Why I do what I do !

Often I am asked what I do for a job, and that can be hard to summarise in a few words without the eyes-glazing over, so I thought I would share WHY I do what I do. 

I can cast my mind back to numerous situations which have given me strength, determination, stamina and tenacity to drive forward, but this example is probably the most defining point and one have I reflected on many times. For years it has vexed me: how could one person attempted to lower my goals, and how could another understand me and engage me to set my own dreams?

We have all experienced people who try and limit us or places us in a box. My story starts at School, which seemed to have a large number of those types of people. Don't get me wrong: I think teaching is a challenging profession, and I don't blame the school system at that time because it shaped me. I believe most had my best interests at heart, but I am now ever mindful how one can limit or shape another's future by a few words and actions.

Confession: I admit I was not considered the brightest and academia was something I had to work at, but I could adapt and deliver when channelled. 

My final year of School shaped my approach to life, learning, and working with others. 

I had never been taught by the geography teacher, and I only visited him once for career guidance, as this was his other role. Everyone who wanted to understand where to go and what to do next saw the careers teacher. As a teacher, he taught only the 'A' stream students: the high academic achievers. 

I remember sitting in a stark beige office of one desk and three chairs, I sat in front of the careers teacher with my father next to me. The teacher asked me what I wanted to do? I dutifully told him, he looked at me, then my report shook his head and said, "you're aiming too high, I suggest you lower your expectations." With that he reeled off several jobs suited to my potential qualifications, as he thought. Although one-sided, the conversation ended with me saying I did not want to do that type of work. 

On leaving the room, my Dad turned to me and said, "what did you think of that?" My reply was simple, "I don't think he's right; he does not know me". I was angry and annoyed at this teacher. My Dad, usually vocal, said very little. I think he knew the comments made by the teacher had inadvertently lighted the fire of tenacity. 

The second teacher who influenced me, called Mr Dixon, was the complete opposite in style to the Geography teacher. Bob, we often called him out of earshot, was my biology teacher. I'm not sure what he did or how he did it, but he was a teacher who could engage and draw out the learning from within me. He seemed to understand my style of learning and the rest of the class. He wasn't a teacher who was easy on you, yet he was fair, shared his knowledge, and admitted when he did not know but offered you the ability to find out. He fostered my love for learning through challenge and discovery. He had no favourites and never made you feel daft for getting the answer wrong and enabled me and others to achieve while stretching the targets. 

What was interesting was I started to read around the topic so I could improve myself on the subject area and I could challenge him. I felt he permitted me to enjoy the subject, and I felt supported. His school report comments were: Ian can achieve the grades if he works hard and wants them!

What I realise today is that those two experiences shaped my style today. The tenacity and challenge enabled me to work through my A levels. I went on to work in healthcare, nursing at home and abroad and lecturing at university. I studied law at undergraduate and postgraduate level. I can honestly say Bob has shaped my style in what I do. 

Today I work as a Business Coach and Trainer. My company enables clients to achieve their potential by challenging their needs and wants, supporting their vision, modelling the necessary skills and behaviours through understanding themselves and others. 

Our motto is THINKING MAKES IT SO. We do this by focusing our coaching and training in two areas (MindSonar and Asentiv) that help business owners/entrepreneurs, HR and OD specialists grow. We help navigate self-sabotage, avoid poor communication and frustration by creating understanding and achievement, leading to growth: a happy life and healthy business. 

MindSonar? analysis is a psychometric that is context-specific, measuring thinking styles and values. It avoids labelling and enables an understanding of people and teams. You can apply it to you and your team or become certified in it. 

Asentiv? Pro is a professional business development growth programme and club. This programme builds a steady flow of clients by applying the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to reach your market within a trusted network. You may work alone but building your business is a team sport.

Curious to know more, why not book a call or join one of our workshops and lets find your why and connection. Email ian@workforcesolutions group or call 01455 241 204.