Last week I was completing a chapter for a book on impossible futures and I had to triple check a reference I put in as it didn't seem right. As ever, my mind wondered and I got distracted and found several other interesting quotes! 

One of these was:

“A masterful coach is a leader who by nature is a vision builder and value shaper, not just a technician who manages people to reach their goals and plans through tips and techniques. To be able to do this requires that the coach discover his or her own humanness and humanity, while being a clearing for others to do the same.” ― Robert Hargrove, Masterful Coaching

 For me, the idea of discovering my own humanness and humanity is something that has always been important to me.  And I want it to be encouraged that as it makes me a better coach. I believe that in our search for belonging and discovering our place in the world it is the journey to find our own humanness and humanity that is a key factor in determining who we are and how we show up.

Some leaders give this exploration lip service because the thought is that if you know what to do in a role technically and are able to deliver on that then that is all that matters. On one level results are important, but on another, it is essential to be a decent human being - I mean who doesn't want results and humanity right? That is why the exploration of what it is to be humanness and how to be vulnerable and real and understand who we are as individuals is important. 

In fact it might be the most important work you do, as understanding yourself helps you to be a better parent, leader, manager, friend, and person. 

The question then is how do we do this investigation? 

In the last week or so I have realised it is very much about identifying what will help you to expand your understanding of who you are. This is done by asking for feedback from people who know you, and by being in a reflective space where you challenge your own understanding of who you are and what you represent. 

So as you go into this week I wonder if a good question to play with is 'what do you represent and what do you want to represent?'

All my best,

Saiyyidah