Andy makes the best Xmas reindeer! Prior to the announcement of my new day job, I put myself through a couple of interviews. I knew that my coaching experience would be an asset if I positioned it correctly. I'd now be responsible for a team of different personalities, and my employer was emphasizing the coaching role more and more. Having a conversation around 'How do you think that went? What went well? What would you do differently next time? Let's try it again.' is nothing new to me.
In my first interview, I didn't feel that I'd positioned my experience well enough. I was simply up against more qualified candidates, so I thought hard about what I'd do differently in the next interview. When that time came, I talked about all the lessons & clinics I'd given, and the Olympic athletes and team coaches I'd worked with, and the structured system of our national federation. I mentioned being an official who could 'call the shot' and make tough decisions. That paid off, I got the good news, and for once i could say that horses had actually improved my financial position!
Now that I'm in the new chair, I must say that I'm surprised at how reluctant most people are to receive some coaching. To be sure, hardly anyone lines up to be critiqued, and we're still getting to know eachother, but I've always had the perspective that in order to get any better at something, we could all use a little help. Coaching doesn't necessarily have to come from someone who was a top performer in your field, it could be from some other mentor. Feedback doesn't just come from your supervisor if you're really listening; it could be from a customer, a health professional, a good friend.
As we all indulge and celebrate the holidays, I hope you take some time to reflect and look forward to the New Year, and if there's something you'd like to change or improve, give yourself the gift of a little help, and find a good coach. That person will sincerely want to see you succeed, and it's always more fun to celebrate together!
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth!
In my first interview, I didn't feel that I'd positioned my experience well enough. I was simply up against more qualified candidates, so I thought hard about what I'd do differently in the next interview. When that time came, I talked about all the lessons & clinics I'd given, and the Olympic athletes and team coaches I'd worked with, and the structured system of our national federation. I mentioned being an official who could 'call the shot' and make tough decisions. That paid off, I got the good news, and for once i could say that horses had actually improved my financial position!
Now that I'm in the new chair, I must say that I'm surprised at how reluctant most people are to receive some coaching. To be sure, hardly anyone lines up to be critiqued, and we're still getting to know eachother, but I've always had the perspective that in order to get any better at something, we could all use a little help. Coaching doesn't necessarily have to come from someone who was a top performer in your field, it could be from some other mentor. Feedback doesn't just come from your supervisor if you're really listening; it could be from a customer, a health professional, a good friend.
As we all indulge and celebrate the holidays, I hope you take some time to reflect and look forward to the New Year, and if there's something you'd like to change or improve, give yourself the gift of a little help, and find a good coach. That person will sincerely want to see you succeed, and it's always more fun to celebrate together!
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth!
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