Up the Scaffold
Ollie Smedley • June 10, 2019
Taking a different perspective
I enjoy the use of symbolism and metaphor in my coaching - sometimes it’s easier for clients to access their creativity when they step out of straight problem solving and look at things through a different lens.
So I was overloaded with ideas as I stood on a rented scaffold, instead of a ladder, trying to trim my rather high hedge:
- Better understanding what the task was when I got up close
to it.
- Realising
that things aren’t always as they first appear.
- Stepping
back to get a different view.
- Looking
after myself when I was tackling the tough stuff.
- The
importance of having the right tools for the job.
- The other options I saw when I turned my back on the tree altogether.......
I wonder what you think of when you see the ladder and the scaffold?
Ollie helps finance leaders and teams create the space, thinking and leadership they need to thrive. Previously an FD and MD in a range of complex, blue chip organisations he’s now an ICF accredited coach. Try his free “What Matters in Finance” exercise if you’re curious about what really matters to you.
Sometimes it can feel IMPOSSIBLE to stop yourself losing your temper!
“I’m really busy. How are you?” “Good...yeah, busy too”. How many times have you heard that this week? However hard we try, this time of year always turns frantic. 🏆 Pushing 2019 business objectives over the line… 🎯 Planning for 2020…. 🍸 Social……. ✈ Holiday plans. 🎄 Christmas logistics – presents, diaries… ? And on and on… With a bit more than 2 weeks to go until Christmas, I call this stage: “I CAN STILL DO EVERYTHING!" - all that’s needed is for EVERYTHING to go perfectly and for NOTHING to get in the way.... I thought it might be better being self-employed but this week I’ve been juggling my diary, new client intake sessions, finishing my tax return, drinks with network….. Until, just in time, I noticed myself starting to inwardly grumble about leaving my desk for my daughter’s school concert. 🙈 Hmmmm…………the power of self-awareness… So I had a firm word with myself and was reminded: . I really can’t do it all. . Much of it can wait or doesn’t matter. . I won’t be distracted from the really important stuff ❤ What are you NOT going to do as you race to the finish?! Ps. The concert was fab!
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