I recently completed two years since I made a significant career shift: From 23 years at a large multinational company to establishing my Leadership Coaching practice. I took a pause to reflect on what I have learnt from these two years (I am sharing the link to my earlier blog after I completed the first year: Off the Treadmill but still Running!). Here are my top five discoveries after two years:
Ocean of Learning: Moving from an Organization to running my own practice helped me to open up new doors to learning like never before. Firstly, the learning is embedded in the nature of my work: Leadership Coaching allows me to engage with senior leaders from multiple industries. Secondly, all days are Flexi-Days, so any white spaces in my calendar get quickly taken up by learning different aspects of Leadership and Coaching, ranging from Otto Scharmer's Four Levels of Listening to the paradigm of Vertical Development, the learning is endless.
Multiple Work Models: I recognize that most of us seek variety in different parts of our lives. Over the last two years, I have adopted three work models: First, I have my Coaching Practice, which I call Three Circles, where I take on both Corporate and Individual Coaching and Facilitation assignments. Second, I collaborate as a Coach and Facilitator with Atul Khosla, who founded Leadership Et' Humanite' (LEH) with the mission to reignite Humanity in business leadership. And finally, I am an Associate Coach at the Center for Creative Leadership. All three models offer unique advantages and experiences, with a common thread of making a difference to those we serve.
Flexibility of Impact: Another key learning for me over these two years has been the flexibility to choose what kind of impact I want to make. I can see the depth of the impact with individuals I have worked with through the 1 to 1 Executive Coaching format, I can notice the width of change in productivity and culture in small groups that I work with as a Team Coach, and I can see the impact on the trust and ways of working in Leadership teams that set the tone for the whole organization. Recently, we kicked off a 'Power of Now' book-reading hour on Sundays, which is a safe and open space for discovering answers for ourselves. Each format enables a different impact.
4. Power of a Clear Purpose: One of the biggest Aha's for me over these two years, has been finding the Power of a clear sense of purpose. Today, the probability of a "shiny new toy" distracting us from our chosen path is extremely high. A clear Purpose helps to cut through the clutter like a laser beam. It helps me easily identify what's helping and what's coming in the way. Most importantly, I have been able to say "No" to several offers and ideas that were not aligned with my Purpose. [My Purpose is to be a lighthouse that helps others find the path to balance and fulfilment in their lives.]
5. Gratitude for Serving others: Finally, I am now more keenly aware of how much I don't know. And yet there is a larger intelligence at work that allows me to be an instrument of service to those who I cross paths with. It is their trust and willingness to receive that creates a space of mutual discovery and growth. I would like to offer my gratitude to all the friends, colleagues, leaders and mentors who have showered me with their trust to walk this path with me. Here is a song by Marshall Rosenberg, famous for his Compassionate Communication Model, that I would like to dedicate to all of you.
What are your reflections about career shifts?
#careerchange #coachinglife #leadershipcoaching #careertransformation #learningjourneys #learningfromchange #careerpurpose #gratitudeofserving #learningopportunities
Pic Source: Lighthouse by Joshua Hibbert on Unsplash
The author, Anuj Chadha, is a Leadership Coach, Founder of Three Circles, Faculty & Coach with Leadership Et' Humanite, and an Associate Coach with the Center for Creative Leadership.
At Three Circles, we build a deep understanding of what it takes to navigate the challenges that life throws at us. We partner with our clients, listen to their life & career aspirations, and support them to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back. Life is too precious to be unhappy, unsure, or unfulfilled. Partner with us as you re-imagine and re-create the Life that you Love!
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