One Hand Clap

“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” – Aldous Huxley

Have you heard the sound of a one hand clap?

A litany of concerns often precedes the one hand clap. It sounds like complaints wrapped with emotions and presented as outrage. There is, frankly, only one advice: do not engage. Smile and nod your way out.

Coaching agile leaders is a fulfilling profession for me. But occasionally, the universe presents a unique challenge. Over time I have learned to smile my way out of the situation because some situations are not fit for coaching. You can tell that there is no desire to receive coaching when:

Everything happens to them because of others’ mistakes
Conversations with them are a series of deflections away from reflecting on their contribution to their challenging situation.
They know everything, and the situation will improve only when everybody else does what they want.

I am inclined to try to help, and I know that venting can help people with letting go. I have benefited personally when friends, colleagues, and coaches allow me to express my frustrations.

And then I hear the yearning for the other hand. We all arrive at that place at our own pace.

Motivated leadership teams who want to create an organizational environment where others feel empowered engage us to lead our Leadership Cohort program.