There is an exhaustive list of different considerations, but here is my personal approach; the end in mind with every interaction being self-growth that is revolutionary and permanent.
1. Observe, listen, and enquire rather just talk, talk and more talk.
It is important for me to take time to understand the persons that I interact with. The more accurately that I can formulate a hypothesis the more relevance and value in our journey.
This first step is basically me carrying out one of the 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey, “seeking to understand before being understood”.
The other habit that is particularly relevant is to “start with the end in mind”. Having clarity upfront of expectations.
2. I know that there are many things that I don’t know. I have the inner security to share my own shortcomings. This helps me to connect.
I learn with every session, seeking out different perspectives, valuing differences and thereby deepening my knowledge to better support those that I work with.
I know that nothing is black or white and that there are many ways to personal growth. I want to understand other approaches.
Only at this point can I make informed decisions as to whether or not to apply aspects of other ways of working into my approach.
This is really easy because I do not have an ego tied to any specific approach, my goal for those that I interact with being long term self-growth and happiness that is revolutionary and permanent.
3. I have absolute clarity on my approach. I live Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, and combine this with more than 22 years leadership experiences in multinational business.
Absolute clarity does not mean that my interactions do not evolve. But if you ask me about what I believe is important in leadership development, I will be able to tell you with clarity.
We have great conversations about each other’s work experiences that support leadership development on a permanent basis. Off course we all need to continually “sharpen the saw”.
My methods are not just continually applying fixes to problems. Anyone with quick fix expectations cannot and will not experience revolutionary and permanent self-growth.
My clarity of approach did not happen overnight; it evolved and continues to evolve because of my reflection with each interaction. Off course I have made mistakes of judgement, but never mistakes of the heart.
The clarity of my method gives me the inner security, guidance and wisdom to act, and to listen.
I instinctively follow the balance of my courage and empathy, knowing that self-development is tender ground requiring forthright interactions with consideration to build self-confidence. Of course, there will be disagreements; this is necessary in any healthy development.
Think Bigg-r 