This is definitely not something that everyone has a challenge with! But many do. Lots of people give and give but they end up giving too much – running out of energy to do the things that the organisation needs most, and becoming tired and even ill from the effort of constantly pleasing others (perhaps by doing favours, or taking on too many projects or activities). It can also be a challenge if we can’t say ‘no’ to people in our working lives that are no longer a positive influence on us. As our peers have such an impact on how we behave – how considerate we are, how healthy we are, how positively we think or how grateful we are for things – saying ‘no’ to tasks that are pulling us away from our potential is vital. Read more
Most of us have experienced a time when we have done something that has actually had a negative impact on our work – and we haven’t really known why we did it. Read more
It is doubtful that a day goes by where any one of us doesn’t use one of these words about something we feel needs to be done. But these little, innocent-looking words are in fact enormous traps in how we think – traps that keep our minds locked into less than useful way of thinking and being. Read more
Often, particularly when we have some tough things to say to someone (even if it is for their own good), we often skirt around the subject, not really saying what we know needs to be said. Usually this kind of talk is an attempt to be nice so that the person doesn’t think badly of us – in other words we find ourselves not being straight so that we don’t risk being disliked or rejected. Read more
An exercise, game or task that helps the person doing it see something about themselves or the world that they hadn’t seen before – in a way that, hopefully, helps them grow. Read more
We have highlighted some common challenges that users of the wecreate™ toolkit might encounter. Instead of answering each one in detail, and taking away your power in doing so, we have suggested a Breakthrough Question that might empower you to solve the problem yourself, using your innate wisdom and everyday leadership potential. If that still doesn’t work, we suggest you have an really truthful and up-front chat with your buddy and see if you can both work out a way forward together – one that supports you both to learn, to succeed and to fulfill your commitment to coach each other for eight weeks.
| Challenge | Breakthrough Questions |
| I don’t understand what I have to do | If I was the smartest, most successful leadership coach on the planet, what would I do? What are all the resources I have at my disposal that might be able to help me work it out (people, books, the Internet etc.) and which am I going to use first to find a solution? |
| My buddy doesn’t want to commit | Thinking about what really means the most to them, what could I say to my buddy that would help them see how rewarding it could be for them and therefore choose to get stuck in? |
| I’m not getting on with my buddy | What are the best things about them and how could the characteristics I don’t like actually benefit my growth and learning? What is it about my buddy that most reminds me of myself and, if I was infinitely compassionate, how could I think about this foible that would help me understand it and forgive it? |
| I am worried about my buddy | With the most respect for their current situation and their potential to be a leader, what would be the most responsible thing to do for their safety and wellbeing? |
| Some of my colleagues don’t like me doing this | Thinking about what really means the most to them, what could I say to people that would help them see all the long-term benefits of me achieving my potential? |
| My buddy is annoyed, angry or being difficult | What could I do to really get them to realise that I care, that I have listened and that I am here to support them? What could I say that would ease the situation and help them be the best version of themselves? |
| My buddy wants to quit | If I was the most passionate believer in the power of coaching what could I say to get them to realise what the benefits could be of them sticking with it? What might my buddy be avoiding and how could I gently and sensitively help them confront it so that they learn and grow? |
| I want to quit | What might I be avoiding and how could I compassionately encourage myself to confront my worries so that I learn and grow? What could I say to my buddy that could help them support me to be my best, even if I am not feeling very keen myself? |
| It’s taking too much time | If I was the most efficient organiser and time manager in the world how could I ensure that I get the most out of wecreate™ with the most ease? |
Our true inspiration is the source of all our real leadership potential, creative energy and connection to other people. It is the key that turns the lock that opens up our life to more luck, more ease and more flow. It’s the thing that lights us up and inspires others to engage with us, share our enthusiasm or drive and ultimately follow us wherever we think it is important to go. Read more
This is a very powerful tool that allows us to instantly enjoy more empowering and inspirational experiences everyday. When we reframe something we take what we might have felt was a ‘negative’ experience and turn it into a positive one by using it for our development, growth and long-term fulfilment. Read more
