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February 2002
Marcel Proust wrote
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new
landscapes, but in having new eyes." I encounter this truth over and
over again in my own life, and in the lives of my clients. Just
today, a client asked me if I believe in coaching more to help a
client eliminate their weaknesses, or to help them develop their
strengths. The answer (for me) is definitely the latter, and it
forms the centerpiece of my coaching philosophy.
I believe that within each of us is what I call "magic." Each of us
is wired to be unique, valuable, and so very worthy. Each of us has
gifts and greatness that most of us (myself included) have only seen
and used glimmers of in everyday living out of our lives. My job, my
privilege, is to help clients see themselves with new eyes. To help
them see their strengths, their uniqueness, their value. When I can
support a client in doing that, the world opens up for them in whole
new ways.
One of my own strengths is the ability to guide clients in walking
around problems and seeing them with new eyes, from new
perspectives. This may involve helping a client explore his or her
underlying beliefs and attitudes about work, the world, or
themselves. It may involve breaking down the problem, seeing it in
new ways, or redefining it so that it can be addressed more clearly.
Sometimes I assist a client to inventory their strengths, past
successes, and skills in order to help them approach the problem
with courage and confidence.
As some of you know, my father passed away peacefully in his sleep
three weeks ago, after bravely battling cancer. Life without Daddy
is certainly a new landscape for me. The words used by his friends
to describe my father are consistent: decent, kind, witty, and warm.
His accomplishments are many and varied, yet Daddy never sought the
limelight. He taught me that you could have a great impact on
family, friends, and your community in a quiet and unassuming
manner. His zest for life, and his grace in dying, taught me so
much. Daddy always encouraged my strengths and helped me to see
myself with new eyes. I am so grateful for his presence throughout
my life, and even now I feel his presence in my heart and in my
work.
How can you look at your work, your life, yourself with new eyes
this month?
Sharon
Sharon Keys Seal