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I
recently kept an appointment with a potential client who had
contacted me about working within his organization.
His first words
to me were, “I’m really busy. We might be interrupted.” His
words were somewhat prophetic. By keeping his door open,
letting others interrupt, and stepping around me to accept
phone calls, he ensured that we were interrupted at least five
times in the first ten minutes. Much of what he communicated
to me non-verbally reinforced what he had already told me: He
was indeed busy. He was also stressed.
What he
didn’t know was that he was the cause of most of the stress.
What
he didn’t seem to realize was that his open door policy was
not only rude to me, but gave permission to others to
interrupt and intrude. I do understand that, in his mind at
least, all of this was in the name of being a good manager, of
making himself available to his staff and colleagues. And
possibly to somehow impress me with his
‘importance.’
 However, his availability comes
with a price tag. First and foremost, it keeps him scattered
and feeling stressed and victimized by his job. I wonder what
would have happened if I had stood up, closed the door, and
asked him if we could talk without interruption. I wonder if
he is capable of actually being alone with someone and giving
them his undivided attention. The reality is that we are so
busy doing everything and being all things to all people that
we don’t give any real time to anything.
I think there
was also something else going on. What this manager didn’t
tell me but what I could see was that he was fearful. Despite
contacting me about coaching, he was not convinced that it was
worthwhile and was afraid to commit. I offered him
testimonials, references, and a full
no-payment-required-if-not-satisfied guarantee. He wasn’t
buyin’it.
I think his real fear was that he would
make a mistake. As I left his office, I thought
of how typical he is of many managers.
Afraid
… to make a decision lest they make a
mistake.
Afraid … to make a mistake lest they be
perceived as incompetent.
Afraid … to appear
incompetent lest they lose their position, their pension,
their security, their ‘face.’
All of this fear is a
definite deterrent to effective leadership. This man appeared
dedicated, loyal, and committed. He was in a leadership role,
but demonstrated few leadership qualities. This is not to in
any way bash him but to point out how his behavior mirrors
that of other managers.
Could
this manager in any way be a reflection of you?
It is
interesting to me that the people who could most benefit from
coaching are often the least likely to embrace it. Engaging a
coach is, in and of itself, an act of leadership. Engaging a
coach is an acknowledgement that, “As good as I am, I know
that there are probably things that I can do better.” Engaging
a coach is an acceptance of the idea of broadening one’s
perspective. Engaging a coach is an announcement that “I
want to be the absolute best that I can be.” -SK
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"Follow what you love. Don't deign to ask
what 'they' are looking for out there. Ask what you have
inside. Follow not your interests, which change, but
what you are and what you love...." -Georgia Anne
Geyer
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A
special one-day “Coaching Clinic to Unleash Leadership”
Workshop is being held on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at
the beautiful Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax. Join Sheila in a
day dedicated to Leadership, Dynamic Communication, Improved
Performance and Real Success. For a brochure, email Ashburn@UnleashingTheLeaderWithin.com
-
 It’s here, and it’s available.
Sheila Kelly and twelve other successful Canadian
professional speakers put their heads together to discuss
their perspectives on business and life. The result is a
compilation of perspectives, stories, and exercises bound
together in the 3rd edition of the successful "SPEAK OUT"
series.
In "SPEAK OUT" – Sheila Kelly shares her
thoughts on unleashing leadership from the inside out. As
well, you’ll be able to read from other women, like Sheila’s
colleague, Crystal Hennigan of Entelechy Resource Group,
Halifax. Crystal’s chapter is titled, “Sell More Stuff, Make
More Money.” www.entelechygroup.ca
Read
a Preview of Sheila Kelly's Unleashing the Leader Within
from Speak Out Series, Vol. 3 " The Art, the Heart, and
the Joy of Leadership.
"SPEAK OUT" out is not
available in book stores. For a limited time, Aegis is
please to offer "SPEAK OUT" at a special price of
$15.00.
-
 Aegis was proud to sponsor the
first “Amazing Woman, Amazing World” event in Canada.
And now, thanks to Make It Happen; the Amazing Woman
founder, Marsh Engle, of California, is coming to
Halifax. Marsh is the Leading Women Luncheon speaker.
Marsh's Amazing Women book & journal series urges
the reader to take the time to recognize the extraordinary
power of the feminine spirit. Marsh will speak about the
Action Attitudes of Strength & Courage.
Her most
recent book release Amazing Women Amazing Firefighters is
written around the exploration into the world of the
female firefighters of the FDNY and profiles the fewer
than 30 women who serve among the nearly 12,000 firefighters
in New York City.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to
hear first hand how these women's stories have transformed
Marsh's life, and to be inspired by the stories of some
truly inspiring women. Contact Bruce or Leslie at Make It
Happen to register. 830-6072 leslie@makeithappen.ca
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Catherine
Hebb and her team at Jade Communications continue to add
polish to their profile. Not only are they hosting the
Gemstone Awards ceremony for the Canadian Public Relations
Society in October, they have been nominated for an award at
the upcoming Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Way to go, ladies!!
www.jade-communications.com
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At
Aegis, we approach leadership from three perspectives:
-
The
Art of Leadership – What You Do
-
The
Heart of Leadership – Who You Are
-
The
Joy of Leadership – The Difference You Make
Please
visit www.UnleashingTheLeaderWithin.com
for more info or contact Coach Sheila Kelly Sheila@UnleashingTheLeaderWithin.com
to discuss your needs
Employees
embrace the Aegis Coaching philosophy because it is simple
...it is sensible and it is practical.
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Sheila Kelly
Aegis Coaching Services
skelly@unleashingtheleaderwithin.com
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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