Querida Xie
Coaching is one of the Learning & Development offerings available to all Autodeskers who would like on-demand support navigating the demands of their work and personal lives, or who want to develop key leadership skills through goal-oriented engagements with a professionally certified coach.
I recently embarked on the transformative journey that is Autodesk’s Coaching Program. The destination? A profound sense of self-discovery and empowerment. Feeling adrift and stagnant in my career, I wanted unbiased guidance on how to foster professional growth. Thus, I found myself in 1:1 coaching, a decision that has reshaped my outlook entirely.
The effectiveness of this coaching experience was evident not only in its consistency, with my sessions scheduled twice a month, but also in the personalized guidance I received. My coach served as a guiding light, helping me navigate my thoughts and uncertainties. One noteworthy aspect of this journey was the focus on mindset shifts. I explored the influence of my upbringing, dissecting the factors that influenced my responses to challenges. These sessions provided me with practical frameworks, particularly in the context of engaging in courageous conversations with managers and leaders.
Here are three key lessons I took away from my coaching experience:
1. The power of “no”
“Imagine the yeses you give out are tied to a monetary value… Would you want your yeses to be meaningful to those you commit to?” My coach’s words became a mantra, a method to combat my tendency to overcommit. I learned that saying “no” wasn’t just a rejection; it was a potent tool, a shield against spreading myself too thin. Each “no” has value; it communicates boundaries and priorities, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.
2. Learning to delegate
The coaching experience went beyond learning how to say “no” effectively, but also discovering the art of strategic delegation – understanding that I didn’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. By delegating wisely, I don’t just lighten my load; I create opportunities for others to learn and grow. In these lessons, I found liberation from the burden of “doing it all.”
3. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable
Perhaps the most significant takeaway was the power of discomfort. “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable; that’s the only way you can grow and learn something new.” This advice became my compass, guiding me through uncharted territories. Embracing discomfort, I learned, is the gateway to personal and professional evolution.
I’ve seamlessly integrated these lessons into my daily life. The newfound ability to say “no” with confidence has liberated my time and energy. Delegation has fostered collaboration, breaking down silos and fostering a sense of shared accomplishment. Embracing discomfort has become a thrilling adventure, an opportunity to explore my potential.
Reflecting on this journey, the word that encapsulates my experience is “transformational.” A coaching program isn’t a magic wand; it’s a mirror that reflects your strengths and weaknesses, guiding you toward self-improvement. To anyone considering a coaching program, my advice is simple: go in with an open mind. Coaching isn’t about fixing your problems; it’s about offering a fresh perspective. It’s about rediscovering yourself, acknowledging your successes, and understanding your areas of growth.
So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, grappling with indecision, consider coaching. It won’t hand you all the answers on a silver platter but will illuminate the path, empowering you to walk it with newfound confidence. Remember, your transformation can begin with just a single, courageous step – into the world of coaching.
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