Seeing Something Anew

Recently, while leading a Master Class, I paused and asked the group:

"Any ahas?"

A young woman raised her hand.

We had just been discussing two communication styles: High Consideration and High Involvement.

As she reflected on the model, she realized something—she and her mother were opposites. Very opposite.

What followed was one of those spontaneous coaching moments that occasionally happens in a room full of people. Like we were the only two people in the room (of 150 😳). She was open and vulnerable. And I was zeroed in.

I began asking questions. She went deep(!) and shared thoughtful, vulnerable, insightful responses.

One layer after another. Until she arrived at a realization that stopped the room. Like literally, no one breathed.

For much of her life, she had relied on intellect and achievement to earn her mother's approval. To be worthy of her attention. And ultimately, love. She became the smart one. This became her coping mechanism. Her work-around for not having that communication style connection.

Wow.

The communication model isn't the story. The story is what was hiding underneath.

The power of self-awareness, doing the work, and a little bit of coaching.

And perhaps most importantly, the courage to look honestly within herself. And her plan to share this new realization with her mother.

That's what growth looks like. Not necessarily learning something new.

But, seeing something anew.

❤️ Heidi