I just got off the phone with a friend who is an executive coach. He was interested in coming to work as an Inspired Action Coach. When I asked him why he wanted to do life coaching verses executive coaching, his answer shocked me and make me feel great simultaneously. Here was his response.
“When I am working with these executives there are certain boundaries I cannot cross. I need to keep the conversation focused on the business but you and I both know it’s not the business.” He goes on to say, “I’m coaching this executive and the guy is a real A-Hole with his people.” This is friend-to-friend code for the idea that he’s not a very effective communicator and he doesn’t really give a rat’s ass that he pisses off his people.
I say, “Why not dive into his fundamental misperception and find out when he developed this fear that has him react negatively towards people?” His response is the nightmare of most coaching programs.
“Confronting him on his stinky behavior would be crossing the line and I don’t have permission to do that from him or from the company I work for.” He says with a frown in his voice. “That’s why I want to come work for you! I know with certainty that I can help him see these negative behaviors in a way that he would instantly give them up in favor of a more effective style.”
And my friend, that’s exactly what we do in the Inspired Action Coaching. We (me and the coaches) are like negative behavior Sumo Wrestlers! If we sniff out a negative behavior that is holding you back we ruthlessly attack and do what ever it takes to get you to release it in favor of something positive. We’re here to support you when you are ready to let go of what is stopping you.
