“It is authenticity, not mimicry, that best serves as the coach’s initial linchpin toward establishing a strong connection with others.”
Chapter 2 Takeaways
- Internal Identification: Authenticity
- Contextual Leadership
A lot to unpack in this chapter that primarily focused on self-reflection of disposition and personality traits that have an impact on our ability to lead others. It is interesting to consider the axiom of the best coaches are considered the best thieves in relation to this chapter about authenticity. The author Brett Bartholomew, mentions an imposter phenomenon characterizing psychology terms for those that may struggle with an association of failure or accomplishment, thus employing a compensating personality to appear accomplished or lucky.
Authenticity is a powerful trait. To be transparent in all situations. To be firm in all stances despite pressures. During a day and age of social media, where fabrication can lead to the mind’s fascination; authenticity is held in the highest of regards to me. When considering the best coaches by stature and/or success, are they perceived as the most authentic? Of those coaches that we perceive as the most authentic – from an outsider’s perspective – do we then, shape our personality to mimic similar mannerisms chasing similar success? It could be arguably paradoxical for coaches to consider the best version of themselves often comes from mimicking the best attributes from a collection of coaches that we tend to hold in the highest regard. I’m not sure that is where this chapter intended to debate, but it is worth noting that as coaches we have a proclivity to draw from experiences or adoration and replicate similar tactics envisioning it will lead to similar success.
Stages of Internal Identification
Reflection
“If you truly want to affect people, you better know how to be in touch with yourself and every single one of your drives and vulnerabilities as a human being.”
Inspection
“If reflection helps us to reconnect with who we really are, then inspection helps us connect with who we want to become, along with the traits we want a future version of our ideal self to adopt.”
Progression
“For now, just know that all the reflection and inspection in the world is rather pointless if you don’t use what you learned to cross the bridge from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow.”
Strategic Use of Our Identity
Through self-awareness tools or introspection we can better understand ourselves to in turn effectively lead with flexibility and situational context.
“One of the most critical attributes that defines a Conscious Coach is their ability to draw upon the advantageous aspects of both dar and bright-sided personality traits. Coaches of all types must recognize and remember that there is no one “ideal type of leader. Leadership is contextual.”
Coaching Application
Thoughts on authenticity and replication of coaching idols to mirror success.
Coach's Climb 