The One-Word Challenge
Coaching Tip #24
If you were running a think-tank workshop and had to develop a theme around a single word, what would the word be? This challenge demands that you capture the members’ attention, and also answer their three critical questions:
Why am I here?
How can I add value?
What will I learn?
The first few months of 2020 has provided us with plenty of content and information that will shape our future. But for the lessons to be learned, exploration is required. Now is the time to explore, before we go back to our familiar patterns (which may or may not be serving us well).
I have been pondering this question over the last few days.
I have chosen my word: Insight.
Insight is the next stage of awareness, and it is applicable to both individuals and the collective. It requires thoughtful consideration of our circumstances. It demands respect, but it also allows for debate.
Insight comes through our experiences. It drives innovation and productive change but only if you are attuned to the need, and are willing to explore alternatives.
Here are three examples of how insight shifted a path.
Howard Shultz experienced coffee in Milan, Italy.
In 1980, Susan Komen died of breast cancer. Her sister Nancy Brinker made a promise to do everything she could to end this cancer forever.
My friend Su Bodner noticed a simple act of kindness from an individual cleaning a washroom in the San Antonio airport.
When we experience something that impacts us, ideas incubate. If you take action and have conviction, the affects can change lives.
What insights will come out of Covid-19? Start with asking yourself some questions:
How has Covid-19 impacted me?
What would I now do differently, given what I have experienced?
What is positive about this experience?
What thoughts keep circling around in my head?
What needs to change?
What is the cost if I do not change?
Also, are you listening to those that around you? How are these questions answered by others in your life? For example:
A five-year old
A high-school student
An athlete who lost the opportunity to compete in their senior year of college
A person who lost their job
A healthcare worker
A person who lost someone to Covid-19
A person who is afraid to go to a doctor to get treatment for something other than Covid-19
An elderly person in isolation
The individual who craves the office atmosphere and is feeling isolated and unproductive.
Right now we all are sharing a Covid-19 world.
Do we want others to drive the change or can your insights redefine your future? You do not need to be a Howard or Susan or Su. You need to be you and act on what you know.
Go and create your own think-tank. Gather 4 or 5 people and answer the central questions. Use your experiences to better understand why you are here, how you can add value, and what you can learn from others.
I’ll be interested in what you explore and what you discover.
Melinda