Executive Counsel
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
– Buddhist Proverb
Seeking a personal advisor…
You may think “you’re hiring yourself a coach” when in reality, something loftier needs to occur. It’s been our experience that students and counselors mysteriously find each other when they recognize they may have been connected all along.
It may be time to see your current circumstance from a different perspective. What’s your life journey about? Who can help you along the way? It’s an important decision. Here are some guidelines as you engage and surrender to the process:
COACH vs. COUNSEL
We believe the word “Counsel” connotes a loftier standard for the practice of listening objectively, advising the client – evaluating the range of available courses of action and perhaps role-playing one or more of the choices. “Coaching” is a popular choice with its roots in competition and athleticism; yet it rarely penetrates deeply into the intellect or the spirit of the “player.” A Coach tells you what to do, how to play. A Counselor teaches you how to figure it out. We believe that is the point where Counsel exhibits the profound distinction between one who says, “OK, get in there and win!”, and one who says, “Let’s get a sense of how we tend to get in our own way, and see if you’re imposing any barriers on your own progress. Then let’s discuss the options, decide among them and plan the steps.”
We believe Counsel is “a Profession” in the classical sense, as in master, guru, tutor or mentor.
Do you RESPECT them?
CHOPS
Have they begun, operated or held a position of trust in business?
Can you come clean with them? Really! Will they demand that?
Do they work from/toward an objective standard? How do you know when you’re done?
Are they trying to influence your decisions? Are they telling you what to think? Or, are they teaching you how to think?
Can they command your loyalty and concentration?
Are they a “big enough being?” Have they been around long enough to know?
Do you TRUST them?
CHEMISTRY
These relationships cross all kinds of lines and the process involves baring your soul.
Can you relate to each other? (Hey, chemistry counts! This is personal!)
Are they available to you at any time?
Do you have understandings about confidentiality?
What are the “Rules of Engagement?” Can this be fun, engaging, entertaining, demanding, fulfilling, meaningful?
Can you ask – and can they confront – the “Big Questions.” Yes? Then this is “the one”!
Do you LIKE them?
This is a life journey, not a destination. The question is are you looking for a Counselor or Coach? A coach helps you read the map; the counselor helps you draw it. This is a big decision about a relationship that may last a lifetime. To get a grasp on what can’t be seen, on the principles behind the game of life, you need someone you respect, trust and like.
If you’re ready, your teacher will appear. Bon Voyage!
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