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When I first sought coaching training, I thought it was simply to get myself prepared to start my own business. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It wasn’t about me at all. It was about the process I needed to go through in order to be of the most help to others. It was this process of self realization that helped me be comfortable being the expert at not having to be the expert. It has been this posture that has enabled me to help so many people find their path and purpose.

Once I sat in an leader’s office and he asked me a simple question, “so what qualifies you to be here talking to me?” I responded simply that I’d learned that the higher you go in any organization the less people will tell you the truth. Add to that, because of the position of an executive, many times people won’t admit when they don’t understand what the leader is saying or doing. The result is that people leave meeting and move ahead with a lack of clarity. All the while, the executive is moving along thinking things are fine. The reality is, many times things aren’t fine. “I’m probably one of the few people who will admit that I don’t completely understand what you are saying,” I said. “That’s why you need me. I don’t have to be the expert in your field. I only need to believe that you are the expert and that you are probably already connected to all the resources you need to do your job well. Therefore, you don’t need more teaching and talking. You just might need more processing and accountably.”

“Hmm,” he said. “I like that. Ok, go.” Then I proceeded to work with him on some leadership competencies his organization had hired me to coach him through. In the end, he benefited and his organization benefited.

I’ve found that being trained well has made all the difference in my ability to help leaders think through what they (or their team) needs. It positions me to be a guide, as I lead others to increased self realization, which results in longer lasting results.

Yesterday I came across a video put out by the International Coaching Federation about Kentaro Hayashi, an executive coach in Tokyo. He explains his journey into coaching and why having the right training has made all the difference for him and his clients. It is so well done that I had to share. Please take the time to watch below to understand more about coaching and why a coaching credential matters. We are thought partners and want to help you find your path. I’m proud to be an ICF credentialed coach – and I’d love to journey with you. Enjoy this video, and have a great weekend.

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