Three Ways to Pursue the Future
by Ircel Harrison
During these volatile times, when we think of the future we primarily focus on tomorrow or next Sunday. Who knows what the next day will bring? Even so, having an understanding of how we tend to pursue the future can help us make wise decisions for ourselves and for our organizations.
In Becoming a Resonant Leader, Annie McKee identifies three ways of thinking about the future. McKee observes that individuals tend to be either action-oriented, goal-oriented, or direction-oriented. Whether you are being coached or are a coaching leader, keeping these perspectives in mind can be helpful.
Action-oriented individuals are not particularly concerned about a vision or ultimate goal. They live in the moment and focus on “who they are rather than what they might be or what they might do.” Although this may be the default mindset for many leaders today, we would be wise to consider the long-term impact of hurried decisions. Even in volatile times, a good coach strives to ask questions that will help the client to be realistic about choices, actions, and plans.
Goal-oriented people lay out specific objectives and work toward them in a straight-forward way. They do not necessarily have a vision or dream for their lives but focus instead on short-term achievement and success. This approach is often used in coaching and it may fit well for many leaders during these days. The weakness is that it may encourage the leader to be too expedient and ignore important values and priorities.
A final way to address the future is a direction-oriented approach, recognizing and choosing a path for the leader to pursue that honors his or her values, passion, and vision for life. Such leaders are aware of their environment and, according to McKee, “are very good at spotting opportunities that they can leverage in pursuit of their dreams or a vision.” They are adaptable to the present situation but hold on to the things that are most important even in a crisis. When coaching these clients, a coach helps the client process new opportunities while encouraging the person to be true to personal values and keeping life purpose in mind.
Leaders should be adaptable, but leaders and those who coach them strive to identify and guard intrinsic values and vision and use those basic commitments for planning and evaluation. These commitments become their “north star” to guide through perilous times.
Pinnacle Leadership Associates offers Summit Coach Training, to equip coaches and coaching leaders to have purpose in their lives. Skills developed can be applied toward becoming a professional coach or in leading others. All classes are offered in an online format and taught by credentialed coach practitioners. Two classes will be offered beginning in January.
For more information on Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle, check here or contact Ircel Harrison.