The Sanford Berenberg Experience: Message of the Day

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Message of the Day - Coaching Up

Good Morning,

Sometimes I see myself as the kid I was, back when I was growing up. At those times I look at other people who are captains of industry and leaders while I am seeing myself as the kid and I can get intimidated. This sometimes causes me to keep from communicating with others, and more importantly, makes it more difficult to share my experiences and wisdom with them at times when I know they could use it.

These people, no matter their experience, skills, knowledge, etc., are still people just like you and me. And in that, they need guidance and advice from those who have it to offer.

If we are intimidated by them, we may hold ourselves back from helping those who may be in the greatest need, even if they ask for help.

I try to remind myself that we all need help from time to time. Every last one of us is human and no matter how good we are at what we do, no one is perfect at everything. And in that, no person is truly an island all the time. We may be able to build small islands around ourselves and live in small closed off worlds, but life is not lived in an isolated deserted island, away from everyone else, and what about when storms come?

We are all forced to deal with challenges and problems which come to us from many different locations and people. We are forced to deal with challenges we both never experienced before, nor even knew they could happen.

It is in these times that we need help the most from others, whether we know it or not.

And it is in this time, that we, those with the wisdom to share, should not be afraid to share it or at least offer it. That is, to help others, in a time of need. Even if they are a captain in their industry or a legend amongst men.

Some folks just hate being helped and only prefer to help others, and then slog it through their own issues when they come up, without the help or advice of others. That is unnecessary heartache and pain fueled by ego and pride.

By coaching upwards, sharing wisdom in a time of need with those who seem to have it all together, but don’t, we can extend the range of assistance we can offer others.

No one has been through all the experiences I have besides myself. And no one has been the experiences you have. This puts us in a position to be helpful to others who are facing challenges we survived or even mastered surviving.

Remember, we are all people, and no matter how tough, how together, how commanding someone is, they are people just like you and me. With needs to be met, but egos blocking the doors.

If we get a chance to coach upwards, do so. And you may have made a new friend or helped someone out of a difficult situation.

Enjoy!

Sanford Berenberg

Sanford@berenberg.net
http://www.berenberg.net

http://sanfordberenberg.blogspot.com/
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