You never know what you might find.
Brené Brown tells us that “vulnerability is the birthplace for innovation, creativity and change”. Not a place for the weak.
As a strategic planning facilitator I am always totally impressed by the leader of an organization making the decision to open themselves up to all of the possibilities that self-examination might uncover. Not only is it brave to ask everyone for his or her input but not knowing where it might lead requires true strength.
As a business coach it can be hard to watch courageous clients open themselves up to what might be holding them back in a private coaching session. But as a facilitator working with a business owner or leader on a strategic planning initiative I have observed pure ‘hero-ship” as they take a back seat while they listen to employees respond to questions such as “what would you do differently if you were running the business?”, or stay quiet while they ask clients for honest feedback in focus groups preparing for the session.
Is there ever a ‘safe’ place to open oneself up to the possibilities? Is it ever easy to brace yourself for the implications of change?
The more important question is, what if you don’t?
Strong people hire a coach or facilitator not because it is easy. But, there is a method to the madness that results in coming out the other side in a better place. A process designed to build strength, forward movement, and right action.
Only you know the true cost of doing nothing. Putting yourself and your business on the line opens you up to success, the possibility of coming back to life, and the opportunity to thrive.
I invite you to talk to some survivors.
by Helene Mazur
Helene is the founder of Princeton Performance Dynamics, an executive coaching and strategic planning facilitation company for business and non-profit leaders and their teams. Helene’s passion is helping her clients to focus their goals, see new perspectives on their current situation, put in place realistic, motivating plans, and execute to achieve new levels of success.