“There is no cure if you are not coachable.” This statement from Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, punctured me. It punched me in the gut.
I was so stubborn before that I never availed of this valuable exercise even if it was available to me. It happened first when I was in high school. We were bound to compete in a campus journalism contest at the provincial level. And our adviser knew we needed to prepare more.
She invited an experienced writer to help us out. They scheduled a coaching session on a day that we can most likely attend.
But I was stubborn and full of pride. I was telling myself, “I can do this on my own. I can win the next level of competition even without a coach.” I was generally a good boy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t exempted from going through this ‘phase-full-of-pride’. I was trying to prove something to myself.
They proceeded to conduct the coaching session and I wasn’t there.
Along with the other contestants, we went to the competition. The result even fed my pride. I won. But wait for it…
I went on to the regional level. It was different. I wasn’t prepared for it. I lost.
What could have happened if I availed of the coaching that was available for me? There is no assurance that I could have won. But I could have learned more. I could have gained more competence.
I was thankful that I was reintroduced to this concept of coaching when I started working. The company I was working with had a practice of assigning experienced auditors to coach and mentor new hires. I’m glad I had that chance.
Through time, I was able to change my mindset and replace my old practices. I continued to receive coaching in my career and in public speaking.
Here’s what I gained:
– a clearer picture of what I can do or achieve
– a clearer path I should take
– a clearer direction I needed to follow
– enhanced competence and confidence in what I do
My friend, do you have a clear goal or vision? Do you have a clear path to pursue? If not, you need guidance. You need coaching.
Do you want to fast-track your skill-building? Do you want to develop specific skills, in public speaking or presentation? Be open to coaching.
Coaching can be the medicine you are waiting for. LaCroix puts it powerfully, “There is no cure if you are not coachable.”
Be humble and be open to coaching.
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, DTM is a Presentations Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Leadership Trainer. He is an author of 4 books including ‘SPEAK: How to Craft and Deliver a Speech or Presentation with Competence and Confidence.’
Get his book for free by attending the SPEAK 2.0 Public Speaking Workshop on March 16 in Baguio City. Register now at http://bit.ly/SpeakBaguio.
For coaching inquiries or speaking invitations, drop a message at https://chrisdaoanis.com/invite or text 0945-761-6577.)
