CoachNet Campfire

My wife Jodi and I have children. Two to be exact. Blond, blue and born for the stage. They both dance and sing. Therefore I’ve spent a lot of time at both the dance and music studios. Each visit reveals dozens of aspiring performers diligently going through their lessons, rehearsals and practicing various aspects of their particular passion. Over and over. And it all makes sense since, the convention wisdom suggests, “practice makes perfect.” However, an occasional bad note, step or enunciation will creep in. If repeated often enough, our wise vocal instructor said, “practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent!” Repetition alone does not aid a performer, only in the repetition of what is right can an artist find that place of perfection. Therefore nearly all growth for a performer is not in repetition but in the breaking of old ways of doing things, relearning new ways and incorporating them into their repertoire. How wise that instructor’s insight.

You and I work with leaders whose work involves a great deal of repetition, tradition and other kinds credible of experiences. But often times they are stuck, unable to move forward due to long rehearsed and now seemingly permanent bad habits. Here’s where a coach can be so strategic. In helping leaders spot those deeply entrenched, seemingly benign habits and challenge them to stop. To break the cycle and help them discover and embrace more effective ways and therefore grow.

“What is God wanting me to stop repeating, unlearn, relearn and replace?”