(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Are you bold? Action-oriented? A Ready/Fire/Aim sort of person? If so, how’s that working for you? Some people are wired at DNA levels to be bold. They tend to lead the pack, create, invade, invent, disrupt the status quo, and generate excitement. They also tend to irritate people, make false starts, create problems, and leave a mess!

Boldness has it’s place, but, like any strength, boldness overdone can become a hindrance. If you find yourself creating more problems than you would like, you may have gone beyond boldness to forcing outcomes. Forcing outcomes is a major source of problems.

That does not mean waiting until every scrape of data is gathered. That’s a recipe for inaction; you will never have all the data. Just hold off on bold action for a bit to see what shows up. Is the timing not quite right? Are the resources you need not yet here? Have the possible downsides not been effectively reviewed? Are there alternatives to the contemplated bold action?

There is a dividing line between boldness and forcing outcomes. Keep that line in mind. If you’re having problems from boldness, you may be forcing outcomes.

(If you are not wired to be bold – so this topic isn’t about you – do you know someone who is?)

 

Coaching Point: Is what you are doing getting you everything you want?

 

Copyright 2010 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.