How are you with beginnings and endings?
I love beginnings. Endings are more complicated.
So it’s mixed emotions when a coaching engagement comes to a close. I stay connected with my clients – sharing ideas, referrals, and the occasional check-in -but it’s not the same as regular contact with someone I’ve become invested in.
At our last coaching meeting, one of my clients said something that really struck me.
As he reflected on what he’d learned and how he’d grown, he pointed out that his work circumstances were actually tougher than when we began working together last year.
For a few minutes, that made it difficult for him to see his own progress.
I suggested, “Let’s focus on what’s different about you.”
That shifted it.
“What’s different,” he said, “is how I digest what’s happening.”
For this leader, to digest meant approaching a challenge by seeking first to assess what was going on and what was needed, instead of reacting. This allowed him to make important clarifications and bring others along to a solution, intentionally.
I loved the concept of digesting since we don’t experience life just with our mind but with our body – including that ever-sensitive stomach.
The idea also landed as I reflected on my own year.
In some ways, my move to Colorado has been harder than expected. I enjoy living here but miss my friends and colleagues in the Bay Area. And with the disruption of the move, new business ideas have taken longer to materialize than I hoped (but see below).
What I realized, though, is that my work is to digest this experience. To take in what’s happening, even when it’s uncomfortable. And then choose how I want to respond.
As we close out the year, here are a few questions you also might sit with:
• What experiences from this year are you still digesting?
• Where did you respond differently than you would have a year ago?
• What felt hard, but changed you?
Sometimes just asking the questions is enough for insight.
This idea of digesting has also been shaping my work in the year ahead.
Over the past 3 years, I’ve coached over 25 biotech/pharma leaders, from emerging leaders to senior executives, From that work, one pattern stands out clearly.
Even the most experienced leaders have a growth edge in communication. It’s understandable – we’re aiming to deliver clear, influential and even inspiring messages in different settings on complicated topics – and our training did not prepare!
In February, I’ll be launching a small group coaching program designed specifically for senior leaders who want to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and presence in those moments that matter.
It’s great for leaders who want space to work through real situations, reflect with peers, and strengthen how they show up even where it’s been uncomfortable.
If this sounds like you, or someone you work with, and you haven’t raised your hand yet, feel free to reply to this email to let me know you’re interested.
Registration for the founding cohort opens January 2.
Wherever you are as this year ends, I hope you give yourself credit not just for what you accomplished – but for what you learned to digest along the way.
