I’ve been doing this kind of work–speaking, facilitating, training, consulting, coaching–for nearly 20 years now, and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve learned far more than I’ve taught. I’ve had some great mentors in Jim Kouzes, Terry Pearce and Tom Peters, to be sure, but my most significant teachers have been the clients that I’ve worked with in consulting projects and in countless corporate “classrooms.”
Then, 6 years ago, I left the Tom Peters Company to go (back) out on my own and to focus on keynote speaking and writing. It’s been very rewarding–a complete blast, as a matter of fact–and I’ve done well with it. My books sell, I speak 80-100 times a year and, frankly, I get great reviews. Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not boasting, bragging or bugling my own bugle, here.
The point is, the further I go with this career, the more I realize how much more there is for me to learn. That’s where Joe comes in.
Joe Calloway is the author of Becoming a Category of One and Indispensable. He’s been a keynote speaker for eons, and, most important, he has a sterling reputation as a professional and as a human being.
And now he’s my coach.
Yep! I went out and hired me a coach. Coach Joe. (Hey, shrinks have shrinks and doctors have doctors, right?) This is a new experience for me, and I’m all a-flutter with eagerness to see where this takes me.
And where it takes Joe, too.
And I’m looking forward to–as we say here in California–“sharing” the experience with all of you.
I just read Steve’s posting about our excellent coaching adventure. The incredibly unfair advantage of being a coach, especially of a talent like Steve, is that I will learn at least as much as he will. Anytime someone is willing to let go of what used to work in order to make room for what will work next, it’s a powerful thing. There is absolutely nothing I love more than ideas, good ones – lousy ones – insane ones – brilliant ones – flying through the air. I have a very low threshold for boredom, and coaching is the best way for me to stay sharp. I look forward to this journey with Steve – and it’s fun for you guys to be coming along with us.
bon voyage! jc
I just read Steve’s posting about our excellent coaching adventure. The incredibly unfair advantage of being a coach, especially of a talent like Steve, is that I will learn at least as much as he will. Anytime someone is willing to let go of what used to work in order to make room for what will work next, it’s a powerful thing. There is absolutely nothing I love more than ideas, good ones – lousy ones – insane ones – brilliant ones – flying through the air. I have a very low threshold for boredom, and coaching is the best way for me to stay sharp. I look forward to this journey with Steve – and it’s fun for you guys to be coming along with us.
bon voyage! jc
That’s great, Steve! I think every coach needs a coach and every mentor needs a mentor, in a lot of the same ways. It’s made a great difference for me.
Joe, my coaches not only help me identify what used to work and process with me how to let it go so I can embrace what will work next, they also challenge me to deconstruct what is still working now and prepare to dump it before it stops working.
That is a WOW! of coaching for me, and the kind of coach I want to be.
That’s great, Steve! I think every coach needs a coach and every mentor needs a mentor, in a lot of the same ways. It’s made a great difference for me.
Joe, my coaches not only help me identify what used to work and process with me how to let it go so I can embrace what will work next, they also challenge me to deconstruct what is still working now and prepare to dump it before it stops working.
That is a WOW! of coaching for me, and the kind of coach I want to be.
Right on Dad! That is AWESOME!…. or as we say here in da islands, “SHOOTS, braddah!”
I’m sure you’ll abide by your fatherly duties and keep me fully informed on how the experience unfolds for you. It will be fun for me to watch along the sidelines, as you did (and still do) so many times for me. Just make sure Joe knows he has big shoes to fill from my coach Don McCarthy – “Down on Top!”
Right on Dad! That is AWESOME!…. or as we say here in da islands, “SHOOTS, braddah!”
I’m sure you’ll abide by your fatherly duties and keep me fully informed on how the experience unfolds for you. It will be fun for me to watch along the sidelines, as you did (and still do) so many times for me. Just make sure Joe knows he has big shoes to fill from my coach Don McCarthy – “Down on Top!”