Revolution Coaching

Are we there yet?

Today’s article in by Tim Colebatch in The Age (http://business.theage.com.au/business/recession-to-be-long-and-severe-20090416-a8w6.html)  reports that the IMF thinks the current financial crisis is going to be longer and deeper than “normal”.  This comes amid apparent optimism in the share market and voiced by Obama that the downturn could end soon.

So, who’s right? I guess it comes down to who has the loudest voice.

This crisis is almost entirely a state of mind. There is no less cash in the world. The only thing that has changed is the way we value things. Particularly, how those who control the large levers in the economy value things like assets, companies, currency, land, loans, etc.

Listen to the language the economists and journalists use. They talk about “confidence”, “market fears”, “glimmers of hope”, etc. These are all ways of thinking about things. The reality is that the value of something is determined entirely by the way we think about it.

Everyone knows that the value of the stock market rises and falls on the rumour mill. It’s all based on how anyone who wants to buy or sell thinks. The underlying data on a company is rarely factored in to the day to day trading of shares, but even when they are, it’s all a matter of opinion. IN my mind, a company is only “good value” if I think so. The relative value of a bank is determined principally on what  value is placed on its assets by those who want to buy the bank or have an interest in it. The value of a house or land is determined by the price any given person is willing to pay for it. If no one wants to pay the advertised price, then it’s not really worth that much, unless the person who owns it still thinks so, in which case they have effectively “bought” it for that price. It’s all a state of mind.

Why am I pressing this point? Because the work of this depression in terms of its effect on Gen Y is also about how people, especially Gen Y, thinks. I wrote in a previous blog about the need for this depression to have a particular effect. Based on the last time around (1929-33) the young adults and especially the emerging leaders of that day needed the shared experience of the pain of the Depression in order to form the skills that they then used to shape and begin building a new world. Shared experience – it’s about how they thought.

This depression needs to have the same impact on the current generation of foundation-layers (Gen Y). The depression isn’t over until we think it’s over. Obama could be right. So could the IMF. Last time around, the depression began to lift (yes I’m using language similar to that we’d use for a mental state of mind also called Depression) when FD Roosevelt started talking it up. An optimist in nature, Roosevelt literally talked the world out of its depression. Obama could do the same.

BUT, will this current depression have done its job by then for Gen Y? If my reading of Gen Y leadership right now is accurate, I don’t think it has.  There is still more painful insight to be had for them before those vital visionary skills emerge. I hope the IMF is right for now. We need more shared pain, if we are to get the long-term gain.

So, for now, I think the IMF will win the day and we’ll see much more pain. But soon, Obama will have his day. I reckon he will talk us out of it, just like Roosevelt did in the 30’s. Obama’s deep sense of values, understated optimism and hope, and oratorical ability will do the job – just not quite yet.

The Power of Appreciation

I’ve been re-reading Dale Carnegie’s book “How to win friends and influence people”. The first three chapters offer perhaps the most useful and persuasive skills a person could acquire for success in any field.

Principle 1: Never criticize. I know a few marriages that could benefit from building up their expertise in doing this.

Principle 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation. We all know how good it feels to feel important!

Principle 3: Arouse in the other person an eager want. This is the key to cooperation and most useful activity!

Criticism is a funny thing. It often feels good when we criticise others and yet if we bothered to look at the track record, we’d see that it almost never gets what we desire in terms of changed behaviour. The only thing criticism seems to serve is our own need to feel important, especially if we’re OK with satisfying that need at the expense of others.

Criticism is a momentary ‘feel good’, but it doesn’t stop there. It undercuts the other person’s self-esteem. In fact, criticism can provoke in the other person exactly what we DON’T want! Here’s an example. Over the last few days I’ve been dealing with a situation that is causing me a bit of stress. My muscles have tensed up a bit and I haven’t slept well. Those close to me have noted the disturbance in my usually light-hearted demeanour, and criticised me for becoming a grump. Funnily enough I was trying really hard not to be grumpy! But, the criticism had its effect – I immediately defended myself against the accusation of being a grump – to which they replied “See! You are a grump!!”

Scarily, if this pattern persists long enough, it will become the mind-map I and others use to view me, and I will have completed my journey to becoming a grumpy old man!

Fortunately, Carnegie has Principle No. 2 to rescue us. Appreciation is one of those treasures in life that we need to find much more of. I haven’t met anyone yet that doesn’t appreciate being appreciated. In a few extreme situations, such as when a person has been abused, their first reaction to appreciation is to deny it. Their mind-map of themselves has been shaped by that abuse so that they feel they have no value. An expression of appreciation contradicts that mind-map so they reject the expression in order to maintain personal integrity. I have had the great privilege of working with survivors of abuse in ways that ultimately see them literally change their mind, create a new sense of self-worth, and come to receive the appreciation of both themselves and others. The journey has been likened to one of death and resurrection.

Genuine appreciation, as opposed to flattery, honours both the giver and recipient. Both are lifted up in the sight of the other. The same principle I illustrated in my grumpy story applies here. We literally speak things into existence. So, if I offer appreciation, I will speak into existence raised esteem, value and honour. The person is more likely to continue the actions or attributes which I appreciate. In fact, any actions or attributes I may dislike, will probably struggle to find room to exist in the light of the more robust and regular practise of that which is appreciated!

Finally, Carnegie’s third Principle of arousing in the person an eager want. Sales people will flock to this one, but as a Coach, it is my bread and butter, and sets me apart from say a Consultant or Trainer.

If I come to your organisation, even at your request, and spend time analysing, measuring, observing and assessing, and then make recommendations about how to fix or improve your organisation, chances are you’ll pay me a lot of money for my wisdom, receive the report, do some of the things that are easiest to implement, and then shelve the rest.

Why would you waste all that money? Because you didn’t figure it out yourself. To quote a current GPS advert, “No one likes to be told where to go, unless they’re lost.” Even when the GPS has put me back on the right track, you can bet that I will take over again because I like to know that I’m in control.

As a coach, the most useful thing I can do is to ask my clients great questions, offer clear feedback and clarifying statements, and then let them come up with the brilliant answers. My clients are always in control of their answers and the direction they’re heading. Whenever I have done this, people make a list of actions they will take and generally complete all of them. Their completion rate is in the order of 90%-100%! Any consultant would be proud of those figures, as would any parent!

Even more exciting is the fact that on those rare occasions when an action hasn’t been accomplished in the manner planned, there has been something to affirm, an insight to gain, and a new action to put in place.

Without having to tell them to do anything, a coaching approach enables people to hit their goals with effectiveness, commitment and excitement.

Practising these skills of never criticising, genuinely appreciating and creating an eager desire will ensure at least three things: 1) People around you will feel great. 2) People will like to be around you. 3) People you influence will achieve more of the things they want.

Not a bad outcome! If you’d like to know more about coaching, or would like to be coached in reaching your goals, get in touch with Revolution Coaching here. Your first session is free so you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Frog’s Legs Coaching – New product

Recently I completed the Eat That Frog seminar. Run by Mark Garboletto, and based on Brian Tracy’s famous material, the one day workshop gives participants an intensive day to focus on creating a personal vision based on one’s own values. The seminar then enables participants to create their own goals, strategies and immediate actions to get on the way.

It was a fabulous workshop and worth every cent, but I quickly relaised that it would be possible to walk away and lose the gains, simply because I didn’t spend long enough on creating new mind maps to reflect my vision and goals.

So, I have created a new coaching course specially for Eat That Frog clients. It picks up where the Eat That Frog seminar finishes, and over 10 weeks, focuses on capturing and maintaining new insights, knowledge and vision gained from the workshop.

It’s a great way to maximise your investment and hit your goals!

If you haven’t done the Eat That Frog workshop yet, visit http://www.eatthatfrog.com.au to find out more.

To inquire about your Frog’s Legs Coaching series, contact us here.

The Perfect Economic Storm for Gen Y

The results are in! This is now the worst economic downturn we’ve had since 1929.

While some are wringing their hands in financial pain, others of us are rejoicing. Why? Because this is the perfect storm, it was as predictable as the next sunrise and it’s right on time.

Strauss & Howe wrote a break through book “Generations” in which they identified four different generational types: Civics, Adaptives, Idealists, & Reactives. Gen Y (Currently about 7-27 years old) are this cycle’s Civics. Civic generations, according the S&H are the foundation layers of a new world. The last lot of Civics are currently 85+. They were the nation-builders that gave us the institutional framework of the Western society we have lived in and benefited from since the late late 30’s.

Not surprisingly each cycle runs it’s course, which includes a boom/crash cycle of varying degrees as each generation take over the reigns and does its thing. But Civics need a particular kind of experience in order to step up. Rewind back to 1920. The Roaring 20’s were a time of great economic success and progress. Times were great. And the then Civic generation were in their late teens. As the leading Civics entered their early adulthood, the Great Depression of 1929 hit home. Actually, home became a difficult acquisition. many were homeless. It was on the streets of despair that this new generation of young adults learnt the skills of foundation-laying. Out of their pain they imagined a new world and began putting in the institutional framework. Those young leaders are now 85+ and seeing history repeat itself.

Another generation came along (The present “Silent generation” aged 65-85) and seeing the potential harshness of the institutional structure, did their Adaptive thing and gave it flesh. They built community and softened these new structures with great values. they were also strong on loyalty. It was the strength the new structures needed to stand, and serve a new world.

Next came the Boomers. According to S&H their generational type is that of Idealist. They saw this newly completed structure with its comfy feel and went right on it and had a huge party. They lived the dream their forebears could only imagine. With a great sense of security they lived life fully, without any regard for the consequences. It’s been a great time.

A new generation arose (Gen X, S&K’s Reactives) who have seen the consequences of the Boomer’s party and are shocked. The cost has been too high economically, socially and environmentally. In the eyes of Gen X the Boomer dream has been a disaster. The consequences need to be addressed and fast. This is one reason why Gen X is essential a “Green generation”. However, their motives are based in deficit. They see the damage and want to fix it. As opposed to Gen Y who’s motivation is from a positive base. They have a new world to build.

So, at last Gen Y are on the scene. What are they like? Statistically they have the highest rates of mental illness, drug use, binge drinking, risk taking behaviour, and until recently suicide, that we have seen in any present generation. Their primary agenda has been to make it to the top of the company in three years or less, and have fun while they can. They have limited long-range planning skills. Why id their view of the world so short? It’s not hard to figure out. Every day they are bombarded with media reports of how the world is quickly turning toxic or melting. For Gen Y, the message they constantly receive is that there may not be much of a world to inherit.

BUT – Gen Y do have emerging leaders. These individuals are a bit different from their Gen Y cohort. They do see further ahead. They have a sense of optimism and can-do attitude. They know there are greater things than having the latest iPhone. The economic downturn is right on time for these Gen Y Leaders so feel real pain, and respond with real vision.

Whilst the last generation of Civics were nation-builders, this generation will be World-builders. The signs are already there. The world’s politicians are working out a new set of rules for a global economy. The old nation-based noes don’t work in a global village. We’re getting hints that Gen Y are the new Wowsers. Social commentator Bernard Salt recently wrote in the Herald-Sun about Gen Y’s harsh judgement on the decade of excess. They are demonstrating an awareness of environmental care that has future generations in mind. Salt says,”There is a sense that we are being called to account for the sins of our past: debt, pollution, greed.” And there’s a clear readiness to see all of this in a spiritual context. Meaning of life and God conversations often go together. Gen Y is showing a real openness to the God experience and for it to influence their world-making decisions.

These trends are becoming the first signs of the kind of future Gen Y will lay for the generations that follow them into a new world.

What’s needed now is the same as what was needed in 1929 – people who will work with, and build up those emerging leaders in the Gen Y cohort. The senior members of Gen Y are about 27. You’ll see them hitting the executive ranks of the corporate sector. Some are stepping out into their won businesses. Some have already done their stint in the back streets of Bangladesh and are home ready to call us to a new frugality.

Younger ones are just out of secondary school and ready to change the world. They may not be too clear about what sort of world yet, but they now what it will take – Them!

I spoke to one such young leader recently. She is a world changer. She works in the corporate sector for now. But she and her husband have grander dreams. For now it only has dollar figures attached but they know the detail will come when it’s ready, and they will make an impact.

Revolution Coaching is all about working with these emerging leaders and ensuring that the environment is the best it can be for them to thrive and do a brilliant job of being foundation-layers for a new world.

Principal Coach, Rev. Steve Terrell has described his personal goal as “Having world changing conversation with Gen Y Leaders. Together we will create a world where every person can live life to the full.”

If you’re an emerging Gen Y leader, I’d love to hear from you. Or, if you’re in leadership of Gen Y’s, I’d also love to hear from you about how we can together create great space for Gen Y to excel in creating a new world.

If you want to be part of a world changing conversation, get in touch now! Steve Terrell can be contacted by phone +61 3 8521 3925 or steve@revolutioncoaching.com.au

The time to be part of a global change is now.

Tags: corporate leadership development, economic crisis, emerging leadership, gen y, great depression

Is the world melting down?

Today’s newspapers are full of disastrous headlines. The US Senate rejected the bailout plan and stocks are plunging around the world. Australia’s government is receiving Garnaut’s last instalment of actions that need to be taken immediately to avert catastrophic global warming. The Australian Temperament Project report published this week indicates that Gen Y are seriously over-performing in the mental illness stakes. We’ve never had a generation with such high instances of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. According to Australian Institute of Families researcher Diana Smart 1 in 5 Aussies in their mid 20’s has a serious mental or physical health problem, with “twice as many suffering depression, anxiety, taking illegal drugs or engage in risky, antisocial behaviour.” (Herald Sun, Sept 24, 2008. Page 1)

One could look at all that bad news and conclude that there is no hope.

You could also look at it another way. (more…)

Team Coaching

Team Coaching takes applied neuroscience and brings it to your situation to bring the best out of your team. Using powerful insights from the latest research into how the brain works, Revolution Coaching will transform your group of employees, executives or any other group, into a fabulous team that is unbeatable!

If you’re in management, consider how many times you’ve wished your staff would just pull together? Revolution Coaching can make it a reality. Our team coach Steve Terrell will have them working together, setting common goals, hitting targets and even talking to each together in ways you so far could only dream of.

It’s not rocket science! In fact, read on to find out how Revolution Coaching can transform your situation. (more…)

Tags: leadership coaching, neuroscience, team coach