The first problem most of my coaching clients face is clarity. My client may have a vague idea of what they would like to see happen, but they can’t state it very specifically. They know they want to move forward but often, they don’t even know what the next step is.
It doesn’t take many questions to find people’s passions.
- What activities make you feel useful and appreciated?
- If you could do one thing in this organization, what would you do?
- What is the one thing missing in this organization?
- What you are good at?
The questions aren’t even that important. What is important is for someone to listen.
When I left IBM in 1989 to go to seminary, I thought my colleagues would be shocked. I had only worked there for a year, and I loved what I did. It was a dream come true. But when I told my colleagues, they weren’t surprised at all. “You talk about it all the time,” they said.
I didn’t realize I talked about it at all. A good coach is a good listener. I often repeat back to my clients exactly what they said so they can hear it for themselves.
Stephen Covey, famed author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, said, “Start with the end in mind.”
What exactly do you want to accomplish?
Before you think about obstacles or steps or strategies, establish in a clear statement what it is you want to accomplish.
With clarity comes passion. You wake up every morning, and you no longer have to do anything. You get to do valuable work. Clarity amps up your energy.
With renewed clarity, you are able to take some next steps.
- What is the first step you need to take to move toward your goal?
- Who would be helpful in taking that first step? Ask them to help. Don’t assume they don’t have time.
- When are you going to start? The sooner the better. But definitely set a date.
- What will be the obstacles you know you will encounter?
You can’t get to where you want to go if you have no idea where you’re going.
What is the last thing you had great clarity on what you wanted to achieve? What difference did clarity make?
