Fellow career coach Rod Colon sends me his e-newsletter and I always read it. He reads my blog too. We both figure we can learn from each other and help more people at the same time.
The latest unemployment figures from our government indicate that career coaches like us are still needed, and will be for a while. So occasionally, we'll have what Rod coined, "Doctor-to-Doctor" consultations.
Rod's most recent posting made me laugh and I felt guilty for doing so. He was illustrating how clients can make things hard on themselves. Here's an excerpt:
Example #1
Jorge: Rod, I’m no good at writing resumes.
Rod: Jorge, you’re right … you’re no good at writing resumes.
Example #2
Melissa: Rod, I can’t use the telephone to call advocates; I’m just too shy.
Rod: Melissa, you’re right … you can’t use the telephone to call advocates; you’re just too shy.
Example #3
Stephan: Rod, I’m a failure.
Rod: Stephan, you’re right … you’re a failure.
Rod went on to talk about "the magic wand." I have made mention of such a device in many coaching sessions as well. It's a belief that because Rod and I have fostered many success stories, those individuals reached their goals because we coaches created a job for them out of thin air. It doesn't work like that.
Instead, what we do is start a conversation with each person with the aim of growing a strategy that can help a client get into position for success. This requires patience, resolve and realistic goals. Everyone is different, everyone is the same.
I think my mentees understand this but they can get caught up in the panic. I empathize with that sense of urgency, but if you are going to find that next big thing, plan for long-term growth like you are making an investment in a retirement fund.
Pivot as needed, with no magic required.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
