Leaders who know their challenges get better answers.
The most valuable coaching conversations begin before we meet. Every time I sit down with a leader, I can predict who’ll benefit most – those who’ve shared their agenda ahead of time.
Some leaders arrive with clarity. They’ve identified their obstacles, acknowledged where they’re stuck, and pinpointed where guidance might help. Our conversation becomes targeted, efficient, and productive.
Others discover their real challenges during our talk. The lightbulb moment might come forty minutes in – too late for deep work. And some leave still searching.
This pattern extends beyond coaching. Think about your last few critical meetings. Breakthrough conversations almost certainly involve preparation – knowing your question before seeking the answer.
Solutions emerge faster when you’ve done the prep work to identify your real challenges. You’re not wandering; you’re investigating specific terrain.
The busiest, most successful leaders I work with don’t use preparation as an optional luxury. They treat it as the foundation that makes every interaction count.
What if you approached tomorrow’s meaningful conversation knowing exactly what you need?
