The creation of a compelling dream (or vision) is one of the greatest gifts people receive from coaching. Once they have a clear dream, they can be coached to identify and take important steps to make their dream a reality. Usually, working to achieve a dream has a positive impact on them, and may also have a significant impact on others for years or generations to come.
A powerful example of an impactful dream is that of Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK). His dream gave hope to many and positively impacted race relations in the United States of America. On August 28, 1963, Dr. King stood on the steps of The Lincoln Memorial and delivered his famous “I have a Dream” speech as part of the civil rights movement. He said, “So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. . . I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” And, he said, “This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My Country ’tis of Thee.” And, he summed it by saying, “This is our hope.”
On January 20, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th United States president, being the first African-American to hold this office. This event occurred one day after the MLK holiday and approximately 45½ years after Dr. King’s historic address. President Obama addressed the masses in the national mall and millions of others who were watching him on television. With The Lincoln Memorial in the distance, he reminded them how important it is “to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” While people of various races stood together, Aretha Franklin, ‘Queen of Soul’ sang “My Country, ’tis of thee.” Although Dr. King wasn’t alive to see his dream come to fruition, he played a pivotal role in creating a significant change in race relations for future generations.
At times, people are without hope and do not have a dream for a better future. Some have no hope because their parents and teachers did not value their inherent greatness, and never encouraged them to dream big and pursue further education. Some lost hope when their employers gave up on them and no longer considered them promotable. Some seem to have given up hope for a better future after being emotionally damaged and/or devalued in their last workplace. For example, one of my clients resigned from her college faculty position because her colleagues were constantly devaluing her style of teaching and professional perspectives. Another client’s confidence was greatly diminished after being bullied incessantly by a supervisor.
Today, many people lack hope because they were laid off and fear they won’t be able to land a good job, given the current state of the economy. For example, a new client of mine has been without income for eight months since he resigned from a stressful work situation. And yesterday, his wife’s place of employment closed down with no advance notice to employees. Needless to say, he and his wife are feeling overwhelmed by these difficult circumstances.
Despite people’s difficult circumstances, there can still be room for hope. For example, Viktor Frankl, a survivor of dire, uncontrollable circumstances as a prisoner in a concentration camp, attributed his survival to the recognition that he still had one choice, and that was how he chose to view his situation. As coaches, we are in a unique position to be dream givers. And, when our clients have hope, they can see more possibilities and are open to fresh perspectives.
“Purpose is the anchor that secures us to life. . . which keeps us going when nothing else does”
—Richard Leider
To gain a sense of purpose, people need to get in touch with their deeply held values and passions, and then, to explore the legacy they want to leave behind. Here are some of my favorite questions on this topic to ask clients.
• What do you spend time thinking about the most?
• What important topics to do you like to discuss with others?
• If there was one thing you could impact in the world, what would that be?
• What training or education do you desire most to obtain?
• What might others say you are most passionate about?
• What are your favorite topics to read about?
• What section of the bookstore do you gravitate to?
• What causes or organizations do you donate the most time and money to?
• If you won $100,000,000 what would you do with significant chunks of the money, besides what you’d spend on yourself and family members?
• Whom do you admire the most? And, what about that person is special to you?
• When you near the end of your life, what do you hope to look back on and smile about?
In order for people to be successful in the marketplace, they need to operate from a position of strength, not fear. As coaches, we should never play the role of ‘judge’ or ‘jury’ with our clients. Rather, we need to assist them in eliminating unnecessary, limiting beliefs and/or lies about themselves and in transforming them into truths and possibilities. Also, coaches can guide clients to uncover their gifts, strengths, and personal brand, and then, to coach them on how to communicate effectively their unique value to the prospective employer.
Here are some of my favorite questions to address clients’ limiting beliefs and to help them focus on their strengths.
• What would your greatest admirer say about you?
• Imagine yourself far in the future looking back on this time of your life–what did you do that helped you succeed?
• On what topics do others seek your advice?
• As you think about your greatest success to date, what was it and what strengths did you rely on most to achieve it?
• What limiting belief do you need to say “good-bye” to? What would that allow you to say “hello” to?
• What support do you need from others to make your dream a reality?
• What do you need to say to family members and friends who aren’t supporting you on your goals?
• From whom can you seek support to move you closer to your goals?
• What positive self-talk do you need to have about yourself?
In conclusion, we will positively impact our clients when we do the following things: affirm them, ignite their passion, encourage them to dream big, believe in their ability to attain goals, assist them in overcoming obstacles, and shine a light on their strengths. Finally, I leave you with some further resources to equip you to be a purposeful coach!
Books on Purpose and a Growth Mindset
• I Have A Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson and Heather Kopp
• Man‘s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• The Power of Purpose by Richard Leider
• Something to Live For: Finding Your Way in The Second Half of Life by Richard Leider
• Finishing Well: What People Who Really Live Do Differently! by Bob Buford
• Wake Up. . . Live the Life You Love: Living on Purpose compiled by Steven E. and Lee Beard
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PhD
Books on Personal Brand and Strengths
• Career Distinction: Standing Out by Building Your Brand by William Arruda and Kristen Dixson
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
• StrengthsBased Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
Tools and Assessments on Purpose, Values, Strengths, and Brand
• Power of Purpose Quiz (free) - www.inventuregroup.com/Resources/Quiz.aspx
• Calling CardsTM - www.inventuregroup.com/inventure-store/
• “How Strong is Your Brand” quiz (free) - www.reachcc.com/brandquiz
• 360° ReachTM Personal Branding Assessment - www.reachcc.com/360register
• Values Arrangement List (VAL) - www.leadershipcoachacademy.com/assessmentacademy.html
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 - www.strengthsfinder.com
• SkillScan - www.skillscan.net
Free Newsletters on Purpose
• Subscribe to Purposeful Coach newsletter by Tim Kelley - www.knowyourpurpose.com/coaches
• Read articles in On Purpose Journal - www.inventuregroup.com/Resources/OnPurposeJournal.aspx
Nancy Branton M.A., PCC is the President of People Potential Group, Inc., Director of the Leadership Coach Academy and Assessment Academy, and Instructor at Career Coach Academy. Prior to starting her own coaching business, she had 30 years in Human Resources as HR Director, Assistant HR Director, and HR Development Consultant/Coach. She has a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and has earned numerous coach certifications.
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