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

This is using a business example, however it applies in many life arenas.

When you focus on defending your position/product/service from your competitors you are handing a portion of your future to them, reacting to them. Giving up freedom and choice is never clever.

When you spend your resources finding ways to delight your market you are motivated to make it a joint effort with the market.

Defend pulls in and protects. Delight creates and expands.

Defend is based in fear. Delight is based in joy.

Defend reacts. Delight responds.

Defend is about them. Delight is about you. (Yes it is about you; you can’t delight a market unless you are also delighted. To do otherwise would make the process hollow. Delighting is about you and your journey. And you end up having the kind of clients which are best for you and you for them.)

Coaching Point: Delight or defend, what’s your choice?

Copyright 2014 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.