“Connection is why we’re here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.”- Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
One of the most meaningful gifts we can give each other is the gift of time and attention. When we spend time with someone who genuinely listens, we feel valued, cared for, and capable. We all have moments of self-doubt and need connection with others to confidently move forward.
Similarly, in our work, we need to connect with a trusted adviser who listens and helps us identify our vision, set goals, plan, execute, and reflect along the way. At times this can come from a supervisor or another colleague. However, our co-workers can often be pressed for time and have more limited perspectives that are entrenched in the same day-to-day work in which we are steeped. In these instances, as well as for entrepreneurs, it can be incredibly valuable to get the outside perspective of a coach. Coaches have a broader view and dedicated time to support us. They can help us to identify potential barriers and self-limiting beliefs, create thoughtful plans, and move past obstacles.
A few years ago, I connected with a coach who changed my life. I had worked in education for about 15 years and felt that something needed to change, but I was unsure of what opportunities to pursue next and how to move forward. Left to my own devices, I would have either stayed in a challenging professional situation for too long, or jumped into another role too quickly. Instead, my coach asked me to envision what my ideal future would look like in a year - a question I had never considered.
Though I didn’t know it at the time, this marked a turning point for me. I did not experience a dramatic flash of bright light, or specific “aha moment,” but rather the shift came over time.
Building trust with my coach, as she asked thoughtful questions and made space for me to consider new possibilities, renewed me both professionally and personally. Working with her made me feel validated and allowed me to take ownership of a difficult situation. My coach listened to me, recognized my strengths, and helped me to envision a new future when I felt unable to do so on my own.
Now, I am forever grateful to my coach, as I celebrate two years of KJ Consulting Group, due largely in part to her thoughtful guidance and support. I still use many of the practices that we developed together to reflect about what I envision for the future year, breaking that down into monthly goals, and planning and executing on professional and personal milestones.
I have served as a teacher, sports coach, instructional coach, and a manager of full-time staff, and I now support a number of clients through reflective coaching practices. I love helping leaders at all levels to identify a vision for their work ahead, create a plan, develop new strategies, execute, track progress, and reflect along the way. I differentiate my support according to each individual’s working style and needs, serving as a guide, an accountability partner, and a cheerleader, as we navigate obstacles and celebrate wins as a team.
Connect with me, and let’s start working together towards your 2020 Vision!
Your Team Member and Advocate,
Katie