When Collaboration Works

Hi there ????. Ready to lead? "Acts of Leadership" helps people, (irrespective of title or tenure), expand their leadership range one experiment at a time. Each issue shares a [pro/e]vocative definition of leadership, an idea and an experiment.

Transitions

I've had a run of endings in recent weeks.

It comes with the territory. Reaching the end of a coaching engagement with a client. I hold these parting conversations with great love.

So today I celebrate all my amazing clients this year.

Over 500 individual relationships since I started.

That's a lot of intimacy. A lot of trust. Shared experience.

(a lot like climbing)

Clients creating value for themselves.

What now?

These changes that you've made, the value you've created, this life you're creating.

I'm in awe of you. You did this.

A Definition…

"Leadership is... creating powerful collaboration."

An Idea…

How do you do your best work?

"So how do you keep creating this for yourself, after we're completed here today?"

It's a powerful inquiry to prompt reflection, deepen learning and keep in action.

The truth is, you did all the work, not me. That's the point of coaching.

?? you dared to dream

?? you found new insight

?? you connected the dots

?? you sat in deep self-reflection

?? you named your fears, and what you're avoiding

?? you let go of the dreams that aren't your dreams

?? you dared to want something different, something better

?? you committed, with unbending intent, to the experiments you ran

?? you embraced new perspective, finding wisdom and creating options

I'll own part, sure. I held your ropes (always the climber). I invited you into this place of exploration and discovery.

You created and realised value in this co-creation.

So what was it about this work I partnered with you on? What allowed and enabled this creation?

• What did we DO?
• How did you THINK?
• How did we BE?

What qualities and characteristics of our work and being together allowed for this?

What got in the way?

Grab a pen and paper.

Start writing. First thought, best thought.

You get to create this and create from this, for yourself.

I'm here to hold your ropes.

Next time you have a route in mind, you know where to find me.

An Experiment…

?? - Think about the times you've done your best work. What were the qualities and characteristics present that enabled that best work?

• what/who was in the environment?
• what behaviours were present?
• what skills and capabilities were exercised?
• what values/beliefs did you hold?
• who were you being?
• to what purpose?

How might you recreate those conditions?

Who can you enrol to support you with this?

What agreements are needed between you to hold that space?

An invitation to explore…

?? TED: The habit that could improve your career and your life : Paul Cathlove[10:58]

Leadership needn't be lonely!

Lead when ready!

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