Not long ago, a friend of a friend called us at VIM Executive Coaching and mused that he might need executive leadership coaching however he wasn’t sure. This led us to asking the logical question of telling us a little about himself. It was an innocent enough question that led him into a dissertation of his many certificates, awards, diplomas and credentials.
That is pretty impressive we mused. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that (privately) we didn’t recognize one school, organization or honor he mentioned.
“Why not come in for a free VIM executive coaching consultation?”
He told us he would think about it, maybe someday, perhaps. Then, after a pause, “No, I don’t think it’s for me.”
Fair Enough, We Suppose
We are the last thing from high-pressure executive coaches. Authenticity and mindfulness are the cornerstones of our approach. We like the concept and image of the student as teacher and coming into situations where “we come with an empty cup,” where there is always room to learn more. If we approach a new situation with openness and kindness, rather than with an agenda, all of us, no matter our professions, will be successful.
Therefore, when a new student comes to VIM Executive Coaching, we listen. Intently. This is not an infomercial! It is a lesson as profound for our daily lives as it is for our work environments. If the client believes there is nothing new, no information, no room or no way he or she can learn something new that in essence, their cup is full, it is difficult to coach them.
Every coaching client of ours is seen as a unique person with a unique style. In that way, our cups are empty. We understand that not one style fits all and certainly no two executive leaders want to lead in an identical manner, or indeed, can lead in an identical manner.
It leads us to the important topic of credentials.
The Society of Credentials
Unfortunately, we seem to have entered an “Age of Credentials,” where some buy, download or massage the truth a bit, and claim a collection of credentials from rather dubious sources. It is a new executive society, where the walls of their offices, frames in their cubicles or even resumes, are decorated with “almost, sort of, kind of” degrees, courses or training that represent an attempt to stonewall or cut off, rather than to be open and accepting. It is the equivalent of an executive saying, “As you can see, I’ve learned everything, seen everything.” It is the full cup of that no teacher can overcome. It is difficult for an executive leader to have room for authenticity, mindfulness and compassion when the walls, desks, resume and mind are filled with real or imagined certificates.
We prefer the client who freely admits, “I think I am a good leader, but I want to be better,” or even the client who is truthful in saying, “I hate to admit it, but I’ve made mistakes in the past and I believe I can improve.”
All of us, and that includes everyone at VIM Executive Coaching, must be willing to say that we don’t have all the answers, that we are not perfect, that there is always some room in our cups to learn something new and to be better.