Perspective
I was reminded during a conversation I was having with a colleague the other day, just how much my perspective plays a role in how I approach situations. There have been a few times recently when I needed to have a difficult conversation with someone. You know the kind, the one you’re dreading, your heart is racing, and you have a pit in the middle of your stomach. Yeah, that’s the one.
Well, I have to say, due to my personal growth and coaching journey, I’ve been able to approach those conversations with a very different lens. I’ve been able to:
- ask myself, “What’s something positive that could come out of this conversation?”
- focus my attention on the person
- view the situation from their perspective
- be intentional about the words I choose to avoid putting them on the defensive
Anything seem familiar? Yes, you may recognize a few coaching skills and mindset sprinkled into those conversations.
Was it easy? No. Did I see great rewards and benefits from having those conversations? Absolutely! I even had one person say, “This is great, these are the kinds of conversations we need to have.”
What was the difference? Me and how I approached the situation. Nothing with the other person or the situation had changed – just me!
What situations are you facing that could benefit from a shift in your perspective? We’d love to hear about the struggles or successes you’re experiencing related to your coaching journey.
Submitted by,
Barb Willier, Coaching Coordinator
Pennsylvania Key
Rasheeda Coston, Director of Coaching
Pennsylvania Key
