When I am honest, it is uncomfortable yet needed.
My thinking is challenged by a number of demographics: A 16-year-old boy. A person on the street is asking for money. That neighbor who stands on the other side of the political aisle from me.
And today, in particular, was my coach. I trust him; I pay him to help me think better, to push me toward new perspectives, and to get me out of my comfort zone.
When he challenges me, I have to decide. Do I go with what he says fully and abandon my former belief system? How do I evaluate our conversation in the context of my gut, fears, experiences, and dreams? Where did he say things that I disagree with and why? Is it because I have evidence to know differently? What are the things that he said that are nearing the truth that I had never thought about before, or that scare me to think about? Do I say that I agree, nod my head, then just get back to business as usual?
Reflecting after hanging up the Zoom call, I see how much I need quality people in my life who challenge my thinking, who believe in me but don’t let me just cruise through life. Do I have a strong enough character and a humble enough heart to reflect and allow others, selectively and strategically, to alter my life?
As coaches, we listen, ask good questions, and point out themes. But don’t we want more than that? As leaders, don’t we need people to push us to the next level of thinking? To believe in us enough to make us better? That is where the coaching/client partnership becomes powerful. To push the client to new thoughts and a more quality life.
As a coachee, I want to be pushed and accept the challenge. As a coach, I want to partner with the person who is willing to do the work and has the courage to unlock their deeper potential.
What do you do when someone challenges your thought process or core beliefs? When was the last time you experienced that? I’d love to hear, and if you are so inclined, I would love to have a discussion about it. This will help me continue to expand my learning and grow my data around what I am seeing as a core area not to be ignored. Leave a comment or DM me, and let’s grab time together. Where have you been pushed? What is your topic that stirs your blood? Is there a core value that is taking your energy? Let’s learn together.
