As I was taking stock of the year gone by, I reflected on some of the critical events that transpired. For me one of the most interesting one was meeting with Marshall Goldsmith, the #1 Executive Coach to top CEO’s; his mission is to help successful people achieve positive, lasting change and behavior; for themselves, their people, and their teams. To start with, the circumstances under which I met him where quite movie like, so to speak; with me racing against time to San Diego and reaching back just in time to San Francisco airport to get on a flight going back to India.
I really did not know what to expect, when I got there to meet with him. All I can say is that I was deeply enriched by our interaction and came back knowing myself better. I also gained the learning on what is it that makes one a great Coach. Here is the gist of what I learnt from our conversation:
- The mark of a great coach is to be able to look in between the layers of the words you speak and get to the bottom of you “the person”. By doing so, he exposed me to my own blind spots.
- To be able to do that, really listening and being in the moment is absolutely mandatory, which I saw him doing so adeptly.
- Every time you start a sentence with a No, But or However, reflect on it; those words are indicators of resistance.
- It feels really really bad when someone points out things that are areas of development for you, even if you are open to it, solicit it and want to know more about yourself. Imagine how those people feel, that are not ready to invite it. However, once you do hear it and are honest about acknowledging it, you do feel a sense of gratitude. It’s like the cobwebs clear out.
- You need to be clear about what you stand for, and that should be articulated in one simple sentence.
- Never be afraid of promoting yourself.
- Tips on becoming an author – something I had never thought of being. After our interaction, I ended up writing my first book called Team Decision Making.
- Always choose kindness. There is no excuse to overlook concern for others around you.
- Most Important of ALL : Let It Go. Let It Go. Let It Go.