Recently, I’ve been sharing my favourite coaching tools that I use to supporting clients on my website. It doesn’t matter if their goals are career-focused, return to work, balance, or all of the above, my coaching process draws from a whole smorgasbord of techniques that helps create a career to enjoy. The backbone of coaching is well-placed questions. A gentle interrogation not only uncovers beliefs, but also helps problem-solve. A really effective way to encourage people to take on a different perspective is to place themselves into the mind of another. I’ve witnessed how this change in perspective helps others; today I will share how it can help your career.
We are a combination of our life experiences to date, our values, our personalities and our circumstances. It is no surprise that we all get stuck in our ways. Life, especially when you are a parent, can be continually moving from one to-do list to another, instinctively responding to what comes up next. Our days are filled with habits, and we get settled in how things are done. We hang around with the same people, read similar types of books, watch the same news, and have similar conversations. We tell ourselves stories about who we are, what we are capable of, and this plays a huge part in not only what our goals are, but how we approach them.
When I am working with clients around career opportunities, most will respond by considering what has, or hasn’t, worked before. This is a sensible option; drawing on life experience, judging who, what and where it is worth placing your efforts and attention, then using this educated guess to create a way forward. However, this process is risk-averse. It doesn’t allow for trying new things, or new approaches; that is why I often ask the question “If you had a magic wand, and can guarantee success, what would you do?”
As you can imagine, once perceived or real restrictions are lifted, people can get creative! For many, their answers still exist within the space of their reality, their experiences, their personality. So, we bring a little fun into the mix. A little acting, tapping into their playful side. We start to change their perspective, projecting this goal, situation or problem into the life of another. Who this person is can vary, they can be real or fictional, someone they know or someone they wish to knew, someone they like or someone they don’t! Metaphorically standing in another person’s shoes allows you to consider different options; possibilities that aren’t restricted by your current reality, values, personality or resources.
Ask yourself “What would x do?”.
Who could this mystery person be? Your prompts can include:
- Your best friend
- A celebrity
- A family member
- Your closest advisor
- A person you dislike
- A person you admire
- A younger version of you
- The unethical version of you (uncomfortable, but interesting answers, so go with it!)
- If money was no object
You can use as many of these are you see fit. Take some time to get settled into how they may respond to the same issue or goals that you have. Jot down your answers, judgement-free! That is one of the most important points; you are not committing to anything, well, just not yet! Whilst the answers, in the initial stages, may seem impossible or out of this world, many have a grain of possibility that then helps reframe your opportunities for the future.
So, if you find yourself stuck, not able to move past your own internal chatter, or feel like you have exhausted all possible options to create the career you enjoy, try living in the head of another person for a while. It may be uncomfortable, but you never know where the change in perspective may take you and your career!
Come along to Creating Careers to Enjoy, to join over 500 people (who happen to be parents) who are working on their careers.
If you would like to read other articles to help your career you can find them by topic:
Balance
Be the Boss
Book Review
Career
Confidence
Return to Work
Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has a social mission focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you had a career to enjoy?
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
