Coaching for personal and professional development is not merely about goal attainment. Rather, it is a growth process, best served via the metaphor of a marathon rather than a sprint. Working with a coach can help us grow, mature and build our capability; finding new ways of being. To borrow another metaphor, coaching supports us with a ‘systems reboot’ for our analytic, relational and instinctual hard drives.
I was recently given a copy of Bruce Mau’s ‘An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth’, and although it was developed with the creative/ design process in mind, I find many of the ideas useful. Particularly when I think about my own professional development and the role I have coaching and supporting others in theirs.
The manifesto has 43 points altogether, here are a few that resonated with and inspired me. (You can access the manifesto here)
Everyone is a leader. Growth happens. Whenever it does, allow it to emerge. Learn to follow when it makes sense. Let anyone lead.
Opening ourselves to the possibility of being led and taught by anyone, regardless of rank and power, enables generative ideas, innovation and fresh perspective. Leadership can emerge from anywhere if we have the eyes to see it.
Ask stupid questions. Growth is fuelled by desire and innocence. Assess the answer, not the question. Imagine learning throughout your life at the rate of an infant.
Letting go of the need to appear to know everything, not only allows you to learn, it also creates a space for people around you to learn. This open space calls forth the exploration of ideas or actions that were previously unthought of. If you can hang in there with others in the unknown, the possibilities are endless.
Collaborate. The space between people working together is filled with conflict, friction, strife, exhilaration, delight, and vast creative potential.
It can sometimes feel easier to work alone, however the nature of human relationships is to contain the whole jumble of negative to positive and everything in between. When we both accept and welcome this tension (rather than fear or avoid it), this “grist for the mill” becomes fodder for vast creative potential.
Remember. Growth is only possible as a product of history. History gives growth a direction.
Growth requires a foundation, it comes from both success and failure. Treasure both these aspects as without them there would be no maturity, only stagnation.
Investing in coaching will help you prioritize your current growth opportunities and become more confident, resilient and self aware at work. Contact us today about our 1:1 coaching programs if you are seeking support to grow, develop and challenge yourself.