Day: November 5, 2018

Lately, it seems I spend much of my time reflecting on my career. No, I am not going through a midlife crisis, I’ve passed that stage.  I believe it’s due to the coaching and mentoring time I spend with my consultants. It must be a natural result of my leadership responsibilities. As I work with my consultants, listening to their issues, my mind unlocks memories of similar situations I experienced. I’m certain this is not uncommon as it is just the way our minds work. Happily, I am pleased to be able still, to tap into that reservoir of knowledge.  The added benefit is that it helps me empathize with these folks.  I have learned a great amount of useful information during my career, and I am happy to share that learning with my consultants.

 

The good news is that I’m still learning.  I am becoming more productive by developing new skill sets and sharpening existing skills.  Especially my listening skills. It’s not just understanding what is being said, but more importantly, its about picking up cues to understand what’s not said.  I have learned that the seminal issue is often blurred, obscured by biases and faulty self-talk.  Empathy is an added benefit of improving my listening skills which help to better understand the needs of my team.

 

I’ve learned that coaching is more effective if I can work around one’s logic filters. If the message can be internalized at an emotional level there’s greater likelihood that one will act on the message. Turning experience into stories is an effective way to create a lasting impression.  Stories carry the weight of credibility if they come from one’s personal experience.  My advice is supported by authenticity and the passion I display reliving a personal experience. I consider it “the concept of connecting with impact.” My natural predisposition is to use humor whenever possible, especially self-deprecating humor.

 

I have the pleasure of working with highly-skilled professionals who have established impressive careers. They have all the skills necessary to become successful consultants even if they don’t recognize the full potential of those skills.  My mission is to train and motivate them to become effective freelancers by developing the skills they need now.  My strategy is to turn my experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly, into stories to help them learn how to achieve their goals.

 

Many in our group are accomplished independent consultants with ten to twenty years of experience.  They’re a tremendous resource and a big help to me.  However, we’re attracting new members who left their corporate careers to become freelancers. They are highly-skilled, highly-competent professionals, that are unclear on the requirements to build their businesses.  Naturally, I spend a lot of time coaching these folks on prospecting for gigs and closing deals.  The objective is to position them as “Thought Leaders,” or “Subject Matter Experts.”  The skills needed to become recognized as a  Thought Leader include:

Networking from a Plan

Speaking Engagements:  Selling by telling

Writing: Build a following of evangelists

 

Some of these skills come naturally to our new consultants.  Others are adept in each of these areas.  But some need a lot more help in one or more of these skill-sets.  I remember when I made my exit from the corporate world.  My public speaking skills were above average, however, my networking and writing skills weren’t ready for prime time.  That is not to say they were poor, but they weren’t polished enough to be an asset.

 

Now, my role is to start new members on the right path.  It isn’t easy for some, so I encourage them to take small steps.  Presenting at our monthly Members Meeting is an important step supported by a friendly room.  Likewise, we have a supportive team to help one gain the skills to write interesting blog posts. These small steps help one to gain experience and confidence.  Small steps lead to longer strides and then to leaps and bounds.  Appealing to one’s emotional hot-button is the trigger I use to help them make that first small step.

 

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