Learning the Game
Recently I learned a new card game. While it was similar to other games we had played in the past, there were numerous rules and strategies that were so vastly different from anything previous. Our host for the evening was wonderful at giving us an overview and trying so hard to explain the game, but he could tell he was not able to describe with words the full extent of the experience.
As we played a few practice hands, showing all of our cards to each other and describing openly potential and recommended moves, it became clearer. Then we dug in and just had a go, playing each on our own without advice or guidance. Well, that is a little bit of a lie, as we would play a card and then say something like “was that a smart thing to do?” The host and the other players would give us further insights from their experience but leave us to make our own choices.
Once we got the hang of it, we really went all in and had a wonderful evening. Our confidence slowly grew as we experienced wins and successes, and of course we made some bad moves too that we learned and improved from.
As I reflected on this game in the following days it struck me that this experience is so similar to the way my explanation plays out for the coaching work I do!! People ask me about my coaching, and I give them a high-level explanation of how my work helps leaders and others of all kinds find success. I tell them about the ways each of us shows up energetically each day, and how I can help them understand that and improve it.
Often, they will ask how, or they will ask me if I can provide some details that they can go home and read. I provide them some materials to review but after this card game experience I realize it would be the same as if our host gave us a book about the card game and said to just read it.
The only true way to understand and learn about the coaching that I do is to experience it. To get into the session and see what works. To provide inputs and insights back and forth and determine the strategies that are effective, and those that are not. To learn from wins and successes, as well as from trials and growth.
I always start with complementary coaching so people truly can understand and feel the process. I only move forward with clients that are a good match for me, my tools, and techniques. I also do not work with anyone who does not think that I am a good match for them of course.
The results are impressive, and the feedback I get is so positive and powerful. At the end of the day, it all energizes ME!! It is a gift and an honor to be able to collaborate with people as I do and help them manage their own winning hand!!
