A Coaching Power Tool Created by Lisa Hulla
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
In my experience, I have been fortunate to have built a toolbox of transferable skills. A few years back I earned a simpler version of the black belt designation from the Six Sigma LEAN methodology which focuses on continuous improvement with broken or wasteful processes. Recently, as a coach, I decided to re-frame one of the tools from the LEAN methodology to support my clients by changing their perspective. After many practice opportunities with self and clients, I have successfully re-tooled what I believe is a fresh approach towards achieving results. Thus, the power tool Push versus Pull was constructed.
Push:
This dis-empowering perspective may be described as:
a should, a have to, a must do, something that someone says is important to, an everyone is doing this – everyone who is someone, a one right-way to do this, the only way to do this, the why would you think otherwise, and the normal way.
This point of view may stifle creativity, disregard individuality and restrict growth in a stuck mindset. Push can feel like a storm cloud hovering over you on a raining day, no matter inside or outside; the spirit is dampened. Push can appear forceful and against one’s values or beliefs or overwhelming and create a victim or hopeless mentality which may cause negative self-talk, low self-confidence and feelings of guilt and frustration in our life’s purpose. Finally, push dismisses ownership which forfeits accountability.
Pull:
This empowering perspective may be described as:
Inviting, welcoming, collaborative, engaging, offering a choice, a stance that opens the mind and seeks additional possibilities, a view that allows people to be genuine and true to self. A positive nudge that just feels right to pursue and comfortable yet safe to try.
This point of view may generate creativity, individuality and foster growth with a stuck mindset. Pull generates options and what if scenarios – promoting ideas and brainstorming ideas aligned with a person’s values and beliefs. This outlook has the power to change a life by following ones truth. Pull allows for diversity and inspiration of forward thinking which may contribute to increased self-confidence, ongoing learning and a positive outlook in life with a mindset of positivity. Finally, personal accountability is the result of the outcome.