Belief & Reality

I think I can, but ….

As a executive coach I often come across clients who have beliefs. Beliefs about what they want to achieve, how things should be done, the way the organisation should function and much more. When they share their beliefs the body language changes — they sit up in their chair, there is passion in their voice and their tone generates energy.

In many cases they also share their frustrations. They are perceived as ‘not real’ by their managers and / or colleagues. Their expectations are negated as ‘far fetched’. Their analysis of organisational situations is seen as ‘fuzzy’. They are asked to ‘get real.’ Factor in the ‘reality’ so that realistic goals are developed.  So that targets are exceeded, resources are used optimally, productivity is increased, stock prices move up – and more.

Belief is a far greater enabler then is given credit for. Clients with strong beliefs deliver more – for their organisations and themselves. Their ‘far fetched expectations’ are a reflection of their above average ambitions. And their ‘fuzziness’ is an ability to see a much larger number of possibilities.

Belief brings along commitment, passion, energy, excitement, possibilities. Reality brings along doubts, precautions, safety nets, comfort zones, constraints. The challenge of a coach is align these two. And to ensure that recognition of reality does not lead to a suspension of belief for the client.