"Sometimes you have to take a few steps back to get the big picture."
If you haven't seen the movie, I recommend it. The movie reveals the depths of a wonderful relationship between a young man who dreams to be an artist and a grumpy old man who ultimately takes the boy under his wing to share the insights of a master painter.
The tag line itself is a powerful thought. Taking a step back is something we should do on a regular basis. Taking a step back from your business is terribly difficult to do unless you develop a habit of taking the time to reflect on several important questions. At BusinessCoach.com we ask these questions to find a path for ourselves and clients. Take a few minutes right now to reflect on these questions about your business or your life.
What's working? Make a list of everything you feel that is working well for you and your business.
What not working? Make a list of everything that you feel needs improvement.
What's missing? What will it take to remedy things and make improvements that count?
What's next? Taking action is the key to succeeding once your plan is in place. (Yes, you need a plan. It's not good enough to have it in your head. What happens to your company if you miss a step while hiking down the Grand Canyon?
I try not to tie everything back to business. But the movie made me think about the power of relationships in life and in business. And the truth is we have to go out in the world and work at earning and building meaningful relatinships. If you choose to see the movie you'll notice how challenging it was for the young man to even approach the old artist at first. So get out there and find a new coach, find a new mentor, find someone new to serve in a way that creates meaning for both of you. The whole world if possible.
The relationship aspect of the movie was moving. As a business coach I strive to build a deep and trusting relationship with each client. At BusinessCoach.com we carefully decide in what way we will stand for our clients' future. In Local Color the artist stood first as a reluctant teacher. His emotions and character completely out of synch with the apprentice artist. Yet, despite the old man's alchoholic tendencies and abrupt outbursts of disgust and anger, the two form a bond that runs deep. The artist eventually stood as a true teacher and friend. But it took work on both parts.
How deep can we as business coaches bond with clients? To what level of honesty can we arrive? How can we connect in a way that means 1+1=3 instead of 2? For me it's a matter of having a deep passion to serve other entrepreneurs. I love working with successful, dynamic, and creative people who put their hearts and souls into their business. I think I share this with my peers at BusinessCoach.com and many others in our profession. We want to make a difference. And the more experience we create in life for ourselves, the more we have to give back to our clients, friends, and family.
Mentors and coaches can make a huge difference in our lives. Every coach I know has at least one coach to coach the coach. If you can't afford a coach, find a mentor. Heck, even if you have a coach, find a mentor. Find many mentors.
Be a mentor too. Be willling to serve and expect nothing in return. Live with a servant's heart. Help someone else get what they want and I believe the formula reads that this may help you get what you want.
See Local Color and come back here to share your thoughts.
As always, warm regards.
Cliff Jones-president, WealthNet Business Coaching, LLC
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