Watch me smile, see the glint in my eye— Are we going here? 😃

I've coached 1:1 with over 260 leaders now and I've gotten better at holding this often-asked question. I will offer you my opinion and before I do there's work to do. My opinion should be your last resort.

Let's speak plainly.

I know my opinion is irrelevant

I am not the expert in you, your work or your life. You are.

Anything I think I know about the system you operate in is woefully incomplete.

You own your stuff, not me

As your coach I will not be complicit in your stories.

Your successes are yours, not mine.

And you get to own and learn from your messiness.

You're seeking permission

If you agree with me then hey, you already had your answer.

You don't need my permission. Where else in life are you looking for permission? Quit stalling and get to action already.

If you don't like my opinion then hey, you already know your answer. If you're not open to uncomfortable ideas then coaching isn't for you right now. (And I won't have tied on to the rope with you).

So if we're still going to go here, here's how this plays out.

Ask the people that know

You really want to up your leadership game?

Ask of the people who receive your leadership how you could be leading better!

That's my challenge. Will you, this week, solicit the input of 5-7 stakeholders, and ask of them what you might do and be differently to better show up as a leader?

And then do it?

The One thing every leader should work on...

Still in the game?

Good! Now I know we can work together.

What, when and where are you least comfortable in your leadership?

That's what you should work on.

Expand your leadership range - you will lead with more impact.

That place you're most uncomfortable, let's go there!