The Exponential Power of Coaching
Jul 16, 2019 4:27:04 PM
Five years ago, I published my book, The Cycle of Transformation: Igniting organizational change through the leader coach. That process was a claiming for me, the manifestation of the part of me I had been too afraid to embody. An avid reader for as long as I can remember, my first “book” was a story of a family lost in the wilderness. The metaphor does not escape me today, and though I never finished that first book I can remember the spiral notebook with my handwritten scribbles that went everywhere with the thirteen-year-old version of myself. As a young adult, I registered at Fort Lewis College and declared myself an English major, still dreaming of writing the great American novel. I eventually graduated with a business degree, afraid that I would never be good enough to make a living through writing. For years, I told myself “maybe someday.”
Coaching was an integral part of my quest to become a writer. Many of my coaching friends inspired me, asking provocative questions and believing in my potential. The small courageous steps I took led me toward my future-self, all the while holding the hand of that thirteen-year old dreamer. Two friends David and Grace, spent a full day with me, unpacking all the pieces and parts to create that first outline. Another author/coach asked me “what are you waiting for,” after I had the book in an outline for more than a year. My tribe (David, Liz, LauraLynn, Letty, Dameon) coached me monthly for a full year, providing me with accountability and feedback as the outline turned into chapters.
The reason I share this story now, is that last Friday I returned home from India, having delivered two Cycle of Transformation workshops. The original two-day version of that program had been developed before the book. Today, it’s a three-day program that has been through some revisions. The book has given the program more credibility, and me more clarity about how coaching can transform us as individuals and organizations. I’m not the same person I was five years ago when I wrote the book. That step, that insight, has led to deeper reflection and transformed me. I have taken further steps because of the confidence gained from that endeavor. Today I am in the early stages of outlining yet another book.
Being in India, experiencing the people and the culture, and doing so while sharing my passion and love for coaching was pure joy. Working with Oracle business partners who share that same passion is deeply satisfying. This experience is the culmination of more steps than I can count. Thank you to all my coaches who saw me, encouraged me, and pushed me to take just one step, again and again.
For those of you who are holding out on living a bigger dream, take those initial steps. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!” Find the courage, find a coach!
As someone once asked me, “What are you waiting for?”