Aha Moments in Executive Coaching
- By nat rosasco
- •
- 12 Apr, 2018
- •

LEVERAGE
The ability to influence a system, or an environment, in a way that multiplies the outcome of one’s efforts without a corresponding increase in the consumption of resources. In other words, leverage is the advantageous condition of having a relatively small amount of cost yield a relatively high level of returns. (Business Dictionary)
To Navigate Complexity you need Leverage
So you can feel it, right? You world just keeps getting more and more unpredictable, overwhelming, complicated, and intense. Unfortunately that is not going to end. We are in the Age of Acceleration. We call it a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, changing, and Ambiguous)
As leaders we need to accept this new age and state of being. There is no longer an EASY BUTTON to push. What that means is we have to learn how to navigate the complexity and surf the chaos rather than stay in a reactive place.
You need Leverage. You need to find ways to navigate that are more efficient and effective without needing more input or energy from you. The way to do that is to start from the inside out. You need to pause and reflect in order to get clear on what matters to you and find your fuel. Your fuel is your multiplier or leverage. You also then need to band together with others and find creative leverage working together.
Some tips…
It might seem counter intuitive, but schedule consistent “white space” reflection time.
Find your Fuel and Fill up your tank
Don’t go it alone.

I just love a good ending. A solid period at the end of the sentence. Here in December, I take the opportunity to pause reflect on the past year so that I can put a good crisp ending on it. When I look back, I look for accomplishments and wins that may have faded off my radar as more pressing priorities and complexities come up. I also own up to challenges and bumps in the road so I can integrate the learning. Most of all, I get really focused on what I can wrap up, leave behind, and let go of. Because, quite frankly, I don’t have the time or the energy to drag things around that really don’t have importance or value anymore.
We are often so overwhelmed by complexity, that we don’t pay attention to endings because we’re already off on the next new thing. You may think you don’t have time, but it’s essential to make time to consciously complete.
So here are some ideas for you to pause, reflect, and complete so you can launch into a new year with a lighter load.
- Look at all your to-do’s, business leads, projects, relationships, and responsibilities. Decide which of these needs to be completed or moved off your active to-do list.
- Reflect on your challenges and mistakes in the last year. Decide what you need to take away and learn from them. Then trust that you don’t need to carry anything but the learning from this.
- Look at any other areas for growth or development and maybe there are some bad habits or behaviors or beliefs that don’t serve you going forward. Write of lists of these things that you say NO to going forward.
I’ve included a great end of year reflection template for you to download and try out. I’d be interested to hear what your end of year completion ritual is.
For some of you, just getting clear on these is enough. For others, you may like a ritual to truly complete. You can write what you’re ending on paper that you throw away or throw in a fire (safely!). You can plan a hike to reflect on what you’re letting go as you walk up. Then when you get to the top, you can leave it up there. you can point towards what you’re creating. Or you can talk to a friend or coach to process through what you’re completing.
However you do this, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll feel clear and lighter as you let go.
Many blessings to you in this season of endings and new beginnings
About the experience of ending: John O’Donohue
Experience has its own secret structuring. Endings are natural. Often what alarm us as ending can in fact be the opening of a new journey – a new beginning that we could never be anticipated; one that engages forgotten parts of the heart. Due to the current overlay of therapy terminology in our language, everyone now seems to wish for “closure.” This word is unfortunate, it is not faithful to the open-ended rhythm of experience. Creatures made of clay with porous skin and porous minds are quite incapable of the hermetic sealing that the strategy of “closure” seems to imply. The word completion is a truer word. … When the person manages to trust experience and be open to it, the experience finds its own way to realization. Though such an ending may be awkward and painful, there is a sense of wholesomeness and authenticity about it. Then the heart will gradually find that this stage has run its course and the ending is substantial and true. Eventually the person emerges with a deeper sense of freedom, certainty and integration.
John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us, “Beyond Endings” p. 157
As a leader, it is essential to find time to pause and reflect. Your professional and personal development journey requires time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture and themes. Pause allows for you to take a good look in the mirror and really see how you are growing and evolving underneath all the surface activity. It’s also a time get in touch with your inner wisdom and creativity as you reconfirm your vision.
REFLECT
Look back over the last 6 to 12 months and acknowledge all your growth, accomplishments, and experiences. Celebrate all your wins, big and small. Look at all the areas of your work as you reflect: relationship with your boss, peers, and direct reports; coaching and development; work productivity; work and life balance, etc. Also consider important elements of your personal life: family, friends, health, and recreation.
List all of your Wins, Gains, and Breakthroughs. Celebrate and acknowledge your character and your accomplishments. |
List any lessons you have learned this past year that you want to carry forward.
“Everything about yesterday has gone with yesterday.
Today it is needed to say new things.”
– Rumi
RITUAL
Create a conscious transition to let go of last year. It might be a long hike up a hill (up reflecting on the past, down stepping into the future), burning up the notes of the past, anything! It can even be as simple as a good night’s sleep where you set the intention of letting the past go and waking to a new day. Whatever works for you! |
“Yesterday is history,
tomorrow is a mystery,
but today is a gift.
That is why it is called the “present.”
Kung Fu Panda
DREAM
Imagine yourself 12 to 18 months in the future. Pick a date. Give yourself room to expand into your best vision for the future. When thinking forward, let your imagination go. What if you could create it exactly as you want it? What would that look like to dream big about your life and your career? This is an opportunity to create your most fulfilling vision for the future – make it count!
“May I have the courage today
To live the life that I would love.
To postpone my dream no longer
But do at last what I came here for
And waste my heart on fear no more.
John O’DonahueWrite a (specific)
list of ALL your
Wins, Gains, and Breakthroughs that occur in the next
12-18 months.
Write a Future Letter to a dear friend, family member or mentor.
Share what has transpired and what you have accomplished during the past year. Speak to how proud you are of the obstacles you overcame or the focus and determination you tapped into. Talk about what makes the success of this year matter so much. Why is this year important to you?
Create a Plan
Now that you are more conscious of where you want to be, start to consider what small (or big) steps you can take to move yourself closer to your vision. What conversations need to be had? What obstacles need to be overcome? What actions must be taken? What help do you need from others? Consider what is needed to close the gap between where you are today and where you want to be.
What is a mantra, song, structure, theme, or headline for the upcoming year? |
Many, many blessings to you on your journey this next year!
With peace and courage in your heart, may you dream big
and manifest great joy, success, and meaning in the year to come!
– Barb