Microaggressions in the Workplace
September 15, 2020
There are a few professions that allow you to add value to the lives of others. The ones that come to mind are obvious like Doctors, Nurses, Firemen, and such. However, another profession that adds a lot of value but doesn’t always come to mind is that of Professional Coach.
By definition, a coach is a person who teaches and trains athletes or performers. It is also defined as a private teacher who gives someone lessons in a particular subject. Which is where Higgs Leadership and Development finds its’ niche. What does the Coach get in return? What is the payoff? It is something that I just recently came to understand. It is the “Value Added” to another person’s life or organization. There is no monetary equivalent to that feeling you get when you look into your client’s eyes and see the light bulb moment as it happens. You have touched on something that resonates with them.
Does Adding Value Always Equate to A Positive?
When you are coaching someone to be better than they are, you sometimes have to hold a mirror to them until they see the blemish within. Often this can be a very tricky and sensitive issue. Especially when the topics are about belief systems, diversity and potentially opening wounds and having conversations many of us have worked hard at avoiding.
Then the moment arrives, and you have broken down the barrier and the client has the epiphany of understanding! The clouds break free, the angels sing on high, and you are sure your halo is beaming bright above your head! The reality may be that the fluorescent light above you is flickering but the spark of understanding in the client’s eye is there and you have made a connection that has changed their perspective and allowed you to bring them something of value in terms of personal growth and understanding.
As a professional coach, you may have no idea if you have made an impact. Training business teams to better communicate and understand each other can seem mundane and thankless. Then you get a letter that shows you otherwise:
“Derek delivered an incredible, inspirational message to our group that people are still talking about. He brings a contagious energy and a wealth of real-world experience that allows him to connect with any audience. What he shared with our group was both highly engaging and had practical real-life application. Awesome experience!” – Blake Godbee, 12 Stone Church
OR
“Their work with our Agency has made a significant difference to our openness with one another and how we see the work we do. Not only were the leadership sessions thought-provoking and interactive, but I left with vastly more. Derek’s direct feedback for improving my leadership skills was invaluable. He has a calm and logical method of teaching that truly connected and inspired me.” – Sally L. Buchanan, Creative community Services, Inc.
So, not only did Higgs Leadership Development add value to them, they have in turn, added value to us. There is always the desire to do good work and yet the validation that you have done just that is just immeasurable.
