What I have personally noticed is how important it is, as a leader, to get clear on your goals and your personal vision. Yes, this may sound like an old story because everyone talks about “goals” and “having a vision”, but that doesn’t invalidate the wisdom behind it. Unless you, the leader, are clear, how can anyone else around you have clarity? Without clarity of direction, you can never hope to achieve the results you want as a leader… it’s like driving yourself and your team cross-country to somewhere you’ve never been before: sure, you’ll end up somewhere, but probably NOT where you wanted to go!
As a coach, my job is to ask questions that help my clients reflect and think deeply, so that they can come up with their own answers and then act from those answers. So today, I want to help you coach yourself by providing you with some key questions that will help you get this necessary clarity on your goals and vision.
- As a leader, do I know what I stand for?
- Do I have a personal set of values and personal vision for what I want to accomplish?
- Is that vision so compelling to me that I can see, feel, taste, touch and smell it?
- How do I go about expressing that vision, with my family, my friends, my colleagues, or my community, in terms of how I lead?
- When do I sometimes compromise my vision, and what does that teach me?
- When I’ve crossed the line and deviated from my vision, what is it that brings me back to center again?
- Who supports me in reminding me of my core vision, my values?
- How I am supporting myself so that my key needs are met?
- How do I let myself become distracted?
- What are the signs I have gotten distracted?
- How do I correct my course and get back on track?
For example, recently I have been receiving many calls for one-on-one coaching. Of course, I am very grateful for this interest in my coaching services, and found myself wanting to help many of these people despite having a rather full plate already. Before saying “yes” to all of these new potential clients, I had to stop for a moment, and remind myself of my overall goals—of connecting with key leaders and decision makers, people who are committed to making a difference not only to the bottom line, but in the lives of people around them.
I noticed when my focus on this goal wavered, and I was tempted to accept a new client who perhaps wasn’t the best “fit” for me based on my goals and personal vision (i.e., compromising), I felt the stress throughout my body. Knowing that I need to listen to the wisdom of my body, I took a walk for a half hour, and then phoned a colleague for some support. I also asked myself, “Why did I waver? What is the best way for me to get back on track?”
I was reminded that I know to trust myself and hold to my vision in a creative way. I began to think of what it might take to satisfy the one-on-one clients while still holding true to my personal vision and commitment. (Could I bring in other coaches to work with some of these new people? Who might I bring in to support me in working with these clients?) As I began to brainstorm solutions that were in alignment with my vision, the stress in my body dissipated, and that told me I was back on track again.
I am always humbled by what it takes to be a true leader, and the constant self-trust, integrity and love of self it takes to stay in alignment with one’s own vision. And that starts with clarity.
