(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
As leaders we sometimes want people to do things faster than they currently are. (In fact, for some of us, people are always slower than we wish! You know who you are.) This distinction is about getting others to move faster.
It s a simple distinction. When you re being pushy, it s about you. When you re being encouraging, it s about them.
Some will never get this distinction because your orientation is to continually drive yourself and others. That drive force is almost always about you wanting something for you, you, you, and that s okay. It has caused many great things to get accomplished.
There is another way to accomplish things, however. That s by developing others, people who are a part of your journey. When you assist someone to become bigger than they currently see themselves — when you encourage them to grow — they will perform in ways which surprise you both.
Coaching Point: Everybody can be pushy from time to time, it happens. But, where are you encouraging others?
Copyright 2005 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.