{{first_name | default: 'there'}}, What if "Trying" Is Your Best Strategy for Change?
Let's talk about something that’s becoming a key skill for everyone: a change-ready mindset. A few weeks ago, I had a great opportunity to speak about this at an event in Switzerland, hosted by a large telecommunications company, Swisscom. We talked about how, in a world that’s always changing, being able to adapt is more than just helpful—it's a must.
The most powerful idea we discussed? While many things around us are out of our control, we can manage what’s in our own head: our mindset. That’s why building a change-ready mindset is your greatest asset. You can't always control the wind, but you can always adjust your sails.
You might remember we touched on 'C' for Curiosity from my C-H-A-N-G-E™ framework before.
Today, let's look at another important letter: 'E' for Experiment. This 'E' stands for a very practical idea: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. (Just as Arthur Ashe said).
It’s all about breaking down those big goals into smaller, easier steps. Then, the key is to actually go out and try things, to experiment.
For example, sometimes I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new AI tools available. So, I don't try to understand them all at once. I just experiment by picking just one that offers a free version or a trial. I dedicate a little time to see how it could help me with one specific, small task – like drafting a tricky email or summarizing a short article. I see what happens then -
I may decide to explore more, or perhaps trying a different tool next time.
Feeling a bit stuck with a big project or a new challenge? Try thinking about it with 'E'. What’s one small experiment you could try this week, using what you already have, to test an idea or learn something new? Tell me how it went.
Playing with Tomorrow's Tools, Today
E for Experiment is a great reminder that trying out new things – like those emerging AI tools – is key to adapting.
This idea really got me thinking more broadly: how can playing with the tools of the future today actually help us shape a better tomorrow?
That is the question I will discuss with IMD Affiliate Professor Rev. Dr. Susan Goldsworthy OLY, Carly Jenner and Dr. Mo Razaghi on an upcoming panel, focusing on AI's future in coaching!
Or maybe coaching’s future in AI?
This important talk comes from a new survey by Dr. Mo Razaghi that lots of coaches are already filling out. If you're a coach, please take the survey. You'll get a free copy of the report and an invitation to see the online panel discussion.
Honestly, trying new tech, especially in fields like coaching where human connection is key, can feel like a big change. You try something, it doesn't quite work, you adjust, and try again. But by trying them early, even in small ways, we don't just learn – we can also help shape how these tools are made and make sure they work well for us and our clients.
So, it makes you wonder, right? How are you starting to 'play' with future tools in your own work to help build the future?
When 'Perfect' Gets in the Way (And How Coaching Helps Create a Better Tomorrow)
I heard from so many of you after sharing a LinkedIn story about a client tackling perfectionism. Many of you related to her breakthrough, and it’s clear this is a common challenge for leaders.
It also reminded me that the biggest changes for a better future often start with changing our own ways of leading and working today.
If you missed that story, a talented manager I coached wanted to delegate more to her team. But her mindset was, "If I don’t do it myself, it won’t be perfect." So, she often ended up redoing their work, while her team watched from the side, feeling left out.
The turning point came in one of our sessions when she had a big realization. She asked herself, "What if my perfect solution is why they are blocked?"
Many of you asked how a big change like this happens. Besides giving people space to think, coaching also helps to gently uncover the beliefs or fears driving the perfectionism.
It’s rarely just about the work itself. Often, it comes from a deep fear of losing control, worrying that standards will drop, or even past times when letting go didn't work out.
Coaching gives people a safe space to explore these deeper reasons openly and without judgment. I don't give advice; instead, I ask questions that help clients, like this manager, figure things out for themselves. The goal is for them to understand not just what they do, but why. Then, they can find the courage and the best way for them to try something new. And that's the real power of letting go of 'perfect' – it helps create a much better future for everyone.
Did you miss our last newsletters?
Inboxes can get a little crazy, right? Just in case you missed them, here are the links to our previous newsletters:
- Newsletter #9: I'm sharing how to craft a compelling professional story that makes you memorable—and how building an AI agent like Cora is helping me do better work. → LINK HERE
- Newsletter #8: I’m sharing how to prep for super-intelligent AI (it’s closer than you think), how to get better answers from ChatGPT by prompting the prompt, and a free coaching session to help you lead through change → LINK HERE
- Newsletter #7: I'm sharing how to use ChatGPT to build your personal brand, what the new Memory feature means for your workflow, and how to lead with mindset when everything’s in motion → LINK HERE
Thanks for reading. Just drop a quick reply if you have any feedback.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead.
Warm regards,
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