Crocheting and Coaching—the Same Thing?

I just finished my first crocheted sweater.  It is composed of over 86 distinct pieces or granny squares as the crochet community calls them. 

As I made the squares over many many months, they were fun, beautiful and colorful but had no real value.

Once I assembled them into a sweater, I had a new sweater that I delight in wearing.

 What does this have to do with coaching?

Two takeaways—one personal and one organizational.

Personal

Each of us has many talents, skills and experiences.  Like my squares, each is special.  It is only when we put them together in a pattern bespoke to each of us that we fully reach our own potential.  What skills or talents do you have that you are not currently using?  What skills might you have to amp up?  Conversely, are there skills that you are overusing—turning overused strengths into weaknesses?  Coaching conversations enable each of us to create our own beautiful life.

Organizational

Time and time again, organizations search for leaders who have every skill only to be disappointed that the unicorn leader does not exist.  However, the unicorn organization does exist!  Every organization is made up individuals who bring different talents and strengths.  It is up to the leader to bring the team together, leveraging each member’s skills and contributions, to create an extraordinary that is greater than the sum of its parts.  Here too, an executive coach can help the leader work through the organizational dynamics and opportunities.

I love my new sweater.   I also love working with clients and with organizations to create a whole that is greater that the sum of its parts.