By Oga Chan, Founder of North AdaptiveWhy it happens
Why do capable leaders keep making the same resolution every year? It's like catching the wind with their sails, but alas... their anchor is still firmly dropped, so they don't move. The anchor is a hidden commitment, forged by past experiences, quietly pinning them in the same spot. Coaching helps you name that hidden commitment and design small safe experiments to begin letting go so you can move forward.
A story from my work
Jack* wanted to build his team's capacity, but he watched their every move because any mistake felt too risky. He was sailing towards a stronger team with the anchor still down: “I value my reputation, so my team must not make mistakes.” That anchor kept him micromanaging and kept his team small. Through coaching, he began to test trusting them a little more. “My team has stepped up,” he says now. “Mistakes do happen, but they are rarely catastrophic and on top of that they learn and come back stronger. Now, I have time to do more strategic work.”
*Name and some details changed.
What to try this week
What is the one big thing, if you make an improvement on, will make the biggest difference in your leadership and effectiveness?
- You can self-identify this, but if you are brave, ask a trusted person who is invested in your growth, like your partner or superior.
- Then list what you are doing, or not doing, that works against it, without judgement.
How I can help
In one-to-one leadership coaching, I create a safe space where we work through three things together. First, we define the one improvement goal that would make the biggest difference to your leadership. Then we uncover what keeps your immunity to change in place. Finally, we design small, safe experiments you can try between sessions, so the change starts showing up in your real working week.
I coach business owners and senior leaders across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and Islands, in-person or online.