I’m a Leadership Coach and something of a community activist. I coach people who want to live a good life while making a difference. That’s what I want for myself. That’s what I want for you. Work Hard. Do Good. Have Fun Doing It.
You found this blog. So, I’m willing to bet that you are striving to do ever more good through your work, whether in the private, public or nonprofit arena. Or perhaps you are interested in leadership because you serve your community in a volunteer role as a board member or elected official.
Our discussions will help you at home, too. Imagine being able to really lead as you interact with loved ones to build the family and the friendships that you desire.
What drives your interest in leadership?
I’m interested in leadership that brings people together to change something miserable, or create something wonderful.
As a coach, I engage with dedicated, talented people who have one simple question about leadership: How can I do it better? I’m guessing you’ve asked that question yourself. Whatever your place on the organizational chart, wherever you fall on the scale of experience, expertise or authority, you want to improve your leadership so that you can achieve an even greater impact than you already do.
What does leadership feel like?
A coaching client is leading her company through a massive transformation. Yesterday she told me that although they’d faced some significant hurdles in the last few days things were still moving forward. “I have had some moments where I have felt daunted,” she said, “but right now I am feeling optimistic.”
Real leadership is about getting comfortable with the see-saw between “daunted” and “optimistic.” Our hope is that this blog will support you when you are up, when you’re down, and in between. Thanks to my co-host, Steve Wolinski, for kicking things off. I’m glad the conversation has begun! Please join us.
So glad to see your posts. I’ve a passion for leadership but seem to be involved in too many things. May just be a personal problem, but what suggestions do you have for the person “up for the task” just not certain which task to choose!
Thanks for reading, Paula. Believe me, this is a common problem! I’ve been there myself, and wouldn’t be surprised to find myself there again. The bad news is two-fold: you do have to choose and you do have to disappoint people. The good news is, if you accidentally say “no” to the wrong thing and the wrong people, you will almost certainly be welcomed back with open arms. Every group needs people who are willing and able to lead.
To avoid too many U turns, you’ll need to invest in some reflection time (either on your own, with a journal, or with a coach) to decide where you can best find that magical intersection of “your own great gladness and the world’s deep hunger” (to quote Frederich Buechner).
But in the meantime, just start saying “no” more often. You may be clumsy about it at first (I sure was). You may say “yes” to something tonight and have to call back tomorrow, and say, “I’m sorry. I slept on it and realized I am over-committed. I have to change my answer. I have to say “no” now, so that I can focus on projects I’m already committed to.” Apologize and move on.
In some ways, it doesn’t matter which issue you choose. They all need you. But they need the full, powerful, energized, able-to-lead you. Not the over-committed, exhausted, slightly resentful you. Manage yourself by choosing, even though it’s hard. If you, or anyone else who is reading this, would like a free coaching consultation to identify your own personal intersection between gladness and hunger. coachjulia.net