When I work with clients who are in similar situations, I usually tell them, “Find yourself at the source of your suffering.” They rarely like to hear this, and now I find myself reluctant to take my own medicine. It initially seems like I’m asking myself to take responsibility for someone else’s mistake, but that’s not it. I’m reminding myself to be accountable for my own experience. The suffering really is optional, and blaming just increases it for everyone.

I notice I cause problems for myself when I get overly attached to my preparations. One of my many blind spots is around overly relying on my preparation. “Winging it” is rarely my first choice. However, things do tend to work out well when I trust my ability to adapt and find a way.

It’s this generosity in listening that makes them easy to serve and easy to love.

Clear and efficient communication begins with the speaker having a clear intention on what is to be said. 

What examples can you think of where a detail included or left out made the difference for you?

IN ORDER FOR THE REAL SPIRIT OF “LEADING BY EXAMPLE” TO BE EFFECTIVE, IT SEEMS LIKE IT TAKES A LOT OF PATIENCE AND MATURITY.

I may have gotten a little more coachable over the years, but my default in hearing feedback is not to listen, but instead listen to the voice in my head that says,

“I KNOW THIS ALREADY.”

In an industry heavy with regulations and rules of what you can and can’t do, she tenaciously brings the attitude of "FIND A WAY" for her customers’ benefit.

So, why are top leaders in top organizations having trouble being heard?

Are you doing things with excellence? Really? Are you really doing your best? Try this on and see if it does make a difference in everything.

When we know we have a good clean-up tool at our fingertips we are free to communicate openly. Walking on eggshells in any relationship can restrict creativity, productivity, vitality, love and a host of other things we hold dear. 

At times, fixing problems at the source may sound like a clear and easy set of steps to follow, but it may require more self-awareness and responsibility than complex thinking.

Can you think of a time when you’ve tolerated unclear expectations? And did that muddy the process of producing results?

That word, “commitment” rang loudly and sounded a bit like my new nemesis, but ultimately it was not. As noisily as it rang the unwelcome bell of, “It’s time to grow up and be accountable for your own life”, I understood the honor he was placing on his word.

As a business coach, I sign a Coaching Agreement with each new client. After the client signs the agreement we have a contract. It’s more of a “handshake” than a real contract, but it’s a promise nonetheless. It’s a sacred thing, and one of the most important details on that paper is that as their coach, I agree to “listen actively for what’s important to them.”