APPLYING YOUR PARENTING STRENGTHS TO WIN …

Would you believe me if I told you that, when it comes to your career, you’re probably violating your own values and beliefs?

In fact, I’d bet money on it.

No, it’s not what you think … I’m not suggesting that you deal with others dishonestly.

Just yourself. And, it’s not deliberate.

More on that soon …

I’m a commuter. My office is in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. I’m in #45, cattycorner to 30 Rock. I’m lucky to live in a lovely suburb of the City. Nice people with community spirit, pretty maple and oak trees, and a quaint little town center. Drive over 20 MPH and you might miss it as you pass through. You might get a ticket, too. 🙂

Every weekday about two-thirds of my town’s residents crowd the train platform for the “Midtown Direct” into Penn Station. On the one hand, the 40-minute trip is a drag. On the other, it’s a great time to connect with friends and neighbors and catch up.

Here’s a typical Monday morning conversation:

Me: “How was your weekend?”

Neighbor: “Busy! On Saturday, Dylan’s travelling team had a baseball double-header and Maddy had lacrosse. Then, we had to get them home for tutoring. Sunday, it was Sunday School for both and then SAT prep, all before an early dinner with grandparents.”

M: “Wow, sounds like a lot!

N: (smiling) “I need another weekend to recover from this one!”

M: “Is mid-week less hectic for you guys?”

N: “Are you kidding? Non-stop practices and classes.

M: “Sounds expensive, too.”

N: “It’s a fortune. Listen, I’m not complaining, though. We have to set them up well to succeed. Besides, this stuff works! I’ve seen them both get better and better!

I vicariously enjoy the parental pride they radiate when they tell me.

Parents pour their time, money and energy into the development of their kids. It speaks to their values and beliefs. Ones like:

• Getting better helps your children accomplish more and get rewarded for it
• Guided education is worth a sacrifice in time and money
• There’s a window of time in which the development will produce the biggest yield.
• You go to outside experts, rather than picking up a book and hoping something good will happen
• Your children won’t pick up the skills from just hanging around long enough

It makes perfect sense, right?

Of course, how do you expect anybody to get better at the important things, if they don’t have focused, skilled, support??

So, here’s the weird disconnect. And, I can’t for the life of me get it …

Remember my neighbor on the train? I then ask …

Me: “The kids sound great. So, how’s your work going?”

Neighbor: “It’s alright. Well, you know, it’s work. How good could it be?”

M: “What do you mean? You’ve got a great VP role with a solid organization. I thought you loved it?”

N: “I used to. But that was before things got complicated. I’ve got a new boss and the politics here are hard to navigate. I’m not sure I’m getting traction anymore.”

M: “And, so …”

N: “I think I’m stuck. I used to think I had 15 more years and a couple of promotions in me at this place. Heck, it was part of my retirement planning and eventual exit strategy.”

M: “Wow, that sounds like a lot’s at stake for you. So, what are you doing about it?”

N: “I’m trying to not let it get me down. Why, what can I do?

M: “Same thing you do for your kids, get a coach. For you, an executive coach.”

N: (looks at me like I am from Mars and says) “Seriously? Nah, that’s not for me. It’ll work out.”

Yes, that’s right. The person who invests time, money and energy into their kids’ development, won’t do the same for themselves.

This is the point in the conversation where I want to turn to the make-believe camera that’s recording us in my imagination and ask: “Did you just see what I saw? Crazy, right?”

But seriously … this is a Moment of Truth: Does this sound at all like you?

Have you been sensing that you may have plateaued in your current role? Before your time?

Have you been avoiding the issue, hoping it would clear up and resolve favorably on its own?

If so, I’m here to tell you that you’re contradicting your own values and beliefs. What applies to your kids’ development applies to yours, as well.

Take that in.

In my CSuite Accelerator community, members who held out for a while have shared with me their reasons for taking so long to get the help they needed. Here are the rationales I hear over and again with my replies:

1. Getting a coach is an admission to myself that I’ve failed.

My reply: Was getting your children scholastic and athletic coaching an admission that they failed? Of course, not! It was simply that you wanted to help them get as good as they could quickly and methodically.

2. Spending the money on a coach is an expense. It’s like money out the window.

My reply: It’s an investment in you and your future. It’s putting money into an appreciating asset. The same way it is for your children. Besides, what’s that promotion worth to you? Probably $20,000-$50,000 in cash comp the first year. Maybe more. So, if you get that promotion two years sooner you’re looking at $40,000-$100,000, right? The way I see it, you can’t afford to say ‘no’ to that kind of extra earning.

3. I may be incapable of change – getting coaching is no guarantee I will improve.

My reply: I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I’ve seen every type of professional. If you’re committed, you will improve. It’s not rocket science. It’s commitment.

4. The coach might be a quack – this is an unregulated industry.

My reply: That’s not a problem. Just ask for testimonials and references. Any seasoned coach should have many to share with you.

In short, these rationales are no more compelling to your own development than they would be for your children’s.

If this sounds like you, stop waiting for something to change on its own. Invest in yourself. It will help you AND your family. It’s time.

And, here’s a great way to get started. Register for my FREE exclusive online training session, The Executive Charisma Method™; how to project like a CEO”.

Register here right now.

We’ll go into depth and learn:

* How to consistently make a lasting impression of “gravitas” and senior stature

* How to instantly “sync up” with anyone at an unconscious neurological level so that they trust you as a leader

* How to frame and present your ideas with authority and inspiration to always sound like a C-Suite Leader

* How to project executive presence whether in a one-on-one, leading a team meeting in a conference room, or walking into an auditorium and addressing 1,000 people

Plus time for personal Q&A …

Here is the link to get registered now.

See you there,

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