Friday, July 14. 2006
The Growing Edge of Your Integrity
More than any other, integrity is the character trait that clients want to see in business people. Integrity is often defined as honesty. More than just in word and deed, I like to think integrity is honesty to self – being authentic and true to our highest self.
As professional coaches, integrity is our ethical compass. If our highest self guides our approach to business, we’ve got a true north to steer by. Building integrity means keeping attention on that growing edge. Occasionally, we’ll be blown off course. The goal is to find true north and steer back on course with greater speed and grace each time.
Developing Sense Memory
Learning to stay in integrity is like learning to ride a bike. Watching other people ride provides a model. But actually learning it begins within, with the courage to get on and ride. We get on the bike, wobble, maybe even fall off a few times. We pick ourselves up, and try again until we finally "get it". Each time we ride after that, we’ve got that sense-memory to bring us back to a point of balance. As we explore new terrain, we learn more about how to ride safely.
So it is with integrity. Our physical and emotional bodies are sensitive instruments that let us know when we are in our integrity or about to fall out. We can learn how to use these instruments by raising our awareness about them.
Learning to Read the Signs
You may already know what part of your body is your barometer for integrity. For me, it’s a feeling in my solar plexus. An open, relaxed feeling there indicates that all is well. A jittery, contracted feeling puts me on notice. If I bring my attention there, I’m usually able to know how and where I’m starting to veer off course. Often, it’s a matter of:
With a slight course correction, the sense of peace is back in my solar plexus.
Continuously Learning
Mastery in anything starts with raising awareness and giving attention to detail. In coaching, it’s paying attention to those internal instruments while we connect with our clients, honoring their wisdom. In business, it’s checking our intentions and actions to see if they serve our highest self.
Rhonda specializes in coaching new coaches, women entrepreneurs and small business owners through Bubbling Well Inc., a coaching practice she founded in 1999. She helps both new and experienced coaches find their "growing edge" and true success in coaching.
Rhonda is a graduate of Coach U, a past board member of the Denver Coach Federation and is certified by CTA and ICF. She co-designed the Certified Coach Program and co-authored the Coach Training Accelerator with Will Craig.
As professional coaches, integrity is our ethical compass. If our highest self guides our approach to business, we’ve got a true north to steer by. Building integrity means keeping attention on that growing edge. Occasionally, we’ll be blown off course. The goal is to find true north and steer back on course with greater speed and grace each time.
Developing Sense Memory
Learning to stay in integrity is like learning to ride a bike. Watching other people ride provides a model. But actually learning it begins within, with the courage to get on and ride. We get on the bike, wobble, maybe even fall off a few times. We pick ourselves up, and try again until we finally "get it". Each time we ride after that, we’ve got that sense-memory to bring us back to a point of balance. As we explore new terrain, we learn more about how to ride safely.
So it is with integrity. Our physical and emotional bodies are sensitive instruments that let us know when we are in our integrity or about to fall out. We can learn how to use these instruments by raising our awareness about them.
Learning to Read the Signs
You may already know what part of your body is your barometer for integrity. For me, it’s a feeling in my solar plexus. An open, relaxed feeling there indicates that all is well. A jittery, contracted feeling puts me on notice. If I bring my attention there, I’m usually able to know how and where I’m starting to veer off course. Often, it’s a matter of:
- Checking boundaries.
- Adjusting attitudes & beliefs.
- Letting go of judgments and assumptions.
- Opening to new perspectives.
- Considering motivation.
- Or, letting go of attachment to outcome.
With a slight course correction, the sense of peace is back in my solar plexus.
Continuously Learning
Mastery in anything starts with raising awareness and giving attention to detail. In coaching, it’s paying attention to those internal instruments while we connect with our clients, honoring their wisdom. In business, it’s checking our intentions and actions to see if they serve our highest self.
Rhonda specializes in coaching new coaches, women entrepreneurs and small business owners through Bubbling Well Inc., a coaching practice she founded in 1999. She helps both new and experienced coaches find their "growing edge" and true success in coaching.
Rhonda is a graduate of Coach U, a past board member of the Denver Coach Federation and is certified by CTA and ICF. She co-designed the Certified Coach Program and co-authored the Coach Training Accelerator with Will Craig.
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Comments
Sat, 11.08.2008 14:46
My favorite quote is... "If your sea chart doesn't match reality, go with reality." Old Mariner saying. :)Comments ()
Sun, 10.26.2008 12:43
Great Insight! I really found the tools and techniques Helpf ul - Thank You!Comments ()
Fri, 07.18.2008 14:22
Overwhelm-induced intertia! I 've never heard it put quite l ike that - but you can bet I'v e experienced it! Every [...]Comments ()
Sat, 06.21.2008 21:33
Darlene, I couldn't agree w ith you more. It is so importa nt to help these kids realize that they can do anythin [...]Comments ()
Sun, 05.18.2008 17:40
I happened upon your blog by c hance, but can never pass up a n opportunity to talk about go als. I agree that resol [...]Comments ()