What are your sources of wisdom? Here are a few wisdom-related posts you might have missed. Click on the link to read the full post.
“The wise man questions himself; the fool, others.”
“In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.”
“Cry a river, build a bridge, get over it.”
Image from tanveernasser.com
I put significant focus on an individual’s self-awareness when I begin a new coaching engagement. To do this, I introduce an “inner voice” exercise, in which the person pays close attention to:
Most people discover that when they look for the value and contribution in what others say, they reap greater rewards and boost their relationships.
How and in what ways can you shift your own “inner voice” to receive more good advice and wisdom from others?
Image from landscapesofunderstanding.com
For most people I work with as a coach, life is difficult, challenging, and often upsetting from time to time. Some are so stuck or stopped that they can hardly see any path forward.
During these times, feelings run high and the “emotional tension” they experience as part of their current reality must be acknowledged fully so they can cry the rivers that are appropriate. Only then can they collect themselves to realize that life goes on. Building bridges to the future is now the job at hand, to realize their resolve and get on the other side of life’s barriers and obstacles.
How can you fully acknowledge and experience all the emotions associated with some of your most significant challenges? How can you use that wisdom to garner the strength and capacities to build bridges and get over situations on your life journey?
Image from Flickr by Ky Olsen
Have you ever considered why we have two ears and only one mouth? Why not one of each? Perhaps some higher power—not just Larry King—knew that listening is twice as valuable as speaking.
Practice using open-ended questions, including the all-powerful “What Else?” This follow-up & layering technique will help you speak less and learn more, at home and in your workplace.
Photo from Flickr by Thomas Mues
When was the last time you watched a great leader give an inspiring speech? If you are like me, you occasionally enjoy a provocative TED Talk. The TED tagline is “Ideas Worth Spreading.”
Over the years, I’ve seen that the best leaders and presenters talk a bit more slowly than most. They measure their words carefully, to achieve the impact they desire. As I listen to them, I find myself slowing down, and leaning in to hear every morsel of wisdom they present.
Where would greater patience, and slowing down your busy life help you contribute and capture the wisdom of the moment?
Photo from Flickr by Natural Turn
If you, as a loyal reader of The Quotable Coach series ever visited my website or received an email from me, you will have noted a quote by Tuli Kupferberg: “When patterns are broken new worlds will emerge.”
A critical aspect of why the coaching process supports people in achieving new and better results is your willingness to break the patterns of behavior that have brought you to this point in your professional and personal life.
Included in these patterns are habits, rituals, and traditions that may limit your capacity to move forward toward a highly desired goal or objective.
Examine if, or to what extent, your current personal or professional traditions may be imprisoning and limiting your freedom to pursue your fullest potential.
Photo from Flickr by NASAHQPhoto
Perhaps no television news anchor has ever or will ever be respected and trusted as much as Walter Cronkite. Millions of people watched him each evening without fail, knowing his reports of the news would be objective, balanced, and trustworthy. As an inquisitive and thorough reporter, he knew there were always numerous views and perspectives on every topic, and successfully rooted out and communicated the truth — with candor and his unique brand of professionalism and humanity.
How can you demonstrate your openness and receptivity to the many sides of the stories you hear professionally and personally, to do an even better job of seeking and discovering the truth you desire?
Photo from Flickr by Jennifer
I am writing this post on a Sunday – the day many people practice their faith by attending church or another religious institution.
Many faiths believe that God created man and at the same time gave us free will and the ability to create our own lives through our beliefs and actions.
Central to our ability to manifest our world, Sun Tzu might suggest through this quote that a deeply held faith and belief in ourselves is essential.
Take note of the areas in your life where you have the strongest belief and faith, and notice what results you have achieved.
How would an even greater belief in yourself make the biggest difference in your personal or professional life?
Image from Flickr by Martyn Wright.
The coaching process often involves a deep dive into both the inner wisdom and the courage of an individual. Amend’s quote points to two fundamental ways to develop each of these qualities in yourself and others.
Where are you or others being stubborn, closed-minded or even obstinate on an issue, where there is little or no likelihood of a good outcome?
Where are you involved in a difficult or challenging endeavor where summoning the courage to persist will, with sufficient tenacity and persistence, pay off in fulfilling some deeply held value or commitment?
Pick up a copy of Seth Godin’s little gem of a book The Dip. It will help you see opportunities in your life where you should quit and where you should stick.
Image from killerinterventions
One crucial tool for most coaches, including myself, is the question. Below are some of my favorites:
And of course… #6. What else?
Always ask “What else?” to help you layer into each question, to reach the full depth and rightness of your answers.
To reap the other half of wisdom, answer at least one of these questions today and others over the course of the coming week.
Share this exercise and your answers with those you care about in your personal and professional life.
Coach and support one another in living life each day consistently with your answers.