What does this make possible?
Out-of-office meetings near home made it possible to work from the house for a couple of uninterrupted hours recently. However, driving into the neighborhood, I noticed the telephone/internet/satellite provider digging up the lines.
Uh oh.
Uh oh, indeed. A red blinking light on the modem indicated internet connectivity was nonexistent. A neighborhood email found on the iPhone said it looked like the neighborhood was in for at least a couple of days of internet-less-ness.
Writing and publishing from home was impossible. Special concentration was necessary to determine which writing app would work on the iPad without the World Wide (except for this neighborhood) Web. That way it could be published the next day from the office. The typewriter was sold in a garage sale years ago.
One oft-used question in coaching circles asks, “What does this make possible?”
- The writing project was completed, although delayed.
- Another book was read and added to the annual tally.
- Bedtime came earlier than normal.
- The dogs enjoyed having a certain someone home earlier than normal, but not as much as if they had dined as soon the garage door arose announcing his arrival.
A young law school graduate did not receive the job offer she was certain was coming her way. When asked, “What does this make possible,” the leadership coach learned the full meaning of “If looks could kill.”
That young professional accepted another job where the employer understood her goal and promised to assist her in getting where she wanted to serve. She had the opportunity to work the other side of the street from her chosen profession. It was great training. She received the call she was waiting for after a few weeks’ delay.
A graduate student had her program of study canceled. She moved several states from home for this particular degree. She had a job offer from her alma mater awaiting her graduation. She was asked, “What does this make possible?” Apparently, tears were the answer.
However, over the next week, she discovered a new field of study to pursue which she would not have considered otherwise. Then she received unexpected financial aid after receiving a previous rejection notice. To top it off, the school offered her and a few other students the opportunity to take the required classes for her canceled degree plan over a two-week period. They needed her answer then and there, of course. She took the offer.
What are you up against today?
· Physical challenges?
· Intellectual roadblocks?
· Emotional pain?
· Relational tension?
· Spiritual weakness?
· Financial limitations?
What does this make possible?
This is not to oversimplify matters. One question almost never solves everything. However, a skilled coach listens deeply and responds with powerful questions which help individuals see what they are missing. They are then able to remove obstacles and imagine pathways toward a preferred future.
Eight years ago, a job was offered and the candidate had two giant concerns holding him back. A wise leader asked him two questions which clarified everything. One of those was this: “A year from now when those two problems have been solved, how will you feel if you do not take this job?”
The ability to see beyond the barriers was a priceless gift the candidate could not give himself. How can this question challenge your perspective and bring about resolve?
Photo source: istock
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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