. It will be a difficult and challenging path. You will be even more successful and reap the joy and rewards that come with your amazing success(es). It may be stressful and risky to acknowledge a need. Maybe it is a colleague or member of your team with the need. At a point in time this is a path we all take. The question is do you live in fear and stay in your comfort zone, or do you trust yourself enough to reach out?
?To read the first installment: Part One
?As always, thanks for your engagement and for your thoughtfulness in readding along!
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Ken Lund?
619-916-1171?
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?[ML1] I would like to see this replace the first paragraph, perhaps