Strategic Solutions: Elevating High-Achievers through Executive Coaching
Throughout the week, many questions often arise: 'Why didn’t I know about this?' 'I only wish I had discovered this sooner.' 'Why doesn’t everyone have a coach?' With compassion, I empathize with my clients, as these same questions once occupied my mind when I first began working with my mind coach, the late great Carol Gignoux. Carol was not only my coach but also my teacher, mentor, and one of the pioneers in my field. Our early sessions often left me speechless with her boldness and probing questions, all while she championed me. She held up a mirror for me to clearly see my current situation, pushed me to explore alternative realities that better served me, and encouraged me to take steps to create the future I deserved. And she did all of this with kindness and humor, which made the journey all the more enriching.
Before meeting her, I believed I could figure it all out on my own. One of our greatest challenges as high-achieving Turbo Thinkers© is the ability to let go and trust another person to handle the task. Many of us, in our pursuit of quality control or saving time and money, find it easier to handle tasks ourselves rather than delegate. This tendency extends to challenges in both the workplace and at home, where we feel we should be able to handle everything independently. We adopt a mentality of "if everyone else can do it, so can I." Sometimes, especially for executives in leadership positions, attempting to coach themselves only leads to frustration due to a lack of immediate results. They become trapped in hours of rumination, going in circles, and complicating matters further with overthinking. As Turbo Thinkers©, we perceive endless possibilities. However, when sorting through them independently, we can easily become overwhelmed by the multitude of ideas we encounter.
Another common strategy I've observed is seeking advice from others. For instance, I recently encountered a new client—an executive who avidly consumes podcasts, reads self-help books, and follows influential figures on social media. However, despite their efforts, they find that none of the advice seems to work for them. This isn't surprising, considering that most of the solutions and productivity hacks are tailored for a neurotypical brain, which may not align with the needs of Turbo Thinkers©. In reality, the advice provided may only be effective for the individual who originated it. Each person has unique needs, experiences, and situations that may not precisely match those of others. Additionally, our brain type tends to be naturally rebellious. When faced with commands to perform tasks in a specific way, it often resists, with a defiant "I don’t think so" attitude. Our brains are most stimulated by ideas that originate from within, driven by intrinsic motivation, personal interest, and novelty, which propel us into action far more effectively than following external advice and direction.
As an experienced executive coach, I've witnessed firsthand the power of coaching in facilitating problem-solving and fostering creativity. This notion is further supported by recent research outlined in a compelling article “Neuroscience & Coaching: Separating the Myths from Reality” in Choice magazine. The study discussed, conducted in April 2022, meticulously examined the brain activity associated with problem-solving. Participants were subjected to three different approaches: solitary sorting, receiving direct opinions and advice, and non-directive coaching utilizing reflections and open-ended questions. What emerged from the study was remarkable. While approaches #1 and #2 elicited minimal brain activity, the coaching approach sparked significant engagement in the region of the brain linked to creativity. Participants experienced a surge in insights and 'aha' moments, greatly enhancing their problem-solving capabilities. Moreover, they exhibited heightened excitement compared to situations where they attempted to solve problems independently or received direct suggestions. This study serves as a resounding confirmation of the efficacy of coaching in facilitating transformative change. By guiding individuals' thinking processes rather than simply offering advice or allowing for solitary contemplation, coaching stimulates creative insights and propels action with confidence and sustained commitment. It underscores the profound impact coaching can have on empowering individuals to envision new possibilities and navigate challenges effectively.
For Turbo Thinkers©, the decision often becomes clear when faced with problem-solving dilemmas: a) remain in perpetual rumination, b) seek external advice and attempt to apply it, or c) engage with a trusted co-thinking partner through coaching. Collaborating with a compassionate coach who comprehends our cognitive patterns enables us to gain deeper insights into ourselves and our requirements. This journey empowers us to rewrite the narratives that constrain us, emboldening us to pursue original solutions that resonate with our true selves. With this newfound clarity and confidence, we can step into our fullest potential and embody the best version of ourselves. How will you heed the call to coaching? How will you inspire others to do the same? What are you denying yourself by putting your life on hold?