Rupal Patel on Using Pressure as Fuel for Growth

This week I spoke with Rupal Patel, a former CIA officer who is now a CEO and leadership expert.

Rupal’s diverse career journey has shown how pressure can be used to your advantage. She offers insights into how to leverage it effectively. I loved the contrast of her high energy and her sharing how she leans into her laziness! ? Here are some key points that resonated with me.

1) "We can all de-pressure by asking for help."

According to Rupal, when we choose not to ask for help we not only waste our own energy but we take away the opportunity for others to give support. Asking for help models our openness? to learning and encourages others to do the same.

Ask yourself: Who could I ask for help to alleviate my pressure?

2) The power of interrogation

From her father asking her questions and ‘testing’ her ideas over dinner to her experience with the CIA, Rupal has been well drilled in the art of interrogation. It struck me that because of this practice she now chooses to deal with any kind of pressure verging on interrogation by either stepping into curiosity or confidence. Can I learn from this or does it need me to stand confidently in what I believe? We often forget that it's our choice to take on the feedback we are offered …or not.

Ask yourself: Who needs me to be more curious?

3) Walk away from the pressure

Sometimes simply walking away from the pressure for a short moment can give you what you need. Fresh air, moving your body and resetting for two minutes might be all it takes.?

Ask yourself: When is the next opportunity likely to benefit from me walking away for a few minutes to regroup?

4) Experimentation as liberation

Experimenting can be freeing. It removes the pressure to get things right. Rupal encourages embracing what we call, at Coaching Impact, an “Explorer Mindset” to play with an idea, or a? habit to discover what works for you.

Ask yourself: If you were to put on your ‘explorer hat’ what or who would benefit?

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